Monday, July 6, 2009 9:17 PM CDT
McClerrens ring in history as the Lincolns
By HERB MEEKER, Staff Writer
hmeeker@jg-tc.com
CHARLESTON — Lincoln presenter B.F. McClerren said seven rings was just enough for the bell at Morton Park on Saturday afternoon.
“They’re lucky I didn’t make it four score and seven rings,” McClerren joked after he and his wife, Dorothy, a Mary Todd Lincoln presenter, were honorary bell ringers during Red, White & Blue Days.
Receiving this honor during the bicentennial year of Lincoln’s birth was fitting for the Charleston couple, who have worked hard over the years to educate people, young and old, on the legacy of both Abraham and Mary Lincoln. Fittingly, B.F., a retired professor from Eastern Illinois University, used Lincoln’s words during his short address in the center of Morton Park.
Some quotes came from Lincoln’s address to Congress in December 1862, noting the importance of maintaining unity in the effort to save the country from civil war.
“I think that message is still important today. Unity is the key to our survival. I have the hope many here today picked up that message,” said McClerren as he took shelter under a pavilion to escape the heavy rainfall after the bell-ringing ceremony. His stovepipe hat is not waterproof.
Both B.F. and Dorothy have been honored regularly for their dedicated efforts presenting the Lincolns. Both are blessed with looks similar to their subjects. Except for his height — a few inches shorter than Lincoln, he jokes, “Well, the war wore me down” — B.F. has many of the facial features of the 16th president, while Dorothy has the same height, same color of hair and eyes as the first lady.
In 2002, they were named the “Best Lincoln Team of the Year” by the Association of Lincoln Presenters, one of many honors for the couple. They said they both enjoy bringing their famous subjects to life, especially for students during different visits or programs at schools.
“Once they hear the words and the visual impact of seeing them, the children become very interested in history,” B.F. said with pride.
The popularity of the McClerrens was demonstrated Saturday as a young girl asked for a photograph with them after the bell tolled in the park.
McClerren believes Lincoln would love a celebration like Red, White & Blue Days. He said the pioneer spirit of Lincoln’s day was present with so many people braving the foul weather for the parade.
“Lincoln was a people person. He once said, ‘God must have loved the common people because he made so many of them.’”
But the legacy of Lincoln is the fact that the USA remained a united nation and gained the strength to become a world power long after his death, McClerren said.
“A lesser man could not have taken us through that war,” he said.
Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.
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