The C.H. Moore Homestead

Right along Rt-51 on the north side of Clinton is a wonderfully preserved piece of Illinois history, with ties to President Lincoln. Completed in 1867 as the private residence of John Bishop, a local lumber merchant, the homestead was sold to C.H. Moore in 1880 after the death of the Bishop’s youngest daughter.

Mr. Moore

Mr. Moore was a lawyer and land purveyor and made the acquaintance of another young lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. The two became friends, assisting each other on some cases, and opposing on others….remaining friends throughout. Mr. Moore developed the estate in Clinton throughout the years, including an extensive library in an addition on the west side of the mansion.

The Library

This library was, at the time, one of the most extensive private libraries outside of Chicago (and is still quite impressive!). The manor house itself serves as the Dewitt County Museum and maintains a wonderful museum of late 19th and early 20th century life. The many rooms are full of furniture and decoration appropriate for the era. The entry way is graced by a wonderful winding staircase and very ornate carpet and wallpaper. The Moore’s original square Steinway grand piano and a full size harp are the center pieces of the music room.

The Music Room

Upstairs are the bedrooms, including the masters, and also the children’s room. The children’s room contains a wonderful, authentic childs four post bed, and is overseen by a pastel portrait of the Butler families only child who was lost at the age of two, Mary Elizabeth. Among the several rooms in on the ground level are the dining, parlor, music, kitchen and what is obviously the showpiece room of the house, the library. This two story room contains very unique rotary bookcases in two corners, with glass fronted barrister-like bookcases along the opposite wall. The upper gallery is also lined with bookcases and an iron railing lines the portal ceiling between the two stories. The library also contains many items one might find in a well appointed Victorian library, including an Edison cylinder phonograph and a wonderful, nautical themed kaleidoscope. Mr. Moore’s original hand made secretary desk anchors the room, with a pair of glasses sitting on the desktop, as if awaiting the masters return.
The basement of the manor, which reveals the houses natural brick walls, has been set up display case style and features a very complete collection of World War One weaponry and Indian artifacts. A central wall displays antique photos of the mansion through the years, as well as local landmarks. There’s also a room depicting life in an early log cabin and another with revolving collections, containing antique tin-toys and pedal cars on our visit.
Stepping outside, one is treated to various views of the manor house, which is of the Second Empire style of architecture with Italianate ques. The mansard roof is replete with curved top dormers and all of the corbels and brackets that make this style of architecture so beautiful are intact and in good order on this very well appointed house. The front area of the grounds are flanked by a wonderful cast ironwork fence and gardens. The carriage house stands just across the way from the manor house and contains several antique carriages, displayed in a warm rustic setting.
Many festivals and events are held on the grounds, with the Pork and Apple festival (September 25-26 this year) being the highlight. Visit the C.H. Moore Homesteads website for hours and more information. The homestead was placed on the National Register in 1978.
Located in view of Rt-51 between Decatur and Bloomington, this wonderful and well maintained site is a jewel in the city of Clinton, and a wonderful location to enjoy some history, and view the ornate wonders of Victorian life in early Central Illinois.

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-Ed Baumgarten

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-Ed Baumgarten