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Lincoln Birthday Celebration in Springfield Was a Ball...Literally
Dozens of people gathered at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Thursday night to take a trip to the past. Dressed in period petticoats, hoopskirts and suits, they learned various waltzes, polkas and Virginia reels and danced along with a full band playing authentic brass instruments from the 1850s and 60s.

Participants learned 13 numbers in all, and danced for roughly three hours. At the start of each number, the "dance mistress" took the microphone and collectively taught the groups how to perform the next dance. Once the band started playing, she continued to shout instructions and would occasionally step in if groups got confused.

Ted Henry of Springfield was dressed as a Civil War Union commander who lived a couple of blocks away from President Lincoln. He says events like this are fun ways to teach people about history, specifically about the Civil War period, which Henry says is one of the most important periods of our history.

(Illinois Radio Network)
02 13 09 by Newsroom
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