Not 76 trombones – 76 Lincolns
Look out Guinness, we’ll be coming for you next year!

 

[September 24, 2019] 

On Saturday afternoon, even though the town did not break the world record for the most Abraham Lincoln look-alike’s gathered in one spot, it was still a fun and awesome event in its own way.

Organizers were far from disappointed by the number of people who arrived to impersonate our favorite President of the United States.



Logan County Tourism Director Morgan Gleason noted that this is just the beginning, the LCTB and their helpers will try again next year, and the next and the next... if that is what it takes. She also added that in spite of the outcome ‘it doesn’t hurt a thing for a hundred or more people (look-a-likes and spectators) to be in downtown Lincoln on a Saturday afternoon.”

The day began around 8 a.m. on Saturday morning with registration for the most Lincolns taking place inside the Lincoln Art Institute on the east side of the historic Logan County Courthouse Square. Some people did come in early to register before heading out to do other things around town. The majority though, started coming in just a bit after 1 p.m.



The accumulations of all those Lincoln’s in one place was a sight to see, and for the lone Mrs. Lincoln in the bunch it may have been a bit overwhelming as she took a seat on the front porch at the Art Institute and just took it all in.



Later in the day, she would be invited to join in the unofficial photo of the Lincolns all gathered together on the courthouse lawn. Being ever so graceful and diplomatic she chose a central location and made no attempt to point out which Lincoln she preferred among the bunch.

Probably a good thing she didn’t as there were more than 75 gathered on the lawn for that photo and they varied greatly in everything but their wardrobe.



The youngest Lincoln in the group was a local citizen whose first name is Lincoln. This little Lincoln was only three, so he would not have qualified for the count in the Guinness record, but by this time everyone knew that the goal of 250-plus would not be met, and every Lincoln regardless of if their wardrobe was perfect or not, nor how young they were, was permitted to be part of the fun.

The Lincolns came from all over the Midwest, not just Lincoln and Logan County. Lincoln’s were on hand from Peoria and Shiloh. There were two Lincolns male and female who made the trip from Memphis, Tennessee. Others came from Indiana and Iowa.



The couple from Tennessee, Pam and Mike Keenan, rode in on a motorcycle. They said that they had read about the attempt to break the record on social media and decided it would make for a fun trip on their bike. They packed up their gear and their costumes and headed to Lincoln, Illinois. The couple registered early then came back for the photo. They rode in on their bike complete with top hats and long coats flitting in the wind.



At the end of the day, the two were recognized as coming the most distance to be a part of the fun. Ron Keller and Anne Moseley of Lincoln Heritage Museum presented them with a portrait of Abraham Lincoln aka a $5 bill!

Another Lincoln from Peoria said that he had heard it from a friend and decided to come down and join the fun.



From Iowa was Pastor Merlyn Farrand and his wife Linda. Linda told their interesting connection. Pastor Ferrand has resembled the 16th President for most of his life. In their community of Winchester, Iowa he is well known and often called upon to participate in re-enactments. After one such re-enactment, Linda posted his photo on social media. A distant relative, whom Linda has never met, but lives in Logan County, Marilyn Ferguson, commented on the post saying Pastor Ferrand should come to Lincoln and be a part of the record break attempt. Linda said that was really all the invitation they needed. They travel in a motor home, so they loaded up and headed this way.




Not to be outdone by the “out-of-towners,” two local Lincolns rode into town on horseback. With the horses given the honorary name “Bob” for the day, after Abraham Lincoln's horse, two of the younger members of the Erickson Family of Wild Wind Carriage Rides, came impersonating Abraham Lincoln on horseback.

As the Lincoln’s arrived they signed in and their costumes were reviewed by Keller and Moseley. Keller and Moseley served as the “official witnesses” for the attempt to break the record.

Each person who came in costume was required to register and received their official number. Hope was strong until about 2:30 p.m. that the record would be made. It was then that the organizers realized that this would not be the year. There was no more need for official witnesses although registration did continue so that there would be an accurate accounting of how many did gather.





With it apparent that all were there that were coming, the Lincolns assembled themselves on the east side of the Logan County Courthouse and the official photo was taken.



Keller acted as a spokesperson during the assembly and pointed out the littlest Lincoln. He also noted that Bob Verderber was in the group and that it was his birthday. The whole group sang happy birthday to “Bobby V.”



Some of the more fun to see Lincolns included a group of four young adults – three properly dressed and a gal wearing her hat. They struck what they considered to be a “Lincoln pose” inside the LAI for a photo op.

Many other’s also enjoyed having their photos taken in full garb. Some were there as groups of friends and relatives just gathering to have a good time. Other’s were singular Lincoln’s who were taking the opportunity a bit more seriously.



And, there was a whole family of Lincolns.



One of the last to arrive was Tim Becke who proclaimed that he would not shave his mustache until he knew if the record had been broken. He said he would bring his razor and whack off his facial hair if there were 250 gathered. He came in his wardrobe and even carried a special walking stick with a Lincoln head carved in it. He kept his mustache, but did don the black beard on top of his own for the occasion.



After the “official” photo was taken from the second floor of the LAI building, those who were there to watch the show were invited to come up and join the group for a more casual photo.



First they stood all straight and tall, then Keller suggested they have a little fun with it and all were encouraged to wave at the camera.

As the group of watchers looked on, Moses Pinkerton, who brought this idea to the Logan County Tourism Bureau, and worked with Gleason to bring it about, spoke up saying if everyone watching would come next year with their costume and beard there was a very good chance that the record will be broken.

So, even if the record wasn’t broken, this ended up being a fun event for the many who came downtown on Saturday afternoon, and it was hard to find anyone who was sad about not setting the record because they all enjoyed the gathering so much and just being a part of something special in our community.

But as Gleason and Pinkerton said, this is just the beginning, a good practice run. Look for another “Lincoln reunion” next year!

[Nila Smith and Curtis Fox]