elijah iles house

My family and I arrived just in time to see "Mr. Lincoln" walking a small group of visitors from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site to the Elijah Iles House. We caught up to their walking tour on the way to the House."Mr. Lincoln" was a delight as he talked to us about the town and our destination: The Elijah Iles House. Once inside, we proceeded to the lower level for a talk about historical events during his Presidency-- in character! The staff even provided refreshments (cookies and lemonade) while we sat and listened."Mr.Lincoln" graciously posed for pictures with me and my family. What a delightful experience!

A friend volunteers giving guided tours of this quaint family home of Elijah Iles and his connection to Abe and Mary "Todd" Lincoln and many influential statesmen that visited this home.

I happened on this house at 3:30 on a Saturday, and was I lucky! I was the last tour, so I got a wonderful and informative tour! This house belonged to one of the founders of Springfield, and I believe it may be the oldest house in Springfield. The house has been moved twice and the stories of those moves are fascinating!

There was a strawberry fest in the back yard during our walk to this house. And the son of one of the former owners of the house was on our tour - making it really special. The house was literally moved across town - that must have been something. The house has such ornate features and is something to see. Again - FREE - The strawberry daiquiris we purchased (donations) at the Fest were out of this world - it was hot on this day & I don't care for alcohol but I drank two of these babies. Very little alcohol in them. Awesome.

Very enjoyable "first" house of Springfield & accompanying museum. Tour guides are very knowledgeable. Camp Butler Exhibit in the lower level was unique and educational. A short walk from Lincoln's home.

The tour guide was very informative, and the house was wonderful. They have photographs of when the house was moved to its current location and my daughter was fascinated by how they did it. The watch museum in the basement was VERY interesting, and if you have an old watch, they can authenticate it for you! The tour is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Wonderful experience; a real jewel! I have to go back as the watch museum was not open on the lower level.

This was the best tour of a historical home, you could possibly ask for. It is a spacious, beautifully restored home, that was the first in Springfield. I thought the portrait above the fireplace looked like Wayne Newton of Las Vegas fame. I bet they were related somehow.Our tour guide was a very educational, informed, gentleman, and was very enthusastic, and passionate about the history of this home. He knew the small details and pointed them out to us. It made us feel like we were somehow in an inner circle of knowing the past secrets of the home and it's owners. He explained the porch ceiling was painted blue, because it kept the wasp from boring in the wood and building nest. The wasp thought it was the sky. Wow I didn't know that. Then he showed us the basement and a wonderful museum of the Illinois Watch collection and history. This man was extremely intresting and made this one of the best tours I have ever been on. There was a lot more to tell, but I'll let you find out for yourself. DO IT..