A new generation of Coles County residents honored the past on Saturday at the 75th anniversary Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, a tribute to area’s rich history of the 16th president.

Jan Grimes, director of the Illinois Historical Preservation Agency, spoke about the connections Saturday’s event shared with the initial dedication in 1936.

“Those here 75 years ago knew history mattered, and those here today know that as well,” she said.

Dixie Howard, of Toledo, said she first started coming to Lincoln Log Cabins nearly 50 years ago, and she said much has changed since then.

“It’s different now,” she said. “Back then it was only the one cabin.”

Mathew Mittlestaedt, site manager for Lincoln Log Cabin Park, said the site draws about 88,000 visitors annually.

“All sorts of folk are interested,” he said. “We get a lot of families, a lot of people from the community, people from upstate.”

President of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, Mark Esary spoke about Ben Weir, a 1930s Charleston business owner, for his foresight in buying land on which the Lincoln Log Cabins were to be built.

“Challenged by his selfless dedication to the community, (Weir) worked to build a more enriching community in which to thrive,” he said.

In addition to viewing the site’s latest exhibit on the site’s construction, attendees were also given the opportunity to a behind-the-scenes look at the historic site’s permanent collection.

“Most museums display about five percent of their collection”, said Maggie McAdams, an intern at the site.

Guests at the park could also interact with various volunteers portraying different real-life residents of Coles County circa 1845.

Volunteer reenactor Rex Colgrave, otherwise known by his ‘cabin name’ Alfred Hawl, said he always has to be conscious to play his part.

“People won’t believe a word you say,” he said. “You can’t break character.”

Jerry Groniger, of Mattoon, said the rededication ceremony made him think of his parents.

“It’s a very nice event,” he said. “I regret not asking my parents if they were out here 75 years ago.”

Grimes closed the rededication with a positive outlook for the future.

“I hope to see this kind of action 75 years from now,” she said.

Andrew Crivilare can be reached at 581-2812

or [email protected]