SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Not long after taming the Illinois prairie by tilling the soil and settling the towns, cultural endeavors followed. One included the poetry of Vachel Lindsay, who is referred to as the “Prairie Troubadour” because he traveled across the United States sharing his poems.

A performance artist, Lindsay often sang or chanted his poems and he created pen-and-ink artwork to accompany many, as well. Enjoying Midwest themes, the title Prairie Troubadour seemed to fit this artist, whose home is located in Springfield, Ill., and is open to the public to tour.

Born Nov. 10, 1879, in the home located at 603 S. 5th Street, Vachel’s father was a doctor and his mother was imbued with artistic talent that can been seen on a visit to the Lindsay home. Before her marriage she was a teacher and artist.

Being from Springfield influenced many of the topics of Lindsay’s poetry, one of which eulogizes former Gov. John P. Altgeld and, of course, the most famous of his poems, Lincoln Walks at Midnight.

Poetry is not how Vachel began his studies; following his father’s desires, he began in medicine at Hiram College in Ohio for a couple years, but decided that wasn’t the career for him. This followed with a stint at the Art Institute of Chicago, then he traveled in 1904 to New York to continue his studies at the New York School of Art.

According to his biography on the website www.PoetryHunter.com after hearing Lindsay recite one of his illustrated poems, The Tree of the Laughing Bells, Robert Henri, a painter and teacher at the New York School, suggested that he devote himself to poetry – “It was a turning point in the poet’s life.”

While he did not make a living with his art, at times it went hand-in-hand with his poems. Lindsay’s love of art flowed into film and in 1915 he wrote what many consider the first book of film criticism titled For the Love of Movies: The Story of the American Film Criticism.

During 1906-12 Lindsay printed his own poems and would barter the booklet Rhymes to Be Traded For Bread for food. Until his first major success in 1912, he traveled about writing and performing throughout the United States in true troubadour style.

In 1913, Poetry magazine published first his poem General William Booth Enters into Heaven, and then The Congo in 1914. At this point, Lindsay became well known. In fact, it was in 1920 that he became the first American poet invited to recite at Oxford University and undertook his first national lecturing tour.

Lindsay’s personal life was filled with ups and downs. At the age of 45 he married 23-year-old Elizabeth Connor and they had two children. Moving back to Springfield in April 1929, Vachel’s health and emotional stamina seemed to fade. With little money and failing health, the poet committed suicide in 1931. Although a sad end to this talented man, his words and legacy live on in his words.

Visitors will enjoy a visit to Lindsay’s home. The two-story frame structure was erected prior to the Civil War. One interesting connection is that the 1840s Greek Revival home was owned in the mid-1800s by Abraham Lincoln’s sister-in-law and her husband, who often entertained the Lincolns here. Lindsay’s parents bought the home in 1878, and added 10 rooms in the Eastlake style in 1893.

The home is at a prime tourist location, right across the street from the Illinois Governor’s Mansion. Visitors can park once and visit both sites, so take the tour and learn more about Lindsay and his life.

Call 217-524-0901 or 217-785-7960 for more information.