Happy Birthday, Abe!

Statue of Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln Park, Los Angeles. Photo from Security Pacific National Bank Collection, 1937 

Today, February 12th is Abraham Lincoln's 207th birthday. He was born on this day in 1809. We have only a few places commemorating President Lincoln here in Los Angeles.  Lincoln Heights, Lincoln Park, Abraham Lincoln High School and a few other schools, Lincoln Boulevard near the beach, Lincoln Savings and Loan (are they still around?) and many Lincoln Continental car dealerships.

"Abraham Lincoln" by Kazu Tsuji w/Larry, Barnsdall Park Municipal Gallery

This Monday, we celebrate Lincoln's birthday AND George Washington's birthday together on the third Monday in February. When I was a young public school student we had holidays on both birthdays. Combining these birthdays is a rotten deal. I would like to see the holidays separated again. And, what's the deal with all of these Monday holidays? I suppose it makes it easier for people to go out of town, 3-day weekends. It's also a perfect time to hold a big 3-day weekend sale at your chain store. Talk about commercialization! If one of these birthdays falls on a Wednesday, so be it. I think we should take that holiday off from work on the actual day!

"Abraham Lincoln" by Kazu Tsuji w/Ellen, Gregorio Escalante Gallery

Have a wonderful 3-day weekend, my friends!