4. Midsommar på slätten

The Midsummer celebrations on the plain were a big event. Many conscripts were visited by their relatives. Our example is from 1882:

At least 5,000 people gathered. Many travelers from Eksjö, Oskarshamn and other places had to travel in cattle wagons. From Vimmerby, 450 people came on the regular train, the extra train had 150 passengers and 800 people came on the train from Västervik.

The conscripts amounted to 700 men divided into eight companies. Two companies were in tents, the others in barracks. At eleven o'clock there was a church service with the usual church parade. After the regiment was lined up in an open square, the band played the opening hymn. After the sermon, medals and gunnery scholarships were awarded.

1,700 men took part in the parade before the regimental commander Björkman. Company after company marched in platoons past the regimental commander. The commando call rang out, sabres shone in the sunshine, parade uniforms were neat, soldiers' posture impeccable and rifle barrels black and shiny.

In the evening there was a ball in the officers' mess. The soldiers and visitors enjoyed dancing, target shooting, china games etc. in the Valley of Pleasure. Two photographers were present.