How and when to visit the Governor's Mansion THE ILLINOIS Governor's Mansion is primarily a home, not a museum, and for that reason it offers visitors an unusually personal glimpse of the state and its history. It has another unique offering. Its elegant furnishings and decor give visitors a welcome (sometimes needed) change of pace from some of the more feverish tourist spots in Springfield.

Visiting hours at the mansion are limited. The doors open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Guided tours, conducted mainly by the Junior League of Springfield, are during those hours.

More than 40,000 visitors have toured the mansion since it first opened to the public three years ago following a $3.2 million reconstruction and addition project. Although public funds were used for the construction, the mansion is being furnished by private contributions and donations. The home is furnished with English Regency antiques selected because of their compatibility with the Greek Revival interior design.

Most of the tourists come during April, May and June — a time to avoid because of the large number of school trips, according to Marge Dowling, tour director. Visiting hours are rigidly adhered to and few exceptions are made for tours at other times. However, the mansion is rarely closed during posted hours except during the Christmas holiday season.

There is no limit on the size of tour groups, but parties larger than one bus load (47) are advised to call ahead (217 / 782-6450). Parking, especially for buses, is still a problem since there is no room for a lot on the grounds. The mansion occupies a square block in downtown Springfield between 4th and 5th Streets and Jackson and Edwards Streets. There is a public parking lot across from the mansion on 5th Street.

The grounds are not open to the public. Visitors are expected to proceed directly to the front door on the ground floor. Once inside, guests are registered, then broken into groups of about 25 persons for the 20-minute tour. Pictures are not allowed to be taken for security reasons.

After assembling on the ground floor, the tour goes directly to the first or state floor where most of the official entertaining is done. The 40-room mansion follows the continental floor plan with ground, first and second floors. On the state floor are the reception area, several formal parlors, the state dining room, the library and a large entertaining area.

The governor and his family occupy a six- room apartment on the second floor of the new addition. Not open to the public are the offices, kitchen and family dining room on the ground floor; the state bedrooms and sitting rooms on the second floor; and the grounds. Future plans call for the development of a formal garden on the property.

Other nearby attractions in the Springfield area are the Old State Capitol, the current State Capitol, Lincoln's Home, the Lincoln - Herndon Law Offices, and Lincoln's Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Two organized tour companies provide escorts for tour groups visiting the Springfield area. They are Triangle Tours and Guide Gals.

June 1976 / Illinois Issues / 21