By Don Steen
Staff Writer n reporter@psci.net
The Lincoln Pioneer Village played host to a very special guest speaker Saturday, Abe Lincoln. This year’s Lincoln actor was Larry Elliott, who conducted two public speaking events on his 2026 tour of Rockport. His speeches drew large crowds at this year’s Spring Heritage Day, which traditionally opens the village’s operating season every year.
On both occasions Elliott’s Lincoln discussed his childhood in the Gentryville area and prominent events throughout his life. He capped both speaking engagements with a rendition of the Gettysburg Address, offering some historical context for that speech and its significance to the country’s history.
Several familiar faces were also present to help bring the village to life. Kentucky Colonel Henry Tuttle returned again this year to offer some songs from his repertoire, complete with an accordion. Multiple other bands sporting pioneer or old western instruments helped lend some historic atmosphere to the proceedings.
A petting zoo gave kids a chance to check out some smaller animals that might have been found on the Lincoln homestead, including rabbits and a baby goat. Sheep shearing was also proudly on display near the old school house.
It wasn’t just live animals on display either. A large stuffed beaver stood guard over the approach to the old transportation museum, with interpreters eager to elaborate on the history of fur trapping in this region.
Sarah Collins, the new director for the LPV, was also making regular rounds to ensure her first Spring Heritage Day event went off without a hitch. Longtime fixture of the village, Nancy Kaiser, could not be present due to health issues, but has been keeping in touch with her fellow volunteers.
The 91st year of the pioneer village kicked off with a bright and sunny day. The grounds began to fill with visitors as the day wore on, especially as the sound of music and smell of cooked food began to waft into the nearby city park.
Featured Image: Lincoln re-enactor Larry Elliott hefts an ax as he greets visitors outside the museum. Elliott would go on to spin yarns about Lincoln’s boyhood in Spencer County, including the background of his later moniker of “railsplitter”. Elliott also gave two renditions of the Gettysburg Address to celebrate the pioneer village’s Spring Heritage Day event.
Pictured on left: The ever-popular Kentucky Colonel Henry Tuttle entertains guests with comedic explanations of various pioneer gadgets, toys and musical instruments. He also offered performances of several songs from Hoosier history.
Pictured on right: Knox and Kruz Harmon feed a baby goat, one of several animals set up on the grounds to bring the pioneer village to life last Saturday.
Photos by Don Steen
