Purchase A. Lincoln ‘pardoned’ turkey
Springfield — A Presidential “pardon” from the man who made Thanksgiving a national holiday has spared a soft, plush turkey, which can now be purchased at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Store.
The turkey, about the size of a softball, comes complete with a reproduction note from President Abraham Lincoln, who in 1863 proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving holiday. The note in Lincoln’s handwriting reads: “This turkey is pardoned by order of the President. A. Lincoln.” Lincoln is known to have pardoned a White House turkey with a note at the request of his son Tad, but that original note no longer exists.
The pardoned turkey may be purchased for $9.99 in the store or online at alplm@alplm.pmailus.com. Online orders will also be charged shipping and handling. The Museum Store will donate a portion of any “leftover” turkeys to the Toys for Tots holiday gift campaign after Thanksgiving.


