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Hayes home on display for Illinois Bicentennial

What is now the Downstate Governor's Mansion, but was formerly the Hayes Home, was opened to the public Saturday as part of Illinois's bicentennial celebration.

Thirteen iconic places in southern Illinois were open free of charge Saturday, as the Illinois Office of Tourism encouraged the state's residents to visit places in their own backyards.

Among them was the beautiful Hayes Home on the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, which recently was renovated.

Other spots included the Giant City Lodge, the Illinois Rural Heritage Museum in Pinckneyville and the Rose Hotel in Elizabethtown.

The formal living room of the Hayes Home. Jon Montgomery photo
Members of the Sam Indorante family look at Hayes family memorabilia in the den of the Hayes Home. From left are daughter Katie Indorante, Sam Indorante and his wife, Dr. Carolyn Gibson. Sam Indorante likened the style of the home to Graceland. Jon Montgomery photo