Built circa 1838
John Greene Shastid first encountered Abraham Lincoln while living in New Salem, Illinois. In 1836 he moved his family to Pittsfield, Illinois. When Lincoln was in town on legal business it is said that he always called on the Shastids.
In his book My Second Life Thomas Hall Shastid recalls a story about his grandfather (John) coming home with a dozen pigeons after a hunting trip. As the family waited for the pigeons to finish boiling the door to the home was suddenly pushed by Abraham Lincoln who took the seat of honor at the table. Mrs. Shastid placed the plate of boiled pigeon in front of Lincoln. Lincoln was very talkative at first but later fell silent as he dove into the plate of pigeons. John Shastid motioned to the rest of the family to not ask for any of the doves. With one pigeon left Lincoln reached out his fork and placed it on his plate and began to eat it. As Lincoln ate the last pigeon young Tommy Shastid burst into tears, crying out, “Abe Lincoln you’re an old hog”.
To proceed to the Joseph Heck Bakery site, go west on East Jefferson St until you reach the intersection of North Monroe St. Turn left on Monroe and proceed to the intersection of Monroe and East Adams St. Turn right onto Adams, and travel to the center of the block. The Heck Bakery wayside is located on your right near the alley.
