Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809 in Kentucky, which was a slave state. His parents hated living in a slave state. After Indiana became a state in December of 1816 it took Lincoln’s family two weeks to move the 17 miles across the River into Spencer County.
Thus began the narrative of actor Danny Russel’s tribute to Abraham Lincoln: Log Cabin to the White House. Russell is a proud lifetime member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters. Lincoln is a fascinating and important figure in early Indiana and American history.
Russel’s portrayal was full of humorous one-liners that are authentic Lincoln quips. The story is also full of pathos as he speaks of the heartbreaking emotions surrounding the deaths or family members and the tragedy of the Civil War. Russel ended his program with stirring renditions of the Gettysburg Address and portions of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address.
Russel will return to Miller’s in October when he will pay tribute to Indiana author James Whitcomb Riley. For more information call 574-936-9801 and ask for Anna Corbett or Cindy Flagg.
Photo Caption: Actor Danny Russel portraying Abraham Lincoln talks about learning to read from his mother’s beloved Bible during his youth in Indiana.
