David Davis Mansion Celebrates 150 Years Special Events

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The David Davis Mansion, located at 1000 Monroe Drive in Bloomington, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year with a number of exciting ventures. This state historic site was built in 1872 by David Davis, a political ally of Abraham Lincoln and a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The site is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources who protects our state’s historical attractions which contribute to education, culture and the economy. The David Davis Mansion Foundation (DDMF) is a not-for-profit organization who supports the Mansion through education, preservation and acquisition programs.

To commemorate this special milestone, the DDMF has published a limited-edition book entitled The David Davis Mansion 1872-2022: 150 Years at Clover Lawn. Written by Dr. Marcia Young, the book includes never before told stories and secrets of the Mansion, an account of its restoration, and hundreds of rarely seen photographs. Dr. Young is an accomplished historian and former executive director of the David Davis Mansion.

Using new archival sources, this commemorative book takes a fresh look at the mansion’s early years and reveals some surprising discoveries. It provides a reassessment of Sarah’s role (Davis’ first wife) in the construction of the mansion, as well a new appreciation for Davis’ son George and his significant achievement in preserving the home during the 30 years he lived there. Dr. Young presents it history as a uniquely American story – one about our country’s westward expansion and its transformation after the Civil War into the most modernized and economically powerful nation in the world.  This hardback book is available to purchase at http://clover-lawn-museum-shop.square.site/, or in person during regular hours of operation in the Clover Lawn Museum Shop.

The David Davis Mansion will kick off its summer events calendar with the 31st annual Champagne British Car Festival (CBCF) car show, held on Sunday, June 5. The CBCF is open to all British cars and motorcycles, and organizers anticipate a record setting number of vehicles on display. This is a wonderful opportunity to view classic cars representing over 60 years of British motoring history. British cars of yesteryear expected to be in attendance include those from MG, Morgan, Mini, Austin-Healy, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Triumph and more. The show is open to the public from 10:00am to 3:00pm and admission is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit the David Davis Mansion Foundation.

The summer fun continues on July 15-16 with the Glorious Garden Festival, a two-day festival attracting gardeners and enthusiasts alike to the David Davis Mansion. This event consists of both a Garden Fair and Garden Walk, providing ticket holders the opportunity to explore up to a dozen private gardens throughout the Bloomington-Normal community in their mid-summer glory. These magnificent gardens include unique water features, shade gardens, native plants, towering trees, perennials and annuals.

Finally, visitors can wrap-up the summer on August 6 with the 26th Annual Antique Auto Show. Held on the grounds of the Mansion, visitors can stroll through the amazing collection of vintage vehicles on display. This event, co-sponsored by the McLean County Antique Automobile Club, will feature more than 75 vehicles from the 1900’s through the 1980’s. Visitors can view the cars up close, talk with car owners and meet fellow automobile enthusiasts while enjoying live music and concessions. A donation of $5 per adult is suggested (no admission fee for children) and all proceeds go to the DDMF.

For more information on these events and more, go to https://daviddavismansion.org/news-and-events/calendar-of-events.