Glimpses of Prairie du Rocher, its history from 1722 to 1942 intimately linked with that of Randolph County and of the state of Illinois

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'^^UECHLER PRINTIMG Q-^.
Rnrf.l^^ OF PRAIRit Du

9T7.39E

(54-99

Oiltmpggg of

Its Past and Present History
1722-1942

With Illustrations

Published B>'

BUECHLER PRIKTIXP CO.

332 Vv''est Main S-:reet

Belleville, Illirxis

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y

GLIMPSES of PRAIRIE du ROCHER

Its History From 1722 to 1942 Intimately

Linked With That of Randolph County

and of the State of Illinois

\^'r\nen and Compiled, bv an Editorial flnd Feature 'Writer

Published by the Buechler Printing Co., i32 West Main St., Beliei'ille, 111.

January, 1942

CourteFv F^tleral Reserv

,4^

AERIAL VIEW OF FORT DE CHARTRES STATE PARK, RANDOLPH COUNTY, ILLINOIS

The Fort, seat of civil and military government in the Illinois Country for half a centur>', was first
completed in 1720. In 1753-56 it was rebuilt of stone and became one of the strongest forts in North
America. Fort de Chartres was occupied by a French garrison until 1765. It was the seat of the
British Government in the Illinois Country until 1722. The site was made a State Park in 191,".

- -^^

GLIMPSES OF PRAIRIE DU ROCHER

ITS EARLY BEGINNINGS :— Just as the history of
IlHnois has been a part of the history of the nation,
so has been the history of Prairie du Rocher, one
of the earhest settlements of the State of IlHnois.

Peoria, long known as Pimitoui was established in 1691.
Cahokia in 1699, Kaskaskia in 170.^, Prairie du Rocher in
1722. To keep the lines between Canada and Louisiana
open, to protect the scattered settlements along the Mis-
sissippi Valley, forts were built, one of the most preten-
tious being that of Fort de Chartres in 1720, and two
years later, in 1722, the first rude cabins of the little ham-
let to be known as Prairie du Rocher were erected on its

building of the fort, commandant of the Illinois country.
The fort was named for the Due de Chartres, son of
the Regent of France.

Prairie du Rocher received its name from the rock
bluifs at the bottom of which the little village was located,
and where it is today so beautifully situated.

Fort de Chartres was barely done when there arrived
at the village of St. Anne, which was the mother village
of Prairie du Rocher, a Frenchman, Phillipe Francois
Renault, a representative of the Company of the West,
to engage in mining and prospecting operations. He had
left France in the Spring of 1719, with two hundred

Hist,

Br}cke\ Home at Prairie du Roclier

We picture one of the early cabins in this miners, laborers, and a full complement of mining uten-

present site,
publication.

The town was founded by Jean Theresa Langlois, a
nephew of Pierre Boisbriant who arrived from France in
December, 1718, and started the erection of a fort which
was called Fort de Chartres, and which was completed
in 1720. It was built of logs, and was considered very
excellent for defense purposes. It served the Illinois
Country- for a half century. In 17i.V56, it v.as rebuilt
of stone and became one of the strongest forts in North
America. Fort de Chartres was occupied by a French
garrison until 1765. It was the first seat of British Gov-
ernment in the Illinois Country until 1772. The site
was made a State Park in 191?.

Pierre Dugue de Boisbriant was, at the time of the

sils.

On the way to the Province of Louisiana he bought, in
St. Domingo, five hundred negroes to work the mines
and plantations he desired to establish. A large number
of these slaves were brought to the Illinois district.

From Fort de Chartres and Prairie du Rocher Renault
sent his e.xpert miners and skilled workmen in ever>' di-
rection hunting for precious metals. The bluffs skirting
the American Bottoms on the East were diHgently
searched for minerals, but nothing encouraging was found.
In what is now Jackson, Randolph and St. Clair coun-
ties the ancient traces of furnaces were visible as late as
1850. Silver Creek, which runs south and through Mad-
ison and St. Clair counties, was so named on the suppo-
sition that the metal was plentiful along that stream.

HISTORY AND GLIMPSES OF PRAIRIE du ROCHER

THE DAWN OF PRAIRIE DU ROCHER:— It
was during the year 1722 that the village of Prarie
du Rocher was begun. It was then, as it is now,
located near the bluffs, due East from Fort de Chartres,
about three and a half miles. Early history tells us that
some of the houses were built of stone, there being an
abundance of that material in the bluffs just back of the
village. To this village was then granted a very large
Common which it holds to this day. This Common is
about thre miles square and lies back of the village on the
uplands.

The first little village was probably like others of the
frontier. It consisted of a straggling lot of crude cabins,
built without reference to definitely platted streets, and
constructed with no pretentions to architectural beauty.
Its inhabitants were French, and Indians, and Negro.

The industrial life of these people consisted of fishing
and hunting, cultivation of the soil, some grist and flour
milling, some lumber milling and tanning of hides. Mining
was not then extensively engaged in. Coal was not dis-
covered at so early a day, and the forests provided abund-
ant fuel.

The fishing, done with hickory pole and line, the hunt-
ing with blunderbuss and bow and arrow was partly a
pastime, but the table of the early French settlers of Prairie
du Rocher was often liberally supplied from this source.
The soil was fertile and yielded abundantly to only a very
slight cultivation. Wheat was early grown and the grain
was ground in a crude water mill, from which developed
the giant Prairie du Rocher Mills of the present day.

As early as 1722 the settlers had swine and black cat-
tle. The cultivation of the grape was also begun at an
early date, and the excellent vintage produced, graced
many a festive table, when community and social life
began to be more settled and secure. The Indians round
about Prairie du Rocher raised poultry, spun the wool
of the Buffalo and wove a cloth which they dyed black,
yellow or red, from vegetable dyes extracted from ber-
ries and bark. Later on woolen and silk cloth was brought
from France and Canada, and these were woven and
fashioned into the clothes of early days.

SOCIAL LIFE OF EARLY SETTLERS— The so-
cial life of the early settlers of Prairie du Rocher, as
of other settlements, was one of pleasure. It is said
they passed much of their time in singing, dancing and
gaming. Long time ago they organized a society known
ever since as La Guignolle, which annually in May had,
and still has a grand celebration and song and dance fes-
tival. At this festival a May ^ueen was chosen and
crowned. During late years this custom has been ex-
tended, and girls from other localities are sometimes
chosen as MAT ^UEEJ{, a custom not to he commended.
The LA GUIGl^lOLLE should he retained as a distinctive
feature of the social life of Prairie du Rocher.

HcmSES AND CATTLE INTRODUCED:—
Horses and cattle were introduced in this vicinity
very early. It is said the cattle came from Can-
ada, while the horses were of Arabian strain and were
brought from the Southwest by the Spaniards. It is not
to be understood that the cultivation of the soil was of
a very high order in 1772, and for some decades after.
Utensils were crude. The plows were of wood and were
usually drawn by oxen. The oxen were fastened to-
gether by the horns, by means of a flat piece of wood,
not as later on yokes as was customary with the English.
Wagons were usually small two-wheeled carts, made by
the early settlers themselves, usually with little iron, and
were pulled' or pushed by hand, seldom by horses or oxen.

EARLY CROPS AND FLOWERS:— The crops
of the early French settlers were cultivated by
themselves and by slaves or indentured servants.
The settlers of Prairie du Rocher were much given to the
cultivation of small fruits, and flowers. Cherry, apple,
peach and plum trees grew in every yard. Large beds
ot flowers were cultivated, and wild flowers were gathered
in abundance to adorn homes and church.

As late as 182'), when LaFayette visited Kaskaskia,
Cahokia and St. Louis, the French inhabitants searched
the woods for wild flowers and the banquet hall at Kas-
kaskia and the Jarrott Mansion at Cahokia, where he and
his entourage were feasted and dined, were literally filled
with flowers.

EARLY FRENCH GOVERNMENT:— In 1717 the
Illinois country became a district of the French
Province of Louisiana, and was governed by a
major commandant, who, besides exercising military pow-
ers supervised fur trading and agriculture. Other dis-
trict officers were a doctor, a notary, and interpreter,
and a judge who administered the coutume de Paris or
common law of Paris. Each village maintained a militia
company, the captain of which was an agent of the dis-
trict judge and the major commandant.

Although there was no legal basis for local govern-
ment, that function was admirably performed by mar-
guilliers (church wardens) elected by the parishioners of
the Catholic churches of Cahokia, Kaskaskia and Prairie
du Rocher. In addition to accounting of church property,
the marguilliers passed acts concerning the time of har-
vest, fence repair, and in short the general welfare of the
village.

We refer on another page to the election of judges
for this district. One of these judges, in later days, was
M. Andrew Bafbeau, who was present at the corner-stone
laying of St. Joseph's Church, on July 19, 1858, when a
new brick church was erected.

HISTORY AND GLIMPSES OF PRAIRIE du ROCHER

JEAN ST. THERESA LANGLOIS:— It has been
diiScult to trace the line of descendants of this
founder of Prairie du Rocher. In a document of
December 30, 1740, we learn that the late Ettienne Lang-
lois married Catherine Beaudrau, a widow, and had the
following children: Marie Louise, who married Pierre
Messenger; Marie Josefine, m. Louis Populus sieur de
St. Photes; Toinette, m. Pierre Boucher de Monbrun
sieur de Soudray; Francois, Louis, Girard, Perine and
Auguste. These last five were minors. From other sources
it is learned that Ettienne had two brothers, August who
lived at Kaskaskia, and Louis. What relation the notary
Pierre Langlois was to these is not apparent. He was
married to Catherine Normand Labriere, and had two
children, Pierre and Marie Louise. The latter signed a

ference of anyone, whoever he may be. The property
thus placed in her care included a tannery. A sign of
the commercial life of Prairie du Rocher at so early a
day in its history.

Another reference is to Instructions to George Rogers
Clark from Patrick Henry, Governor of Virginia, in
which Clark is instructed to spare no pains to conciliate
the affections of the French and Indians, as their friend-
ship was of great importance to the struggling Union of
States as then constituted.

Another reference is to a strict command by Colonel
Clark, prohibiting the sale of intoxicants to Indians or
Negro slaves, or to lend or rent to any red or black
slaves their house, buildings, and courts, after sunset or

Beneath the Bhtjjs at Pitinie du Rocher

marriage contract with Pierre Lefebhve of Vincennes,
October 9, 1785. Pierre Langlois died in 1789, and his
widow took oath to the inventory of the property Decem-
ber 14, of that year.

EARLY LEGAL TRANSACTIONS: ^- Reference
is made in Kaskaskia records, as far back as 1778
to legal transactions. One partains to the death
of Antoine Cottinault, in which a scribe of the house of
M. Barbeau, captain of militia and commanding the said
place of Prairie du Rocher, sought the privilege of being
appointed administrator, and to have a guardian chosen
for the minor children. This petition was resented by
the spirited widow, and its prayer was, though first
granted, soon rescinded. She was rather permitted to
act as guardian of her children, and to enjoy, and make
use of her goods whatsoever they may be without inter-

for the night, for the purpose of dancing, feasting or hold-
ing nocturnal assemblies therein.

Still another reference is found relative to an election
at Prairie du Rocher held on May 17, 1779, at which
election two magistrates for the district were chosen. The
first judge chosen was M. Jean Baptiste Barbau, captain
of the militia, and the second judge chosen was M.
Antoine Duchafour de Louvieres, lieutenant of said
militia.

REMARKS

The history of Prairie du Rocher is an interesting one,
and worthy of extended research. It is hoped that this
first attempt will stimulate further study and that at some
time in the near future we may be able to publish a
comprehensive review of this quaint and historic little
city.

6

HISTORY AND GLIMI'SES OF PRAIRIE tlu ROCHER

EARLY CENSUS:— The census of Prairie du Roclv
er held in 1787 Hsted the names of 16 inhabitants
who signed the register for themselves and male
children, making a total of 62 registrants; and 6 in-
habitants who did not personally sign the register, and
their male children, making a total of 17, thus showing a
grand total of 79 males, at that time. The present popula-
tion, men, women and children as of the census of 1940,
is 540.

Another important document petitioned the Congress
of the United States to grant to every male inhabitant
of the village of Prairie du Rocher, without any discrim-
ination of age, a tract of five hundred acres of land,
gratis and for ever, in the vicinity of their holdings, and
the village. This was a petition drawn up by Bartholo-
mew Tardiveau, agent, on September 15, 1787. This pe-
tition was not granted, but subsequently all titles and
claims justly established were confirmed.

PRAIRIE DU ROCHER IN 1941 :— It was a most
beautiful day in July, 1941, that the writer rode
with the publisher of this brief GLIMPSE of
Prairie du Rocher from Belleville, Ilinois, to the little vil-
lage. Past and through other historic villages, they drove
and everywhere admired the beauty of the skies, the fair
and fragrant air, the fertile fields and splendid homes, the
hill-side scenery which stretched in every direction, up
and down winding roadways, down to Prairie du Rocher.

We did not pass the big spring which was the stopping
place for the early travelers from Kaskaskia and Fort
de Chartres to Cahokia. We traveled a different route,
but equally as picturesque and enchanting. From a dist-
ance, after getting into the bottom, the hills and bluffs
presented as imposing a view as do the famed pallisades
of the Hudson, or the beautiful dells of Wisconsin. And
suddenly we descended a turn in the road and found
ourselves in Prairie du Rocher. There it lay! Here
live the descendants of the French of Fort de Chartres,
who chose to stay rather than to follow St. Ange to St.
Louis. Here is the typical French village, where all is
sunshine and flowers, where love and piety prevail, where
the very atmosphere seems inspiring with French accents
of the past. Three miles due west lie the now rebuilt,
once the ruins of the old fort.

We spent some time in Prairie du Rocher, some pictures
were taken to illustrate this story. Brief passages shall
tell of our rambles adown its main street and its lanes.
Here was still heard the chatter of the squirrel, the hoot
of the owl, the murmur of the sylvan brook, the sighing
of the wind in the trees, the crow of the canticleer of the
morning, the neighing of the horse, the lowing of the cat-
tle, the grunt of the pig, the barking of the dog.

And in the towering woods the whole rapturous rush
of wild life was unleashed by the magic of bright and

gh.wing summer; there was heard the quail's welcome
whistle; the thrush's silver lyric; the robin's possessive
strut; and in the hidden pond was heard the splash of the
fish or the sudden tumble of the bull frog.

And above all was seen the rugged trust of almost pri-
meval forest; and green hills melting into blue horizons
in which silvery flecked and mountainous, billowing clouds
were sailing calmly onward.

Here was seen, this day, July 15, 1941 a typical Amer-
ican village, hallowed to the memory, proud of the in-
heritance of its first settlers, the French of old France
and of Canada; the singers and dancers of La GuignoUe.

HISTORY OF ST. ANNE AND ST. JOSEPH'S
PARISH: — Wc have related how the village of
Prairie du Rocher was founded. The history of
its Catholic Church is coterminous with the foundation
of the village. The first church was located at St. Anne
Fort de Chartres, the name of the church being St. Anne.
The parish register was opened in 1721 by two resident
Jesuit priests, Joseph Ignatius le Boullenger and de Kcre-
ben. Soon after the founding of Prairie du Rocher a
Chapel of Ease was erected and attached to the parish of
St. Anne. This ch;ipcl was i adc use of for many de-
cades, the church of St. Anne gradually falling into dis-
use and decay. Parish records were kept however, and in
1767 these records and the sacred vessels were brought
from St. Anne's to St. Joseph's Chapel. The few in-
habitants of St. Anne did not want this removal made,
and instituted a civil suit for their return to St. Anne.
The suit being tried before English justices was decided
in favor of the inhabitants of St. Anne and the vessels
and records were returned to the building near Fort de
Chartres, which was not suitable for their care and
preservation, however. They were later returned to
Prairie du Rocher, where they remained.

BUILDING OF FIRST CHURCH: In 1765, ac
cording to the parish records, a church was built
on the site of the present cemetery, consisting of
upright logs, the building being 50x34 feet. The logs
were set three feet in the ground on ends, and the spaces
between the logs were chincked with small stone and
mortar. In 1767 the records and sacred vessels were
brought from St. Anne's to the Church at Prairie du
Rocher, and these records are still in the possession of the
pastor of the present St. Joseph's Church and have been
objects of interest to many historically inclined visitors.

St. Joseph's parish continued to grow and it was found
in 1858 that a larger church was needed. Accordingly
on July 19, 1858, the corner-stone of the present brick
church was laid by Right Reverend Henry Damian

HISTORY AND GLIMPSES OF PRAIRIE du ROCHER

Juncker, D.D., Bishop of Alton, assisted by Rev. Father
Nicholas Perrin, pastor of Kaskaskia and administrator
of St, Joseph's parish. In the corner-stone was placed a
document giving all the facts of the dedication, and noting
that James Buchanan was president of the United States,
and William Bissel governor of the state of Illinois. The
corner-stone laying ceremony was held in the presence of
M, Andrew Bar'beau, John and Ambrose Ker, and a large
body of parishioners and visitors.

When this church was built the parish owned two
whole blocks of land, one occupied by the Church, parish
house and a small frame building which was formerly the
residence of the parish school teacher but is now, and up
to July, 1941, was used as a home for the sisters teach-

Dearworth and Mr. Howard Wilcox as teachers. There
are forty-five pupils enrolled. Four Sisters of the Precious
Blood Order, are employed in the grade school. The num-
ber of pupils in grade school in 1940 exceeded 12^.

Mr. Dearworth, much concerned in the welfare of our
boys, interested them in scouting and the boys became
enthusiastic. In consequence of Mr. Dearworth's zeal in
the matter, St. Joseph's Congregation received a Charter
of the Boy Scouts of America and Troop No. 39 — Prairie
du Rocher, was formed.

In 1910 new pews and a communion railing were in'
stalled in the church; in 1912 the steam heating plant was
placed, and numerous improvements were made to the
church. In 1925 the transcept of the sanctuary was built,
and other extensive improvements were made.

St. Joseph's Church from a

ing in the parochial school. (Soon they will occupy the
remodeled rectory, and the pastor. Rev. Raymond L. Har-
baugh, will occupy a fine modern parish house, now being
erected.)

The second block contains the parish school and play-
grounds.The first school building was built in the sixties
of the ninetenth century, it being a small one-story frame
building which is still used as an auxiliary school. An
addition was built to it during 1931. The present brick
school was built in 1885-86 at a cost of $5,000. In 1893
it was considerably damaged by a tornado, which took
off the roof, the amount of damage being $1,800.

With the close of school in June 1935, Prof. P. G.
Ehresmann rounded out thirty-five successive and suc-
cessful years as teacher and principal of our school. Dur-
ing these thirty-five years, Prof. Ehresmann was also or-
ganist of St. Joseph's Church. He retired as teacher and
organist with complete satisfaction of duty well per-
formed and assured of the esteem of all the people.

In September one year was added to the school curricu-
lum, making it a three-year high school with Mr. Harry

distance — Prairie du Rocher

GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION: — During
the beautful month of June, 1939, the parish and
village celebrated in festive manner the Golden
Jubilee of the Very Rev. Wm. 'Van Delft, Dean. It
was an ocasion of great rejoicing and was made festive
by splendid religious ceremonials, and secular observance.
As a mark of the esteem in which the venerable pastor
was held, a new Main Altar and a new organ were
erected, new Stations of the Cross were placed and the
interior of the church was frescoed.

BEAUTIFIED CEMETERY:— The present ceme-
tery is the original one first platted when the first
church was built in Prairie du Rocher, it also being
the site of the first church. It was the custom of the
early days among the French to bury the dead around
the church. About the year 1935 all graves were levelled
and foot stones were buried, so that today this ancient
burial ground presents a beautiful sight with its smooth
green lawn and a contrast of varied colored markers.

HISTORY AND (JLIMPSES OF PRAIRIE du ROCHER

PARISH REGISTERS:— The parish registers of
St. Joseph's begins with the abandonment of St.
Anne du Fort de Chartres in 1765, and the records
preceding are those of St. Anne, now in possession of St.
Joseph's, and in which also entries of St. Joseph's of
Praine du Rocher and of Our Lady of the Visitation of
St. Phihppe were made previous to 1765.

BIOGRAPHY OF VERY REVEREND WILLIAM
VAN DELFT— Wilham Van Delft, was born at
St. Louis on February 26, 1865, a son of John
and Anna Margaret (Schluetter) Van Delft. While a
child the family moved to New Douglas, Illinois, from
whence the subject of this sketch went to college at
Teutopolis, 111., and later entered the seminary at St.
Meinrad, Indiana, where he finished his preparation for
the priesthood.

On June 15, 1889, he was ordained a priest at the
Cathedral at Belleville and said his first mass at St. Bom-
face Catholic Church at Edwardsville on June 20, 1889.

His first assignment was as pastor at Mound City, 111.,
from which point he had charge of missions over Pulaski,
Johnson, Pope and Massac counties. He remained at
Mound City from 1889 to 1900, when he was appointed
pastor at Sparta, with a mission at St. Leo's, near Modoc,
taking care of that mission until the present church was
built at Walsh, when he was relieved of the mission at
St. Leo's and assigned the mission at Walsh. He re-
mained at Sparta from 1900 to l9ll.

Father Van Delft took charge of St. Joseph's Church at
Prairie du Rocher, on February 28, 1911, and in 1914
celebrated his silver jubilee as a priest here. On January
12, 1927, he was appointed a Dean, and on June 20, 1939,
celebrated his fiftieth anniversary as a priest.

During his pastorate he made many improvements in
the church, the most extensive in 1925, when the church
was re-dedicated. The school building has been improved
and modernized, the cemetery improved, and in the Jubilee
year of the Diocese of Belleville, other improvements have
been made to the interior of the church under the super-
vision of the Very Rev. William Van Delft, to whom at
that time a booklet was dedicated, for his long and faith-
ful service in the Service of The Lord.

Among the many clergymen of St. Joseph's Parish who
deserve mention we wish only to add that of Rev. John
Timon, CM., who resided in Prairie du Rocher for a short
time prior to being consecrated Bishop of Buffalo Diocese.
Rev. Henry F. Frohboese was pastor from 1864 to 1876;
Rev. Charles Krewet from 1876 to 1902; Rev. Charles
Eschmann from 1902 to 1911. Of these last mentioned,
two we shall write more extensively in a history of Wa-
terloo which we contemplate compiling and publishing.

It was the singular honor for St. Joseph's Parish to
present the first Holy Communion class, to His Excellency

Bishop Henry J. Aithoff, D. D., shortly after he had been
elevated to the episcopal sec of Belleville Diocese.

THE PRESENT PASTOR:— The present zealous and
vigorous pastor of this parish is the Rev. Raymond Har-
baugh, who came to Praine du Rocher during the year
iy.i9. Under his administration the parish has continued
Its progress, and the many improvements inaugurated by
Rev. Harbaugh will redound to his credit, and that of the
parish in years to come. Rev. Harbaugh came to this
little city from historic old Shawneetown, where he was
pastor of Immaculate Conception Church for a number
of years.

TWO HISTORIC EVENTS:— Two hundred and
twenty years ago the village of Prairie du Rocher was
founded. That was an historic event, worthy of some
record. Two hundred and twenty years ago a book was
written, and published, which has been a first-seller ever
since, and has been re-published countless times, and read
by tens of milions. Its title is known throughout all the
world, it is "Robinson Crusoe." It was written by
Daniel Defoe, an Englishman, who founded his story
upon the experiences of Alexander Selkirk, a castaway on
the lonely island of Juan Fernandez. We link these two
historic events, in this publication, because of the striking
fact that both were born in the same year.

DESCRIPTIVE MATTER

The present Civic Government of Prairie du Rocher is
lodged in a mayor and several aldennan. It consists of
the following gentlemen who are serving the community
with distinction and with considerable prcgressiveness :
Dr. John T. Finley, mayor: Elmer A. Laurent, trustee and
acting mayor; Leo. Laurent, trustee; Wclda Laurent,
trustee; Emile J. Dufrenne, trustee; Ralph Melliere,
trustee.

Its Singing Society operates under the name "Fort
Chartres La Guillonnee Society," although various spell-
ings have been applied to it in publications of the past.
An authority on French pronunciation tells us that this
name should be pronounced La Giu Annee, and he was
considerably put out when we gave it a different pronun-
ciation. However the fact remains that this singing so'
ciety contributed considerably to a great festive orcasion,
when on Sunday, July 14, 1940, the Annual Fete com-
memorating the Fall of the Bastille was celebrated. The
music to the song was provided by Mrs. Anne Andre-
Clark, now residing at Santa Monica, California; she was
born in the Brickey house, which we picture, long time
ago. Before her second marriage to Mr. Clark she was
Mrs. Charles P. Johnson, who was at one time Governor
of Missouri, and was noted as a great criminal lawyer.
Captain N. C. Duclos is president of the society, and
Leo F. Duclos is its vice-president. This society also took
a very active part in enlivening the dedicatory services of
the now restored Cahokia Court house, on May 30, 1940.

MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS: — A
number of manufacturing concerns may said to still exist
in Prairie du Rocher. Among these is the large elevator.

HISTORY AND GLIMPSES OF PRAIRIK du ROCHER

operated under the ownership of the Cole Milling Co.,
of Chester, with immense storage capacity. The Colum-
bia Farmers' Co-Operative Grain Company also operates
a mill and elevator in this city. One of the principal in-
dustries is that ot the Columbia Quarry Company, which
operates extensive quarries in the bluffs at Prairie du
Rocher, where building stone, and road material arc pro-
duced in large quantities. Still another establishment
which may be classed also as a manufacturing establish-
ment IS the lumber yard prominently situated at the en-
trance to the village, and several saw-mills which manu-
facture railroad tics, and staves.

MERCANTILE ESTABLISHMENTS :—In the ad-
vertising pages of this book the names of several mer-
cantile establishments will be found displayed. Among
these prominently to be mentioned because of the long
years of continuous service to the community is the Con-
nors' Department store, situated on the main street cf
the village; the Brickey 6? Co., store, which carries an

beautiful still when rich harvests are being gathered.
In brief the farming district of Prairie du Rocher is one
of the best to be found in all of Southern Illinois, known
for fertility of soil, and for the diligence and progressive-
ncss of its farmers.

OUR FRIENDS AND ADVERTISERS:— 'Whilst
the issuing of this booklet on Prairie du Rocher has not
been primarily a money-making scheme, hut intensively
a historic development, the publisher and editor take great
pleasure in acknowledging the valuable aid thus extended
in making possible the publication in its present form.

THE WINNING OF CROSBY'S OPERA HOUSE:
- In the year lS6i, shortly after the close of the Civil
War, there was built in Chicago a theatre building which
in si;e and magnificence became famed throughout the
Midwest. It was the Crosby Opera House, and its ini-
tial cost was above $600,000.00. Six hundred thousand
dollars. But this enterprise was not financially successful,
and two year later it was raffled on lottery tickets. Among
the purchasers of these lottery tickets was a native of

Armin Palmitr Tyjiical Frenih Home at Prairic: du RoLher

cxtensive line of goods; the Allard's store v^'hich in point
of time and service is to be reckoned among the leading
mercantile establishments. Other establishments of similar
character are the Bielefeld Garage, which conducts a
comprehensive service in its line, and the Berr>''s Market,
which lately has absorbed the Siegfried Bros, store. Wc
must not forget to mention in this hook the splendid eating
establishments conducted by and known as the Berr>''s
Cafe, as also Lou's Tavern, where an appetizing meal
also is served.

FARMING DISTRICT:— We have already referred
to the early farming conducted by the early settlers in this
vicinity. It spreads all around Prairie du Rocher. in the
valleys, on the hillsides, on the table-lands "round about.
Rich in soil fertility the country presents a most beautiful
appearance. Wheat, oats, barley, corn, soy-beans, clover
and alfalfa are grown in abundance. Dair>- farming and
poultr>' raising are extensively indulged in, and many
orchards of apples, peaches and pears are to be seen, the
trees of which are beautiful in blossoming time, and more

Prairie du Rocher. William Lee, who was the lucky
winner. He sold the building and ground for the sum
said to have been in excess of a quarter million dollars.
This huge sum was invested in enterprises of diversified
nature, among them the development of the Plate-glass
industry' of Crystal City, and Festus, Missouri; and the
speculative ventures in the Silver and Gold Mines of
Colorado, as also in Lead and Silver Mines of Missouri.

THE BRICKEY HOMESTEAD :— One of the preten-
tious homes of Prairie du Rocher is the old Brickey
homestead. It lies on the main street leading through the
village, and its well-kept lawns and wide porches bespeak
the true hospitality which once was there, so lavishly be-
stowed. The mansion is a wood structure, and its chief
charm lies in the fact that, although no longer the resi-
dence of the Brickey family, it has ever been kept under
their proprietorship, and has been supervised by compe-
tent caretakers. The rooms of this old mansion are still
filled with many articles of interest. We show a picture
of the exterior in this issue.

HISTORY AND (iLlMPSKS OF I'KAIRIK du KOCHER

THE ARSON PALMIER HOUSE:— One of the old-
est houses in Prairie du Rocher, this homo seemd worthy
of picturi;ation. We class it among the typically French
period buildings. Its wide porch runs the entire length
of the house and invites to comfort and rest. The inner
rooms bespeak the true culture and the religious spirit
of its inhabitants, as does the entire village, up to the
present. We found in this old home a number of pic-
tures, depicting religious scenes, one in particular which
impressed us. It was a "First Holy Communion" picture.
The inscription read: "Alice Alicia Louvier, First Holy
Communion, 30th day of April, 1882," and the signature
was that of Reverend Charles Krcwet, who for many
years administered to the parish.

of old Prairie du Rocher on the night of a certain day in
January, 1779.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE CLIMATE IN 1699.^
Record is made of a letter in which Reverend Julien
Bineteau, S.J., writes of the climate of the Illinois coun-
try. "I am to return to the Illinois of Tamaroa in the
Spring. There is a great difference between this climate
and that of Quebec, where the cold lasts a long time, and
a great quantity of snow falls; whereas here, as a rule the
snow remains but a very short time. We have hardly
telt the cold during the whole of this month of January.
Vines climb all around the trees, up to their tops; the
grapes are wild, and are not nearly as good as those of
France. There are an indefinite number of nut and plum

T

vpua

I Tumbstoi

St. Patncl{'s Cemetery, Rui:

nil

A FESTIVE DAY IN 1779:— On a certain day m
January, 1779, (the exact date cannot now be ascertained)
the little village of Prairie du Rocher was all aglow with
excitement. A party of soldiers had arrived. It was a
detachment under the command of Col. Rogers Clark,
and they decided to spend the evening at the hospitable
home of Captain Jean Baptiste Barbeau, (Barber). Col.
Rogers Clark tells of this hospitable reception and the
"bair that followed: "We went cheerflly to Prara De
Ruch, 12 miles from Kaskaskia, war I intended to spend
the Eavening at Captn Barbers."

"The Gentlemen fe? Ladies immediately assembled at .i
Ball ofr our Entertainment; we spent the fore part of vhe
night very agreeably; but about 12 Oclock there was a
very sudden change by an Express arriveing, enforming
us that Governour Hammilton was within three miles of
Kaskaskia with eight hundred Men, and was determined
to attack the Fort that night. ..."

Col. Clark at once ordered his horses saddled in order,
if possible, to get into the Fort before the attack could

be made Clark's brave conduct inspired a number

of young men of Prairie du Rocher to saddle their horses
and accompany their intrepid leader. But the great at-
tack never occurred The fact, however, remains, that
Col. Clark danced with some of the belles and mesdames

trees of various kinds; also some small apples. We find
here two kinds of fruit trees that are not known in
France. They are assimines and piakimines. (Probably
persimmons and wild crabapples.) Their fruit is good.
We in this country go without all other delicious fruits
of France. Game is plentiful, such as ducks, geese, bu-
stards, swans, cranes and turkeys. Ox, bear and deer
furnish the substantial meats that we eat in this game
country.

THE OLD FORT: — In an old book we find reference
to the proposed building of Fort de Chartres. We picture
the new fort in this issue. It read "The old village of
Kaskaskia is regarded with reason as a very advantageous
sitse for the stone-fort, which the Court orders built in
the Illinois. Limestone, wood for construction, a river
to harbor the boats, a view over the Mississippi about
two leagues up and two leagues down, the rocky bluff
which slopes very gently down to the Mississippi, a
prairie adjoining said bluff, the Mississippi, too, which
would be under protection of the fort, the Missouri, too,
which empties into the river five leagues from here on
the west side of the said river, and the Illinois river which
mingles its water therewith eleven leagues from here on
the west (east), all these considerations would seem to

HISTORY AND GLIMPSES OF PRAIRIE du ROCHER

insist on the necessity of huildini; the tort in question
in this place, as is very much the talk now. In this ease
the Seigneune of the Tamaroais would soon be established
from one end to the other."

This was ivrnten on April 12, 17?"!, cnui is found m the
Laval Mss.

AN IRISHMAN IN COMMAND:— Even during the
French occupation of the Illlinois Territory, it was an
Irishman who commanded the country, and he was vested
with almost vice-regal power, in the name of King Louis
of France. He was known as Chevalier Charles Mac
Carthy. He was born in Ireland in 1706 and was there
known as "Mac Carty Mac Taig," which means literally,
"Mac Carthy, the son of Taig or Thaddeus." He was

NOTE:

- The

illustrations

n

this booklet

were

made from

photo

graphs taken

by

Carlos

Piag

et, of

the Piaget

Studios, 3800 West

Pine Street

St.

Louis,

Missouri.

Old Hotel m Ka^kas\ia. Where Lafayette Was Entertained In 182i

an officer in the French Army, and m 17 Jl was sent
to Louisiana in charge of a detachment of engineers. On
the 20th of August, 1751, Mac Carthy sailed from New
Orleans with a small military force to take command of
and rebuild Fort de Chartres. They arrived at Fort de
Chatres on March 28, 1752, and from that time until
1760 Chevalier Mac Carthy was in command of all the
French troops in the Illinois country. When, under his
direction. Fort de Chartres was rebuilt, it was regarded
as the best fort in America.

For Printing of All Kinds

Large or Small
WRITE OR PHONE

BUECHLER PRINTING CO.

FOR ESTIMATES
^HONE 1 1 OS BELLEVILLE. ILL

CONTENTS:

THE DAWN OF PRAIRIE DU ROCHER
SOCIAL LIFE OF EARLY SETTLERS
HORSES AND CATTLE INTRODUCED
EARLY CROPS AND FLOWERS
EARLY FRENCH GOVERNMENT
JEAN ST. THERESA LANGLOIS
EARLY LEGAL TANSACTIONS
EARLY CENSUS
PRAIRIE DU ROCHER IN 1941
DESCRIPTIVE MATTER

Its Civic Government at Present

Its Singing Society, La Guignolle

Its Manufacturing Establishments

Its Mercantile Establishments

Its Farming District

HISTORY OF ST. ANNE & ST. JOSEPH PARISHES

Early Histor>'
Golden Jubilee of Reverend Wm. Van Delft, Dean

Brief Biography of Rev. Raymond L. Harbaugh

U. OF ILL UB

HISTORY AND GLIMPSES OF I'RAIRIK du ROCHKR

HISTORY REPEATS

Like the Pioneers ot
Picturesque, Historical

PRAIRIE DU ROCHER

who successfully wrought from the wilderness the
fertile lands surrounding the quaint old French City.
A City set in a background of one of nature's finest
panorama of beauty.

A City whose happy atmosphere and friendly
neighbors remain forever in the memory of all who
visit or sojourn in Prairie du Rocher.

YOUR CO-OP

also IS pioneering a succssful Co-operative Agricul-
tural Service to its hundreds of Members and Patrons.

Let It Serve Ton!

COLUMBIA FARMERS
CO=OP GRAIN CO.

Columbia and Prairie du Rocher,
Illinois

STATE BANK OF
PRAIRIE DU ROCHER

Long time ago the Edwardsville Bank sold stock to
inhabitants of Prairie du Rocher and vicinity.

Long time ago the State Bank of Prairie du Rocher
was organized by private enterprise and initiative.
It was established to serve this community and its
farming territory.

Its beginnings were humble, but substantial. Its
growth continuous and successful.

Today the Bank of Prairie du Rocher is a modern
Institution. It serves an ever increasing clientel and
serves them with promptness and friendliness. It is
ready to serve you.

STATE BANK OF
PRAIRIE DU ROCHER

Prairie du Rocher, Illinois

P. Flannery & Son

Dealers In

Lime - Sand - Cement - Brick - Sewer Pipe

Roofing Papers ' Plaster Boards, Etc.

ReadyMixed Concrete

Phones: East 7000 - Bridge 414^

21sT &? State Sts East St. Louis, III.

F. M. BRICKEY & CO.

General Merchandise

Phone 76

Prairie du Rocher, III.

METZGER EQUIPMENT COMPANY

McCormick'Deering Sales and Service — Washers - — Pumps — Repairs
WATERLOO — RED BUD — VALMEYER

HISTORY AND GLIMPSKS OF PRAIRIE du ROCHF.R

We Buy.
We Sell .

MILK

Waterloo

Milk

Co.

Inc.

Waterloo, Illinois

WILLIAM A. VOSS

A £^ G Store

Groceries - Meats - Vegetables
Patent Medicines

Cash Buyer of Cream and Country Produce

Phone 25 Red Bud, III.

Fred Husemann Bottling Works

Manufacturer of

Hl-GRADE SODAS

Red Bud, Illinois

FRANKLIN VARIETY
STORE

Groceries - Meats - Vegetables
Patent Medecines

•

Prairie du Rocher, III.

Optical GcKids - Photo Supplies - Art Materials
Moving Picture Machines

610 Olive St., St. Louis ^"18 N. Gr.\nd Blvd.

BIELEFELD OARAGE

^'It's Another Big Tear for Pontiac'

Telephone 64

•

W. C. Bielefeld
Prairie du Rocher, III.

BERRY'S RESTAURANT

"A Spleyidid Place to Eat"

Dinners, Lunches and
Refreshments Served

Prairie du Rocher, III.

HISTORY AND GLIMPSES OF PRAIRIE du ROCHER

Compliments of

Midland Plumbing
and Supply Co.

East St. Louis, III.

SCHRADER SHOPS

Lcidies and Childrcyi's Readyto-Wear
Red Bud, Illinois

SILVER FOX

Always Runs Best

MONROE MILLINQ CO.

Waterloo, Illinois

LOU'S TAVERN

Easy to Find . . . Hard to Leave
Prairie du Rocher, III.

BAECHLE CLEANING CO.

BELLEVILLE No. 1 CLEANER
PHONE 540

216 East Main St. Belleville. 111.

TWENTY-SIX YEARS OF
CONTINUOUS PROGRESS

Tom omal

m I'Vl^" The Business ut

STRECK BROS.

Has been one of continuous growth and expansion.
Organised in 191 "i this firm is today one of the
finest and most economically arranged

MEAT PACKERS PLANTS
in this vicinity
Selected Home-Dressed
BEEF — VEAL — PORK — LAMB
Are processed in this modern plant and a com-
plete line of finest quality PURE MEAT, SAU-
SAGES, HAMS, BACON and LARD are man-
ufactured and delivered daily to all progressive
Retail Markets in Belleville and more than 'lO
surrounding towns within a radius of sixty miles
from Belleville.

STRECK BROS.

Are also manufacuturers of NONE-BETTER
Brand Meat Scrap and Tankage. These products
are sold hy all dealers in this vicinity,

STRECK BROS.

BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS

A. H.

HONER

Cemetery
Memorials

^^29 So. Illinois St.
Belleville, Ilinois

PHONE 2:6^?

W. C. Bahiloi

EAST 4471

Barth's

Upholstery Shoppe

Upholstering

■ Slip Covers - Rehnishing and

Repairing

2211 State Street

EAST ST. LOUIS, ILL.

GERO LD

Storage and Moving Service Since 1894

Interstate Moving COAST to COAST

TENTH AND GATY AVENUE
PHONE: East 700 EAST ST. LOUIS, ILL.

Felicitation Prairie du Rocher!

Bonheur from one old friend
to another.

\7'OUR HISTORY and ours is so closely
-*- linked. The trees we felled m 1839 —
you to clear the land and build homes . . .
we to build our first mill. Together we've
seen the tides of fortune rise and fall since
those trying early days. Today we both
stand as monuments to the glorious spirit
of a hardy past.

To serve your community an important
branch of our mill, a grain elevator, is in
Prairie du Rocher. There the farmers, many
who till the fields of their fathers, may bring
their golden wheat . . .the kind of wheat that
makes OMEGA Flour/The South's Finest."
Felicitation Prairie du Rocher! May we
remain friends forever.

H. C. COLE MILLING CO.

Chester, Illinois

A

lltBtorir

Jtrm

w^

W. H. CONNER & CO.

In Business Over
92 Years

at

PRAIRIE DU ROCHER,
ILLINOIS

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOISURBANA

977 392G499 C001

GLIMPSES OF PRAIRIE OU ROCHER BELLEVILL

3 0112 025400026