Actor Brings Abraham Lincoln’s Life To 2nd-Graders

KATONAH, NY — Children laughed as they acted out the characters in an Aesop’s Fable — a story Abraham Lincoln would have read — with Lou Del Bianco, an actor who portrays Abraham Lincoln. They listened quietly as the actor spoke in character of losing his mother at age 9 and learning about slavery as a young man.

Del Bianco’s visit, on February 12 — Lincoln’s birthday — brought Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy alive for second graders at Meadow Pond Elementary in South Salem and Katonah Elementary School in Katonah.

Del Bianco, dressed in a top hat and long coat, could easily be mistaken for the president. He told the stories behind his names Honest Abe, Abe the Rail Splitter, Abe the Prairie Lawyer and Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States.

“Abraham Lincoln’s greatest message is one of perseverance,” said Del Bianco. “In spite of his poverty and lack of schooling he was able to educate himself. He is a great inspiration to both adults and children.”

Here are the top 10 questions children asked Del Bianco and what he answered:

1. What kind of parents would let a kid use an axe? It was common in the 1800's. Children also used guns.
2. Was Jesus around when Abraham Lincoln was alive? No. Jesus lived 1800 years before Abraham Lincoln.
3. Did Abraham Lincoln wear a singlet? No. While he was the best wrestler in Sangamon County, he wrestled in street clothes.
4. Why wouldn’t women be allowed to talk about important issues? In Abraham Lincoln's time, it was thought that women should not discuss politics. Abraham Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd, was well-educated. She spoke her mind freely and often advised her husband.
5. How did Abraham Lincoln buy a coat if he was so poor? People made their own clothes or wore hand-me-downs.
6. How do you know so much about Abraham Lincoln? I read everything I can find about him.
7. How do you pull off the look? I hired a costume designer to make these clothes.
8. What was it like to live in a log cabin? Lincoln's childhood home was small — just one room. It had a dirt floor, no windows and a curtain for a front door.
9. What were Lincoln’s sons named? Robert, Tad, William and Edward.
10. Are his descendants still alive? Only one of Abraham Lincoln’s sons had children — Robert. His last descendent passed away in the last 10 years. Trivia: Tom Hanks is related to Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks.

Photo caption: Twins Blake and Riley McCaffrey, who share a birthday with Abraham Lincoln. Photo credit: Katonah-Lewisboro School District.