Early arrivals to the Springfield, IL pre-rally enjoyed a spectacular July 4th celebration on the lawn of the new capitol in downtown.  Some toured the old & new capitol buildings as well as the unique Museum of Funeral Customs.

24 coaches assembled by Friday, July 6th, the official first day of our pre-rally.  The rally included four first time couples & one guest couple. Attending a 400 rally for the first time was: Darrel & Anita Bingham, Phil & Charlene Darling, Mitch & Kim Moser, Art & Linda Wager and Duane & Marilyn Lynch.  First Timers were assigned "angels" to ensure they enjoyed the rally.

Rally hosts: Bobby & Connie Chappell prepared a busy & interesting schedule beginning with a "Taste of Town" on Saturday.  We had the opportunity to sample the fare of several downtown cafés.  Mitch Moser led a worship service on Sunday.  The Chappells gave away several nice door prizes at the 4 o'clock gatherings.  Door prizes were donated by Lou & Connie Baker.

At New Salem, we walked through the pioneer village where it is said that Lincoln lived for six years trying several occupations before settling on law & politics.  We enjoyed a stage performance of the early life of Helen Keller titled, "The Miracle Worker."  Other activities: tours of the Lincoln Museum, Lincoln Library, Lincoln's Tomb, the Caterpillar Factory, crafts taught by Marilyn Cherry & a book exchange.  A ladies "Red Hat" luncheon & the men's "library" lunch.  Everyone enjoyed watching the competition of Arabian horses being shown at the fairgrounds.

Installation of 2007-2008 officers was administered by Lynn Lunde, past president of the Dolphin Ramblers, on Wednesday, July 11th.  Newly elected officers are: Pete Armitage, President; Judy Finch, Vice President; Joanne White, Secretary; Flower MacMillen, Treasurer & Shirley Barbe, Director.  New officers to assume duties at the International Rally in Du Quoin, Illinois.  Joanne White was the Sunshine Lady for this rally & distributed various cards including a thank you to Walt & Judy Kaiser with a gift certificate in appreciation of their service as Chapter president.

A catered dinner was served on Thursday, July 12th after which Walt Kaiser declared the pre-rally closed.

Submitted by: Marge Eckles, #82722.