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CLYMER RETIRES FROM Lewis Clymer, being tall and slender, grew up with the nickname “Abe” in the Vandalia area long before he would be called on to recreate Abe Lincoln for Old Statehouse ceremonies. Like many nicknames, Abe became less a nickname and more his real name … which may have surprised visitors who overheard his conversations with friends. Abe graduated from Vandalia High School and entered the U.S. Army, serving as an electronic repairman stationed in Korea and Japan. Upon returning stateside, he decided to go to SIU Carbondale, where he took courses in electronics; graduating in 1957. In early 1958, a radio repair shop owned by J. Smith (who had bought the business from Woody Proffer of Ramsey) opened in Vandalia on St. Louis Avenue. This business was then purchased by Abe and became Clymer Radio and TV. In 1965, Abe moved to a location on Gallatin Street where it would be a mainstay of the commercial district for over 45 years. He added refrigerators, stoves and other appliances to sell and repair in 1979. Virgil Devall, now deceased, was the senior repairman for 37 years. Later, Abe’s daughter Joy and son-in-law Kevin worked in the store. Wearing an entirely different hat, Abe was persuaded to impersonate Abraham Lincoln in early 1960 by his mother for one of her club meetings. He refused but when he found the outfit hanging in the living room, he consented and the rest is history … he has been Vandalia’s official Abe ever since. Last month the Vandalia Chamber of Commerce awarded Lewis with the “Abe” award. Lewis Clymer decided to close the TV and appliance store this January after working in the sales and repair business over 52 years.
“Abe” Clymer at a wall of honor and holding his “Abe” Award.
Applications for Home Heating C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) still has energy assistance funding available for winter utility assistance. Any household that has applied as of September 1, 2011 or after would not be eligible to apply again. LIHEAP provided one-time grants to help income eligible households. To date in Fayette County, energy benefits totaling $378,642.00 have been approved for 795 households, averaging $476 per household. Additionally, 235 Fayette County households received $129,783.00 in emergency reconnection assistance. The average reconnection assistance payment was $552. An additional 123 households have enrolled to participate in the new Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP). Items needed at the time of application are: proof of all households income for 30 days immediately preceding the day of application, proof of Social Security numbers of all members of the household and current heating and electric bills. Thirty day income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP for the 2012 program (by size of households) are: (1) $1,361, (2) $1,839, (3) $2,316, (4) $2,794, (5) $3,271, (each additional member) add $477. In order that no one is denied the opportunity to make an application any special accommodations that are needed should be arranged by contacting the local county C.E.F.S. Outreach Office. All our offices will accommadate applicants that are homebound, hearing impaired, or are otherwise disabled. Appointments for LIHEAP can be made by contacting the C.E.F.S. Fayette County outreach Office at 517 W. Gallatin St., Vandalia, phone 618-283-2631, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Funding for LIHEAP is provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is the local administering agency for Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby counties
Lincoln Birthday Observances Feb. 11 – 12 Vandalia will be a good place to wish our 16th President a happy 203rd birthday this year. The Vandalia National Road Interpretive Center at 105 S. Fifth Street will hold its third annual Lincoln’s Birthday observance from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. February 11 with special presentations at 4 p.m. At that time, local historian Linda Hanabarger will speak about the families who settled in Fayette County after building the National Road. John Goldsmith, director of the National Road Association of Illinois, will present the history of the National Road. Children’s activities will be offered all day. The event is free and open to the public. The Fayette County Museum will offer a special Lincoln exhibit February 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, February 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors may view the exhibit free of charge. A Civil War Ball is scheduled for February 11 at 7 p.m. at the Vandalia Moose Lodge. Salt Creek Band and Caller will provide period music, and those in Civil War attire will be admitted free, with a $5 admission fee for modern civilians. Refreshments will be served. The Ball is being organized by the Vandalia Lincoln Victory Ball Committee and is sponsored by the Vandalia Historical Society. For more information contact Brian Garner at (618) 292-7084, or bgarner65@hotmail.com. The Vandalia Historical Society will hold its annual Lincoln’s Birthday Observance at Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site at 2 p.m. February 12 in the site’s Hall of Representatives. Kevin Kaegy will present a program entitled “Lincoln’s Rebel In-Laws.” The Mathis family Lincoln memorabilia collection will be on display in the Statehouse. Refreshments will follow. The observance is free and open to the public and sponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Vandalia Historical Society and the Old Capitol Foundation. Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site is administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. It is the oldest remaining capitol building in Illinois, and is where Abraham Lincoln served as a state legislator and had his name entered onto a roll to become an attorney. The site is open Tuesday through Saturday for free public tours. |
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