Job well done by Cole, volunteers

The bad news is that things are changing at the Vandalia Statehouse. The good news, however, is that things are changing at the Vandalia Statehouse.
Bottom line, the solid foundation laid in the past by faithful employees and volunteers there will carry us into a future that – though not without challenges – holds much promise.
In a story in last week’s Leader-Union, it was announced that Mary Cole was planning to retire as site superintendent at the end of 2011. After serving 28 years at the site (nine as site superintendent), she certainly has put her stamp on the facility. She’s overseen many improvements and has served as a gracious hostess for Vandalia’s most famous landmark. Untold thousands of tourists have learned about Vandalia’s rich history from Cole and her talented staff.
“I have found great fulfillment in taking care of Illinois’ oldest capitol building and having full responsibility for it the past nine years,” she said. “As someone who loves Lincoln, it was an honor to work in this building and to help tell others about its history.”
Taking the baton from Cole is Steve Riddle, a Hamel resident who has spent more than two decades on the staff at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. He envisions changes at the Vandalia Statehouse that would “bring history back to life,” perhaps through the use of recorded presentations by Lincoln and other historical figures who walked the halls of the building when it served as the seat of Illinois’ government from 1819-1839.
Such multi-media innovations have been key elements in the success of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.  
He also is acutely aware of the value added by the dedicated group of volunteers at the Vandalia Statehouse. Those people make it possible to staff the facility, particularly during the Grande Levée and the Christmas Open House events.
We applaud Cole on a job well done. She has faithfully preserved the building and has energetically told Vandalia's story to thousands of visitors.
And we challenge the people of Vandalia to get on board with the new ideas Riddle brings to the position. We all have a stake in the success of the Statehouse. It truly is the centerpiece of our tourism efforts, and the ripples that emanate from the stately structure make a huge difference in our community.
db