Sunday, July 31, 2011

Lane Place Antebellum Mansion


Henry S. Lane was a politician, lawyer, banker, and early Indiana statesman. Lane moved to Crawfordsville, Indiana from Kentucky to live in a “free” state. He opened a law practice and entered politics. Lane is known for serving the shortest term for the post of Governor of Indiana - just 2 days before he resigned to be a U.S. Senator. Lane was also known for playing a leading roll in support of Abraham Lincoln’s candidacy for President of the United States.

Lane’s home, known as Lane Place, is a varietal collection of personal items and period pieces. It is maintained by the local historical society and as one of the older homes that we have visited thus far, it is in wonderful condition. Initially built in the mid-1840s the home mixes both Federalist and Grecian architectural stylings for the exterior.

Some of the most surprising elements of visiting historic homes tend to be the artifacts they contain. Often times the toys that children played with are some of the most surprising elements. To be able to have been played with, loved, and still be in the great condition that they are speaks volume to the children’s character of the time.

For Lane Place, as with the Harrison home, some of the most significant artifacts are those that relate to Lincoln; more specifically those that relate to Lincoln’s funeral and funeral train. The home contained Lane’s top hat from the funeral, as well as funeral ribbons and photographs.

Our guide and her young granddaughter showed us through the house. It was one of our most engaging home tours to date. Parking was a bit curious for us. We parked across the street to the north of the house. There appeared to be some street parking available as well. The tours begin at the front door of the home by ringing the doorbell. The tour costs $3.00 per person but we also recommend picking up the booklet that expands on the history of the home and artifacts it contains, for five extra dollars.

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