1968 Illinois Sesquicentennial

1968 was a time of turbulence in our country with the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy and a chaotic Democratic convention in Chicago. So many boys dropped into an absolute mess in Vietnam.  During this tense time, Illinois held its Sesquicentennial celebrations across the state.  Cities and towns from Galena to Metropolis held events throughout the year in keeping with the sesquicentennial theme. 

For Washington's part, an elaborate float representing the town was built for inclusion in several parades in the summer of 1968, culminating in the grand-daddy of all, the Illinois State Fair Sesquicentennial Parade on September 9, 1968.

Washington held a pageant in July to find its "Sesquicentennial Queen" to ride the float during parades. Bev Young was crowned the winner, with Donna Douglas finishing first runner-up and Peg Armstrong second runner-up.  This pageant would be the impetus for the city to hold several more "Miss Washington" pageants in the next few years.

On a quiet weekend, as parades were completed, the float (a joint venture between several Washington civic groups) sat on the square for a final viewing and public photo opportunity. The planned deconstruction was scheduled for the following Monday. However, it barely lasted 24 hours before it was set on fire -  jolting everyone out of their celebratory state and back to the turbulence of the times.