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Thursday, February 13, 2014
FEBRUARY 13, 2014
The Calvert Gazette
Celebrating ’ PRESIDENTS
DAY Don Cropp proudly displays his Lincoln library.
Presidents’ Day Section
Personal Collection Celebrates Lincoln’s Presidency, Legacy By Kay Poiro Staff Writer Don Cropp collects all things Abraham Lincoln. What began as a small reading room is now a home library of over 300 books, as well as a collection of art, movies and other Civil War-era memorabilia. The Valley Lee resident says it all started with a trip to Gettysburg 14 years ago. “I fell in love with the place,” he says. “Soon, every book I could find on Lincoln, I’d get it and read it.” He also notes that his hometown is New Salem, Pennsylvania. Abraham Lincoln lived in New Salem, Illinois. Cropp frequents antique shops and bookstores for his Civil War and Gettysburg-related items. He even contacted an artist he discovered on CSPAN who specializes in Lincoln to purchase her work. These days, his collection is expanding to include diaries and personal accounts from the former president’s cabinet. Cropp’s explanation for his liking for the 16th president is simple. “He’s different from politicians nowadays. Some have said Lincoln was one of the most “close-mouthed” people. He was a listener. “Lincoln had a moral compass and he was good at bringing people together,” says Cropp. “So different from politicians today.”
Photo by Kay Poiro
kaypoiro@countytimes.net
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