The annual encampment of the Illinois National Guard at old Camp Lincoln was a social event of the Nineties. Townsfolk in large numbers went out to the camp to witness dress parade in the late afternoons, particularly on Thursdays, when the governor and his staff and their ladies were special guests. Pictured is a section of the dress parade lineup. All along the south side of the parade grounds facing the soldiery was a great array of carriages and other fine equipages. Many young gallants rented livery rigs to take their sweethearts out to old Camp Lincoln when during the encampment every day was a big social event.
Submitted by: Jeanie Lowe.