Lincoln-Douglas debate anniversary celebrated

JONESBORO, Ill. — History buffs and Lincoln fans can get their fill of both in Southern Illinois on Saturday and Sunday.

Activities commemorating the 150 anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debates have been planned in Jonesboro and Cobden, Ill.

The Union County Historical and Genealogy Society will have an exhibit at the Jonesboro Masonic Hall just north of the public square. Items from the mid to late 1800's include historic photos and documents, Lincoln-Douglas debate memorabilia, Civil War-era artifacts and quilts.

Glen Bishop, Civil War researcher, will read selected letters from local Civil War soldiers written to family members at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The exhibit will be on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The Union County Museum in downtown Cobden will have special hours during the celebration. They will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

A community festival with food, crafts, buggy rides, cannon demonstrations will also take place on Jonesboro Square and at Lincoln Memorial Park. At 1:30 p.m. a procession to the debate site at the park will be led by the Independent Silver Band. At 2 p.m. a Lincoln and Douglas program with actors "revisiting" Jonesboro after 150 years will take place. At 3 p.m. the Silver Band will hold a concert in the park.

For more information, visit www.southernmostillinois.com.