State budget axe falls on illinois historic sites (Half will close)

[The Straight Story]

State budget axe falls on illinois historic sites
Dear Free Press Newspapers editor,

Close to half of the state's historic sites will close on Oct. 1, the result of recent budget cuts by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's administration this past week. Topping the list was Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana Thomas House in Springfield, one of the acclaimed architect's best known residential designs. The irony of this particular closing was that millions of taxpayers' dollars was put into this home during the late 80s for its acquisition, restoration and eventual opening to the public in 1990.

Other closed sites range from the grand Victorian David Davis House, to three buildings in Bishop Hill and even the state's first capital building in Vandalia. The administration did decide to keep open almost all Lincoln-related sites in an effort to avoid embarrassment during next year's Lincoln bicentennial.

Our office is hearing from travelers who arrive at the doorstep of Illinois historic sites only to find signs stating "Closed due to budget cuts." The impact of that very scene is devastating not only now, but for the future. Immediate tourism revenue and economic viability of the state and local communities are impacted. Long term, the education of our children and ability to recapture travelers' attention and dollars are affected. The dominos will continue to fall.

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