Lincoln-Douglas Debates 150th anniversary kicks off with July 26 event in Bement

BEMENT - The 150th anniversary of the greatest political discourse in American history will begin Saturday, July 26 from, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Piatt County community of Bement, Illinois as the Lincoln-Douglas Debates Sesquicentennial "Reunion Tour 2008" gets underway with re-enactments, a Civil War camp and other special events.

The Bryant Cottage State Historic Site in Bement, the 1856 home of early Bement businessman Francis E. Bryant, is rumored to be the location where U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas and challenger Abraham Lincoln met inn July 1858 to plan a series of public appearances which were then known as the Douglas-Lincoln Debates, in deference to the more well-known incumbent Douglas. The Bryant Cottage and Veterans Memorial Park will be the main areas of activity during the July 26 celebration.

The two candidates will arrive at Veterans Memorial Park at 10 a.m., where Lincoln and Douglas re-enactors will make remarks and take part in a news conference, fielding questions from modern-day media and visitors. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum research historian Dr. Bryon C. Andreasen, a leading Debates authority, will highlight Bement's role in the famous series of candidate meetings. A "Prairie Ovation," or tumultuous escort for each candidate featuring participants in period costumes with period political banners, will follow the opening ceremonies.

Lincoln and Douglas will be portrayed by actors George Buss and Tim Connor. Silas Terry, the accompanying naval aide, will be played by Ed Finch. He will introduce Lincoln and Douglas and serve as moderator for the news conference.

Authentic Civil War military and civilian camps will be set up on the Bryant Cottage lawn, and there will be demonstrations all day and military drills at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 and 4 p.m. An authentic Civil War medical tent will be set up as well. The Civil War soldiers will present a Tableau Vivant (a period dramatic performance) in the camp at 2:30 p.m. These activities are free and open to the public.

The Bement Postmaster has secured permission from the U.S. Postal Service to offer a special hand cancelled design commemorating the Sesquicentennial event on July 26. For a small fee, a first class stamped envelope with this special design will be available for purchase.

Private visits with Senator Douglas and Mr. Lincoln in the "Big House" next door to Bryant Cottage can be arranged for 1, 1:45 or 2:30 p.m. Advance reservations and a $5 fee are required for these visits, and those interested should call (217) 678-8184. The Big House was Francis E. Bryant's second home in Bement.

The Monticello Theater Association will present the original play "The Bement Story" at 1 and 2 p.m. in the United Methodist Church sanctuary. This free performance by area actors features Bement residents from the 1850s expressing their opinions of Douglas and Lincoln, as well as other local events from the period. The play features the original song, "The Old Bement Waltz."

Tea in the Big House, a Victorian tea, will be offered at 2, 2:45 and 3:30 p.m. This ladies' tea requires a $10 ticket, and reservations can be made by calling Sandy at (217) 678-8117 or Sharon at (217) 678-5115. For a $20 ticket, participants can attend the tea and receive a limited edition commemorative Bement Lincoln-Douglas Debates coin.

The day's activities will end with another Douglas and Lincoln news conference at 3:30 p.m. and a 4 p.m. concert by the Bement Community Band, with musicians from throughout east central Illinois, and the Monticello Summer Singers, featuring performers from Piatt County. Both are free, and will take place in Veterans Memorial Park.

The July 26 event is made possible by a grant from the Illinois Association of Museums and funding from the Bement Sesquicentennial Committee.

A number of activities will be taking place during the day. Period craft demonstrations, 19th century children's games, displays of middle school history fair projects, and sales of Debates Commemorative coins will all be offered in Bement.

Bryant Cottage State Historic Site is administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. It is open Thursday through Sunday for free public tours.

"Reunion Tour 2008" features events in each Debate city. Dates are August 22 - 23, Ottawa; August 29 - September 1, Freeport; September 12 - 14, Jonesboro; September 20 - 21, Charleston; October 3 - 5, Galesburg; October 11 - 13, Quincy; and October 17 - 19, Alton. The Reunion Tour is co-sponsored by the Lincoln Douglas Debate Community Committee, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, and the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition.