Pub. 1 2011 Issue 1

21 “The first official act of the Illinois General Assembly looking toward the erection of a governor’s mansion was approved on February 12, 1853, writes Paul M. Angle, for- mer State Historian in charge of the Illinois State Histori- cal Library and now director and secretary of the Chicago Historical Society. “An appropriation of $15,000 was voted for this purpose. Two years later, an additional $16,000 was voted for completion of the house. Thus, the total original cost of the Governor’s Mansion was $31,000.” Topped by an imposing cupola, the Mansion was remod- eled during the term of governor JosephW. Fifer in 1889. The cupola was removed, the roof raised to a higher pitch, and a balustraded platform built at the peak. A flagpole stands in the center of this platform. Another change made that year was the addition of the present portico. Ever since that time, the state legislature has appropriated funds at intervals for the upkeep and repair of the Governor’s Mansion. The first child born in the Governor’s Mansion was Rob- ert Oglesby, son of Governor Richard J. Oglesby, who began his first term in 1873. Another born in this house was Kühne Beveridge, who became a well-known sculptor and writer. She was a granddaughter of Governor John L. Beveridge. The first wedding in theMansion occurred in 1856, when Lydia Olivia, daughter of Governor Matteson, married John McGinnis, Jr. The only Governor to die in the Mansion — and the first to die in office — was Governor Bissell, whose death occurred in 1860. The Mansion is a threestory brick dwelling, white- painted and standing on a landscaped knoll not far from the Capitol. It contains twenty-eight rooms. The offices of the governor are on the ground f loor. The state din- ing room and reception rooms are on the first f loor, and the suites of bedrooms, sun parlor, and library are on the second f loor. An oil portrait of Edward D. Baker, friend of Lincoln’s, hangs in the state dining room. Painted by an unknown artist, it was bought by Lincoln himself and afterward presented to the state by Mrs. Lincoln. Q Q fall meeting — continued