Blacksmiths, Storytellers, Lincoln: Circuit Towns
Episode number: 806
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Prairie Fire visits people who are working to keep ancient traditions alive. First we join one of the largest gatherings of blacksmiths in the Midwest and watch as they ply one of the world's oldest, and hottest, trades. Then we listen to storytellers and hear how the art of storytelling has been kept alive and passed down throughout human history. And, as part of our Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial celebration, we see what life was like for people in central Illinois in the mid-1800s when Lincoln and other traveling lawyers came to town.
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Lawn Mower Racing, Red Bull Flugtag Chicago, Lincoln: In the Courtroom
Episode number: 805
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Prairie Fire takes to the racetrack and the skies as we tag along for a ride on some unusual vehicles. First we visit racing enthusiasts who fulfill their need for speed by racing souped-up riding lawn mowers. Then we join a group of central Illinois students as they head to Chicago to take part in the human-powered flying machine competition known as the Red Bull Flugtag. And, as part of our Abraham Lincoln bicentennial celebration, we examine Lincoln's years working as a lawyer in Illinois and take a closer look at his personal legal style in the courtroom.
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Coke Museum, Chinese Art Collecting, Lincoln: Ambition and Early Career
Episode number: 804
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Prairie Fire looks at the art of collecting. We meet a collector in Forsythe whose obsession with a soft drink eventually led him to create his own Coca-Cola museum. Then we meet a man who spends his time acquiring the work of local artists from his two hometowns--one in central Illinois and the other in southern China. And, as part of our Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial celebration, we'll learn about Lincoln’s early career ambitions and the jobs he held before he became a lawyer and politician.
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Twin Groves Wind Farm, Starved Rock State Park, Lincoln: Lincoln & Depression
Episode number: 803
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Prairie Fire looks at the natural beauty of Illinois and how we can better preserve it. We visit Starved Rock State Park and marvel at its dramatic rock formations. Then we visit the Twin Groves Wind Farm on the Bloomington Moraine and see how it creates clean energy for central Illinois. And, as part of our Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial celebration, we explore Lincoln's little-known and often-troubled personal life.
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Decatur Airbrush Artist, Earth-Friendly Runway Fashion, Lincoln: Lincoln & Women
Episode number: 802
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Prairie Fire visits with some of the creative women of central Illinois. First we visit a professionally trained fine and graphic artist who set up shop in Decatur and now airbrushes motorcycles, cars, and murals. Then we join U of I fashion designers as they show off earth-friendly clothing made out of recycled or sustainable materials. And we look at Abraham Lincoln's views about women and the role of women on the frontier.
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New Philadelphia, Lincoln Photographer, Lincoln: On Slavery
Episode number: 801
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The 2009 season premiere of Prairie Fire tells the story of New Philadelphia, Ill., the first town founded by a free African American in U.S. history. We learn the history of the town from the archaeologists who are unearthing the site and meet some of the descendants of the town's founder, "Free" Frank McWorter. Then we join a photographer who has travelled across America documenting monuments dedicated to Abraham Lincoln. And, as part of the Abraham Lincoln bicentennial, we examine how the time Lincoln spent as a traveling lawyer in Illinois impacted his thoughts on slavery.
