David Davis Mansion — Attraction in Bloomington

(And thank you fir the clarification about the County) We had a wonderful expirence there. Howie was our Guide. I could not believe how similar that mansion is to our modern conveniences now. It just shows how far we've come in technology. Also Judge Davis himself as a strangley unsung hero and historical figure in American history. It is shocking to me how little is written in this man. He was Acting Vice President of the United States and a Supreme Court Judge yet little to nothing outside of Wikipedia is written. McClean County has all 19,000 documents in exchange for them keeping the Mansion going as a mueseum piece and historic site basically. It's also shocking to me how well-perserved the site is, it's nearly how exactly it was way back when. My 1 year old daughter loved coming here and seeing everything so did my wife. I noticed one of the paintings being that of the 2nd French Revolution, and inquired about it. Nobody had ever asked about that painting. Come to find out it is a protest painting. Judge Davis had it for that reason. They also had political cartoons from the period which, according to the Guide, a lot of younger people wouldn't believe how little had changed in political discourse on this country. It was just a fun very educational expirence and I'm very glad this city and county is preserving this property. Thank you to everyone we met there on-site, you were all...

We visited the mansion today. While there were just two of us on the tour, we felt as if we were rushed through the entire house. When I visit historic houses, I like to linger a bit and NOT be pushed through. Its not like the Davis house has to hold back throngs of visitors during this pandemic. The second thing that really bothered me was the docent (Adam) we had. In 2 rooms, after he gave his speech and we looked around, he was on his phone...really ??? As well, while the docent Adam had alot of information to impart...his delivery of said information sounded very mechanical and over rehearsed. I am a volunteer house docent at another historic house site in Illinois and we as well have alot of information to impart. The major difference we keep eye contact and talk to our guests like 2 friends having a conversation. I felt like Adam was lecturing to us. I am happy to return to visit the Davis Mansion as long as,I am not rushed through the house again. And the docent takes the time to explain and not lecture. And leave their phone in their pocket ! The house is lovely and it deserves a chance to show off its Victorian splendor to...

Judge David Davis made his money by land speculation; buying when Bloomington just got it's start and selling when Bloomington boomed in population in the 1800s. The house he and his wife had built - when he was nearly 60 - both was ornate and practical. Tours start right after the hour. You get a 20-minute video at 9:10, 10:10, 11:10 in a small visitors center by the property entrance. Then, an hour-long guided tour from someone well versed on Davis and the property of a dozen rooms in the house - everything on the main floor, second floor - including the servant's quarters - and the laundry area in the basement. Gives a sense for how the rich lived in the late 1800s - a time when quality workmanship was huge. They even had a brick outbuilding that would have been wood for nearly everyone else - to keep up appearances! The property stayed in the family for 80 years; so fortunately wasn't torn down or subdivided like most mansions of that time. We were the only ones on our tour - had every question answered - and our guide was willing to stay as...