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1977.365 R73c cop. 3

Souvenir Bo)k of Rossville, Illinois eaitennial, 1859- 1959.

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977.365 R73C cop. 3

NTEMNIE

Souvenir Book

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EOSSVILLE, ILLIKOIS

The Rossville Canning Co.

1895

1924

The Rossville Packing Co.

1924

I9v9

Visit With Us During the Centennial

AUG. 6, 7, 8

Sincerely

Louis H. Schlecht

Richard E. Schlecht

L Eugene Schlecht

This Book is Dedicated to

The Memory of the

Pioneers of This Area,

Whose Foresight, Bravery

And Dreams of the Future

Made Possible Our

Community of Today,

We, the people of the Rossville corriTnunity , ivish to extend our warmest welcome to all the visitors ivho are. here to help us celebrate our lOQth birihday. May your visit be a pleasant and memorable one.

The former Rossville residents who have returned for this celebration will notice many changes in our village. As they view the town, they will see our new modern schools, our recently built postoffice, the many improvements to both exteriors and interiors of the business houses and our newly added fire fighting equipment. As they visit our residential area, they will be pleased to see the well kept lawns and houses of the past generations are now complemented by the many newly built homes of this generation. As they stroll down the tree lined streets, many a memory of childhood will reappear.

To the visitors ivho are seeing Rossville for the first time, please feel free to wander throughout the entire town. We are very proud of our town and ivill make every effort to make your insit a pleasant one.

After visiting our town, we hope you enjoyed it enough to return again. If you like a friendly, attractive community , lee are sure to see you again.

ROSSVILLE COMMERCIAL CLUB

Harley C. Leaver, President John Gothberg, Vice President Ross Songer, Sec.-Treas.

C^ 3

One of the most important of all tasks in connection with the Rossville Centennial fell upon our shoulders, that of making the decisions regarding what events ivould take place and ivho ivould be appointed to make each event a suc- cessful one.

A million thanks to all of those who accepted committee appointments and ivorked so untiringly; and to those who have contributed time, material or money.

It is our hope and prayer that this centennial will serve to rekindle a neiv love and appreciation for the spirit that builds communities such as ours.

We wish to express our thanks for the privilege of working luiih all the wonderfid people in this community in the preparation and success of this event. Without the help and encouragement of all, our task would have been an imposs- ible one.

THE STEERING COMMITTEE

Jack Gray A. R. Whistler Erma Cronkhite L. A. Harris

ALVAN GILBERT

(From cut of 1875)

An early settler, a 'prominent Public Official, instrumental in

the organization of the community and Village. A good

businessman and a respected citizen.

STREET SCENE ON NORTH CHICAGO

Preface.

In 1778 the GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA passed an act declaring "that all citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia who are already settled or hereafter settle west of the Ohio River shall be included in a distinct County which shall be called Illinois County".

In 1787 as part of the newly born United States the territory extending northwest of the Ohio river to the Miss- issippi river became known as the "NORTHWEST TERRITORY".

In 1800 this territory was divided and the eastern part was set off as OHIO, and the remainder was called Indiana Territory. In 1809 Indiana was set a- part and Illinois became an individual territory, and Counties were established by Gov. Nathaniel Pope. What is now Vermilion County was then a part of St. Clair County, and Cahokia was the County Seat. The counties were very few and very large and soon divisions were made. In 1816 Crawford County was formed, and it included the present Clark, Edgar and Vermilion Counties with the County Seat at Palestine. In 1819 Clark Countv was formed from

the north part of Crawford, with the County Seat, at Aurora on the Wabash north of Palestine.

Illinois was admitted to the Union December 3, 1818, and Vermilion Coun- ty was established by act of the Legis- lature January 18, 1826, with its size a- bout the width of Vermilion and Cham- paign Counties, and extending north to the south end of Lake Michigan. As set- tlers came and communities sprang up with the increasing population new counties were formed, with Cook Coun- ty taken off in 1831, (Chicago popula- tion then between 900 and 1000) Cham- paign and Iroquois in 1833. Livingston in 1837 and Ford about the same time, Vermilion reached its permanent bound- aries as at present. Its size is about 22 miles east and west, and 42 miles north and south, containing 579,840 acres.

The first land entered in the county was October 11, 1822 on the Little Ver- milion River. The Government Land Office was then at Palestine.

The name "VERMILION" is derived from the Indian name of the color of the clay and muddy water of the river; the

FIRST NATIONAL BANK

OF

ROSSVILLE

Member of Federal Reserve System

Member of Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

It has been our pleasure to serve the financial needs of this com-

munity since 1 900.

PHONE Rl 8-201 1

color resulting from the burning of the outcropping veins of coal. The same name appears on a river in Livingston and LaSalle Counties where the same conditions exist.

PIONEERS

Among the first pioneers to push northward from Danville were Andrew Davison, James Davison, Joseph Gundy, Thomas Gundy, Joseph Kerr and Peter Chrisman who chose home sites near Myersville, just west of Bismarck about 1826. Chrisman had a mill there. Some of these men also had lands in Rossville environs. Others came, mov- ing on northward, — Daniel Liggett and John Bean at Rossville, Thomas Mc- Kibben, three miles east of Mann's Chapel. Robert Horr at Mann's Chapel, George and Wilham Bicknell in 1834, two miles north of Rossville, Abraham Mann in 1835, three miles south of Rossville. Dr. Brickwell in 1836, in Rossville, Clark Green in 1835, east of Mann's Chapel, and A. Corn- stock in 1837, north of Rossville.

Alvin Gilbert was born in Ontario

County, N. Y. July 11, 1810, son of Samuel and Mary Gilbert. He had two brothers, James H. and Elias M. Samuel Gilbert and family came to Illinois in 1825, and after one year in

Crawford County, came to Vermilion County and settled two miles south of Danville. Samuel's brothers Solomon and Jesse also came west, and in 1831

Solomon built a hotel (log cabin) at the west end of Main Street in Dan- ville. Jesse built another hotel in 1833. Samuel Gilbert established the first fer- ry across the Vermilion river in 1828. Alvan worked on the ferry and also

in his uncle's mill. Col. Othniel Gil- bert is mentioned several times in the history but is not identified as to re- lationships.

Samuel Gilbert moved to Ross town- ship in 1839 , settling near Mann's Chapel, and was the first Justice of the Peace serving 10 years, and the first Postmaster, serving till his death in 1855.

Alvan Gilbert married in 1831, mov- ing into Ross Township in 1832, buying a small farm near Mann's Chapel, later

selling it to his father Samuel and pur- chasing another from his uncle Solomon

in what is now the northwest part of Rossville. He lived on this about three years, then sold it and bought the Dan- iel Liggett farm, which is the south half of Rossville.

The government land office was es- tablished in Danville in 1831, and set- tlers increased rapidly.

LOOKING EAST ON ATTICA STREET

ROSSVILLE

BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION

Chartered July 25, 1881.

ASSETS $330,000.00

1959 DIRECTORS.

A. R. Whistler. J. C. Culbert, F. C. Reinbold. Secy, Glenn Seymour, Vice Pres. C. M. Ross S. Q. Smith, Pres. George F. Thomas. E. A. Peter- son. Jess Young. Attny.

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LOOKING SOUTH ON CHICAGO STREET.

One reference book gives the follow- ing statistics: —

1822, Only 8 white families in the county.

1830, Danville less than 100 popula- tion, 3 stores.

1840, Danville population 503, 3 stores.

1845, Danville population 600, 8

stores.

1850, Danville population 736, grow- ing.

1860, Danville population 1632, grow- ing fast.

1827, Chicago, about 6 or 7 white families plus Indians.

Gurdon S. Hubbard ran the first flat boat out of Danville, via the Vermilion, Wabash, Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans in 1829. Col. Othniel Gil- bert ran the last one in 1852.

Gurdon S. Hubbard and Norman D. Palmer, his partner had the first store in Danville, in the first frame building in the county, which was located where the Palmer American National Bank now stands.

The earlier inhabitants of this area of course were the Indians, of the Pottawatamie and Kickapoo nations Also other Indian nations visited the territorv from time to time. The salt

mines were known and visited by peo- ple from many miles away in every direction, and the settlement at what is now Danville was located on the line of Indian travel from Ohio to the Mis- sissippi river. Other trails led in the main directions to the neighboring tribes.

The first white people were Indian Traders, who dealt kindly and lived peaceably and on friendly relations with the red men. The best known of these was Gurdon Saltonstall Hubbard, of whom we shall write more later.

As the salt miles attracted the In- dians, so they were the great factor that brought white explorers and settlers into this vicinity. They came up the Wabash and Vermilion rivers to discov- er the salt mines of which they had heard, about 2^/^ miles north and west of Catlin. (Sec. 16, T19N, R12W) . The atlas of 1875 shows a subdivision of many small plots which would indicate that there was quite a settlement — somewhat permanent — there.

THE SALT MINES

(from Beckwith's History) No doubt the knowledge of the salt springs on the Vermilion River had strong influence for making the treat- ies with the Pottawatomies in July 1819, and with the Kickapoos in August

NEM 16 OZ.

Royal Crown

COLA

Complimen+s of

Danville Concrete Products Co.

Ralph E. Durnell

Future Farm Tile Today

802 Catlin Road DANVILLE. ILLINOIS

Compliments of

Riley & Foreman

Shell Service

HICKORY 2-9321

101 W. 5TH STREET

Tilton, Illinois

DODD & YORK

SHELL PRODUCTS

SHELL OIL DISTRIBUTORS

809 Catlin Road Danville, Illinois

Compliments to you on your Centennial

O'NEIL BROTHERS

Construction Company EXCAVATING AND DRAINAGE

P. O. BOX 793

DANVILLE. ILLINOIS

COMPLIMENTS OF

NEFF CONCRETE PRODUCTS CO.

7! I Section St.

MATERIALS OF PERMANENCE Danville, Illinois

Ph.-Hi-6-IOI6

1819. (Joseph Barron was the aide and interpreter for General Harrison, and was able to understand and speak all the Indian languages, so he had access to all information in official hands.) Almost immediately after the comple- tion of the treaties with the Indian tribes, Barron and some friends plan- ned an expedition to explore the Ver- milion river in search of salt springs. His party consisted of four while men and four Shawnee Indians. Two of the white men, Lambert Bona and Zacha- riah Schecott (probably Cicott) were French and possibly Indian traders and acquainted with the territory and the presence of salt. Barron chose Truman Blackman — unfortunately — for the fourth in the party. They traveled up stream via the Wabash and Vermilion

rivers, and found the Salt Springs Sept. 22, 1819. They returned to Ft. Harri- son (Terre Haute) to make necessary reports and for further planning. Bar- ron would have been credited with the first discovery and settlement had he not chosen Truman Blackman. For Blackman immediately betrayed Bar- ron, and with a party consisting of his brother Remember Blackman, Seymour Treat, Peter Allen, Francis Whitcomb, and probably Dan Beckwith and George Beckwith who joined them after they left Ft. Harrison, hurried overland and

returned to the salt springs October 21, 1819, and made claim of first discov- ery.

It is thought that Seymour Treat was the first permanent white settler in the county, coming in October 1819. They were 40 miles from their nearest neighbor. Not long after their arrival they were joined by Francis Whitcomb, George Beckwith and Capt. Truman Blackman, and a company was orga- nized for the production of salt. Tests proved the easy access and availability, and a well was bored to a considerable depth. It produced very briney water which produced a bushel of salt from 170 gallons of brine. (One writer states 100 gallons of brine) . Large kettles were brought up river and 80 were in use boiling down the brine with an output reaching 120 bushels weekly according to some reports, and selling for $1.50 per bushel. Customers came long distances to buy.

Early settlement began in the south- ern part of the County and spread northward as newcomers arrived. James Butler at Catlin, in 1820, Henry John- ston soon after on the Little Vermil- ion River, H. Luddington in 1822 at Catlin, (he had passed through this land about 1816 and there were no set- tlements between the Wabash river and Fort Clark (Peoria) and only two French families there.) Gurdon S. Hub-

LOOKING WEST ON EAST ATTICA STREET

Zorns Standard Service

Washing

Lubrication

Wheel Balancing

Atlas Tires & Batteries

Phone Rl 8-285!

Rossville

Compliments from

MAXINE'S BEAUTY SHOP

ROSSVILLE. ILLINOIS

Compliments of

LESTER CUMBOW

BARBER SHOP

1 12 E.ATTICA ROSSVILLE. ILLINOIS

Congratulations from

Rossville Food Lockers

Custom Butchering

Lockers - Frozen Foods

105 W. Attica

Rossville. Illinois

Compliments from

Young Funeral Home

Rossville, Illinois

Compliments from

CY and JOHN'S

Cy Tuggle John Smock

BARBER SHOP

102 S. Chicago Rossville. Illinois

Compliments from

COX CABINET SHOP

Cabinets — Millwork

Counter Tops — Carpenter Work

Ph. Rl 8-543 1 Maple St.

Rossville, Illinois

Compliments

PRATHER GARAGE

International Trucks 24 Hour Wrecker Service Phone Rl 8-2101 - Rl 8-4541 Rossville, Illinois

£u» ^/-S?" iS^S'

LOOKING SOUTH ON CHICAGO STREET

bard, agent for the American Fur Com- pany, and Dan Beckwith also an In- dian trader in 1823, Danville.

One reference lists the following fam- ilies residing in the present territory of Vermilion County in 1823 — Seymour Treat, Achilles Morgan, Henry Johnston, George Beckwith, Alex Mc- Conald, James Butler, Asa Elliott, and possibly two brothers-in-law of John- ston, Barnett and Absalom Starr may

have been here then.

At this date the center of population and settlement was near Catlin, and the meetings for public action of every kind were held there.

ROSS TOWNSHIP

Vermilion County was established by Act of the Legislature January 18, 1826.

and the act provided for appointment of Commissioners to select the location for the seat of County Government. The Commissioners reported March 25, 1827, having chosen the present site

of Danville.

In the original division of the Coun- ty, this Township included all lands north of the northern boundaries of Newell and Blount Townships, (which

is % mile north of the center of Bis- marck.) to the Iroquois County line, and twelve miles wide.

Among the earliest settlers we find

these who pushed northward into the new country: — Jacob T. Ross, Sec. 9-21-11, li/i> miles south of Alvin; An- drew Davison, 1828, 1 mile north of Moore's Corner; Joseph Gundy, 1828,

and Jacob Gundy 1830, north of Bis- marck; John Demorest, 1828. 1 mile west of Alvin; Daniel Liggett, 1829,

Rossville; Alvan Gilbert, 1832, Mann's Chapel; Thomas McKibben, 1830, south of Bethel Cemetery; Willard Brown, 1835, southeast of Alvin; A. J. Miller,

1834, three miles east of Rossville; O. Pritchett, 1832, just north of Rossville.

The mill just west of Alvin was built in 1838 by a Mr. Clawson. Many of the timbers and much other help were furnished by Jacob T. Ross. The mill was operated by Clawson for a time, then purchased by Chrisman, (who sold

his mill at Myersville because his brother had been accidentally killed in building work) , who sold to Hoobler in 1848. He operated it until he sold to Jacob T. Ross in 1851. Mr. Ross

Danville, 111.

Paul Foxworthy

Tel. 185

Reliable Abstract & Title Co.

Abstracts - Title Insurance Blue Prints - Photostats

5 So. Vermilion Danville, Illinois

"At The Southeast Corner of Square"

Compliments of

Perry Furniture Company

A Complete Line of HOME FURNISHINGS

Phone 3263

435 E. Main Street

DANVILLE, ILLINOIS

Congratulations

MARTY K.

1220 E. Main St.

Danville, 111.

COMPLIMENTS FROM

CORK PLAZA

DINING ROOM & COFFEE SHOP

Danville, Illinois on the Square

COMPLIMENTS OF

NATIONAL LIQUOR STORE

117 East Main Street

Danville, Illinois

Telephone 5353

ROSSVILLE PACKING COMPANY

HISTORY OF THE CANNING INDUSTRY IN ROSSVILLE. ILLINOIS

According to an article in "The Can- ning Trade" magazine published in 1914 entitled "A Brief History of the Can- ning Business in the Central West" written by Mr. William Moore of Hoop- eston, Illinois, that industry was com- menced in the Village of Rossville in the year 1895 when C. A. Allen of Hoop- eston, Perry Stufflebeam, and Phillip Cadle of Rossville organized the Ross- ville Canning Company as a co-partner- ship. Scant information is available

concerning this original venture

; however, the factory

burned in 1900, and activity was at a standstill for the next two or three years. About 1904 the property was purchased by John H. Leslie and Company of Chicago which firm rebuilt the plant and operated it until 1924 with J. F. Rutter of Rossville as manager. During these twenty years several different vegetables, including sauerkraut, and some fruits were processed, however, the principal product was, and still is, sweet corn. J. F. Rutter is remembered, not only as a machinery engineer (hav- ing designed the early "Rutter Kettle" or horizontal retort for processing can- ned products) but also, as a colorful personality and a one-man-band!

In 1924 interests from Hoopeston, Illinois in the persons of Richard Zook, William Miskimen, and Edward Trego purchased the plant, incorporating un- der the name of "The Rossville Packing Company". These men, from the two large canneries at Hoopeston, must have visualized the expanding markets for

canned foods which were rapidly de- veloping at that time. In 1925 "^ they selected Louis H. Schlecht, who had been active for some years with the Hoopeston Canning Company, to man- age the Rossville operation. Under this organization from 1924 to 1934, the Rossville plant made further improve- ments and experimented with additional products for the plants at Hoopeston; beets and tomatoes were canned, but did not prove profitable. Then in 1929 all-green asparagus was introduced to the east-central Illinois canners with the first production at Rossville; from that original field on the old "Maier Farm" south of Rossville, asparagus acreage in north Vermilion County has now in 1959 reached well over 4000 acres. It should be noted that during this period the Rossville plant was more or less of an experimental and feeder operation; supplying the well-established plants at Hoopeston with additional production for their expanding sales, and with re- search for future products.

In 1935 under the pressures of the Depression Years, the Rossville cannery was offered for sale under sealed bids, and was purchased by Louis Schlecht, the acting manager, who then operated the plant as an individual proprietor- ship until 1947. These twelve years saw the fading-away of the colorful (but laborious) mule-teams and hand-jerk- ers and the advent of the mechanical pickers, the disappearance of line-shafts and remote drives, and of huge case- stacking crews in the warehouse — the

COMPLIMENTS

GIBSON 5c TO $1.00 STORE

"Variety Merchandise" Rossville, Illinois

C. L Gibson

M. F. Gibson

WHISTLER

^fim'f FARM SUPPLY

..^

TMtMOPfKHrufL

PHONE Rl 8-2351 - ROSSVILLE. ILL.

Feeding Equipment Gas Appliances

Culbert the Florist

Growers and Designers

of

Quality Flowers

Since 1897

Rossville, Illinois

Paulson Plumbing and Heating

50 years IN ROSSVILLE

Phone Rl 8-2442

1909

1959

Gravel Limestone

BLACH BROTHERS

Rossville, Illinois ph-RI 8-3861

Crushed Rock

Construction Road & Bridge

Tree Removal

in numbers and in extent of distribu- tion and Ross Township was divided east to west by the section line which is the north boundary of the present incorporated limits of the Village of Rossville. The north Township took the name "LYON" but when they sent it in to the Secretary of States it was returned, because there was already a township in Cook County with that name. So the good citizens readily agreed to honor the popular military man from Illinois, U. S. Grant, by choosing his name for the new Town- ship.

It is reliably, reported that for quite

some time the Attica Road was observ- ed as the township dividing line, but the error finally noted and corrected. (The election records in 1872, on the proposition to incorporate the Village

of Rossville read " - -election was

held in the Rossville House in the Town of Grant - - -") which was doubtless the hotel which stood at 107-109 N. Chicago Street.

Coffeen's history of 1870 lists statis- tics of Ross Township as follows: Area. 57,600 acres; In cultivation 11,892 acres;

Population 1,738; 15 schools; 3 church- es; 6 Sunday Schools; 2 Post Offices. Rossville, and Jordan (location not found.)

On June 13, 1927, action was com- pleted dividing the townships with the south half taking the name "SOUTH ROSS."

SURVEY part of Ross Township Records show that survey of Town- ships 21, 22 and 23, North Range 11, West was made December 3, 1822, and Townships 21, 22 and 23, North Range 12, West was made November 18, 1822.

This is that territory from about 4 miles south of Bismarck north to the County line, and 12 miles wide, from the State line west to two miles east of East Lynn.

ELEVATION

The elevation of some of the towns

in Vermilion County taken on the Rail- road tracks — Grape Creek. 538, Dan- ville downtown 597, Danville Junction 611, Alvin 662, East Lynn 693, Hen- ning 695, Rankin 716, Hoopeston 716, Cheneyville 722, Rossville 702, highest point in the County in the Section ad- joining Reilly on southeast 770.

SOME ROSSVILLE INDUSTRIES

Grist Mill, about 1875, Ezra Werner the miller, followed by A. H. Gernand and others, where present Canning Co. is located.

First Canning Co. Stufflebeam, Redden, Cadle and Allen, used old Mill build- ing, which burned.

Rossville Electric Light Co. built on the mill site.

Rossville Canning Co. established 1904.

Spring Lake Ice Co. F. L. Stewart, 406

N. Chicago St.

Blueing Factory, Mr, Wm. Thomas, Father of Mrs. Jack Cosby.

Brewery, Mr. Miklethum, where Christ- man Park is located.

Brewery, James Cornell, near 124 W. Attica St.

Cigar Factory, Kadison Brothers, over 102 E. Attica St.

Creamery, Rossville Creamery Co. 127 W. Attica St. 1909 to

Cement Blocks, The Young Younguns" Jess & Homer, 1905

Wagon Factory, Byron Cronkhite, 315- 321 E. Attica St. Building used also for

Threshers & Wagons, L. T. Austin

Ironing Boards, C. W. Meneley

Corn Shredders, Fowler, Stufflebeam; Building burned 3/1/1906

Bakery Wholesale & Retail, J. E. McCarty

Brick & Tile Plant, Habel Bros, 1889

Brick & Tile Plant Postlewait & Red- den, 1905

Incubator Factory, A. Schafer, G. Maury, P. Warner, 1908

Laundry, Stifler — Kelley — Sparrow — German — McGranahan — W. Maury.

Tinsware & Utensils, Adam Hoover

Tinware & Art Novelties, H. Cain

Poultry Dressing & Shipping, Lyons & Marko

Cabinet Shop, James Atwood.

Shoe Factory, 1894-1901

Broom Factory. Zack Norton.

Rossville Greenhouse, Villars, 1897, J. Culbert —

Baw Industries, (Cob processing,) Joe Ashbrook

Harness & Buggies, E. J. Davis

The Williamson Hotel, 109 N. Chicago Street. The first hotel at this address was built in 1859, it was improved, changed ownership and was enlarged to become a well known landmark for travelers. It was burned in 1911.

DR. JOHN C. MASON

SINCE 1930

ROSSVILLE. ILL

RESIDENT DOCTORS OF ROSSVILLE

Richard Brickwell, J. J. McElroy, S. D. Lewis, R. D. Purviance, J. Frank Heritage, M. T Livingood, T. E. De- maree, J. R. Livingood, S. R. Wilson, J. O. Palmer, C. E. Brown, E. E. Howard, F. M. Mason, Bossart, R. P. Donovan, J. C. Mason, W. R. Waschick, E. M. Bush, D. D. S., D. W. Fithian, D. D. S., A. K. Bush, D. D. S.

■iyS"?

THE OLD JOHN R. SMITH GENERAL STORE

VILLAGE OF ROSSVILLE

Daniel Liggett and his family were of pioneering tendencies and came to Illinois and Vermilion County in 18^29, and chose this for their home, which was a cabin located at 304 South Chi- cago St. (The Stufflebeam-Bracken home) . They decided to make a perma- nent home and on January 29, 1833 he entered with the government the SEV4 Sec. 11-22-12, (which is the Village south of Attica St. and west of Church St. On January 2, 1936 he entered the 80 acres just east of Church St. and south of Attica St. Mr. Lig- gett died in 1838, and the estate was cut up and divided among his heirs, and the pieces were sold and traded time after time until by the early 1850's Alvan Gilbert owned the whole tract. The 40 acres just north of Attica St. and west of Church St. was entered by Alvan Gilbert on February 15, 1836, and the 40 acres just north of that was entered November 1, 1839, also by Mr. Gilbert.

Probably the first permanent settlers here were the Daniel Liggetts in 1829, John Bean 1830, and William and George Bicknell not long after. The crossing of the Chicago-Danville trail and the Attica-Paxton road, together

with the nearness of the Northfork riv- er and the plentiful timber and fertile prairie made it the natural choice for newcomers to stop and a little commu- nity to grow. And it was equally nat- ural for it to be given the name of Lig- gett's Grove. Somewhere and for some unknown reason the little village gain- ed a decriptive name (we know not why) of "Henpeck" which appears to have been very widely used. But it was probably more or less customary for the first village or Township to he given the same name, hence with the platting of the Original Town, "ROSSVILLE" was born. (In some of the histories the writers have confused the Bicknell House — built at the river crossing two miles north of Rossville with the first settlement here.)

From Coffen's Handbook of Vermilion County, 1870

The town of Rossville is beautifully located in the northern part of Ver- milion County, on the line of the Chi- cago, Danville and Vincennes Railroad, in the edge of the timber on the North Fork of the Big Vermilion River, twenty miles north of Danville.

PRUITT'S STORE

1 1 8 S. Chicago St. Rossville, Illinois

Our Thanks to Those Pioneers of 100 years ago

Greetings to you people of today,

Most sincere wishes for the success and happiness

of those that carry

on in the next century.

A Friendly Store Where You Are Always Welcome

Hardware Gifts Toys

Kurfees Paints

THE ROSSVILLE TELEPHONE COMPANY

Serving the connnnunity nnore than sixty years

CELEBRATING OUR BIRTHDAYS

ROSSVILLE'S - 1 00th

AMERICAN LEGION'S 40th

SPEARS -DUKES POST 733

FOR COMMUNITY. STATE and NATION

The village contains nearly three hun- dred inhabitants, about twenty dwell- ing-houses having been erected here within the last year. The public school building and the excellent schools therein, under the management of Pro- fessor S. Q. Davison, assisted by the Misses Laurie Grant, Gracie Groves, and Eva Groves, is an institution which stands ahead, perhaps, of any other similar school in the county. The Meth- odist Episcopal Church lately complet- ed, is worth over $5,000.00. A Presby- terian Church is in process of erection. Business, although, perhaps, not numer- ously represented, is well represented by the excellent dry-goods store of Hen- derson; Lee & Co.; the Drug Store by I. B. Werner; the Agricultural house under charge of Mr. Deamude; and a few other stores. C. Tuttle, Esq., will soon add another dry-goods establish- ment.

The prospects of Rossville, are for the future, of the most encouraging character.

The "ORIGINAL TOWN OF ROSS- VILLE," was platted August 6, 1859, and included less than the present busi- ness district just around the cross- ing of Chicago and Attica streets, the southwest, northwest and northeast cor- ners only. The southeast corner was not platted until April 3, 1862. All on the south of Attica St. was by Alvan Gilbert, and on the north of Attica St. by Joseph Satterthwaite and Alvan Gilbert. The village grew and Gilbert's First Addition was platted in August

1869; Gilbert's Second Addition in Oc- tober 1871; Livingood's Addition (north side) in October 1871; and Gilbert's Third x\ddition in September 1873. Sev- eral others have followed these.

Rossville has grown to maturity and fulfilled the prediction of Mr. Coffeen. It is a village of such beauty that it attracts the attention of travelers and visitors. It is one of the nicest and best small towns in the county. On crossed paved highways; with good streets, well maintained: municipal water system that supplies plenty of water that is "tops"; natural gas, which became a reality in 1957; good churches with ac- tive congregations; fine schools which are up to date in facilities and curricu- lum, and staffed by well trained and qualified teachers; citizens who take pride in their homes and home town; public officials who take their respon- sibilities seriously and have an outlook toward an even better future; many

other desirable attributes and the spir- it of friendliness and helpfulness of all its people, it is only natural that to hundreds and hundreds near and far "Rossville" means "Home Sweet Home." 1959 VILLAGE OFFICIALS

President of Board — Harry M. Beck- ley.

Trustees, Francis D. Borror, Stanley W. Paulson, Robert L. Lusk, Lewis Hathaway, Willard Hughes, Russell Young.

Village Clerk, Janice Yeoman Small; Treasurer, John R. Paulson; Police Mag- istrate, Otto Judd Funk; Police Chief, Robert L. Brake.

■ MM' HI

^'-^•%ii:T

s^*^

ROSSVILLE FIRE STATION

Compliments of

PLA - MOR BOWLING ALLEYS

phone 010

502 W. Orange St. Hoopeston, Illinois

Compliments of

Harland R. Cade

CITIES SERVICE OIL CO. Consignee

Plione-766

Hoopeston, Illinois

Compliments of

JOHN DEERE VERMILION WORKS

of Deere And Company

Hoopeston, Illinois

Compliments of

HARVEY GOODRUM

BUILDING CONTRACTOR GENERAL MASONRY

ph. 526

704 W. Penn. St.

Hoopeston, Illinois

"Here's to another 100" Save Miles and Money at the new

^A/ARDS if

MONTGOMERY WARD & CO. In Hoopeston, Illinois

SEE US FOR YOUR FERTILIZER

NEEDS

DALPH - RAY - EARL

Hoopeston Fertilizer Co.

Smith - Douglass Fertilizer Hoopeston, III. - Phone 203

Compliments of

LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE

1227

Hoopeston, Illinois

ROSSVILLE INCORPORATED

The Illinois legislature passed an Act setting the plan for incorporating Vill- ages, which act was approved April 10, 1872. On July 1, 1872, thirty three resi- dents signed a petition to the County Judge, Hon. R. W. Hanford, to call an election to vote on that question, spec- ifying the territory involved as the East Half of Section 12, and the West Half of Section 11 in T22N, R12W and representing that it contained more than three hundred inhabitants.

The Judge ordered the election for July 27, 1872. The election was held as ordered, with 68 voters listed and 53 for Incorporation and 15 against. The Judge then ordered an election on August 24, 1872 to elect six trustees for the Village of Rossville, which election was held. The POLL BOOK lists the following voters; —

1. Henry Bonnett, 2. Peter Treon, 3. J. A. M. Kokendefer, 4. George Haines, 5. J. B. Haas, 6, Thomas M Elliott, 7. J. V. Anderson, 8. W. W. Little, 9. Christopher Weingand, 10, Henry Pur- tell, 11. Wm. D. Foulke, 12. John Ross, 13. E. A. Dingle, 14, Fred Makenthum, 15. Mike Welch, 16. William Iva, 17. Alvan Gilbert, 18. S. D. Lewis, 19. John

B. Lee. 20. B. A. Wait, 21. Abner Warn- er, 22, Wm. Greathouse, 23, Wm. Holden, 24. Henry Ebling, 25. George Bourne, 26. Wm. 'H. Harrison, 27. P. A. Savage, 28. John B. Warner, 29 .Allen Scott, 30. J. H. Lloyd, 31. Wm. R. Harker, 32. Ezra B. Warner, 33. Elwood Agnew, 34. J. S. Tursher, 35. John McGee, 36. John W. , 37. W. S. Head, 38. Wm.

C. Bissell, 39. S. C. Baker, 40. J. S. Stout, 41. Joseph Allen, 42. A. B. Snider, 43. J. Grant, 44. Fred Groom, 45. Calvin Gwinnup, 46. I. T. Meneley, 47. Ira Green, 48. J. R. Baldwin, 49. E. E. Cooper, 50. J. A. Goudy, 51. Wm. I. Evans, 52. E. Birch, 53. T. D. Biddle, 54, D. C. Deamude, 55. W. J. Hender- son, 56. M. T. Livingood, 57. Wm. Ross, 58 Patrick Rosater (?), 59. I. B. Warner, 60. I. W. Shilling, 61. W. I. Allen, 62. W. C. Tuttle, 63. Scott McNeil, 64. H. A. Allen, 65. A. Boyd, 66. Austin Clark, 67. Lewis Tuttle, 68. R.

D. Purviance, 69. Thomas Wilson, 70.

John S. Lee, 71. Milton Lee. 72. E. M. Gilbert, 73. John Shumate, 74. Wm. M. Phillips, 75. James Cornell, 76. Mike Graham, 77. John Britton, 78. John F. Tuttle, 79. Wm. M. Tennery, 80. E. H. Grant, 81. Benj. Z. Duley, 82. Wm. Phillips.

The election results were, Trusteees

elected; R. D. Purviance, 77, I. B. Warner, 50, W. Laidlow, 48, W. C. Tuttle, 47, Wm. LeFever, 45, and Ira Green, 45. Others, S. D. Lewis 33, John B. Lee 33, B. A. Wait 33, Deamude 33, W. W. Phillips 31, Al Gilbert 1, Ander- son 2, M. Lee 1, Grant 1.

Other men who signed the original petition to the court or voted in the first election and not listed among the above poll were —

George Bowen, W.N.Steel, Wm. S. LeFever, J. E. Hutchins, E. C. Gass, H. H. Horr, J. R. Lotbie (?), J. R. Smith, W. W. Littell, Charles Allen, C. Gwinn- up, Wm. Laidlow, Richard Groves, Robert Biddle.

Laurels to present business people for the longest records of continuous activ- ity seem to belong to Samuel Q. Smith, Clark Carter, and Jess Young, who through the years have been always on the job, dependable in their services and interested in community welfare.

y^

Sam Q. Smith has operated his own business over 50 years and Is still active. Mrs. Bert (Axie) Smith was active over 50 years but is now retired. They are not related.

COMPLIMENTS OF	Complir	nents of
SMITH ALSOP PAINT & VARNISH CO	DARB LUNCH
50 Years of Paint Making	Sandwiches	Refreshnnents
1 909 1 959	"Earl"	"John"
Danville Paint & WP Co. (991) 151 N. Vermilion Danville	310 E. Main St.	Hoopeston, III.

Comp innents of	Compliments of
liar son's Clothes Shop	WEBER'S DRUG STORE
Clothing, Shoes, Furnishings	Pau E. Weber. R. Ph.
Hoopeston, Illinois	Carl W. Weber, R. Ph.
223 Main Phone 110	The Rexall Store Hoopeston, 1 linois

The Ritz Restaurant

"Where Quality Reigns Supreme

Home Made Candies"

Breakfast — Lunches — Suppers

215 E. Main St. Hoopeston, Illinois

Compliments of

THRASHERS SHOE STORE

Hoopeston, Illinois

Hoopeston Standard Parts Co., Inc.

— Automotive Parts And Supplies —

109 N. Market St. Hoopeston, III. PHONE 825

Your NAPA Jobber is a Good Man to Know!

Machine Shop Service

COMPLIMENTS OF Frank F. Dornf eld & Co,

The Store For Men & Boys Hoopeston, Illinois

205 East Main St.

Phone 133

THE BICKNELL HOUSE

George and William Bicknell home- steaded land about two miles north of Liggett's Grove on the Northfork stream about 1835. As traffic on the "trail" increased rapidly they erected the Bicknell Inn in 1845 at the crossing of the stream, and it was well pa- tronized— it is said A. Lincoln was a patron, — and the place has been a land mark for over a century.

The house was occupied by William Bicknell, who never married, and his brother George and wife Millie Bicknell, who were parents of three children, Timothy, (born in 1835, the first white child born in Grant Township) Solomon and Clara. Millie Bicknell was a chart- er member of the Rossville Presbyterian Church. William Bicknell died in 1849 and Mr. and Mrs. George Bicknell died in 1857, and the daughter Clara kept house for her brothers until her mar- riage to Samuel Thomas in 1865. In that year they purchased for $2000.00 eighty acres in Sec. 7, T22N RllW, (the pres- ent home of Charles Thomas) which is still in the Thomas family.

Samuel and Clara Thomas had nine children, Millie, Oscar, Frank, William,

Richard, Edward, all deceased, and Charles, George, and Mary (Mrs. Ross Fetters) residing just east of Rossville. There are also six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. This is one of the few first settlers with descendants still in this community.

The Inn continued under new owners for many years, and was occupied as a dwelling until 1950 when it was moved to make way for a modern home.

Disastrous Fires

Dec. 9, 1879— School Building, N. Chi- cago St. 1886, — All buildings surrounding 2 brick

stores at 106-108 and 110 S. Chicago

St. 1888 — School Building, (Grade and

High) N. Chicago St. July 10, 1894— All stores east of Chi- cago and south of Attica Streets. 1900 — Canning Factory Mar. 1, 1906— The Red Wagon Factory,

East Attica St. 1908— Livery Barn, 106 E. Maple 1911— Williamson Hotel, 109 N.

cago St. 1917_Garage, 113 W. Attica St. 1942_Garage, 106 W. Attica St. 1945 — High School, Corner of Harrison

and Benton.

Chi-

BICKNELL HOUSE, ROSSVILLE

BEST WISHES President and Board of Trustees, Village of Rossville

H. M. Beckley, President

F. D. BORROR ROBERT LUSK

L F. HATHAWAY S. W. PAULSON

WILLARD HUGHES RUSSELL YOUNG

JOHN PAULSON. TREASURER

JANICE SMALL. VILLAGE CLERK-COLLECTOR

O. J. FUNK. POLICE MAGISTRATE

ESTON N. CASE, SUPERINTENDENT OF UTILITIES

ROBERT BRAKE. POLICE CHIEF

WILLIAM H. COX. ASSISTANT TO SUPERINTENDENT

Rice Turkey Farm

1913

1959

SERVING THE HOTEL

AND RESTAURANT TRADE

WITH A QUALITY PRODUCT

Martin & Ruth Rice

PHONE Rl 8-4713

Rossville, Illinois

Fred A. Smith Lbr. Co.

SERVING

THIS COMMUNITY

SINCE 1909

311-313 East Attica Street

Rossville, Illinois

Phone Rl 8-2061

POST OFFICE

The first regular mail service through this County began in 1832, from Chi- cago to Danville to Vincennes, Indiana. In 1836 another route was established to Decatur and Springfield, and another to Ottawa, and soon a third to the east through Newport, Rockville, Danville, Ind., and Indianapolis, and still another to Lafayette, Ind.

The first postal service for this vicin- ity was instituted at "NORTH FORK," (Mann's Chapel) in 1839, with Samuel Gilbert as Postmaster. The Post Office remained there until 1853, by which time "Liggett's Grove" or "Henpeck" had grown to a size demanding recogni- tion and so it became the new location, but the name remained "NORTH FORK." When in 1859 the Village was platted and officially named "ROSS- VILLE" from the Township name, the Post Office name was changed to "Ross- ville" also.

The office was located at times in the old Livingood home, 404 N. Chicago St:

in the building that first stood at 122

S. Chicago St; the first dwelling at 509 N. Chicago St; in some stores, and at 113 E. Attica St. for nearly thirty years, moving in 1923 to 105 N. Chicago. In 1958 a new building was occupied at 106 E. Maple Street with modern quarters and adequate room for the expanded business.

(Before Rossville had a postoffice one called "Rio" was located on Sec. 22, just south of Hoopeston — near where the open air theatre is — and Allen Lewis was postmaster about four years with income of $5.00 to $6.00 per year. That was about 1838 to 1842) .

Listed Postmasters include Alvan Gilbert, James Stewart, Joseph Satter- thwaite, W. J. Henderson, J. W. Mc- Taggert, Harry Shannon, Addie Shan- non, Addison Davis, Theodore Habel, Joseph Braden, Leo J. Byrne, Russell Young, Edward Hathaway, Ross Prather, Joseph Brown.

, sSt

. A-^aJLitCOOKlMftcur ■_

^^*">'^^ j^m^Im- ,

ROSSVILLE HARDWARE

H. M. Beckley

OWNER

115-117 E. Attica St. Telephone Rl 8-2391

A Hardware store for 86 years, in the same location.

WELCOME TO ROSSVILLE

Help us celebrate our Centennial, And have a good time.

Standard Oil Co.

SERVING ROSSVILLE

AND

SURROUNDING COMMUNITY

R. H. Weber, Local Agent Rossville, III. Phone RI 8-2461

COURSON'S

406 W. Fairchild Street

DANVILLE, ILLINOIS

Open Every Day To Serve You

Until I I P.M.

Complete Line of Food

Confections

AMBIA BOTTLE GAS

AMBIA. INDIANA

An Old Timer With A

New Service

BOTH BULK

&

BOTTLE GAS

<^Kilg^^

THI All-PURPOSE FUll

ROSSVILLE BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION

The Illinois law authorizing the in- corporation of Building and Loan Asso- ciations became effective July 1, 1879. On May 13, 1881, a committee of Ross- villc citizens presented a petition for in- corporation to the Secretary of State. They were given a permit to proceed with organization, and within ten days had applications for 255 shares of Capi- tal Stock from 4 J; subscribers.

Call for an organization meeting was issued and on June 6, 1881 the meeting was held in the old "ODD FELLOWS HALL" (the upstairs of a frame build- ing at 102 South Chicago St.) . The y chose a board of 12 Directors, and adopted their by-laws, and the Directors organized and selected the officers. This action was dulv reported and approved and the ROSSVILLE BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION was in- corporated July 25, 1881.

The officers were: President, R. W. Weld, Vice-Pres., W. S. Demaree, Sec- retary, W. D. Eoulke, Treasurer. D. Watson. Directors, (for 1 year) O. G. Crane,.W. D. Foulke, Scott Crouch. John Milligan. (For 2 years) Wm. H. Harri- son, F. J. Pastor, George Stamp, Allen Grant. (For 3 vears) W. R. Weld, Emil H. Langhans, W. Watson, W. S. De- maree. Other member-subscribers: — R. L. Dengler, John Westfall. John Ruth. C. C. McAllister, John Keller. J. S. Stout, J. M. Stafford, E. B. Werner, Harrv Shannon, W. W. Dale, Maurice W^alsh, Emma Westfall. John B. Wern- er, Charles M. Ross, Henry Hughes, Peter Treon, Mike Graham, Ezra Hack-

man, Jacob Pirl, Carl Funk, Minna Funk, W. Vining, W. T. Vining, C. D. Smith, D. Holenbeck, Edward P. Langhans, Abraham Mann, C. W. Miller, G. Maury, John J. McElroy, W. R. Harker, H. C. Troupe.

Each of these 44 members subscribed for from 1 to 25 shares of Installment Stock upon which they paid 15 cents per week per share, and as soon as funds permitted loans on improved real estate were made. Operations have con- tinued without interruption, serving both investors and borrowers, and mak- ing a valuable contribution to the growth and improvement of our fine community. We know of no other busi- ness in Rossville which can pass this record of 77 years. This Association has always been well managed, and directed by men who were prominent in the bus- iness activities of the community, and if we could list them all they would be remembered for their public interest and civil pride.

In the begining the Board of Direc- tors met every Saturday evening and the members were expected to appear and make their weekly payments of dues. As years passed the Association grew with the community, and it has kept pace with the times in adopting modern methods, and maintained the highest standard of service '^o its cus- tomers, both investors and borrowers. This service has been so well received that the volume of business has more than quadrupled in the last ten years. Present Assets. $330,000.00

I

A TYPICAL STREET SCENE OF ROSSVILLE

Compliments of

VAN ZANDT

TRUCKING CO.

George Van Zandt, Jr. Ph.-Hl-6-6848 HI-2-3860

1441 Warrington Ave. Danville, III.

Into the Wonderful World of Autodynamics At

KOEHN MOTORS, INC.

Telephone 936 319 N. Vermilion DANVILLE. ILLINOIS DESOTO — DODGE

PLYMOUTH — DODGE TRUCKS

TELEPHONE HI 2-1421

814 Warrington Avenue

Danville, Illinois

DICK DAMERY DANVILLE SCALE CO.

Howe Scales Service On All Makes

Motor Truck, Farm

and Automatic Scales

Contractors for Scale Pits

Compliments of

L. L. LENOVER

SALES & SERVICE Air Compressors 806 Warrington Ave. Danville, Ph. HI-2-0204

HICKORY 0800

Danville Tent & Awning Co.

Awnings Ornamental Iron

Tents Canvas Products

"Just a Shade Better" 219-223 West Main Street

Danville, Illinois

Compliments of

LEVERENZ

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

W. Main St.

Danville,

VERMILION COUNTY ABSTRACT COMPANY

Abstracts

"Only Complete Abstract Plant

in Vermilion County"

Title Insurance

Representative for: Chicago

Title and Trust Company

23 W. Main St. Danville, III.

Telephone HI-2-0510

^^ QUARANTESD FURS

20 W. Main Danville, Illinois

ALVAN GILBERT

The Gilbert family was of English origin, and were early settlers in the Colony of Massachusetts. Alvan Gilbert was born in Ontario County New York, July 11, 1810, the son of Samuel and Mary Morse Gilbert. He had two bro- thers, James H. and Elias M. The fam- ily came west by boat to Crawford County Ohio in the spring of 1825. The next year they came west and settled about two miles south of Danville. Solomon and Jesse Gilbert, uncles of Alvan. came to Danville. Solomon building a mill on the north fork of the Vermilion river, and Jesse starting a ferry. Alvan worked for both in their businesses.

Alvan Gilbert married Matilda Horr April 18, 1831, and they moved into Ross Township in 1832, buying a small farm from his father-in-law, on the west side of the state road at Mann's Chapel. To this he added by entry and purchase until he owned about 240 acres. Later he sold this farm to his father and pur- chased another, the north part of Ross- ville, from his uncle Solomon. He lived there for some time then sold it, and by purchase, and trades became the owner of the original Daniel Liggett farm which was the south part of Rossville. He traded extensively and probably owned about 900 acres in Ross and Grant Townships. The Gilberts had two daughters, Sarah E. who married George C. Dickson, and Nancy J. the wife of Frederick Grooms. Mrs. Gilbert died in 1849 and Mr. Gilbert later mar- ried Nancy Horr, the widow of Samuel Elzy.

When Mr. Gilbert made his perman- ent home in Liggett's Grove it was but natural that the dwelling was at the spot where Liggett originally built his cabin, — now 306 South Chicago St. His acquisition of this land was not a single transaction, but many, over several years as he bought the various parcels into which the Liggett estate had been divided and allotted to the widow and other heirs. By the mid 1850s he had probably procured all of the quarter section south of Attica St. and west of Church St. And as an active commun- ity was developing Mr. Gilbert had foresight and faith in the future and in the summer of 1859 the ORIGINAL TOWN was platted and given the name ROSSVILLE, after the Township name,

and this was officially dated August 6,

1859.

Mr. Gilbert was one of the Commis- sioners appointed by the Legislature to divide Vermilion County into Town- ships. He was chosen the first Assessor for the Township, and was an official for many years, serving as Supervisor for 18 years, and as Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors for most of thai time. In 1876 he was elected to the Illinois General Assembly. It has been reported that he secured passage of a special bill which permitted the routing of South Chicago St. with a sharp curve east at Perry St. leaving his property with a spacious front lawn. (The street was straightened in 1940 when the new highway was improved.)

ma.

■ '•Kf

Original Milestone marking Hubbard Trail, State Highway near Mann's Chapel.

Thomas Bennett, another English- man, came to America in 1851, living first in Danville and Covington, Indiana and in 1866 selecting his home site south of Rossville. He farmed exten- sively, and had a wide trade in fine livestock. He was interested in com- munity affairs, very generous and a leader in the religious life of the com- munity.

i I

ROSSVILLE AMERICAN LEGION HOME

SPEARS-DUKES POST #733 AMERICAN LEGION

Application for a charter for the Rossville American Legion was received in the Department of Illinois June 22, 1921, with the name of Lloyd K. Spears Post #706. Seventeen veterans signed the application: F. Grant Williamson, Thomas E. Maury, Percy B. Potts, Dean E. Reece, Roy S. O'Laughlin, Otto F. Yeoman, Harold C. Grays, Gharles D. Borror. Otto N. Siewert, Alva Gronk- hite, Fred L. Ervin, Offie Sloan, W. Earl Wright, Joseph A. Grimier, Glar- ence Morgan, Robert Bivans, Arista Trough.

Post #706 was in existence in 1921 with 36 members; in 1922, 17 members in 1923 there were no members and the Post was cancelled. Then on December 14, 1927, application for charter for Lloyd K. Spears Post #733 was filed with fifteen veterans' signatures: Har- old G. Grays, Thomas C. Stifler, Glar- ence E. Morgan. Russell Young, Alva Gronkhite, Leo G. Smith. Ivan F. Bond, Eric O. Ryberg, Fern F. Goon, John Davidson, Dean E. Reece, Francis D.

Borror, James E. Blake, Made H. Seals, Raymond H. Poland.

On January 22, 1947 the name of the Post was changed to Spears-Dukes Post #733. Thus an infantry soldier and an air force veteran, who died a war apart are memorialized by Rossville's American Legion Post. Pvt. Lloyd K. Spears was the only Rossville man to lose his life in World War I, and T. Sgt. William Dukes, the first to lose his life in the second World War.

Pvt. Spears was born in Kentucky and moved with his family to Ross- ville in 1905 when he was 18. He was drafted in 1917 into the Infantry, and died in 1918 in France, a victim of a German air raid. Sgt. Dukes was a native of Gollison, 111., and graduated from Rossville High School in 1940 and enlisted in 1942 in the Air Force. He was a veteran radio-operator and gun- ner in a B-17 bomber, and lost his life in an airplane crash over Reedham, England. February 21, 1944.

Ten boys who called Rossville "home," who gave their lives in W..W. II are: Harold Gasner, Kenneth Huff- man, Richard McLain, James Ghittick,

Wilbur Hughes, Harold Poland, Her- shel Mullins, William Dukes, Harold Lackey, Harlan Steele.

Eugene Lewis lost his life on a Ijuinl)- ing mission over Korea during the Ko- rean conflict.

Legion meetings were held in the rooms above 102 S. Chicago St. until 1934, when the Post purchased the Depler home at 105 Gilbert St. In 1952 this was sold to start the erection of the new Legion Home just completed on Thompson Ave. Volunteer labor is pri- marily responsible for this handsome Post edifice.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the American Legion, formed in Paris, France, March 15-17, 1919, with a purpose to "safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy", for which they had lately fought. This determin- ation was incorporated in the preamble to the Legion constitution, which reads: "To preserve the memories and inci- dents of our associations in the great war, To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness".

The American Legion plays an im- portant role in veterans affairs. Vol- unteer service officers promate the Le- gion's vast rehabilitation programs. They initiate most of the claims for Veterans and their dependents. It's rehabilitation program is of service for the welfare of all Veterans, particularly the disabled, their dependents, the war widows and orphans. This involves the Gifts to Yanks and the distribution of the Poppy (the memorial flower of the dead) .

One of the greatest peacetime con- tributions the Legion has made has been in helping youngsters, in child welfare and youth work. The local Post spon- sors a Little League Baseball Team. Other programs under Americanism in- clude Boys State and Boys Nation. Post ^733 annually gives American Legion School Awards which is maintained on a national level, thru the Americanism commission of the American Legion.

1958-1959 OFFICERS

Commander George F. Perkins; Vice Comm. John C. Carter; Vice Comm. Clark Funk; Adjutant Joe P. Barragree Jr.; Finance Officer James C. Davis; Chaplain Leon Lloyd; Sgt. At-Arms

Richard Hughes; Historian Curtis Ger-

man.

PAST COMMANDERS

F. Grant Williamson, Carl W. Smith, Russell Young, C. E. Morgan, Alva Cronkhite, Francis Borror, Wade H. Seals, Harry M. Seals, Otto F. Yeoman, Raymond H. Poland, Walter Ernst, W'. L. Freese, Lawrence Mclntyre, Ray- mond Green, John Falconer, Jay Prilla- man, Robert L, Lusk, Russell L. In- gram, Dallas Denison, Otto Judd Funk, Curtis German, Vernon LaMar, Clark Baker, Arlyn Dain, James C. Davis, Leland Lewis, George F. Perkins.

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT #733

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit to Post #733 was organized in Febru- ary 1929, by Katherine Best the 18th District Director, with fourteen char- ter members: Gertrude Stifler, Wanda B. Davidson, Edna Boardman, Pansy M. Poland, Verna T. Strickler, Hetty M. Young, Mabel E. Blary, Lucille Morgan, Dorothy Ann Morgan, Esther Stifler, Bertha R. Cronkhite, Marjorie Young, Rachel R. Reece, Mary C. Spears.

Seven of the Charter members still belong to the Unit. The first President was Gertrude (Mrs. Thomas) Stifler. There have been 23 Presidents, seven serving more than once; they are: Ger- trude Stifler, Verna T. Strickler, Lucille Morgan, Marjorie Young, Pansy Po- land, Eunice Fitzwater, Blanche Bor- ror, Rachael Reece, Elizabeth Paulson, Effie Huffman, Maude Ernst, Esther Crawford, Mary Gladden, Claire Funk, Leola Queen, Winifred Yeoman, Marie Henak. Hazel King, Sue Funk, Ida Schaffer, Louise Foster, Betty Jackson, Evelyn Dain.

Prior to World War II a high of 58 members was reached, in 1958 the Unit reached an all time high of 205.

In 1934. the Junior Auxiliarx^ was formed with sixteen daughters of Le- gionnaires enrolled. Present enrollment is 44. The Auxiliary also assisted the same year in the formation of Squadron #733 "Sons of The American Legion", enrolling 21 boys.

In the number one program, for which both Legion and Auxiliary were orga-

THE "300" ROOM

Perfect Food - Perfect Service

THE BOWLING BALL

Danville, Illinois Your Host— Bill Bolick

Perfect Food - Perfect Service

Your Host — Bill Bolick

THE

Crest

Air-Conditioned PERFECT FOOD

On U. S. Routes I and 136 N. - Danville, Illinois

A PROGRESSIVE STORE

GRAY CLOTHING CO

SERVING A PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY.

Jack Gray

L. A. HARRIS — INSURANCE

HERE TO SERVE ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS

107 Maple St. Rossville, Illinois

nized, :^733 has more than carried its share of the load. Participating in a financial way to all phases at a Nation- al and Departmental level, the Unit has maintained a corps of Volunteer work- ers (Gold Ladies) contributing thous- ands of hours and huge sums of ma- terial value to Danville V.A. Hospital as well as other Veteran Hospitals throughout the state. Auxiliary Ser- vice Motto: "It is so easy to forget, so blessed to remember."

Other programs carried out exten- sively are: Child Welfare, Americanism, including "Girl Good Citizen" selec- tions, Girl's State, Veterans' Craft Ex- change, National Security, Civil De- fense, Legislation. Pan-American, Gold Star, Education of War Orphans, Com- munity Service, and Music.

Since its organization, the Unit has had representation continously on the District Board, including two District Directors, as well as one Fourth Divi- sion President, one Department Chap- lain, one Veterans Administration Hos- pital Chairman, and numerous Depart- ment chairmanships and services. Unit #733 has won many awards for service.

In the new Post Home, the Auxiliary has answered the Legion's request to furnish the kitchen, ladies lounge, and any such other furnishing projects as can be accomplished.

1958-1959 OFFICERS

President Mary Gladden; 1st Vice- Pres. Gertrude Green; 2nd Vice-Pres. Gladys Laursen; Secretary Alice Cour- son; Treasurer Pansy Poland; His- torian Marjorie Tweedy; Chaplain Gol- die Pruitt; Sgt. At-Arms Betty Gad- dis; Asst. Sgt.-At-Arms Louise Barra- gree.

Herbert Smith Jr., Rossville letter carrier

FRED A. SMITH LUMBER CO. Observes BOtfi Anniversary

This vear has been a "Golden" one for the Fred A. Smith Lumber Com- pany in Rossville, observing its 50th anniversary January 9th. The firm pur- chased the business from John E. Swift on January 9th and the actual deed was signed by Mr. Swift and his wife Nellie H. on March 11th 1909.

The lumber yard was originally founded in 1888 by the late L. K. Yeo- man who was a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, and moved to Jasper County Indiana at the age of three and left the farm for Kansas in 1885. Three years later he came to Illinois and settled in Rossville and founded the Lumber yard.

Mr. Yeoman was killed on January 13, 1901 in a tragic accident as he was returning to Rossville after attending a horse and mule sale. Following his death the lumber yard was sold to John and Nellie Swift, who operated it until it was sold to the present owner.

Records indicate that the present lumber shed was built in April 1912 at a cost of $2,357.31. This included the office of the company and was used until late in 1948 when work was started on remodeling the office. That task was completed in early 1949 and the com- pany now has one of the finest yards in Illinois.

A list of managers from 1909 includes Lee Ireland; Clark C. Carter; Dick Miller; Ivan Bond; Merle Clem and Cecil Green who has been in charge since early in 1935. Through the years the company has had only two field man- agers; they are Leo Ireland and the pres- ent manager Irvin L. Weller. The com- pany president is F. F. Bailey who has offices in Rockford, 111.

In recent years many new homes have been built in Rossville, from small neat and attractive cottages to elaborate and ornate residences, and during the same time many existing homes have been remodeled and modernized into late style dwellings. If space permitted us to picture them you would see that every street is lined with well kept cheerfully inviting places, whose attractiveness could not be surpassed anywhere.

ILLINOIS LUMBER, GRAIN & COAL CO.

At Your Service 1875

Building Industry Headquarters Hoopeston, Illinois

PHONE 9

SILVER BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO.

Washington Street At

C. & E. I. Railroad

HOOPESTON. ILLINOIS

William Silver Harry Silver

Phone 1251 Phone 476

LEE & TWEEDY

LIVESTOCK HAULING — GENERAL TRUCKING

Phone - 485 or 140

"Chuck" Lee

Hoopeston, Illinois

"Don" Tweedy

HAROLD E. COX

HOOPESTON INSURANCE AGENCY

ALL TYPES OF INSURANCE

1 05 5. Market

Hoopeston, Illinois

PHONE 54

Jones Implement Co.

N. Market St. Hoopeston, III.

NEW IDEA — A-C

FARM EQUIPMENT

Phone 219

"We Service All Makes of Radio and Television"

HOOPESTON RADIO & TV SERVICE

106 N. Market St. Hoopeston, III.

CULBERT THE FLORIST

One of the few family businesses operated tor more than 60 years and now in the third generation, which has become a Rossville "Institution" through its long and high quality service.

James Culbert was born at John's Haven, Kincardenshire, Scotland

August 31, ]846. He grew to manhood and learned the horticulture trade on a large estate. In 1869 he came west to St. Catherines, Canada, where he lived ten yea'"^ following his trade. He then came '.^ St. Louis, Mo., where he met and married Antoinette Johnson who had cmie to the United States from Prague. It was there that their son John was born.

In 1896 the family moved to Ross- ville, purchiisi'ig a small greenhouse from James Villars. It was located on the south side of McKibben St. and was later moved to its present location and enlarged. In the early years Mr. Culbert maintained the business here and also sold plants and flowers from a horse drawn wagon, visiting the neighboring towns, from where manv children and grandchildren of former customers now come in their fine modern cars to take advantage of the fine Culbert service.

Mr. Culbert was ably assisted by his wife who always greeted friends and customers in a very gracious manner. He was joined by his son John in 1908, at which time they added more glass.

In 1913 John was married to Mabel Case, who was an able partner in the business. They have two sons John Robert, and James. Both saw service in

W. W. II, and upon their return to civilian life followed the "family line" and John Robert Culbert has advanced in the profession to be Professor in Floriculture at the University of Illinois. James worked with his father until 1957, when he took over the business. The business has a new modern shop, with greatly expanded facilities. And Wholesaling has been added. They grow fifteen acres of summer and early fall flowers at their place at 512 N. Chicago St. and instead of a horse drawn wagon, they send out daily a large refrigerated truck which supplies many of the retail florists located within a 60 mile radius from Rossville. James is assisted by his wife Molly, and their three children. Jimmy. Bruce and Laura, the fourth generation of Culberts who may become the future florists of Rossville.

i^ttSM

ROSSVILLE CEMETERY

CHECK WARDS LOV/ PRICES

power-froc

TRACTOR TIRES

• Long-angled tread bars give greater traction . . . extra pull

• Husky, tough body stands up to constant poundings, shocks

• Self-cleaning tread design DRIVE NOW... PAY LATER

on Wards convenient terms

WARDS

\n

Danville, Illinois

Compliments of

Custom Kitchen Shop

Phone 67111

Custom Cabinets And Formica

Counter Tops .... Mlllwork

3180 N. Vermilion St.

Danville, Illinois

BERRY'S

Farm & Home Store

2807 N. Vermilion

Danville, Illinois

Complete line of Gro-Coated field & Garden Seeds

Compliments of

GOODLOE E. MOORE INC.

2811 N.Vermilion

Danville, III.

Compliments of

HILL LUMBER COMPANY

Hickory 6-8007 Danville, Illinois

Compliments of

Elton A. Wagner Co.

505 North Gilbert Street

DANVILLE. ILLINOIS

Hickory 6-0203

GURDON SALTONSTALL HUBBARD (From his autobiography published 1888 (% Mrs. D. W. Fithian and other histories)

Giirdon Hubbard was born August 22 1802, in Windsor, Vermont, — the son of Elizur Hubbard, and Abigail Sage, Hub- bard. His father was a lawyer, who in 1812 lost everything through bad in- vestments. Gurdon was sent to live with an aunt where he could attend school. He returned home and in 1815, the family went to Canada, but Mr. Hub- bard being an American citizen could not practice law there, and they were in very distressed circumstances. Gurdon, though young, was active in business, buying and peddling produce, starting with a capital of 25 cents. In 1816 he secured employment in a hardware store, working as clerk and handyman for nearly two years. Then he signed up to work for the American Fur Co. as a clerk, and in Mid May 1818 the outfit left for the west. Many weeks of trying travel conditions brought the outfit to Mackinaw Island, where the fur tradeil gathered and brought their furs in the spring for shipment east; then in the fall would return to their posts for the winter hunting seasons. Hubbard's first assignment was clerk with an outfit picked to go to Fond-du-Lac (Lake Superior. But through friends he suc- ceeded in getting a transfer and was sent to the Illinois river territory and St. Louis. While they were at Mac- kinaw he he came a close friend of John H. Kinzie, who later became a business associate, and was a very im- portant citizen of Chicago.

Hubbard's first arrival in Illinois territory was at Calumet river Septem- ber, 30, 1818. The next day the party continued around the lake shore and reached Fort Dearborn and Chicago. His second trip in 1819 brought him a- gain to Illinois. His business and travels took him to St. Louis, Starved Rock, a- long the Des Plaines river. Ft. Clark (Peoria) , Blue Island, The Fox river, Kalamazoo river, Muskegon and other points in Michigan. He continued in north Illinois, until 1823 when he was assigned to the Iroquois country — which included the Kankakee river, and the Iroquois river to a point just south of Watseka, and a wide hunting area.

It was natural for him to reach out, and by 1824 he had picked out a good route from Iroquois to Chicago, and then extended it on to Danville. It ex- tended through what is now Blue Is- land, Homewood, Bloom, Crete, Grant, Momence, Beaverville, Iroquois, Hoop- eston, Myersville, and Danville, then further southwest to the salt works, Be- ment and Blue Point in Effingham County. His choice of route evidently was good, for in 1833-34 the Illinois General Assembly ordered a State Road to be located from Vincennes to Chicago and milestones be placed from Danville to Chicago, and the Commission adopt- ed this trail most of the way.

Hubbard established headquarters in Danville about 1824 for his fur business reaching out to stations on the Em- barrass and Little Wabash rivers. About 1827 this business slumped and he abondoned those stations and built the first frame building in Vermilion County, a store room, at the SE corner of Vermilion and Main streets, where the Palmer American National Bank now stands. His partner in the enter- prize was Norman D. Palmer. The Ind- ians came from many miles around to trade, bringing their families and camp- ing on the bluffs for days at a time, trading their furs for the available merchandise. This business continued to shrink and about 1832 Hubbard con- verted his business to stock more suited to the needs of white settlers. Being de- sirous of returning to Chicago and his land interests there he sold his store and business to Dr. William Fithian, who continued it for some time. Dr. Fithian came to Danville in 1832 from Ohio, was a very civic minded man, and acquired extensive land holdings around the village of Fithian.

In earlier years Hubbard had an Indian wife, Watseka, by name, and she is remembered by the town (probably) named in her honor. However it is said that she could not become accustomed to civilized ways and returned to her tribe. Later in 1831 Hubbard married Miss Elenora Berry, whose sister mar- ried Dr. Fithian.

Campbell's Pharmacy

Walgreen Agency

Hoopeston, Illinois Reliable Prescriptions

BLOYD'S SUPER MARKET

"Your Food Store of Friendly Service"

226 E. Main Street Hoopeston, Illinois

Complinnents of

MAIN STREET

INN

Beer — Liquor — Wine

206 E. Main St.

Hoopeston, Illinois

PHONE: 127

Hoopeston Implement Co.

Hoopeston, Illinois SYMBOL OF SERVICE

Complinnents of

C. J'S PUMP

DIXIE HIGHWAY

HOOPESTON ILLINOIS

KINGS KASTLES DRIVE-IN

Specializing In

Fine Food

Where Quality

Has No Substitute

Dixie Highway Hoopeston, Illinois

Complinnents of

UPTOWN LOUNGE

PHONE 04 E. MAIN ST.

HOOPESTON. ILL.

Connpliments of

DALE & JERRY'S BARBER SHOP

108 E. Main St.

Hoopeston, Illinois

Hubbard was the builder of the first Court House in Vermilion County, and active in many other improvements.

Hubbard had endeavored to interest some Danville people in investing in lands around Lake Michigan, but with- out success. When he left Danville a- bout 1834, he became a very active booster in everything for improving Chicago. He built the first brick building in

Chicago. He was the first meat packer in Chi- cago. He was the first Insurance Underwriter

in Chicago. He helped organize the first Episcopal

Church (St. James) He represented Vermilion Co. in the

General Assembly 1932-1833. He encouraged the building of the Illi- nois & Michigan Canal, and was on the first board of commissioners. He took the first flat boat from Dan- ville via the Wabash, Ohio and Miss- issippi rivers to New Orleans, 1829. He was one of the first trustees of the "Town of Chicago" when incorpor- ated in 1835.

And countless other important under- takings.

He was a man of great physical stam- ina, moral courage, and upright char- acter which brought him the respect of all who knew him.

Hubbard Woods at Chicago was named

in his honor.

He died. Sept. 14, 1886, after an ill- ness of three years, suffering with blood poison, losing one eye in 1883 and the other in 1885. He was buried in Grace- land Cemetery.

For many years the Hubbard Trail monument in the Bracken yard has at- tracted the attention of local residents and visitors. The following story was told this writer: — Some years after Mr, Hubbard had left these parts he return- ed and came to Rossville for a visit and to hunt deer. While visiting with his host with stories of his experiences on the trail, his host asked him just where the trail ran through Rossville for he would like to put up a marker. Mr. Hubbard located the place exactly and offered to send a marker if his host would have it set up.

ROSSVILLE. NOVEMBER 1863

By Charles W. Warner

(Rossville Press 1 2-1 -1 92 1)

Mr. Warners list of the buildings in Rossville in November 1863 is given with present street addresses and occu- pants. George Dickson, Res. 707 S. Chicago St.

(Noble Taylor's res.) Fred Groom, Res. 505 E. Attica, (J. W.

Ashbrook.)

Alvan Gilbert, Res. 304 S. Chicago,

(Mrs. Marcia Brackin.)

Hotel, 109 N. Chicago, (Dr. Mason's

dwelling) Store. 102 N. Chicago, (Grab-It-Here

Store) W. J. Henderson, Res. 403 N. Chicago,

(Mae Hathaway Res.) James R. Stewart, Res. 509 N. Chicago, (Minnie Thomas Res. East half.) James Byrne. Res. 110 N. Chicago,

(Texaco Gas Station) Joseph Satterthwaite. Res. & Post

Office, 402 N. Chicago st. (North

part of H. S. Grounds) Wm. Laidlow, Res. 108 W. Attica,

(Township Building)

George Bourne, Res. 112 W. Attica, (Barthel Baker Res.)

Store, 102 S. Chicago St. (Cy's Barber Shop.) The 1st store built in town.

Dr. Richard Brickwell, Res, 111 W. Attica, (Emery Beckley Res.)

School House, 117 W. Attica, (Still a part of Ross Songer's house.)

W. J. Henderson Store — frame — 106- 108 S. Chicago (Grays Clothing)

Christopher Weingand, Res & Shoe, 112 S. Chicago. (Self Help Groc.)

An apple orchard surrounded by a rail fence, with tall flag pole in corner, occupied the lot where the First Na- tional Bank stands and on eastward.

All east of Chicago St. and south of Attica St. was meadow and farm land.

By 1871 there were about twenty to twenty-five houses here and among the businessmen were James Cornell, J.R. Smith. W. J. Henderson. D. C. Deamude and Van Haas. This report states that Alvan Gilbert's home was the first brick building in the county outside of Danville.

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a'mM,mtmafm'Mff'""'-u,Mm,,Hh,,m,m*fi!>f.

oMi- ■Jriiiiii wumf"

"<%-

ROSSVILLE TELEPHONE CO.

The Rossville Telephone Co., received its franchise from the Village about 1896 or 1897, and began construction of its plant and lines. These grew and in a few years connected Rossville with Alvin. Bismarck, Henning, Jamesburg and Pence, Indiana. After a few years Pence was detached and became a part of the system then expanding in Warren County.

The first central office was in the rooms above the First National Bank, but about 1904 or 1905 the Company purchased a dwelling at 110 N. Chicago St., where they had rooms for the switchboard, sleeping room for night operators, a business office and a work shop with adequate outside space. This was headquarters until April 1927, when thev bought and occupied the building at 104 E. Attica St.

The first Directory of September 1958

listed 38 subscribers.

Charles Brown, (Alvin), Cunning- ham, W. T., Citizens Bank, C.&. E. I. R. R., Citv Engine House, Cadle, Philip, Demaree, Dr. T. E., Dwyer. O. E., Evans House, Habel Bros, Hoover. A, Res., Hoover, A. Store, Hale, O. E.. In- dependent Office, James, W. H., Judy & Landon. Kellev, J. (Alvin). Lee, Mrs. Kate, Mason, Dr. F. M.. Maury, G. E., McGuire, R. G., Putnam, Ed, Prilla- man, W. ]M., Press Office, Palmer, Dr. J. A.. Reed, J. W., Stewart. F. L.. Swift, J. E., Stifler. J. K., Stufflebeam, O. P., Smith, George S., Shumate, Chas., AVilliamson Hotel, Wilson & Umbarger, AVarner, P. M.. Wilson, Dr. S. R., Williams, D., Yeoman, L. K.

Present subscribers, 1275.

The Rossville Telephone Co. was in- corporated January 7, 191.3, by Perry M. Warner, Charles Warner, and Fred

Draper, with 400 shares of stock. From time to time there were changes in offi- cers and transfers of stock, nntil Janu- ary 1934 when the Central West Utili- ties Corporation became the princii)al owner. Mr. Warner continned as man- ager being succeeded by Mrs. INIary Strickler Jan. 1, 1943, to July 1. 195'2. Edward Summerill served for a year when Henry Thompson of Petersburg. Indiana became general manager with Edward Hirsch in charge locally, suc- ceeded by C. Lowell Woodruff May 1. 1959.

The Company has endeavored to meet the needs of the territory and to keep abreast of the times. It is now fully modern having installed dial service in Alvin, July 1. 1950, Henning, April 3. 1953. Rossville January 15. 1956. and Bismarck June 15, 1956. The office building is fully modernized, and as a result of recent ice and sleet storms almost all lines have been completely rebuilt.

March 16, 194^2, noon — a severe cyclone destroyed almost two-thirds of all buildings in Alvin. leaving destruc- tion, six dead and many injured. With the back part of the telephone office

building blown off, windows out, and only one out line working, the coura- geous operator, Mrs. Jennie Crouse, worked steadily for more than fourteen hours, calling aid, sending and receiving messages,; directing the injured and the workers; and turning one room of the office into a first aid station. For her alertness and heroic unselfish service she was awarded the Theodore N. Vail silver medal and $500.00.

List of employees of the Rossville Telephone Company should include: — Operators: — Naomi Davis, Lillian Stif- ler. Estella Bogart, Georgia Kinney, Earl Miller, Anna Williamson, Mary Long, Cleo Williamson. Josephine Sant- myre. Elizabeth Hazel, Anna May Nichols. Pearl Cline, Lola Seals, Eva Bogart. Myrtle Watson. Bernice Sey- mour, Rebecca Bray, Pearl Hann, Mrs. Hogue, Juanita Seals, Etta Mack, Mary Gladden;

Bookkeepers and linemen; Flora Pre- voe. Bessie Cornell, Bernice Young, Rachael Reece. Marv Strickler, Frank Reinbold. G. Will Miller, Herbert Wil- liamson, H. M. Seals, L. Mclntyre, Me. Hogue, John Falconer. Jack Smock.

*<>'*^Sf<»

VIEW IN ROSSVILLE CEMETERY

Queen Candidates and Sponsors

^cs^W "« -~„

Doris Beckner

Bonnie Bowles

Bonnie Butzow

r

V

r, ^Jn"

Patricia Courson

Norah Gernand

Ann Harris

DORIS BECKNER Rossville Home Bureau

BONNIE BOWLES Rossville High School

(Student Council)

BONNIE BUTZOW Rossville Saddle Club

PATRICIA COURSON American Legion Auxiliary

(Post 733)

NORAH GERNAND First Presbyterian Church

ANN HARRIS American Legion

(Spears-Dukes Post 733)

.' ,«»^ ***

Mary Lou Hathaway

^r"^

Joet+a Hughes

Theda Lou Piatt

Sara Prillaman

Roberta Queen

Marilyn Weinard

Diana Widan^an

MARY LOU HATHAWAY First Methodist Church

JOETTA HUGHES Rossville Boy Scout Troop

THEDA LOU PLATT Rossville Woman's Club

SARA PRILLAMAN Rossville Commercial Club

ROBERTA QUEEN Order of Eastern Star

(Rossville Chapter)

MARILYN WEINARD Antioch Pixies 4-H Club

DIANA WIDAMAN Rossville Civic Woman's Cxub

SUNBEAM

Bread With A Bonus

Congratulations

SNIDERS

•■COTTON SHOP"

Vermilion At North — Danville,

DANVILLE CAR SALES

102 South Street

DANVILLE. ILLINOIS

Authorized Rannbler Dealer

Hickory 2-0580

Vermilion Lumber Co.

615 North Jackson St.,

Phones 324 and 325

DANVILLE. ILLINOIS

THE HOUR GLASS

410 N. Vermilion

Danville, Illinois

The Finest In Charcoal Steaks — Sea Foods

Ph. 8242

123 N. Ver.

Danville

KELLY

WILBERT BURIAL VAULT CO.

Urbana. Illinois Danville. Illinois

^PUR FUNE^RAt DIRf CTQR

'|S&<: K NO WS BEST ih*S|. r- .

George B. Satterwhite Co.

Kraft System Recapping

V/heel Balancing

Radio & Batteries

12-14-16 N. V/alnut Street

Phone 993

DANVILLE, ILL.

U. S. ARMY RADAR SITE

The Rossville Radar Site, situated one mile north and one mile east of the Village, was constructed early in 1958 and was activated in May with a com- plement of fourteen men. The site com- mander is Master Sergeant James L. Wooten, who is assisted by Sergeant First Class Leonard I.. Christensen.

The Army personnel assigned here are well aware that they are playing a vital role in the defense of our nation. Their primary purpose is to provide an early warning for the Chicago-Milwaukee de- fense area in the event that enemy planes should attempt to get through to those heavy industrial concentrations.

The site is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A large antenna is constantly scanning the skies for uni- dentified planes. Three men are on duty at all times to record and plot infor- mation received on the radar's screen.

Three structures make up the instal- lation; they are a generator hut, the radar antenna, and the radar control and administration building. Sleeping and eating billets for the unmarried personnel are provided in Hoopeston, while families have been provided with dwelling places.

The Rossville installation is one of 10 sites in and around Chicago that work

in conjunction with the Nike Missile Site in Chicago. It is a part of the Radar Detachment (Provisional), 45th Artillery Brigade (Air Defense), Ft. Sheridan, 111., which commands the Chicago-Gary anti-aircraft defenses, and is commanded by Brig. General Peter Schmick.

Another man, a native of Ireland, who came in 1862 was W. J. Henderson. He was very energetic in promoting and building up die town. He started his first store in 1862, and in 1864 built a good frame building at 106-108 S. Chi- cago St. This was replaced in 1875 by the brick building still there, and which was very advanced in style and quality and attracted attention throughout the County. (The second story room was the "Opera House" for many years.) Mr. Henderson engaged in merchandis- ing, farming, hotel keeping, grain buy- ing and general trading, for about thirty years. He was the father of five daugh- ters, Jennie, Mary E. (Mrs. Charles Ellis), Fanny (Mrs. Dan Maury), Elizabeth E. (Mrs. Dan Watson) , all deceased and Anna (Mrs. Frank Davis.) Davis) .

U. S. ARMY RADAR STATION

1824 EAST MAIN STREET

DANVILLE. ILLINOIS

PHONE 2595

LUXOR MOTEL

LUXOR EGYPTIAN DINING ROOM

1827 East Main Street Danville. Illinois Phone 951 I

Congratulations to the Citizens of Rossville. Illinois

on their 100 years of success

THE BORDEN CO. Milk Div.

1024 E. Fairchild Danville. III. Ph. 3294

TIRES

For Farm-Factory-Truck-Car

SEE

NOBLE MOTOR COMPANY

GOODYEAR on WEST MAIN STREET

Danville, Illinois

"More People Ride on Goodyear Tires

Than on Any Other Kind"

COMPLIMENTS OF

PALMER DISTRIBUTING CO.

422 S. BOWMAN AVE.

DANVILLE. ILL.

CARLING BLACK LABEL BEER

ROSSVILLE METHODIST CHURCH

As settlements spread northward in the county, the first permanent homes in Ross Township were at what is now Mann's Chapel. The little settlement welcomed the occasional visits of itiner- ant preachers, and about 1837 the first Methodist class was formed, and be- came known as Bennett Class, being named for the leader and teacher Thomas Bennett, Sr. The population grew slowly, and the class continued to grow until it organized as a church and the Brick Church Building (stiil stand- ing and being restored as a historical shrine) was erected and dedicated in 1857.

By this time "Liggett's Grove", "Henpeck" or "Rossville" as it was later named, had begun to thrive as a com- munity about three miles north and church services were held there from time to time. Interest was good and the Rossville Methodist Church was or- ganized during the winter of 1868 in the school building, where Sunday School and Church meetings were held until the erection of their first building which was dedicated July 17. 1870. The build- ing was of brick, 34x56 feet, and cost $5,500.00.

Among the first members of the church were: Dr. & ]\Irs. M. T. I-ivin- good; Mr. and Mrs. Noah Messick; Mr.

and Mrs. S. Q. Oavidson; Mrs. Hannah Brickwell; Mr. and Mrs. Milton Lee; Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Dingle; Mrs. P. Pendergrast; Mr. and Mrs. Henry D. Campbell; Mrs. John E. Little.

The church grew and soon needed more room so an addition or Chapel was built to the east side of the building. This was during the pastorate of Rev. W. T. Beadles, 1886-1890. Many pres- ent old-timers remember this building well. After a decade of growth, the con- gregation again felt the need of more adequate modern quarters, and in the winter of 1902-03 it was decided to erect a new" building, and a committee of eight was chosen to direct the work; F. L. Stewart, Chairman; D. W. Fithian, Secretary; D. Watson. Treasurer; Philip Cadle; George S. Smith; William Bar- cus; O. P. Stufflebeam; and Charles Umbarger. They met first April 6, 1903, proceeded with plans, and in the late summer the cornerstone was laid, dur- ing the pastorate of Rev. E. A. Hamil- ton. Rev. T. L. Hancock came to serve the charge that fall and carried the project on to completion with dedi- cation February 28, 1904. The overall cost of this project was $16,000.00. The Ladies Aid Society worked diligently to furnish the carpeting, pulpit furniture and other items, the members con-

Jim Allen Chevrolet Company

Telephone 400

212 West Main Street

Hoopeston, Illinois

YOUR CHEVROLET HEADQUARTERS

THE BODY SHOP

Roy Biedenkopf, Owner

Wheel Alignment - Auto Glass

Radiator Repairs

221-223 First Avenue Telephone 186

Hoopeston, Illinois

Harris Bottling Co.

"Our Beverages Will Always Satisfy"

Hoopeston Illinois

Phone 792

Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.

General Of-fices:

Stokelys Finest Foods

Indianapolis 6, Indiana

Van Camps Beans

Hoopeston, Illinois

PIZZA KING

■HAVE PIZZA - WILL TRAVEL"

109 E. Main Street

Hoopeston

Illinois

tributed liberally and on the day of dedication the entire amount was over- subscribed by $1300.00.

The building was very new in archi- tectural style, decorated most beauti- fully, and fitted with furniture of equal beauty and elegance. It supplied ade- quate room for the needs of that day, and was an accomplishment which gave satisfaction and pride to the congrega- tion and to the community as a whole.

In 1915 Philip Cadle presented the fine Austin pipe organ, which has add- ed much to the services through the years. Though not a large organ, it is classed among the very best to be hr,d. In 1947 Mrs. George Merritt, with the assistance of the Co-Workers Class and other individuals, presented the am- plifying system by which music is broadcast through loud speakers on the outside of the church. This part of the program brings church services much closer to the aged and sick who are shut in.

Growing membership and increasing church activities gave the officials con- cern and our lack of space was a matter of discusison for many years but with- out positive action until early in 1948 the will to meet the need took hold, and a general meeting resulted in a decision to proceed with plans, and a committee was appointed, with Rev. J. Henry Cox and Wayne Pruitt as chairmen; F. C. Reinbold, Treasurer; Charles Mason; Sidney Adams; Delmar James; Richard Schlecht; Clarence Morgan; and Her- man Starr. Architect Harvey Skadden was contacted, and he submitted a plan which contained all the features we de- sired and matched perfectly vrith the original building. It was approved and put up for bids, and contract let to Dahlquist & Sons, of Milford, for $16,- 000.00. Earth was turned August 9th, and work moved steadily to completion in early spring, with dedication May 14, 1949. The addition was named "FELLOWSHIP HALL", and the ad- dress was by Dr. Thomas Bransford Lugg, son of a former pastor, and now Executive Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Missions of the Methodist Church, on the subject, "FOR CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH".

With the extra interior equipment, lighting, new heating system, etc., the total of this project reached $30,000.00 which was readily met by the generous giving of our members and friends, by

the Women's Society of Christian Ser- vice, and special gifts.

The Church is fully organized and ac- tive in every department, education, evangelism, missions, and supporting the work of Benevolences, World Ser- vice, Colleges, Seminaries, Hospitals, Orphan Homes, etc, etc,. Membership is 404, and Sunday School enrollment, 260.

Though this was organized as a METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, with the unification of sev- eral Methodist bodies in 1939 it became a part of that large worldwide organi- zation now known as THE METHOD- IST CHURCH.

Probably the first Methodist minis- ters to visit this community were Rev. Hiram Buck and Rev. W. H. W^ebster. Both came as circuit riders, but after- ward became Presiding elders. Pastors serving Rossville have been: —

1868-70 J. A. Kumler, 1871 D. D. Alkire, 1871-72 B. F. Hyde, 1873-75 James Miller, 1876-78 James Shaw, 1879-81 Robert Stephens, 1882-84 Job Ingram, 1885 M. M. Davidson, 1886-90 W. T. Beadles, 1891-93 J. Win- terbottom. 1894-97 M. Auer, 1898-00 W. S. Phillips, 1900 J. M. Morton, 1901- 02 E. A. Hamilton, 1903-05 T. L. Han- cock, 1906-13 E. H. Lugg, 1914, M. M. Want, 1915-19 J. F. Wohlfarth, 1920- 22 J. A. Biddle, 1923-24 J. S. Tharpe, 1925 O H. Meyers, 1926 J. A. Betcher, 1927-29 J. E. Reynolds, 1930-34 P. P. Carson. 1935-39 A. H. Flagge, 1940-45 E. A. Houldridge, 1946-49 J. Henry Cox, 1950 James H. Puzey, 1951-52 Elmer M. Ditch, 1953-56 F. C. Stelzreide, 1957- Arthur J. Scott.

Dr. W. W. Wohlfarth, present Dis- trict Superintendent, is a grandson of our former pastor.

This Church was the recipient of a most generous gift in 1956 when Mrs. Marcia Brackin gave it a bea utiful modern dwelling at 216 E. Maple St., for a parsonage, and later, funds to en- large and make it adequate to the needs of the average parsonage family.

Among our rural neighbors there are many farms which have been in one family for more than a hundred years. Since our list is far from complete, we will not include it, but we congratulate all who have attained this distinction and wish them continued success and progress.

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THE ROSSVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

In its beginnings the Rossville Pres- byterian Church was interwoven with the First Presbyterian Church of Dan- ville. Solomon Gilbert and his brother iivere Danville pioneers. He became a charter member of that church in 1829. He was largely responsible for bringing ""Father" Enoch Kingsbury there in 1831. His nephew Alvan moved to North Fork in the early 1830s, and helped organize the byterian Church in helped move the The I.O.O.F. Hall

Fork Pres- and later church to Rossville. became its meeting

North 1850,

place, along with other religious and community groups. A union Sunday School was held there for several years, before there were any church buildings in Rossville.

"Father" Kingsbury, first pastor of the Danville church (1831-52, and stated supply 1861-68) , Avas the organ- izer and first pastor of the Rossville church, serving from 1850 until his death in 1868. He paved the way for the first building of the Rossville church, but did not live to see his dream con- summated. On June 23, 1867 he presid-

ed at a sacramental service dedicating a communion set donated by the Olivet Presbyterian Church of Chicago. This gift was thankfully received, as evi- dence "that we should go for- ward and build a house, where these may be safely deposited, and God be honorably worshipped, not only by us, but by oncoming generations."

The first sanctuary was "a neat frame building", 32 by 54 feet, and costing $3000, with $1060 for furnishings, and $600 for the manse, built next door. The dedication service was held in October of 1870. The building committee was: Alvan Gilbert, Thomas Armstrong, Abram Gernand, E. S. Townsend. The pastor, Rev. W. N. Steele, organized the Presbyterian Church at Hoopeston in 1872, and became its pastor.

Until about 1900 there was no Park Place, or West Maple Street. With its opening the present manse was built, and soon after, the present church building. Its corner-stone was laid July 3, 1902, and the building dedicated April 26, 1903. One account reads: "The Church cost $11,500, including all

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furnishings, and is a marvel of beauty and wise planning for that amount of money." Rev. Adam Schafer was pastor. The building committee was: A. H. Gernand, J. R. Barnes, J. W. Fagner, Ed Putnam, George Maury.

The Church was organized on Octo- ber 12. 1850, in the North Fork School, with six charter members: Jesse Harris, Mrs. Millie Bicknell, Mrs. Eliza Kings- bury, David and Elizabeth Strean, Mrs. Nancy Gilbert. Mrs. Bicknell was the only charter member having descend- ants now in the church. Sue, with her husband George, operated Bicknell Inn until their death in 1857. Mrs. Mary Thomas Fetters is her granddaughter. Her great-granddaughter. Miss Mabel Fetters, is Sunday School Superintend- ent. John A. Maury is church treasurer and custodian. The elders are: George Gernand. Fred Dodrill, John Junkens, Dr. A. K. Bush, Mrs. Burns Lund, Mrs. J. W. Ashbrook. The trustees are: Harold Gernand. Gerald Carlson, Harold Smock. Rev. Roger C. Brown is the pastor.

A roster has been prepared of the 651 members who have been received into the church in the past 109 years. Re- pairs and improvements to the building are under way. Donors to the Memorial F'und. which is for this purpose, may have the names of loved ones who have passed away inscribed on a Book of Re- membrance. The names and dates of the pastors who have served this church are as follows:

Enoch Kingsbury 1850-68, W. N. Steele 1868-74, John H. Dillingham 1874-80. W. C. Magner 1880-85, William McGaughey 1886-89, J. A. Smvth 1889-90. J. W. Mann 1890-85, Robert Carson 1897-98, R. S. Weinland 1899-01, Adam Schafer 1901-07. Albert Day 1907-11, W. J. Caldwell 1911-15, Spen- cer Baker 1915-18. Frank A. Campbell 1919-20. George M. Jordan 1921-23. C. H. Heller 1924-28. Bert Baker 1929-30, Norris C. Dickey 1935-38, C. H. Bryan 1940-42, Claude Shaver 1942-44, Walter Baker 1947-49. Lawrence Marshburn 1950-51, Sheridan Robbins 1951-53, Roger C. Brown 1953-.

MANN'S CHAPEL NEAR ROSSVILLE

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E.U.B. CHURCH

The Rossville United Brethren Church was organized in 1874 by Rev. J. W. Nye. For some time services were held in the homes of the members, until December 1875 a frame church building on North Church St. was purchased from the "Christian Church of Ross- ville". (Christian Church of Rossville purchased two lots July 13, 1873, and sold them after having constructed a church building Dec. 11, 1875 to the Rossville United Brethren Church.) This building served the congregation through many busy years until it was replaced in 1913 by a modern brick veneered structure, which was dedicat- ed in February 1914 by Bishop Font of Indianapolis. The trustees were J. M. Albright; Charles Dawson; R. T. Phil- lips; Dudley Huffman; and Mrs. James Poyner; and these with Odom Coake and Thomas Hushaw constituted the Building Committee. The pastor was D. O. Griffin.

Pastors who served Rossville Circuit before 1913 were the Reverends Jones, Sherrill, Coffman, Ballon, Brown, Al- berts, Johns; E. E. Johnson, Phelps

Warren, Fowler, Miller, Byrd, Black- well, and Tuggle.

In the early years Rossville Circuit

included "Bethel" Church north of Al- vin. and Centennial (school) west of Alvin. Both were flourishing congrega- tions for many years, but the advance of modern times and transportation caused them to be discontinued many years ago. In recent years Rossville has been included in a Circuit with the Potomac Church.

Pastors who have served the charge since the erection of the new building are Reverends Griffin, E. E. Johnson, Pellum, Watts, Barr, Kok, Belden, Fowler, Taylor, Ade, Mumaw, Benner, Turner, Lathrop, Paine, Harry Johnson, Wortman, Ping, Ruhburg, Menton, Wilkinson.

In 1949 the EVANGELICAL CHURCH and the UNITED BRETH- REN CHURCH united and became one body known as the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The Rossville Con- gregation, though not large, is active and faithful, and cooperate in all united Christian effort in the community.

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ROSSVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST

The present site of the Rossville Church of Christ once was a blackberry

patch owned by U. P. Stiifflebeam, and west of Perry Buckners (201 Park Place) was a grove. Here a meeting was held in a tent by Evangelist S. H. Creighton, and a Mr. Swartz of Dan- ville was the singer. On August 7. 1894 a meeting was called by Evangelist Creighton to form an organization of the Church of Christ in Rossville.

The elders appointed were R. M. Bentley, J. T. Combs, Johnathan Prather and deacons were Hiram Arm- antrout, T. A. Bratton, W. F. Cunning- ham and Silas Bennett. Church services were held in the old "hay market" (opera house) at 106 S. Chicago St, and later in the hall above 110 S. Chi- cago St. On September 19, 1894 work was begun on the building and it was completed and dedicated May 12, 1895.

Charter members living here now (1950) are Mrs. Will Christy, Mrs. Al Christy, Orth Prather and Mrs. Axie Smith. Mrs. Smith, then Axie Bentley was the first to make confession and was baptized July 9, 1894 in the creek

north of Rossville.

Ministers through the years have been: A. W. Conner, A. W. Jackman, E. E. St. John, A. H. Hale, J. P Givens, twice, William Grant Smith, R. W. Nelson, Frank Shane, Mr. Davis, C. M. Wright. Charles Adams, Harold Eakin, H. E. Oldaker, R. Bristol, Lafe Hoff, D. D. Dick, Roy King, Winfield Rich- ards, Paul Magnuson, Paul W. Boyer, Ottis E. Piatt, twice. Dale Baker, R. G. Mundhenk.

Several years after the dedication, the church was remodeled, making an en- trance to Sunday School rooms and put- ting a basement under all the building, making a kitchen and dining room, which are also used for Sunday School rooms. Mrs. Alma Prillaman had a new baptistry installed in memory of her husband, Glenn Prillaman. The scenery was painted by Odella VanNault of Montpelier, Ohio. A few years ago a new furnace, stoker and blower were purchased. The Home Builders class, Cecil Green teacher, bought new hymn books, and center light for auditorium and tiling for the vestibule. Mr. and

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Mrs. Orth Prather gave the Steinway piano that belonged to his parents, in their memory. We now have a Ham- mond organ, new pews, communion and pulpit furniture, new carpet, new lights, and the church has been redecorated this past year, the work being done by the men of the church.

This church supports the work of the Vermilion County Society of Churches of Christ, which established and helps maintain the North Side Church of Christ in Danville. While the church often works jointly in various enter- prises with other Churches of Christ, it is yet a self-governing body, free in Christ from all organizations as to gov- ernment.

Recent years have brought an a- wakening in missionary giving from this church. We have preaching Sunday morning and evening, prayer meeting on Wednesday evenings, also choir prac- tice and young people's meeting on Sunday evenings. A large group of young people, whose work is directed by Mrs. Cecil Thomas, comprise an active group in the church, often providing special music at Sunday evening services. Every Summer several of our young people attend Christian ser- vice camps. Two from this congre- gation have gone into the ministry, Frank Stipp and James Deck. James Deck is now a student at Lincoln Bible

Institute, Lincoln, 111. Thirty-two new members have been added to the church during the past year. (The pre- ceding was compiled and written in 1950 by Mrs. Axie Bentley Smith, who was church clerk for many years.)

In 1955 an addition was made to the front of the building giving four addi- tional class rooms and a needed over- flow to the auditorium. In 1956 the auditorium was completely rewired, re- plastered and decorated. Then in 1957 two new class rooms were created and two rest rooms added. Rewiring of the entire building along with replastering of the basement was completed in 1958. The entire outside walls have been tuckpointed, a new roof applied, a new gas heating plant installed and new office equipment and public address system added.

The Missionary and Benevolent giv- ing of the church runs around $5,000.00 per year and the annual budget a- mounts to over $31,000.00. Attendance is currently averaging over 200.

Ottis E. Piatt, the present minister, is in the tenth year of his second min- istry with the Rossville Church.

James Deck is now ministering to the Huron. S. Dakota church, and is a mem- ber of the faculty of Dakota Bible College. Francis Keith Jackson is a stu- dent at Central Bible College, Moberly, Mo. preparing for the ministry.

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CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

The Rossville Church of the Naza- rene was begun in May, 1932, in a rent- ed store room as a Mission under the Board of the Hoopeston Church of the Nazarene. The members were Mr. and Mrs. James R. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Ervin, Mrs. Ora Shumaker, Seals, Eugene Shumaker, Miss Wilma Atwood, and Mrs. Ethel Henderson.

The local church was organized Jan- uary 24, 1933, with Rev. Bertha Hum-

*

ble as the pastor. The small congrega- tion was very faithful and practiced generous sacrificial giving. Their num- ber increased and their desire for a church home of their own was fulfilled in 1948, during the pastorate of Rev. A. L. Taylor, when they purchased a lot at 202 Stewart St. and a rural school

placed at this loca-

into a very attrac-

Church, of which

building which was tion and improved tive and adequate they may be justly proud.

Other pastors who have served the congregation are Elmer Swisher, John Leih, Rudy Ketterman, Don Scarlett, Fred Vaught, C. W. Brockmuller, A. L. Beard, Everett Rothman, Hanson Coin, A. L. Taylor, Walter Frakes, Walter Miracle, and J. M. Thomason.

The Rossville Missionary Baptist Church was organized May 21, 1955, with eight charter members who trans- ferred from the Baptist Church of Somerset, Kentuckv. Rev. Claude Brooks was the pastor, and James Bur- ton, Harrison Hunley and Merrell Red- mon the deacons.

They have worked steadily and faith- fully, with good attendance at the regu- lar Sunday School, Church, and Special services. The membership has grown to 36, and they are now served by Rev. Hollis Atnip, formerly of Lafayette, Tenn. as pastor, and James Burton is clerk.

Abraham Mann Jr. came from Eng- land as a child in 1835, the family pur- chasing large tracts of land in Ross township. His mother died in 1840. his father (Abraham Sr.) in 1865, and his brother John in 1873. Mr. Mann was a large farmer and stock raiser, and the mansion which he built in 1874 was the finest in the County. He was public spirited and very liberal to worthy ob- jects of charity, to schools and churches.

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ANTIOCH CHURCH OF CHRIST

The hardy settlers who had made their homes in the district northeast of Rossville strongly felt the need of spirit- ual teaching and fellowship, and one man, John Ross, started a Sunday School which was conducted in the 1860s in a school house. A minister, James A. Conner, from Attica, held a meeting and a Church of Christ con- gregation resulted, and services were held monthly at the school. A few of the families were: — Thomas Butt, William Moore, Noah Brown, Wilson Abbott, William Brillhart, Aaron Fitzwater, Sam Smith, and Watt Duley.

They prospered and in 1869 an acre of ground was donated by Hugh Heaton and his wife, and a frame church house was built. Lumber was hauled from Attica, Ind. by Cassius Youngblood, I. N. Heaton, John Ross and others, and the building was com- pleted in 1870, and fully paid for in 1871, the total cost being $1,638.30. It was named the ANTIOCH UNION CHURCH and was for all denomina- tions to use. Ministers of the Christian, Methodist and Presbyterian churches from Attica, Hoopeston and Rossville preached on Sundays, but in time only the Church of Christ minister con- tinued to serve them. The congrega-

tion was faithful and grew and in 1910 they erected a commodious and well equipped brick building at a cost of $13,375.00, which was dedicated "THE ANTIOCH CHURCH OF CHRIST" May 21, 1911.

Antioch has continued to serve with zeal and enthusiasm with effective ef- forts in community leadership. It has grown in strength, power and numbers, and in 1954, in order to meet the needs of the large school and church attendance they constructed a three- story annex, containing class rooms, study and office, halls, auditorium over- flow and rest rooms, with furnishings, at a cost of $40,000.00. This is one of the finest rural church plants any- where.

During the ninety one years only twenty-two Church of Christ minis- ters have served this congregation, Ralph M. Small, the only resident min- ister has served here for the last twen- ty years. Since founding, over one thousand members have been received into the membership. At present there are about 225 resident members, and average attendance is 260.

The church is strong in its mission- ary work, and supports missions in- dependently and directly. It gives

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support to ministerial training schools — the Cincinnati Bible Seminary (of which Brother Ralph Small is a grad- uate) and the Lincoln Bible Institute; welfare institutions — the Children's, Old Folks Home and Christian Hos- pital in St. Louis, and many independ- ent mission stations both at home and abroad. Mr. Samuel J. Miller was the missionary treasurer for twenty-five years.

The annual Thanksgiving reunion or homecoming, an all day service, was held the first time in 1915. and has be- come an annual affair to which all look forward with pleasure and anticipa-

tion. It is a day of worship, breaking bread, and reminiscing.

Ministers who have served since 1878: James A. Conner, M. J. Hobson, A. W. Conner, Eugene Martin, A. Chap- man, Clarence McFadden, A. G. Hub- bard, Mr. Castle, A. W. Jackman, P. J. Lough, Mr. Shaw, T. L. Stipp, Harvey McBroom, Mr. Caudle, Lew D. Hill, H. E. Oldaker. Luke Warren, W. H. Kerr, A. L. Crim, Lewis Hotelling, Thomas Wilson, and Ralph Small, 1939 to date. (Lack of space forces brevity. A fine complete history compiled by Eunice Spears Fitzwater was published in 1954, and copies are still available.)

FIRST ANTIOCH UNION CHURCH, 1870

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ROSSVILLE LODGE #527 ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS

In response to the petition of several brethren of the community, the Grand Master of Illinois Ancient Free and Ac- cepted Masons issued a Dispensation authorizing the organization of a Lodge in Rossville, and the first meeting was held November 23, 1866, with Henry C. Ellis, Worshipful Master; John Ridge- way, Senior Warden; N. Griff ing. Junior Warden Pro Tern; E. S. Pope, Secretary Pro Tem; R. Potter, Senior Deacon Pro Tem; J. V. Blackburn, Junior Deacon Pro Tem; Jacob Haas, Tyler Pro Tem. (Many details are lacking as the first secretary's record is missing.)

Rossville Lodge #527 was chartered October 1, 1867, the Charter being sign- ed by Jerome R. Gorin, Grand Master, and H. G. Reynolds, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. Charter members were; John Ridgeway, S. D. Lewis, Henry C. Ellis, E. S. Townsend, Daniel P. Haas, John R. Jerauld, H. D. Campbell, A. M. Davis, William York, J. D. Bingham, and Jacob Haas. First meeting was October 19, 1867.

The Lodge was duly organized with Hohn Ridgeway, W.M., Henry C. Ellis, S.W., and James D. Bingham, J.W. as the leaders in establishing the Lodge in the young and growing community.

The first meeting place was in the Odd Fellows Hall, which was the second story of the frame mercantile building which stood at 102 S. Chicago Street. This building was built about 1857, and the hall served as the meeting place for public meetings. Lodges, and religious meetings. The secretary's book records that "meeting was held in Freeman's Hall". This was the meeting place until about 1883, when they rented a hall in the J. S. Crane building at 124-126 E. Attica St. (The building was a store and stood north and south then. Later turned and made into apartments. The rent for this hall was $15. per month, whereas they had paid $40. per year to the Odd Fellows, whose hall was used by many others.) But the Lodge was not too satisfied and kept wishing for better quarters, and in 1885 took action to build the second story on a store building which (Bro.) George Depler was building at 106 S. Chicago St. The work was completed and Mr. Depler

gave the Lodge a deed to the second floor. Jan. 13, 1886. In 1891 the Lodge purchased the entire building. The low- er floor was a public hall and Opera House, and at one time a Hay Market.

Rossville Lodge was very active and had many devoted members, and en- thusiasm led them to dream of a better home, and just after the turn of the century, 1904, they built the Masonic Temple and Opera House at 108 North Chicago Street. This was a decided ad- dition to Rossville, and the Hall and Opera House were described as the fin- est in the County. This was the Lodge home until 1947, when it moved to 108 S. Chicago St., where they have more convenient and adequate quarters.

Rossville Lodge has always been ac- tive and held an important place in the community. Many business and pro- fessional men and leaders in religious, educational and community enterprises have been members of the order and took active part in the work of the craft. Membership has been variable with times and conditions, with a to- tal of 458 who have been recorded, and 167 present listed.

Growth and success of the Masonic Lodge naturally led to the institution of Morris Chapter #216, Royal Arch Masons, and Rossville Chapter #386 Order of Eastern Star, and the three orders have united in harmonious ef- forts for more than fifty years.

Masters of Rossville Lodge

#527 A. F. & A. M.

First Meeting. U.D. Nov. 13, 1866.

First Meeting, Under Charter,

Oct. 19, 1867.

1867 Henry Ellis, 1868, John Ridge- way, 1869, S. D. Lewis, 1874, A. M. Davis, 1875, S. D. Lewis, 1877, E. F. Birch, 1878, W. W. Phillips, 1880, Harry Shannon, 1883, John R. Livingood, 1893, H. H. Depler, 1894, Charles A. Shumate, 1896, H. H. Depler, 1897, Thomas A. Habel, 1898, H. H. Depler, 1903, Charles Reiff, 1904, J. S. Christman, 1908, F. C. Shannon, 1909, J. S. Christ- man, 1914, John Maurv, 1915, Sam Q. Smith, 1916, Thomas C. Stifler 1917, Theodore Habel, 1918, C. Albert Miller, 1919, Edwin Smith, 1920, H. H. Depler,

E. H. DUBEA

CAL SLOAN

DUBEA AND SLOAN

Pence, Indiana

TRUCKS

IMPLEMENTS

TRACTORS

Hardware - Appliances

Sales - Service - Genuine Parts

PHONE - STEWART

YUKON - 6-2060

Compliments of

HANDELL

Lumber — Electric

Plumbing & Heating

Bismarck, Illinois

Compliments of

FARM SUPPLY STORE

BISMARCK - ILLINOIS

FRIGIDAIRE

KEWANEE

Feed;

Seed % Fertilizers

Compliments of

BISMARCK GRAIN CO.

Grain - Feed - Seed - Fertilizer Oliver B. Suttle, Mgr.

Donaldson Ford Sales

Service Is Our Motto! !

Buy With Assurance

Plione RI - 8-2601

109 W. Attica

Rossville, III.

Compliments of

HENNING GRAIN COMPANY

Hennlng, Illinois

Compliments of

BECK AND SON

Steel Power Mowers

Deico Batteries

Repairs And Welding

Hennlng, Illinois

1922, Thomas E. Maury, 1923, J. Wil- liam Christy, 1925, Leo C. Smith, 1927, J. William Christy, 1928, Clarence H. Carter 1930, J. William Christy, 1932, Elmer A. Peterson, 1934, John C. Cul- bert, 1935, F. C. Reinbold, 1937, Henry A. Mayhue, 1938, Francis J. Christ- man. 1939, E. H. Cosat, 1940. Don L. Prillaman, 1943, Walter T. Schriever, 1944. John H. Junkins, 1945, Cecil G. Green, 1946, Fritz Schriever, 1947. Ver- non Kelley, 1948, Don E. Ellis, 1949, Raymond Jones, 1950, Sidney W. Adams, 1951, Richard Kelley,*^ 1952, Vernon Kelley, 1953, Robert L. Lnsk, 1954, P. Y.. Warf, 1955, Harold L. Smock, 1956, H. Leland Allison, 1957, W. R. Waschick, 1958, Harrison M. Seals, 1959, Dale L. Cronkhite.

1959 OFFICERS

W.M. Dale I. Cronkhite; S.W. Wil- liam King, Jr.; J.W. Stanley Lithgow; Treas. Foy C. Reinbold; Secy. Sidney W. Adams; S.D, Harold Gernand; J.D. Howard J. Bray; S.S. Raymond Jones; J.S. Claude R. Kelley, Mar. Arthur J. Slavin; Chap. William E. Pettice; Ty- ler C. Albert Miller.

MORRIS CHAPTER #216 ROYAL ARCH MASONS

This Chapter was chartered October 31, 1902, and has a record of continuous activity. The charter members were:

Fred Albright, Charles Albright, Har- vey L. Bracken, J. William Christy, Jo- seph H. Christman, Byron E. Cronk- hite, Thomas Dengler, Charles T. Flem- ing Adam Hoover, Benjamin J. Habel, W. H. James, Henry Johns, Charles W. Meneley, John Maury, Frank M. Ma- son, Joseph Mackin. W. M. Prillaman, James W. Prather, E. J. Phelps, J. Wil- liam Reed, Mark Ruth, Charles Reiff, Frank Reinbold, George S. Smith, Charles A. Shumate, Frank C. Shannon,

Frank L. Stewart, J. W. Veatch, Alva

W. Weingand, Henry Conley, Hugh H.

Depler.

1959 OFFICERS E.H.P. Donald King; King Foy C.

Reinbold; Scribe Abram Hackman;

Secy. Robert L. Lusk; Treas. Claude R.

Kelley; Chap. Vernon Kelley; Cap. of

H. Wayne Pruitt; Prin. Soj. Sidney W.

Adams; R.A. Cap. Arthur J. Slavin;

M. 3rd V. W. R. Waschick M. 2nd V.

E. A. Peterson; M. 1st V. Raymond

Jones; Sent. C. Albert Miller.

CHRISTMAN PARK

A tract of about 17 acres of land was deeded to Rossville in January 1939 for

park purposes by Francis J. Christman. It is located one block west of Chicago St. and north of the Rossville Cemetery property. It was accepted and by public vote a park district was organized to

manager and have control of its property and use. Public subscriptions provided a fine shelter house; and fire- places, city water, playground equip- ment, tables, bandstand, etc, were in- stalled. It is well kept and inviting, and during seasonable weather it is in con- stant use and enjoyed by groups and individuals every day, and most fully appreciated by all.

"For Everything in Music" SEE

KAMP MUSIC INC.

149 N. Vermilion Danville, Illinois

Instruments — Organs —

Pianos — Stereo — Phonos

Guitars — Accordions — Records

Phone 614

"CLEVE" ALEXANDER

INCORPORATED Your Specialists In Sports

155 N. Vermilion

Danville,

CONGRATULATIONS — ROSSVILLE

DEPARTMENT STORE — STORE FOR HOMES 37 N. VERMILION ST. — 23 W. NORTH ST.

McBride Construction Co.

Gordon McBride - Owner

308 East Washington St. Hoopeston, Illinois

Builder - Dealer of Inland Homes

Daniels Furniture Co.

ME. NORTH STREET

DANVILLE. ILLINOIS

Since 1879

Floors of Fine

Furniture - Appliances

Carpeting

4

FRED FRAME

JEWELER

Diamonds - Watches

China - Crystal - Silver

We repair all makes electric

Shavers — Same Day Service.

15 N. Vermilion

ROSSVILLE CHAPTER #386 O.E.S.

Charter was issued for ROSSVILLE CHAPTER #386 Order of Eastern Star October 5, 1898, with sixteen char- ter members: Sarah M. Yeoman, Ber- tha Shumate, Martha E. Habel, Mary Reinbold, Cynthia Fleming, May Flem- ing, Mary Kammeyer, Florence Depler, Lewis K. Yeoman, Charles A. Shumate, Theodore E. Habel, Joseph S. Christ- man, Charles Reinbold, Charles T. Flem- ing, George Kammeyer, Ezra Smock.

The Chapter grew rapidly, and was very active in their assistance in the furnishing of the new hall. Through the years interest has been maintained, and many projects have been planned and carried out successfully. The Chapter has always co-operated with the local ordeTS and with neighboring Chapters, and are known as gracious hosts, and welcome visitors.

Worthy Matrons have been: Sarah Yeoman, Flora Depler, Nannie Logan, Ida Layton, Auta Layton, Lavina Christman, Nettie Satterwhite, Effie Prillaman. Bertha Shumate, Josephine Ray, Jennie Christman, Laura Shannon, Katherine Mason, Lydia Thurber, Jes- sie Fithian, Lenora Wilson, Addie Bor- ror, Martha Habel, Pauline Paulson, Julia Stewart, Oda Eyestone, Murrell Case, Pearl Ennis, Ara Smith, Bessie Alison, Ethel Carter, Cora Grunwoldt, Irene Bush, Harriette Edwards, Mary

Ashley, Pearl Applegate, Nettie Miller, Jsephine Jackson, Dorothea Erxleben, Nancy Jones, Opal Matthews, Bertha Kelley, Helen Jones, Tessa Mayhue, Alberta Lusk, Kathleen Schriever, Isa- belle Long, Patricia Norton, Nellie Waschick, Ruth Grunwoldt, Pearl Kel- ley, Leola Queen.

Worthy Patrons have been: L. K. Yeoman, Hugh H. Depler, Charels Me- neley, Frank Reinbold, Charles B. Strickler, William Borror, Albert Miller, Frank Borror, Fritz Schriever, James Stewart, Fred Austin, Walter Ennis, Clarence Carter, Henry Mayhue, Red- ford Edwards, Albert Miller, Vernon Kelley, Raymond Jones, Donald Ellis, Walter Schriever, Robert L. Lusk, W. R. Waschick, Sidney Adams, Claude Kelley, J. Edward Gillis.

1959 OFFICERS

W.M. Bonnie Berglund; W.P. Delmar Berglund; A.M. Marguerite Lund; A.P. A. Josh Slavin; Secy. S. W. Adams, Treas. Ruth Grunwoldt; Cond. Florence Leaver; A.C. Waneta Stickrod; Chap. Bertha Kelley; Mar. Leola Queen; Org. Vera Mitchell; Adah Eula Beckley; Ruth Winifred Kelley; Esther Maxine Miller; Martha Marilyn Kinnett; Elec- ta Edna Hughes; Warder Helen Jones; Sentinel Arliss Kinnett; Color Bearer Walter Schriever.

FIRST METHODIST CHURCH — BUILT 1870

WEESE

SPORTING GOODS

Phone 3400

816 N. Vermilion

DANVILLE, ILLINOIS "Everything for the Sportsman"

"Window Wonderlands"

Shades, Venetian ....

Rods-Traverse, Brass, and Oval

Draperies, Custom Made or Yardage

The Window Shop

814 N. Vermilion St. Danville, III.

H. J. Jenkins, Owner

Phone Hickory 2-1674

Carpeting — DuPont Paints —

Gift Shop

Moore and Divan

CONSTRUCTION

Oakwood, Illinois

Oakwocd 2697

Fi;hian 303

DOSSEY BROS.

401 N. Vermilion Phone 1679

MARVIN NORLYN

CONOCO SERVICE

Danville, Illinois

Lubrication Washing

CONGRATULATIONS

CLUB MANHATTAN

18 West Main

Danville, Illinois

Compliments of

F. & S. Poultry Company

623 S. Gilbert Street

Danville, Illinois Ph. Hickory- 2-1213 - 2-1214

DANVILLE — CHAMPAIGN

FREY TIRE CO.

WATSEKA

HOOPESTON KANKAKEE

Compliments of

Stella Baking Co.

Phone Main 885 Or 886

II l-l 15 South Hazel Street

DANVILLE. ILLINOIS

operated the mill and seeing the need he put in a stock of merchandise, and this was the first store in the Town- ship. Mr. Persons became the owner in 1858, and operated for some time. At his death Sangster and Swazey of Cin- cinnati became the owners and they carried on the business until they sold to John Mains in 1867.

The name "Mains' Mill" will be well remembered by the older residents of 1959 we are sure, the next younger gen- erations will recall it as the landmark at Barlow Park and picnic grounds, where the pleasures of fishing, swim- ming, boating and camping were en- joyed by many for several decades. Bar- low Park was one of the earliest places which had cottages to rent to vaca- tioners, with an abundance of fishing, convenient swimming pool, and a size- able launch for those who liked boat- rides in style and also plenty of small boats for those who preferred their own power. Modern ways and new develop- ments doomed the old mill to abandon- ment and it was torn down in April 1939.

It was natural that Ross' Mill, being the only store in the Township, would be the meeting place of the scattered residents for visitation and for consid- eration of matters of public interest. And at the time of the organization of the Township one of our references states that there was a strong desire on the part of many to name it "NORTH FORK" but a majority swung the de- cision in favor of "ROSS" in honor of Jacob T. Ross who was a very public spirited citizen. (One reference states it was first named North Fork and later changed to Ross, but the change was apparently made when the organiza- tion changed from the Precinct to Township form.)

The first officers elected for Ross Township in 1851, (49 voters) were: — Supervisor, John Hoobler; Assessor, A.

Gilbert; Clerk, R. Brickwell; Collector, James Gilbert.

In 1852 with 47 voters they chose: Supervisor, Thomas McKibben; Asses- sor, A. Gilbert; Clerk, R. Brickwell; Collector, James Gilbert.

By 1862 the population had increased

CITY HALL AND TOWNSHIP BUILDING

Compliments Of Trimble's

BROWN DERBY

102 EAST MAIN STREET DANVILLE, ILLINOIS

Finest Broiled Steaks, Chicken, Sea Foods

WESTERIi BRIOtC COMPANY

DIVISION OF ILLINOIS BRICK CO.

FACE BRICK

CLAY PRODUCTS & HAYDITE

DANVILLE. ILLINOIS

Expecting friends?

then buy Coke by the carton,

serve cold • • • ice cold

COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO., DANVILLE, ILL.

COMPLIMENTS FROM

HILL PACKING COMPANY

South Griffin & Perrysville Rd. Box 533 Danville, Illinois Phone 1338

CUSTOM KILLING & PROCESSING For Home Freezers

THE BEST IN ALL MEAT PRODUCTS

change to individual motor drives for machinery, and to the use of modern materials handling equipment in storing the canned product. These were some of the technological changes going on. There were also some changes which caused stress; the need to develope markets — to stand on one's own feet sales-wise, to develope working capital and bank credit to finance the new equipment and expanded production demanded by more recent times. How- ever, within the span of these twelve years there was consolation in knowing that production demands of the war- years were filled, that a clientele of good customers was developing in a field of diminishing numbers, and that the Ro;ss- ville plant had achieved a reputation for efficiency in the production of fancy canned corn and asparagus.

In 1947, upon the return from the Armed Services of L. Eugene and Richard E. Schlecht, a Co-partnership

was formed with these sons; in 1958 ownership was transferred by Louis Schlecht to them. Of recent years, pro- duction of the Rossville plant has been around three hundred thousand cases of corn and twenty-five thousand cases of asparagus. Year-round employees num- ber twenty-five to thirty; employment at peak production is about two hundred and fifty. Extensive alterations and improvements are now in progress to expand corn production and to pro- vide this operation with the latest equipment in the field.

Louis, Eugene, and Richard Schlecht want to take this opporunity to express our hope that we will be well along with corn canning during the Centennial Celebration August 6, 7, and 8, and that all the old-timers, new-timers, and guests will stop by at the "Cannery" at that time to make a short "field-trip" and to visit with us.

THE ROSSVILLE PRESS

During the last 80 years the ROSS- VILLE PRESS has been in operation, sometimes flourishing and at other times barely existing, but always pro- viding the news of Rossville to its read- ers.

The Press was founded in 1879 by Frank (Tony) Pastor, and the first issue was published June 18th of that year. It was published in the rooms over what is now Gibson's, (110 S. Chi- cago St.) , and was moved to its present location about 1893.

Prior to 1879, the ROSSVILLE OB- SERVER was published in Blooming- ton, 111., by Moore & Riley, and sent to Oscar G. Crane for local distribu- tion, and about 1874 they moved to Rossville and had their shop in the old First National Bank building. No in- formation is on record as to whether Mr. Pastor purchased the Observer, or whether they "just closed their doors". Old timers are of the opinion that they

just quit. At any rate it was about this time that the PRESS came into ex- istence.

In 1894 the Rossville Enterprise ran in opposition to the Press and was pub- lished by the Dill Brothers in the base- ment of the Crane Building, 107-9 E. Attica St. This paper existed for a pe-

riod of 6 or 7 years and then went the way of the Observer.

In December 1905 the PRESS carried news stories concerning the beginning of a new paper in Rossville to be back- ed by the "wets" of the town. However, by the end of the year talk had sub- sided and the paper never appeared.

The PRESS is proud that it has in its possession a copy of the Rossville Observer, Volume 1, No, 20, published Thursday morning, February 1, 1877;

also a copy of the PRESS Volume 1, No. 15, published Wednesday, Septem- ber 24, 1879. In this issue we find it was an eight page paper, containing 5 columns of its present day width (13 ems) and one column length of 17% inches. An ad appears on page 5, ad- vertising W. J. Henderson's Dry Goods & Grocery Store. It was the largest store of its kind here, and was located in the building now occupied by Gray's Clothing, at 106-108 S. Chicago St. Wm. R. Harker carried an advertisement for his harness business located in the site now occupied by the Village Office.

The grist mill was operated by Hen- derson and Werner, and was located where the ROSSVILLE PACKING CO. stands. The mill was one of the finest in Illinois, The Star Hotel, own-

Compliments of

Hoopeston Food Locker

210 East Penn St.

Hoopeston, Illinois

Slaughtering Wholesale Meats

Processing Amana Freezers

Curing Lockers

Phone 275

"MAKE TRACKS TO THE

SHACK"

728 W. Penn Hoopeston, Illinois

FARIS JEWELRY COMPANY

131 EAST MAIN STREET

DANVILLE. ILLINOIS

HUGHES BUILDING SERVICE

CONSTRUCTION & REPAIR

ROSSVILLE, ILLINOIS

QUALITY WORK AT A

MODERATE COST

201 THOMPSON PHONE Rl 8-381 I DALE

315 THOMPSON PHONE Rl 8-3832 RICHARD

ROSS SONGER

SUPPLIERS OF

SINCLAIR PRODUCTS

Hoopeston, Illinois

The Rossville Press

ROSSVILLE, ILLINOIS

Albert J. Schroeder

Marie (Smock) Schroeder

Publishers

ed by A. Pauley, was located west of the Township Building, and advertised that traveling men would find this a pleasant place for an overnight stop. A popular barber shop was operated by two colored men, Morris and Hos- ten, in the front part of a building which stood at 101 S. Chicago St. (Lew- is & Yeoman) . There were two rooms back of the barber shop, one used as a boxing room, the other as a Game- cock Fighting room. On the second floor was a poker hall or gamblers den. Indian Blood herbs and Stomach Bitters were prominently advertised in those days, as was a Chicago Business Directory for visitors to the windy city. The closing Chicago grain prices on Sept. 23, 1879 were: Spring wheat $1.03, Winter wheat $1.07, Corn 38c Oats 27, Rye 59c, Barley 78c; Pork $8.80. An advertisement told of the open- ing of school in Rossville, listing the studies available with High School tui- tion $15.00, Grade School $12.00, and Primary $10.00. R. D. Barton was the Principal, W. W. Phillips President of the School Board, and Milton Lee, Sec- retary.

The August 22, 1905 issue carried the story of the First Auto Accident in Rossville as follows: Dr. L. C. Messner from Potomac turned south at the

square "at a high rate of speed" and collided with the mule team and car- riage of Everette Lynch, who with his wife and four children were thrown out, the team ran away and the car- riage was demolished. "Miracle no one was killed." Dr. Messner agreed to pay all damages.

Thus through the years the Press has noted the comings and goings, the joys and the sorrows, the festivals and the work-a-day activities, the news off our Churches and Schools, Clubs and Societies, the excitement of storms and wrecks, elections and athletic contests, all with the personal and homey friend- ly touch and the sympathetic and char- itable handling of the editor publishers. Veritably it has become an "'INSTITU- TION".'

The roster of publishers is not long, and began in 1879 Frank J. Pastor, 1885 C. A. Stuck, 1886 Frank Pinkerton & W. H.. Sowden, 1888 Chas. F. Over- acker, then Mr. Gardiner, then Dill Brothers, 1890 F. J. Pastor, 1895 P. M.

Warner, 1897 J. Gus Lane, 1900 Joe Steen, 1901 Wm. Bogart, 1901 E. E. White, 1904 Bert Pinkerton, 1912 Wal- ter Scott, 1920 George F. Harling, 1925 F. S. Austin, 1931 George A. & Roma Reinhardt, 1935 O. J. Schroeder & Wm. H. Wright, 1936 A. J. Schroeder.

ROSSVILLE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

TED'S TAP KING COLE TAVERN

"Where Old Friends Meet"

113 E. Main St.

Hoopes+on, Illinois

Coast To Coast Stores

EVERYTHING FOR FARM

HOME

CAR PHONE 218 Main St.

185 Hoopeston, III.

BEST DEAL BEST SERVICE

Burton Motor Sales

DODGE — PLYMOUTH

CHRYSLER

Hoopeston, Illinois

Hoopeston Hardware Co.

I 14 East Main St. - Phone 277

GENERAL HARDWARE Dutch Boy Paints - Varnishes ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

The Lester Drug Store

W. S. Carlson

Wallpaper, Paints, Window Glass

220 East Main St. Hoopeston III

S. A. SNIVELY CO.

AIR CONDITIONING

HOOPESTON, ILLINOIS

Sheet Metal Work

Ventilation - Roofing

112 W. Main Hoopeston,

Phone 86

107 W. Main Phone 793

Hoopeston, III.

Haas Radio & T.V. Repair Service

RADIO — HOME & AUTO

TELEVISION ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS 90 Day Warranty On Parts Robert V. Haas, Owner

Sheridan Fixture Co.

101 E. MAIN STREET

Hoopeston, Illinois

KELVINATOR

HOFFMAN

FIRST SCHOOL BUILDING— 1858

THE ROSSVILLE SCHOOLS

The first school in Rossville was opened in the Fall of 1858, in the Odd Fellows Hall at 104 S. Chicago St., and with Horace Wayne as teacher. A small frame building was erected and was occupied before the end of the school term. The building is now a part of the Songer residence at 117 West Attica St.

The school continued for 10 years as an ungraded school with one teacher and a five or six months term. In 1867, by consolidation of districts a union district was formed and in the spring of 1868 a two story brick building was built at the North Chicago St. grade school site. Four teachers were employ- ed and the course of study extended, but the term was for six months, with a spring term if the patrons voted favor- ably. Teachers changed frequently. Be- tween 1868 and 1876 principals em- ployed were: W. H. Bissell, Miss Olive Coffeen, J. F. Heritage, Miss Harriett Wilson, J. B. Hooper, B. F. Cole and H. M. Connelly,

In 1875 a two room addition was made, teachers increased to six, and the course of study further extended. In 1878 the Rossville High School grad- uated its first class of seven members. Dec. 9, 1879 the building was burned, and churches were used as temporary quarters until a new building was com- pleted. It was a two story, eight room brick, costing fifteen thousand dollars.

In 1882, after a careful examination, Rossville High School was by vote of the faculty of the U. of I. placed on their list of accredited High Schools.

November 27, 1888, the community again suffered the loss of their school by fire, and again they continued in churches and halls of the town. Plans were promptly made to rebuild, and on Sept. 16, 1889 school opened in the new building. It was a brick, two stories and basement, with eight class rooms, library, halls etc, and the basement con- taining the heating apparatus and recreation rooms. This building is still serving for the eight classes of fifth to

With Pride In Our Past

ROSSVILLE

For Our Future Continued Progress

INSURE WITH CONFIDENCE

REINBOLD INSURANCE

F. C. REINBOLD Rossville, Illinois

CONGRATULATIONS FROM

PRUITT DRUG SUNDRIES

120 S. Chicago Street Rossville, Illinois

Phone Rl 8-3102

Here to serve you with complete line of drug sundries and fountain service

Phone Rl 8-4881 Russell Harris - Owner

HARRIS BUICK SALES

Rossville, Illinois

Authorized BUICK and OPEL Dealer Sales & Service Your home town dealer

We try to please You are always welcome

HERE'S TO A SUCCESSFUL CENTENNIAL

Mason Williamson

MACE'S TAVERN

125 South Chicago St. Rossville, Illinois

eighth grade pupils.

Enrolhnent grew and quarters were inadequate, and in 1898 a new High School building was erected on the east end of the campus. It contained eight rooms, laboratory, library, office, halls, basement etc. It served well until Octo- ber 11, 1945 when it burned. 876 of R.H.S. Alumni were graduated from the building, and about 100 others spent a part of their time in it.

Again temporary room was provided by extending the gymnasium, using the Town Hall and renting mercantile buildings, and this arrangement served until completion of the new modern High School located on the west side of the highway, which was occupied in January 1950.

During later years the High School District was enlarged by inclusion of neighboring non-high school territories, also combining with Alvin High School District.

Rossville has never lagged behind in adopting new methods or improve- ments, in any line, and today ranks high among the best Schools of the State. Faculties for both grade and high schools are well chosen, experienced and capable with up-to-date training, grad- uates of high ranking colleges and uni- versities.

The grade school enrollment, increas- ed by the assimilation of adjoining dis- tricts, outgrew the capacity of the building, and an addition of eight class rooms with assembly, office, halls, heat- ing plant etc, and of a modern one story style, was erected north and east of the old structure. It takes care of the first four grades, with the four upper grades filling the old building to capacity. This new building was occupied in 1954.

A welcome modern feature is the cafe- teria which began operation in January 1950. It is under competent manage- ment, on a non-profit set-up, and serves well balanced meals at very moderate prices. Presently they serve an average of 275 dinners daily.

Records are so incomplete that it would be impossible to list all teachers who have served our schools. Super- intendents who have served since those listed above, are W. F. Wilson, W. H. Chamberlin; L. Parton; S. B Messer; H. W. Flanegin; J. S. Ragsdale: I. A. Smothers 1897; Ralston Gray 1922; R. H. Poland 1924; John N. Reid 1947; John J. Rush 1951; Frank Singer 1952; W. R. Pogue 1958.

Enrollment of the grade school is 377, high school, 179, with 18 grade school teachers and 13 high school teachers.

ROSSVILLE GRADE SCHOOL

LET'S GO BOWLING BULAN'S BOWL

1436 Warrington Avenue DANVILLE. ILLINOIS

Danville Livestock Commission Co.

HOGS BOUGHT DAILY

SALE MON. & TUES.

Phone 4050

Danville, Illinois

LUDDEN FLOORS

214 N. Vernnilion

"Danville Floor And Wall Store"

When We Floor U-U-Stay Floored

Wholesale Retail

Phone Hickory 6-8498

Patsy's Auto Sales,

Danville's Largest Used Car Dealer

1035 E. Main Street

Danville, Illinois

THE

PRESCRIPTION SHOPS

SERVICE TO THE SICK DANVILLE, ILL

SIGNS OF ALL KINDS

Marsters Sign Co.

O'BRIEN PAINTS

808 E. Main St.

Danville,

GLO MOTEL

State Route l-U. S. 136

1 1/2 Miles North Of Danville, Illinois

T.Vs. TELEPHONE

AIR CONDITIONERS

IN ROOMS.

Montgomery Realty Co.

904 N. Vermilion St.

Danville, Illinois

Lloyd H. St. John Ted Brinkman

Hugh Reid Alice Richards

Betty Burch Florence Strawser

A FEW OF THE EARLY BUSINESS MEN OF ROSSVILLE

S. Frazier 1856 Mdse

Whitcomb & Upp Mdse

W. R. Gessie Mds6

Jonas Sloat Blacksmith

Gideon Davis 1859 Hotel

W. J. Henderson 1862 Mdse

Short Brothers Mdse

Milton Lee Mdse

W. D. Foulke, Surveyor, Notary Public,

Cattle Buyer, etc. James Byrnes Millei

E. H. Grant Drugs

Elias M. Gilbert Livery

J. C. Gundy Mdse

J. R. Smith Gen. Store

Wm. York Grain and Stock buyer

Joseph Satterthwaite Surveyor, and

Postmaster J. B. Werner Drugs

D. C. Deamude Hardware, Tinner,

agricultural implements, grain W. C. Tuttle Dry goods

A. T. Search Justice of Peace

Ezra Werner Miller

Fred R. Makenthum Brewer

J. V. Anderson Mdse

E. S. Baldwin Drugs Wm. R. Harker Harness J. F. Meneley Blacksmith — wagons M. W. Phillips Lumber Washington Watson Banker Charles Ross Drugs Wm. E. Willis & Co. Drugs D. Suycott Tailor Lefever & Cunningham Mdse O. G. Crane Mdse James Cornell Brewer J. Stout Drugs James Round Clothing About 1890

Byron Cronkhite Wagon factory

Ed Putnam Elevator

Ed Loring Livery

Van Haas Butcher

S. McGuire Photographer

Joe Steen Drugs

Daniel Maury Drugs

Born, Beaver & Dwiggins, Dept. Store W. T. Cunningham Mdse

Habel Bros. Tile & bricks

Rossville Shoe Factory John Ross Bakery

T. W. Whinyates Furniture &

Undertaker Thomas Campbell Banker

Westfall & Putman Barbers

Villars Greenhouse

James Culbert Greenhouse

F. B. Laytons Mdse

B. F. Logan Butcher George Maury Grocer J. E. McCarty Bakery & Confections

C. A. Shumate Blacksmith Wilson & Umbarger Mdse Adam Hoover Hdw. Daniel Watson Banker Samuel Collison & George Crays Bank

D. C. Williamson Hotel Jess & Dick Smith Clothing Bert Smith Groceries Charles Meneley Drugs Elmer Gernand Drugs McConnell & Wilber Mdse

F. C. Shannon, Furniture & Undertaker

C. F. Davis & Son Furniture &

Undertaker

James Blue Dry Goods

J. W. Reed Grocery

Chas. Johnson Barber

Mr. Postlewait Elevator

George Ray Attorney

W. B. Redden Attorney

W^m. Prillaman Elevator

G. L. Merritt Elevator H. James Drugs James Coon Livery Andy Miller Livery L. K. Yeoman Livery J. E. Swift Lumber O. E. Dwyer Saloon Wm. Payne Blacksmith M. Neves Saloon J. F. Rutter Canning Factory

Manager

George Brown Barber

Wid Brown Barber

Dan Kelley Laundry

Matie Cook Millinery

Miss Guignon Millinery

Ella Walker Millinery

Andrews Bros. Grain

Jacob Stephenson Blacksmith

N. J. Smith Groc.

T. J. Norton Shoe maker

Oscar Funk Shoe maker

Maury & Shumate Hardware

Joe Brooks Cigar Store John Maury Electric Lite Co.

Dudley Huffman Saloon

George Stamp Groc.

Grant Williamson Restaurant

E. J. Davis Harness

D. C. Putman Shoes J. P. Tubbs Butcher Dale & House Clothing Bedinger & Gass Clothing

Charles Gephart	Tailor	C. A. Carter	Cigar Store
Hathaway & Ewen	Clothing	F. L. Stewart Sprin	g Lake Ice Co.
Sam Q. Smith	Tailor	Fred A. Smith Lumber	Co.
J. W. Veatch	Jeweler	J. E. Swift	Hdw.
George Young	Poultry	Fish Bros.	Blacksmiths
Lyons & Marko	Poultry	Homer Perkins	Blacksmith
J. M. Bivans	Meats	IVIarv German	Laundry
H. L. Brackin	Grain	0. E. Dwver	Groc.
Mielkc Bros.	Tailors	Guthrie & Medlar	Meats
Byrne & Maury	Hdw.	D. H. Smith	Clothing
Evans Hotel		C. B. Strickler	Transfer
Windsor Hotel		Wm. Bowlby	Grace Theatre
Curtis Redden	Attorney	A. M. Prather	Plumbing
Smock & Habel	Plumbing	Mrs. J. F. Rutter	Milliner
O. P. Borders	Drugs	Gene Smith	Garage
C. E. Ross	Mdse	S. W. Paulson Hdw & Plumbing
Robert Braden	Attorney	Homer Stephens	Drugs
C. C. Carter	Grain & Coal	Gene Smith	Bank
Charles Hazel	Butcher	Davidson Bros.	Ford Dealers
Miller Bros.	Bakery	C. F. Gathard	Groc.
Prather Bros.	Conf.	Ross Krugg	Barber
Wiseman Hotel		Siewert & Smith	Meats
Jess Young	Attny	F. Mc:\Iains	Bakery
G. W. Williamson	Rest.	Alva Cronkhite	Garage
A. Rund	Meats	Homer Ma rx mi Her	Body Shop

.1B59-

ROSSVniZ, ILLINOIS.

"Pioneers coming vest and north

"settled here in 1829. Daniel Liggett

chose the site for its beauty, location,

^fine soil, timber, and abundance of wild-life

'^or food; at the crossing-Hubbard Trail and route

''Attica Iniu to Paxton HU Others came, settlement

'became knovs as "Liggett 'sOrove" -later dubbed "Hen-

'peck".First pubUc building (lOUS.Chgo. St) 1857, a store

('with Hall above. 1st school in hall, 1858, 1st school bldg

/occupie^l^n, it is now pert of dwelling, 117 W.Attica St,

'"ORIGINAL TOWN" platted 4 named AOO. 6, 1859. Village voted to

incorporate JuOy 27, '72. North Fork P.O. estab.at Mann's Ch

aple 1839,moved here 1853, and name changed to "RossviUe"

1859. CD.* V.R.R.(C«EI) camel871. Telephone Co.began 1897.

Dixie Highway about 1920, 1st brick bldg,101B Chgo St 1872,

Bank 4 store; Henderson bldg 106-8 S Chgo, 1875? Jonas Sloat

blacksmith '57, Gideon Davis built hotel 109 N Chgo St. 1859

Corns tock Elevator 1873;Rossville Mill 1875;lstBrickSch*ol

NChgo St.'68,bunjed'79,rebuilt-bumed«88, present old

grade bldg Bttilt'89. H.S.estab; First class graduated

1878;Bicknell House 2mi north,1847; Church Buildings^

Methodist»70;ftresbyterian'70;Ifeited Brethren 1875j

^Ch of Christ »9'f;Newspapers-0bserver *73; Btater-

prise'76;Press»79.EJ« Div-1905-27. First Yi^

^0ffs;Trtt8-R.B.PurviancetI.B.Wemer;W.C.

sJutUe;W.Laidlow;W.F.Lefever;I.Greei;

^. Z.Dulagr, Clk ; J .W.McTaggart^

PoUcj^gistrat

Mrs. Anna Beckner, Mrs. Jessie Fithian and Mrs. Louise Hathaway dress in the spirit of the Centennial.

iim

J^ !.■>.;

Mrs. Elva Gagnon and Mrs. Roy Goin

Mrs. Dorothy Donovan, Mrs. May Stephenson,

Mrs. Leota Deck, Mrs. Ruth Barcus,

Mrs. Anna Sheffield

The Centennial Spirit expressed by this group in front of Mann's Chapel.

jy.vt.iijiS'i.uJ

Mrs. Waneta Stickrod

Mrs. Nellie Bivans

^j^v7^^

^^r"i^

Rossville Grain Co.

Grain - Coal - Seeds - Fertilizers

Service to the Rossville

Community since 1924

We are proud to have had the opportunity to share in pai't of the 100 years existence of the town of Rossvile.

C. C. Carter

C. E. Morgan

Jay R. Priilaman

Joan of An

Set Potato^

Fancy Canned Foods

THE FLAVOR FAVORITE SINCE 1878

KAWNEER STORE FRONT SPECIALIST

Phone Hickory 3270

Ph. Hickory 327

JENNINGS GLASS CO.

130 N. Walnut St.

Danville, III.

Mfg. of Aluminum Products,

Combination doors and windows

Marquees and awnings

Table Tops Curved Windshields Plate Glass

Glass For Any Purpose

Glass Wall Tile

Mirrors Made To Qrder

Cathedral Glass

ROSS ELECTRIC CO.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING Since 1928

IKE. Attica St. Rossville, Illinois

Phone Rl 8-3161

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