Blagojevich closing door on Bryant Cottage's rich history

BEMENT – Marilyn Ayers said it broke her heart when she received an e-mail Thursday afternoon informing her that the Bryant Cottage Historic Site was closing its doors on Oct. 1.

After all, Ayers has served as the cottage's site manager since July 1985.

Bryant Cottage, the home where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas are said to have planned their debates 150 years ago, is one of 13 state historic sites and 11 state parks Gov. Rod Blagojevich is closing as a result of a $2 billion state budget shortfall.

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