The Carl Sandburg Birthplace and Bishop Hill State Historic Site was closed on Oct. 1 in Illinois. Apparently few people here in Western North Carolina, where Sandburg’s Flat Rock retreat (Connemara, shown above) remains a big attraction, took notice.
Asheville filmmaker was one of the few. Here’s his letter to the editor of the Galesburg.com:
As the director of a documentary film in progress about the life, times and legacy of Carl Sandburg titled “The Day Carl Sandburg Died,” I have visited Galesburg three times in the past four years conducting interviews, gathering footage of Galesburg, poetry events, archival photos and documents and enjoying the city that gave birth to this unique American.
The humble little house that Sandburg was born in and his final resting place and impressive museum have been both our functional “nerve center” but also an emotional connection to the life and work of Sandburg when we’ve visited to do our research. Steve Holden has been extremely helpful with our efforts as have many folks who know and appreciate the value of Sandburg’s story and work.
I have followed the story about the state of Illinois funding problems from here in North Carolina, and I am now saddened that the doors are closed. With our film’s planned broadcast in 2009 on PBS, the Lincoln bicentennial celebration and Obama to become our next president, the eyes of the nation will be focused on Sandburg, Lincoln and the contributions of these men and Illinois like never before. It is, quite simply, the worst time ever to close the Carl Sandburg Birthplace. In fact, I don’t think there could ever be a good time to close the doors, as Sandburg’s message is as urgent today as it’s ever been.
I don’t know what kind of action is possible, but I urge those of you there to do all you can to find the money to keep the doors open and let this situation charge the community with a new urgency to engage, use and celebrate this historic site. I know times are tough there, they are all over, but do your best Galesburg. — Paul Bonesteel, Asheville, N.C.