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Full text of "Carrollton, Illinois, 1818-1968: an album of yesterday and today"

:arrollton, Illinois, 1818- 
.968: An Album of Yesterday 
ind Today. 



ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEY 



384 
C 





I n i n 






An Album of 
Yesterday and Today 



UNIVERSITY OF 

ILLI " Y 

AT l ' & AiviPAlGN 

ILL HIST. SURVEY 



PREFACE 

This booklet has been prepared by the Carrollton Business and Professional Women's Club to commemo- 
rate Carrolton's Sesquicentennial. Obviously, we could not hope to compile a complete history of 
Carrollton in a matter of 30 days and as many pages, and so have designed an ALBUM OF TODAY AND 
YESTERDAY, using pictures and articles available to us. 

On our cover you see the monument erected in honor of our founder, Thomas Carlin, who was born near 
Frankfort, Kentucky, in 1786. In ls03, the family moved to Missouri, which was then Spanish territory. 
His father died there and Thomas came to Illinois and served as a Ranger in the War of 1812. Following 
the war he operated a ferry for four years opposite the mouth of the Missouri River, where he was married. 
In ISIS, he located on land which now forms a part of the City of Carrollton. 

In 1821, Greene County was created by an act of the legislature in session at Vandalia and Mr. Carlin, 
Thomas Rattan, John Allen, John Green and John Huitt, Sr. were appointed. commissioners to locale the 
the county seat. After a short meeting at the home of Isaac Pruitt, the commissioners mounted their 
horses and rode east to a promising location on land owned by Mr. Carlin. History has it that the group 
halted at a point later identified as being on the east side of the present public square in Carrollton and 
that John Allen paced about 50 yards to the west, drove a stake, and announced: "Here let the Courthouse 
be built." The town was named Carrollton after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Mary land, one of the signers 
of the Declaration of Independence. This was on February 20th, 1821. 

At the first election in April, 1821, Mr. Carlin was elected sheriff. In 1824, lie was chosen as state sena- 
tor and served four terms. During the Black Hawk War he commanded a spy battallion. He was chosen 
Governor in 1838 and served four years. He died at his home in Carrollton, February 11, 1S52. 

The dedication of the monument to Thomas Carlin, located in the Southeast corner of the Courthouse park 
and erected by the State of Illinois in honor of his being its 6th Governor, took place on July 1, 1917. 
The program at the unveiling was as follows: 

Music, Band. 

Invocation, Rev. C. S. Boyd. 

Song, Duncan Sisters' Quartet 

Unveiling of Statue, Mrs. Ada Schafer-Smith. 

Address - "The Monument," Victor S. Holms. 

Introduction of the Governor, Judge Norman Jones. 

Address, Governor Frank O. Lowden. 

Song, Duncan Sisters' Quartet. 

Music, Band. 



HERITAGE 

Once upon a time, the story goes, 
This land was new, the soil untried. 
On these acres, vast, untamed, 
Men and women toiled on side by 

side. 

Farmhouses were slowly built, 
And bits of land fenced in; 
And women cooked and passed 

the food 
To the weary toiling men. 

Livestock was made captive, 

The sod was turned, the soil made 

free, 
And winters came with snow and 

cold, 
And toil went on unceasingly. 

And from these years of endless 

toil, 
There blossomed forth in history's 

page 
The dreams of sturdy pioneers — 
The story of our heritage. 

-IRENE BENNETT 



COURT HOUSE 



OFFICERS OF THE COURT 



The first Court House in the County was built in 1821-2 
on the west side of the square, the contract being let to 
William and Thomas Finley at a special meeting of the 
commissioners held June 13, 1821, though the building 
was not completed until a year, later. One historian says 
the contract price was $380 and another that it cost $700. 
It was a long, frame structure standing with its side to the 
street. Years afterward it was cut in two, turned around 
and used for store rooms. 

The need of a more commodious and dignified temple of 
justice began to be felt as early as 1828, but nothing 
came of it until in March, 1830, Moses Stevens was in- 
structed to draft a plan and at a special meeting in April, 
the contract was let to Thomas Rattan for the erection of 
a brick Court House in the center of the square. The con- 
tract price was $7000 to be paid in yearly installments of 
$1000 or more; or, in case a special tax was levied that 
year, Mr. Rattan was to accept $5,500, when collected, in 
full payment of his bill. The building was completed 
early in 1832. It is a matter of history that, when finished, 
the new edifice ".was the pride of the county, and was 
universally admitted at that time to be the finest Court 
House in the State." The building was 44 x 46 feet, two 
stories, surmounted by a pretentious tower (taken down 
some years before the building itself was razed). 

This was replaced by the present Court House in 1891. 



JUDGE CLEMENT L. SMITH 

Clement L.Smith was born in Bluffdale Township, Greene 
County, Illinois, on March 7, 1895. He attended rural 
schools and then the Carrollton Public Schools and was 
graduated in 1914 from the Carrollton High School. He 
served in the Army during World War I. On April 12, 1928 
he was admitted to the Bar, and practiced law from the 
first of August, 1928 until December of 1942, at which 
time he took office as County Judge of Greene County, 
Illinois. He served as Acting County Judge of Macoupin 
County during the absence of the Judge of that Court, 
while said Judge was in the military service of the United 
States. In June of 1945 Judge Smith was elected as the 
Circuit Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit which com- 
prises Greene, Jersey, Scott, Macoupin, Morgan and 
Sangamon Counties. In September of 1946 he was as- 
signed by the Supreme Court as a Justice of the Appellate 
Court for the, then, Fourth District at Mt. Vernon, Illinois. 
He was re-elected as a Circuit Judge in '51, '57, and 
1964. He has always resided in Greene County, with the 
exception of a period of three years in Morgan County 
when he was located there as a teacher and high school 
princi pal. 

Judge Smith was married to the former Hilda Coats, of 
Hillview, Illinois in 1925. They are the parents of two 
children, Mrs. Doris Purdue, and Clem Smith, Jr. 



COURTHOUSE CLOCK DEDICATION JULY 8, 1968 

(Carrollton Gazette-Patriot, June 27, 1968) 

The repairing and electrifying of the clock on top of the 
Greene County Courthouse, which has been silent so 
many years, is now nearing completion, and the clock 
will soon be in operation again. 

Robert Hindelang, Carrollton Township Supervisor, told 
the Gazette-Patriot Tuesday morning that plans were 
partially completed Monday at the meeting of the Board 
of Supervisors to hold a formal dedication ceremony for 
the clock, the tentative date being July 8. 

We understand that the work on the clock carries a five 
year guarantee. The contractors for the repair and main- 
tenance are Kenneth B. and George B. Kavanaugh of St. 
Louis. 

During preliminary testing of the Courthouse Clock Wed- 
nesday afternoon, June 26, several townspeople remarked 
how wonderful it was to again hear the "old clock" toll- 
out its familiar and distinctive chime of yesteryear (all 
but forgotten by many - and never heard by the younger 
set. 

Without seeming to be too sentimental, the striking of the 
clock brings back something good and worthwhile out of 
the past, and it also returns something of definite value 
that is as much a part of the Greene County Courthouse 
as the foundation itself. 

We commend the Greene County Board of Supervisors for 
their foresight in restoring the historic landmark to its 
original place of dignity and service to the residents of 
Greene County. 



Other Officers of the Court: 

Associate Circuit Judge L. A. Mehrhoff 
Jack A. Alfeld, State's Attorney 
Finice Doyle, Clerk 
Donald Vinyard, Sheriff 
Wm. H. Wolfe, Coroner 

Attorneys: 

Alfeld, Jack A., Hodges Bldg., Carrollton, Illinois 
Gustine, Claude C, Greenfield-, Illinois 

(Office West Side Square, Carrollton, Illinois) 
Harp, W. O., Roodhouse, Illinois 
Hubbard, L. K., White Hall, Illinois 
Day, James W., Hodges Bldg., Carrollton, Illinois 
Hutchens, Gilbert K., Carrollton, Illinois (retired) 
Hutchens, Julian, White Hall, Illinois 
McDonald, Jack, Carrollton Bank Bldg., Carrollton, 

Illinois 
Mehrhoff, Robert H., Hodges Bldg., Carrollton, Illinois 
Strickland, Hugh A., Carrollton Bank Bldg., Carrollton, 

Illinois 
Vogt, William G., 506 North Side Square, Carrollton, 

Illinois 

Other County Officials in Courthouse: 

E. A. Batty, County Clerk and Recorder 
William Vandersand, Treasurer 
Verl Owens, Supervisor of Assessments 
Robert French, Superintendent of Highways 
Charles K. Barnett, Superintendent of Schools 
Beverly K. Trotter (now Mrs. Robert Lee Jones) 
Court Reporter 

Janitors: Mr. and Mrs. George Stewart 



COURT HOUSE 



A VIEW OF THE COURT HOUSE IN 1909 



A VIEW OF THE COURT HOUSE 1968 




LAYING CORNER STONE FOR COURT HOUSE JUNE 10, 1891 
Mr. Boyd, Ray Williams, Albert Geers and Sam Green 




CARROLLTON 1823 - 1968 

CARROLLTON - 1823 

A brief but graphic picture of Carrollton in its early in- 
fancy can be found in the book "Wagons West," which 
tells of the westward hegira of the Justus and John Rider 
families, who started in September, 1822, from New York 
State and reached Carrollton late in April 1823. The 
women and children rode in a coach, followed by the 
wagons loaded with the household goods and a stock of 
goods for a store to be established here. The description 
follows: 

THE RIDER FAMILY ARRIVES 

"The coach lurched to a standstill at last. As the tired 
women with their fretful babies in their arms looked 
through the windows, their eyes rested on a sight that 
was now familiar. Perhaps the central open space of the 
little town was a trifle more generous than some they had 
seen, for Carrollton had been laid out as the county seat. 
On the west side stood the frame courthouse, unattractive, 
two-storied, presenting a high, gaunt end to the front, and 
already looking dingy and weatherbeaten, a fit companion 
to the log jail which flanked it. Diagonally across on the 
north side was the other frame structure in the place, a 
i.wo-storied with a portico. In the middle of the grass en- 
closure, between the square's four roads, were the public 
well and the whipping post. For the rest, there was the 
usual fringe of low log buildings. There was nothing to 
distinguish this from hundreds of other raw little towns 
they had been through - nothing until John rode up level 
with the coach window to ask them what they thought of 
their newhome.They looked out then, all eager curiosity, 
realizing with a flood of relief that their long journey was 
over." 

OUR CITY GOVERNMENT 

Our city is governed by a mayor, city clerk, city treasurer 
and six aldermen. An attractive city hall houses this city 
government. 

Present Administration: 

Mayor — Alan Roads 

City Clerk — Keith Sturmon 

City Treasurer - Thelma Barnett 

Aldermen: 

1st Ward - Walter Schmidt, Neil Carrico 
2nd Ward - William Miner, Andrew Kirback 
3rd Ward - Robert Hamel, Gene Wagener 

City Attorney - Jack McDonald 

Water Commissioner - Wendell Forrest 

City Springs Superintendent — Newell Trusty 

Fire Chief - Gene Wagener 

Bookkeeper - Estalene Parker 

Police: John Scheffel, Acting Chief 

James Tuey, Ray Allen, Clarence Johnisee 

Radio Operators: Magdaline Khlantzos, Lawrence Booth 




CIVIL DEFENSE 

The Carrollton Auxiliary Police Unit and Rescue Squad 
has 12 men fully equipped and trained to assist in all 
emergencies. The unit was famed in 1956. The men are 
all trained in police work, traffic control, advanced first 
aid, demolitions, dragging operations, rescue work and 
radiological monitoring. James D. Tuey is captain of the 
unit and civil defense director for the City of Carrollton. 




FIRE TRUCK 



News of Yesterday 

April 28, 1888. Carrollton had a test of their NEW FIRE 
ENGINE. The name of it is "Little Giant." It is simple, 
light, durable and will throw a %" stream 100 feet high, 
weighs less than 500 pounds and can be pulled by very 
few men. 

Notice the modern 750-gallon pumper in above picture, 
one of the trucks belonging to Carrollton Fire District. 



FORMER MAYORS: 

1867-69 Wm. L. Greene 

1870-71 A. M. Cunningham 

1872 Robert H. Davis 

1873 John Clough 

1874 Wm. R. Davis 

1875 Thomas Scott, Jr. 

1876 John Clough 

1877 R. H. Davis 

1878 L. F. Wheeler 

1879 Capt. Geo. L. Williams 
1880-81 N. J. Andrews 
1882-83 Adam Gimmy 

1885 T. C. Hussey 

1887 Dr. C. Armstrong 

1889 Lucius S. Eldred 

1891 Edward Miner 

1893 Oman Pierson 

1895 Same 

1897 Wm. H. Sieverling 

1899 M. E. McMahon 

1901 Dr. G. W. Ross 

1903 Same 

1905 Same 

1907 J. C. Bowman 

1909 Same 

1911 Dr. W. F. Waggoner 



1913 


Howard Price 


1915 


M. L. Howard 


1917 


James McNabb 


1919 


0. H. Vivell 


1921 


M. E. McMahon 


1923 


O. H. Vivell 


1925 


Same 


1927 


W. A. Hubbard 


1929 


E. E. Wheeler 


1931 


W. P. Lindsey 


1933 


Same 


1935 


Same 


1937 


Dr. N. D. Vedder 


1941 


Price Lindsey 


1945 


Thomas Hough 


1949 


Thomas Hough 




(expired 1952) 


1952 to 




May 1953 Jack Freeh 




(acting Mayor) 


1953 


Jack Staples 




(expired Aug. 1954) 


1954-57 


Ivan Beebe 




(acting Mayor) 


1957 


Richard Giller 


1961 


Alan Roads 


1965 


Same (present Mayor) 



LIBRARY POSTOFFICE 



The Bowman building, two story brick, stood in the corner 
of our present library yard, facing east. The location of 
part of the foundation may still be traced in 196 S. This 
well-known building was destroyed in a spectacular fire 
in 1887. The flames leaped to buil I the street, 

and a little south, and burned to the end of the street on 
the south. 




enter work, the total price being $9318, 
the building to be completed by October 31. Completed 
according to contract, the building was described as 63 x 
40 in si/.e, two stories and b.asemcnt, walls of mat-faced 
brick, slate roof. The main floor was arranged for library 
and reading room, the second floor, a small auditorium, 

out '200, and a club room, the two 
a rolling partition, the club room serving as a stage for 
the auditorium. 

Carnegie gave $6000 in September , [902, a first install- 
ment of the $10,000, and a contribution of $500 was re- 
ceived from Mrs. M. C. Kelsey of Chicago as a memorial 
to her father, Judge Boyd. 

The library was moved into the new building the second 
in Nov., 1902. The preceding week, Mrs. Martin re- 
signed as librarian, as she was moving to another state, 
Laura Wright, who had been her assistant, was 
appointed to the vacancy. Miss Wright Irarian 

from 1902 until 1944. She was succeeded by Mrs. Ruth 
Baltz, 1944-1968. The [.resent librarian is Mrs. Hilda 
Little and the Librarj Board at the present time: Clem 
Duns worth, president, Mrs. Alma Daum, secretary-treasur- 
er, Robert Schacher, Frank Daniel , \|r. . Emma Clough 
and Gilbert K. Hutchens. 



THE BOWMAN BUILDING 



The Carrollton Public Library was first promoted by the 
University Extension Club organized during the winter of 
1900-01 by Mr. and Mrs. II. T. Rainey, which met in Mr. 
Rainey's law office. When Andrew Carnegie announced 
his intention to give mam thousands of dollars to i 
lish public libraries, the club corresponded with the steel 
philanthropist and circulated petitions to stimulate local 
l. In April, 1901 , enthusiastic public meetings were 
held, the library was made an issue in the city election, 
candidates for the city council were pledged to vote for 
the two-mill library tax which carried in the city election 
by an overwhelming majority. The new city council 
adopted a resolution for establishing and maintaining a 
free public library, and Mayor G. W. Ross appointed as 
the first library board: II. T. Rainey, S. K. I'ierson, F. P. 
William-, E. \. Doolittle, C. A. Weimer, Geo. W. Davis, 
B. C. Hodges, Mrs. Howard Burns and Mrs. Helen B. Mar- 
tin. The board organized with Mr. Davis as president, Mr. 
Hodges, vice president, and Mr. Pierson, secretary. 

In order to further comply with the terms of Andrew Carne- 
gie and his proposed donation of $ 10,000, the city council 
made an appropriation of $4000 and the library board be- 
gan looking for a suitable detached site to be purchased 
by the city. The Bowman lots, on the south side of the 
square were selected as by far the most available and 
i nally purchased. 

one gave liberally for the library. Clubs held book 
showers; Thos. H. Boyd had offered a building site; Sam 
Eldred, wealthy Chicagoan, willed his library of several 
thousand volumes to Carrollton; and John Schwarz offered 
a room in his south side building rent free for six months 
for a temporary reading room. His offer was accepted and 
opened Nov. 18, 1901 - the actual beginning of a public: 
library — and Mrs. Helen Martin was employed as librarian 
at $15 a month, the reading room to be open each after- 
noon. 

The Bowman site having been purchased, plans for the 
building were adopted and the contract was let in Febru- 
ary, 1902, to Thos. S.Moore for the brickwork and to M.L. 




LIBRARY 



The Post Office at Carrollton was first established in 
1822, with John W. Skidmore as Post Master. He was suc- 
ceeded by Samuel Lee, Jr. Mr. Lee was succeeded by 
Philip N. Rampy. At this time the Post Office was located 
in the Court House. 

At one time the Post Ol i .eated on the west side 

of the square in what is now the Farm Bureau building. 
Later it was located in the building on the west side of 
the square, now occupied by Dr. A. D. Wilson. It was in 
this location until it moved to its present location, a 
block east of the square, on East North Main Street. 

The present Post Office was completed on June 1, 1932, 
nineteen years after the government had purchased the 
site. 

Other Postmasters: 

1830 - P. N. Rampy (Office was kept in Court House) 
Charles Lancaster (Was later sentenced to penitentiary) 
James Reno (Druggist, Landlord and Postmaster) 
Alfred Hinton 



POSTOFFICE PARKS 



April 1852 - Robert F. Clark (Mr. Clark did not care to 

fill the position and resigned within a week) 

April 1852 - July 1953 - Richard B. Hill 

July 1S53 - December 1854 - Ralph W. Kay 

December 1854 - Marshall Dulaney (Held office for 7 years) 

Thomas D. Price 

Simon P. Ohr 

James Cox 

F. B. Roberts 

1867 - George VV. Williams (Served for 15 years) 

1S7S - Charles Lynn 

1 885 - James Lynn 

Edward Smith 

Ed Simpson 

J. H. Pierson 

S. Elmer Simpson 

June 17, 1936 - May 12, 1940 - Phillip Daum, Sr. (Expired 

in office) 

1941 - Sept. 1959 - Mrs. Meda Dowdall 

Sept. 1, 1959 - Sept. 30, 1961 - George Graham (Acting 

Postmaster") 

Oct. 1, 1961 - Joseph Alfeld (Present Postmaster) 




WRIGHT 






V V V 



ONLY WOMAN TO SERVE AS POSTMASTER 
MRS. MEDA DOWDALL, 1941-1959 





POSTOFFICE 



HODGES - H. T. RAINEY MEMORIAL 



Three public spirited citizens, Captain William Fry, Miss 
Nettie Wright and Beverly C. Hodges willed plots of 
ground to the City that have been beautified into small 
but very attractive parks and playgrounds, the last named 
being the site of the State Memorial Statue to Speaker H. 
T. Rainey. (See Monuments) 



SCENES OF YESTERDAY 




■ 



r- 




m : I "■ 




Picture of Captain William Fry homestead taken in 1881 after new 8-cornered barn was built. Land this side of fence 
is now Fry Park. This site, we are told, has the highest elevation in the City. 



SCHOOLS 



LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Its schools have always been "The Pride of Carrollton". 
Even hack in ls.VJ, when the severely plain two-story 
frame school house, with four school rooms and a little 
square belfry on top, was erected on the southeast corner 
of the block on which the county jail was built seven 
years later. 

Schools there were of a sort, back in the early days of 
the village, the "loud school" in which the pupils all 
studied aloud in a babel of confusion. Julius Willard con- 
ducted a school on more civilized lines and introduced 
the use of a blackboard. These early schools were sus- 
tained solely by subscription, parents paying a quarterly- 
fee for tuition. 

The first public school in Carrollton was opened in the 
fall of 1850, by William Bar tie, afterwards a Presbyterian 
minister, whose strong anti-slavery views led to hi 
charge. 

John Russell, who had previously won distinction as 
author and educator, and had been editor of the first news- 
paper in Greene County, was the second principal of the 
school. He opened the school in the fall of lsfil an 
assisted by Henry Bonfoy, with Miss I'.. J. Gunning in 
charge of the "female" department. 

In January 1852, a new building was dedicated, with an 
address by Judge Woodson. The severely plain two-story 
frame school house, with four school rooms and a little 
square belfry on top, was erected on the southeast corner 



of the block on which the county jail was built 
years later. 

The public school of that period, and for several years 

afterward, was modeled after the old academy system, and 

was very unlike the present grade school. Little attention 

;iven to primary education, more stress being made 

upon Latin, Greek, French, Geometry , etc. Tuition fi 

varying from SI. 00 to SI. 00 per quarter, were charged, 

but those who lived in the district received the benefit of 

hool first. The school must have been supported 

largely from tuition payments, as it appears from the 

i not until 1855 was the school tax regularly 

1 e \ ied. 

In I855| Divide. Peabodj wa employed as principal, 
with .i salary of S600.00, and his sister, Miss Hannah G. 
Peabody, was his assistant. The latter continued as a 
teacher here for 31 years, and main who became promi- 
nent in Carrollton affairs were her pupils. 

Charles K. Gilchrist, later a distinguished jurist of Utah, 
principal in 1857-58. He was succeeded by Or. Justus 
Bulkley, later of Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, who 
taught lyre two winters. Francis VI. Parker made the start 
of afamous career in education, as principal of the school 
in 1860. He resigned to go into the Civil War, and later 
originated what was known as the "Quincy System" at 
Quincy, Massachusetts; afterward was principal of the 
Cook County Normal of Chicago. Alfred Harvey, also 
taughl and became widely known in later years. 

The public endured the proximity of the county jail on an 



SCHOOLS 



ill icent corner for eleven years. In 1870, the second 
school was erected on the present school grounds. 
Measured by architectural standards of that time, it was 
a magnificent building, three stories, a basement and a 
mansard roof. It cost $44,000.00. It continued to be looked 
on uith pride for eighteen years, and then on the night of 
November 16, 1888, it burned. 

Going back to the beginning of that eighteen year period, 
Joseph Dobbin, then principal, transferred the pupils to 
that building in January 1871. W. II. Wilson was principal 
in the school year of 1871-1872. 

In 1872, E. A. Doolittle became principal, and effected 
the complete organization of the High School. He contin- 
ued at the head of the school for seven years. Following 
Mr. Doolittle, J. S. Kenyon was principal for three years, 
and in 1882 he was succeeded by David Felmley, who had 
been assistant principal under him. Mr. Felmley continued 
as principal for eight years, resigning in 1890 to accept 
the chair of mathematics in the State Normal University, 
of which institution he was afterward president for a 
number of years. 

Fire destroyed the building in 1888, and steps were taken 
at once to replace it with a more modern structure. With 
$16,875.00 from insurance, $12,000.00 in bonds, voted by 
the people, and Principal Felmley superintending the job, 
the board of education erected a new building. 

Upon the resignation of Mr. Felmley in 1890, Clyde Stone 
was promoted from the position of first assistant to that 
of principal, continuing as head of the school for nine 
years. He is the only graduate of the High School who 
ever attained that position. He was a member of the class 
of 1883 and graduated from the University of Michigan in 
1888. 




LOOMIS OBSERVATORY 

In 1895, the erection of Loomis Observatory marked an 
important epoch in the history of the High School. Mr. L. 
W. Loomis, a member of the board of education, offered 
to give for the use of the school the fine, seven inch lens 
telescope which he was then completing, provided a suit- 
able building was erected to contain it. The offer was 
accepted and Loomis Observatory, a stone and brick 
structure was erected. 

From 1899 to 1903, the school was in charge of E. A. 
Thornhill.Up to this time the High School course covered 
only three years, with an additional year for students tak- 
ing Latin. Under Mr. Thornhill the course was raised to a 
full four years, with German added. 

A. B. Carroll followed Mr. Thornhill for one year, and 
was succeeded by J. R. Sparks, who was the first to be 



officially styled "Superintendent", the title of "Princi- 
pal" now falling to the first assistant. During Mr. Sparks' 
regime of two years (1905 and 1906) manual training and 
domestic science were introduced into the curriculum. 

In the fall of 1907, Mr. E. A. Doolittle consented to re- 
turn to the position he had resigned 26 years before to 
enter law practice. Many of his former pupils believed 
that his return saved the prestige of the school. 

The school ran along smoothly for thirteen more years 
under Superintendent Doolittle, making a total of twenty 
years as head of the school. 

T. H. Cobb became Superintendent in the fall of 1919 and 
served three years. During the next eight years Superin- 
tendents were: J. G. Pollard, 1922-1923; H. H. Davis, 
1923-1924; E. T. Jackson, 1924-1927; Reuben Eber, 1927- 
1929; P. M. Tinsley, 1929-1930. 

The need for more room was felt more than a dozen years 
ago. In May 1926, the contract was let for a large addition 
to the building, 45 x 125 feet. This addition nearly 
doubled the High School assembly room, provided a large 
gymnasium, used for entertainments, commencements, 
etc., domestic science and other class rooms and numer- 
ous other improvements. 

Superintendents since 1930 include: 

1930-1940, Abel A. Hanson 

1940-1941, Olin W. Stead (Resigned to serve in theArmed 

Forces during World War II. 
1942-1943, William R. Lowrey 
1944-1946, Arbon Wetzel 
1947-1959, Olin W. Stead 

In 1952 the Carrollton and Eldred Schools were consoli- 
dated. The Community Unit District 1 takes care of stu- 
dents from Carrollton, Eldred (a community nine miles 
distant) and all the surrounding country students. 
The first grade school was built in Mt. Gilead community, 
which was dedicated in 1955. This school was used until 
1961. It is presently used as a Nursing Home. 
The present Carrollton Community Unit High School, a 
new, modern building, was dedicated in 1956. 
The old high school was torn down. The addition built in 
1928, was left standing. To this, a new addition was 
added in 1961, which is now the Carrollton Grade School. 
Louis Schrieter, the present Superintendent, was employed 
in 1959. 



Present School Board Members are: 

Paul Pressler, President 

Neil Carter Mrs. Robert Reynolds 

Jake Claflin Paul Hindelang 

Henry Cordes, Jr. Melvin Greer 



EDUCATION TODAY 

Our community has three fine educational institutions, 
consisting of two elementary schools and one large high 
school which takes care of students from Carrollton, 
Eldred (a community nine miles distant) and all the sur- 
rounding country students. 




Carrollton Grade School. First built as an addition to the 
old Carrollton School in 1956 when grade and high school 
buildings were separated. The one-story addition was 
added in 1961 and old part razed. 




HIGH SCHOOL 




HOOL BUILT 1877 



ST. JOHNS SCHOOL 



St. John's Parochial School was established in 1877. It 
was first housed in a one story frame building on the 
north side of South Main Street nearly opposite the two 
story brick building which was erected in 1904. For a 
number of years only the elementary branches were 
taught, and many of its pupils entered and graduated from 
the Carrollton High School. From the start the school was 
taught by the Dominican Si-i 

The school building had been planned with a view to the 
ultimate establishment of a high school, and the plan was 
accomplished in 1922. The first graduating class, com- 
posed of eight boys and eight girls, received diplomas at 
the commencement exercises June 1, 1926. The High 
School continued for thirty years, the last class to gradu- 
is in June 1 956. 

A new eight room grade school and gymnasium was erected 
south of the present Church and dedicated Slav 23, 1968, 
with an enrollment of 200 pupils. It is considered one of 
the most modern schools in this area. 




LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL 




Catholic Grade School conducted by the Dominican Sis- 
ters and Secular Priests. This new school built in 1968 
replaces school built in the early 1900's (used as both 
grade and high school for a time.) 



A SCHOOL OF YESTERDAY 

LUTHERAN CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL 

In 1945 a Christian Day School was opened with thirteen 
pupils, taught by Pastor A.O. Kaul. The school was con- 
ducted in a renovated chicken house standing where the 
present church building is located. Mr. Herman J. Speck- 
hard became the teacher of the school in the fall of 1946, 
the school then being conducted in the Machine Shop in 
back of the Greene County Bank. Construction of the 
present church building got under way in 1946. From the 
fall of 1917 until the closing of the school in January 
1958, after the teacher, Herman J. Speckhard, had accept- 
ed a call to St. Stephens' Lutheran School in Hickory, 
North Carolina, the school was conducted in the basement 
of the church. 



CHURCHES 



Carrollton is the proud possessor of eight different churches and religious organizations, thus showing the great 
amount of interest of the citizens of Carrollton in religion 




METHODIST CHURCH 

The Dodgson family, coming from Yorkshire, England, in 
1821, were the pioneers of Methodism here. They settled 
about two and a half miles north of Carrollton, and a year 
or two later formed a society called Hopewell Class, 
which was the first organization of Methodists in the 
county. A few years later, this society built a brick 
church a little north of Daniel Morfoot's, and that contin- 
ued a preaching place for many years. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Carrollton was or- 
ganized in 1832. The congregation first worshipped in the 
courthouse, and afterward in' a school house on the east 
side of the square. In 1,836, a brick church building was 
erected, and this was torn down to make room for a better 
and more sightly structure, which was built in 1850-51. 
This was later a blacksmith shop, southwest of the 
square. The building in which the congregation now gath- 
er, was erected in 1883. 




BAPTIST CHURCH 

The Baptist Church was organized in 1821 by Elder Jones 
of Madison County. Their first meeting house was a log 
cabin not far from the residence of Dr. J. F. Simpson. 
Among the original members of this church was Thomas 
Carlin.the founder of the town, and afterward the governor 
of the state. In the course of time, it moved eastward, 
and is now Providence Church. On the 28th of April 1827, 
at the house of Justus Rider, in the town of Carrollton, 
was founded the present Baptist Church of Carrollton. 




OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH 

When still stationed as a missionary in Jerseyville, Illi- 
nois, the late Rev. Norman G. Schumm canvassed the 
town of Carrollton, Illinois, and decided to conduct 
Lutheran services there. The first service was held in the 
Episcopal Church in Carrollton on January 15, 1933. After 
some time, Pastor Schumm took up residence in Carroll- 
ton, renting the building at 116 North Seventh Street, 
which later was purchased by the congregation and used 
as a residence by our teacher. 

During the pastorate of the Rev. A. O. Kaul, in 1945, the 
Lutheran Mission in Carrollton adopted a constitution and 
became formally organized. 

Pastor Kaul, during his pastorate in Carrollton, originated 
the publication, "The Lutheran Evangelist," which later 
came to be known as The World Wide Evangelist. In 1948 
the Carrollton congregation, now known as Our Redeemer 
Lutheran Church, joined the Synod. 

At present Pastor Duncan Stevenson of Dorsey, Illinois, 
is serving as vacancy pastor. 




CHRISTIAN CHURCH 

The Christian Church was organized in 1832, under the 
ministry of Elder B. W. Stone, with approximately 120 
members. After a time there was dissension among some 
of the members and early in 1841 this church passed out 
of existence. In September of the same year, the church 
reorganized with 28 or 29 members. D. W. Kennett was 
chosen as elder. From that time on this church has had a 
very prosperous existence. 



10 



CHURCHES 




PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

On the 30th of April 1823, a little knot of people, among 
whom were Rev. Oren Catlin and Rev. I). (,. Sprague, met 
at the house of 7. Ulen, in ( arrollton, to confer 

upon the subject of organizing a Presbyterian Chur 

n 1 meeting of the kind was held soon after, and, fi- 
nally, upon the I th of May 18! ; held al the 
old courthouse, was instituted a church of this denomina- 
tion, with a membership of twenty-one in number. The 
infant church could not have a shelter that it could call 
its own, but meetings were held, as circumstances would 
permit, sometimes in the courthouse, sometimes in a 
blacksmith shop near the northwest corner of the sqi 
In ] v' J i", a church building was erected. The present im- 
posing church edifice was erected in 1867-68. 



**TS 




ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH 

\ Pentecostal Church was organized in Carrollton about 
fifty years ago, and a frame building was erected, north 
of the public school building, about forty-eighl years ago. 
It is now known as the Church ol God, and has been 
served for brief periods by quite a number of pastors and 
evangelists. 

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

Prior tu 1871, the members of the Episcopal conuregation 
in (arrollton held their services in the courthouse. Judge 
('. I). Hodges donated a lot on which to build a church. A 
frame structure was erected and was dedicated March 10, 
1872. It was destroyed by fire August 1 y, 1SS6. i' 
replaced by a brick building, gothic in style, and was 
opened October 2, lSS7.The congregation biter disbanded 
and, after periods of occupation by other denominations 
and, vacancy, and as a teen center, the premises were 
sold to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Price, who dismantled the 
the church and replaced it with a modern brick home. 




ST. JOHNS CATHOLIC CHURCH 

irrollton wet > rfially 

visiti I 'lien li> priests from .1 

villi- and other points. They first met for worship al the 
il rhomas Butler, later in what hail previously 
been the Christian Church building. In I860, Rev. J. B. 
Mori, a German priest, called at stated times. Rev. Adol- 
i. mrent, a French priest succeeded him. After dif- 
ficulties and disappointments, they built a little brick 
church in 1863, when FatherKlein took charge 
. U>\ . John Sheridan ■ 

) Ri v. I . .1. Clifford, ■■ 
luring the cholera pidemii - lifii 
inity. One of his succe oi ,Rev. V. J. Sauer, built 
to the church in 1SS2 in the form of a cross 
. 'iving it a seating capacit) for 550 Rather 

Sauer was pastoi from 1^77 to 1892. Rev. H. J. Hoven, a 
German, 1892-1903, was widely known as an accomplished 
i in and skillful organist. During Rev. J. J.Dris 
of office, the parochial school which wa 

'il Maj 91 built. He wa in American and remained 

from 1 903-1907, when Rev . D. J, Moronei took i h 

Other pastors following them were: Rev. Michael Sheehy 

r. E. Cusa torn, 

High School was originated. Rev. Thus. Cos- 

tello i ' 126-37 . R el Enrighl land 

. Rev. Francis Cunningham. 




CARROLLTON FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 

The Carrollton Faith Baptist Mission had il beginnings 
in January 1955, and was organized as a church on Janu- 
ir\ 26, 1958. The church was founded by the Rev. Francis 
Varble. The congregation met in the former Episcopal 
Church where they continued until a new church was built 
on South Third Street in 1960. 

I present pastor is the Rev. Charles Barnes who re- 

cently moved to Carrollton from I,, it St. Louis. 



BANKS 





I 




THE GREENE COUNTY NATIONAL BANK 

The first bank established in Greene County was founded 
by David Pierson. In that year Mr. Pierson started the 
bank in connection with his mercantile business. Four 
years later he turned his entire attention to banking and 
in 1859 he began the erection of the three story brick 
building at the northwest corner of the square, the build- 
ing presently occupied by A. D. Wilson, M.D. 

In 1874, Mr. Pierson's sons, Robert and David D. Pierson, 
became partners in the firm of David Pierson & Sons, what 
was then known as " Pierson's Exchange Bank. "During 
the panics of 1857 - 1872 when nearly every bank in the 
state was closed, this institution never refused to meet 
a just demand. 

In 1878, David Pierson retired from the business and the 
Greene County National Bank was organized to succeed 
the old organization. It began business July 1, with a 
Paid Capital of $100,000. 

Its first officers were: 
John I. Thomas, President 
David D. Pierson, Vice President 
Robert Pierson, Cashier 
Oman Pierson, Ass't. Cashier 

The present building was erected in 1905. 

S. E. Pierson was connected with the Greene County 
National Bank for over 67 years. He served as President 
from 1924 to 1963. 

Present Officers of the Greene County National Bank in 

Carrollton are: 

Philip A. Daum, President 

William P. Schmidt, Vice President 

Walter P. Schmidt, Cashier 

E. Neal Gillingham, Ass't. Cashier 

Joe Goeddey, Farm Representative 

William G. Vogt, Chairman of the Board 

Bob D. Price, Charles T. Meek, Herbert Widdowson, 

Julia Pierson, Directors 

THE CARROLLTON BANK 

The Carrollton Bank was established on August 9, 1877, 
with Benjamin Roodhouse, President, and William Beatty, 
Cashier. The other stockholders were David Wright, C. H. 



THE CARROLLTON BANK 

Hodges, John Kaser and Jeduthan B. Eldred. At the time 
of the original opening, Judge C. D. Hodges was erecting 
a substantial brick building to be used by the bank; how- 
ever, actual banking was begun in a small adjacent build- 
ing until completion of the new building on the north side 
of the public square. 

In October 1886, the stockholders of The Carrollton Bank 
bought the John Long Bank and reorganized. John L. El- 
dred and B. C. Hodges, who became stockholders at this 
time, were elected Cashier and Assistant Cashier, re- 
spectively. 

On October 22, 1907, this bank was chartered as a State 
Bank under the banking laws of the State of Illinois, with 
the following men serving as directors: Beverly C. Hodges, 
John L. Eldred, Samuel W. Eldred, Henry Schafer, Henry 
T. Rainey , Luther Lynn, R. G. Fain and Thomas Henshaw. 
The bank officers at this time were: Beverly C. Hodges, 
President; Henry Schafer, Vice President; John L. Eldred, 
Cashier; Charles H. Eldred, Assistant Cashier and John 
J. Eldred, 2nd Assistant Cashier. 

A chronological listing of the men who have served as 
presidents of this bank is as follows: 
Benjamin Roodhouse 1877-1883 

1883-1905 

1905-1932 

1932-1937 

1937-1960 

1960-1963 

1963 to the present time. 

The Carrollton Bank is still doing business in its original 
building on the north side of the square. 

The present Directors are: Francis T. Vaughn, (Board 
Chairman), Kenneth W. Black, E. L. Bowman, Thomas S. 
Hough and Jack McDonald. 

The present Officers are: 

T. S. Hough, President and Cashier 

Jack McDonald, Vice President 

Mrs. Leonard (Marie) Stone, Assistant Cashier 

Fred W. Hartman, Assistant Cashier 

Mrs. Charles (Mary) Edwards, Assistant Cashier 

Mrs. John T. (Mary) Owens, Assistant Cashier 

Mrs. Fred W. (Lorna) Hartman, Assistant Cashier 



George W. Davis 
Beverly C. Hodges 
Henry Achafer 
John J. Eldred 
Francis T. Vaughn 
Thomas S. Hough 



HOSPITAL 



DEDICATION OF 
THOMAS H. BOYD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 
The Thomas H. Boyd Memorial Hospital was dedii 
Sunday afternoon, September 21, 1941, climaxing an am- 
bition for years in this community. The institution 
donated in memory of Thomas H. Boyd by his dau 
Mrs. Virginia Boyd Kelsey. After the dedication rites con- 
ducted by the Rev. Paul R. Z wi lling of Deaconess Hos- 
pital, St. Louis, a concert was given by the Carrollton 
School Band, then the hospital was opened to the public. 
With pride, approximately three thousand people viewed 
the new hospital. 

The story begins when the late Mrs. Virginia Kelsey of 
riu ago left to the city of Carrollton $150,000 to be u ed 
to erect a hospital, if the physicians of Carrollton wanted 
it, and would agree to serve on the board. This sum, Mrs. 
Kelsej felt, could pay for a hospital which might be a fit- 
ting memorial to her father, the late Judge Thorn i 
, prominent resident of Carrollton. 

However, it developed that some of Mrs. Kelsey's fortune 
had been lost in power investments during the 1930 crash. 
The $150,000 fund had dwindled to $35,000 for building 
purposes and $25,000 for an endowment fund. Now $35,000 
doesn't go far and it is at this point the peopleof the 
community entered the scene. Residents of Carrollton and 
vicinity reasoned that a fine building could be erected 
with $35,000, providing the money could be devoted to the 
building only, and they decided to take upon themselves 
the job of furnishing and equipping the hospital. 

A Corporation was formed with l)r. A. K. Baldwin, Pre i- 
dent, Dr. A. D. Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. S. F. 
March, Dr. W. F. Waggoner, Joseph Clark, Sr., Jack Mc- 
Donald and Francis Vaughn formed the Board of Tru 
On this board, Mr. Ben W. Mehl acted as the Chairman of 
I i n.mce. 

These men were formerly in charge of construction ofthe 
building and the purchase of equipment, but they are the 
loudest in protesting thai thej gave nothing that wasn't 
given by everybody else, who gave of their time and monej 
according to their means. Sums were donated ranging from 
SOcents to $1000 and donations cam. from i- far iv 
California from former residents. The late Justice Norman 
L.Jones donated the site upon which the Thomas H. Boyd 
\ \s as built. 

Mrs. Bernice Meade, former head nurse at Deacone Ho - 
pital at Lincoln, Illinois was the Superintendent of the 
20 bed hospital and served faithfully until her resig- 
nation October 1, 1965. During her administration there 
were two additions added. In 1950 the west wing was 
built and in 1958 a second wing wa added for obstetrics, 
increasing the capacity of the hospital to 50 beds. 

following the re; i rnatioi tnd retirement of Mrs. Meade, 
Roy Shoemaker, Anna, Illinois became the new adminis- 
trator in October 1965, and at present is serving the hos- 
pital in this capacity . 

At the time of this publication a 26,000 square foot addi- 
tion is being constructed, this will include an extended 
care facility called, "The Reisch Memorial Addition", 
with a total cost of some $900,000, this cost includes 
furnishing and equipment. This project will be accom- 
plished from money received from the wills of the late, 
Mardena F. Reisch and Louis Reisch Estates, also the, 
Hill Burton Grant and from local contributions from many 
Greene County citizens. 



Serving the hospital on the Board ofTrustees al tie 

ent time are; Arthur K. Baldwin, M.D., \rthur I). \\il son, 

M.D., Paul A. Dailey, M.D., Jack McDonald, Joseph S. 

Clark, Francis Vaughn and Thomas S. Hough. 




P ~*J " E ■ f 



THOMAS BOYD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 




MRS. BERNICE MEADE 

FIRST SUPERINTENDENT 

OF BOYD MEMORIAL 

HOSPITAL 

SERVED FAITHFULLY 

FOR TWENTY-FOUR 

YEARS 



ROY SHOEMAKER 

PRESENT 

ADMINISTRATOR 




PHYSICIANS 



PAUL A. DAILEY, M.D. 

Paul Anthony Dailey, M.D., Physician and Surgeon, was 
horn June 13, 1908, Burlington, Iowa, son of John A. and 
Katherine Mangan Dailey, Attended University of Notre 
Dame 1928-1931 and awarded Bachelor of Science Degree 
in Preprofessional Studies, Class of 1932. Attended Medi- 
calSchool at St. Louis University, 1931-1933 and Chicago 
Medical School 1934-1936, Degree of Doctor of Medicine, 
193(1. Internship, St. Joseph's Hospital, Lorain, Ohio, 
1936-1937. Private Practice - Macoupin County, Illinois 
1938-1940, Cirrollton, Illinois 1940 to date. Served in 
Army Medical Corp 1942-1946. 

Married Margaret Eagen Dailey in Austin, Minnesota on 
July 16, 1938. Children, Dr. John Charles Dailey, gradu- 
ate of the University of Notre Dame in Preprofessional 
Studies and Degree of Doctor of Medicine from University 
of Illinois School of Medicine. Internship at San Bernar- 
dino County Hospital, California, and is presently a Naval 
Medical Officer stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. 
John is married to the former Patricia Bean of East St. 
Louis and they are the parents of three children. David 
Kevin Dailey has finished his Junior year at the Univer- 
sity of Notre Dame and is in the College of Liberal Arts. 

Memberof Greene County Medical Society (Secretary 1949- 
1966"), Illinois State Medical Society (Chairman, Commit- 
tee on Nutrition 1952 to date, Council on Scientific Ad- 
vancement), American Academy of General Practice, 
American Medical Association (Alternate Delegate to 
AMA from Illinois State Medical Society to date), Ameri- 
can Legion, Lions, Knights of Columbus, Missouri Ath- 
letic Club. 

Hospital Appointments: Attending Staff - Boyd Memorial 
Hospital, Carrollton, Illinois. Courtesy Staff- Holy Cross 
Hospital and Passavant Hospital , Jacksonville, Illinois. 
Member, Board of Trustees, Boyd Memorial Hospital, Car- 
rollton, Illinois. 




lifc# 



ARTHUR KIRBY BALDWIN, M.D. 

Dr. Baldwin was born July 12, 1888 near Berwick, Warren 
County, Illinois. 

He was graduated from the University of Chicago School 
of Medicine (Rush Medical College) in 1916. 

After two years internship at Michael Reece Hospital in 
Chicago he was commissioned First Lieutenant in the 
U. S. Army Medical Corps and was assigned to Camp 
Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina where he served for 
about a year. He then spent a year with the United States 
forces in Siberia. 

On June 28, 1922 he and Sarah Louise Murphy were mar- 
ried. They have three sons and six grand-children. 

Dr. and Mrs. Baldwin came to Carrollton on November 28, 
1924. He was qamed the General Practitioner of the Year 
in Illinois in 1958 and has been President of the Board of 
Trustees of Boyd Memorial Hospital since the first build- 
ing was completed in 1941. It was then a twenty bed 
hospital. 



ARTHUR D. WILSON, M.D. 

Arthur Dickinson Wilson, Physician and Surgeon, was born 
January 27, 1907 on a farm near Morrisonville, Illinois to 
Mr. and Mrs. John Dickinson Wilson. His family later 
moved to the Piasa vicinity and Arthur Wilson attended 
the Alton High School where he was an outstanding ath- 
lete. He graduated from the College of Medicine, Univer- 
sity of Illinois, June 13, 1931. Internship - St. Louis City 
Hospital 1931-1932. Dr. Wilson began his practice of med- 
icine September 19, 1932 on the second floor of the Hodges 
building. His office was later moved to its present loca- 
tion on the Northwest corner of the square. Last year he 
completed 35 years of service to the community. 

He served in the Army from October 1942 to November 
194 5, with overseas duty. 

Arthur D. Wilson and Gudron O. Birger were married April 
16, 1933. To this union were born two sons, Stuart D. Wil- 
son and Eric B. Wilson, both sons are physicians. 



JUDE A. CASELTON, M.D. 

Jude A. Caselton was born in Carrollton, September 18, 
1934, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Caselton. He at- 
tended St. John's Grade School and two years of high 
school, graduated from Carrollton High School in 1952. He 
served in the Air Force from 1953 to 1957 of which time 
one year was spent in Alaska. He took his pre-medical 
courses at Southern Illinois University. He took his first 
year of medical school at St. Louis School of Medicine, 
then transferred to U of I Medical School in Chicago for 
the remaining three years, graduating in June 1964. He 
completed one year of internship at Decatur Macon Co. 
Hospital in Decatur, Illinois in 1965, remaining for a short 
course in anesthesiology at Decatur. He began practice 
in Carrollton in October, 1965, his office being located 
just west of the Post Office. 

Dr. Caselton was married to Mary Kathleen Pranger, 
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Pranger on June 18, 1960. 
Dr. and Mrs. Caselton have three children, Kathleen Marie, 
who will be a second grader in St. John's School; Mark 
Anthony will be in kindergarten this fall and Judith Ann, 
at home, will be four. 



A. D. WILSON, M.D. JUDE A . CASELTON, M.D. 



THE SQUARE AND SURROUNDING AREA 



vt 





NORTH SIDE OF SQUARE 



WEST SIDE OF SQUARE 





EAST SIDE OF SQUARE 



NORTH OFF 267 





SOUTH SIDE OF SQUARE 



267 LOOKING SOUTH 



THE SQUARE AND SURROUNDING AREA 





■■ 






EAST CARROLLTON 



RAILROAD STATION , EAST PART OF CARROLLTON 




EAST CARROLLTON 




GREENE COUNTY SERVICE COMPA 



Hi 








ASC OFFICE 



GENERAL TELEPHONE COMPANY 




VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER 




MEHL FUNERAL HOME 
B. W. Mehl came to the Citj of Carrollton to work for 
Frank Kergher in his funeral establishment November 12, 

ind remained with him until Mr. Kergher's death in 
1934. The Kergher Funeral and Furniture bu 

I back in the ISOO's by Conrad Kerghi 
Frank Kergher. 

1,1 " ■'■' I and son Everett bought the home 

'I Mr. and Mr-. W. C. Harnett, which had been the family 
home of both Mrs. Laura Tunnel) and Mr. and Mrs. G 
Davis, for the purpose of establishing the first Funeral 
Home in the City of Carrollton. 

Mr. B. W. Mehl passed away in 1959. Since that time the 
Home has been operated by Mr. and Mrs. Everett Mehl. 



THE SQUARE AND 
SURROUNDING AREA 




FEDERAL LAND BANK & ILLINI PCA 




HIRES FUNERAL HOME 

HARDWARE, STOVES WT> FURNITURE This 

nation was tarried ,,n by the S. I . 3im] on in 
It was started on the west side of the square in 1886 it 
which time 3. I . 3im| son and S. \. Black constitute 
firm. In 1 s^T Mr. Black retire i an I in IS 

•a member of the firm and furniture and under- 
taking were added. The new firm occupied 
Smith Russell building on the north side. It then n 
to the Wright Block where it occupied the first 
floors of what was Letter known , (,, g, |.;. Simpson 
Furniture Store until it , . .-d by fire. 

earlj 1900's Mr. 1.. p. Simpson joined the firm and 
Mr . Lois Simpson purchased from Mr. Charles 
■ the large brick house on the corner of Mh and Wal- 
nut Streets. This house was built ; Dr. 
J. K. Sharon and he and his family lived there a number 
■" • Uter exten ive remodeling was completed the 
Simpson Funeral Home opened in 1935, owned and opera- 
Mr. L. P. Simpson and his wife, who still 
resides in Carrollton. 

The business was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Simpson 
in 1953 byhis son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. I. I.. 
Imus. [t was operated by them until April, 1966 when it 
was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hires. It is now known 
as the Hires Funeral Home 



17 



SURROUNDING AREA 



COLUMBIANA SEED COMPANY 

While not actually a part of Carrollton, but certainly an 
industry that is an important factor in the economy of the 
whole Carrollton Community, we recognize the many years 
of service by Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Best and their family, 
owners of Columbiana Farms and Columbiana Seed Com- 
pany. 

The Columbiana Enterprises are located largely in the 
Columbiana Farms between Eldred and Kampsville. The 
Columbiana Farm consists of 1,800 acres of land formerly 
acquired and cleared by Edward Boyle. To this acreage 
2,200 acres has been added by the Best Family. 

General farming is carried on in addition to the production 
of hybrid seed corn for the states of Illinois, Missouri, 
Kentucky, Tennessee, and North and South Carolina. 

Columbiana Seed Company is said to be the largest inde- 
pendent seed company in existence, and has produced 
18,000 acres of seed in one year. It has 30 drying plants, 
7 processing plants and 3 refrigeration plants in the Miss- 
issippi Valley between Route 36 and Memphis, Tennessee. 
Most of the seed is produced in Greene, Jersey and Scott 
Counties in Illinois with lesser amounts in Southern Illi- 
nois and Tennessee. 

Columbiana produces 3,500 hogs each year and feeds 
6,000 to 7,000 cattle. 

Columbiana has approximately 10,000 pecan trees of 
which over half are grafted trees of the best varieties 
known in Northern United States. The nut trees are ferti- 
lized, and sprayed to produce the highest quality of nuts. 
The trees are shaken, the nuts picked up, cleaned and 
sized with special machinery. Many varieties are proven 
as valuable as corn on an acre basis. 

Columbiana has 200 regular employees and hire many 
more during the rush season. 



SIERRA MOTEL 

The Sierra Motel was built in 1956, by Milton (Pick) Trib- 
ble. Building started in April and was completed in July. 
Mr. Tribblewas hospitilized much of this time and passed 
away the day the building was completed. Mrs. Ethel 
Flamm, administrator of Mr. Tribble's estate, operated the 
motel the first year. In 1957, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Banghart 
purchased the motel and are operating it under the same 
name "Sierra Motel". 



GREENE COUNTY FARM BUREAU 

The history of the organization of the Greene County Farm 
Bureau dates back to the Greene County Fair of 1913. The 
Greene County Fair Association President, the late Henry 
T. Rainey, took note that several farmers in the county 
were in favor of a farm organization with a paid Farm Ad- 
viser. In February 1914, the Greene County Farm Improve- 
ment Association was formed with the following officers: 
Brace Fane, President; John H. Thomas, Vice President; 
L. H. Raffety. Secretary; and L. T. Lee, Treasurer. The 
The Association did not survive due to lack of finances. 

Articles favorable to an organization of farmers appeared 
in county newspapers. Many farmers wrote letters request- 
ing the organization and voluntary workers enrolled mem- 
bers. The organization meeting was held January 3, 1918 
with 220 charter members. 

Louis Lowenstein of White Hall was the first president. 
E. M. Phillips was employed in March as the first farm 
adviser, and on April 26, 1918 opened an office on the 
southwest corner of the square. 

The 1968 officers are: Eldon Starkweather, Farm Adviser, 
James Esarey, President, and Mrs. Eloise Tholen, Home 
Adviser. 



HEINOLDHOG MARKET 

This Livestock Market was built north of Carrollton in 
May 196 5. The friendly manager is Kenneth Butler. Two 
persons are employed. 

CARROLLTON AUCTION SALES 

The Carrollton Sales Company, owned and operated by 
P. J. Achenbach and L. L. Seely was established in 1932. 
It was located on South Main Street, the present location 
of the K. C. Hall. In 1948 Mr. Seely became sole owner 
when he purchased Mr. Achenbach's share in the Sale 
Barn. 

The present building was erected in 1948. It is located 
east of the city limits and is known as the Carrollton 
Auction Sales. 

In 1965 L. L. Seely sold the Auction Sales to his son, 
Kendell Seely, who operates the business, holding sales 
each Saturday. The Auction Sales and the restaurant in 
building employ approximately 30 persons. 






Distinguished 
Citizen 

HENRY T. RAINEY 



CONGRESSMAN HENRY T. RAINEY 

Henry Thomas Rainey was born in Carrollton, Greene 
County, Illinois, on August 20, 1SG0, the son of John and 
Kate (Thomas i Rainey. 

After attending the public schools of Carrollton, he en- 
tered Knox College al l Illinois, from which he 
was graduated in 1879. He Qier attended Vmhersl C 
ol Massachusetts and received his Degree of Bachelor of 
Arts in 1883. He was graduated from the Union Coll' 
Law al Chicago in 1885, with a Bachelor of Laws D 
He later received his Master of Vrts Degree and Doctor of 
Laws Degree from Amherst. He also received a Doctor of 
Laws Degree from the University of Illinois in 1930. 

He practiced law in Carrollton from 1885 to 1902, and 



Master in Chancery ol Greene County from 1887 
to 189 

Mr. Rainey was elected to Congress p rom the Twentieth 
Illinois District in 1903 and served continuously, with 
the exception of the 67th Congre . He wa I >■ mo 
Leader of the 7'_>d Congress and Speaker of the House of 
the 73 until the time of his death on Augusl 

19, 1934. 

On June 27, 1888, Mr. Rainey married Ella Mc Bride of 
Harvard, Nebraska. 

Speaker Rainey's legislative work was noted for his ef- 
forts and accomplishments in behalf of humanitarian mea- 
sures. \ i cholar and orator lie had few peers in the 
Nation. 



Distinguished 
Citizen 

NORMAN L. JONES 




JUDGE NORMAN L. JONES 

Taken from Memorial Services held in the Supreme Court 
at the February Term, 1941. 

Norman L. Jones, the son of John and Minerva E. Jones, 
was born at Patterson, Illinois, September 19, 1869. A 
member of one of the pioneer families of Greene County, 
he was born in and remained a life-long resident of that 
county. He was educated in the public schools of Carroll- 
ton, attended Valparaiso University for a year, and then 
was admitted to the United States Military Academy at 
West Point. After two years of training, he resigned from 
the Military Academy because of the illness of his father, 
returned to Carrollton and began the study of law in the 
office of H. C. Withers. He was admitted to the bar of 
Illinois in 1896. 

The youngest man ever to sit in the Illinois House of 
Representatives, he was elected to serve the first of two 
terms in that body at the age of 21. In 1900 he became 
associated in the practice of law in Carrollton with the 
late Congressman Henry T. Rainey. From 1902 to 1910 he 
was City Attorney of Carrollton and from 1912 to 1914 



State's Attorney of Greene County. On being elected .judge 
for the seventh judicial circuit, to fill a vacancy, he ter- 
minated his partnership with Congressman Rainey in 1914 
and resigned as State's Attorney. He was re-elected circuit 
judge in 1915, 1921 and 1927, each time withoutopposition. 
From 1921 to 1931, he served as a member of the Illinois 
Appellate Court for the Second District. In 1931 he was 
elected to the Supreme Court of Illinois to fill a vacancy 
caused by the resignation of Mr. Justice Williams M. Far- 
mer, and, in 1933, he was re-elected to that court. He 
served as Chief Justice of the court in 1931-1935 and he 
again assumed that position at the June, 1940, term. 

A leader in the Democratic party, he was the nominee of 
that party for Governor of the State of Illinois in 1924, and 
served as a delegate to several Democratic national con- 
ventions. For many years he was an active member of the 
Illinois State Bar Association. 

In 19 06 he married Miss Almeda Pegram of Carrollton. One 
son Norman P. Jones, a member of the Illinois bar, sur- 
vives. 

Judge Jones died at Our Saviour's Hospital in Jackson- 
ville on November 15, 1940. 




Distinguished 
Citizen 

SIDNEY E. SIMPSON 



CONGRESSMAN SIDNEY E. SIMPSON 

Sidney E.Simpson was born in Carrollton, Greene County, 
Illinois, on September 'JO, 1894, the son of S. Elmer and 
Martha (Andrews) Simpson. He attended the public schools 
and graduated from Carrollton High School. 

During World War I, he served with the American Expe- 
ditionary Forces in France. He became a charter member 
of the American Legion, attending the original American 
Legion caucus in Paris, France, on March 17, 1919. He 
was the first commander of Carrollton American Legion 
Post 114. 

He was engaged in business in Carrollton for 30 years as 
owner of Simpson Motor Company. 

Mr. Simpson was Republican Chairman of Greene County 
for a period of 30 years, a member of the executive com- 
mittee of the County Chairman's Association of Illinois, 
City Treasurer of Carrollton for one term, and a member of 
the Carrollton Board of Education. 



On Januarj 3, 1943, he first took the oath of office 
elected Representative to the 78th Congress for the 'JOth 
District of Illinois, and was re-elected for seven SUC- 
e terms. He served on the Committee on Agriculture 
for all but the first four of his sixteen years in Congress; 
i a member ol the House District of Columbia Committee 
for sixteen years, being chairman of this committee during 
the S.'ird Congress and never ceasing his activity and in- 
terest in legislation relating to his Nation's Capitol; and 
as a member of the National Rivers and Harbors Commit- 
tee. He had been renominated to the 86th Congress at the 
time of his death, which occurred on October 26, 1958, in 
Pittsfield, Illinois. He was married to the former Edna 
Oakes on February 1, 19130, and she and their daughters, 
Martha (Mrs. Arthur Stoffel, Jr.) and Janet, survive. Mrs. 
Edna Simpson was elected as Representative to the 86th 
Congress, 1958-1960. She was a member of the Committee 
of Interior and Insular Affairs and of the Committee on 
House Administration. 




THREE BROTHERS 

Former Judges of the County Court of Greene 
County, Illinois, Attorney Gilbert K. Hutchens, 
Attorney Julian Hutchens and Attorney Norbert 
L. Hutchens. 



THREE DOCTORS - 

A FATHER AND TWO SONS 

Dr. Arthur D. Wilson, Carrollton, Illinois 
Dr. Stuart D. Wilson, Lake Bluff, Illinois 
Dr. Eric B. Wilson, Madison, Wisconsin 




SCENES AT WALNUT HALI 




THE HENRY T. RAINEY FARM AS IT LOOKED IN 1909 




SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY OFFICIALS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT A PICNIC HELD AT WALNUT HALL IN 1915 

23 



SCENES AT WALNUT HALL (Cont.) 




CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS AND ONE SPANISH WAR SOLDIER AT THE HENRY T. RAINEY HOME. 

Among those pictured are. Abe Henderson, Lincoln's Law Partner, John Roberts, John Carmody, 
James Russell, Anthony Connole, Robert Black, Robert Clark, Frank Day, James Williams, Isham Linder, 
H. T. Rainey, William O'Conner, James Tapp, Mrs. Rainey, George Scroggins, Walter Kelley, Dexter Wells, 
Jack Admire, Benjamin Stout, Dan Meister, Herman T. Hermes, Gordon Heron, Dr. Squire, Dr. J. B. Hayes 



:t Order Unknown) 




FAIR DIRECTORS LEAVING RAINEY HOME AFTER LUNCHEON WITH MR. & MRS RAINEY. (Standing on Porch) 
CROUCH & SONS PREMIUM 6 IN HAND TEAM WHICH TOOK MANY PREMIUMS AT FAIRS 

24 



SCENES AT WALNUT H*LL (Cont. 




GREENE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISERS AT THE HENRY T. RAINEY HOME 
1-Mark Davidson, 2-James Griffith, 3-unknown, 4-Frank Doyle, 5-Catson Metcalf, 6-Henry T. Ramey, 7— Will iam C. Kelly, 
8-Martin Kaffet, 9-unknown, 10-F. Brace Dawson, County Clerk, 11-Jesse Edwards, Sheriff, 12-Jacob Pope, 13-John Jones, 
14-James Howard, 15-Herman Geers, 16- James Burns, 17-Horace W. Foreman, County Treasurer 



WALNUT HALL 

This stately old home, with -gated entrs . 

purchased by \lr. Rainey from John H. Longmeyer 01 

r 1, 1909. It had formerly been known as the Luman 
Curtius homestead and was built in 1858 of brick burned 
on the ground, with hand-carved woodwork. Mr. R.i 

il hobby was that of beautifying the place, pr 
inn its splendid old trees, and transforming the grounds 
about the residence into a beautiful park, with three lakes, 
flower gardens, fish ponds, classic pagodas and bits of 

try. F.ast of the house he turm I i | isture into a 
deer park, stocked with a herd of Japanese deer. He also 
turned his attention to dairy farming, erecting one of the 
finest dairy barns in this part of Illinois, and built up a 
splendid herd of Holsteins. In addition to the original 200 
acres, he bought adjoininc tracts and the farm soon com- 

I 1S5 acres. The house itself was furnished through- 
out with antiques from every country on the globe. 

Mrs. Rainey had been the first pre local coun- 

cil of the Girl Seoul in w i hington D.I ., taking herwork 
and passing her tests under Juliette Lowe, the founder of 
the Girl Scouts of America, and both Girl Scouts and Boy 
found Walnut Hall a happy hunting eround, with 
every facility for picnics, camping and swimming. 

Vfter dissolving his partnership with Justice Norman L. 

i , Mr. Rainey moved his office to Walnut Hall and 

Mr . Rainej was his personal secretary. In the library of 
the great house, he tran. . i ted business in the summ 
received delegations of farm friends. As a country squire, 
Speaker Rainey grew to be the community's most revered 
citizen. 



CARROLLTON, HOME OF HENRY 1. RAINEY, 

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

For many years this sign stood just outside of town, but 
on August 22, 1934, this sign, as well as the Courthouse 
entrance and other public buildings, were draped with 
black and white flags of mourning. This was the day 
"Henry T." was laid to his eternal re,-t beside the graves 
of his parents in Carrollton Cemetery. 



Escorted by a huLie detail of motorcycle policemen and 
about twenty cars, the funeral cortege arrived in Carroll- 
ton from SI. Louis whi ' Raines's teath 
occurred at l>- Paul Hospital on \ugust 19th. Hi- bodj 

ikon to ihe rotunda of the Greene Counts I 
which was banked with beautiful floral tributes where he 
lay in state from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., with a detail of 
the Carrollton American Legion Post standing solemn 
guard. A continuous double line of people passed bj to 
look for the last time upon 'he calm fai n who 

had been born in Carrollton almost 7-1 years before, and 
had become one of its most prominent citi 

\i 1:00 the procession started from the Courthouse, out 
North Main Street ami State Highway 108, the mile to the 
Rainej Ibune. The driveway leading up to tie- resi I 
had lien transformed into an avenue of flags at half staff. 
tween town and the home, Boy Scouts 
and Legionaires formed a continuous guard of honor. 

rn idenl Franklin D. Roosevelt arrived il train 

from Washington D.C. at 3:35 P.M. and was met l>\ Senator 
William 11. Dieterich, Governor Henry Horner ai 
Norman 1.. Jones of the Illinois Supreme Court, a long- 
time friend and former law partner, who accompanied him 
to the Rainey homestead w here the brief and simple ritual 
of the Episcopal Church was read by Bishop John Chanler 
While of Springfield. Active Pallbearers were old neigh- 
bors and associates ofSpeaker Rainej in Carrollton: John 
J. Eldred and S. E. Pierson, bankers, William Hubbard 
and Brace Fain, farmers, E. A. Mehrhoff, lawyer, ai 

irage owner. President Roosevelt remained in- 
3ide until after the heavy copper been placed 

in the hearse and the procession to the cemetery began. 
II,. did not meterybut was taken direeil 

train which left Carrollton at 5:34 P.M. to return to 
Washington. 

The President's coming was a marker of the greatness of 
Mr. Rainey for never before had a | of the United 

set foot in this little Illinois town, and the great 
turnout of upwards from 20,000 of his old neighbors and 
constituents was a marker of the esteem in which Speaker 
Rainey was held in his home bailiwick. 



25 



HISTORICAL MARKERS 




THE CANNON 

The Carlin Monument, given !>\ Genera] Win. Passmore 
Carlin was informally unveiled September 28, 1901 to the 
memory of all Greene County Soldiers and Sailors. 

Surmounting the massive pile of simple and classical de- 
sign, rests the hundred-pounder gun which weighs about 
five ton, and was given to the Carrollton Post, G.A.R. by- 
United States Government. 

The gun, one of the largest type in active service during 
the Civil War, was at one time on the gun boat, Sassacus. 
It arrived at Carrollton, Illinois, the County Seat, October 
_>C> , 1900 and was formally dedicated October 24, 1901. 




HENRY T. RAINEY MONUMENT 

In November 1902, Henry Thomas Rainey was elected to 
the Lower House of Congress and served from 1903 to 
1921, and from 1923 until his death. 

The statue and the park in which it stands were dedicated 
August 12, 1937. 

Walnut Hall Farm, Rainey's beautiful home is located 
about a mile east of Carrollton. 




In memory of the citizens who served our Country in World 
War II. ''edicted by the Lion's Club in 1947. 




HINTON HOUSE - TODAY 



Built about 1832 by James Reno, father of the now famous 
Major Marcus A. Reno. It was known at that time as the 
"Tavern House." The name was changed to the "Hinton 
House" in 1850 when Judge Alfred Hinton bought it for a 
combined hotel, tfavern, general store, stage coach stop 
and drug store (one of the first drug stores). From 1890 to 
to 1896 this building was known as the Bassham house 
and was one of the leading hotels of Carrollton under the 
management of W. F. Stock. From 1896 to 1900 it was 
known as West Side House. One of its most famous patrons 
was Abraham Lincoln. 

Today, this building is known as the "Hinton House" and 
houses the Greene County Historical Society (as well as 
apartments, bus station and appliance store). The first 
meeting of this society was held Feb. 22, 1952. Mrs. Lan- 
sing Dickson was its first President. Mr. John Griswold 
now holds this office. They discover and collect items 
of historical value, provide for preservation of material 
and make it accessible to the public, hoping one day to 
restore Hinton House as a museum and historical land- 
mark, with an appropriate plaque in honor of Major Marcus 
A. Reno. 



BUSINESS FIRMS yesterday and today 




WEST SIDE HOUSE NOW KNOWN AS HINTON HOUSE 




THE CARROLLTON BANK IN 1896 

Standing in front of the Bank ate: 

B. C. Hodges, Jas. McNabb & Rev. Haskins, Presbyterian Minister 



■ — «fcr*v 

THE GREENE COUNTY NATIONAL BANK ERECTED IN 1905 



BUSINESS FIRMS yesterday and today 




F. P. MCDONOUGH CLOTHING STORE , EAST SIDE OF SQUARE, NOW RUSSELL WILES SHOE STORE 
Pictured L to R - Wm. Schmidt, Dt. Match, Thomas Hynes, Cal White, F. P. McDonough & Henry Schmidt 



BUSINESS FIRMS yesterday and today 




INSIDE THE TREASURER'S OFFICE IN THE COURTHOUSE 
JOHN B. MORROW & A. H. JOHNSON 



BUSINESS FIRMS yesterday and today 



J. M. WIDDOWSON LUMBER COMPANY 

The Widdowson Lumber Company was started in 1885 by 
Alvin Pegram, who sold to L. S. Bushnell. Title passed 
to J. M. Widdowson (father and grandfather of the present 
owners) in 1893. 

In 1931 after the death of his father, J. M. Widdowson 
continued the Lumber Company. In 1945 he purchased the 
Walter A. Brown Lumber Company and merged the two 
yards. 

In 1958, Herbert W. Widdowson, son of J. M. Widdowson, 
joined the firm. The name changed at this time to J. M. 
Widdowson and is still doing business at the original lo- 
cation. 




LYNN FAIN'S STORE IN 1899, NOW A. GEERS & COMPANY 
Pictured are Albert Geers, Mrs. Anna Hubbard & Sam Smith 

A. Geers and Company Dry Goods, traces back a continous 
business to the firm of Mr. Farland and Lynn, in 1888, 
Lynn, Fain and Company in 1905 and finally A. GEERS 
AND COMPANY 1912. 

This store is still in operation, in the same location un- 
der the name of A. Geers and Company with Francis A. 
Geers as manager. Employed in the store at this time are: 
Mrs. Virginia Snidle, Mrs. Bessie Koster and Mrs. Char- 
lotte White. 




WILLIAM'S MEAT MARKET 
Meade Williams & Mrs. Ella Jane Carter Maberry 




YESTERDAY AND TODAY 





BALTZ BROS. AND COMPANY BUILDING 



MRS. ROCKWELL (Center) 



Baltz Bros, and Co. were established on May 5, 1885, bj 
George Baltz, veteran wagon maker, and his sons, Henry 
and Joseph. They leased a building, which had been 
erected in 1877, from the Carrollton Manufacturing Com- 
pany. They purchased the building in 1888. 

Early advertisements included - machinery repair, iron- 
work, horseshoeing, woodwork and painting wagons and 
farm machinery. 

Slowly the business changed. Bicycles became very popu- 
lar. Horseshoeing declined as automobiles increased. 
Factory made goods replaced hand made articles. A sales 
force replaced the labor force. 

George and Francis Baltz, sons of Henry Baltz, worked in 
the store while still in school. After graduation, they 
opened an auto repair shop. Upon returning home from ser- 
vice in World War I, they purchased the T. 1). Pratt Garage 
and opened the Baltz Filling Station and Baltz Feed Store. 
Later they returned to the original Baltz Bros. Company. 

The historical old Baltz Building was razed in January 
1966 to be replaced by the Kroger Supermarket. 

In January 1966, George Baltz opened the present Baltz 
Bros, and Company Store on the west side of the square. 
He is the oldest retailer on the square, both in age and 
the number of years in business. 



The store known as Rockwell's in "Ladies Ready To 
Wear" was bought by Mrs. Mary Rockwell, June 20, 1920 
from McGillen-Bowman. She had previously been affiliated 
with the Sharon Store for twelve years. 

Mary Rockwell celebrated her 85th birthday on May 29, 
1964. 

In June of 1965 the store was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Robert 
Price and was opened for business February 1, 1965, un- 
der the name of "Betty of Rockwells." 

Mary Rockwell was the founder and first president of the 
Business and Professional Woman's Club, which was or- 
ganized in May 1928. Mrs. Rockwell passed away Maj 
1967. 



MANUFACTURING TODAY 



EMPCO - Built and opened in July 1953. Contract Manu- 
facturers of small parts. First managers - Ben Kania, Sr. 
and Earl Sherwood. Gale Brock has been manager since 
1955. 




MANUFACTURING yesterday 

In 1850 (just 29 years after the site of Carrollton was de- 
cided upon) the CARROLLTON MACHINE SHOP AND 
FOUNDRY was founded, it was one of the most extensive 
manufacturing establishments in the County. It grew from 
a small cross-road blacksmith shop to such proportions 
that it required the accommadations of the brick building, 
known to us as the Baltz Brothers Building, formerly lo- 
cated on the southwest corner of the square. The business 
was owned by William W. and R. B. Winn and was sold in 
1877 to J. C. Burruss. About 20 men were employed mak- 
ing Hollow Ware, Aquaria, House fronts and casting ma- 
chinery. 



From out of the History of Greene County, we learn of the 
MACHINE SHOP AND FOUNDRY, owned and operated by 
Oswald Jackson. It stood one block south of the square. 
Mr. .Jackson conducted his work with skill and energy and 
prepared to fill all orders in machine or foundry work 
in the most scientific manner, making a specialty of house 
front work, columns, step lates, window sills, etc. 

In 1852, a grist mill, equipped with three run of buhrs, 
was built by Wright & Germain at a cost of $10,000. In 
September 1862, F. P. Vedder purchased the property of 
R. F. Germain, who had bought out his partner some time 
previous. In March 1863, he disposed of it to David Pier- 
son. In April 1881, it was purchased by Thomas Hough 
who was born in Kngland in 1844 and came to Carrollton 
in 1863, where he worked in Pierson's flour mill. He re- 
modeled the mill, putting in a full set of roller machinery 
for making the best quality of flour the market afforded. 
This mill, known as the CARROLLTON ROLLER MILL, 
burned in 1886. In 1889, Mr. Hough started a lumberyard. 
He died in 1922. 

Alvin Pegram, an enterprising LUMBER AND GRAIN 
DEALER, built an elevator in 1880, north of the depot. 
Later the ADVANCE MILL AND ELEVATOR was erected 
in the west part of town, where the flour "Pride of Car- 
rollton"was milled. This ELEVATOR proved to be one of 
i manufacturing establishments in Carrollton and 
the "Pride of Carrollton" was shipped all over the United 
Statc<s. Tin' heaviest shipments were made to the southern 
states. The flour was sold and shipped in far load lots. 
The mill employed a large number of people, but it, too, 
i -stroyed by fire. 

1885 - Theie were TWO ELEVATORS in the city, one 
operated by R. II. Davis, current member of the General 
Assembly, and the other by Hussey and Company. 

We also had a CANNING FACTORY located in the east 
end of the City. It employed a large force of people and 
canned a varietj of vegetables and fruits. The best toma- 
toes ic the world were canned at thai factory. If your 
hands were small enough you could easily roach through 
the crates and help yourself. 

THE GREENE COUNTY CREAMERY, established Octo- 
ber 2, 1885, was located on Fourth Street in what is known 
at the old factory. It was established by a stock company, 
the officers being: John Kaser, A. I. Tunnell, Prank P. 
Greene, N. J. Andrews, and Wm. D. Waltrip. The company 
was composed of 33 stockhol 

c VRROLLTON CARR1 VGE MANUFACTORY. -II. R. Watt, 
1864. 



32 



THE EAGLEHOFF CARRIAGE AND WAGON FACTORY 
was a thriving manufacturing establishment, located east 
of the Scott Manufacturing Company in the then, three 
story brick building, which now houses the Carrollton fire 
truck and the Schneider Feed Store. 

WAGON, CARRIAGE AND BUGGY MAKER - Thomas 
Cooper, May 1, 1852. 

Louis Hensler manufactured wagons and did BLACK- 
SMITHING. 

D. H. Gillespie owned the SAW MILLS south of town that 
provided some of the lumber that repaired the old board 
walks we used to have. The lumber was sold to the City 
by contract as the city had need of large numbers of 
planks to replace the broken ones. 

On August 22, 1874, Lombard and Company opened a 
STEAM FEATHER RENOVATING ESTABLISHMENT on 
the southwest corner of the square and planned to locate 
in the city if business justified the move. 

The year I860 brought Loomis & Villinger who made a 
specialty of Manufacturing MICROSCOPES, TELESCOPES, 
SPY GLASSES AND OTHER OPTICAL OR ELECTRIC 
INSTRUMENTS. 

Most of you remember the old chimney that stood for a 
number of years just west and a little south of the school 
house, the last reminder that at one time there had been a 
a WOOLEN MILL, and a thriving industry. Around that 
chimney was one of the finest daisy patches you have 
ever seen or heard about, an ideal place to play hookey 
from school and pick hands full of flowers. 

Charles A. Weimer, CIGAR MANUFACTURER, established 
his business in 1873. He was also a retailer of all kinds 
of tobacco, pipes, etc. He had an extensive business and 
employed about 28 people, with a capacity to double that 
number. The factory was supplied with the very best and 
most improved machinery, operated by a water motor. 
It was arranged for comfort as well as good work, a num- 
ber of power fans being scattered through the building to 
keep it cool in summer. The output of the factory for a 
year was 1,500,000 cigars. His goods were well and favor- 
ably known throughout Illinois and Missouri and as far 
west as Montana. 

In the year 1902 Roy Williams and James Spencer started 
factory. In April 1903 the factory was incorporated with 
Roy Williams, James Spencer and George Keiper as stock 
holders. The company was known as the WILLIAMS AND 
SPENCER CIGAR COMPANY. This factory employed 
eight cigar makers, four strippers and one packer, at a 
weekly pay roll of $177.00. The largest order from this 
fartory was for 10,000 cigars and the price of the cigars 
was $12.00 to $200.00 per thousand. Cigars were made by 
this company that cost $1.00 each, but James Spencert 
said that they did not make many of them at that price. 
The cigars were shipped to all cities in Central Illinois 
and Missouri, the largest order being received from St. 
Louis. About 2400 cigars were made in one day. In 1907 
the factory went out of business. 

Among the other CIGAR MANUFACTURERS were Miss 
Shirley and Miss Tatman, Pete and Notion Carmody. We 
also had our own heat and light plant, operated by Mr. 
Sinsabaugh. In more recent years we had an Overall Fac- 
tory. 



POULTRY PACKING HOUSE 



MANUFACTURING yesterday 




SCOTT CORNER 



THE POULTRY PACKING BUSINKSS, operated by Julius 
A. Wolfe, began in 1893, and was located in thewestend 
of town. By 1896 his business increased to the extent of 
250 ton of live and dressed poultry and 1000 cases of 
eggs, shipping most of them to the Boston and New York 
markets. His establishment gave employment to 10 or 12 
men. 




Thomas Scott Jr. was a MANUFACTURER OF STOVE 
AND TIN WARR. He was the sole manufacturer of the 
celebrated SCOTT HRATING STOVRS and bore the repu- 
tation of being one of the most reliable dealers and manu- 
facturers in the west. He started his business in 1868 on 
the north east corner of the square and in 1868 he erected 
the building on the south east corner of the square where 
the stoves were manufactured. 



In the Spring of 1879, the CARROLLTON TILE WORKS, 
near the C & A passenger depot, was constructed by an 
enterprising gentleman, W. L. Barnett, who for the prior 
ten years had been frequently seen at the window of the 
C & A passenger depot at Carrollton, where he officiated 
as agent and telegraph operator. To his practical mind it 
became evident that what the farmers of Illinois were in 
need of was more tile and less wet land. With his usual 
zeal he set to work and the result was a tile works that 
would bear comparison with any other similar establish- 
ment. The clay used was of a very superior quality, and 
thoroughly ground before entering into the manufacture of 
the tile. The tile manufactured was from three to eight 
inches, of very superior quality, and found a ready sale. 
Mr. Barnett, senior member of this firm, was born in Indi- 
ana, November 11, 1846. When but eleven years old his 
parents moved to Mattoon, Illinois, where young Barnett 
received a liberal education. At the age of fifteen, he en- 
tered the employ of the Terre Haute Railroad Company, 
becoming a telegraph operator in the City of Mattoon, Illi- 
nois. When the Jacksonville division of the St. Louis 
J & C Railroad was constructed, he went to Murray v il 1 o, 
Morgan County, Illinois, where he officiated in his former 
capacity, and was probably the first operator on that line; 
proceeding from there to Jacksonville, thence to Mason 
City, remaining there thirteen months; then came to Car- 
rollton. 



A woman played a very important part of this community 
in the year 1876. She was Angeline Underwood, an Inven- 
tor and Manufacturer, who on the 26th day of December 
1876 patented a spring pillow, known as the Underwood. 
She also invented the famous spring mattress, which was 
met with cordial reception by the public. 



33 



THE OLD BLACKSMITH SHOP 




IN THE OLD BLACKSMITH SHOP - In the gold rush days of IS 4 9, the group of hungry prospectors from Carrollton 
gathered in front of this building (the Blacksmith Shop) to begin their trek westward to the goldfields. 




SIEVERLING & SCHUMANN 
Those Pictured Are: Bryan Caffeiy, Gus Tomlinson, Ed Rumtill, Harry Simonds, Jack Jennings, Julius Schumann 
Henry C. Sieverling was born in Brunswick, Germany in 1828. While a boy he served an apprenticeship to learn the 
trade of machinist and blacksmith. At the age of 18, he was recognized as a first class workman. He came to America 
at the age of 21, and in 1858 he located in Woody, where he operated a wagon and blacksmith shop for 8 years. He 
came to Carrollton in 1866 and purchased J. C. Kelly's residence and wagon sh cp. He soon gained a lucrative and 
growing trade. After 38 years of active business he retired. The business was carried on by Julius Schumann, his 
partner for many years. 

Later it was operated for many years by Elmer Williams but was torn down after his death. 

34 



BASEBALL 





1.* :.r 









IMPROVING THE CITY 

Pictured above: Louie Fritz, Mr. Crowan, Corney Heffernan, Harry Cook, Thomas Johnson, St., Herman Hillig, Sr. 
Otto Lotterbach, George Hillig, Thomas McMahon, Emett Harrigan & Jack McAvoy 
First Sidewalk, made of plank, was laid in 1852. Concrete sidewalks laid in 1913 




37 



FIRSTS - 

FIRST GENERAL STORE opened in 1821 (present site 

of Inmans). 

FIRST POST OFFICE established in 1822. 

FIRST FAMILIES to arrive in Carrollton were the Justus 
and John Riders in 1823. 

FIRST NEWSPAPER was published in 1842, named "Peo- 
ple's Advocate." 

FIRST BUILDING in the town, a tavern or inn and hotel, 
called"Jack Traveler", was builtin 1821, present site of 
the Masonic Temple. 

FIRST ELECTRIC LIGHTS turned on in 1896. They pro- 
posed to light the streets for $66 per annum. 

FIRST TYPEWRITER in Carrollton installed at Woodson 
& Withers, lawyers, in 1875. 

FIRST PASSENGER TRAIN came to Carrollton on Septem- 
ber 6, 1865. 

THE FIRST PRI^K BUILDING was erected on the east 
side of the square on the north side of the alley and was 
occupied for several years by C. A. Weimer's Cigar Fac- 
tory. 

FIRST ELECTION for- village trustees was held August 
22, 1833. 

FIRST SHERIFF, Thomas Carlin. 

FIRST FIRE ENGINE, with hook and ladder equipment, 
was ordered May 1, 1837. 

FIRST "WATERWORKS SYSTEM" became an accom- 
plished factwhen four publicwells were dug in 1838, one 
at each corner of the square. 

FIRST CIRCUS AND ANIMAL SHOW officially recorded 
as coming to Carrollton was H. A. Woodward & Co. in May 
1838. (S° it seems that the pioneer citizens of Carrollton 
were not wholly destitute of amusements). 

TELEGRAPH came to town in 1852 from a wire between 
Alton and Jacksonville. 

DEEP WELL WATER WORKS SYSTEM constructed in 
1890. SPRING WATER piped to town in 1901. 

SEWER SYSTEM constructed in 1914. 

FIRST TELEPHONE EXCHANGE started by Editor Clapp 
of the Patriot, was in the Baltz Bros, and Co. building, 
on the second floor. 



WHAT IS IT? 





Used by old-time carpenters like James Madison Graves 
and his son Rufus when beams for barns and the like were 
mortised together. The above piece of equipment was 
used to drill holes for the wooden pins. 



DID YOU KNOW that the sheet iron dome for the Observa- 
tory at Blackburn University at Carlinville was completed 
and shipped in 1885 by the Enterprise Iron Works of Car- 
rollton? 

DID YOU KNOW that in 1832 Carrollton was very sorely 
afflicted with cholera and that there was a second epi- 
demic in 1866? 

DID YOU KNOW that in 1832 there was a stage line run- 
ning between Carrollton and St. Louis? 




GREENE COUNTY JAIL AND WATER TOWER 



OLD CALABOOSE AND WATER TOWER 



FIRST ROADS LAID OUT 

In 1821, road.-? were established going north, west, southwest and south from Carrollton. The road most traveled was 

the one leading to Alton. At that time it started in the southwest part of town, wont west to the site ..l Mount 

ant fthe Mound), then past the Samuel Thomas place to a ford on Macoupin Creek and on southward. The old covered 

bridge crossing Macoupin Creek, which was still in use about 80 years ago, was built by Thomas Rattan in I 

This bridge shortened the route to Alton by several miles. Records indicate that the Vpple Creel bri 

built at an earlier date. 




This bridge was constructed over Macoupin Creek 6 miles south of Carrollton in 1831-32. It was later replaced with a 
steel bridge. 

icture lonated bj Mr.-. Elona (Eldred) Segraves, Carrollton , ill. 





GOING TO THE FAIR IN 1911. FIRST OIL ROAD IN GREENE COUNTY 

39 




DO YOU REMEMBER the old Bijou Theatre? 




West Main Street, 191! 




North side of Square 




DO YOU REMEMBER the old Standard Service Station on 
Southeast corner of the square? This corner was the site 
of the first residence built in Carrollton by General Jacob 
Fry. 




DO YOU REMEMBER when Carrollton had the shortest 
railroad track in the United States and a brick paved 
square? 




Looking South on Fifth Street. The "Red Onion" Barber 
Shop, Herman Hillig, Proprietor. 

DID YOU KNOW that in 1823 Carrollton had a whipping 
post? 

DID YOU KNOW that in 1835 the revenue from taxes was 
$327.37 of which the collector received 5% for his com- 
pensation? That in 1849 the tax levy on $100.00 was 20<p? 








CAMP HENRY T. RAINEY - 
CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS 

1934 - 1941 
(NOW SITE OF HIGH SCHOOL) 




SCENES OF YESTERDAY 



HODGES OFFICE BUILDING 

The west part of the Hodges Office Building, located on 
the northwest corner of the square was built by Samuel 
Lee, Jr., the first County Clerk, as a residence, about the 
year 1829. His widow married Col. E. D. Baker and the 
latter sold the place to Dr. Heaton. Judge Hodges bought 
it in 1850 and a few years later built the two-story part. 
The Hodges used this as their home until their deaths. It 
was then purchased by the late Dr. N. D. Vedder and is 
still owned by his family. 




Hodges Family (cont.) 

Leigh Mitchell Hodges, a grandson of Judge Hodges, was 
born in Carrollton. He went to work for his uncle, R. M. 
White in the newspaper office of the Mexico Missouri 
Ledger. Later he was on the editorial staff of the Ladies 
Home Journal. For many years he was an editorial writer 
for the Philadelphia dailies. His column, "'The Optimist" 
was an outstanding champion of optimism. 



THE HODGES RESIDENCE 




CAPTAIN JACOB FRY 
About 1856 



THE HODGES FAMILY 

Charles Drury Hodges was born in Queen Anne, Prince 
George County, Maryland, February 4, 1810. He enjoyed 
the best educational advantages, graduating from Trinity 
College, Hartford, Conn, in his 19th year. He studied law 
at Annapolis, Maryland, was admitted to the bar in 1831, 
and practiced law in that city a year or two. He came out 
west in 1833, and the arrival in the stage coach, one No- 
vember day, of a young man fresh from an easterncity was 
an event of wonder and interest in the town of Carrollton. 
This was his home the remainder of his life, and here he 
achieved substantial success in the practice of his pro- 
fession. He was married to Miss Ellen C. Hawley of Jer- 
seyville, in 1839. In 1853 he was elected county judge 
and was re-elected 4 years later. In January 1859, he was 
the successful candidate for congress to fill the vacancy 
caused by the death of Major Harris. In 1867 he was made 
circuit judge and performed the difficult duties of this 
position with credit to himself for 6 years. He was then 
elected state senator and served 4 years, being a member 
of the legislatures of 1875 and 1877. Judge Hodges be- 
came actively identified with the railroad interests when 
in 1852, books were opened for subscriptions to the stock 
of the Carrollton and Jacksonville road. In 1858 he was 
made treasurer of the St. Louis, Jacksonville and Chicago 
railroad, as it was then called, and when it was leased to 
the Chicago and Alton, he became a director. He died 
April 1, 1884. 

Ladies of the town remembered what an ordeal it was to 
"pass in review" while Mrs. Hodges and members of her 
family sat stiffly on the front porch, there being a proper 
way to hold your long skirt, your parasol, and a proper 
time to turn and make a very proper bow to those on the 
porch, all the while walking on an uneven plank walk. 



GENERAL JACOB FRY 

Jacob Fry was born in Fayette County , Kentucky, Septem- 
ber 20, 1799. He emigrated to Edwardsville while quite a 
young man, and in 1819 first visited this section. During 
his stay, it is said, he made, from boards split from a wal- 
nut tree, the first coffin constructed in the county, Return- 
ing to Alton he hewed the timber for the first mill there. 
He came back and settled here about the beginning of 
1821. He was a prominent man in the new town from the 
start. He was a member of the first grand jury, was deputy 
sheriff in 1822, and was elected sheriff in 1828, holding 
the office for ten years. He was married to Miss Emily 
Turney, daughter of Attorney Ge.neral James Turney, in 
May 1826. He served during the Black Hawk War as colo- 
nel, and at its close was elected major general of the 
militia. In 1837 he was appointed commissioner of the 
Illinois and Michigan Canal, and in 1856, collector of 
customs in Chicago. During the Rebellion he commanded 
a regiment which did valiant service at Shiloh. His last 
days were spent with his family on his farm, south of the 
Macoupin. He died around 1880. Captain Wm. Fry of Car- 
rollton was his only surviving son. 

At the time the commissioners located the county seat, 
there was not a house in Carrollton. The Carlin cabin was 
a half mile to the south. Mr. Carlin offered to give Jacob 
Fry a lot if he would build upon it, and the offer was ac- 
cepted. The lot was situated at the southeast corner of 
the square. Mr. Fry cut the timber, split the boards and 
built a house which in later years became a part of the St. 
James Hotel and stood until that block was burned in 
1878. Before General Fry completed his house, he stopped 
to assist Thomas Rattan in erecting a log tavern at the 
northeast corner of the square, on the present site of the 
Masonic Temple, and that was the first building in the 
town. General Fry's residence was the second. 



SCENES OF YESTERDAY 



THE COUNTY FAIR 

The first fair association was organized as the Greene 
County Agricultural and Mechanical Society on April 15, 
1854, with Luman Curtius, president; Joshua C. Winters, 
vice president, A. W. Bridges, treasurer and Francis P. 
Vedder, secretary. The first fair was held on the farm of 
J. E. Brace, near the northwest limits of Carrollton on 
October 12 of thatyear. Before the next annual exhibition 
took place, the socirty of some 230 members had pur- 
chased the grounds now occupied by and adjacent to the 
public grade school building. This site was improved and 
ui.ed until a 20-acre tract of land was purchased from Jer- 
emiah Turpin on November 7, 1861. This tract, together 
with an additional 6 acres purchased from the Luman Cur- 
tius Estate and S acres from J. M. Widdowson, constitute 
the fair grounds of today. The fair association is now in- 
corporated under the name of Greene County Agricultural 
Fair, Inc. Present officers are Stuart Fitzsimmons, presi- 
dent; Donald Allen, first vice president; Vernon Reynolds, 
second vice president; William Shade, secretary-treasurer 
and Eileen Cory, assistant secretary. 




THREE MINUTE TROT - GREENE COUNTY FAIR 1895 



DID YOU KNOW that North Main Street was macadamized 
in 1888-89? (From the square to the C & A Depot). 

DID YOU KNOW that Carrollton had a haunted house? In 
1825-26? On the North side of the square? Built by J. W. 
Skidmore? 

DID YOU KN CW that Carrollton replaced the old pine 
side-walks with concrete in 1913? 

DID YOU KNOW that the "Burundy Comedy Co." under 
the management of Leon Berry and Ed Teany.both of Car- 
rollton, played the local Opera House in 1901? 

DID YOU KNOW that a "Dramatic Club" was organized 

in 1S75? 

DID YOU KNOW that prior to 1896 Carrollton was lighted 
by kerosene lamps and two of the lamplighters were Clar- 
ence Pendt and his brother-in-law, E. Scates? 

DID YOU KNOW that George Baltz and the late Congress- 
man Sid Simpson served in the same army division in 
World War I with President Harry S. Truman? 

DID YOU KNOW that the cadet uniform worn by Justice 
Norman L. Jones in 189 when he attended West Point 
Military Academy, is in the Greene County Historical So- 
ciety Museum? 



MRS. ANNA LOUISE COMBRINK KELLY 

Anna Louise Combrink was born east of Carrollton, Octo- 
ber 16, 1859, the daughter of William H. and Catherine 
Von Brock Combrink. 

She was united in marriage to \V. C. Kelly on March 14, 
1882. 

Four Presidents were assassinated during her lifetime, 
Lincoln, McKinley, Garfield and Kennedy. She recalled 
that the people in Greene County learned of Lincoln's 
death a day after it happened. A horseback rider rode 
through the countryside spreading the news. She was 21 
years old when President Garfield was shot July 2, 1881, 
11 when President McKinley was shot September 6, 1901 
and 103 when President Kennedy was shot November 22, 
1963. She often recalled the political campaigns of the 
post Civil War period with speeches being made from 
wagons and torchlight parades. 

Mrs. Kelly's husband preceded her in death December 9, 
19-15. She passed away April 3, 1966 at the age of 106. 
She was survived by three sons, Robert, Walter and Don 
Kelly, and four daughters, Mrs. May me Vaughn, Mrs. L, A. 
Flick, Mrs. Ada Ballard and Mrs. Francis Geers. Two 
sons, Fred and Lee, preceded her in death. 




MRS. ANNA KELLY, Age 106 



DID YOU KNOW that in 1854 an open market house stood 
in the Courthouse park just west of the Courthouse, a 
great convenience to the townspeople? 

DID YOU KNOW that in 1839 the town board authorized 
the purchase of two yoke of oxen and one plow for the use 
of the town? (Prior to this, the town had been paying$1.50 
per day for yoke of oxen and driver). 

DID YOU KNOW that in 1851 Carrollton, with 800 inhabi- 
tants, had 4 churches and 5 ministers who lived in the 
town; boasted of 3 schools and a large Academy; had two 
printing offices, 8 dry goods stores, 2 drug and fancj 
stores, 1 family grocery, 1 bakery, 3 taverns, 4 tailor 
shops, 1 clothing store, 4 lawyers and the District Judge, 
1 private boarding house, 1 tin and stove store, 3 bootand 
shoemakers, 2 lumber yards, 12 carpenters, 2 cording ma- 
chines. 1 copper shop, 2 cabinet shops, 8 doctors and 1 
dentist? That in 1869 the population of Carrollton was be- 
tween 3 and 4 thousand? That in 1879 Carrollton had 16 
doctors and 14 lawyers? 



FAMOUS VISITORS 

In the summer of 1837 or 1838, Daniel Webster, the great 
statesman, who was on a tour of the west, accepted an 
invitation to visit Carrollton. Travel in those days was 
principally by stage coach for persons of Mr. Webster's 
position. A committee of fifty gentlemen of Carrollton met 
the stage at Macoupin Creek, south of town, gave Mr. 
Webster a cordial welcome and escorted him to town. 

A grand barbecue in old Kentucky style provided the 
meats for the dinner, which was spread in the market 
house, in the square west of the court house. All were in- 
vited to the feast. The after-dinner speech of Mr. Webster 
was well received and heartily applauded, and was replied 
to quite felicitously by two or three of Carrollton's promi- 
nent speakers. 

OTHER FAMOUS VISITORS 
Franklin D. Roosevelt 

(Occasion being Congressman Rainey's funeral) 
Adlai Stevenson 

Stephen A. Douglas Abraham Lincoln 

Wm. J. Bryan Billy Sunday 

Josh Billings Vice-President Fairbanks 

Senator Tillman Champ Clark 

Larado Taft 

(Designed Helen Keller monument at White Hall) 
Judge Altgeld Blind Boone 

Cole Younger 



DO YOU REMEMBER the "Advance Flour Mill" in the 
West end of Carrollton? And the old L. C. & W. depot 
which burned down, also in the West end? 

DO YOTJ REMEMBER the old fire department's hook and 
ladder, wagon and horses, which were stabled at the 
livery stable across the street from where the fire bell 
hung (now K. of C. and C. D. of A. building)? 

DO YOU REMEMBER the old Pierson and the old West 
Side Hotels with the hacks and drummers? 

DO YOU REMEMBER the old "Academy" building? 

DO YOU REMEMBER when the longest line of the first 
telephone company ran from the square to the C. & A. De- 
pot? That Miss Mary Robinson, later Mrs. Mary Lord, was 
the first "Hello" girl? When there were only 15 or 16 cus- 
tomers on the exchange and the charges were $1.00 or 
$1.25 per month? When the Illinois Bell Telephone Com- 
pany employed men as operaters in 1905 or 1906, two of 
of them being Fred Ashlock and Leo McMahon? 

DO YOU REMEMBER in 1907 when two iron drinking 
fountains were placed in position and connected, one at 
the Northwest and one at the Southeast corners of the 
square? Each fountain had a faucet facing the sidewalk 
for people, a large bowl over the curb for horses, and a 
small bowl at the base for dogs. 



- PROGRAM - 



JUNE 1, 1968 

CARROLLTON JAYCEES BEARD CONTEST 

TROPHIES AWARDED 



Every man, 18 years and 
over in the Carrollton area 
must have a beard or 
badge. 

Promotion Materials 
Headquarters — 
Historical Society Office 
West Side Square 
Hats-$1.00, $2.00 & $4.00 



CATAGORIES: 

1. Best Full Beard 

2. Best Goatee 

3. Best Mustache 

4. Longest Beard 

5. Shaggiest Beard 

6. Best Gray Beard 

7. Best Abe Lincoln Beard 

8. Most Distinguished Beard 
Vests & Bonnets $J.O0-Shaving Permits & Bow Ties $2.00 

MONDAY, JULY 1, 1968 

All Business Places are asked to decorate their windows 
with the type of merchandise they sell. It should be old 
and antique. The Jaycees and Jayceettes will start to 
fine men without whiskers or Shave Permits. Women with- 
out bonnets can also be fined. 
B.P.W. - Carrollton History Books on Sale about July 15 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 1968 

GREENE COUNTY FAIR PARTICIPATION IN 
CARROLLTON SESQUICENTENNIAL PROGRAM 

Jaycees and Jayceettes are promoting a program at the 
Fairgrounds, program to start at 7:00 P.M. A one-hour 
program will be given in front of the Grandstand. The 
Jayceettes will feature a dress and bonnet contest and 
the Jaycees will have a beard revue. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 1968 

OPENING DAY OF SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 
6:45 P.M. — Parade in the City of Carrollton 
Display of dresses and bonnets 
Display of beards and attire 
CHOOSING Sesquicentennial Queen to reign over Cele- 
bration — will be made just before Parade time. The con- 
testants must be 50 and over and live within the city lim- 
its of Carrollton. 



THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 1968 

ALL EVENING 

Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau Women's Club and Greene 

County Service Company will have an Ice Cream Social 

Antique Car Show 

Trophies will be awarded for the 3 Best Floats 

Greene County Pork Producers will sell 

Pork Barbecue Sandwiches 

A Program of approximately V/ 2 hours will be put on by the 

Bands and Bugle Corps that participate in the Parade. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1968 

Old Fashioned Sales Days by all the Merchants. All day 

and evening to 9:00 P.M. 

Starting at 5:30 — The newly organized Ecumerical Men's 

Club are serving a Ham and Bean Supper, which includes 

Ham and Beans, Corn Bread, Pie, Coffee and Tea. 1818 

Prices. Tickets — 15c Each. 

3-hour program on the Square by Waterloo German Band. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 1968 

9:00 A.M. —Talent Review on the Band Stand in the Court 
House Yard. All talent in the area welcome. Radio Station 
WJBM all day. Betty Carrico, Chairwoman. 
5:30 P.M.— Display of beards and dress review. Awarding 
of Trophies approx. 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. 

6:00 P.M. - The Square will be closed on West and South 
Sides 

At approx. 8:30 P.M. — Dancing will start. Round and 
Square, the old fashioned type. 
MODERN - Rock and Roll. 

Skeets Yaney and his Band - Country and Western Enter- 
tainment and Dancing. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 1968 

Sunday A.M. Everyone goes to the Church of their choice. 

On the Court House Lawn 

Sunday Evening — Community Church Services 

All the Churches participating 

Choirs of all the Churches — Carrollton Community Chorus 

Mrs. Carrico, Director 



4 4