Tough Smalltownland is very small, it is large on history. In every nook and cranny history shines in old buildings, window panes, and street corners. I had the pleasure of walking through the academy where Abraham Lincoln's educator lived and taught between 1818 and 1823, when he left the area for Illinois. It was there that he met Lincoln.
Mentor Graham is known as the man who gave Lincoln the only formal education that he had in life. Mr. Graham used this facility as a school and the sleeping quarters still remain on the second floor.
Locally it is simply known as, "The Academy". It sits on a steep hillside that is located just behind the town square. The property is terraced with limestone walls.
The mantels in the home are original as are the second story floors.
The Academy has undergone a painstaking renovation in just the past few years. If you look carefully at this picture, you can just see the faint outline of a heart in the center of this mantel.
It is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship.
Both the front and back of the property contain the terraced limestone.
I could have just wandered around here for hours, but other people in my party were not so relaxed.
Toots was outside dancing and ready to go.
*It is also worth mentioning that Lincoln's law partner, William H. Herndon, was born in this house, located in Smalltownland, which I discussed in an earlier post.....and it is still for sale....anyone, anyone......
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