What ’ s lit got to do with it ? Deconstructing the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
lighting the way some tourists conceptualized Sandburg in relationship to their visit .
Site Appeal Characteristics
Reviews also indicated that a number of visitors happened upon the site without any previous knowledge of either the site or the author . “ This was quite unexpected for us to find this nice little gem on a recent road trip we were on ” explained a traveler from Maryland . Another woman depicted a similar scenario , “ We had no idea we would stumble across this wonderful place . I ’ m glad we did ( if we had been on a different road we would have missed it ).” Thus , for a number of reviewers , a visit was more than anything , convenient . Others sought out the property because they believed that it offered “ something for the whole family ; culture , baby goats to pet , flower and vegetable gardens , and hiking with pristine vistas ” as one reviewer put it . Citing the need to entertain visiting family members of varying ages and interests one man explained , “ my wife and I live less than 5 minutes from the home and always make sure we take our guests to enjoy this great attraction .” Another local resident pointed out that she “ had been many times for a pleasant walk and with guests with children .” In this sense the site was conceptualized as a place where kids could run around outside and play with goats , older family members could relax and take in the views , and readers and history buffs could tour the home and explore the grounds .
The site ’ s low / free cost ( the property itself is free to the public , a tour of the home is $ 5.00 and is discounted for children , seniors , and military ) was central to many visitors ’ experiences . “$ 5 admission is really a bargain for an historic home tour ” pointed out one visitor . “ Not least of our delight in this place is the price ” said another woman . Others made the trip
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