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Souvenir booklet $1.°'*
I?^B OIP HIOOI^ESTO 3Sr.
13. Lukens Bros.
14. ]_Mie J. C. Davis's Hotel.
16. 1-ale Union Depot.
16. P. G. Johnson.
17. G. H. White, l_and Agent.
18. J. 1„ Mozier.
19. Morey & Bros., Elevator.
20. Hibberd Hotel, J. C. Davis, Proprlel or.
21. Goldstein, Brick Store.
22. M. D. Calkins, Lumber Yard.
23. Seam Noggle.
24. a. R. Weacott.
25. Powell 's Drug Stora.
26. Hay Press, G. C. Davi*.
27. Stock Yard.
28. Livery Stable.
29. C. L. Calkua.
ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEY
Souvenir Centennial Booklet:
Dedicated to an Awareness of our Heritage,
and a Sincere Interest in our Future!
Without the complete cooperation of supporting Hoopeston businessmen, industries and
organizations, our task of compiling the following booklet would not have been possible. Area friends
and out-of-state businesses also played a part in financing the publication.
References for information have been numerous. History of Vermilion County by Lottie Jones and
Hiram Beckwith, "History Under our Feet", other volumes at Hoopeston Public Library and in-
dividual research by members of the committee have been our chief sources.
Calendar of Events
,^2iU.. Um>^'
Sunday July 18th
Religious Heritage Day
7:00 A.M. Noon-Church Services-All Churches
10:00 A.M. 4:00 P.M. -Hospitality Center Opens
Noon McFerren Park "Reunion"
•(J. G. Williams Family)
•(Leaver Family)
2:00 P.M. Midway Opens
8:00 P.M. Glen Brasel Field - High School
"Gospel Singing with the LeFevers
and Speer Family"
$2.00 advance, $2.50 at gate
Monday July 19th Senior Citizen's Day
10:00 A.M. Midway Opens (Merchant discount
rides until 5:00 P.M. all ages)
10:00 A.M. Hospitality Center Opens
(219 West Main Street)
2:00 P.M. Anierican Legion "Bingo
(Senior Citizens)"
Free tor all persons over 50 yrs. of age
$2.00 for persons under 50 yrs. of age
8:00 P.M. Civic Center "Dance" (Senior Citizens)
Music by Pat Musk and Group
Free for all persons over 50 years of age
$2.50 for all persons under 50 yrs. ^f age
Tuesday July 20th Open Air Market Day
9:00 A.M. Downtown Area - Open Air Market Opens
10:00 A.M. Midway Opens (Discount rides until
5:00 P.M.)
10:00 A.M. Hospitality Center Opens
11 :30 A.M. 1 :00 P.M. -Free corn on the cob
(Main Street - downtown)
3:00 P.M. 3:45 P.M. -"Entertainment"
(Main Street - downtown)
7:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. -"Entertainment" (Downtown)
By the Ripchords IV
7:30 P.M. "Preliminary Beard Judging Contest"
(Downtown) Mam Street
8:00 P.M. Glen Brasel Field - High School
"Pre-Spectacular Entertainment" by
"Hoopeston Sweet Corners"
9:00P.M. "SPECTACULAR"
Glen Brasel Field
Fireworks immediately following Spectacular
Wednesday July 21st Youth Day
10:00 A.M. Youth Parade (Downtown)
(Pet, Bike and Costume Categories)
10:00 A.M. Hospitality Center Opens
10:00 A.M. Midway Opens (Discount rides until
5:00 P.M.)
1 :00 P.M. "Movie & Cartoons" (Lorraine Theatre)
Admission—for all persons 15 and under,
2 wooden nickles
For all persons over 1 5 years of age, $1 .00
2:00 P.M. 6:00 P. M -McFerren Park
"Games & Contests" (8 through 15 age)
3:30 P.M. 5:00 P.M.-McFerren Park
"Games & Contests" (3 through 7 age)
8:00 P.M. Civic Center "Teen Hop"
Music by: AMBOY DUKES
Admission: $2.50 Advance, $3.50 Door
Glen Brasel Field ■ High School
"Pre-Spectacular Entertainment"
by the Antioch Teen Choir
"SPECTACULAR"
Glen Brasel F leld
Thursday July 22nd Industry Day
8:00 P.M.
900 P.M.
10 00 A.M. Hospitality Center Opens
10:00 AM. Midway Opens (Discount rides
until 5:00 P.M.)
2:00 P.M. 4:00 P.M. -Open House Plant Tours
(Tour information at Centennial Headquarters)
FMC Corporation
Joan of Arc
American Can
Stokely-Van Camp
7:30 P.M. Glen Brasel Field
"Pre-Spectacular Entertainment"
"Finals Beard Judging Contest"
9:00P.M. "SPECTACULAR"
Glen Brasel Field
FrirJay July 23rd Agriculture Day
10:00 A.M.
10:00 A.M.
10:00 A.M.
11:00 A.M.
1:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
'6:30 P.M.
7:30 P.M.
9:00 P.M.
Hospitality Center Opens
Midway Opens (Discount rides
until 5:00 P.M.)
5:00 P.M. -Civic Center
(1 1 :00 A.M.-1 :00 P.M. -Luncheon)
by Helen Farrell (Civic Center)
Displays-Art Show-Style Show -
Band Concert & other entertainment
Program starts
Pioneer Events recognition presentations
Agriculture Day recognition presentations
(100 year farm placques)
•V.F.W. "Reunion" (Class of '46)
Glen Brasel Field
"Pre-Spectacular Entertainment"
"Competitive Style Show"
"SPECTACULAR"
Glen Brasel F leld
Saturday July 24th
Variety Day
9
00 A.M.
10
00 A.M.
10
00 A.M.
11
00 A.M
11
00 A. M
11:30 A.M.
Noon
2:00 P.M.
6:00 P.M.
7:00 P.M.
8:00 P.M.
9:00 P.M.
5:00 P.M. -Bank Street "Flea Market"
Hospitality Center Opens
Midway Opens
Auction of Centennial Silver Coins
No's. 1 thru 10 and No. 100
Corner of Bank & Main Streets
7:00 P.M. -Hoopeston Community
•Hospital Auxiliary Chicken Bar-B-Que
All Day (Downtown)
Centennial Manor
"Dedication Ceremonies"
Governor Ogilvie, Senator Tom Merntt
2:00 P.M. -Lunch
"Parade"
Grand Marshall-Governor Ogilvie
"American Legion "Reunion"
(Class of '51)
Glen Brasel Field - High School
Pre-Spectacular Activities
1 1 :00 P.M. -Civic Center "Square Dance"
Refreshments & door prize $3.00 per couple
"SPECTACULAR"
Glen Brasel Field
In The Beginning:
The Naming of Grant Township
(from: "History of Vermilion County by H. W. Beckwith.
H. H. Hills & Co., Chicago, 1879)
Grant Township was. until 1862, a portion of Ross, and as now
constituted, occupies the northeastern corner of the county,
having Indiana for its eastern boundary, Iroquois county for its
aarihern. Butler township for its western, and Ross for its
southern. It is rectangular in shape: is twelve and one-half miles
long by seven and one-half wide, containing 58,880 acres and is
the largest township in the county. In 1862 it was almost entirely
prairie, having but a few acres of timber near the center of its
southern line, known as Bicknell's Point, (2 miles north of where
Rossville is today) and formed the great treeless ''divide"
between the head waters of the Vermilion and of the Iroquois. As
late as 1860, very little of its land had been brought into
cultivation, although the great highway of travel from the
south to Chicago (Hubbard Trail) ran directly across its center
twenty-five years before that time. When, in 1872, the railroad
was built through it, few farms were intersected. The great
prairie from Bicknell's Point stretching north was the dread of
the early settler when he became benighted on his return from
Chicago after a ten days' trip to that, their only market. The
dark, stormy, wintry nights carried terror to many a household
when it was feared that the father or husband or son was trying
to find his way home over the treeless waste of the great divide.
GEN. U. S. GRANT
A PRAIRIE TRAGEDY
A single incident of such tragic nature as to be told over and
over again at every fireside in the 1830's will serve to show the
terrors which in those days were consequent upon winter travel.
In December, 1836, on a mild warm day in which rain and snow
mingled until the ground was covered with slush, and every-
thing which travelers wore was wet through, the thermometer
ranging above forty degrees, two travelers. Frame and Hild-
reth, were making'their way back toward the settlements on the
Vermilion, and, just after night overtook them when not far
from where Hoopeston now stands, the "sudden change" so
often alluded to by old settlers struck them. The weather, from
ranging above freezing, suddenly dropped to twenty degrees
below zero, accompanied by a wind which was severe enough to
The Bicknell House built on North Fork, 1835: rebuilt as Bicknell
Inn in 1845. Located about 2 miles north of Rossville (called
Liggett's Grove and Henpeck). George and William Bicknell set
up a homestead and as traffic increased on Hubbard's Trail,
they erected the inn in 1845. Abraham Lincoln w/as said to be a
patron years later.
freeze every article of wet clothing in an instant. The ground full
of water, became frozen in a very few minutes, and no man
could stand it for even a short time on horseback. The men
walked for a while, until they became numb and lost. To be lost
on this great prairie at anytime, and under any circumstances
of weather, was a most painful condition, mentally, one
could be placed in; but lost in a storm, conscious that one was
gradually and surely becoming less and less able every moment
to care for himself, was as near like enduring the torments of the
damned as one can well imagine. On, on they went, vainly
hoping to reach some place where they might at least be
protected from th? fearful blasts. They had given up hope of
getting what King James asked in somewhat similar circum-
stances — "rest and a guide, and food and fire"; but they still
hoped to find the friendly shelter of Bicknell's Point. But finally
that hope also abandoned them, and, with almost the certainty
of death, they decided to kill their horses and disembowel them,
hoping that the friendly shelter of the stiffening carcass and
warmth of the animal heat might save them from certain death.
Unreasonable as their hope seems, they actually carried their
plan into partial execution, by killing one of the horses, and
pushing him over as he fell so that the back would lie toward the
west, and protect them in a measure from the terrible blast. The
other horse for some reason was not killed, and the two half-
frozen men made themselves as comfortable as possible in the
shelter which they had thus prepared. In the morning. Frame
was dead, and Mr. Hildreth was so badly frozen that he suffered
partial amputation. He died in Carroll township in 1876, living to
see almost forty anniversaries of that dreadful night.
GIVEN NAME "LYON"
When the old township of Ross was divided the name of Lyon
was given to this. When the name was sent to Springfield, the
auditor notified the supervisors that there was already a
township named Lyons in Cook county, and it would be
necessary to find another name. A western captain who had
been for some years carrying on a limited tanning business at
Galena, smoking his pipe very regularly, and talking very little
about politics or anything else, had, a year before this, offered
his services to the governor of the state in any position that he
should deem him worthy to fill, in aid of organizing regiments
for sending for to put down armed treason in the south. He was
sent to the adjutant-general's office with a request to put him to
work. In less than 24 hours the adjutant-general found out that
this quiet, almost speechless man knew more than the whole
office. A regiment was then quartered at Camp Butler almost in
a state of mutiny, and Governor Yates found that it would be
necessary to displace the colonel and give the command to some
one who could manage it. He appealed to Capt. Grant, who at
once replied that he thought he would have no trouble with as
good a regiment as that. He took command, marched the men
across the country to Quincy, and went to the front. He had, at
the time a new name was to be selected for this township, just
electrified the country by his reply to the rebel commandant at
Fort Donelson, that no terms but "unconditional surrender"
would be accepted. It was the first great victory of the war. and
it was believed that a great future awaited the new general.
Ulysses Grant. About the first great honor paid him was the
naming of this magnificent township after him.
The first town meeting held in Grant township after it was cut
off from Ross, was held in the Owen school-house. April. 1862.
The following are the officers who were elected at that time: J.
R. STEWART. SUPERVISOR: A. M. DAVIS. CLERK: A.M.
DAVIS, ASSESSOR: W.W. SMITH, COLLECTOR.
Justices of the peace have been: James Holmes, E. B.
Jenkins. W. D. Foulke, A. M. Davis. William Moore, and L.
Armstrong.
Weather in the 1800's. . . .
Vermilion County is not subject to extremes of weather as is
found in some sections. There are some instances on record,
however, of extremes which bear notice. One of these is the deep
snow of the winter of 1830-1, which gave this season the
reputation of being one of great severity, and occasioned much
suffering. This snow, however, did not fall all at once but was the
accumulation of many falling on top of the preceding one. These
were repeated over and over again without any melting of snow
until the ground was so completely hidden that there was great
suffering in consequence. The cattle could not receive the care
needed and hundreds died in consequence. This was the winter
in which the elder Partlow died and his sons became so
discouraged that they went back to Kentucky. The deer were
driven away to seek food or were starved in such great numbers
that they were never so plentiful again in this region. Another
extreme of weather is recorded in the "cold Tuesday" of
December 16. 1836. Enoch Kingsbury wrote a letter, sometime
in the fifties, telling his remembrance of that day which has
been preserved and is hereby given entire.
"The weather on Monday, December 16, 1836. was quite warm
and fast softening the heavy snow. On Tuesday it began to rain
before day and continued until four in the afternoon, at which
time the ground was covered with water and melting snow. All
the small streams were very full and the large ones rapidly
rising.
"At this crisis there arose a large and tumultuous cloud in the
west, with a rumbling noise. On its approach everything
congealed. In less than five minutes it changed a warm at-
mosphere to one of intense cold, and flowing water to ice. One
says that he started his horse into a gallop in the mud and water
and on going a quarter of a mile, he was bounding over ice and
frozen ground. Another says that in an hour after the change he
passed over a stream of two feet deep on ice. which actually
froze solid to the bottom and remained so until Spring. The
North Fork where it was rapid and so full of water as to overflow
its bottoms, froze over so solid that night that horses crossed the
next morning, and it was thus with all the streams.
"Mr. Alvan Gilbert, with his men, was crossing the prairie
from Bicknells (about where Rossville is located now) to Sugar
Creek, with a large drove of hogs. Before the cloud came over
them the hogs and horses showed the greatest alarm and an
apprehension of danger. As it actually came upon them, the
hogs refusing to go any further, began to pile themselves in one
vast heap as their best defense on the open prairie. During the
night half a dozen of them perished, and those on the outside
were so frozen they had to be cut loose. About twelve others died
on their way to Chicago in consequence of their being badly
frozen, while many others lost large pieces of their flesh.
"Mr. Gilbert and his men rode five or six miles distant, all of
them having fingers, toes or ears frozen, and the harness so
frozen that it could not be unhitched from the wagon, and
scarcely from the horses.
"Two men riding across the same prairie a little further to the
west, came to a stream so wide and deep they could not cross it.
The dreary night came on and after exercising in vain, they
killed one horse, rolled his back to the wind and toofe out his
entrails, and thrust in their hands and feet, while they lay upon
them."
Village
Presidents-Mayors
The village of Hoopeston was organized in January, 1874 with
the following presidents serving from that time:
1874. T. J. Carr: 1874-75, N. L. Thompson; 1875-76. S. P.
Thompson: 1876-77, Samuel Noggle.
In April. 1877. the City of Hoopeston was organized. Mayors
and the year of their election have been:
1877 thru 1879. J. S. McFerren: 1879. Alba Honeywell: 1881-
1844, J. S. McFerren: S. P. Thompson; 1885-88. H. L. Bushnell;
1888. A. H. Trego; 1889-1891. W. P. Pierce: 1891-1893. W. R.
Wilson: 1893-1895. J. H. Dyer; 1895-97, J. S. McFerren: 1897-1901.
John L. Hamilton: 1901. J. S. McFerren; 1902-1905. James A.
Cunningham: 1905-1907. Fred Ayers: 1907-1909. C. S. Crary;
1909-1913. H. C. Finley: 1913-1917. I. E. Merritt: 1917-1919.
William Moore: 1919-1925. John A. Heaton: 1925-1929. D. J.
McFerren: 1929-1931. Fred E. Earel: 1931-1933. E. H. Rich-
creek: 1933-1935. Walter Trego: 1935-1937, Franklin Johnson;
1937-1941. William Beggs: 1941-1947. Gilbert C. Trego: 1947-1949,
Frank Newman; 1949-1953. Dr. G. R. Browne: 1953-1957. D. J.
McFerren: 1957-1961, John A. Crumley: 1961-1965, Joseph C.
Moore II: 1965-1969. Martin Young; 1969 to present. Earl F.
Smock.
History of Banking in Hoopeston
Banhing first came to Hoopeston in August 1, 1872 and was
established by J. S. McFerren and Wright Chamberlan using the
name of McFerren and Chamberlan. Mr. McFerren was a
pioneer resident and the first mayor of Hoopeston. Mr.
Chamberlan retired from the bank due to ill health in 1874, at
which time McFerren's brother, James, came into the business
and the bank was hnown as J. S. McFerren and Brother. James
McFerren passed away and J. S. McFerren organized the First
National Bank of Hoopeston in 1882. The bank was organized
with a capitalization of $25,000.00. J. S. McFerren continued as
President until his death in I92I. at this time his son William
McFerren took over the position of President.
In 1889 Burwell. Hamilton and Morgan founded a banking
house, which was later taken over by Haniilton and Lateer. J. A.
Cunningham and J. L. Hamilton later went together and
organized the Hamilton & Cunningham Bank in 1894. I. E.
Merritt and Mark R. Koplin came to Hoopeston from Buckley.
Illinois and in June of 1909 established the Hoopeston National
Bank.
From 1909 until 1931 Hoopeston enjoyed two banks. The First
National Bank and The Hoopeston National Bank. In 1931 these
two banks merged and was then known as the First National
Bank of Hoopeston.
During the moratorium in 1933 the First National Bank closed
its doors, but all depositors were paid in full. Later that same
year the City National Bank of Hoopeston was organized and
their doors were opened August 7. 1933. City National had a
capitol of $50,000.00 and surplus of $10,000.00. The first President
was E. H. Trego and the Board of Directors consisted of C. V.
McClenathan, E. H. Gustine, E. J. Boorde, George Petry, G. H.
Couchman, E. F. Trego, H. C. Crays, and Mac Wallace. E. F.
The "Embryo City of the Plains
In Hoopeston's Beginning, 3 separate areas of the new-born town were bent on gaining the bulk of the
town's business . . . thus, the nickname "Embryo City" was given it (Embryo meaning: "Any living
thing in the earliest stages of its development). It was also called the 3-headed city.
J J
Let us suppose ourselves standing at the cross roads of the two
railroads about noon on the 24th of July. 1871 just as the track
was being laid on the Chicago, Danville and Vincennes road,
across the grade of the Lafayette, Bloomington and Mississippi
railroad. As we look over a mile distant to the nearest house, at
which perchance there might be a hope of obtaining a good
square meal, or behold on the opposite side the large plain of
land, covered with the luxuriant growth of prairie grasses and a
forest of rosin weeds, but a few months before deer had been
seen grazing on the prairie, although aware of the importance of
the location and of the wealth of the country, would our
prophetic eye have dilated to such an extent as to predict that 5
months would not pass ere there would be scattered around this
crossing over 70 buildings, occupied by more than 245 persons,
and that throngs of loaded wagons would be coming here to
unload their freight of corn, and obtain the necessities of
domestic life in return?
We had supposed that the work of vigorous city making was
confined to the frontier, but now we are convinced that Illinois
still has places where the opening of a new railroad causes
towns to spring into existence, "full armed" like Venus from the
head of Jupiter.
LOCATION OF TOWN
On the 28th day of July. 1871, the first chain was stretched
which was destined to mark off the present sight of what is
fenown as Hoopeston proper, comprising about 18 acres situated
in the southeast corner of the crossing upon land owned by
Messrs. Davis and Satterthwaite. bought from Hiram Hatch in
1870. at $22.50 per acre. On the 28th day of August the surveyors'
chain was again employed to designate the location of north
Hoopeston, upon the land owned by Thompson Bros.: also Davis
and Satterthwaite's addition, occupying the northeast corner of
the crossing. The switch of the north and south road is 1,700 feet
long and is located upon Thompson Bros, tract.
LEEDS
Thus far the west side remained neglected, occupied by the
land of Messrs. Snell, Taylor and Co.. and Mr. Mix. But on the
6th day of November the county surveyor was employed to
approve the previous survey made by the surveyor of Kankakee
Co., the last of September. Stones were placed in the center of
each street at the end, to prevent any controversy arising in
regard to the location of lots. This part, which had previously
received the name of Leeds, in common with the other parts
which were designated as Hoopeston. comprises 160 acres lying
either side of the east and west road, upon which the switch of
the road is located, being 100 feet west of the crossing and
running 1,400 feet. A private switch is also being built from the
north and south road.
Not yet satisfied with the extent of territory occupied by the
town plat. Messrs. Moore and Brown purchased 50 acres Mc-
Cracken 10 acres, of Thompson Bros., adjoining north
Hoopeston and on the 16th day of December, converted them
into additions to the town.
Thus the four corners of the crossing, comprising nearly 500
acres are divided off into appropriate portions for the building of
a large and beautiful city. Of these there have already been sold
for business and residence purposes over 750 lots many of which
are already occupied by buildings, and many more to be built
upon as soon as Spring opens. Some of the buildings are well
worthy the prospects of our new town, and indeed would be an
honor to many of our cities. This must soon become a place of
considerable importance. The two construction companies
which were building the roads. Snell, Taylor & Co. and Young &
Co.. looked with covetous eyes upon this railroad crossing, both
inwardly vowing that they would possess the prize. Both com-
panies were in the height of their prosperity (this was in 1871,
before the panic of 73 had knocked the bottom out of every
railroad enterprise and construction company in the country),
both being managed by shrewd, determined, positive men, who
were not in the habit of being thwarted in their plans. Both, at
that time, "knew no such word as fail." "When Greek meets
Greek then comes the tug of war," and this struggle between the
two contestants for this prize was about the only "war record"
this young city ever knew. Young & Co., through their agent.
Alba Honeywell, made acceptable terms with the land owners
on the east of the Chicago, Danville. Vincennes road, and sup-
posed they had made terms with Thomas Hoopes. but while they
were like the servant of the prophet, "here and there." Col. Snell
closed a bargain with Mr. Hoopes for one thousand acres of his
land lying west of the junction, and forestalled Young & Co.
READY TO SELL
Mr. Hoopes knew enough to manage a good farm, but he
doubted his ability to go into a scramble for selling city lots; for
this reason he would have nothing to do with the business, but
was ready to sell out to either party.
When Young & Co. found that they were defeated in their plan
of getting control of all the land which would come into the town
plat, they bent their efforts to make the most of what they had,
while the other firm, intent on a like operation, hurried up the
platting of their part, and making such improvements as should
offer strong inducements to business men. In the rage for
speculation three separate towns were laid out and recorded.
Davis and Satterthwaite laid out eighteen acres, on the 28th of
July, where Main street is, and called it Hoopeston. Snell.
Taylor & Co. (consisting of Col. Thomas Snell. of Clinton: Abner
Taylor. Esq.. of Chicago, and James Aiken, who had died in
Chicago, with Mr. Mix of Kankakee, as a special partner) laid
out in November 160 acres where the Hibbard House stood, and
called it Leeds. Thompson Brothers laid out east and north of the
railroads, and called it North Hoopeston: and Davis and Sat-
terthwaite an addition to Hoopeston. making, with some other
additions, about 500 acres in all.
The track of the C. D. & V. road was laid through town on the
24th of July. 1871, and not a house nearer than a mile. The next
day a few people collected to see the surveyors drive the first
stake of the future metropolis of the prairie. Charlie Wyman was
the first to commence laying off and selling lots. Messrs. Lukens
Brothers were the first to purchase. On the 28th of July, Mr.
Wyman's office, the first building. \vas built by J. C. Davis, who
was the pioneer carpenter and did a prosperous business until he
was repeatedly burned out. Jonathan Bedell started the first
grocery store. The strife between the different land proprietors
grew warm. The proprietors of Leeds built a large hotel three
stories high and had it ready for occupancy that fall, and soon
after that built the fine brick block, two stories high, and the five
franie one-story stores and the large livery barn, all of which
bui/dings stood there practically unused. They put in wide
sidewalks, set out shade trees, graded up the streets and ran the
grade out a mile for their center. They made very liberal offers
to such as wanted to rent buildings of them, but the lots lying
between their improvements and the lands of the other
proprietors they would not sell at any price. Their plan looks
reckless now. in the light of eight years, but after the contest
they had for the possession of the town, there did not seem to
have been any other course for them to pursue. Had they per-
mitted the lots joining the tracts of the others to be put on the
market first, they could hardly have expected to retain the
business on their lands. The proprietors of the original town
were pushing their lots into notice and every person who pur-
chased there became an attorney in fact to work up a sale of the
remaining lots as fast as possible.
MARKET STREET POPULAR
During the first season the lots along Market street of North
Hoopeston, were the popular ones, and nearly every business
was located on that street, which became the thoroughfare of
trade and commerce. Way out north of the railroad, for four
blocks, buildings went up in quick succession, nearly all the
stores, the post office, the printing office, and in fact nearly
everything called business was in North Hoopeston. B. F. Sites
was pretty nearly in the center of trade.
In October the post office was established and J. M. R.
Spinning was appointed postmaster, a position he continued to
hold until 1878. when Judge Dale Wallace was appointed, but the
first mail did not arrive here, for some unexplained cause, until
the 9th of December, when it was brought from Rossville in an
open buggy which had to be provided for the occasion free of
expense to the post office department. It was not until the 1st of
January. 1872. that mail came by the trains.
In October of that year religious services commenced to be
held in the store of Mr. McCracken: this was for some months
headquarters for religious instruction and heavenly in-
telligence. The people were not so particular what a man's
denomination credentials were; if he could preach, and was not
above occupying "McCracken's pulpit." they heard him gladly.
Seavy & Wallace commenced the publication of the first
newspaper ever published in Hoopeston. issuing the first
number on the 11th of January. 1872, of "The North Vermilion
Chronicle." The first number gave a very full account of the
"Early days of Hoopeston" — the town was less than six months
old. and was full of interest to every resident. The first number
which came from the press was put up at auction and sold for
$32.50: the few succeeding copies were also sold in the same
way. commanding sums which made the young proprietors feel
an assurance of certain success. It was a seven-column folio and
contained about six columns of advertisements. The following
persons and firms made known their desire to do business with
the citizens of Hoopeston and the surrounding prairie, in the first
number. Whipple & Brown. S. K. White. G. C. Davis. Dean\ude
& Lefever (of Rossville). Ed. Stemp. J. W. Elliott. G. H. White.
Moffett & Kirkpatrick. J. Bedell. E. D. North. F. G. Hoffman.
Miller & Brother. A. B. Perkins, R. Morey, Given & Knox, R.
McCracken, Roof & Rae. Mrs. Robb, Dr. Anderson. Dr. Mc-
Caughey. J. C. Askern. Esq.. J. H. Phillips. Snell. Taylor & Co..
C. L. Wyman and B. Sanders. The paper continued to be
published under that name for a year and a half, and then the
name was changed to the "Hoopeston Chronicle." After about
four years Seavey & Wallace sold it. but a year later Mr.
Wallace purchased it and continued to publish it. The
"Chronicle" has always been a first-class local paper, and has
received liberal patronage from the enterprising, stirring
citizens of this lively young city. It is republican in politics.
HOTELS
Among the first objects of interest to a traveler is a com-
fortable place which he may call his home. A good square meal
often favorably disposes a man. and we are happy to state the
proprietersofthe West side have recognized this fact in building
a commodious and beautiful hotel at an expense of $7,700. which
we understand is soon to be opened. The building is 30 x 50 feet,
with a culinary departntent of 16 x 24 feet: the main building is 3
stories high, covered with a "Mansard" roof, with blinds, and a
veranda on two sides. It is furnished completely /rom cellar to
garret, and contains 21 sleeping rooms, each with ac-
commodations for stove and furniture. The building is at present
occupied by Mr. G. H. White, who has furnished (temporarily)
several rooms. Aside from this, Mr. Nathan Williams has built
and furnished a reasonable sized boarding house 20 x 40 feet, two
stories high.
HARD V/ A R E
||l||i|Pil||||c<c-r- -■ '-"'"■■■'■ 'JlTTn?
Clark's Block, erected in 1877
BUSINESS HOUSES
Nearly every branch of business is being represented.
Already there are a good number of business buildings either in
operation or being completed. Lukens Bros, are just opening a
stockof Dry Goods, in a building 20 x 80 feet, which is finished in
the best of style, situated near the crossing in Hoopeston proper.
Dr. Roof's Drug Store. 18 x 40 feet: R. McCracken's Dry Goods
and Grocery Store 20 X 60 feet: Miller and Bros. Grocery Store 20
X 50 feet: and Thompson block. 48 x 60 feet, to be occupied by
hardware and dry goods, all two stories high and well finished:
J. W. Elliott Variety Store. M. Bedell Grocery Store. F. G.
Hoffman, E. D. North Drugs and Medicines, comprises the
principal business houses already erected and in operation. Mr.
Charles Wyman and R. McCracken are building a hardware and
agriculture implement store. 24 x 60 feet, two stories, near the
crossing on the west side
LIVERY STABLE
A large and elegant stable has been built by the proprietors of
Leeds: 35 x 80 feet, with half pitch roof and cupola, capable of
accommodating 25 head of horses, and will hold 50 tons of hay,
and 2,000 bushels of grain. At present it is occupied by Mr.
Stewart White. There are several smaller business houses and
shops.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
The character of a people is generally known by their public
spirit, manifested in their improvements. Elegant public
buildings are a sure index of energy and thrift. Our people have
been too much engaged with their private cares to manifest very
much public spirit: from one. judge all. The proprietors have
made ample provisions on either side for public squares and
parks, which they propose to ornatnent with walks and trees. We
are also informed that 5,000 maple and elm trees are already
engaged to be set out on the west side on every street, which will
add very much to the beauty of the place. Most of the streets also
in that part of town have been graded, and an effort has been
made in that direction on the east side. There are also four
public wells in different parts of town.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES
The general opinion now is, that a school house, and one or
more churches, will be built next summer. Appropriate lots
have already been ojfered by the proprietors for this purpose.
POST OFFICE
To the gratification of the people of our town and vicinity, the
mail is now received daily. The post office at Hoopeston was
established October 25. 1871 : the first regular mail was received
December 9 from Rossville. and for the first time on the train
January 1. 1872.
IMPORTANCE OF THE STATION
The importance of the station may be seen from the amount of
business done since the opening of the railroad. For the first
month, August 1871. the receipts were $11,808.91. and the total
receipts for the remainder of last year, were $22,569.15: the total
shipments were $6,644.87. making the business of the station
amount to $29,214.00. in four months.
DONATIONS TO RAILROAD
The township of Grant voted a donation to the Chicago.
Danville and Vincennes Railroad, of $18,500, to be paid in ten
years. Thompson Bros, also gave it a half interest in 200 acres,
to locate the switch and freight buildings upon the same. And
Mr. Hoopes, Messrs. Davis and Satterthwaite, have bound
themselves by contract, to give them 15 acres provided the
passenger depot be located in the northeast corner of the
crossing, upon the land of the latter. The township also sub-
scribed $25,000 for the Lafayette, Bloomington and Mississippi
Railroad, as stock in said road.
RESIDENCES
As yet fine residences are rare, not having had time to build
them Among the best is that of G. C. Davis, which is built in the
form of a 'T". two stories high, the cost being $1,800. R. Morey
has also built a good house in Leeds, which cost about $1 .500. The
residence of Wm. A. Brillhart. in North Hoopeston. is now in the
hands of the builders, and will be completed at an expense of
about $2,000.
POPULATION
On the 1st of January, 1872, five months after the surveyor's
stakes had been driven in the wild prairie, 70 buildings had been
erected and the population was 245, and by the first of January,
1873, less than one year and a half, 180 buildings were up, the
population had increased to 800, 17 miles of streets had been
graded, three hotels built, a bank started, the principal streets
provided with sidewalks, an elevator built, and over 40 business
houses in full operation. The history of Illinois may be searched
in vain for a parallel to the sudden growth and development of
the wild prairie. Only in the wild speculations of mining camps
can the like be found. Chicago was many years in making a
similar growth. Neither has this growth proved fitful and un-
certain. The men who first pinned their faith to Hoopeston
remain to realize, in great measure, the full fruition of that
hope. The failure of the speculative enterprises of Snell, Taylor
& Co., after investing about $25,000 in buildings and im-
provements, is the only exception to the general success.
-fe^_:
n
s*
INCORPORATION
On the I2th of January, 1874. a petition was presented to the
county court of Vermilion County by W. R. Clark and 56 others,
praying for incorporation as a village under the Act of 1872, with
the following corporate limits: the east half of Section 11, the
west three-fourths of Section 12 (23-11), and the south half of the
southwest quarter and the southwest quarter of Section 2 (23-
12). The court entertained the prayer of the petitioners, and
appointed an election to be held at the store of William Brillhart,
January 31, to vote for or against such organization, and ap-
pointed W. R. Clark. T. J. Corr end J. S. Dellose judges of such
election. At such election. 1 74 votes were cast, 98 being for and 76
being against such incorporation. The court ordered an election
to be held Saturday. February 28. for six trustees for the
government of said village, and appointed the same judges to
conduct the election. At that election, 172 votes were cast, and
the following trustees were elected: T. J. Corr, J. Bedell, N.
Dauner. W. R. Clark, S. P. Thompson, L. North.
The board of trustees proceeded to organize by electing T. J.
Corr president and J. M. R. Spinning, clerk. A vote of thanks
was unanimously returned to L. Armstrong. Esq., for swearing
the trustees into office. J. W. Hawkins was appointed street
commissioner, G. W. Scavy, police constable, and J. S. Mc-
Ferren, treasurer. At the regular annual election, April 21, W.
R. Clark, S. P. Thompson, N. L. Thompson, Thomas Watkins, W.
A. Brillhart and L. Armstrong were elected trustees; A. H.
Young, police magistrate, and J. S. Powell, clerk. The salary of
the clerk was fixed at $100. Just how this flourishing village got
into the order of cities seems to be a mystery. Certain it is that
there is no record of any action taken, by vote or otherwise, to
get into city organization. Indeed it is said that at the time of this
metamorphosis there was no law on the statute books per-
mitting the change from village to city, and that the entire
proceeding was illegal. The only reasonable explanation is that
Hoopeston, like the parliament of Great Britain, could do
anything, and just naturally moved out from its outgrown
position of village, and took orders in the city line, with a kind of
"who's afraid: bring on your almanac" air. The question of its
right to do so is yet unsolved. The present officers (1879) are: A.
Honeywell, mayor; W. M. Young, clerk; Mr. Bedell, treasurer:
H. H. Dyer, attorney; J. Miller, A. M. Fleming and Joseph
Crouch, aldermen.
At first Hoopeston was three-headed, as has been heretofore
explained. The effort of those who had her best interests at heart
was to combine these three and condense the business as much
as possible on Main street, so that now her finest structures are
found on that street. The buildings which were put up by Snell,
Taylor & Co. have gone into disuse. The Hibbard House, at the
time of its building, was the finest hotel in the county, and the
stores are almost all unoccupied. The line of Market street has
been pretty nearly abandoned by the mercantile gentlemen,
although some good stores remain there. The fine bank building
built by Mr. McFerren in 1876 is 24 x 60, brick, two stories and
basement. It is a very neat building, nicely trimmed, and is
occupied by Mr. McFerren as a bank, and with his partner, as a
real estate office, and by H. H. Dyer as a law office, on the main
floor. The entire basement is occupied by the "Chronicle" office
editorial and press rooms. Above, the Masonic fraternity have
an elegant lodge room. The building cost $5,000, and is the finest
building in town. In 1877. W. R. Clark and Dr. T. J. Roof built the
two-story brick double store across the street, west from the
bank. It is 50x100, occupied by the proprietors below, and by the
Odd Fellows over Dr. Roof's, and as a public hall over Mr.
Clark's. The building cost $7,500. Thomas Hoopes, the same
year, built the double brick store north of the bank. It is 45 x 80,
and occupied for stores below and offices above. It cost $7,000.
The little city contains a number of other substantial business
houses and residences that would appear respectable in any
town in the west.
Hoopeston - at the Turn of the Century....
BY FERN ANDERSON
In the early 1900's. Hoopeston had three newspapers; THE
HOOPESTON NEWS. HOOPESTON CHRONICLE, and the
HOOPESTON HERALD.
Hoopeston, always proud of its churches records. The Church
of Christ was built in 1872 at the corner of Honeywell and Sixth
Street. The First Baptist was organized March 6. 1873. with six
constituent members.. D. H. Chapman was elected deacon and
church clerk. The First Methodist Church was one of the earliest
churches and held the largest membership. The Universalist
Church was organized in August. 1882. by the Rev. T. S. Guthrie.
The congregation worshiped in the opera hall until 1866. The
First Presbyterian Church was organized on May 3. 1872. The
Free Methodist organized in 1893. Other places of worship were
the Roman Catholic church, the United Presbyterian, the Little
Quaker, the United Brethern. with the Christian Science the last
to organize in 1898 with 14 original members.
Many secret societies, clubs and associations were organized
with cultural clubs ranking high, including literary and musical
MAIN STREET LOOKING EAST
the firm: C. E. Russell. Hon. Charles A. Allen: M. G. Woolver-
ton. under the name of Allen and Woolverton.
J. S. McFerren had much to do with the founding of
Hoopeston. McFerren Park stands as a memorial to the family.
J. S., fondly known as "Jake." his two sons, the late Donald and
William, each gave so much of their time, money and efforts to
the city.
The Illinois Canning Company was established in 1875, by S. S.
McCall. Two years later it passed into the hands of the Illinois
Canning Company, consisting of William Moore and James A.
Cunningham. The favorite "Joan of Arc" brand had since been
outstanding and known throughout the world.
Businesses were built by Ezra Briggs: Thomas H. Smith, a
saddlery and harness business: and the burglar alarm, invented
by T. O. Saine. Roy Lyons was familiar for his livery barn and
turned out single or double rigs. With a shop opposite the Cun-
ningham Hotel. George Schussler was known as a good shoe
MAIN STREET LOOKING WEST
clubs, such as Oratorio, and the Ministerial Union. The Owl
Club, one of the oldest, will soon celebrate their 75th year, and
are still active. At this early date there were 1 7 secret societies.
The Hoopeston Baseball Club and the Hoopeston Gun Club
furnished sports for the local marksmen.
The Hoopeston Public Library had its origin in the Mary
Hartwell Catherwood Tea Club, and by it was fostered until the
city assumed legal control. The library was built in 1905.
Among professional men in the late 1800's were Doctors J. A.
Ingle. L. B. Russell. J. S. Adsit. F. P. Johnson. T. C. McCaughey,
Leroy Jones, W. P. Peirce. W. R. Wilson, D. D. Weber, and J. D.
Hazel. Also Doctors John Heaton, George M. Hanley and J. H.
Hutton. all of whom were dentists.
Successful attornies were C. M. Briggs: Dyer and Wallbridge,
with James H. Dyer, father of Charles Dyer, as senior partner of
:tiJ6#-W.^
MARKET STREET LOOKING NORTH
MARKET STREET LOOKING SOUTH
maker.
H. W. Philps was the general manager of the Union Can
Company, now the American Can Company, and the Sprague,
now known as FMC Corporation, was organized by Daniel G.
Trench, and B. P. Crane. Chicago, and P. H. Green of Farnham,
N. v.. in 1897.
The oldest blacksmith shop was owned and operated by Otto
Johnson. W. A. Flint was a real estate dealer. James A. Hanna
owned and operated a flouring mill, and Mrs. F. W. Wells
operated a picture gallery, including many penny pictures,
buttons and pictures of her own work to frame. Mrs. Joseph
Dallstream sold the finest millinery in the latest colors and
styles and John A. Fickle operated a furniture and undertaking
establishment.
Others operating businesses during the early years were the
Hoopeston Grain and Coal Company: C. Glover, a man's taylor;
D. M. Hooker and Son. music store: C. Homrighous. jewelry;
and Benjamin Rice, also proprietor of a blacksmith shop. Mrs.
M. Franks was a noted teacher of piano, and Cora VanPherson
was local agent for a sewing machine.
In the year 1881, Professor August Geiger, graduated from the
Royal Seminary of Wurttenburg, Germany, and came here that
year to teach music in the Greer College.
M. V. Brickey operated a hardware store opposite the post
office and Bock and Son. John Bock and Fred, were painters and
paperhangers. T. J. Sappington did cement work: Ben
McElhaney. blacksmithing: L. C. Norris, carpenter and con-
tractor: Park and Logan, city steam laundry: and the Palm Ice
Cream Parlor was operated by Paul H. Hussey. Fred Murphy's
barn, opposite Brilhart House, a famous eating place, sheltered
horses when farmers came to town. Other familiar names of
men in business were O. P. Chamberlin: Levi Rice: Mrs. M. A.
Stites, a successful undertaker and furniture dealer: R. M.
Knox, real estate: B. Oppenheim, grocery and department
store: Mrs. A. E. Cook, dressmaker: and Charles T. Putman,
lumber businessman: Parnell Brothers. Albert, Frank, and
George, in dry goods and ladies wear: J. S. Dunscomb.
grocery: W. C. Rose, meat market: and A. B. Burtnett. also a
grocerier.
In the year 1882. A. H. Trego. J. S. McFerren. and A. T.
Catherwood organized and incorporated the Hoopeston Canning
Company, now known as Stokely Van Camp.
The Ingle Manufacturing Company was organized by Scott
Ingle and E. C. Bird in 1899. manufacturing elevator separators,
milling separators, etc.
John Karr, Jr., a noted grocery operator on the north side, and
the Haupe and Karr, builders and repairers of bicycles, were
located just south of the LE&W railroad on North Market Street.
The Dyer Lumber Company was managed by J. H. Potter. Mrs.
G. M. Hanley's dairy located on the south side of town, was
noted for being "Kitchen clean" and the fresh bottles of milk
were delivered fresh and cool to families in the city. Thomas
Woolverton operated a machine shop, built in 1881. The J. T.
Sharp feed shop, opposite the city hall, supplied feeds of all
kinds. The Thomas Baxter restaurant was east of the Cun-
ningham Hotel and the Walter Johnson Photo Studio operated
here more than 60 years, until Mr. Johnson retired due to ill
health. E. S. Hall also operated a photography gallery, while
John Steffenson sold kerosene and gasoline from a wagon and
was known as "the oil man." Mrs. Minnie H. Seavey's millinery
establishment was a landmark in Hoopeston and ladies in need
of fine millinery could always be found there. Final touches
were put on by Mrs. Seavey. C. F. Davis owned and operated a
furniture store near the post office and Frank Nelson had a com-
plete stock of wagons and buggies. Later Mr. Nelson owned and
operated one of the most modern hardware stores, which is now
operated by his son, William, and daughter, Marcella. P. F.
Levin was noted for his groceries and bakery products. A good
place to eat was the restaurant operated by L. Street. He also
sold the finest in smoking materials. Tlie firm of Erickson and
Swanson sold first class clothing, and J. W. "Jim" Sherrill
devoted his time to delivering express. J. B. Brown manufac-
tured many brands of cigars to be sold locally and also for
shipments. Mrs. Thomas Lee sold millinery in the Dyer-Fuller
Building. The firm of Mahoney and Dazey were real estate
brokers and another hardware store was operated by Newson
and Leemon. C. W. Snively was long noted for his skill in but-
chering. New and second hand furniture was sold by Louis Fried
on West Main Street. The "Red Light" Restaurant was a
popular eating place. It was operated by Sam J. Brown. W. C.
Cook was a grocerier of long experience and required a large
force of men to operate his business. Among the early days, the
millinery shop of J. S. Pees and Company, on Bank Street op-
posite the Brillhart House, was noted for "prices always right."
The Music House of Marion Clements was a place where a piano
or organ could be purchased, Karn and look did a first class
delivery business in their mammoth brick barn on West Main
Street, and the ladies favored Myers' Cash and Carry Store with
D. T. Myer as proprietor. Another grocery store with a
flourishing business was operated by Hartley Hobson with
berries, fruit, vegetables, and a complete line of staples ready
Photos from the Early 1900's:
CITY HALL
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
-C"^,
MASONIC HALL
.l,l^^*i?«-i^r^*.^'^a\
THORNTON BUGGY CO.
for sale. George Miller operated the "Blue Front" grocery, and
the Globe Restaurant was operated by the Alkires. The Flagg
brothers were druggists and John O. Lyons managed the poultry
house for the E. Bogan and Company. Conrad Schade gave to
the people of Hoopeston excellent bread, cakes, and pies, and it
is said "He never sleeps, he always has a supply, even wedding
cakes, on hand." C. E. Lester pharmacist, operated Lesters
Drugs until his death, at which time Wib Carlson continued,
later purchasing the business which is still know as Lester's
Drugs, on East Main Street. Joseph Dallstream operated his
boot shop and William Silver after coming here in 1879 was a
reliable contractor. The Brillhart House, later known as Far-
mers Cafe, was known far and wide for its excellent ac-
commodations and was in the charge of J. T. Liber.
Through the years, businesses have come and gone, many
changes have taken place, but the forefathers of the town will
always be remembered and it is with sadness when residents
here talk of the McFerren Opera House in the early 1900's. when
such features as "The Squaw Man." "The Lion and the Mouse,"
"Flaming Arrow." and other wholesome comedy as well as
drama and concerts were featured. The Opera House was
destroyed by fire on February 20. 1937, at which time a bank.
Lester's Drug Store. Elliotts Drug Store. Klingam's Clothing
Store and Dollie Ann's Beauty Shop burned. The second town
clock building was destroyed by fire in early 1925 and was
rebuilt. It was destroyed again by fire in 1947. when the town
clock building, the Arcade building. Central Illinois Public
Service Offices, the office of Doctors R. G. Kline and Hannell.
and the ballroom on the third floor of the building as well as
several apartments of the second floor The first town clock
building was erected in 1895 and burned down in 1905.
Fire has taken its toll, burning the local newspaper.
CHRONICLE HERALD, about 15 years ago. the old Maple
School, which five years later was rebuilt with the new modern
school, the Universalist Church, dedicated June 18. 1905. burned
February 20. 1950. The tower of the church contained the famous
chimes with the organ highly important in its past history and so
intimately entwined with the past. The chimes were recovered
later and installed in the First Christian Church which was
dedicated January 28. 1900. but were completely destroyed when
that church burned December 7. 1953.
The next big fire was February 7, 1956, when the east end of
the 300 block of East Main street burned. The fire started in the
J. B. Sim's garage, spreading into the Wood and Stacker Fur-
niture Store, and completely destroyed '/i block. Keek's Fur-
niture went in the new building formerly occupied by Wood and
Stacker.
The Cragg Hotel, a beauty shop, and coffee shop burned
March 17, 1964.
The Cunningham and Trego families have also played an
important part in the progress of Hoopeston. Major Trego was
recognized as "one of the old guard." who helped make
Hoopeston the enterprising city it has become. He was
associated with J. S. McFerren and later with Jake Cuykendall
and his sons. Ed. Walter, and Gilbert in the old Hoopeston
Canning company.
The old Honeywell School, erected in 1872-74 was later torn
down and the new school built.
The first water tower stood in the center of the intersection at
East Main and Fourth Streets, and was truly a landmark.
Before the trees attained their present lofty heights, it could be
seen for miles.
The first garage was constructed in 1906-07 by Jess Kellogg,
for Harry Knorr. Frank Troxel and Ed LaBounty. It was
situated just north of the Nickle Plate railroad.
Hoopeston was listed as a "new town" in the county. It is not
as old by any means as Rossville. Danville. Marysville. now
named Potomac. Catun, Georgetown, Vermilion Grove, Ridge-
farm, and other communities which date from the 1830's and
1840's. Hoopeston was slower in getting started, but it overtook
every village and city in the county with the exception of Dan-
ville in population, industry, education and personnel.
Hoopeston. despite the many fires, has through the years
rebuilt whenever possible. We are noted as a Canning com-
munity, listed as the "Sweet Corn Capitol of the World." Can-
ning continues throughout the year at Joan of Arc Company and
Stokely's canneries.
DR. GEORGE M. HANLEY'S SUBDIVISION
'.«^« A «»«#>
"-V!$
MULES WORKING IN THE FIELDS
THE ILLINOIS CANNING CO.
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BIRDSEYE VIEW LOOKING EAST FROM BETWEEN MAIN AND PENN STREETS
i 'i ^^M^M^m^m^T^^
f^ 'i S
HOOPESTON PLANING MILL
i^ OV ^ ,
HOOPESTON CANNING CO.
SPRAGUE CANNING
MACHINERY CO.
■^
^^ AMERICAN CAN
COMPANY
Hoopeston might have been ''Honeywell"....
ALBA HONEYWELL. Hoopeston. farmer, was born in
Cayuga county. New York, on the ISth of December. 1821. and is
the son of Enoch and Eliza (Dye) Honeywell. When a youth his
parents settled in Stenben(now Schuyler) county. He was
brought up to the pursuits of the farm. At age sixteen he
began his education, attended Groton Academy two years, and
after teaching a year, continued his studies two years more at
the Oneida Institute. He next taught eight or ten years. About
1843 he went to Seneca Falls and while engaged in teaching, read
law in the office of Ansil Bascom. The next year he went to
Rochester, and studied in the office of Gilbert & Osborne. He
resided there a year and was a delegate to the Buffalo Con-
vention, which nominated James G. Birney. the abolition
candidate, for President in 1844. Until 1847 he was engaged in the
temperance and anti-slavery lecture field, wrote several plays
in the interest of the tenxperance cause, and contributed a num-
ber of poems to the Philadelphia ''Dollar Newspaper." wrote
stories and stray communications bearing more or less directly
on the reform questions of the day for other papers. In July.
1847. he went to New York city, and worked for a newspaper and
published one for a short time. In April. 1853. he emigrated to
Iroquois county to a farm of 800 acres, which he and his father
had entered the year before. He lived there three years, in-
creasing the farm to 1.400 acres. In 1856. he went to Minnestoa
and Iowa in quest of a better location, and in the fall went to
Chicago and worked on the staff of Chicago 'Daily News." In
the spring of 1857 he went to Logansport. Indiana, and became
connected with H. H. Evarts in his celebrated patent shingle
machine, in which venture he lost $4,000.00. He next formed a
lumber manufacturing firm which lasted two years and a plow-
handle and bending establishment, but at the end of two years
sold out his interest to his partner. In 1862 he returned to his
farm in Iroquois county, and in 1864 was elected supervisor of
Stockland township, and re-elected every year until 1869. when
he was elected county clerk on the Republican ticket. In 1872 and
1873 he bought 1.000 acres of land adjoining Hoopeston. a part of
that city being laid out on it. In 1874. he removed there, and has
been engaged in improving his estate. Altogether, he owned
two thousand acres of land, valued at $80,000.
Culture came and so did
ALBA HONEYWELL
Honeywell was mayor 1879 and 1880. was widely known for
lecturing on temperance and anti-slavery. He assisted in laying
out Hoopeston and helped secure the location of the Chicago
Railroad. It was largely through his aid that Hoopeston grew
and became prosperous. He made two sub-divisions while a
resident here. H'hen the railroad offered to name its station
"Honeywell", he declined and it was named Hoopeston.
banking....
J. S. McFERREN
JACOB S. McFERREN. Hoopeston. banker and real estate
broker, was born in Warren County, Ohio, on the 1st of October,
1845. His parents were William and Eliza (Snyder) McFerren.
He received a business education at Bartlett's
Commercial College. Cincinnati. His father having always
followed the mercantile business, he was reared to the same
pursuit. At age fifteen he quit school to take a half interest
with his uncle in a store at Level, Ohio, and two years later his
uncle formed another partnership, and commenced operating in
grain: but a heavy decline and other bad speculations caused
the firm to suspend with heavy liablilities. In his short, in-
dependent business career McFerren had made a clear profit of
$3,000. but by the unfortunate speculations of his partner he lost
all but $800, which so reduced his capital that he was obliged to
begin on a salary. In August, 1865. he started west, and located
at Paxton where he took charge of the books of J. W. Scott and
was later employed with R. Clark, one of the oldest merchants of
Paxton. as bookkeeper. At the end of a year Clark's health
failing, he offered to turn over his stock of goods to his nephew.
A. L. Clark, and McFe rren, and loan them all needed capital.
This partnership and enterprise proved highly fortunate. Mc-
Ferren at length determined to embark in banfeing arid real
estate brokerage, and. accordingly, associated with himself T.
W. Chamberlin. They opened a bank in Hoopeston on August 1.
1873, keeping their doors open throughout that trying period.
Early in 1874. owing to ill-health, Chamberlin retired from
partnership. Maintaining his working capital at a uniform
figure, he had invested the profits in first-class farming lands in
Vermilion. Iroquois, and Ford counties, which were valued at
$60,000. The spring of 1877, McFerren was elected the first
mayor of Hoopeston on the temperance ticket.
The young city needed education
WILLIAM MOORE. Hoopeston, real estate broker, was born
in Coshocten county. Ohio, on November 30, 1841. and is the son
of Silas and Mary (McCoy) Moore. He was reared a farmer;
educated at Spring Mountain Seminary. Ohio; was taking a
preparatory course at the breaking out of the Civil war. with a
view to fitting himself for the law; volunteered on the 23rd of
April. 1861. for three months, in Co. D. 16th Ohio Vols., and
promoted to orderly sergeant; mustered out the next August. He
was commissioned 1st Lieutenant by Governor Dennison. on
October 3. 1861. with authority to raise a company, which he
enlisted mostly among the students of Spring Mountain
Seminary. He fought at Phillipi, Perryville. Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain. Mission Ridge, and Ringgold. In January,
1863. he was commissioned captain of his company. In the battle
of Chickamauga he lost nearly every man in his command. One
half were killed and wounded, and a large number captured. All
the regimental officers of the 51st having been taken prisoners.
Capt. Moore, as ranking line officer, assumed command, and
with a handful of men. bearing the colors of the regiment, and a
stand of rebel colors captured from a South Carolina regiment in
the last charge, cut through the rebel lines and safely reached
Chattanooga the next day. On two particular occasions he was
selected for special service of a difficult and hazardous kind. He
was mustered out of the military service in April. 1864. In
March. 1865. he settled in Grant township, having bought a farm
of 320 acres. From 1866 to 1874. he was justice of the peace; from
1867 to 1870. collector of Grant township; from 1866 to 1872 school
treasurer. He bought 50 acres of land at Hoopeston and had it
laid out in the town plat as Moore and Brown's addition. In April.
1872, he moved into the village, and engaged in buying and
selling lands and town property. In the year from March. 1874 to
March, 1875. the sales of the firm of Moore. McFerron & Seavey
reached $330,000; he was a member of the firm of Moore and
McFerron in the real estate and loan business. Moore was one of
the first directors of the Hoopeston public school several years.
It was through his energy and enterprise that the imposing
edifice belonging to the city, and used for that purpose, was
erected in the face of much opposition. It cost $25,000, and is a
MARY HARTWELL CATHERWOOD
WILLIAM MOORE
noble monument to his good understanding and his able
management of the entire scheme from its inception. He has
three children: Winfield S.. Claude H., Cora M. and was a
greenback republican. He owned 600 acres of land, worth $18,000
in 1911.
Moore was a senior member of the City Council in 1904 and
was one of the most vigorous of Hoopeston' s citizens, having
helped in every progressive movenient since the early seven-
ties. He was one of the commissioners for appraising and con-
demning the right of way for the I. E. & W. railroad. In con-
nection with J. S. McFerren, he bought and laid out the Mc-
Ferren addition. He was interested also in many other additions
to the original town.
In conjunction with G. C. Davis. Moore sent the first saloon
keeper to jail for nine months for selling intoxicating liquors in
1873. He was author of the bill for making the salary of the
Mayor of Hoopeston 50 cents a year and of the aldermen 25 cents
a year. In conjunction with J. A. Cunningham and W. R. Clark
he established the Illinois Canning Company, and with others
helped to establish the Union Can Company and was president of
the same. This afterward became the American Can Company.
In conjuction with John L. Hamilton, C. S. Crary and A. H.
Trego. Moore helped to establish the Hoopeston Horse Nail
Company.
In many respects William Moore, of Hoopeston, was the most
striking personality in his home city.
MARY HARTWELL CATHERWOOD
In 1882. James Steele Catherwood and his wife, Mary Hartwell
Catherwood, came to Hoopeston. She had had several of her
writings published in Lippincott's Magazine and other
periodicals of the day, but branched out to write novels after
arriving here.
During her 20 years in Hoopeston, she published well-known
novels of "Lazarre", "The Spirit of an Illinois Town", and
"Rocky Fork."
The club bearing her name was formed in 1895 and still exists
as a culturally-oriented society. The public library was begun by
the club which was responsible for obtaining land from Alba
Honeywell(who donated it) as well as for raising funds to con-
struct the building which cost $12,000.
Mrs. Catherwood was a leading factor in Hoopeston's cultural
background.
Legacy of a man named Tom....
THOMAS HOOPES. for whom Hoopeston was named, is a
good sample of the better class of those fortunate people who
have greatness thrust on them without ever praying for it or
entertaining any strong faith in its coming. He grew up to
stalwart manhood in Chester county. Pennsylvania, and
emigrated to Harrison county, Ohio. He lived in Marion awhile,
and in 1853 came here and bought the farm of Wm. Allen. He
moved to the farm in 1855. This land lay northwest of the present
site of Hoopeston. crowning a hill on the old Chicago road. As
time passed Mr. Hoopes added to his land until he had seven or
eight thousand acres. He became the most extensive stock
raiser in this part of the country sending his product to the
eastern markets, and spending his profits for more land. He
bought some land of D. C. Andrews and C. J. Hungerford, and
undertook to get it into shape to get a living from it. He brought
800 sheep with him. and by taking in a herd of cattle to tend each
year, he managed to keep inside of his expenses. There was no
place for stopping on the Chicago road from Bicknell's Point to
the "red pump." near Milford. when he made his home on the
big prairie. The first year he had to go over to Jordan to buy
corn, and pay seventy-five cents a bushel for it; since that time
he managed, by careful economizing, such as he is master of. to
raise enough for his own use. He did not go into wheat very
extensively, as many others did about that time, but raised corn
and oats. Within three years he got about 300 acres into good
cultivation, having over 1.000 acres in prairie grass to keep the
herd on. The vast range was suitable for the health of his sheep,
the absence of neighborly dogs was favorable, and, by keeping
up in a close pen at night, they were safe from the attack of
wolves. Wolves, though apparently bold when they have a free
field for escape, are cowards when hemmed in by a high fence.
They would not climb into an enclosure where the sheep were in
a crowd: they seemed to fear being penned in. He did not raise
ifnany hogs, but kept his flock of sheep and herd of cattle in-
creasing. He never drove cattle to the markets, being satisfied
that he knew enough to raise cattle, but was not sharp enough to
try any risks of a speculative nature. In 1859 he sold a thousand
sheep, and during the war. sold off the remainder, thinking that
if the war kept on there would not be young men enough left in
Agriculture and
Industry thrived....
JAMES A. CUNNINGHAM, Hoopeston. farmer and stock-
dealer, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 22nd of
June. 1843. He was the youngest son of James and Mary Ann
(Andrews) Cunningham. He was reared a farmer, and obtained
his schooling at Evans Union College. State Line City, Indiana.
In the winter of 1864-5 he pursued studies in bookkeeping at the
Commercial College at LaFayette. In August, 1862, he enlisted
in the 125th Illinois, but was rejected by the examining surgeon.
He was married on the 4th of April, 1865, to Miss Mary R. Scott,
adopted daughter of Thomas Hoopes, an old and highly
esteemed citizen of Vermilion county. Mrs. Cunningham was
born on the 9th of April. 1844. In the summer of 1865, he settled in
State Line City, and opened a grocery store; he soon after added
a stock of drugs, and after a year of business sold out to George
Dunn. He then engaged in stock dealing a short time, and early
in 1867 moved into Grant township. He was named president of
the Hoopeston Distric Agriculture Society in 1874. This society
held a number of distinguished fairs, and has acquired a
reputation unsurpassed by any of equal age, and by few older
ones, in the state. This success is traced to the ability, energy
and enterprise of its thorough-going and practical officers. Mr.
C. has always been a heavy farmer and stock-dealer, and was
one of the presidents of Hamilton and Cunningham bank; and
was one of the most liberal, substantial and honored citizens of
Grant township, having served as an early mayor. In 1879 he
owned 1 ,000 acres of land, worth $30,000. His political views were
republican.
THOMAS HOOPES
the country to take care of what he had, and if it did not con-
tinue, his sheep would fall in price. His nearest neighbors, for
some years, were Col. Woolverton and Churchill Boardman to
the south. He had no more idea of seeing a city grow up on his
farm here than of seeing a volcano: and when the road was built,
and Snell. Taylor and Co. wanted to buy him out, he had no
desire to go into any speculation in city lots, and sold them a
thousand acres for just what he believed it was worth. At the age
of 73, he had a quiet home in the little city which the railroads
forced on him. He died in 1893 at the age of 93.
JAMES CUNNINGHAM
4
Congratulations to Hoopeston
on 100 years of Progress!
i
RUWNSTEIN, COTY
AND REVLON COSMETICS
FREE DELfVERY
Registered Pharmacist
on duty at al times.
Don
Pharmacy
Walgreen Agency
222 E MAIN TB_ 283-5126
Serving
/ this
- Community
Sin ce
1912
WORTHEN'S
SINCE 1917
Sanitary Cleaners has
served the Hoopeston Area.
^
CENTENNIAL WEEK SPECIAL
ALL J J
CLEANING
SANITARY
DRY CLEANERS
2'! S Wtsrtet
00 NOTHING OVER
NOTHING UNDER
''
'>
'.
25i-775?
Congrafulafions
to the Sweet Corn
Capitol of the
World I
We toast our community
on 100 years of grouth
and uelcome visitors.
HOOPESTON
JAYCEES
■'^^^■^^■^y
as it would be very dark and every prospect of a liw>»lfiii iii
they surely would not leave the protection of the neoiest set-
tlement to venture on the prairie that night. The littie girl baaed
herself with Ae supper with grave misgivings about her people,
whom she earnestly hoped would venture to cofne hofne. but for
whom she feared would be injured. She ctfuld not eat and going
to the window she pressed her face to the giass and took up her
silent watch. Soon taking his candle, the hired man went to his
bed. leaving the giri to keep her watch atone. A^er a little, she
imagined she heard a faint sound: she ran to the door and threw
it open. As the door was flung open their faithful shepherd dog
bounded in. He was closely followed by a number of wolves whc
were chasing him and almost caught him. They stopped when
we-- ""
see-
A PRARIE VIGIL. . .
Condxtixins in this part of tiie county at this tim« is puctured by ^- lis^ .
an adopted daughter of Thomas Boopes. Mrs. Cunningham, then
a child, whose playmates were "sky and prairie flowers in the
summertime, with the bleak cold in the winter. " A description of tn^
her experience on a night in late autumn in this lonely place. tz •-
reads: "The shadows of declining day were creeping over the ' "? -r
prairie landscape, when this child young m years but older ir. - - - -
experience, as were the p\oneers. stood listening for a familiar
sound. The cold wind carne sweeping from far over tracdess ^ . -
wilds, and with almost resistless force nearly drove her to the
protection of the house, yet she stood and listened for a familiar
sound, straining her ear to catch the rumble of a wagon which
told of the return of her foster parents, who had the day before.
gone to an inland town for provisions to lost them through the
coming days of winter. They had gone on this errand some dcvs
before and were due to come back every hour This young girl
had learned to love even this solitude, c- ie listened for
the sound of human life she noted the h^- erce wind, the
whirring of a flock of prairie chickens, jrigmened from the
accustonred haunts fleeing by instinct to the protection of man.
Suddenly a wolf gave a sharp bark on a distant hillside, then
another, and another and yet another answering each other
from the echoing vastness. With a shudder, not so much from
fear as frorn the utter lonesomeness of the time and place, she
turned and entered the house, but she could not leave these
sounds outside, she heard the mournful wxziL It is impossible to
describe those sounds. So weird, so lonely were they that the
early settler remembered them, always. The lack of courage of
these animals was made up in the increased num.bers they
called together, whether it was to attack Ae tim.id prairie hen or
the larger game of the open. Surely these wolves were fit
companions for the Indians.
The interior of this little house was much better furnished then
were those of the early settlers of Vermilion County who came
into other portions twenty-five years before this time. It was
easier to transport furniture and the homes of this period were
less primitive in every way. When the girl went into the house
she found the "hired num" had milked and was ready for his
supper. He seated himself at the kitchen stove and remarked
that he did not think the folks ' would come home that rdght.
'The aniiaa
et
the center of the room with droapatg
wftxi Ae dropped to sieep /rom .
MerdreBDm as ho" sitonher was iMufcen iStraa^t 'fiw wj»>t i
the ever recarrmg gi owls of ISk do^ at her feet i
the scent of his pursuers. As the hoao-s pesaei the giri i
herself and went to the -aotdoar. The sbarmi damds hod partjeMy
cleared, and the yoamg maat hod pemped oat t^h a. ftamt Sgte.
Casting her eyes dowm. ihe looked mba Ihe ptetUm^ otits of two
wolves who were sfufCwg m Ihe giareafthe ImmpSgkt. The giri
turned to the do^ and, droppaig beside hum., hwrrtei h^ face at
his vooQy coot (Dwi inu&llRg' zrcto tears '' ^^^ Oi^ 'Tajiim . wita£
iknil we do?' With, a growl and a giooce li^wud the lyjiiiifi.
iridck said as plain as words. "IH do mS I con to pivbetX yam. ~ he
Uty with his nose to the crack in the door. The hamrs wore away
and the girl and the dog watadted iitiiii or the --r Toward
dawn, the dog sprang to her side with a low be ■ stL He
had heard and recagmsed the mices of his j~-.e--5 --z • _.-
teffing his compadaa Ifttf Ihoae fiir whuiii. they were :;,
«ig3 were very near. Soam they were hammed oi safety. A -eu
day was theirs wMbr aU the terrors of the might had been
vaaqaished. The sum camee op. the deer were dashnig frr ~
snoiv haah to amaiher. the wofves had shadt wway. Ihe az
the msgfd was passed away. Sf% were fre^memt occmre-
the sectian oi the comttry in
Tliofnas Hioopes fumly.
Jwtee. :srr ------ _--
V. RR and y
day.
June 13. 1872: The 1st ft
club ofHoopeston will play .
The Passenger :■
of horses and seve-._, -
that he will sur\ivc.
zssengy ■ on the C. D.
:-.d return on the sen
team
Ris
He came to Hoopeston...
DALE WALLACE, (grandfather of Dale(Rusty) Wallace U)
in a talk before a Hoopeston audience, some years ago.
describes that village when he first saw it. He came to this new
village on the Illinois prairie a young man full of hope and
promise. He entered the town on the freight train of the C. D. &
V. R. R. (commonly called the "Dolly Varden") which consisted
of six gravel cars and a caboose. The conductor stopped his train
at about where the stock yards were afterward located, and told
the only passenger, this same young man. "This is where you
get off. Kid." With the wisdom of his years he said: "I guess you
are mistaken: I want to go to Hoopeston." said the "Kid."
"Well, this is Hoopeston."
"Where," asked the Kid.
"Over there in the brush." was the rejoinder.
The Kid meandered around through a forest of resin weeds
and finally halted at a little shack on the road running east and
west, which afterwards proved to be the main street. The shack
proved to be a department store: the front being the depart-
ment, ten by twenty, it was filled with a few dollar's worth of
everything, while the rear department was the residence of the
proprietor, who housed his wife and three children. The
establishment was that of Jonathan Bedell, the first merchant of
Hoopeston. He was rotund and hospitable and the following
conversation was had between him and the "Kid:"
"Are you lost?"
"No. I am not, but I think this town is."
"What did you come here to do?"
"Start a newspaper."
" — you are crazy."
"Shake. I have been thinking that myself for the last ten
minutes, and I am glad to have it confirmed."
"Are you lost?"
"No, but I think this town is!"
DALE WALLACE
A few rods on further to the next mud hole, was a grocery
store run by J. W. Elliott, who later went to Danville. Adjoining
this was a drug store, by E. D. North. On west, across the street,
was Charley Wyman's real estate office. A way up north op-
posite the northwest corner of the park was a clothing store,
operated by J. Fleshman. Adjoining was a grocery store, by
Miller Bros. Along the railroad track was Robert Casement's
Lumber yard. This was in the fall of 1871. On the first Thursday
of January. Mr. Wallace together with G. W. Steavey, launched
the Chronicle, then called the North Vermilion Chronicle. In that
first issue every businessman, every carpenter, painter, etc.. in
Hoopeston. had an advertisement in the newspaper, very en-
couraging to the young men who had started it. Roof & Roe. E.
D. North, and Frank G. Hoffman, were druggists. R. Mc-
Cracken was a general merchant. Bedell and Elliott and Miller
Bros, were grocers. Ed. Stamp was the Butcher. S. K. White had
the livery stable. G. H. White was the real estate and insurance
agent. A. B. Perkins sold lumber and coal. Given & Knox were
grain merchants. G. C. Davis and Moffet & Kirkpatrick were
contractors. T. C. McCaughey. M. D..and L. W. Anderson, M.
D.. were the physicians. J. C. Askerman was the lawyer and B.
Saunders was the shoemaker. This was four months after the
Hoopes' farm was platted into town lots. Every week brought
new business men to town. P. F. Levin came early in 1872. also
B. W. Clark. W. W. Duly was the township tax collector. Before
the year expired there were a half dozen grain buyers, and it
was not an uncommon sight in the fall of 1872, to see 50 to 100
loads of corn waiting a chance to unload with buyers paying the
enormous price of twenty-three cents per bushel. The real-
estate business was very active both in city lots and country
property. Land now worth $250 per acre then sold for $15 to $25
per acre. Business lots then bought for $125 some time ago. were
worth $5,000.
Hoopeston grew rapidly and business enterprises kept pace
with it. About 1872. J. S. McFerren and Wright Chamberlin
established a bank. J. M. R. Spinning was the first postmaster.
A spirit of enterprise pervaded every nook and corner of the
little hustling village. About every thirty days the enterprising
citizens would hold meetings and build factories and railroads
on paper. The first year of existence Hoopeston had a circus and
menagerie. This gave the newspaper a chance to give news.
Business houses multiplied rapidly, all branches being well
represented by January. 1873. The Chronicle gave a resume for
the year, showing the erection of 180 buildings, 27 of which were
business houses altogether. The grain men brought 450,000
bushels during the year. The freight business of the "Dolly
Varden" road amounted to 40.000. Hoopeston has had a
phenomenal growth and is a small city of beautiful homes.
Centennial Car
to be awarded
through the Centennial Benefit Awards Program.
igtmngpfssy^-^^-^^^
'aii
ii
;•
!! Hi iH
ii tri IH
fJSUJ
iilli'iir
:5
SPECIAL DELIVERY — Mayor Earl Smock is shown receiving the keys fo the Cen+ennlal Car from Hoopeston
Motors, Inc. (dealer Jay Harti). The Ford LTD with full power, air, vinyl roof, hardtop, will be given away
during the official Centennial "Closing Ceremonies" in downtown Hoopeston. Project Is being planned by
the Centennial Benefit Awards Program committee.
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CENTENNIAL HEADQUARTERS
To commemorate our lOOTH BIRTHDAY, we're going to award this
new LTD to one Lucky person. It might be YOURS!
Sponsored by:
HOOPESTON AREA CENTENNIAL CORP.
AND HOOPESTON MOTORS, INC.
t^ M^y ti^w )pn #■ ^i^ii
£AGL£ TRIPLEX'
TRIPLE-WALLED
BURIAL VAULTS
PROVIDE
THE ULTIMATE
WFLEX
lurlal Vawlti
T. M. REG.
IN BURIAL PROTECTION
The outside and inside walls are concrete, reinforced
with steel. The middle wall is of the highest quality
asphalt, the ideal material for water resistance. The
cover has tongue-in-groove with asphalt seal.
• Available through Leading Funeral Directors •
MANUFACTURED AND DISTRIBUTED BY
Hoopeeton Burial VauU Co.
102 East Lincoln St.
Hoopeston, Illinois
Herschel Houmcs
SINCE 1875
For 96/IOO+hs of the century, lumber has been
sold at this location.
First here was M. D. Calkins Lumber Yard, succeeded
by J. H. Dyer Lumber Company in 1887. Then the
Dyer company merged with Finley & Lewis^ grain mer-
chants, to start the present corporation on Feb. I,
1905. Thus we have helped build Hoopeston.
Congratulations On The 100th
m^
Congratulations
On Hoopeston's "lOOTH"
DKPOSli'ED ■WITH
4l'i''i''''''^'" \^ ^fliaiiiberlin,
Grandfather Duley
was doing business in -_
Hoopeston m 1873. when ^_,,„.„,,^^,,^;;r
he made this deposit
in the McFerren-
Chamberlain Bank.
jroo.-eitoii. />• j^iC/tSc-yJf' IKT J
'.JUii--:xt:u,
ttTrrtrz,
''
'>
'•
We're happy to be doing business with
Hoopeston in 1971.
Best Wishes for a Happy Centennial
W. TATE DULEY
INSURANCE
1 10 E. MAIN ST. TEL. 283-7522
OUR HISTORY IS NOT TOO LONG .
... BUT IT HAS BEEN
U> staned on the upP«T floors
of \\\r Wtldon RulldiDc niakinc
one tiiti*' rtrord plajpn.. When «p
had flni^hed thp lot. we hed made
2l>.(HM) of them.
Rill that ua>i 20 years aeo and
<>ince that time our business has
eni«n ai>aee and «e ha\e eronn
to a full-fli'dced factnr> unit turn-
In c out the most sophist ir at ed
elrctronic desiens in .^meriea.
Dur (iroducts knoi\n for their
hii:h quality are distriliuled all
o\er the I nited ^tati-s and a)>r<iail.
Many o( the CHmiMitients are of
our ou n desicn and manufacture.
and have found ready arreptanre
In the electronic trade.
With tlir<. cntu Ih \\f have im-
pli-mi-nted and learned n)an> sliurt-
CUts, \1 here «e Used to print
circuits by hand "e now use a
machine. Where Uf used to drill
each circuit l>«ard for connec-
tions, HP nitw stamp them out on
hiice presses. Not onl> du «e now
do a faster joh. Iiul It is also a
helter job.
The uiirld has beaten a path to
our dmir » ilh orders from all
o*er. We believe our tpslr<l qual-
ity will assure a rontinuanci- o'
this prort-dure. .\n>lliim; bull! o!
electronics «e can do. and dn
exceed ini:ly Mrll. Think of us In
this connection.
A hifihl.v sophisticaled romputcr
t\-pc lioard manufactured hy Scran-
Ion Used in swiichinB phonograph
records I«»r a juke i»<i\ If it had
been possible to have made such
a unit twenty years ago, it would
probably have weiehed moi-e than
50 pounds and taken up a thou-
sand times more spacf. It uses
32 transistors and hundreds oC
capacitors and resistors.
R. A. SCRANTON
INDUSTRIES, INC. hoopeston, Illinois
Best Wishes to the
Hoopeston Centennial
Main Street in Wellington looking East. Photo taken in 1913.
We're now in our 58+h year — serving
the needs of the area.
WELLINGTON
STATE BANK
Member F.D.I.C. Tel. 984-3130
'I
'I
'I
For the BEST
in home enferfainmenf:
Radios — TV's
featuring
Motorola Quasar
(Sales & Service)
Music Supplies
pop music books, tapes,
records, instruments.
Our best wishes to a growing community
for a happy Centennial.
FERDINAND TV
AND MUSIC
305 E. MAIN
283-7707
We've Changed, Too!
Everything, in fact,
except our name....
W^^^^^k
^^^fl^V.,v^
wL^^s \} f^nm^.
I^^^^llljjg
A 1904 PHOTO OF OUR BUSINESS
We're proud to have served
our friends since 1897.
PARKWAY Laundry
and Dry Cleaners
FLETA EVANS, OWNER
201 N. MARKET
Styles Come. ..and Styles Go.
But
IT
LARSON'S
''
is Always' here
in Hoopeston
with the LATEST . . .
the NEWEST!
Hoopeston's Clothing
Center for
Men and Boys.
Featuring ttiese GREAT BRANDS:
Kuppenheimer — Greif — Curlee Suits
Arrow — Enro — Shapely — Kaynee Shirts
Munsingwear Knits — Jarman Shoes
Farah, Gulfstream Slacks — Rainfair Coats
LARSON'S
Est. in 1903
Hoopeston,
283-5331
Nye 4 Jane Reeti
COMPLETE
LINE OF NEW AND
RECONDITIONED
PARTS FOR
M^ • AUTOS
INAPA^ • TRACTORS
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LONGFELLOW AGENCY
Wilbur Longfellow, Jr., Agent
724 S. 6th Ave. Hoopeston
TeL 217-283-6828
BAERS MOTEL
Intersection of Routes I & 9
ORA J. BAER OWNER
217-283-7701
Hoopeston, Illinois
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Hoopeston, Illinois
100 Years of Schools
In no respect does the public spirit of the people of Hoopeston
show a better development than in the n\atter of schools. No
sooner had the village got under way than a live board of
directors was elected — G.C. Davis. Mr. Armstrong, and Wm.
Moore — who preached at once to put the school in running order.
The first need was a suitable house. It became a question
whether the district should build a good substantial well-
proportioned, large school house — one within whose walls all
could be accommodated, and whose spacious proportions,
beautiful surroundings and pleasant appointments would in-
spire the pupil. and awaken taste. love of school
and culture — or whether cheap, scattered buildings should be
erected, in which a strict grade could not be instituted. The
former was wisely chosen, and it was through this decision that
the Hoopeston public schools were known far and wide as among
the best in the country. This action necessitated a heavy debt,
but it was soon nearly wiped out.
1872
In May 1872 Mrs. B. F. Stites started classes above her
husband's undertaking establishment on North Market. She had
sixty-three pupils.
In the summer of 1872 Miss Fannie Demaree opened up a
room in Baxter's Blacksmith Shop on East Main.
Both these schools were Subscription Schools.
1892
Lincoln School, a four room brick building, located on the
corner of First A venue and Lincoln Streets opened its doors.
1897
The second high school was opened for classes. It \.'as located
where the Maple School now stands. Children in the grades who
live in this area were shifted from Honeywell and Lincoln to the
High School.
1914
The high school moved out to John Greer College on West
Main where John Greer Grade School now stands. The old high
school became the Maple Grade School.
1927-28
A new Honeywell School was built on the present site.
A new section was also added to John Greer High.
1944
A fire destroyed Maple School, May 30. 1944. Because of the
War. they were delayed in the rebuilding. It was December of
1949 before they were in their new building.
HIGH SCHOOL
LINCOLN SCHOOL
HONEYWELL
GREER COLLEGE
1873
In January 1873 the first public school was opened in the
Christian Church which was in the 600 block of East Honeywell,
where the old John Petry residence still stands.
George Dove was the teacher.
1873-74
In the winter of 1873-74 Honeywell School opened. It was
located where the Honeywell Apartments are now. It was also
the first High School.
1955-56
A new high school was erected on East Orange near the
Hoopeston Community Memorial Hospital.
The old John Greer High School became John Greer Junior
High.
1968
An addition was built on to Maple — four rooms.
Also plans for a new Junior High were underway.
1969
1879
The first class was graduated from high school and included
Emma Jones Spence, Mary Finley Honeywell and Harry Aiken.
1891
John Greer College was founded.
Junior High is now in their new building on East Orange ad-
joining the high school.
Lincoln Grade School is also in a new John Greer Grade
School.
The old John Greer College building has been razed. Only
memories remain.
100 Years Later
PRESENT SCHOOL BOARD: WiUiam Samaras, president:
Charles Peterson, secretary: Ed Layden. Jr.: Arthur "Cotton"
Longfellow; Sharon Houmes: Edson Eells, Winston Bash.
LIST OF THE
SUPERINTENDENTS
FIRST TO PRESENT
1897
1905
S. A. D. Harry
1905
1909
Arthur Verner
1909
1915
S. K. McDowell
1915
1916
T. M. Birney
1916
1942
W. R. Lowery
1942
1947
Nelson Stork
1947
1960
Jared Lyons
1960
1965
Paul Seitsinger
1965
1971
Leo Huffman
JUNIOR - SENIOR HIGH
100 YEARS LATER
Hoopeston has maintained its high level of education and
within the past two years, has completed a $1 million building
and remodeling program which voters approved a year earlier.
Included in the program was the razing of the old John Greer
College which was used as a high school and junior high before it
was found unsafe. In its place, a new elementary school was
constructed and now houses John Greer Elementary students.
- 4:-
t^mi
.J%.
HONEYWELL
who formerly attended Lincoln School at Lincoln and South
First avenue.
Lincoln School was also condemned as "unsafe".
Other improvements included construction of a large junior
high complex attached to the west end of the high school and
several new rooms were added to the senior high itself.
An addition was built at Maple School (Maple and South
Fourth streets) and remodeling was done on Honeywell Grade
School at the same time.
teiSimSi^iliij'g^iWigy-"
JOHN GREER
1970-71
MAPLE
Honeywell School — Principal Kenneth Hughes: Teaching
Staff — J6 regular teachers, i band teacher, ] music teacher I'/i
days, 2 remedial teachers. Enrollment — 350:
John Greer School — Principal Ralph Keller: Teaching Staff
— 14 regular teachers. 2 special education teachers. I remedial
teacher. 1 music teacher. Enrollment — 369:
Maple School — Principal Ruth Keran: Teaching Staff — 13
regular teachers, 1 band instructor. 1 music teacher iJ4 days.
Enrollment — 367:
Junior High — Principal Ralph Huffman: Teaching Staff — 23
regular teachers. 7 that teach in both junior and senior high.
Enrollment — 430.
Senior High School — Principal John Griffin: Teaching Staff
— 23 regular teachers. 1 guidance counselor, 1 librarian.
Enrollment — 368:
Present-day Schools — 3 Elementary, 1 Junior High. 1 Senior
High. 1 Junior College in Danville. 1 Christian High School near
Potomac.
Greer College
Greer college was founded and endowed by the late John
Greer in 1891. who gave his fortune as a heritage to all young
people who are ambitious to rise in the world. Like most men.
Mr, Greer's life had been one of toil and trial. When young, his
opportunities for an education were meager enough, and this he
believed caused his life to be more irksome than it otherwise
might have been. Business and normal colleges, such as Greer
College, were unknown when he was a boy. and the common
schools were then poor at best. He desired to make conditions
better, and so resolved to found a college where young people of
any age would be received and educated with care and patience,
no matter how poor their early means for schooling had been.
The beautiful buildings of Greer College stand today as a
monument to the memory of a true philanthropist and lover of
young people.
The buildings of Greer College cost nearly $50,000 and were
provided with all modern conveniences. Several hundred dollars
were expended during the early 1 900' s for libraries, laboratory
apparatus, tables, cases, commercial offices and desks,
cabinets, microscopes, air pumps, electrical machines and
appliances, good water supply in laboratory, biological and
geological specimen, skeleton, charts physiological models and
typewriters.
The college buildings occupy a commanding site in the
western part of the city. The campus had a beautiful sloping
lawn, ornamented with trees and shrubbery. The grounds were
high, affording perfect drainage and a pleasant view of the city
and surrounding country.
The main building was a magnificent specimen of modern
architecture. It was built of St. Louis pressed brick laid in black
mortar. The arched entrances and large landscape windows
were set in cut stone. The trimntings were of rough stone, terra
cotta and ornamental iron. It was heated throughout with steam
lighted with electricity and gas. and supplied with an abundance
of pure artesian water.
The inner appointments of this building were all that could be
desired — comfortable, convenient and elegant. The college
auditorium or assembly room had a seating capacity of about
700 persons. A commodious gallery in the type of an am-
phitheatre extended around three sides. The lighting and ven-
tilation of the rooms was perfect.
Greer hall was a fine brick structure containing comfortable
apartments for gentlemen students and teachers. The rooms
were arranged in suites and the interior finished similarly to
that of the main building-natural wood oiled.
The president's home was a large modern home fitted with
electric lights, steam heat bath. etc.. where young women had
elegant rooms with all the comforts and conveniences of a home
life while attending college.
The library and reading room was a commodious apartment,
well lighted, warmed and ventilated. Among the reference
books were encyclopedias of history and literature, atlases and
the standard dictionaries. There were valuable scientific and
historical works, books of biography and travel, standard fic-
tion, polite literature, poetry, etc. The leading magazines and
teacher's journals and the local and Chicago papers were kept
on file.
The courses of study consisted of two-year courses in com-
mercial work, stenography, civil service, elocution and pen-
manship: four-year courses in preparatory, normal and music,
and four-year college courses that entitle students who finish
them to the usual degrees given for the various courses, such as
Bachelor of Arts, (A. B.), Bachelor of Literature (B.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.). etc.
Lit),
The school was non-sectarian, but a thorough Christian spirit
was maintained. Daily devotional exercises were conducted,
and students were advised to attend at least once on Sunday the
church of their choice. The different denominations were
represented on the faculty and almost every denominations sent
its students. The teachers were workers in the respective
churches, and the usual young people's societies were encour-
aged.
Two student literary organizations were maintained-the
Olympian Literary Society was organized by the young men and
many prominent young men of this state and others could trace
their success in public life to the training received while
members of the Olympian Literary Society.
What has been said of the Olympian Society is also true of the
Vesperian Literary Society, which was the young ladies'
Literary Society of the school.
The Y.M.&Y.W.C.A. have a great influence upon the student
life of the school, and most of the students are members of these.
The Alumni Association in 1911 consisted of 439 members and
many of them were occupying important positions in public and
private life throughout this country and also in some foreign
countries.
In 1891 when the college was founded the rates were as
follows:
One term-(10 weeks). $10.00: 2 terms. 19.20: 3 terms. 26.00: 4
terms. 28.00: 5 terms. 30.00:
Presidents of John Greer College were: 1. President McClure;
2. President Clary; 3. President E. L. Bailey.
In January of 1969, demolition of the building was begun. It
had been ruled a safety hazard a few months earlier and was
beyond feasible repair. A new elementary school was built to the
west and south of the building and completed in late 1968.
March. 1969: Broken glass, scattered piles of brick and
shattered shingles were all that remained of old John Greer.
FOR MORE THAN 76 YEARS
AMERICAN CAN COMPANY
Has Been an Integral Part of the Hoopeston Community
Three score and sixteen years ago our pre-
decessor, the Union Can Company came to this
community. In the ensuing three-quarters of a
century we have grown and prospered away be-
yond the anticipations and belief of our early
forebearers.
And we have changed mightily. Starting
in a primative atmosphere we have now become
a highly sophisticated plant.
Our growth has not been easy, nor has it
come naturally. It has rather, come about
through energetic planning and execution of
high ideals. So it is our quality today is unsur-
passed with the "tin can" becoming an integral
part of our society.
Without tin cans our civilization would grind
to a halt. They provide the means of pure and
wholesome food, indefinite storage time and an
ease to the housewife never enjoyed before our
advent.
Our grandmothers never had it so good.
Home canning of foods for the winter season has
largely passed out of the picture. For today's
housewife can pick her choice from thousands of
items right off the super-market shelves.
No longer does she have to wonder if the seal
has remained unbroken and the contents palat-
able for her family.
And through the years the percentage of
family income devoted to food has dropped con-
sistently because of the tremendously high effi-
ciency of our customers, the canners who use
our cans and process food for your table.
And so we say to you today, good living and
good food! And all because it comes in a tin can
made right here in Hoopeston.
BALK IN 190U r - J Ji
century We re sorry we don 1 have a
Grandpa or some 0l your relations
.an Can LLmpanj dt i
idmes but rnaybe yoi
THE WAY WE DO IT TODAY— James Aftartin, Larry Powley and Wilbur Carter
tn a scene (rom our modern plant The latest technology and machines now lorm
a perfect can every time, insuring our customers the ability lo can wholesome,
healthy foods
^ AMERICAN
^^ CAN COMPANY
A Hospital Grows...
Hoopeston Community Memorial Hospital had its inception in
1956 when Harry J. Silver, then president of Hoopeston Chamber
of Commerce, appointed a committee to make a feasibility
study and survey of needs of the community for hospital ser-
vices.
As a result of this study, a corporation was formed to further
the aim of establishing a public hospital in Hoopeston. The
original Board of Directors for the purposes of incorporation
was comprised of Frank R. Mills. Vernon B. Western, John A.
Cruntley. J. Ed. Holt, and Harry J. Silver. Incorporation papers
were filed with the Secretary of State of Illinois April 3, 1956.
During the incorporation period. Attorney Charles F. Dyer gave
invaluable service to the project in serving as legal advisor
without charge.
To pursue the project, additional board members were
recruited, and the original board which then served during the
study and fund-raising phase was composed of John A. Crumley,
president: Frank R. Mills, vice-president; Martin Young,
finance chairman: W. Tate Duley, secretary; Larry J. Oyler,
treasurer: Ralph C. Anderson. Curtis L. Boardman. Laverne D.
Frazier. Harry Holtkamp. Harold L. Link. Harry J. Silver,
Roberts E. Snively, Dalph Stipp. Vernon B. Western. J. Ed.
Holt. Donald J. McFerren. Gary H. Finch. Attorney Joseph C.
Moore //. served as legal advisor during the fund-raising and
planning stages. Dr. Werner Fliesser served as an advisor to the
Building Committee.
The entire community joined in the fund-raising effort, and in
addition to a professional fund-raising organization, local people
conducted many activities for the benefit of the fund including
Charter Board Members
I960
PRESIDENT
FIRSTVICE
SECONDVICE
REC. SECRETARY
CORRS. SECRETARY
TREASURER
PARLIMENTARIAN
EDNA SAMARAS
SELMA YOUNG
HILDA ROBINSON
IRMAZOOK
ELINOR MARTIN
ARLENE HATFIELD
RUBYKLINE
SEWING
MEMBERSHIP
PURCHASING
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
WAYS&MEANS
PUBLIC RELATIONS
FINANCE
RUTH LAYDEN
FRANCES BURTON
DOROTHY CRUMLEY
CLARA HOTT
JOAN RUSSELL
LEAH KAZMARK
LORETTABELL
Hospital
bazaars, auction sales, raffles, and solicitations. After the
professional fund-raising effort had ended, new life was given
the drive by the addition of Ernest Mclntyre to co-chairmanship
with Martin Young of the fund-raising committee. When it was
felt that local efforts had progressed as far as possible, contact
was made through the good offices of Donald J. McFerren and
his son-in-law. E. H. Shoemaker. Jr. of North Platte, Nebraska,
with Lutheran Hospitals and Homes Society of Fargo, North
Dakota. Fred Knautz, Executive Director, and Harry Malm.,
Assistant Director, of that organization visited Hoopeston to
survey the situation and ultimately agreed to join in the effort
and to operate the hospital when completed. Government funds
were also applied for and granted under the Hill-Burton
program, and at long last the funds were available to commence
the project.
Ground-breaking ceremony was held on Sunday, October 30,
I960, with John A. Crumley, president of the Advisory Board,
arid Mrs. Edna Samaras first president of the Hospital
Auxiliary, turning the first spade of earth.
During the construction period while the building was being
erected by Francis X. Ready Construction Company of Dan-
ville. Illinois, further organization plans were prepared and
membership drives in the auxiliary conducted.
Dedication of the hospital was conducted July 15. 1962, with
ribbon-cutting ceremonies presided over by President Crumley.
Mr. Knautz. the late Dr. J. C. Moore, first chief of staff of the
medical staff. Mayor Joseph C. Moore U, Michael H. Weiss. Jr.,
first administrator of the hospital, Harry Malm, and Mrs. Nettie
Lewis, first head nurse at the hospital. Also present were
members of the board and auxiliary, and Dr. Werner Fliesser.
vice-chief of staff , Dr. J. W. Hardy was first secretary-treasurer
of the medical staff.
In addition to Dr. Moore and Dr. Fliesser, other local
physicians who were on the niedical staff when the hospital
opened its doors were Dr. K. H. Kammond. Dr. T. S. Str-
zembnsz. the late Dr. J. S. Bell. Dr. E. T. Yap. and dentists Dr.
L. P. Dunn and Dr. J. W. Hardy. Other local physicians and
surgeons now on the staff include Dr. E. P. Kosyak and Dr. K. Z.
Abusief. Other physicians and surgeons from surrounding
communities are also on the courtesy staff of the hospital.
The hospital opened its doors to patients on July 19, 1962, and
the growth of its service to the community has been steady since
that date. Others of the community who have served on the
Advisory Board in past years in addition to the original board
are: Claude Swartz, Thomas N. Martin. Dale L. Singleton,
Archie Campbell, Elmer Vnger. Russell Cloud. Robert A. Welty,
Ronald A. Scranton. and Dr. E. P. Kosyak.
In addition to John A. Crumley, past presidents of the board
include Frank R. Mills. V. B. Western, and Lewis Hott.
In 1967 the need for nursing home facilities was recognized,
committees formed, and a second fund-raising drive conducted
under the chairmanship of John A. Crumley and Martin Young,
assisted by Ted Stump of Lutheran Hospitals and Homes
Society. Funds raised, together with funds from Hill-Burton
program and from Lutheran Hospitals and Homes Society, were
sufficient to permit construction of a nursing home addition to
the hospital which is expected to open soon providing fifty beds
for skilled nursing care.
In 1964 Hoopeston Professional Building Corporation was
formed to construct an office building to accommodate two
offices suited for occupancy by physicians or surgeons just east
of the hospital, and this, in addition to privately constructed
physicians' offices in the same area, has formed a medical
complex of which the entire community is exceedingly proud.
Area ministers have contributed to the services offered by the
hospital by serving as chaplains in ministering to the patients'
spiritual needs.
The hospital and the new nursing home give Hoopeston
medical facilities not often equalled in communities of its size,
and the credit must go to the community itself and its forward-
looking citizens who carried the project to successful fruition
from beginnings which were not always promising.
History of the Hospital Auxiliary
The response of the women of Hoopeston and surrounding
areas of Hoopeston was most gratifying in August 1960 when an
organizational meeting was held in the auditorium of the
Hoopeston high school.
The group represented a goodly cross section of town and
rural potentials, with 129 homemakers. business and
professional women all showing in their interested manner and
response, their determination and pleasure in actually being at
the point of forming an auxiliary to the project, so close to their
hearts, the Hoopeston Community Memorial Hospital.
Later in the month the representatives of the Lutheran Home
Society met with the hospital board and expressed their
pleasure and full approval of the plans of the organization of a
hospital auxiliary.
In September of 1960 Mrs. Edna Samaras was elected as the
first president of the newly organized Hoopeston Community
Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Other officers nominated and
elected included Mrs. Martin Young, first vice-president: Mrs.
Wesley Robinson, second vice-president: Mrs. Paul look,
recording secretary: Mrs. Leland Martin, corresponding
secretary: Miss Arlene Hatfield, treasurer; Mrs. R. G. Cline,
parliamentarian.
Harry J. Silver currently serves as president of the board, and
other officers are W. Tate Duley. vice-president; Harlan Hat-
field, secretary; and Leland Martin, treasurer. Also currently
serving on the board are Lewis Hott. V. B. Western, Thomas E.
Mills. Myron G. Harris. Floyd Worden, Thomas A. Thome.
Andrew Melin, Byron Hedgecock, Wade Swartz, and Robert
Totheroh.
The hospital has had five administrators serving from time to
time: Michael H. Weiss, Jr., Gary Speas, Jack Brewer, Charles
Eide, and the present administrator, Alvin A. Riffel. After
serving as the original administrator, Weiss returned for a
second tour of duty following the administration of Mr. Eide.
The hospital was fully accredited seventeen months after its
opening by the Joint Committee on Accreditation and has
remained fully accredited since.
FACTS
December 1960 — charter members, 572; life members. 32.
February 1961 — The governing board of the Lutheran
Hospital and Aid Society ratified the Hoopeston auxiliary by-
laws with full approval and a copy was placed in the hospital.
Amount of money given for equipment for the hospital.
$-t'i,122.43, with a book in the hospital lobby itemizing the
equipment bought.
Auxiliary pledge to Nursing home. $15,000. with last in-
stallment paid May 1970.
Membership in 1970 — 97. life members; 1200. regular
members.
{1B71) Hoopeston Post Office (T97T)
The first post office was established in October 1871. and
J. M. R. Spinning was appointed postmaster, a position he con-
tinued to hold until 1878. Old documents In the possession of
post office officials at the present day set the salary of the first
postmaster. Mr. Spinning, at $12 per year. In addition to this
salary, $8 per year was allowed for transportation of mails from
Rossville to Hoopeston, It being necessary to bring mails from
that city in a buggy. The first mall arrived on the 9th of December
1871. It was not until January 1872. that mail came by trains into
Hoopeston.
A building grows....
This photograph taken September 5, 1917,
shows the excavation where the Hoopeston
Post Office was to be constructed.
On January I, 1918. the construction had By April I of 1918. this view taken from
progressed to the point shown here and the the southwest, shows the work nearing its
building was taking shape. completion on the exterior.
The present building was completed in 1918 at a cost of $10,000.
The appropriation was first passed by Congress in 1910, but
various delays prevented the money for Its construction becoming
available until 1917, when construction started. It was completed
and ready for occupancy on October 5, 1918, when the postmaster
and his employees took over.
The building Is a handsome structure of red face brick and stone,
fireproof throughout. A spacious lobby forms the main entrance
to the building, where hundreds of Hoopeston people came each
day to transact business. Money order, stamp windows, parcel
post and each special class of business handled by the post office
were carried out separately. At one end of the spacious lobby
is the office of the postmaster.
Salaries of postmasters were based upon the
amount of business done by their offices. The
salary of Postmaster Kelly Cardiff, from 1922-29
was In excess of $2,000, which will give some idea
of the rate of growth in the fifty odd years since
founding of the city.
The securing of a federal building for Hoopeston
was an achievement to which Hoopeston owes a
debt of gratitude to ex-postmasters William Fin-
ley and Charles Warner. "Uncle Joe" Cannon,
representing the eighteenth district in Congress.
finally secured the Hoopeston appropriation.
To Postmaster Kelly A. Cardiff and his corps
of assistants much of the credit for the excellent
financial condition of the post office business
here is due. Courtesy on the part of all em-
ployees, and a thorough knowledge of the vast
business of which Hoopeston's post office is an
integral part, has been rewarded by an Increase
In business each year at the post office.
Today (1971) more than 5 million pieces of
mall are handled annually.
July
I, 1918, the Post Office building is completed outside
It stands today. July. 1971.
nearly
Postmasters and dates of appointment:
James M. R.
Spinning
Oct.
25,
1871
D
ale Wallace
Nov
20,
1877
J.
S. Catherwood
Apr.
13,
1885
*
Earl F. Smocic
Charles W. Warner
William FInley
Kelley A. Cardiff
Mar. 31, 1962
Jun. 25, 1889
Jan. 20, 1914
Jan. I, 1922
Harold Morrison
*C. A. (Ed) Sheefs
Wilbur C. Wel+y
♦John Retry
Apr. 23. 1965
'
'
Mar.
17,
1929 '
Oct.
10,
1929 '
Sep.
18,
1934
(* ACTING POSTMASTERS)
fSponsored by Warren & Van Praag, Consulting Engineers, Decatur, Illinois)
First Settler, William Allen
William I. Allen, one of the prominent men of Vermilion
County, in the latter half of the 19th century, came from Ohio in
1844, and entered land in what is now the northwestern part of
Hoopeston. It. at that time, however, was a tract of uncultivated
land over which deer, wolves, prairie chickens and other wild
creatures, had up to this time wandered undisturbed by man.
There was not a tree or brush in sight, and the pioneer after
building his cabin, frequently stood in his doorway and counted
numbers of deer, sometimes as high as sixty in a herd. Mr. Allen
was not married when he came here, but in 1848 he became the
husband of Miss Emily Newell, the daughter of William Newell.
He broke his land and improved his farm, working during the
summer months and teaching school in the winter. Mr. Allen
was a man of fine classical education. When he graduated from
his eastern college he wrote a letter home in Latin, which
the family yet have in their possession. Finally Mr. Allen
sold out his land in 1855 to Mr. Hoopes and himself settled six
milts west, where East Lynn now stands. By entry and purchase
he acquired 3.200 acres of land which was mostly devoted to
grazing. He built three houses and made other improvements,
remaining there until after the breaking out of the Civil War. He
enlisted in the 12th Illinois Infantry, which regiment was first
ordered to Cairo and then to Paducah. Kentucky. After a little he
was promoted to captain of the company, but became disabled
for service and was returned home. He went back to his farm.
but in a few months bought 500 acres in the vicinity of Rossville.
A few years after he sold out again and returned to the northern
part of East Lynn. This town was located on a part of the old
farm when the railroad came through later.
In 1884, Allen moved to Cherry County, Nebraska, but he lived
here only four years, when he returned to Hoopeston, where he
spent the remainder of his days. Allen was the father of six
children. One of them. Mr. Charles Allen, was a prominent
citizen of Vermilion County, where he was born in 1851. Charles
Allen represented Vermilion County in the state legislature for
many terms and was a conspicuous member of each session. His
home was always in Hoopeston. Mrs. William Allen was the
daughter of James Newell and was born in Kentucky in 1824.
coming to Vermilion county with her parents when she was but a
small child. Her father was a prominent early settler, the
township of Newell being named for him. The father of William
Allen did not come to Illinois to settle but remained in Indiana as
long as he lived.
William Allen bears the distinction of being the first settler of
the northern part of the county. Allen was county assessor while
living out here, and after selling out went back to Danville,
thence to Perrysville. and. in 1858. back to East Lynn, where he
again pioneered, being the first settler in the northern part of
Butler township. One son was engaged in law at Rossville and
one daughter at East Lynn; the others were with their parents in
Hoopeston. Mr. Allen saw this part of the country blossom into
fruitful farms. When he first struck plow on his farm here, for
miles in all directions, nothing met the eye but prairie-grass:
even the great herds of cattle, which afterward were seen in
these parts, were absent then.
Abel Woolverton
and wolves with the same bravery he had the Indians. There
was no market for anything but at Chicago, and there he had to
go, over bleak prairies, through rain and mud. which later was
often one of the worst hardships the early settler had to endure.
Points of trading at this time were Danville and Attica. He soon
bought 160 acres more and then increased this amount to 400
acres. The following year his family came and occupied the
land. In the family was a son of fifteen, who was to be a strong
factor in the development of the northern part of the county.
Charles Woolverton learned the carpenter's trade before and
during the war. He enlisted in Company H. 70th Illinois
Volunteers. This regiment did duty most of the time of their
enlistment at Camp Butler. Springfield, and at Alton. They did
garrison duty at Alton and furnished numerous details for
guarding prisoners. Mr. Woolverton rose to the rank of colonel.
Since the war Mr. Woolverton has been conspicuous in business
and politics. He is a Republican.
The Bicknells
As early as 1835. George and William Bicknell took up land at
Bicknell's Point which was the last piece of timber on the route
to Chicago until the valley of the Iroquois was reached. Mr.
Lockhar. who came from Kentucky with William Newell, was
the man who first entered land north of Bicknell's Point. Asel
Gilbert entered a section of land south of Bicknell's Point in 1838.
Albert Cumstock. B.C. Green, and James R. Stewart, early
settled near this. Col. Abel Woolverton settled on section 18 in
1840. two miles northeast of the Point. He was probably the first
settler in that neighborhood. He came from Perrysville. In-
diana. He had been in the Blackhawk war and was as brave in
fighting the hardships of the new home in the prairie as he was
in fighting the Indians. Col. Woolverton was a competent sur-
veyor and his new home provided much work of this kind.
William Allen was the pioneer in the northern part of the
township. He came to Ohio in 1844. Thomas Hoopes. for whom
Hoopeston was named, came in i855 and bought Mr. Allen's
farm.
Floral Hill Cemetery
Record of early burials in Floral Hill Cemetery
ANN WOOLVERTON April 3, 1857
ANNA M.HAMILTON Sept. 21, 1859
THOMAS HAMILTON Aug. 6. 1862
LT. JAMES K. WEIR. Co B. 25 III. Inf. June 21. 1864
First Veteran buried here
JESSIE L.HOLMES Aug. 5. 1864
ABEL WOOLVERTON Nov. 22, 1865
JAMES A. HOLMES Jan. 6, 1867
JOHN C. HOLMES Feb. 4. 1867
Infant of A.HOLMES Nov. 20. 1869
These burials were prior to 1870
Those buried here who lived to be 100 or more years of age
are: GEORGE RANSOM, died at age 100. on May II. 1958:
CATHERINE M. TIMM. died at age 101. on Feb. 3. 1953;
JENNIE GUNN. died at age 102. on Jan. 19. 1955; THOMAS L.
PARRISH. died at age 103, on Oct. 20, 1964.
There were more than 8,500 burials in Floral Hill Cemetery as
of March 1, 1971.
Col. Abel Woolverton. one of the best known of the early set-
tlers in this township, settled in 1840 on section 18, two miles
northeast of Bicknell Point. His was probably the first set-
tlement out on the prairie, and as others came in his name was
given to the neighborhood, and is so called yet. He came from
Perrysville. Indiana, and had been in the Blackhawk war. He
received the title of Colonel from his foster brother. Gov.
Whitcomb. of Indiana. He was only able to enter a quarter-
section at first, but afterward took land in sections 1 7 and 8. He
engaged in farming, enduring the hardships consequent on early
settlement on the prairie, raising cattle, fighting rattlesnakes
Thornton Buggy Company — 1904
The Thornton Buggy Company. H. L. Thornton and Earle C.
Thornton, proprietors, manufactures all kinds of carriages. The
plant consists of carriage repository, paint rooms, varnish and
trimming rooms, blacksmithing and woodworking depart-
ments. It was established in 1900 and has a reputation for
thoroughness and skill in all the different branches of custom
vehicle building and repairing, with a steady growth in output.
When you're downtown . . .
Visit the
Uptown Lounge
And help us
celebrate
Hoopeston's
Centennial
Year!
Happy 100th Birthday
I HOOPESTON
We plan To Continue
Serving you with The Best
T.V. Reception possible
For The Next
100 Years.
Stock up for the celebration
from our selection of carry-outs.
UPTOWN LOUNGE
HOOPESTON
CABLE T. V.
FRED & JUNE SMITH I 310 E. PENN ST.
225 E. MAIN TEL. 283-5630
In the Future
as in the Past.
BEST OF LUCK:
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
%1
YOUR NEEDS are
our only concern!
We provide the
QUALITY you demand —
in the STYLES
you want —
at PRICES you
can afford!
HOOPESTON'S
TRENDSEHER
American Legion has been a pari- of this com-
munity for over half of its 100 years. We look
forward to many more!
RA OWEN KREAGER
POST 384
American Legion
and Auxiliary
Early Pioneers....
LYFORD MARSTON, Hoopeston farmer, was born m
Plymouth. New Hampshire, on the 2nd of May. 1817. son of
Oliver L. and Lavinia Magusta (Ryan) Marston. The Marstons
were descended from English stock. They were a numerous and
prominent family, the greater number of whom led sea-faring
lives. In 1835 he emigrated to Burbon county. Ky. There he
taught school a year and a half, devoting his spare time to
reading law under Thomas Elliott, of Paris. He was admitted to
the bar in November. 1838. at Carlisle, county seat of Nicholas
county, where he located for practice. He was prosecuting at-
torney for Nicholas county a number of years. In the fall of 1843.
he took a position on the editorial staff of the ''Lexington
Enquirer," a Henry Clay organ. He maintained his connection
with this until the spring of 1845. when the proprietor failed and
the paper went down. He at once succeeded to the management
of his father-in-law's firm, the latter having deceased. The
beginning of the Kansas troubles inspired his pen to active use.
and he advocated the anti-slavery cause in the columns of the
"New York Tribune." In 1856. while visiting his native home in
New Hampshire, he made numerous campaign speeches for
Fremont. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Chicago convention
which nominated Mr. Lincoln, and an elector on the Republican
ticket for Kentucky. At the opening of the war he opposed, in the
"Tribune", Mr. Greeley's cliche that the "erring sisters
should be permitted to depart in peace." In the fall of 1863 he
moved to Grant township in this county, and bought a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres. In the fall of 1878 he was elected by
the Republicans to the general assembly.
JAMES W. CROUCH, Hoopeston farmer and stock raiser, was
born in Warren county. Indiana, on the 10th of October, 1842. His
parents were Joseph and Nancy (Watkins) Crouch. He lived in
his native county until 1864, excepting two years (1857-8) that he
was in Prairie Green township. In 1864 he came to Grant
township. He herded cattle the first year for a Mr. Hunter, who
subsequently became his father-in-law. For five or six years
after this the same gentleman gave him the use of eighty acres
of land. He made successive purchases, till he owned 440 acres
of choice farming land, valued at $13,500. The rearing of Nor-
man horses is a branch of stock industry to which he devoted
much attention. His fine farm was situated midway between
Hoopeston and Ambia, on the L.B. & M. railroad.
EDMUND HEATON, Hoopeston farmer and school teacher,
was born in Coshocton county. Ohio, on the 7th of September,
1853. He is a sonofHughand Levia (McCoy) Heaton. His mother
died on the 21st of April. 1861, in Holmes county. Ohio. In the
spring of 1863 he came to St. Joseph county, Indiana, and the
next spring to Vermifion county, Illinois, settling in Grant
township. In 1877 he went to Marion county, Iowa, and from
thence, in 1878, traveled in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and New
Mexico, spending the season in those places, sightseeing, for
pleasure and profit, returning in the fall to Vermilion county. III.
OLIVER H. CRANE, Hoopeston farmer, was born in Fountain
county. Indiana, on the 4th of March, 1841, son of Joel and
Elizabeth (Jenkins) Crane. His grandfather. Jonathan Crane
and Absalom Jenkins, both served as soldiers in Virginia in the
war of 1812. He was reared a farmer. In 1858 he moved to this
county, and located in Grant township, on the S. V2 S.W.y^
section 20, town 23, range 12.
JOSEPH SOUTHWICK. Hoopeston farmer, was born at
Hoosac Falls. Rensselaer county. New 'York, on the 1st of
August. 1833. He obtained his education at the high school at
Union Village, Washington county. New York, ending his studies
there in 1854. He spent the year 1855 in Maine, surveying and
platting the counties of Kennebec and Androscoggin for county
maps, published by Chase & Barker, of New York. In 1856. he
was engaged in the same work in Pennsylvania, for Chase and
Barker, and surveyed the counties of Lebanon and Dauphin. In
1857 he emigrated to Woodford county. Illinois, and bought a
farm of 80 acres five miles north of El Paso. In 1875 he removed
to Vermilion county, having bought the W .V2 of section 6. town
23. range 12, four and one-half miles west of Hoopeston. on the
L.B. & M. railroad, valued at $9,600.
RUDOLPHUS R. TAYLOR. Hoopeston. hardware merchant
and implement dealer, was born in Peoria. Illinois on the 5th of
April. 1842. His parents were James and Sarah (Miller) Taylor.
At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to the tinner's trade,
which he learned. In 1859 he went to California, by the way of
Panama; lived there two years; worked some at mining, but
most of the time at his trade. He enlisted on the 18th of Sep-
tember. 1861. in Co. A, Cal. Cav.. Col. A. J. Smith. He passed his
term of service doing duty at Fort Churchill. Nevada, and at
Camp Douglas, Salt Lake City, and in scouting after Indians. He
was mustered out on the 4th of October, 1864, at Camp Douglas
and disbanded on the 16th. He at once started for home across
the plains, and arrived in Peoria early in December where he
entered the hardware trade. In 1874. he formed a co-partnership
with James Hulsizer. style of Hulsizer & Taylor, and resumed
the hardware business in Princeville. In February, 1875, they
removed to Hoopeston and in March, 1877. Mr. Hulsizer sold his
interest to Taylor and retired from the firm.
WILLIAM R. CLARK, Hoopeston, hardware merchant, was
born in Watertown. New York on the 25th of October, 1832. and is
the son of Raymond and Lucy (Gill) Clark. When quite young his
parents emigrated to Washington. Wayne county. Indiana, and
in 1840 to Adams county, Illinois, settling on a farm near Quincy.
He was in Missouri a year, returning to Franklin county. In-
diana, in the spring of 1846. From this time till the spring of 1853
he was steamboating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, most of
the time in the capacity of steward. In September, 1857, he
returned to Illinois, living nine years in Winona, engaged in the
grocery trade. In 1866 he moved to Oilman, Iroquois county, and
started a hardware store; in 1870 removed his business to Loda,
and in the spring of 1872 to Hoopeston, then an enterprising town
just starting.
SUBDIVISIONS 1904
The first addition to the original plat of the city of Hoopeston
as known was subdivided by Joseph Satterthwaite. This addition
is from the Lake Erie and Western tracks to Honeywell avenue
and east to 4th street.
To the north of Honeywell avenue is what is fenown as North
Hoopeston.
East of North Hoopeston is Moore and Brown's addition.
East of 4th street to 7th street is Honeywell's first addition.
East of 7th street is the Wallace and Catherwood first ad-
dition.
South ofPenn street to Lincoln and east to 4th street is Robert
Casement's addition.
One of the largest additions is the original town of Leeds, west
of the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad tracks.
Other important additions are Snell and Taylor's addition, J.
S. McFerren's addition. Lukens' addition. Dale Wallace's ad-
dition, G. W. Smith's addition, Hamilton and Smith's addition,
Adams and Davison's addition, the Dice addition, Nathan
Williams' addition, the Chase addition, the Hanly addition, the
W. P. Pierce addition and Claire Smith's addition.
REGAN'S ARCO
1 953 HOOPESTON HOBBY CLUB 1 97 1
Hails Hoopeston's
Centennial Year!
Goodyear Tires
FREE PICK-UP & DELIVERY
Wheel Balancing
Minor Tune-ups — Washings
Mufflers & Tail Pipes
REGAN'S ARCO
Paul Regan, owner
516 W. Main Tel.283-7914
Organized October, 1953, at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Hugh Roark with eight signing the charter.
Mrs. Roark, club historian, and Glenn Brasel, floor plan
chairman, are the only remaining charter members.
Shows sponsored by the club presented treasures of
yesterday, today and tomorrow for the pleasure of the
public.
The club has contributed to many local organizations.
Other members include: Miss Lillie Southwick, Mr. and
Mrs. James A. Anderson (Anderson, treasurer); Mr. and
Mrs. John P. Cadle (Mrs. Cadle, vice president); Mrs.
Helen Hasselbring, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Crouch, Mr. and
Mrs. Burton Livingston, the Rev. and Mrs. Walter Evans
(Mrs. Evans, secretary), Mr. and Mrs. Don Bury, Mr. and
Mrs. Fremont Crouch, Mr. and Mrs. Myron Norton (Mrs.
Norton, president), and Mr. and Mrs. David Cleveland.
The Club's aim is to present programs for pleasure and
information.
GOODRUM BROS,
General Contracting
513 East Young Avenue
Hoopeston, III. 60942
Phones 283-6507
Masonry and Concrete
Work of All Kinds
Brick and Stonework Our
Specialty
(Residential and Commercial]
283-6997
' i
t
HENNING'S
Drive In
An Island of refreshment
Where the good old-fashioned taste of root beer
can be found day in - day out.
HOOPESTON. ILL.
Dixie Highway
Tel. 283-5782
Early Pioneers...
GEORGE STEELY of Hoopeston. farmer, was born in
Fountain county, Indiana, on the 6th of September. 1830. He is
the son of George and Elizabeth (Emerson) Steely. He lived on a
farm in Fountain county until age 24 and was educated at
Asbury University, attending from September. 1852. to June,
1854. taking the scientific courses, and nearly completing it. In
the fall of the latter year he came here, bought out Thomas
McKibben, and settled one and a half miles south of Hoopeston.
JOSEPH M. SATTERTHWAIT was born in Berks county.
Pennsylvania, on the 9th of May. 1808, the son of Joshua W. and
Ann Satterthwait. He came to Illinois in the fall of 1854, and
settled on a farm near Rossville. He was the third postmaster in
that place. In the spring of 1862 he removed to Pendelton, In-
diana, near Indianapolis, and lived there ten years, when he
returned to Illinois and settled at Hoopeston, and resided there
until his death on the 21st of September, 1877.
LAFAYETTE GOODWINE. Hoopeston farmer and stock
raiser, was born in Warren county. Indiana, on the 27th of
February. 1846. His parents were Harrison and Isabel
(Charlton) Goodwine. In 1863 he enlisted in Co. K, Uth Ind. Cav.
He fought in the decisive battle of Nashville, on the 15th and 16th
of December. 1864. In the fall of 1866 he bought 160 acres of his
father, who also gave him an equal tract, and he settled on the
east half of section 17, town 23, range 11. The value of the farm
was $10,000.
MILES ODLE. Hoopeston farmer, was born in Warren
county, Indiana, on the 26th of December, 1841. His parents were
Nathan B. and Frances (Watkins) Odle. He was reared on a
farm. He volunteered on the 3rd of June, 1861, in Co. A. 15th Ind.
Vols.. Col. G. D. Wagner, and was mustered into the United
States service on the Nth at Lafayette. He was engaged at Cheat
Mountains on the 12th of September, and at Greenbriar.
Virginia, on the 3rd of October, 1861. both of which were federal
successes. He subsequently fought at Shilo. Perryville. Stone
River, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge, besides having a share
in a large number of smaller actions. In 1871 he moved to Ver-
milion county, Illinois, and settled in Grant township, four miles
east of Hoopeston, on a farm of 120 acres in section 3, which he
bought at that time.
JOHN S. POWELL, Hoopeston druggist, was born in New
York city on the 23rd of February. 1840, the son of Edward and
Harriet (Everett) Powell. At the age of twelve he was in-
dentured to Dr. Widiam G. Wood, of Harlem, in the drug
business, and placed under the supervision of the doctor's
brother, James Wood, a thorough pharmacist. He served an
apprenticeship of five years during which time he was required
daily to learn a prescribed task and undergo examination fay the
doctor. He became by this means a good Latin scholar. When
seventeen he went into some of the leading drug stores in the
city, where he finished his professional education. In 1860 he
immigrated to Illinois, and on the Nth of April. 1861, volun-
teered in Co. A, Uth III. Inf., Col. McArther. for three months. At
the battle of Champion Hills, on the 16th of May. 1863. he fell into
the hands of the enemy, but was released on parole and reported
in person to Gen. Grant, and requested to remain with the army
till the fall of the city. The general acceded to his request, and
put him on duty as hospital steward in Gen. Logan's division
hospital. After the capture of Vicksburg he was ordered to
report to Jefferson Barracks. St. Louis, as a paroled prisoner of
war, where he remained until exchanged; then returning to that
city he was placed on detached service in the office of the
medical director of the 17th Army Corps. Availing himself of the
department library at command, he resumed and diligently
pursued his studies. He appeared before the board of medical
examiners, consisting of surgeons Patterson, Wilson and
Bouschee. and passed a successful examination, and in
January, 1865, was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 52nd
U.S. Col. Vols. He was given charge of a ward in U.S. hospital
No. 3. at Vicksburg. and also a smallpox hospital. He remained
there on duty till he was mustered out of the service, in May,
1866. He returned to Illinois and engaged in traveling in the
wholesale drug business. On the 2nd of August. 1871. he stopped
in Hoopeston. and in the following winter purchased the store
and stock of drugs belonging to Frank Hoffman.
ENOCH ROSS, Hoopeston farmer, was born in Stark county.
Ohio, on the 27th of December. 1840. son of Isaac N. and Nancy
(Hewitt) Ross. His parents were native Pennsylvanians, and his
ancestors on his mother's side were Irish. His father was the
owner of a large grist mill in Waynesburg, and he raised his son
a miller. He followed this trade until his removal to Illinois. On
the 17th of July. 1863. he joined the "Ohio National Guard" for
five years, and reniained a member of that body until the 1st of
May. 1866. when he was honorably discharged. In the spring of
1868 he removed with his family to Illinois, and located in
Fountain Creek township, on land belonging to his father. He
lived there four years, and then bought 160 acres in Grant
township of H. W. Beckwith. of Danville.
JOHN WILLIAMS, Hoopeston farmer, was born in Harrison
county, Ohio, on the 29th of September, 1832, the son of NATHAN
AND SARAH (HOOPES) WILLIAMS. In the spring of 1854 he
came to the county, broke prairie and farmed, and the third
year entered three hundred and twenty acres in section 12. in the
present limits of Prairie Green township, Iroquois county. He
lived there seventeen years. He was assessor of Prairie Green
four or five years in succession. On the 1st of January, 1864, he
froze his right foot while feeding stock, and all the toes had to be
amputated. In April, 1873, he moved one and a half miles south
of Hoopeston.
THOMAS WILLIAMS, Hoopeston farmer and stock raiser,
was born in Harrison county, Ohio, on the 29th of November.
1828. the son of NATHAN AND SARAH (HOOPES) WILLIAMS.
In 1847 he went to Sandusky Plains. Marion county. Ohio, where
he lived six or seven years, working by the month for his uncle,
THOMAS HOOPES, tending sheep. In the fall of 1853 he came to
this county, wintered four hundred sheep, and the next spring
added four hundred more; rented a farm of his uncle Hoopes,
giving him a share of all his profit. He held the offices of high-
way commissioner and trustee of schools in Grant township.
JOSEPH DALLSTREAM, Hoopeston merchant, was born in
Wenersborg, Sweden, on the 2nd of April, 1852, son of John and
Elizabeth (Anderson) Dallstream. He received a fair education
in the public schools of the country, and spent one term in Upp-
sala College. At sixteen he was apprenticed to the shoemaker's
trade. In 1871 he came to America, and settled in Champaign.
He lived there one year, and afterward a few months in Rantoul,
finally settling in Hoopeston in the fall of 1872. In 1876 he opened
a general boot and shoe store in connection with his manufac-
turing.
WATTS FINLEY. Hoopeston farmer, was born in Dearborn
county, Indiana, on the 4th of November, 1833. He is the son of
David and Nancy (Miller) Finley. His parents removed the
same year to this county and settled near Catlin. In the spring of
1855, he. in company with his brother Miller and his sister Nancy
(nowMrs. Samuel Frazier. of Danville), settled on a farm of 200
acres, in sections 24 and 25. town 23, range 12. He made stock-
raising his principal business. He was one of the "substantial
and sterling citizens of Grant township, and was held in
universal esteem." Finley owned 740 acres of land, worth
$26,000.
HENRY H. DYER. Hoopeston attorney, was born in Rutland
county. Vermont, on April 9. 1831. son of Daniel and Phila B.
(Beverstock) Dyer. When seven years old, his parents removed
to Richland county. Ohio. He was educated at Mount Hesper
Seminary. Morrow county, and taught school a number of
terms. In 1853 he obtained a position in the Bank of Mansfield, a
bank of issue, as teller and bookkeeper. In 1855. he settled in
Calloway county. Missouri where, in company with his father,
he bought a farm of 320 acres, whereon he built a combined
steam saw. grist and woolen mill. In 1858 this was fired and
burned at the instigation of the slaveholding community, to
punish Mr. D. for his anti-slavery views. In I860 he removed to
Denver City and engaged in the commission business: in 1861 he
went to Nevada City, and for two years was mining and running
a quartz mill. In 1863 he moved to Canon City and bought three
ranches: followed farming and trading: was elected justice of
the peace and held the office one year. In the fall of 1864 he went
to Denver and embarked in the auction and commission
business, taking a partner, under the firm name of Clark and
Dyer. In the spring of 1867 he went to Chicago, engaging in the
hardware trade and the manufacture of tinware: in 1870 moved
to Greenup. Cumberland county. Illinois, and went into the real
estate and contract business. In January. 1875 he settled in
Hoopeston and began the study of the law privately. He began
to practice in July of 1875. In January. 1877. he was admitted to
the bar at Springfield. He was a nephew of Hon. Charles V.
Dyer, of Chicago, a noted anti-slavery lecturer, who was for-
merly judge under treaty with Great Britain for the suppression
of the African slave-trade, by appointment of President Lincoln.
engaged to manage it. which he did three months. Dictation not
proving agreeable tohim. he ga\'e up his position and came to
Hoopeston. and in company with G. W. Seavey. establi^ed the
"Chronicle", on the 1st of January, 1872.
JONA THAN BEDELL, first Hoopeston merchant, was born in
Cazenovia. Madison county. New York, on the 29th of October.
1827. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the tanner and
currier's trade. In 1851 he emigrated to Twin Rivers. Manitowoc
county. Wisconsin and learned the carpenter's trade. He was
employed by the Wisconsin Leather Company four years in
tanning leather. In April. 1855. he moved to Illinois and entered
the last piece of land in Vermilion (now Ford) county, which was
entered while the register's office was at Danville. He lived on
his farm four or five years: moved into Loda and lived there
until 1871. when he settled in Hoopeston and opened the first
store in the place. He was first assistant postmaster in the new
town, opened the first mail that was received, and mailed the
first matter that was sent away. He also made the first payment
of cash on lots which were sold (lots 16 and 69) which he oc-
cupied on Main street. He was the first master of Star Lodge No.
709. AF & AM, of Hoopeston. On January 1. 1875. he sold his store
to his son and the business has since been continued under the
firm name of David Bedell & Co.
DALE WALLACE. Hoopeston publisher, was born in LaPorte.
Indiana on November 5, 1849. Hisparents were John Porter and
Lydia Ann (Winchell) Wallace. In 1855 his parents moved to
West Union. Fayette county, Iowa, and the subject of this sketch
was reared and educated there. He began the printer's trade in
1863 in the office of the "Fayette County Pioneer." a violent
copperhead sheet which was published at West Union. This was
mobbed the same year by a lot of returned soldiers, while he was
yet working in the office. He next went to Marion. Linn county,
and obtained a place in the office of the "Marion Register",
remaining there one year. In 1865 he entered Batlies' Com-
mercial College and learned telegraphy, graduating in four
months. He next went to work on the Cedar Falls 'Gazette", and
was foreman in that office two years: then went to Eldora,
Hardin county, and was foreman of the "Ledger" one or two
years. From thence he went to California and Oregon and
remained two years working at his trade in San Francisco.
Sacramento. Portland. Salt Lake and Virginia Cifies. When a
poor boy he conceived a passion for travel, and saved his money
carefully during the long years of close application to his trade
to gratify it. He visited every state in the Union, except Maine
and Texas, and traveled in Montana. Idaho. Utah. Washington
and Wyomir\g. In 1871 he returned from the Pacific coast to
Eldora. A large eight-column newspaper. owned by
stockholders, was being published in that place, and he was
JOSEPH M. SATTERTHWAIT was another of the newcomers
cf 1854. He settled on a farm near Rossville in Vermilion County.
He was the third postmaster of Rossvilic.
In 1862 he moved into Indiana and settled near Indianapolis,
where he remained for ten years when he returned to Illinois
and settled at Hoopeston. where he lived up to the time of his
death on September 21. 1877. Satterthwait left four daughters,
all of whom were settled in homes of their own. He lived a strict
member of the Society of F riends.
JOHN LEEMON came to this county in 1857. locating on a 444
acre farm of unimproved land near Mr. Hoopes in the northern
part of Vermilion County. He lived here alone, improving his
farm and boarding with Mr. Hoopes.
GURDON S. HUBBARD was agent for the American Fur
Company, succeeding Antonin Des Champs in this te rritory in
1824. AntoninDes Champs had had charge of the interests of the
company in the trade of the company for about forty years in the
territory between the Illinois and Wabash rivers. This takes the
record of trade in this section back to about 1785. or 35 years
before the coming of the white settler to the location of Ver-
miion County. Des Champs was in charge of the territory until
five years after small settlements had been made at the salt
works, at Brook's Point, at Butler's Point and along the Little
Vermilion.
When Hubbard took charge of this territory, he abandoned the
posts on the Illinois, and no longer carried the trade by water,
but introduced pack-horses. The trail from Chicago to the salt
works which he established was called Hubbard "Trace", and
was followed for many years as the most direct road from
Chicago to Vincennes. Indiana This Hubbard Trace was the
foundations of one of the most direct railroads in the state
connecting Chicago and the Ohio River.
In 1827 Gurdon S. Hubbard abandoned the posts on the Em-
harass and Little Wabash, and put up the first frame building
ever constructed in Vermilion county for a storehouse, which
became the headquarters for the Indian trade in this part of the
country and later became Danville.
ABNER WARNER came to Vermilion County in 1850 and
herded cattle on the prairies. These he drove across the country
to Philadelphia markets. Later he located in Vermilion County
and he died in Rossville in 1888. The two children of this family
were well known, particularly the elder brother. Charles W.
Warner. Charles Warner went with his parents from his birth-
place to near Crawfordsville. Indiana, and went to school
there. He then went into a prir^ting office in Rossville, after
which he taught school for a while. When he had /inished his last
school he went into the office of the Hoopeston Chronicle, which
at that time was owned by Dale Wallace. There he remained for
three years. Warner bought the Hoopeston Chronicle in 1882,
since which time he has been editor and owner of the paper. He
was appointed, or rather elected, because of the number of
candidates, postmaster of Hoof>eston in 1889.
CHARLES WOOLVERTON. Hoopeston farmer and car-
penter, was bom near Perrysville, Vermifion county. Indiana,
en the nth of August. 1837. and is a son of Abel and Anna
(English) Woolverton. one of Grant Township's first pioneer
settlers. In 1850. his father entered 160 acres of land in Vermilion
county, Illinois, being the N.E. ]4 section 18. town 23. range 11.
He soon after bought 160 acres more, and finally augmented the
area to 400. His family came and occupied the land in 1851. The
subject of this sketch learned the carpenter's trade before and
during the war. He enlisted at Bloomington on the 18th of June,
1862, forthree months. inCo. H. 70th III. Vols.. Col. O.H. Reeves.
Scrap Metal Dealer and His Legend!
Soon after the turn of the century (1905), Ruby Yonltelowiti, 20 years old, arrived in Hoopeston from a small
Lithuanian village to work for his uncle, David Yonkelowiti.
After his uncle returned to Chicago, Yonkelowiti continued to operate and develop the small scrap metal business
which they had started.
For the next 51 years, Ruby contributed much to Hoopeston and it was written that he always "held Hoopeston
dear to his heart".
In 1928, his feeling toward his hometown was shown when he donated the second town clock to the city as a symbol
of his gratitude and affection for Hoopeston.
Ruby and his wife, Ida, were honored at a dinner given by the city.
Mrs. Yonkelowiti, who still resides here in 1971, their daughter, Annette, and
son Martin Young, who has followed his father by operating the business,
remember the bouquet of roses which was presented to them on that eve-
ning in 1928.
Mr. Yonkelowiti was active in the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club
as a charter member, Star Lodge 709, AF and AM, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, Ansar Temple of Shrine at Springfield; the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he served as a board member of
the City National Bank for 20 years and as a director of Citiien's Savings
and Loan Assn. for a number of years.
This view looking northeast from the 100 block of East Main Street shows the original
town clock building which was destroyed by fire in 1905. It was rebuilt, but burned
again In 1905, rebuilt a second time and burned a third time in 1947, never to be re-
built again.
Hoopeston's first town clock was destroyel by fire in
1905, the same year Mr. Yonkelowiti arrived in town. It
was rebuilt, but burned again in 1925 (January 20).
Ruby had the building rebuilt in 1928 and donated
a new town clock to the city at a cost of $5,000.
That clock remained as an attention-getter from that
time until 1947 (Easter Sunday Morning) when it was des-
troyed again and never rebuilt.
A motel and a department store now occupy the
area where Hoopeston's residents for 42 years synchro-
nized their watches.
Perhaps one of the finest compliments ever was pub-
lished in the Hoopeston Chronicle-Herald during the scrap
drives of World War II when a person, in a letter to the
editor, wrote: "For the past week or so we have been haul-
ing scrap to the scrapyard in Hoopeston. We have sat
in line with our truck and watched boys with coaster
wagons loaded with iron get the same courtesy and con-
sideration as a man with a five-ton load."
Ruby Yonkelowiti, shown here in the center atop
the town clock building he rebuilt in 1928 and a
few days prior to the time he donated the new
town clock to the City of Hoopeston. The men
with him are unidentified, but were apparently
members of the construction crew which installed
the clock.
MR. AND MRS. RUBY YONKELOWITZ
Mr. Yonkelowiti was described as "having a deep un-
derstanding of human nature, and his motto for life was
just as he lived, "Always Make Good With a Promise."
still grov/ing!.
We Salute
The years have seen Hoopeston grow and thrive,
from a prairie town to a cify of
industrial importance. We're
happy to have been
a part of it.
Compliments of:
LAWRENCE PARR BIRCH
HOOPESTON
Trust the men who know
/our car inside-out to
handle gas-ups, check-
ups in a jiffy, to help
speed you on your way.
You'll like our style!
Visitors Welcome!
HERMAN'S STANDARD
SERVICE STATION
Owned & Operated by Cliff Baldwin
CITY ENGINEER I "Where Routes I & 9 meet
Congratulations 1
You've come
a long way,
Hoopeston.
f
Compliments of:
RANKIN STATE BANK
Rankin, Illinois
The way it used to be
IS NOT LIKE IT IS NOW ! ! !
When O. P. Chamberlln first opened "Chamberlin's Telephone Exchange on the second floor of
the Montgomery-Ward Building, a total of 28 subscribers were listed. That was 1895. Two years
later, 108 subscribers were listed, 40 miles of wire served the community and residents could call
anytime day or night. That was considered as a most important convenience for a growing Hoopeston.
I
The early photo of the "Hello Girls" was taken soon
after the turn of the century and no doubt brings
back nnany pleasant memories. On the left is Mrs.
E. J. Boorde, Mabel Boorde Harris and E. J. Boorde.
In the wagon are Olive Newburn Boughton, Belle
Hussey Boburn, Francis Bradley, Rosslyn Boorde, Alice
Potter Scott, Lucy Potter Yates, Mary Fickle and the
boy Is a cousin of Rosslyn Boorde. Lineman Albert
Sims is at right.
But things are different now. The old switchboards
are gone and everything is automatic dialing. In a
few seconds, a subscriber may dial any number in
the United States of America.
Little thought Is given to the vast new technical
knowledge employed in today's communications. This
fact is accepted as a manner of course.
As efficient and economical as is today's dialing,
it is only representative of the things to come. In
the future, subscribers may expect even greater
changes and improvements in telephone service.
Telephoning has come a long way from the days
of the "Number, pleasel" Our pledge is to continue
serving Hoopeston with the latest and the best. We're
here to serve you . . . always.
EASTERN ILLINOIS TELEPHONE CORP.
HOOPESTON, ILLINOIS
Happy 100th Anniversary
to a Growing HOOPESTON
Banking has been a part of Hoopeston for 99 great years. We'll strive to merit con-
fidence for an even brighter future.
Officers
McFerren-Chamberlain
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
8-1-1872 to 1931
Hoopeston National Bank
6-1-1909 to 1931
City National Bank
8-1-1933
And STILL GROWING
7^e
Cin NATIONAL BANK
MEMBER OF FDf^ FEDERAL DEPOSIT 'NSURANCE CORPORATION
A FULLN
SERVICE
VBANK/'
Roy Boughton
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
CM. Haworth
PRESIDENT AND TRUST OFFICER
Byron Hedgecock
SR. VICE PRESIDENT AND CASHIER
ASSISTANT TRUST OFFICER
Larry D. Oyler
VICE PRESIDENT
MGR. INSTALLMENT LOAN DEPT.
C. Carolyn Evans
ASSISTANT CASHIER
Anna L. Stokes
ASSISTANT CASHIER
Barbara Fraley
BOOKKEEPING SUPERVISOR
Directors
Roy Boughton
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
C. M. Haworth
PRESIDENT AND TRUST OFFICER
Byron Hedgecock
SR. VICE PRESIDENT AND CASHIER
ASSISTANT TRUST OFFICER
Larry D. Oyler
VICE PRESIDENT
MGR. INSTALLMENT LOAN DEPT.
Lewis Hott
HOTT LUMBER AND COAL CO.
Thomas N. Martin
MGR. CMD-E, FMC CORP.
Joseph C. Moore H
ATTORNEY
DYER, RICHMOND. MOORE AND NELSON
George N. Petry
FARMING AND LAM) DEVELOPMENT
Roberts E. Snively
PRESIDENT - JOAN OF ARC CO.
Dale Wallace
INSURANCE - WALLACE AGENCY
Martin Young
SCRAP METAL DEALER
"BUILDERS"
OF HOOPESTON
Grandpa William Silver was the early stone nnason con+racfor of Hoopeston
before the turn of the century. Hardly a building was erected in which he did nof
play a part. An early history of Hoopeston, printed in 1897, by William Arter,
describes Grandpa Silver's activities as follows:
"Mr. Silver's special line of work is in brick and stone masonry, and the money
value of his contracts in Hoopeston probably exceeds that of any other contractor in
the city. There is no contract too small or too large for Mr. Silver.
"In addition to the many fine brick blocks and residences in this city erected under
his contracts, he has also done much masonry for the bridges of the north end of the
county.
"Against several competitors coming from Chicago, Danville and Lafayette, Mr.
Silver secured the contract on his own plan, for the new city building now in process
of erection on the corner of Market and Davis (Seminary) streets in this city."
Today we carry on Grandpa's traditions of honest work faithfully performed in
the best workman-like manner. Grandpa would have been amaied indeed, were he
alive today to see how our work is carried on. Our trucks, cranes, bulldozers, mixing
plant, and other related equipment were undreamed of before the turn of the century.
All this modern machinery, however, would be worthless without a dedicated crew of
men and women who work hard to please our many customers.
Four generations of Silvers have actually "built" Hoopeston and the fifth genera-
tion is on the way.
We are most proud of the fact that we not only have built many buildings in
Hoopeston, but have contributed of our time and money to the civic and religious
grovirth of our town. All of our people are interested in Hoopeston because not only
do we make our living here, but this is our home and we try to do everything to make
it a better place to enjoy life.
One of Grandpa's early advertisements concluded "Correspondence and interview
concerning work is solicited." We don't know how to state it any better.
SILVER BROS. INQ
WILLIAM SILVER
HARRY C. SILVER
WILLIAM R. SILVER
HARRY J. SILVER
IN THE WONDERFUL TOWN OF HOOPESTON
The Gay Nineties
Little is known of the Hoopeston Fire Department before 1903.
Horse drawn equipment was used and anyone with a good team
of horses automatically was a member of the fire departn^ent.
Mr. Earl Tyler, the present Fire Chief, states that his father was
on the department. Mr. Tyler owned a fine team of black horses
and if the steam fire siren blew while he was hauling coal or the
'ike. he had to have a good grip on the reins because the team
n'ou/d take off for the station. Records from 1903 indicate that
Hoopeston has always been blessed with the best in men
and equipment. The first motorized equipment appeared about
1906. Some of the early volunteers were E. N. Dyer. John Bell.
Archie Munn. Cliff Merritt. Frank Kimberlin. Stark Musson.
Frank Cook. C. E. Smith, E. Norton. Ralph Park. John Mann.
Jr., Frank Strayer. The present day Fire Department is housed
in two stations and the fifteen man force have for their use three
pumper trucks and one rescue truck. The force is headed by
Earl Tyler.
Amusements in the 90's were limited to picnics, fourth of July
outings and band concerts and horse races at the fairgrounds.
Entertainment was planned for the children such as sack races,
pony rides, jumping contests, tug of war. The Hoopeston
Fairgrounds had many horse races on its splendid half-mile
track. With the passing of the Hoopeston Fair Association J. S.
McFerren gave the thirty acres which comprised the Hoopeston
Fairgrounds to the city of Hoopeston to be used as a city park,
the only proviso being that it was not to be used for purposes of
profit.
In 1904 the Hoopeston Chautauqua built the pavilion in Mc-
Ferren Park. This huge building could seat more than 2.000
persons. The Hoopeston Chautauqua Association held a ten-day
tenting in McFerren Park, usually in the latter part of July and
into the first part of August. Tents were rented including floors
and lights by visitors to the affair. The programs featured big
name speakers and stage shows.
In 1895 John D. Miller formed a musical group known as
"Miller's Concert Band." For over eleven years until his death
in 190S. Miller's Concert Band performed on the Tuesday night
band concerts held in the downtown section of Hoopeston and
whenever a musical group was needed. Miller also directed the
Presbyterian Church Choir for over five years.
Labor Conditions, 1904
Labor conditiions in Hoopeston have been made almost
perfect by the decree forbidding saloons so that this ordinance
operates not only in allaying strikes but in attaining the
GREATEST POSSIBLE AMOUNT OF WORK OUT OF A
GIVEN NUMBER OF EMPLOYES.
To wit: Hoopeston holds two world's records as regards the
output of its products: The American Can Company's plant
turns out more cans than any instutition of its kind in the world-
in one day reaching the maximum of 600.000. The average is a
half a million daily.
It is not necessary to prove that this record could not have
been attained in another city. Not to go too deeply into the
sociological question of Hoopeston' s environment, it is enough to
say that Hoopeston DID IT. did it again and is to-day in
conquence the tin can champion of the world.
Again the Sprague Canning Machinery Manufacturing
Company can and does make more machinery used for canning
corn than any factory in the world. It is safe to say that 75 per
cent of the argument which influenced the location of these two
industries, of all the others, was drawn from the invincible logic
of "no liquor sold on the premises."
Feb. 22, 1872: Buffalo Bill was in town coming from Prairie
Green and he was given a new shirt by one of the local mer-
chants. The Lafayette & Bloomington Railroad is only 3 miles
west of town on this date.
May 30. 1872. work commences on Floral Hill Cemetery with
the setting of stakes for bounderies. Also a note in the paper that
the July 4, 1872 celebration was to commence at daybreak.
Great Opportunities
Hoopeston was incorporated as a city only 27 years ago.
Business lots then sold at $125 and $150. Business lots are today
worth $4000 and upwards. Lately building has been going
forward at the rate of two hundred residences each year. Men
have come here with little or no capital, purchased acre
property, and are now making small fortunes from their sub-
divisions. And there are still ground floor propositions of this
kind to be had for the far-seeing ones who are willing to come
and investigate.
Hoopeston's geographical situation, both as regards its
proximity to Chicago and the surrounding argiculture country,
is all important. It has two trunk lines that put one another at
right angles, thus giving four outlets, north and south and east
and west. The Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad touches
Hoopeston exactly ninety-nine miles south of Chicago, and
seventy miles north of Terre Haute. Ind. The longitudinal line is
the Lake Erie and Western, which gives an outlet to the east and
west. The C. & E. I. was built in 1871 and the L. E. & W. the
following year. Hoopeston is the center of a rich agriculture
country: it lies well within the corn belt, and the main industries
are of a nature that require a good agriculture country to
promote them. Hoopeston is famous the world over for its sugar
corn. Several thousand acres in the immediate vicinity of
Hoopeston are corn producing "feeders" for the two canning
factories. The Illinois Canning Company and the Hoopeston
Canning Company own some four thousand acres. The presence
of these two factories is a direct benefit to every farmer ad-
jacent to Hoopeston.
Largest Industries (1904)
Hoopeston's largest industries are the American Can Com-
pany and the Sprague Canning Machinery Manufacturing
Company, mentioned before as holding the world's records in
their respective lines. In addition there are the Hoopeston Horse
Nail Company, two immense elevators and several mills and
smaller industries. Altogether Hoopeston's tin bucket brigade
is fully twelve hundred and fifty strong.
Hoopeston's wage bill foots up the comfortable sum of $550,000
annually, an average of $46.u00 per month. $10,500 per week, or
$1,700 per day. The value of Hoopeston's manufactured products
is four million dollars annually. In other words each laboring
man working in Hoopeston is able to produce nearly eight times
the value of his own wages.
The destination of Hoopeston's manufactured products is
limited only by the naiural boundaries of the world. Wherever
American civilization is Hoopeston's corn goes, wherever
American civilization is Hoopeston's canning machinery goes:
wherever American civilization is there are housewives opening
tin cans of Hoopeston make and preparing dishes of sugar corn
of Hoopeston manufacture.
The above is a roughly outlined sketch of the city of Hoopeston
as it may be viewed any day in the year by any stranger who
takes the trouble to come to Hoopeston to investigate. It is
enough, however, to arouse the curiosity of the investor and
manufacturer.
First Large Business
The first business enterprise of any magnitude to be
established in Hoopeston was the Canning Plant by S. S. McCall
in the year 1875 two years before Hoopeston was incorporated.
Stephen S. McCall was a New York man and came west on a
prospecting trip for a site on which to (ocate a canning factory.
Arriving in Hoopeston he became very enthused over the
prospect for the establishment of such a factory in this city. An
old building that had been used as headquarters for the Snell.
Taylor, and Mix Construction Company was taken over and
converted into a factory. In 1878 this business venture was in-
corporated under the name of the Illinois Canning Company.
Industry Comes to the Prairie City
It 'V.1S 93 years ago that Stephen S. McCall of Oneida County,
New York, came to Vermilion County, Illinois with his dream of
establishing a sweet corn canning empire in the Mid-West.
McCall had come West with the thought in mind of finding a
place where the sweet corn would grow in sufficient quantities to
warrant establishment of a sweet corn factory.
McCall was attracted to Grant Township and Hoopeston,
where just seven years earlier, the town of Hoopeston had
sprung from the prairie.
He was so impressed with its possibilities that he started his
first sweet corn factory here in 1878. This marked the beginning
of the company that was later to be known as The Illinois
Canning Co. and now, the Joan of Arc Co.
Twelve years later, William Moore and James Cunningham
acquired the canning firm (1890) and operated it until 1910 when
Cunningham was killed in an auto accident in Montana. At that
time, it was re-organized as a publicly-held corporation and
Moore served as president until he died in 1921.
In 1882, J. S. McFerren, A. T. Catherwood and A. H. Trego,
other early comers to the growing community, joined to form
the Hoopeston Canning Co. as a corporation and the young city
had two sweet corn canning industries. Buildings were erected
for that firm in 1886.
Several years later that firm was to be known as Stokely-Van
Camp Co., Inc., with headquarters in Indianapolis.
FMC Corp. as we know it today, was established in 1885 by
Daniel Trench, a backer of promising inventions, who provided
the support for a corn cutter invented by Welcome Sprague.
Purpose of the business here was to handle canning machinery
and supplies. Sprague and Trench got together in 1892 and
changed the firm to the Sprague Manufacturing Co. and in 1904
was named the Sprague Canning Machinery Company.
The company was later known as Sprague-Sells after William
H. Sells invented a field corn husker using iron rollers in New
York.
It has since been known as Food Machinery Corp. and FMC
Corp.
Union Can Company opened at 324 W. Main on March 23, 1894
and became a part of American Can Co. to manufacture cans
and supply canners.
American Can has continued to be a key industry in Hoopeston
through its 77 year history.
Other industries in 1971 include R. A. Scranton Industires
which makes component parts for organs and is preparing
space in which to build complete organ units, including consoles.
Woodward-Schumacher Electric Corp., formerly Crest
Transformer Corp. is in the electronics field, making trans-
formers, battery chargers and other electric products.
John Deere Vermilion Malleable Iron Works, which is num-
bered among "key" industries, is in the business of making
parts for Deere and Co. in its foundry in northwest Hoopeston.
The Hoopeston Malleable was founded in 1907, but went out of
business in 1908 and lay idle until 1912 when it was re-opened by
its present owners.
Joseph A. Park, who participated in the first corn pack ever in
Hoopeston, described that packing operation in 1878. Here is his
description:
AMERICAN CAN COMPANY
HOOPESTON CANNING CO.
JOHN DEERE MALLEABLE IRON WORKS
"At harvest time, the sweet corn was gathered in bushel
baskets, dumped very carefully in to the wagons and hauled
from field to factory. At the cannery, the ears were husked by
hand and the company issued tokens for each bushel handled by
workers. Tokens were redeemed weekly, but at the same time.
Were accepted by the town's merchants for food and other
merchandise in lieu of cash.
After hand-husking, hand-cutting and pre-heating operations,
the corn was poured into pans and the handmade cans were
filled by hand-spooning, then weighed, carefully wiped clean
and the lids applied. Men with soldering irons completed the
sealing operations and the cans were hoisted into the cooker.
After removal from the cooker, the cans were dumped on a
cooling floor and left overnight. Next morning, each can was
tested by striking one end on the floor. If the can did not bulge,
it went to the labeling department, otherwise thrown out."
Most of the hand operations Park described are now done by
automatic canning machinery, not only making the work at
factories more pleasant, but prices lower at the stores. Canning
has come a long way and has been greatly responsible for
Hoopeston's growth.
■ ■ '»^
-J- ^■- >.*' -"^^ ■^. "'
Corn pickers harvesting sweet corn near Hoopeston, 1967.
«#«•
■'•*
*««i*
SPRAGUE CANNING MACHINERY CO.
t>«
9
'■■****^.. ^
ILLINOIS CANNING CO.
May we say:
Best Wishes from | Happy Centennial !
The Merry Circle Club^ '" Hoopeston
Organized July, 1910 in Ihe Plainview neighborhood
southwest of Hoopeston.
Mrs. James (Fannie) Tllton, realizing the need of
social life for farm women, held the first meeting in
her home with 8 ladies present. OBJECT: To promote
talent and sociability.
Mrs. Date (Mary Tilton) Houmes was first secretary
and is the only living charter member. Merry Circle
Club is still active in its 61st year.
PRESENT OFFICERS ARE: Susie Morts, president;
Elva Peterson, vice president; Helen Bennett, secretary;
Ann Clouse, treasurer; Mildred Cadle, reporter.
Meetings held every third
Thursday of each month.
24-HOUR AMBULANCE SERVICE
CHRISMAN
FUNERAL HOME
508 N. CHICAGO
ROSSVILLE, ILL.
TEL. 748-6555
Happy Centennial to
•^ 99
The "Holy City
These ARE happy
times. . .a time
to join in glad
celebrating. . . .
a SPECIAL time
for WORSHIP.
Growth Is HIS reward from mankind. Since
we were organized in 1873, we've worked for a
Spiritual City.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
502 E. MAIN
HOOPESTON, ILL.
There have been many, but now.
Another Milestone!
Hoopeston's Fighting
men have served her
well through many
international conflicts.
On this, our 1 00th year,
let us "re-group" and
strive for better things
as a pledge to those
who died.
Buddy Egnew
Post 4826
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
AND AUXILIARY
HOOPESTON. ILLINOIS
Centennial Sponsors
GASLITE RESTAURANT
Route 1 Dixie Highway
Hoopeston, 111.
Ph. 283-7411
LYLE ATCHINSON
646 E. Honeywell
Hoopeston, 111.
Phone 283-7325
INSURANCE CULBERT THE FLORIST
702 W. Main
283-5578
"Flowers by Molly"
GLENN JUDY BARBER SHOP
204 S. Mafket St.
Hoopeston, 111.
ESTATE CLEANERS
Superior Cleaning & Repairs
113 E. Main
FLO'S CHILDREN'S WEAR
111 E. Main
Hoopeston, 111.
COAST TO COAST HARDWARE
Don Tableman, owner
218 E. Main
283-5912
BURTON MOTOR SALES
701 W. Main
Tel. 283-5131
"Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler"
ARLYN DAIN — WESTERN &
SOUTHERN INS. AGENT
421 W. Maple
Hoopeston
283-6222
LANIE'S BARBER SHOP
220 S. Bank
Hoopeston, 111.
BLOYD'S SUPERMARKET
Home of Miracle Prices
Open 7 Days A Week
MARY HARTWELL
CATHERWOOD CLUB
Our 75th Year
ARNOLD OFFICE SUPPLIES
107 E. Main
Hoopeston, 111.
PRAIRIE GREEN CHURCH OF CHRIST
R. R. 3,
Hoopeston, 111.
MONTGOMERY WARD
Langley's Catalog Agency
105 E. Main St.
HOOPESTON MONUMENT WORKS
Ken Parkinson, Owner
916 West Main St.
Hoopeston, 111.
Telephone: 283-7116
VERNON F. TERRY REALTY E. B. COLLINS CO.
213 S. Market 712 W. Main St.
Tel. 283-5174 Wholesale, Garage Equip., Auto
"Our success is built on referrals and Supplies, Parts, Machine Shop
action." Tel. 283-5171
AMERICAN PLAYGROUND DEVICE
CO.
Nahma, Michigan
(Service Center, Anderson, Ind.)
DALE & JERRY'S BARBER SHOP
Dixie Highway
Hoopeston, 111.
Phone 283-6216
GALLOWAY MACHINE COMPANY
Richard Norton, Owner
Machine Shop - Welding -
Flame Cutting
RANDY'S BODY SHOP
Dice Addition
24-Hour Wrecker Service
Tel. 283-5988 or 5614
GRITTON'S MARATHON SERVICE
Car, Truck & Tractor
Electrical Repairing
2nd Ave. & Main St.
Phone 283-7620
Hoopeston, Illinois 60942
HALL'S SHELL SERVICE
"Service Is Our Business"
Tires - Batteries - Accessories
Phone 283-7087
109 W. Main St.
FIRST CHURCH OF GOD
E. Orange Street
Hoopeston, Illinois
GOODWIN'S APPLIANCE
Admiral, Frigidaire
Rte. 9 at 3rd Ave.
Phone 283-6421
OUNKIN INN
Don & Judy Staley, Owners
114 E. Main
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
WOMEN'S CLUB
Hoopeston, Illinois
DALE KAUFMANN
Country Companys Insurance
704 South 5th Street
Hoopeston, 111.
Ph. 283-6011
DR. CARL S.
Optometrist
109 E. Main
PARTAIN
Centennial Sponsors
A.J. NELSON'S
LORRAINE THEATER
Air Conditioned
324 E. Main
Tel. 283-5311
BARBARA STANDISH CHAPTER
Daughters of the American
Revolution, Hoopeston
MANHATTAN COCKTAIL LOUNGE
George & Katherine Bobis
104 N. Market
283-6131
"Package Goods"
YERGLER'S JEWELRY
KEEPSAKE
Registered Diamond Rings
314 E. Main
283-6712
JOE HAGGERTY CHEVROLET-OLDS
Carter Urich, Salesman
Sam Barton, Sales & Service
208 N. Market
283-6648
HARRY L. JOHNSON & SON,
CONTRACTORS,
911 E. Main
Hoopeston
Phone 283-7324
MODEL FINANCE CO.
209 S. Market
Tel. 283-6221
SWEET CORN CAPITAL
COLOR SHOOTERS
Hoopeston, 111.
WOMEN OF THE MOOSE
Chapter No. 49
Hoopeston, 111.
HAROLD E. COX — DBA
HOOPESTON INSURANCE AGENCY
104 N. Market
283-5176
THRASHER'S SHOE STORE
Dan Thrasher, owner
211 E. Main
283-5666
HERB WOLTER'S
215 S. 1st Ave.
Phone 283-5444
Hoopeston, Illinois
HATCHERY
BILL DeWITT,
901 E. Main
Tel. 283-6747
AUCTIONEER
CULLIGAN DANVILLE WATER
CONDITIONING, INC.
(William A. Anaya, President)
DODSON SEED STORE
204 W. Main
Danville, 111.
CYANAMID FARM SUPPLY
Wellington, Illinois
McCONNELL GROCERY
East Lynn, El.
SINGLETON GRAIN CO.
East Lynn, 111.
CENTRAL STEEL & WIRE CO.
3000 West 51st St.
Chicago, Illinois 60632
OLDE TOWNE HALL ANTIQUES
(The Lockharts)
Wellington, Illinois
ELECTRIC MOTOR SHOP
3633 N. Vermilion St.
Danville, 111.
BAKER'S APPAREL
208 E. Main
Tel. 283-6148
McMAHON DISTRIBUTORS, LTD.
1304 N. McKinley
Champaign, Illinois
VOYLES CONSTRUCTION CO.
Conservation & Excavation
WeUington, 111.
NAVY BRAND
MANUFACTURING CO.
1555 Salzman
St. Louis, Mo.
HOWARD THOMAS GRAVEL CO.
Washed Sand and Gravel —
Excavating
Paxton, 111.
FRONVILLE JEWELERS
O.E. Fronville, owner
209 E. Main
283-6813
WORLEY BARBER AND BEAUTY SHOP
Sherm and Pauline Worley
421 E. Seminary, Hoopeston
Tel. 283-6017
G & S SIGN CO.
115y2 E. Jones St.
Milford, Illinois
"Custom Made Plexiglass Signs"
GOSS' HOME BAKERY
308 E. Main
Phone 283-5621
"Home of Fine Pastry"
HOOPESTON ROTARY CLUB
KELLY JANE McGEE
MIDWEST SUPPLY COMPANY
The Hoopeston Area Centennial Corporation, Inc.
of Hoopeston, Illinois
PROUDLY PRESENTS
"HOOPESTON'S lOOTH YEAR"
(187M971)
DIRECTOR — Kevin McCarthy; a John B. Rogers Co. Production.
GLENN BRASEL FIELD, HOOPESTON HIGH SCHOOL
Pre-Show, 8 p.m. Performance, 9 p.m.
July 20-24, 1971
CASTING by Diane Summers.
PROPERTIES by Karyl Gammon and the Sigma Alpha
Sorority.
SET CONSTRUCTION by Harry Silver and Kenny Dazey.
WARDROBE SUPERVISION, Anita Clements and Jani
Clements
HISTORICAL DATA by Jack Fisher.
Hoopeston's 100th Year is based on historical outline.
Chronology of incidents, costuming and characters may have
been changed to meet staging requirements. Dialogue situations
and characters have been created to augment historical data
and to increase dramatic effect of the production.
All rights are reserved and no portion of this script may be used
without the consent of the vi/riter, producer, director and the
John B. Rogers Co.
THE PROLOGUE: "Happy Birthday" (Presentation of Queen
and Court)
OVERTURE: "Space Odessey 2001"
EPISODE ONE: Reflections of the Indian!
Scene One: Indian Speaks
Scene Two: Ceremonial War Dance
EPISODE TWO: "Hoopeston Heritage"
Scene One: Thomas Hoopes Speaks
Scene Two: Barn-Raising
Scene Three: Surveying
Scene Four: Racing at Park
EPISODE THREE: "Heritage of Our Faith"
Scene One: The Holy City
Scene Two: The First Service
Scene Three: The Human Cross
EPISODE FOUR: "Early School Days"
Scene One: First School
School Two: Modern Schools
EPISODE FIVE: "Antebellum Years"
Scene One: Hoopeston Hospitality
Scene Two: Strife Over the "Word"
Scene Three: Civil War
Scene Four: Gettysburg Address
EPISODE SIX: "The Good Old Days"
Scene One: The Gay Nineties
Scene Two: Barbershop Quartet
Scene Three: July 4th Celebration
Scene Four: Beauty Contest of '91
Scene Five: The Chase
EPISODE SEVEN: "The 20th Century, Flicks, Flappers and
Flivvers"
Scene One: Going to War
Scene Two: World War I Battle
Scene Three: Armistice Day
Scene Four: Roaring 20's
Scene Five: The Charleston
EPISODE EIGHT: "The Depression"
Scene One: The WPA
Scene Two: Pearl Harbor
Scene Three: Hitler and World War II
EPISODE NINE: "Post Rock to Moon Rock"
Scene One: The Future
EPILOGUE: "A Salute to Hoopeston"
Scene One: Presentation of Cast
Scene Two: I Am an American
Scene Three: "Star Spangled Banner"
"Hoopeston's 100th Year" Cast Members
PROLOGUE
GIRL SCOUTS AND BROWNIES: Le Ann Peterson, Barbara
Fouse, Becky Carter, Kim Blalock, Kristine Knuth, Maralee
Siville, Kathy Ritter, Darlene Knapp, Roxanna Harviston, Kim
Baker, Cathy Baum, Carolgene Baum, Teri Cox, Kim Snively,
Cindy Aleshire, Debbie Cain.
BOY SCOUTS AND CUB SCOUTS: Mark Holt, Scott Holt, Brent
Clements, Bob Witty, Curtis Page, Bryan Clements, Herbie
Shoufler, Brian Ritter, Jerry Matthews, Craige Page.
MAJORETTES: Tammy Clements, Trudy Thompson,
Stephanie Whiteman, Diane Horridge, Lisa Bitto, Lynn Fer-
dinand, Jo Ellen Ferdinand, Barbara Bretts, Cheryl Wallace,
Stephanie Matthews, Kim Shore, Angela Hodge, Sandy Crab-
tree, Cheryl Horridge.
HORSEBACK RIDERS: Ray Eells, Ralph Bertram, Jack
Smock, Don Roy, Roger Knapp, Layden girls. Bob Lust, K.L.
Cain.
COLOR GUARDS: Legion - Ron Schwartz, Earl "Dusty"
Cowan, Glenn Thompson, Rick Tovey, Don Miles, Ron Lewis,
Keith Snively, Chuck Whiteman. VFW - Jerry Eells, Jerry
Morgeson, Ernie Trent, Jim Goodrum, Ron Goodrum, Butch
Moore, Les Roberts, Lloyd Brown, Mike Lawson.
EPISODE NO. 2 — HOOPESTON'S HERITAGE
PIONEER PEOPLE: George Blalock, Judy Blalock, Sandra
Dee Blalock, Laura Lee Blalock, Kim Blalock, Raymond Steele,
Bernice Steele, Jim Richards, Jeanne Richards, Chris
Richards, Kelly Richards, Byron Yanders, Carol Yanders,
Rusty Yanders, Dale-lee Yanders, Roy Allison, Blanche Allison,
Odell Crabtree, Delores Crabtree, Tim Crabtree, Delia Crab-
tree, Cliffy Crabtree, Bus Reed, John Reed, Charles Johnson,
Jeanne Johnson, Jack Johnson, Doris Silver, Kathie Silver, Joe
Coon, Cheri Coon, Robyn Coon, Phyllis Coon, Karen Carpenter,
Alvin Riffel, Norma Riffel, Betty Summers, Judy Summers,
Dianne Summers, Marjorie Siville, Maralee Siville, Steve
Unger, Sue Unger, Marilyn Owen, Sharon Owen, Steve Owen,
Wilma Ritter, Kathy Ritter, Vickie Dunavan, Marta Dunavan,
Phiama Morgan, Quanee Morgan, Elmer Hix, Mabel Hix,
Beverly Jerome, Jack Silver, Mona Silver, Barb Shuler, Evelyn
Cauble, Sarge York, Leona York, Mary Hoaks, Elsie Forshier,
Frances Boose, Karen Weger, Rosa Potts, Ada Gooden, Ann
Weber, Marita Webb, Marge Carter, Venetia Lane, Roberta
Wood, Betty Stone, Naomi Alkire, Linda Weaks, Larry
Longfellow, George Lopez, Ed Watson, Walter Evans, Lillie
McBride, Charlotte Peterson, Marie German.
EPISODE NO. 3 — HERITAGE OF OUR FAITH —
CHURCH PEOPLE
EPISODE NO. 1
INDIANS
INDIAN DANCERS: Shelly Ault, Cathy Bird, Connie Bird,
Nancy Brougher, Julie Irvin, Leigh Johnson, Linda Johnson,
Sandy Garrison, Princess, Sandi Garner, Jeannie Law, Becky
Milton, April Meador, Linda Pocialik, Mary Kay Pocialik,
Kathy Rigsby, Caria Peterson, Kathy Sheehan, Toni Sinclair,
Julie York, Teri York, Scott Peterson.
INDIAN BRAVES: Scott Peterson, Jeff Kriebs, Vaughn Cox,
Kenneth Burt, Dennis Kriebs, Don Underwood, Paul Peterson,
Jim Gummere, Keith Burt, Mike Forshier.
INDIAN SQUAWS: Judy Davis, Mary Mclntyre, Marianne
Boyer.
INDIAN CHILDREN: Mike Boyer, Lori Blackwell, David
Thorn, Becky Clayburn.
CHURCH PEOPLE: Rev. Walter Evans, Wilma Ritter, Kathy
Ritter, Jack Silver, Mona Silver, Mark Silver, Marlin Silver,
Marty Silver, Monte Silver, Norma Riffel, Doris Silver, Kathie
Silver, Mickie Brooks, CarIa Peterson, Mickie Brooks, Vickie
Dunavan, Roberta Wood, Venetia Lane, Marita Webb, Odell
Crabtree, Delores Crabtree, Delia Crabtree, Tim Crabtree,
Cliffy Crabtree, Phronie Harris, Esther Brewington, Marjorie
Siville, Maralee Siville, Karen Weger, Juanita Peterson,
Raymond Steele, Bernice Steele, Lillie McBride, Cheri Coon,
Joe Coon, Jim Richards, Jeannie Richards, Chris Richards,
George Blalock, Judy Blalock, Kim Blalock, Steve Anderson,
Roy Allison, Blanche Allison, Raymond Steele, Bernice Steele,
Bus Reed, John Reed, Hilda Reed, Dale-lee Yanders, Marilyn
Owen, Sharon Owen, Steve Owen, Cindy Owen, Betty Summers,
Judy Summers, Dianne Summers, Mabel Hix, Beverly Jerome,
Phiama Morgan, Quanee Morgan, Rosa Potts, Ann Weber,
Marie German, Naomi Alkire, Linda Weaks, Grace Riley, Ada
Gooden, Mae Smock, Hazel Simpson, Sarge York, Leona York,
Frances Boose, Karen Carpenter, Betty Stone, Charlotte
Peterson, Beverly Wallace, Marg Shoufler, Marsha Shoufler,
Herbie Shoufler.
i i
Hoopeston's 100th Year" Cast Members
EPISODE NO. 4 — EARLY SCHOOL DAYS
SCHOOL CHILDREN: Kathy RItter, Becky Carter, Quanee
Morgan, Karen Weger, Judy Summers, Joanne Harris, Ann
Singleton, Cathy Baum, Carolgene Baum, Brian Ritter, Scott
Holt, Mark Holt, Tammy Huber, Kim Blalock, Candy Huber,
Susan Holt, Mark Crawford, Steve Long, Brent Clements, Le
Ann Peterson, Misty Morgeson, Kim Nelson, Cassie Nelson,
Gina Clements, Kelly Reagan, Tony Reagan, Roger Conrad,
Cattiy Roark, Wllma Ritter, Teactier.
PERFECT YOUNG LADIES: Sandy Eells, Teri York, Renee
Benjamin, Stielly Ault, Cindy Ault, Susie Ford, Barb Shuler, Sue
Unger, Paula Peterson, Juanita Peterson, Teacher.
LIFEGUARDS: Bruce Hoagland, Larry Kincade and Sarge
York.
GAY 90'S PEOPLE: Hazel Simpson, Chris Richards, Vickie
Dunavan, Marg Shoufler, Herbie Shoufler, Marsha Shoufler and
Mike Good.
EPISODE N0.7- FLICKS, FLAPPERS AND FLIVVERS
GANGSTERS: Larry Vance, Jerry Robertson, Bruce Hoagland,
Bill Warner, Keith Roark, Rick Boyden and Dennis Jerome.
EPISODE NO.S- ANTEBELLUM YEARS
OLD FASHIONED PEOPLE: Rick Burtis, Beverly Jerome,
Leon Poison, Dela Crabtree, Tim Crabtree, Cliffy Crabtree,
Odell Crabtree, Delores Crabtree, Debbie Siefert, Judy Blalock,
Kim Blalock, George Blalock, Sandra Dee Blalock, Laura Lee
Blalock, Jim Richards, Jeanne Richards, Leona York, Jack
Silver, Mona Silver, Doris Silver, Kathy Silver, Raymond
Steele, Bernlce Steele, Bus Reed, Hilda Reed, Glen Brasel, Judy
Summers, Betty Summers, Hazel Simpson, Betty Stone,
Elizabeth Romine, Chris Romine, Anne Romine, Bob Romlne,
Linda Weaks, Naomi Alkire, Karen Carpenter, Norene Hannie,
Evelyn Cauble, Elsie Forshier, Mary Haoks, Lucy Theobald,
Mike Good, Betty Good, Doris Good, Byron Yanders, Dale-lee
Yanders, Rusty Yanders, Dianne Summers, Bobby Forshier,
Timmy Carter, Alvin Riffel, Norma Riffel, Marg Shoufler,
Marsha Shoufler, Herbie Shoufler, Chris Richards, Kelly
Richards, Randy Underwood, Robert G. Brown and Mike
Brown.
CHARLESTON DANCERS: Larry Kincade, Sharon Kincade,
Ina Mae Mayer, Harry Mayer, Earl Lackey, Jean Lackey, Art
Warner, Jeanne Warner, Mary Hale, Tom Holt, Marianne
Boyer, Linda Gaffney, Mickie Brooks, Vickie Ounavan, Jim
Richards, Dianne Summers, Barbara Shuler, Sue Unger, John
Block, Randy Garner, Marilyn Owen, Steve Unger and Debbie
McBride.
RUDY VALENTINO: Sarge York.
THEOA BARRA: Barb Forshier.
IRATE HUSBAND: Robert Weaks.
PROPS — THETA EPSILON SORORITY
Mrs. Karyl Gammon, Mrs. Sarah Ault, Mrs. Linda Barber,
Mrs. Carol Barber, Mrs. Sharon Blackwell, Mrs. Anne Coffman;
Mrs. Charlotte Goldsbery; Mrs. Joyce Harden, Mrs. Sherill
Hinkle, Mrs. Diane Jones, Mrs. Barbara Lewis and Mrs. Sandy
Schuler.
EPISODE NO. 6 - GAY 90'S
BATHING BEAUTIES: Linda Pocialik, Nancy
Jeanne Richards, Jeannie Law and April Meador.
Brougher,
OTHERS HELPING
Mrs. Virginia Sheppard, Mrs. Mary Kay Swim, Mr. Bort
Livingston, Ron Carter and W.A. Read.
Queen Candidates
MARY ATCHISON
KATHY BARKER
PHYLIS BENJAMIN
RENEE BENJAMIN
MICKEY BROOKS
KATHY BUTTERWORTH
SALLIE BUTZOW
NANCY CARVER
MARY CRAVEN
ELLEN DOBKINS
KATHY ERICKSON
VICKIE GADDIS
LINDA GAFFNEY
SARA GROVE
DEBBIE HALL
ANN HALLSTROM
PAULINE HARTMAN
DEBORA JOHNSON
SHIRLEY NEAL
LINDA NOSLER
VIRGINIA POWELL
JULIE PRATT
JEANNE RICHARDS
KAY ROSBORG
MARY LOU SNIVELY
PEGGY VAILES
RHONDA VOGEL
SANDRA VOGEL
LINDA WARF
SHIELA WISE
STARNA WISE
CATHY ZIEGLER
CAROLINE FLEENOR
LULU WEAKS
JILL MITCHELL
JUDY BROCKWAY
VICKIE KIETZMANN
CINDY FORSHIER
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Bill Burtis, Slim Collier, Charlotte Russell, Bill McGee, Dale Brown, "Pepper
Jim Miller, Paul Tolch, Marge Wallace, Sarah Ault, Larry Coon, Earl
Mills, Dale Preston, Lee Martin, Tate Duley.
Martin, Clyde Watson,
Snnock. Not present: Tom
Honorary President
CHARLES F. DYER
ADVISORY BOARD
Joe Moore, Charlotte Russell, Earl Smock
Not present: Tom Mills and Byron Hedgecock
Mayor and General Chairman
EARL F. SMOCK
Centennial Patrons
TUESDAY NIGHT — JULY 20TH
Tom and Martha Merrift
Floyd Sfine
Iris and Jack Murphy
Vickie J. Kietzmann
Robert W. Murphy
Father R.J. Boyle
Ralph Lytle
James H. Murphy
Jay E. Hartz
Bud Oyer
Mr. J.W. Mosser
Don B. Pharmacy, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Schuff
Bob Leverenz
Clifford Bury
Iroquois County Title and Trust Co.
Ernest Segal
George R. Haupt
Mrs. Zelda Gustine
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Forshier
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Willis
The Whitehall
Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Holmes
Dick Schroer
Joe Jollief
Eugene E. Casey
WEDNESDAY — JULY 21ST
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Stipp
Dr. and Mrs. James McCann
Mrs. June Hoopes
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hartman
Brian Meador
Jim Spence
Lee D. Featherstone
Dean Burns
Ditech Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Martin
Mr. L.M. Goodyear
Doug and David Hartman
Bob Molley
E.E. Braun
Mr. and Mrs. Ron DeVore
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Petersen and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Bury
Charles O'Neal
Bill Peters
Ed Bury
Gerald Vrshek
Bill Eversole
Don R. Mammett
John Carter
John Babeck
L.E. Gibson
Davis City Drug Store
Dix Mutual County Fire Insurance Co.
Marty K
Mr. John Norman
James Gooden
Mrs. Clark Blankinship
Conlin's Dress Shop
James Miller
THURSDAY — JULY 22ND
Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Potts
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Cowan
Mr. and Mrs. John R. Benjamin
Robert J. Clark
Mrs. Donald A. Johnson
Roger Toohey
Mr. and Mrs. Herman W. Cox
James W. Brandt
Glen Brock
The Wellington State Bank
Illinois Lumber, Grain and Coal Co.
Charles M. Haworth
Martin Bates
John E. Pound
Earl Prusa
Alexander Lumber Co.
R & H Hardware
Dr. and Mrs. J.L. Knight
American Can Co.
Mr. and Mrs. Roberts E. Snively
Watseka Building and Loan Assn.
E.P. Barrick, Jr. i
Mr. and Mrs. Ora J. Baer
Peoples Loan Co.
Bauer Clothing
Steiner Furniture Co.
Harris Insurance Co.
Knapp and Steiner TruValue Hardware
Cynthia Kietzmann
Mr. and Mrs. George Kietzmann
Mr. and Mrs. William Regan
Zetta Boren
Mr. Earl Goodwine
Mrs. Harriett Burger
Centennial Patrons
FRIDAY — JULY 23RD
Mrs. H.F. Jones
Mrs. Robert Shuler
Rev. Raymond J. Boyle
Jack Ray
Glen T. Smith, Jr.
Tom Mills
William E. Nelson
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hodge
Hoopeston Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Aruestinig Plumbing & Heating
Elizabeth Thomas — Downtown Motel
Iroquois County Daily Times
C.L. Johnson Fertilizer
Willia S. Hari
MR. Hallstrom
Charles Freimann
Gladys M. Evans
Mrs. W.E. Stuebe
Betty McConnel
Citizen's State Bank
Loretta's
Keith Smith
Mrs. Paul Keene
Robert L. Wallace
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Collier
John E. Glenn
The First National Bank of Rossville
Castle's Business Equip. Co.
Fathar Larry Ansley
Frances & James K. Bell II
Wallace Gress
Mr. and Mrs. Dale Wallace II
Miss Charlotte Ann Russell
Mrs. Josephine B. Russell
Mrs. Eva Odie
Mr. Paul T. Manion
Mr. and Mrs. John Glenn
Berry Bearing Co.
Robert E. Thornburg
R.J. Mathews
Martin Due
Gene Vielinski
Dane Goodman
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Malady
SATURDAY — JULY 24TH
Gene Breitharth
Mike Heath
John McCullough
Martin D. Johnson
Richard E. June
Mr. and Mrs. Herb Shoufler
Elston Klocke
Troy, Vera, Sherri and Debbi Bloyd
Schumacher Hardware
MiHord Skelgas Service & Furniture
David's
Mr. and Mrs. James Forshier
Harry Scharlach
Charles Aire
Scott W. Payne
Richard A. Martin
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shanks
Deutsch Brothers
Richard S. Forshier
James H. Ellis
Roy N. Vailes
Kent Weber
Ed Jones
W.E. Fitch
Howard Dayton
Burns A. Robertson
John Malady
Bob Meiers
Zola McCord
Alice Herman
Dennis Neal
Lavera's Dress Shop
Reeves Bros. Construction Co.
Zack Taylor
George Kalhust
Depke Welding Supp. Inc.
Harry Smith
Joe Lamy
Debbie Vailes
Faulstitch Printing
Ben Sykes
CIssna Park State Bank
Charles Lee
Howard Dayton
Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Kurtz
Sheila Eberly
Harold Chenillet
Curt Pedden
A'Neat Beauty Salon
Ray Smith's Office Products, Inc.
M.W. Ward
Mayor Earl F. and Mae Smock
Sheridan's
Bill Read Pontiac
Joe Haggerty Chevrolet
Dr. G.R. Callahan
Dale Preston Jr.
Harold Umbanhowar
Queens' Committee Prize Awards Donors
A8.W Root Beer Stand
Adier's
American Can Co.
American Legion Auxiliary
American Legion Post 384
American Playground Equip Co.
Arnold's Office Supplies
O.J. Baer Co.
Baker's Apparel
Beaty's Gulf
Bell Auto Supply
Bob's Place
Cade Oil Co.
Carley Advertising Spec.
Carolynn's Beauty Shop
Charlene's Beauty Shop
Christian Church Women's Assn.
City National Bank
C.J.'s Pump
Coast to Coast Hardware
Compton's Garage
Corner Dress Shop
Cox Brothers Equip. Co.
Cox Insurance Agency
Crescent Paper Co.
H.W. Cultra, Nursery
Citizen's Savings and Loan Assn.
The Darb
Davis Heating and Sheet Metal
Don B Pharmacy
W.T. Duley Insurance
E.B. Collins Co.
E & H Truck Brokers
Elliott Jewelers
FMC Corp.
Pat Farrell Beauty Shop
Ferdinand Radio & TV
Forshier Realty
Franklin Fibre Lamtex Corp.
Frey Tire Co.
Fronville Jewelers
Gaddis Gulf
Gary's Men's and Boys Wear
Gaslite Restaurant
Golden Life Insurance Co.
GrabltHere Store
Goss' Bakery
Gritton Marathon
Grant-Ross Credit Union
The "Guys" Denim Flare Jeans
Helen Griner Beauty Salon
Haggerty Chevrolet-Olds
Hinkle Barber Shop
Hoopeston Chamber of Commerce
Hoopeston Fertilizer Co.
Hoopeston IGA Foodliner
Hoopeston Monument Co.
Hoopeston Plumbing and Heating
Hott Lumber and Coal Co.
Iroquois Federal Savings and Loan
John Deere Vermilion Works
Javis Supply Co.
Judy Barber Shop
Kankakee Distributing Co.
Harry Karstens (Reynolds Aluminum)
Dale Kaufmann Insurance
Keek's Trend House
Charles Knapp, Auctioneer
Mr. L's
Shirley Lawson Beauty Shop
Venetia Lane Beauty Shop
Larson's Men's Wear
Lions Club
Longfellow Agency
Nell Longfellow Beauty Shop
Loyal Order of Moose
Main Street Inn
Ann Martin Beauty Shop
Merle Norman Cosmetics by Fleta
Tom Merritt and Co.
Mills Publications, Inc.
Navy Brand Manufacturing Co.
Paper House
Pla-Mor Lanes
W.A. Read Pontiac-Buick
Regan Sinclair Service
Rossville Packing Co.
Pat Regan Beauty Shop
Sanitary Dry Cleaners
Schultz Bros.
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Sheridan's
Silver Bros., Inc.
Ray Smith Office Supplies
S.A. Snively Co.
Stone's Phillips 66
StokelyVan Camp, Inc.
Spurgeon's
Swing Elevator
Ted's Home Beverage
Thrasher Shoe Store
Town and Country Steak House
Uptown Lounge
Phyllis Vandenburg Beauty Shop
Wallace Agency
Weber Drug
Wellington State Bank
Western Auto Sto^e
Woodward-Schumacher
Woody's
Worthen's
Yergler Jewelry
R. Yonkelowitz and Son
Methodist Women's Assn.
Church of God Women
Don Earle, Wyler Watch
Scranton Industries
Mary Ann Sorenson
Snapshots, Notes and Autographs
Centennial Sponsors
PRAIRIE FARMS DAIRY INC.
TRAF-O-TERIA SYSTEM, INC.
El Dorado, Kansas
UNIVERSAL TANK &
IRON WORKS, INC. AND
UNIVERSAL CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.
11221 W. RockviUe Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46231
THE CORNER DRESS SHOP
For the Added Flair
in Women's Wear
301 E. Main
Tel. 283-6422
Pat Acton, owner
BENNYS GROCERY
(Formerly Matthews Grocery)
327 E. McCracken Avenue
Phone 283-7211
Hoopeston, 111.
BELL AUTO SUPPLY
227 E. Main
283-6213
CONTINENTAL RESEARCH CORP.
P.O. Box 8428
St. Louis, Mo. 63132
BRULIN & CO., INC.
Ralph C. Sauder
REID BOILER WORKS, INC.
"Boiler Makers &
Steel Fabricators"
Bellingham, Washington
BURY BEAUTY SALON
Wanda Bury
417 S. Market
283-6110
BETTY'S BEAUTY SHOP
Betty Musk
721 E. Chestnut
283-6031
JOVIS SUPPLY CO., INC.
RAY SMITH'S OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC. REV. RAYMOND J. BOYLE
ERVINS DECORATING CO.
Dice Addition Hoopeston, 111.
217-283-7323
ST. ANTHONY'S
423 S. 3rd St.
Hoopeston
CATHOLIC CHURCH
ELLIOTT JEWELERS
307 E. Main
Since 1895
ARMSTRONG PLUMBING AND
HEATING SERVICE
216 S. 8th Street
Watseka, Illinois 60970
815-432-4463
SHERIDAN'S
Tom & Mary Sheridan
224 E. Main
283-5107
THE PAPER HOUSE
The Area's Largest Selection
of Greetings Cards
214 E. Main
283-7008
H & H IMPLEMENT CO.,
John Deere Dealer
Milford, Illinois
INC.
PAT'S POWDER PUFF
211 S. Market
283-7020
SPURGEON'S
204 E. Main
283-5041
LESTER'S DRUG STORE
"Wib" & Gene Carlson
220 E. Main
283-5815
REEVES BROS. CONSTRUCTION
Road and Bridge Contractors
P.O. Box 284, Milford, Illinois
8894411
CO. ADLER'S
"Fine Ladies' Wear"
201 E. Main
283-7344
LAWRENCE WELLS
ELECTRICAL SERVICE
511 E. McNeil
Tel. 283-6013
L & M LUNCH
Mick and Larry Farrell
307 E. Main
Tel. 283-6416
HOOPESTON FOOD LOCKER
210 E. Penn
Tel. 283-6126
Hoopeston, Illinois
GAS FOR LESS!
WHY PAY
MORE?
WE'RE PROUD
that we've been helping to
build Hoopeston for many years.
Happy 100TH YEAR!
Our ONLY difference Is our price!
We wish Hoopeston the BEST
on its 1 00th Anniversary.
COX' OWENS
Ray Cox, dealer W. Penn & S. Second
Across from Marty-K
Telephone 283-9933
Hardware • Paint • Glass • Custom Cabinets
Brown's woodworks
O. E. Brown and R. W. Brown
801 E. Thompson Hoopeston
Tel. 283-7739
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'i
Kohler Fixtures
and
Annerican Standard
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ALKIRE'S
Plumbing & Heating
"the home-owner's friend"
525 E. Main Street
Hoopeston, Illinois
Phone 283-5589
'I
To mark our 100th Year....
We're going to award 2 ''unforgettable'' mementoes
JPARTICIPATE — And Win a New Carli
Yes, we're going all-out to celebrate
the Hoopeston Area Centennial
(established for the educational value)
Joe Haggerty and Carter Urich of Haggerty Chevrolet-Olds dealership, stand beside the new
Chevrolet which will be given away as one of two grand prizes offered during the Hoopeston Area
Centennial Celebration.
(For more details. ...souvenirs. ...a walk
into the past - visit Centennial Headquarters,
219 W. Main St.
If you've enjoyed this souvenir booklet,
tell those merchants listed inside it,
THANKS! Without them, it would not have been.
Happy
Birthday
To
Our
Home Town
It is with great pride we call Hoopeston "our home town".
Although the Mills Family has lived in Hoopeston for only 23 years, we
share the enthusiasm and pleasure of living here just as the founding
families do.
The long colorful history of the CHRONICLE-HERALD is our
heritage. As an integral part of Mills Publications, Inc. it points the
way to our future.
We pledge to continue our efforts in producing the best possible
small town newspaper .... so that the continuing history of Hoopeston
will be written, read and placed on file for the future Hoopestonites
who will enjoy the good life of living in our home town.
Frank, Tom, Tim, Mark and Joe Mills
MILLS publications, inc.
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Daughters of the American Revolution
When Barbara Standish Chapter. Daughters of the American
Revolution, was organized September 8. 1905 with eighteen
members it was the only chapter in Eastern Illinois outside of
Chicago or Bloomington, except Alliance Chapter, Urbana-
Champaign, which was organized the year before. Though only
twelve rrxembers were needed for organization there was un-
certainty of reaching that goal in so small a place as Hoopeston.
Mary Hall Hamilton(Mrs. John L.) was a member of DAR when
she moved to Hoopeston. Isadore McCaughey and Charlotte
McFerren(Mrs. J. S.) had completed their papers for mem-
bership, but had laid them away, for they did not want to be
members at large. When Mrs. Hamilton found there were two
women with established lines she determined to organize a
chapter in Hoopeston. She did nothing definite until Eunice
Sater, a cousin of Miss McCaughey's came to Hoopeston as
a teacher in the school system. She, too, was a member
elsewhere, but promised that if a chapter were organized here
she would transfer her membership. She did. and by September
8. 1905 there were more than enough to organize a chapter, and
Charter Number 677 dated October 4, 1905 was granted them by
the National Society, DAR, Washington, D. C.
Today Barbara Standish Chapter has a membership of
seventy two, with nearly half being non-resident members.
PAST REGENTS; 1905-1908. Mary Hall Hamilton: 1908-1910,
Eliza Lukens Williams; 1910-1912, Charlotte Lee McFerren;
1912-1914, Mary Finley Honeywell; 1914-1916, Isadore Mc-
Caughey: 1916-1917, Lillian Clark Warner: 1918-1920. Anna
Hoopeston Garden Club
The Hoopeston Garden Club was organized on July 12, 1966, at
the home of Mrs. Mary Jones, East Penn St-
We have a closed membership of 20 members. We meet the
fourth Friday of each month at 1:30 p.m. September thru June.
Two menibers serve each month, one being hostess and the
other giving the program. Dues are $2.00 payable each June.
The first officers in 1966 were: Pres-Mrs. Marguerite Crouch;
Vice-pres-Mrs. Katheryn Dunn, who resigned. Mrs. Mary
Matthews was elected to take her place.; Sec. -Mrs. Esther
Anderson; Treas.-Mrs. Geraldine Baier; Publicity-Mrs. Ger-
trude Knox.
The meeting was called to order by the president. She asked
for suggestions for a name for the new club. After some
discussion it was moved by Mrs. Clara Hott, that the club should
be known as the "Hoopeston Garden Club". The motion was
seconded, then voted and accepted. New by-laws were drawn
up.
We have very instructive garden programs and we are a very
well attended and active club.
Officers for 1970-71 are: Pres.-Lillie E. Southwick; Vice-pres.-
Mrs. Susie Lithgow; Sec. -Treas.-Mrs. Viola Mitchell; Publicity-
Mrs. Hazel Cragg.
Women of the Moose
In 1914. the Women of the Moose organization was called
Women of the Mooseheart Legion. In 1930, Women of the
Mooseheart Legion was officially designated as the Women of
the Moose, an auxiliary of the Loyal Order of Moose.
On January 25, 1939 Women of the Moose Hoopeston Chapter
49 was organized. Thirteen women were enrolled by Cham-
paign. Illinois Women of the Moose officers. Officers for
Hoopeston Chapter were: Ethel Lucas. Jr. Graduate Regent:
Katherine Hite. Senior Regent; Mamie Guthrie, Jr. Regent:
Ada Jackson. Chaplain; Ruth Richardson. Recorder; Agnes
Wood. Treasurer; Katy Wise, Sentinel; Alta Lane, Argus. The
only living charter member is Mrs. Alta Lane, 642 East Mc-
Cracken Avenue, Hoopeston, who was 84 years old March 7,
1971.
Thompson Boorde: 1920-1921, Katherine B. Greene: 1921-1922,
Lucy Potter Yates; 1922-1923, Mary L. ReVeal; 1923-1924. Addie
Reece Finley; 1924-1925, Lutie Woolverton Rice; 1925-1926,
Hallie Bell Erickson Smith; 1927-1929, Anna Thompson Boorde;
1929-1931, Hattie Marston Sibbitt: 1931-1933, Carrie Harlan
Pruitt; 1933-1935, Mary Finley Honeywell: 1935-1937, Sara
Honeywell Earl: 1937-1938. Maude Gay Parnell; 1939-1941, Mary
Shafer Frame: 1941-1943, Iva Reece Gustine; 1943-1945. Marie
Honeywell Hay: 1945-1947, Gladys Evans; 1947-1949, Vera Grain
Murray: 1949-1951, Etta McFarland Landers: 1951-1953, Nellie
Jane McFerren Littick; 1953-1955, Lanie Carter Young: 1955-
1957, Forrest Murray Browne: 1957-1961, Mary Ethel Perkins:
1961-1965, Grace Muir Bailey; 1965-1967, Helen Yates Kauf-
mann; 1967-1968, Jane Ditton Yeoman; and 1968-1971, Irene
Crouch.
Ira Owen Kr eager Aux
Soon after the men who fought in World War I returned to
Hoopeston. an American Legion Post was organized. Since the
women of Hoopeston rallied to the war cause, it was only natural
they wanted to continue those efforts, so an Auxiliary to the
Legion began.
Little has been found concerning those first years, but Mrs. E.
J. Boorde wes diligent in rounding up prospective members
early in the Spring of 1922.
The first endorsement was signed by the then Post Com-
mander, Floyd Sargent and the adjutant, M. S. Cash in May. The
second endorsement was signed by the Department President,
Mrs. W. E. Hartman on June 16. 1922. with the third on June 22,
1922. by the National Secretary, Pauline Curmick, and the
fourth and final one on June 26, 1922, and Mrs. Boorde became
the organizing president, later was elected the president for the
coming year.
There were 22 charter members, according to material
available, with 17 of them now deceased. They were: Mesdames
E. J. Boorde, J. N. Fraley, C. F. Dyer, Wm. McFerren, Mabel
Boorde, Coy Burton, F. E. Miller. M. S. Cash. M. M. Clements,
E. H. Gustine, W. L. Berkey, J. B. Kerr. D. J. McFerren, Rose
E. Foster, J. H. Dyer. Ella Retry, J. S. McFerren. A. E. Raasch,
F. R. Johnson, Harris Beck, George Raasch and W. J. Sharon.
RN Club
On November 17, 1960, when a hospital in Hoopeston had gone
from the dream stage to reality, a group of registered nurses in
the community met in the home of Mr. John Haughee. The
meeting was set up to determine the number of nurses available
in the area who could staff the hospital, and to set up a registry
of private duty nurses to work locally and in Danville hospitals.
It was decided to form, an organization with a membership of
the nurses in the city and surrounding area. The group would
operate under a consitution and a set of by-faws, meet
regularly for both social and professional purposes and
sponsor needed projects in the community. The object was to
"reacquaint nurses with nursing purposes and to help elevate
standards of nursing in the community". Dr. Werner Fliesser
agreed to sponsor the organization.
The charter members of the group are as follows: Alta Allen,
Pat Anderson, Dorothy Barry, Janet Blankinship, Norma Bitto,
Carol Clements, Mable Cottingham, Wanda Crusinberry.
Emma Eckersly, Jean Gonzalez, Mary Hanson, Juanita
Haughee, Phyllis Hosfield, Marvelene Hushaw, Lorraine Hott,
Helen Kaufmann, Adeline Kinder, Lillie Ingle, Kathy Layden,
JMarty Leigh. Shirley Lusk, Carol Newman, Mary Ann Sinclair,
and Charlotte Whittle.
The first slate of officers was: President, Juanita Haughee,
Vice president, Phyllis Hosfield, Secretary, Lorraine Hott,
Treasurer, Carol Clements. Parliamentarian, Charlotte
Whittle. The slate was adopted at a meeting in January 1961.
The regular meeting date was set for the fourth Tuesday night
each month except July and August.
Order of theEastern Star
This story has its beginning like the history of so many fine
enterprises with "A woman and her dream." Her dream was to
establish a chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of Illinois in
the young and growing city of Hoopeston. Illinois. She had the
desire to interest people in this organization in which female
relatives of Master Masons could share some of the benefits
from this great fraternal order. She was a young lady by the
rtime of Lyda Hickman, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Hidiman. who lived on a farm near Claytonville, Illinois. Lyda
Hidiman had joined Jessamine Chapter No. 194 O.E.S. of
Illinois held at Rankin. Illinois on September 16, 1897. She moved
with her parents from the farm near Claytonville on November
30. 1897 to the residence at 508 West Penn Street. Hoopeston.
Illinois.
Shortly after moving to Hoopeston. Lyda Hickman set about
the task of organizing the Hoopeston chapter of the Order of the
Eastern Star of Illinois.
On November 21. 1899. eleven ladies and twelve men met in
the Masonic Hall, which was then located above the Burton's
Dry Goods Store on the north side in the 200 block of East Main
Street near Bank Street. The meeting was called to order hy
Robert Smith. Lyda Hickman was chosen as chairman and
Susie Seekatz as secretary for the evening. A petition for
dispensation was circulated and twenty-three people signed it.
This petition for dispensation, having the required number of
signatures, was to be sent to Chicago to the Worthy Grand
Matron of the O.E.S. of Illinois. The required fee of $25.00 was
collected to be sent with this petition for dispensation.
The charter was received Oct. 3, 1900 with 20 charter mem-
bers.
B &PW Club
On February 21. 1952. a meeting was held at the Maple School
for the purpose of organizing a Business & Professional
Women's club in Hoopeston. Several women from Hoopeston
and vicinity were present and mentbers from various clubs in
Kankakee. Urbana. Watseka. and Danville were present to
explain activities, advantages, etc. of such a club. Miss Miriam
Taylor acted as chairman and appointed a by-laws and
nominating committees.
The second organization meeting was held in the Library on
Tuesday. March 11. at which time the officers were elected.
The club was sponsored by the Danville Club and received its
charter May 28. 1952 with 46 charter members.
Membership consists of Women in Business or the
Professionals, also retired women who were members at the
time of their retirement.
Programs are planned to be of interest to men^bers par-
ticipating in all different fields of employment, some of them
are: Color Dynamics. Club Affairs. Defense of United Nations.
Fifms on Heart Disease & Cancer. Attorney on laws and Wills.
AFS Students, Pictures & Program. Welcome Wagon. Christ-
mas Decorations. Antiques. Facts about Nursing Home. Women
Voters. Hair & Wig styles. Charm & Grooming for Business
Women. First Aid. and at present several programs on drugs.
We have helped in many civic projects, such as: City
Beautification, Local Migrant Council, Getting out the Vote,
United Fund, Cancer Drive, Red Cross Drive, donate to the
Hoopeston Hospital and Nursing Home, gave baskets to needy
families, also to County Home, Polio Drive, and local school for
retarded children.
The club presents a scholarship each year to an outstanding
student.
In 1960-61. Miss Miriam Taylor was District Vice-Chair man.
and 1961-62. was District Chairman. In 1970-71. May Lily Wells is
the Secretay and Treasurer of the District.
At the present there are 66 members, of which 13 charter
members.
Literary Club
One cold Fall evening in October, 1913, the male persuasion of
certain families of this city were being banqueted by the
Brotherhood Union at the Rusk Garage. Now the idea of mere
male men having a banquet and not saying beans to us, their
better halves, well this was enough for us but too much for our
sister, Mrs. Flagg, who began immediately to devise ways and
means of getting even with these banqueters. She first called up
Mrs. Southwick, and we all know what Mrs. Flagg couldn't think
of, Mrs. Southwick could.
These two ladies put their heads together and their phones in
action and the consequences were, one by one of us wended our
way to the home of Mrs. Flagg and when a roll was called the
following ladies responded: Mrs. Flagg. Miss Elder, Mrs.
Southwich. Mrs. Dunscomb, and Mrs. Robinson, and Mrs.
Abbott.
A very pleasant and profitable evening was spent, in-as-much
as it was the birth of the T. E. CLUB(Now the Tuesday afternoon
Club.)
At the second meeting the constitution and by-laws were
presented, approved and adopted. And the Tuesday Evening
Club was a reality.
It was decided to limit the membership to fifteen, hence in-
vitations were issued to and accepted by Mrs. J. Patterson, Mrs.
E. Knox, Mrs. M. A. Boardman, Mrs. Jessie Jones, Mrs. W.
Finley, Mrs. R. Zook. forming the original club.
It was decided to meet every Tuesday evening and to pur-
chase and read before the club, the latest and most popular
literature.
Woman 's Relief Corps
No history, however brief, would be complete without a
mention of a "vanished" Army, those valiant soldiers who
comprised the Union Army during the Civil War of 1861-1865,
their Comn\ander-in-Chief, Abraham Lincoln. I6th president of
the United States, their cause to preserve our union.
The Grand Army of the Republic, a veteran organization, was
the result of the planning and efforts of Dr. B. F. Stephenson,
Springfield. Illinois, who had served his country as a physician-
surgeon through this bloody war, resuming his practice at the
close of the conflict.
The Woman's Relief Corps, composed of Loyal-Women, no
blood affiliation being considered necessary, were chosen by
vote of the convention to be the true Auxiliary. They were duly
instituted as such in the yr. 1883, making them the oldest group
of patriotic women in America.
As an organization we have since participated in a successful
drive to purchase several ambulances to be sent to France
during World War One: successfully raised thousands of dollars
to aide in the Blood Bank and in the donation of blood.
Following the death of the final G.A.R. veteran, Albt.
Woolson, Minn., at the age of 109, in 1956. . assistance to veterans
of all wars of the United States of America have been included in
our services.
In 1941-42 a permanent National Headquarters of our
organization was established in Springfield, Illinois, this was
replaced with a beautiful new building which was formally
dedicated in 1963. The structure houses our office and supply
center, also a museum containing authentic Civil War souvenirs
and relics furnished by our members and their families. It is
open to the public, three days weekly, without charge and is
located at 7th and Cook Sts.. a proud memorial to the Grand
Army of the Republic.
One of these units, or Corps, the last to be organized, was the
Albert Woolson Corps, located here in Hoopeston. named for the
last survivor of the Grand Army of the Republic, it was institu-
ted March 28th. 1955. Members have engaged in all the
aforementioned activities, giving their first attention to the
VAVS Hospital. Danville. III.
Mrs. Hazel Galyen is presently serving as president of this
group.
Ira Owen Kreager Post No. 384
On the first anniversary of Armistice Day. November U, 1919,
31 veterans of this community under the leadership of Charles
F. Dyer, as temporary chairman, and Clarence S. Miller, as
temporary secretary submitted an application for a charter as a
post of the American Legion.
Charter members were: Charles F. Dyer, Lloyd P. Petry,
Donald J. McFerren. Clarence S. Miller. Louis G. Willett.
Charles D. Hinkle. William McFerren. Bert A. Knoll. Russell C.
Finley. Frank B. Morgan. Earl W. Harkness. Thomas P. Smith.
Glen O. Johnson. Everett Van Dorn. Ivan L. Reveal. Orlla
Kreager. Sylvester J. Murray. John Ross Boorde. Thomas
Regalley. Christ V. George. Peter Cherekos. Fred E. Earel.
Irby Downey. Carl A. Dodson. Maurice R. Foster. Frank S.
Martin.
A temporary charter was granted by the National Executive
Committee of the American Legion on December 31. 1919. On
August 10. 1920 a permanent charter was received by the Post.
These ex-servicemen chose to memorialize the name of the
first Hoopeston native to die in World War I and the Post was
named in honor of Ira Owen Kreager. Cpl. Kreager was killed in
action in France on October 28. 1918 with less than a month
before World War I ended.
With the return of Company "B". bringing with it the greater
number of the local soldiers, the menibership of the Post began
to enlarge. At the first annual meeting. Captain "Jack" Steward
was elected Commander to guide the destinies of the
organization through the year 1920. It was a year filled with
eventful things in the life of the young Post. Club rooms were
secured and appropriately furnished and the Post established
itself as a going concern.
During the first few years of existence, the post conducted its
meetings on the second floor of downtown store buildings.
Records are incon^plete. but it is known that meetings were in
the old Commercial club building and at 114'/2 East Main Street
above the R & C Cafe.
However, these early members realized that the possession of
a home is one of the best guarantees of permanence and
Beta Sigma Phi Sorority
Zeta Omicron chapter of Beta Sigma Phi was formed
November 4. 1947.
The first officers were: president, Mrs. Russell Hickman:
vice-president, Mrs. Robert Pittman: secretary, Mrs. Robert
Thomas: treasurer. Mrs. Richard Enters.
Charter members were: MESDAMES A. J. Nelson. Robert
Pittman. Russell Hickman. Robert Thomas, Richard Enters,
William Da2ey, Jim Cleveland, Tom. Andes, Howard Mat-
thews, Lyle Mitchell, Jim Forshier and Dr. Maxine Seablom. Of
the charter members Mrs. Pittman. Mrs. Thomas, Mrs.
Cleveland and Mrs. Forshier are still active.
Xi Beta Rho chapter was formed May 22, 1951.
The present officers of this chapter are: president. Mrs.
Warren Sanger; vice-president, Mrs. George Patterson:
secretary. Mrs. George Petry: treasurer, Mrs. Jim Forshier.
The present officers of Zeta Omicron chapter are: president.
Mrs. Clyde Runge: vice-president, Mrs. Paul Tolch: secretary,
Mrs. Ray Mendenhall. and treasurer. Mrs. Robert Braden.
Civic activities through the year have included: Heart Fund:
Sweet Corn Festival, entertained queens: drive to aid Fire
Station building: Cancer Drive: made cancer dressings: gifts to
handicapped school: pledged to hospital: given Christmas
baskets: March of Dimes: planted trees in McFerren Park:
purchased wheel chairs for use of local residents: in 1952 started
petition which resulted in kindergarten being added to our
school system: given toward Foreign Exchange Fund: given to
High School Band Uniforms: In 1969 started the Beta Sigma Phi
award. This award is given to a deserving girl to further her
education.
progress that an organization can have and on November 10.
1928 moved into their new post home at 205 East Penn Street.
This home was one of the finest in the state of Illinois for a post
whose annual membership was approximately 170 members
from 1930 until 1943.
By 1944, returning veterans of World War II began su-eKing
the ranks of the American Legion until by 1948, the Post had a
membership of 605.
The Legion was very definitely suffering from growing pains
and in need of larger quarters. On August 10. 1948 the mem-
bership voted to purchase the Willian\ McFerren home at 502
East Penn Street and moved into their new home during
December 1948. In August of 1957, a new addition was com-
pleted.
Woman's Club
Previous to the formation of the Hoopeston Woman's Club in
1928. a County Federation was in existence and two local Clubs,
the Tuesday Evening and the Mary Hartwell. were affiliated
with it. At an Eighteenth District meeting in Danville Mrs.
Stella Cromer and Mrs. Maud Parnell represented the Mary
Hartwell Catherwood Club, but the Tuesday Evening Club was
unable to send delegates. This meeting so impressed the
Hoopeston women that they invited the group to hold the District
Meeting in Hoopestopn the following year, being certain that the
members of the Tuesday Evening Club would assist in the
venture. That District Meeting was one of friendship and in-
spiration, showing what women, when united in fellowship,
could accomplish. Moreover, such club work fitted into the
current thinking of the local women who, during World War I,
had been associated in Red Cross activities. At those times the
wish had often been expressed that women from all churches
might join together in some worth while projects for the com-
munity.
The idea of a Woman's Club seemed to answer this need.
Therefore, when Mrs. O. E. Herman of Momence. district
county president, to start a local Club, work was begun at once.
Miss Ethel Perkiris and Mrs. Frank Parnell were members of
the county board at that time and were interested in what such
an organization could do. Notices were sent by Mrs. Parnell to
local organizations asking each to send two representatives to a
meeting to discuss forming such a Club.
Twelve organizations responded and the meeting was held on
April 19. 1928. in the Masonic Temple, now known as the City
Bui/ding. Mrs. Herman and Mrs. Maud Kelly, the latter
member of the state board, were present to explain the workings
of a Federated Club. The result was a unanimous vote to
establish such a group in this city and the following women were
elected as officers: President. Mrs. Margaret Marshall: vice-
president. Mrs. Constance Soufhwich; secretary. Mrs. Maud
Parnell, treasurer. Mrs. Ella Zook.
Hoopeston Hobby Club
Organized October 1953, at the hon\e of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh
Roark. Eight signed the charter. Mrs. Roark. club historian.
Glenn Brasel. floor plan Chairman for the 16th Annual Antique
and Hobby Shows, are remaining charter members. The shows
sponsored by the club presented treasures of yesterday today
and tomorrow for the pleasure of the public.
The club has contributed to many local organizations.
Other members include: Miss Lillic Southwich. Mr. and Mrs.
James A. Anderson(Mr. A.nderson treas.): Mr. and Mrs. John
P. Cadle (Mrs. Cadle vicepres.) : Mrs. Helen Hasselhring: Mr.
and Mrs. Harold Crouch: Mr. and Mrs. Burton Livingston : Rev.
and Mrs. Walter F.vans(Mrs. Evans sec): Mr. and Mrs. Don
Bury: Mr. and Mrs. Myron Norton (Mrs. Norton, prcs.): Mr.
and Mrs. Fremont Crouch. Mr. and Mrs. David E. Cleveland.
Chamber of Commerce Jr. Woman's Club
Early leaders of the community took a most active part in the
organization of Hoopeston's first Chamber of Commerce, just as
community leaders do today.
The first roster includes A.M. Keller, president. R.C. Davison,
secretary. George Evans, treasurer. Directors were Walter
Trego. Otto Ogdon. Charles W. Warner, Mark Koplin. I.N.
Heaton, F.C. Moore. E.J. Boorde, W.C. Welty. Geroge Evans,
Ore M. Ross, Ellsworth Ilif. I.E. Merritt, William Moore. John
F. Ost. and Mac C. Wallace.
The organization was effected on July 16th. 1919, and the
roster of membership was impressive, running to a total of
about 400. It seems that nearly everyone was included, even
doctors, dentists, lawyers, and all small business men.
At a subsequent meeting committees were appointed to carry
on the work of the chamber. Mac Wallace headed up the Civic
Division. E. J. Boorde. transportation, Ellsworth Ilif, industrial,
I. N. Heaton. production, George Evans, commercial.
The following year W.A. Miskimen was elected president, and
Charles Finley. Ed Trego. Ray Ulery. C.H. Rimes, and Dexter
Crandall were committee chairmen.
The chamber in those days was extremely active. They had a
luncheon every week, often changed to a night meeting once in a
while. A steady procession of speakers held the rostrum.
Activities were much the same as now. They promoted in-
dustry and retail trade, started a housing corporation with
$50,000 capital to supply the housing shortage. They considered
a hospital, but nothing in the records show what happened to the
project.
Along in 1944. C.A.E. Sheets became a power in the Chamber
of Commerce, and headed up the War Bond Drive. Ed succeeded
Gary Finch as secretary.
Under Ed Sheets direction the bond drive assumed high
proportions. Publicized daily in the Chronicle-Herald, and
promoted by a "Sweetheart Contest", the drive reached the
total of $410,000.
This was the year when considerable discussion centered
around establishment of a youth center, but records show no
accomplishment.
Since those days the history of the Chamber of Commerce is
well nigh current. The Chamber fostered the Industrial Cor-
poration, and financed it getting off the ground. The Chamber
also spearheaded early efforts to build the hospital here, and
paid for the first papers of incorporation.
The record shows that The Chamber of Commerce has been in
the forefront of activity on all matters for more than fifty years.
It has taken its part of community leadership seriously and has
performed very well.
Today its membership shows a strong cross-section of
community leaders just as it did fifty years ago. The leaders
today are young men, just as they were young men in former
days, although we are today inclined to view them as ancients,
for as time passed over the years that's what they became, as
will today's leaders.
More current history of the Chamber of Commerce reveals a
long list of projects more or less familiar with today's
populations. They include:
Creation of United Fund project, Christmas decorations.
School Teacher's project. Fire Code protection policies. Ex-
pansion of the Armory, signs at approaches to the city. 1960 aid
in bringing Crest Transformer to Hoopeston, helped Industrial
Corporation raise funds for land purchase, secured new traffic
lights, established separate retail budget, 1964 helped remodel
Civic Center. 1964 helped finance new doctor's qiiarters. 1965
new waste containers downtown and eliminated trash burning.
1 966 downtown flower pots, 1 968 established better relations with
Illinois State Department of Economic Development.
More recently the Chamber was named creator of Hoopeston
Public Library Trust Fund and assisted in financing by con-
tributing $1,000.
During the early part of 1936, many active young women in
Hoopeston belonging to the Senior Woman's Club became in-
terested informing a Junior Woman's Club in Hoopeston. After
discussion it was decided to form such a club and under the
direction of such women as Isabelle Long, Carol Smith. Bee
Pope. Helen Lytle. Margaret Stark, and Kate Trego the
Hoopeston Jr. Woman's Club was soon on its way to being a very
important and civic minded organization in the community.
Although this new club enjoyed knitting and playing bridge at
their meetings, they wasted no time in giving of themselves to
the community. They started by giving clothes to needy high
school girls, giving to Cancer control and gave donations to the
Park Ridge school for girls.
Today finds the club still donating to all the diseases and
charities and needy organizations. We sponsored a con-
servation student the past two years along with setting up an
Arts and Crafts program during the summer. We purchased a
record player and gave to the Public Library and undertook the
task of planting the flower pots in the business part of town. In
the 1970 fall festival float contest the club completely built and
designed their own float and received first place in their
division. Presently the club consists of twenty-three members.
Art Association
The Hoopeston Art Association is an organization of artists
and anyone interested in art and crafts.
The object of this organization, is to encourage the community
interest in and to create a greater appreciation of art through
lectures, gallery talks, demonstrations and exhibits, and to
further individual study in the Arts.
It was founded in 1955. with 17 paid members, as follows,
Mesdames, Helen Andis, Louis Braden, Gladys Finch, Freeda
Franklin. Bonnie Hixon, Jean Johnson. Betty King. Margaret
Mclntyre, Reta Neal, Margaret Preston. Ruth Sills, Amelia
Virgin, Janice Wood, and Irma Zook, Miss Helen Keister, Miss
Hazel Timmons, and James Forshier.
The first meeting of persons interested in forming an Art
group was held Nov. 3. 1955, at the Hoopeston Public Library
with Bonnie Hixon presiding.
Hoopeston Jaycees
Hoopeston's Jaycees were organized following World War II
as the Junior Chamber of Commerce and have since been active
in promoting projects for community betterment, un-
derprivileged families, promotion of the community and a long
list of others.
The Junior Chamber assumed responsibilities in 1948 of the
National Sweet Corn Festival, an annual event which marks the
end of the sweet corn canning season and are now preparing for
the 27th festival Labor Day Weekend.
Highlight of the years was in 1962. when the local chapter was
named the top club in the state and nation in its population
division for several areas of work.
Presidents of the chapter since 1948 include: 1948. Lyle Mit-
chell: 1949. Elmer Unger: 1950. Harry Silver; 1951. Marvin
Custer: 1952. Robert Chesnut: 1953. Dean Hixon: 1954. Robert
Langdoc: 1955. Roy Carlson: 1956. Elwin Barber: 1957. Tom
Mills: 1958. Charles France: 1959. Dale Preston. Jr.: 1960,
William Johnson: 1961. John Leigh: 1962. Larry Oyler: 1963.
Tom Gallo'way: 1964. Odell Crabtree: 1965. Dale Rush: 1966,
Gene Hanshew: 1967, Charles Davis: 1968, William Matthews:
1969. Marty Parsons: 1970. Mike Blankinship: 1971, Fred
Zemke.
Young men of age 21-35 are eligible for membership.
Sweet Corn Capital Color Shooters
The club was formed in May of 1958 with the first business
meeting being held June 2. 1958 in the basement of the
Universalist church. Officers selected for the first year were,
President: Bill Zeigler; Vice-Pres: Bob Pitman: Sec-
Treasurer: Jim Sedgewick. The purpose of such an organization
was to promote interest in color slides and to learn more about
photography. The club has belonged to the '■Central Illinois
Camera Club Association" since being formed. This group now
numbers 28 clubs in Illinois and Iowa. As a club the Sweet Corn
Capital Color Shooters have had an annual salon each year.
Categories are chosen each year and members are encouraged
to enter his or her quota of slides. These are judged by a panel of
three outside judges. Trophies and ribbons are presented to the
winners.
Our club is very active in the Central Illinois Camera Club
Association, attending weekend conferences where the best of
teachers show how to shoot better pictures. Our members also
enter this annual salon and we have had many ribbons won by
our members. We are one of the smaller clubs so we feel quite
honored in having one of our members serve on the official
board. Dick Carrell has served four years and is currently ac-
ting as Treasurer. He was also given an Associate membership
in the Central Illinois Camera Club Association this past year
because of his work within his own club and also his devotion to
the C. I. C. C. A.
Several of our members belong to the "Photographic Society
of America". We also enter the Illinois State Fair slide contest
each year and have received many ribbons there.
A club project is seeing that the foreign exchange student
takes home with them a set of slides depicting life in and around
Girl Scouting
Girl Scouting was introduced to Hoopeston by Mrs. Walter
Trego in 1935. She was assisted as commissioner by Mrs. Faye
Crandall. vice-commissioner. Mrs. R.W.J. Narris, treasurer
and Mrs. E. H. Gustine, secretary. There were 40 girls in 2
troops that year.
In 1940 a fund and plans were started for the dream of a Girl
Scout "Little House". $100 was set aside for it and invested in
bonds. Bit by bit the fund grew and with it the movement grew
too.
During the 1950's there were 12 troops. By 1958 there were 284
registered girls in 13 troops, aided by 71 adults as leaders,
council members and committee members.
In 1958 a movement began to organize all local councils into
larger groups with national ties. To the Hoopeston Scouts this
meant merging with the Green Meadows Council, with
headquarters in Champaign serving Champaign, Ford,
Iroquois, Piatt, and Vermilion counties. It was also the year to
see a dream become a reality. Under the direction of Mrs.
Willard Nelson, president: Mrs. Leland Martin, vice-president;
Mrs. H. J. Jones, treasurer, and Mrs. E. H. Gustine. secretary.
Silver Bros, was contracted to erect the building in McFerren
Park known as "The Little House."
This building has been the home of scouting since, serving as a
meeting place for troop meetings, cook-outs, overnight parties,
and Day Camp, as well as training sessions and leader
meetings.
In 1969 a new fund was started to make our home more ser-
vicable year round. Under the direction of Mrs. B.J. Sears,
neighborhood chairman and Mrs. Charles Peterson, district
chairman the improvements completed in 1970 include a new
floor funace, insulated ceiling and improved lighting with the
Hoopeston Jaycees supplying the manpower.
Hoopeston has supplied three past board members of Green
Meadows Council; Mrs. Lucy Carlson. Herbert Shoufler, and
Mr. Ross Childers, Mrs. Bobby Joe Sears, delegate to the 1969
National Convention and Bobby Joe Sears-District Cookie Sale
Chairman.
Hoopeston. with some also showing interesting '•'nces in the U
S. A. These slides have been taken by our memu^ . ^, '
members go on several field trips a year to places of inters,.,
and also conduct work-shops within our club to learn more about
photography.
We now have 24 active members with our current officers
being: president, Kenneth Parkinson; vice-president, Mrs. Ray
(Helen) Marshall: secretary-treasurer. Murrell Strickler. The
club meets the second and fourth Wednesday in the basement of
the Presbyterian church. We do not meet in July and August.
Visitors are always more than welcome.
A new project this year is entering the Charleston. Illinois
camera clubs's annual salon which is by invitation only. Four
other clubs will be competing with us and the subject is "Oc-
cupations Or People At Work".
Merry Circle Club
Just a few miles southwest of Hoopeston there was a neigh-
borhood(still existing) known as THE PLAINVIEW NEIGH-
BORHOOD. This took in the Bristle Ridge School Dist. 22. the
Franks School on No. 9 and the Libery School. In the heart of this
neighborhood in the year (1910) there stood a small white
Country Methodist Church, called "PLAINVIEW". Folks in that
area attended church services and the few social gatherings
that it provided, but it was not enough.
For several months in the early part of the year 1910. Mrs.
Jc(mes Tilton(Aunt Fannie) as she worked around her country
home, thought how nice it would be for the ladies in the neigh-
borhood to get together occasionally for a social time. She
voiced her ideas to other ladies and on July 21st, 1910 thirteen
ladies came in their buggies with prancing horses to attend this
afternoon party. It was held at the home of Mrs. Charles
Hughes. They discussed the possibility of a Club and everyone
present thought it an excellent idea.
Officers were then selected with Mrs. James Tilton, president.
Mrs. Charles Hughes, vice-president. Miss Mary Tilton(now
Mrs. Date Houmes and only Charter Member living) as
secretary, and Mrs. Perry Dawson treasurer. Dues were 25
cents per year. Constitution and by-laws were drawn and the
club was to meet every third Thursday in the month and
refreshments were to be served.
The first official meeting of the new club was held at the home
of Mrs. Othel Insley(Mina Wood;, and the name of "THE
MERRY CIRCLE CLUB" was selected, for the newly organized
Club's name.
The club is till active 61 years later.
Conservation Club
Several interested persons met at the Dennis Rhodes home in
October of 1961 and a club was organized for the Hoopeston area.
Arrangements were made to affiliate with the Illinois
Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and the name was chosen.
From its beginning, the club has grown to a membership of over
200 and meets the third Thursday of each month.
A new clubhouse was built in 1971 at the club's fishing lake
east of town.
The Illinois Wildlife Federation named the local club as its
"Outstanding Club in the State of Illinois" in 1970 for its record
of conservation activities.
Presidents since the club was formed have included: 1961,
Guy Sinclair; 1962, Bill Harrington: 1963, Tom Mills; 1964. Fred
Smith; 1965, John Sprague: 1966, Harold Morrison; 1967. Jack
Cleveland; 1968. Tom Sheridan; 1969-1970. Jim Glover; and 1971.
John Clayton.
Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary
j^ ,^ ■ ». 1S45. the local post of Veterans of Foreign
ff^he United States was instituted and officially
Wa'"'
, ecognized in Hoopeston.
Early organizational meetings were held in the old Town
Clock building then on the northeast corner of Main and Bank
streets. This building was destroyed by fire many years ago.
A charter was issued under the name Hoopeston Post No. 4826
with 49 charter members. Wilfred C. Griner was the charter
commander and served until March 1946.
The post name was officially changed to Buddy Egnew Post
Ho. 4826 effective October 1. 1952. as a memorial to the first
Hoopeston lad to give his life for his country in World War 11.
Robert Ross Egnew, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Egnew. was
serving aboard the battleship Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Oahu.
T.H., on that fateful Sunday morning of December 7. 1941. He
and many of his shipmates are still manning the never
decommissioned Arizona.
Chartered on January?. 1953. the Ladies Auxiliary unit of Post
No. 4826 began its untiring work for the Post. The ladies in this
unit have contributed immeasurably to the progress and growth
of the parent post. They carry on much of the work at the
Veterans Administration hospital and are charged with the
responsiblity of Buddy Poppy sales on or near Veterans Day of
each year.
In 1958 a Junior Auxiliary was organized and nationally
chartered. This unit consists of girls too young to be members of
the regular auxiliary but who are otherwise qualified by being in
the immediate family of a VFW member. The Junior Auxiliary
received its charter at ceremonies during the first installation
meeting on March 1, 1958.
Also in 1954 several members organized into a drill team for
the purpose of participating in local and nearby parades.
Vernon Terry. 1957 commander of the post, was the first com-
mander of the drill squad and helped lead the unit to State
Championship at the Peoria convention in 1955.
Winning team members were Vernon Terry, leader,
Lawrence Bury, Mike Scullin, Dick Boltz and Donald Rhodes.
Wayne Gossett, Maurice Leigh Jr.. Jerry Eells. Donald
Christensen and Dennis Rhodes along with Earl O. Carter, Ray
Sivi!!e and Don Cawthon completed the roster.
The stellar team again surpassed its opponents at the Chicago
convention in 1957. carrying home the top trophy for the second
time. These comrades must be congratulated for placing the
name "Buddy Egnew" and Hoopeston to the forefront in V.F.W.
records.
Auxiliary Presidents
Charter President — Jan. 7, 1953, Dorothy Carter. 1954,
Eunice Rhodes: 1955, Anna Rhodes: 1956, Virginia Rhodes: 1957,
Marie Crouch: 1958, Harriett Snively: 1959. Gloria Young: 1960,
Rosemary Reed: 1961, Margaret Sinclair : 1962. Lois Bury: 1963,
Irene Whiteman; 1964, Naomi Cox: 1965, Norma Sollars: 1966,
Community Concerts
Hoopeston Community Concert Association, a non-profit
organization, was chartered in 1965 for the purpose of providing
its members an opportunity to hear and see acknowledged
artists performing in the hometown and thus developing an
interest and appreciation of good music.
Following some preliminary work an organizational meeting
was held on June 22. 1965 where the officers were elected.
The membership drive for 1965-66 season produced a mem-
bership of 551 persons with a total revenue of $4,531.50. Four
concerts were offered in the first concert season, all of which
were received with warm appreciation.
Since then the following public-spirited citizens have served
with Hoopeston Community Concert Association as presidents:
Mrs. Eugene Kosyak, 1966-67: Mrs. Joseph Moore 11. 1967-68:
Mr. Herbert Shoufler, 1968-69: and Mrs. Martha Samples. 1969-
70.
Shirley Ziebart: 1967. Shirley Mclntyre: 1968, Kay Gustine:
1969, Ruth Matthews: 1970, Anna Whiteman,
COMMANDERS
Charter Commander, Dec. 1945 - March 1946. Wilfred C.
Griner. 1946-47, Dale C. Ellis: 1947-48. Floyd Taflinger: 1948-49.
Franklin Harris: 1949-50. Lester Kincade: 1950-51. Robert D.
Pittman: 1951-52. Earl O. Carter: 1952-53, Werner Fliesser: 1953-
54. Harold E. Cox; J954-55, Lawrence Bury: 1955-56. Maurice C.
Leigh Jr.: 1956-57. Louis E. Schuen: 1957-58. Vernon F. Terry:
1958-59. Richard Boltz: 1959-60. Edwin Gustine; 1960-61, Jerry
Eells: 1961-62, Wifiiam Ziegler: 1962-63, William Ziegler: 1963-
64, Charles L. Roberts: 1964-65, Charles L. Roberts: 1965-66,
Donald J. Rhodes: 1966-67. Willard Mclntyre: 1967-68, James O.
Goodrum: 1968-69, Raymond Sinclair: 1969-70. Virgil T. Warf:
1970-71, Lloyd W. McFann.
Job's Daughters Bethel
Job's Daughters is an organization which seeks to bring
together young women who believe in God and the teachings of
the Holy Bible. Job's Daughters was founded by Mrs. Ethel T.
Wead Micfe in Omaha, Neb., in Oct. of 1920.
It is an international organization with members in some
foreign countries, as well as nearly every state in the United
States.
The Hoopeston Bethel was instituted on July 20. 1957. by the
Grand Guardian, Mrs. Helen Harvey, of Paris. Illinois. On the
same day the Guardian Council was installed, the members of
the Bethel were initiated, and the Bethel Officers were installed.
The Hoopeston Bethel meets on the second and fourth Wed-
nesday of each month at 7:30 PM. The word "Bethel" means
Holy Place and is the name for the local unit, corresponding to
Lodge or Chapter in other Masonic Orders.
Membership in Job's Daughters is open to girls 12 to 20 who
are daughters, adopted daughters, stepdaughters, grand-
daughters, great-granddaughters, sisters, half sisters, step-
sisters, sisters-in-law. nieces, grand nieces, or first or second
cousins of Master Masons.
The Charter Members of the Bethel were as follows:Donna
Jessup, Suzanne Umbanhower, Karen Waschick, Ruth Ann Bell,
Mary Lynn ONeal, Mary Jane Silver, Barbara Catron, Terry
Jean Leverenz, Linda Lou Berglund, Karen Emory, Dawn Park,
Jean Carlson, Jane Brockway, Sharon Nussear, Linda Sue Hunt,
Janice Kay Bone, Sharol Mitchell, Ann Olson, Pamela Bell,
Susan Smith, Susan Cleveland, Kristie Kell, Joyce Jordan,
Linda Lou Silver, Marjorie Bone, Paulette Kay Cutler, Marjorie
Kay Stark, Marcia Elaine Lund, Donna Gay Mitchell, Karen
Ann Merritt, Nancy Grunwoldt, and Harriett Ludwig.
TBH Club
Fifty-nine years ago, the TBH Club was organized. The good
friends that met that night selected Clara Gardner as their
president protem and Lyda Adsit as temporary secretary. Lida
Watson hadthe honor of naming it "The Two Busy Hours Club."
Later, we became known simply as the TBH Club. As most
people know, from these initials, the devoted husband of one of
the members gave the club a nickname that has remained a
jolly reminder of early days. I. E. Merritt claimed "TBH" stood
for "Twenty Bad Hens."
Actually the sincere friendships that created the club date
farther back than 59 years. As long ago as February 1912, a
group of prominent local matrons would get together once in a
while afternoons to enjoy each other's company, discuss their
families, homes, fancy work and the happenings of those times.
One evening, by invitation, these women met at the home of
Clara Gardner. Six or seven were present. The evening proved
so pleasant that they decided to meet again, each bringing
another friend. The second meeting drew ten or twelve ladies.
The organizational meeting was held Sept. 16, 1912.
Hoopeston Lions Club
The history of the Hoopeston Lions Club is. indeed, a history of
civic dedication . . . chartered January 7. 1942 and in continuous
operation since that time.
Dan Thrasher is the sole Charter Monarch . . . having been a
member for the past 29 years.
25 year members include Harold MacMurray. George
Arnholt. and Eldon Yarbrough.
20 year members include Earl Smock. Bill Nelson.
15 year members include Art Pearson.
10 year members include Dale Brown. Robert W. Brown,
William Burtis. Harold Cox. Ed Eells. Carl Franklin. Ralph
Lloyd. Tom Mills. BillSchuler. Ray Stipp and Vern Terry.
The Hoopeston club has had four officers of Multiple District
IE. They were D. B. Hawthorne. Deputy District Governor: Art
Pearson. Deputy District Governor; Earl Smock. District
Governor and William Burtis. Deputy District Governor.
Past presidents of the Hoopeston Lions Club include J.
Cleveland. Roberts Snively. Art Richoz. Art Murray. Lyman
Heavenridge. W. H. Perleberg. Abe Brockway. Werner
Fliesser. Donald B. Hawthorne. Evar Olson. Jared Lyons.
Harold MacMurray. Eldon Yarbrough. Art Pearson. Jim
Frazier. Bill Nelson. J. Ed Holt. Earl Smock. Herb French. Don
King. Robert Pittman. Tom Mills. Harlan Hatfield. Bob Shuler.
Harold Cox. Ed Eells. Troy Bloyd. Ray Stipp. Vern Terry.
William Burtis. C. E. Franklin. Robert W. Brown.
Longest perfect attendance record belongs to Harold Mac-
Murray ... 25 years.
CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY — During the past ten years the
Lions have been most active in their physical and financial
support of many civic projects. They have . . . constructed a new
$4,000 concession stand for McFerren Park: instituted, with the
cooperation of other civic clubs, the Hoopeston Beautification
Program which included the placing of flower pots on Main
Street and the selling at cost of maple shade trees: sponsored
the Glaucoma Screening Unit in cooperation with the Illinois
Society for the Prevention of Blindness: contributed financial
aid to the erection of the •Welcome to Hoopeston" signs: later
these signs were lighted by the Lions Club: donated a 3.000 watt
generator to the Hoopeston Rescue Squad: AND the Lions were
most proud to be the first civic club to purchase stock in the
Hoopeston Centennial Corporation.
HOOPESTON COMMUNITY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL — One
of the leading promoters of the Hoopeston Hospital, the Lions . . .
held a street auction which showed a profit of $1,940.00 for the
hospital fund: further donated $1,500.00 from their general fund
as a pledge for the construction of the hospital: bought two
wheel chairs for the use of patients: expended over $4,000.00
during the past 8 years for nurses scholarships so that the young
graduates can be helped in furthering their education to become
registered nurses.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES — The Lions Club feels very strongly
that the youth of Hoopeston must be encouraged, praised and
helped in every manner possible . . . and in following this
program, the Lions have . . . purchased and installed a $1,500.00
scoreboard at the Glenn Brasel Field: built a baseball backstop
at North Side Park: purchased playground equipment for all
city parks: purchased 4-H calf raised by a Hoopeston area
youngster at annual 4-H auction: sponsored a Little League
team each year: donated $1,254.00 to the Hoopeston high school
band for new uniforms: held each year an athletic banquet
honoring all Hoopeston high school athletes and cheerleaders:
contributed money to the American Field Service program for
exchange students: donated to the Children's Milk Fund:
donated to the Hoopeston Athletic Boosters Club for the in-
stallation of practice basketball courts.
SIGHT CONSERVATION — Sight conservation being the
prime goal of Lions International, the Hoopeston Lions Club,
through the generous support of Hoopeston citizens during
Candy Days, have donated several thousand dollars to . . .
Leader Dogs for the Blind, who raise and train dogs for visually
handicapped at no cost to the recipient: Hadley School for the
Blind, an educational institution providing blind instruction
books and other educational material so that the blind person
may be more self-sufficient: Camp Lions, a summer camp for
visually handicapped children especially designed and
managed for this youngster.
Lights and Gas
Central Illinois Public Service Co. has been providing electric
and natural gas service to Hoopeston residents since 1919. when
it acquired the properties of the Hoopeston Gas and Electric Co.
The first electric lights in Hoopeston were installed in 1890 at
the Hoopeston Canning Co. plant. Lines were extended from the
plant to serve nearby residences from the canning company's
generator. In 1891 the Hoopeston Electric Light Co. was
organized to serve the town.
The Hoopeston Gas and Electric Co. was incorporated in 1906
and began supplying electricity in that year. In 1910. the utility
began supplying manufactured gas to residents.
in 1919 CIPS purchased the Hoopeston Gas and Electric Co.
and operated the property until 1924. when an electric trans-
mission line from Paxton was placed in service. In 1933 a
natural gas transmission main was extended to Hoopeston and
the local gas plant was taken out of service.
When CIPS acquired the Hoopeston Gas and Electric Co.. the
annual usage per residential customer was about 200 kilowatt-
hours and the average rate was 11 cents per kilowatt-hour.
NIGHTTIME USE ONLY
This was in the era when electricity was still new to the
average citizen and was used only for lights in the home at night.
For this reason, most communities in those early days had
electricity available to them only during the early evening
hours.
There was no need for 24-hour service because there were no
electric appliances in use — or for that matter — none was being
manufactured for the public.
After the electric iron was invented, generating units began
operating during daylight hours on Tuesdays, since most
housewives washed clothes on Mondays and ironed them on
Tuesdays.
ELECTRIC SERVANTS MULTIPLY
As the years passed, more and more electrically operated
work-saving devices were invented for use in homes, farms,
businesses and industry. Electricity quickly became a servant
depended upon by all of the people, 24 hours a day.
Beta Beta Chapter
The first blossom in Epsilon Sigma Alpha's now-majestic
garden burst into full bloom on September 13, 1929, at
Jacksonville, Texas. Estelle Simpson was one of the or-
ganization's founders and it was at her home that the first
meeting was held four decades ago. Like E.S.A. chapters today,
the first members included successful business women and
young matrons.
Beta Beta Chapter No. 947 was chartered on May 7. 1947 with
nine members. The Charter members were Margaret Ellen
Ford. Ruth Crow. Lonnette Griffin. Betti McNeil. Sue Leigh.
Faye JMott. Elizabeth Chortiey. Virginia Wood, and Fontella
Fraley.
No other information could be found about the early years
until 1956.
CONGRATULATIONS TO
HOOPESTON ON ITS
CENTENNIAL
«.
1971-145 hp 7020
top
of
the
line
In 1923, farmers wanted to drive
tractors into the agricultural
future. Jotin Deere produced the
Model D and few, if any, tractors
have ever been as popular.
Today, there's need for
over-lOO-horsepower tractors . . .
and John Deere offers three. One
is the 7020—145 horsepower and
sized for farming of the 70s.
It's all a matter of growth. The
farmer today is in step with the
ever-advancing agricultural arts
... and John Deere is in step with
the farmer. Realizing his needs,
conscious of his view of future
food production, and offering the
tools and equipment he uses are
just three reasons the John Deere
franchise is the most valued in
the industry:
Growing, with John Deere.
JOHN DEERE VERMILION WORKS
OF DEERE & COMPANY
Lovejoy Township
From History of Iroquois County Compiled by John Dowling
Lovejoy Township was first settled in the northern part of the
township. The first building erected in the township was the
"Red Pump." located on the Hubbard Trail or Chicago Road at
the north edge of the township. A well was dug at this location,
and a log pump inserted which was painted red. The well never
failing to provide water, was much in demand whenever it was
possible to drive teams and herds of cattle to Chicago. A tavern
called "The Red Pump" was operated there in the early days,
getting its nante from the well punxp. The township was sparsely
settled in these early days.
Lovejoy Township was formerly a part of Milford Township
lying directly to the south of that township and was bounded on
the south by the county line of Iroquois and Vermilion counties.
Lovejoy Township was established by a vote of its people at the
first election held in April 1868. The petition for separation was
signed by fhirty voters and presented to the 1868 February term
of the Board of Supervisors and was granted by that body.
At the first town meeting the people passed a resolution
providing for a survey of all the lands in the township. The ex-
penses of the survey were defrayed by a tax of so much per acre.
On July 3. 1868 an election was held for the purpose of deciding
whether financial aid would be given to the Chicago, Danville
and Vincennes Railroad in the amount of $3,000.00. The vote was
23 for and 3 against. Lovejoy Township, in addition to this
amount, had assumed $60,007.12 of the railroad indebtedness of
Milford Township, which had been voted before the division of
Milford Township. The people at first were quite enthusiastic
about giving aid to the railroad company, but as time passed,
their interest waned and there was considerable effort made to
avoid payment of this indebtedness. However, good trans-
portation was desperately needed for the movement of farm
products to market, and the building of the railroad in 1871 had
much to do with the settlement and growth of the area.
Prior to 1872. there was a small settlement of the town of
Wellington approximately one-quarter mile east of the present
downtown area of the village. After the railroad was constructed
in 1871. Wellington, the only town in Lovejoy Township, was laid
out in 1872 near the center of Section 14 with the business area
being built adjacent to the railroad. In order to secure switches
and a depot for the new town. J. L. Hamilton and R. T. Race
each donated 40 acres of land to the Railroad Company. As a
result of the location of the railroad and the laying out of the
town, many businesses began to operate in order to supply the
needs of the village area. A mong them, in the early days, were
grain elevators, a livestock yard, general merchandise stores, a
drug store, hardware and implements business, lumber yard,
harness shop, blacksmith shop, undertaker, livery stable, hotel,
draying and many other businesses and services. Streets were
laid out. houses built, local governmental units established and
the village and township were well on the way to becoming a
flourishing community.
For example, the principal business in Wellington in 1878-79
was the buying and shipping of grain. It was estimated that in
1879 21.000 bushels of flax seed was shipped as well as 375.000
bushels of corn.
In 1878 a church building was erected by the Methodists in
what was then known as the southeast part of town, and cost
$1500. First services conducted in this building occurred after
Christmas in the year 1878. In 1904 the Methodists constructed
their present church building on East Main Street. Prior to 1900,
the Presbyterians had a large church on East Main Street,
located on the land which is now a part of the village park. Both
churches thrived in the early part of this century, but eventually
the congregation of the Presbyterian Church declined to such an
extent that it was disbanded in approximately 1928.
John Greer, a prominent land owner in Prairie Green and
Lovejoy Townships, upon his death on January 2, I89I, provided
through his will that a bequest be made to Lovejoy Township. He
directed that a town hall be erected for the sum of $2,000 and that
an additional sum of $2,000 be given to the township with the
income from this amount to be used for the maintenance of the
building. In 1894 the town hall was bui/t, a brick building 66 ft. x
22 ft. containing an auditorium and stage. For many years of-
ficials of the village and township have used it as their
headquarters and as a polling place. It was used extensively for
the first twenty-five or thirty years for many events such as
school plays, social activities, for the community, and for
traveling shows of various hinds. But as newer, modern school
buildings were constructed, many of the community's activities
were transferred to the larger building. A Fire Protection
District, composed of Lovejoy and Prairie Green Townships
was organized in 1954, and a new Fire Department Building was
constructed in 1955. Since then, the polling place for Lovejoy
Township has been located in this new building and meetings of
the township and village have been transferred from the old
Town Hall to the newer building. The cash bequest left for the
maintenance of the town hall is still intact and invested, but the
town hall has long ceased to be the center of the community
activities.
After the first settlers of the land arrived in this area, it
became necessary to provide schools for the children. Usually,
every four sections of land comprised a school district which
ji r^jy!«PTS»**«w^sf.
Post Office and General Store on ttie north side of Main Street In
Wellington. Illinois taken in 1919.
supported a one-room school house.
In the village of Wellington a large, square, frame school
building was erected, probably around the year 1881, which
served until 1930. The old building had two school rooms on each
of two floors, and at the time seemed more than adequate. There
are many in the community who attended school in this building,
and no doubt, remember it as being a larger building than it
actually was. In 1930 the School Board, composed of Alta
Lockhart, Van Benbow, and Perry Parrish, supervised the
construction of a new brick building with gymnasium which still
serves as headquarters for the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth
grades.
A high school building was erected in 1915 with a basement
gymnasium and served the community well for many years.
Interest in basketball was high during the 20's and 30's, and
some very fine teams represented Wellington in area com-
petition. In 1941 a very large and modern gymnasium was built
as an addition to the original building.
In the late 30's and early 40's much discussion was held in
regard to the discontinuance of the one-room school buildings.
This consolidation was accomplished, and bus transportation of
pupils to a central point became necessary. In 1947, con-
solidation of schools became popular and the territory of Prairie
Green and Lovejoy Townships banded together into a one-unit
school district. The one-room school houses soon disappeared,
and a new grade school building was erected at Greer in Prairie
Green Township. This building now accommodates the first and
second grades for the entire school district.
Prior to 1920. the township roads were taken care of through
the help of farmers who worked in their spare time with teams.
wagons, and scoops. The township itself also used graders with
Lovejoy Township
steam engines to pull these machines. In the 20's rock was
shipped in by railroad car, and those persons owning teams and
gravel wagons were paid to unload the cars and transport the
material to various roads. In 1936 a sizeable bond issue was
passed, and for the first time every farmer had access to an
improved gravel road to market.
In 1919 the Dixie Highway was constructed and a hard road
was built to connect Wellington with the new highway. This road
to town embraced the full length of Main Street to the east edge
of town. In constructing this road, a cement mixer, propelled by
steam power, was used. In order to provide water for this steani
operation and for the cement mixing, a pipe was laid along side
of the road to a nearby creek. A narrow gauge railroad track
was built from the town to the road building site, and material
was hauled for road building by small freight cars.
About 1881 a railroad spur from the main line was constructed
from a point about one and three-fourths miles north of town in a
westerly direction to serve the towns of Alonzo. Hickman.
Goodwine. Claytonville. and Cissna Park. A train ac-
commodating both passengers and freight made two round trips
a day from Cissna Park. This train did a considerable amount of
switching at all points along the way and served a useful pur-
pose for many years. Many high school students living along this
new line rode the train to attend high school at Wellington.
A large hotel in Wellington operated until 1920. It had twenty-
five rooms and catered to salesmen and others who came to
town on business. These early-day salesmen, in order to cover
territory not served by railroads, hired teams and buggies from
the livery stable to make their selling trips to nearby towns.
The village had street lights in the early days, using first
kerosene lamps; later gas lights were used, and finally in 1920
electricity became available to everyone.
Lovejoy Township as a township was eligible to observe its
100th Anniversary in April of 1968.
Fountain Creek
Township
From History of Iroquois County
Compiled by John Dowling
Fountain Creek Township is the center of the southern tier of
townships in Iroquois County and is bordered on the south by
Vermilion County. Lovejoy is on the east, Ash Grove township
on the north and Pigeon Grove on the west.
The town of Fountain Creek was created following a petition
signed by twenty or niore legal voters of the town of Ash Grove.
The County board of Supervisors heard the petition. After legal
posting of notice including legal description of the area to be
included, all preambles, the resolution was Qdopted by the board
on Tuesday. September 15, 1868.
General store in Claytonville,
destroyed by fire in 1920.
Illinois. This building was
Depot and grain elevator in Goodwine, Illinois in 1900. This is the
oldest Farmer's Elevator in Illinois that has been in continuous
use and still is in 1971.
These pioneers used every effort to establish schools, chur-
ches, government, and improved roads. One by one churches
were established, moved, and united. The present United
Brethren Church of Claytonville, was dedicated December 21,
1912: the new Apostolic Christian Church was dedicated October
23, 1949; Goodwine Methodist Church, the oldest one in the area,
was dedicated in 1872 and has been added to and improved over
the years.
Earliest history mentioned numerous one-room schools —
Burden School, Judy School, Carey School, Leemon School,
Rudd, Fountain Creek, and Goodwine School which was
established in 1884 and continued in use until 1960 when its
closing made Iroquois County one of the first in Illinois to
abandon all one-roon\ schools. The school districts have all been
absorbed into consolidated districts outside the township.
The first post office, established by the United States Postal
Department on November 23. 1874, in the home of Jehu Judy,
was given the name Seemly. The mail was brought by post rider
from Wellington. The old post office records kept by Mr. Judy
show it was closed at the end of the first quarter, March 31, 1883,
following completion of the railroad branch. Post offices were
established in Goodwine and Claytonville with mail coming in
by train.
The building of the Wellington to Cissna Park branch of the C
& E I railroad opened transportation in 1882 and was a great
asset for shipment of agricultural products to market. Then in
1903 when the Woodland to St. Louis line was opened from north
to south, additional transportation facilities were provided.
The greatest resources of this township are agricultural
products. There is excellent farmland, fine dairy and beef
herds, hogs and sheep. Grain farming has developed over the
years, and with it the establishn^ent of elevators and grain
companies to meet the needs of grain farming.
At present there are three elevators in operation — Fountain
Creek. Claytonville, and Goodwine. This last named grain
company is the oldest Farmers' Elevator in the state of Illinois
that has been in continuous operation since it was organized and
incorporated in 1889.
The once-swamp prairie land has been tiled by the owners and
drainage districts established. The general slope of the land is
toward the north, with very little timber except a small belt
along the streams. The stream from which the township derived
its name was once called Bussing Creek, but one of the earliest
settlers not liking the name changed it to Fountain Creek, and
since it has ren\ained.
Wilfiani Goodwine. for whom the village of Goodwine was
named, owned at one time around one thousand acres of land in
the area. He was active in organizing the township government
and served in some offices in it.
William Clayton, for whom the village of Claytonville was
named, owned many acres of land as well as an elevator in
Claytonville.
Best Wishes to
The Hoopeston
Centennial Celebration
100 Years Of Progress
1871-1971
W. A. READ PONTIAC-BUICK extends to
the visitors a Welcome to stop by and in-
spect our facilities while attending the
Centennial Celebration.
Hoopeston
Centennial Celebration
July 18-24, 1971
W. A. READ
PONTIAC-BUICK
SALES & SERVICE
424 N. Dixie Highway Hoopes+on, Illinois
Phone 217-283-6688
Complete
Vending Service
COFFEE - CANDY
CIGARETTES - DRINKS
fDISTRIBUTORS OF PLUMBING • HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING/ 1610 North Gilbert Street
Danville, Illinois • Telephone 442-6060
i^.lD.M^kWV, a^Ccr.
Prairie Green Township
From History of Iroquois County Compiled by John Dowling
Prairie Green Township is located in the southeast corner of
Iroquois County. No creeks or rivers transverse this township;
the north fork of the Verniilion River cuts off the southeast
corner, and just north of this fork is a ridge. The water on the
south flows south toward the Wabash River.
The early settlers chose this high ground to take up residence,
the first settlers coming in the early I850's. Robert Finch canie
and settled in the southeast part of the township in 1853. Also at
about the same time, Abner Mitchell, Kendall Shankland. R.
Adsit, and Mr. Pixley settled.
Prairie Green was at first a part of Crab Apple Township, now
Stockland. The legal division took place in the winter of 1858.
Kendall Shankland. Robert Finch. H. C. Smith, and a few others
were the leading men in obtaining the independence of Crab
Apple and forming Prairie Green.
The very first settlers in the county settled near the streams
and timbers. Few pioneers were brave enough to squat out on
the prairies because many thought then that the prairies would
never be completely settled. The few that came found that deer
were so plentiful that they were never without venison. The
settlers that lived here would mount a horse bareback and in-
dulge in the invigorating sports of chasing wolves or running
down a deer.
In 1857 John Greer began to break sod in the southwest corner,
although he did not live there until some years afterward.
Breaking sod in those days was a good business for the favored
few who owned a ''breaking" plow. Designed for five or six
oxen, the breaker was a large plow cutting a furrow from twenty
inches to two feet. The depth was regulated by a lever, and
considerable skill was needed when starting the first furrow,
often a half mile or more in length.
As soon as the first grass began to appear in the spring, the
season for plowing began and did not end until July. Such large
farmers as Finch and Shankland had one or more of these
breaking plows running. After doing their own work, they would
break for their neighbors, charging three to four dollars per
acre.
The teams were allowed to feed on the grasses they were
plowing under, usually being "coralled" after dark to prevent
straying. No one had the idea that the prairie sod could be
plowed with horses. This was the reason that the prairies were
not settled more rapidly at first. As soon as it was discovered
that two or three horses with a ten or twelve-inch plow could
turn nearly as niuch as an ox team, the prairies were soon
dotted with little shanties and neat cottages and the era of real
iniprovement began.
The first road was the old Attica road, running in a northwest
direction toward Milford. This road had to go around ponds,
sloughs, and marshes: therefore, the road ran along the higher
ground.
John Greer owned about 1000 acres in this township. When he
died, in honor of his son. he willed the money for the erection of
Greer college in Hoopeston as well as an endowment of land to
maintain it. In addition, he left money for the erection of Greer
Hall at the cross road of the township. A sum of money was left,
the interest of which was to maintain the building. Greer Hall
was erected in 1893. This was the voting precinct until a few
years ago when it was torn down and replaced by a consolidated
grade school. A fire station, erected across the road from it, is
used as the township building.
There have never been any stores or post off ice in the limits of
Prairie Green. A railroad transversing the township north and
south in the center of the township, was built in the early 1900's.
Formerly the Wabash Railroad, it is now known as the
Milwaukee Road.
Among the early settlers were J. Crawford Pugh, a
blacksmith, and a miller whose mill was located in the east part
of the township near the Finch Place. Horse power was used to
grind corn. He conceived the idea of making a huge wheel to be
turned by the wind. He gathered all the men available to raise it.
It was successful for a while, but, because of the uncertainty of
the wind, it was a failure. He also kept a small stock of
groceries. The place acquired the quaint name of Goose Nibble.
Much flax was raised in the early days. In 1870 Samuel Hazel,
who owned a lot of land in the southwest corner of the township,
raised 1000 bushels of flax seed. Upon delivery of the flax to
Danville, he received two dollars a bushel. Agriculture and
stock raising have always been the chief industries in the
township.
While speaking of industries in this area, mention must be
made of a broom factory of Robert Finch in the southeast part of
the township. His son. Fremont, was superintendent of the
working force. The low price of broom corn induced Mr. Finch to
try manufacturing. Out of his crop in 1879 he made about 350
dozen broonis. An expert broom maker, he made his own
machine.
Prairie Green township in the early days was in the front rank
among educational interests of the county. In 1858 the township
was organized into four districts. Prairie Green and Lamont
School buildings were built soon afterward. Round Top a few
years later. Round Top became more famous than all the others
as here so many organizations were organized. Also the First
Church of Christ and the Methodist Churches had their first
meetings. Round Top stood where the Wiiiiam Gurley home now
stands. It got its name because at a distance the roof had a round
appearance. The building was octagonal in shape as was the
roof.
The Prairie Green Quadrille Band, organized in 1879. con-
sisted of 12 instruments; three first violins, two second violins,
three German flutes, two flageolets, and two violcellos. The
leader was R. G. Cowan; treasurer. H. W. Cowan; and
secretary. R. N. Benholm.
Later in the I870's, there were seven school districts. Round
Top was replaced with Mapie Grove about a mile northeast.
There were also Victor. Prairie Green. ViKow Brook. College
Center, (nicknamed Frog Pond) Lamont, and Pleasant Hill. Old
records which were found in these schoolhouses reveal that
school convened in September and closed during the month of
November, December. January, and February, the winter
term, enabled older pupils to attend. Some were twenty-one
years old. Often there were as many as sixty attending. The
spring term of April. May, and June was attended mostly by the
younger ones. Only one school house now replaces the old ones
built in 1950. The new school house now stands where the old
John Greer Hall stood and is used for the two first grades of
Prairie Green and Lovejoy Townships. All other grades, in-
cluding high school, go to Wellington.
The religious history of Prairie Green is perhaps similar to all
other communities of the area. A Methodist class was formed at
Abner Mitchell's home early in 1858. There was preaching
around at the homes, but after the school houses were built,
meetings were held in them. Every winter revivals of great
interest would take place in these school houses. A Sunday
School was organized in 1878 at the Maple Grove School. J. W.
Dijcon was superintendent for a number of years. M. Garrison,
secretary. In the early 1880's the Pleasant Hill Methodist Church
was constructed. A small society of United Brethren met in the
Willow Brook school. The Prairie Green Church of Christ,
organized about 1858. met at first in homes, at Round Top. and in
1875 a building, costing approximately one thousand dollars,
was erected on section 12. It was fenown at that time as the Hope
Church of Christ but later was changed to the Prairie Green
Church of Christ. The old school houses are gone and the
Pleasant Hill Church closed in 1964. Instead of the old Hope
Church of Christ, a new Prairie Green Church of Christ was
erected near the crossroads at Greer. This building, costing
$103,000, was dedicated July 6. 1958.
Our most sincere wish
for HOOPESTON:
Have a Gr-r-r-reat
100th Birthday!
Times Change....
but integrity endures /
We were just CUBS In 1942 but we've
had the pleasure of growing alongside a
wonderful town.
Hoopeston
Lions Club
We pride ourselves In pro-
viding the most modern
service to the area.
Established
1916 by
the late
Paul E. Weber
OUR BEST WISHES TO
HOOPESTON ON ITS CENTENNIAL
WEBER'S DRUG STORE
221 E. MAIN TEL. 283-5137
FARM EQUIPMENT
TRACTORS TRUCKS
Dedicated Sales & Service
The Farmer's Growth
Is
Our First Concern
HOOPESTON
IMPLEMENT CO.
Let's Celebrate
our 100th Birthday!
DRAUGHT
BEER
10«
Old Fashion
Bargain Day —
Tuesday,
July 20
Coleman & Marvel Norton, owners
We welcome Centennial visitors.
MAIN STREET INN
Since 1947
306 E. Main
Tel. 283-5610
Pigeon Grove Township
From History of Iroquois County
Compiled by John Dowling
Pigeon Grove Township is bounded on the north by Ash Grove
and on the south by Ford and Vermilion counties. Pigeon Grove
was the last township in Iroquois County to be organized, in the
year 1876.
It has always been a guess as to why this area was so long
overlooked. It was not unknown because many different cattle
raisers grazed their herds on the rich prairie grass and then
drove them to Chicago or sent them by train to other places. The
area lay between Fountain Creek Township and Loda Township.
An Indian trail which was a much traveled route ran through it
from Blue Grove to Spring Creek at Buckley, a distance of 25
miles. The Illinois Central Railroad, which was finished through
Illinois in September 1856. becanie interested in this area and
helped to develop this township at this time.
Because of the keen business interests of the railroad, a plan
was evolved which brought cattle raisers into a mutual
agreement by which large herds of cattle were brought to Loda
and Buckley, unloaded and allowed to graze on the railroad
right of way until they were ready for market, then reloaded and
sent into Chicago by I. C. Railroad. This plan worked for some
time, and if the cattle invaded other property, there was no
special fuss made about it. These cattle came from Texas and
Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, as it was then called. This plan
worked until a disease called Spanish Fever broke out among
the Texas cattle. Many died and it spread to the cattle belonging
to the farmers around this area. This loss of cattle greatly
concerned the farmers, and legal help was employed. They were
successful in stopping the shipment of cattle to this area by
interstate legal intervention. Soon things settled down and local
farniers pastured their cattle wherever it seemed most con-
venient.
Then a firm named Milk. Burchard and Taylor, from Indiana
bought 1700 head of cattle in Louisiana'. This state had not been
excluded in the interstate legal battle which was supposed to be
settled. The cattle were unloaded at Loda and grazed on the
Illinois Central right of way as well as in the Pigeon Grove area.
This time a disease called Milk Fever again attacked the cattle,
and the local cattle began to die. There was consternation
followed by fights and battles and legal proceedings. The local
people hired Addison Goodell of Loda and John A. Koplin of
Buckley to represent them. Mr. Milk came with Attorney T. P.
Bonfield of Kankakee to represent him. There were many
ciaims and Mr. Milk tried to pay them all. There were even
claims where cattle never were owned. The "Cattle War" was a
long tradition in that area and ended the importation of foreign
cattle and also ended a certain discontent and disagreement
locally.
All this time Wiiiiam Cissna, who came to this area in 1866 and
who with his brother Stephen had bought 1200 acres of land in the
Pigeon Grove area, was feeding about 700 cattle a year besides
about 500 hogs. He was interested in the area and helped to
organize this territory into a township. He gave his support but
he never wanted any part of politics. In 1875 a petition was
signed by 100 persons to organize a new township between Loda
and Fountain Creek Townships. Supervisor Carey presented the
petition but it was turned down.
Another petition was filed asking that the new township be
named Grange, but it too was turned down. Finally another
petition with 130 names and one from Fountain Creek Township
signed by 62 members requested the new township be named
Pigeon Grove. William Flemming and Moses Stroup worked
hard to get the petition granted and it was finally granted in
1876.
The first election was held in Zion school. Wi//iam Flemming
was the first supervisor; Clark Martin, clerk: J. W. Gosslee,
assessor: Myron Cunningham, collector: J. W. Gosslee and
Moses Stroup. justices of the peace.
The name of Pigeon Grove was given because of the many
pigeons that inhabited the grove. There were hundreds of them
and branches could be heard breaking with loads of them. The
township was soon divided into farms, and in 1881 William
Cissna who had been working to bring a branch railroad to this
area tried the Illinois Central. They refused to consider his
proposal. Then he with two businessmen and cattle raisers,
Wiiiiam Clayton and Wiiiiam Goodwine went to the Chicago and
Eastern Illinois Railroad. They must have pleaded their case
very effectively, for their request was granted. The branch was
built in the northeast corner of the township, and on January 1,
1881, the silver spike was driven in.
The next day activities began, and William "Uncle Bill"
Cissna proceeded to build his town. The plat was made — a lot
allowed for a park right in the center of town. The hotel with
thirty rooms was started on the east corner of Second Street and
Garfield Avenue. This was to be his home and he called it the
Park House. He lived there until his death in 1897. Before this he
had lived in the first house built in the grove. The lumber for the
house was brought from Chicago by his brother. Stephen, who
lived there. It is still standing in the small grove east of Route 49.
south of the town and belongs to the Farney family.
The first building to be completed was a restaurant on the
corner of Koplin Avenue and Third Street. Koplin Avenue was
named for John A. Koplin of Buckley who was Mr. Cissna's
banker.
Park House Hotel which was located north of the Cissna Park
State Bank in Cissna Park.
The next building to be finished was the store building on the
corner of Second and Garfield streets. This building was erected
by Isaac Miller Hamilton and Tunis Young, both coming from
Ash Grove Township. They ran a successful general store and
after a few years decided to start a bank. With the help of Uncle
Bill Cissna and his patronage the business became a big suc-
cess. Other businesses started: Sylvester Rose erected a hard-
ware store that still stands and is the Masonic Hall now: an
elevator was built across from the depot. It was the first one and
was built by James Busey. Business was on the way.
In the meantime the to,vnship was being settled. Owing to the
proximity of the Lake Erie and Western Railroad that ran from
Peoria to Tipton, Indiana, travel was convenient and brought
from the Peoria area, Morton, and Gridley a clan of immigrants
from Germany, France, Switzerland and Ireland. Many of them
were Mennonites and brought their customs with them. Land
was cheap and the new comers were frugal and knew how to
work. Their limited European way of life had trained them to be
frugal. The ponds were drained. A tile factory built in 1884 by
George Sanger made tile from a clay pit on the west end of the
village. It was a big business: twenty men were employed,
rolling the mud into tiles and then burning them in kilns for 48
hours. There was a great demand for them, and often wagons
woufd be lined up a half mile to get their turn at a load. Even-
tually the clay was exhausted and another pit was dug south of
the tile plant. This was exhausted and after the factory burned
down. Mr. Sanger who had been the first mayor and a very
respected citizen, moved to Hoopeston with his family. Later
they went to Texas and made tile there.
Cattle raising still continued, and flax. oats, and corn were the
principal crops. Flax was soon discontinued because it took too
much strength from the soil. Schools were built. Cissna Park
built a two-room school, followed later by a brick school, and in
1940 by a Community high school.
The Young and Hamilton Bank remained in business. Mr.
Hamilton studied Law under Attorney Free P. Morris of Wat-
seka and became an attorney. Later he was State Represen-
tative. When Mr. Cissna died. Isaac Miller Hamilton was ap-
pointed his executor with his bond set at $500,000. Since there
were no bonding companies then, he went through the district to
get all the signatures he could on his bond, and thirty-seven
farmers signed it.
In 1904 the Young and Hamilton bank sold to the Amsler
Brothers. Clyde and Art. of Broadlands. They were here only a
short time when (hey sold the bank to E. L. Weise of Broadlands.
He brought with him Sam O. Brown as cashier. Mr. Brown.
Supervisor of the township for a number of years, was in-
fluential in bringing State Highway 49 through the village. The
bank closed during the depression but was brought back into
business by the Fredericks, a family of Paxton. Other super-
visors were Joe Burt, Dr. W. R. Roberts, Albert Zbinden, and
Aaron Bauer since 1945.
The township has many rich farms. The buildings are well
kept, the land is well taken care of, and although it was the last
to be organized, its resources are tops in the county. Land that
was bought from the government for $2 an acre now sells up to
$700 per acre. The revenue gained from sales tax always rates
above any other town of the same size anywhere.
The railroad still carries out much of the grain as well as
trucks. Livestock is being raised to a greater extent than it was
twenty-five years ago, and many of the smaller farms are being
merged into larger ones.
Churches play an important part in the community's welfare.
The Apostolic Christian Church, which is the largest located in
Fountain Creek township, holds a membership of over 400
members, and the majority of rural people have built this
church. The Union Church has stood on the corner of Church and
Third Streets since lil91 and is inter-denominational. Other
churches include the Methodist Church on the corner of Fourth
and Koplin. the Lutheran Church on Fourth Street, and the
Christian Apostolic on Garfield.
Main Street in Cissna Parl<, Illinois m lavv.
buggy is the late Dr. W. R. Roberts.
the man in the
Ross Township
and Rossville
from "History Under Our Feet"
Most accounts of the founding of Rossville speak of how the
pioneers moved north into the area attracted by the good timber
and prairie lands. The crossroads of the Chicago road with one
from Attica to Paxton seemed an ideal place to establish a
village. The North Fork of the Vermilion River ran just west of
the chosen spot.
In 1829. John Liggett came to the vicinity and built a place
where travelers often stopped, but he did not call the building a
hotel. The area was first named Liggett's Grove, in his honor.
Nine years later Alvan Gilbert, who had moved into the
northern limits of what became the town of Rossville. purchased
the Liggett farm. The next year a post office called North Fork
was established, and Gilbert became postmaster. Once the mail
which was brought by stagecoach from Danville was delayed for
six weeks because of high water. Mr. Gilbert called in some men
to help him sort and distribute the mail — which proved to be one
letter.
The township, and later the town, got its name from Jacob
Ross, who once owned a water mill on East Fork. For a while
Ross Mill was the only store in the vicinity and became a
meeting place of the scattered residents for visitation and
matters of public interest. There was a niove to name the new
township North Fork, as that was the name of the first post
office, but the majority voted for the name of Ross. The name
might have been Rio; from 1838 to 1842 mail for the area was
distributed from Rio. a place just south of Hoopeston.
Although the only official names of the village were Liggett's
Grove and later Rossville, for a time the very descriptive name
of Henpeck was used. No one seems to know why.
About two miles north of Liggett's Grove on the North Fork
Stream. George and William Bicknell established a homestead,
and then, as traffic increased along Hubbard's Trail, they
erected Bicknell Inn in 1845. Tradition says that Abraham
Lincoln was a patron of Bicknell House.
The Trail was a way to get the hogs, turkeys, and other
livestock of the community to market in Chicago. Hogs were
kept until they were fat enough not to run away but not fat
enough to butcher because if they were too fat they could not
stand the trip to Chicago. Turkeys were driven to market. Each
night they would go to roost in the trees while the men camped
on the ground and waited until morning.
The coming of the railroad brought many more settlers into
the region, and Ross Township was divided in 1862 into two
parts. There was a move to call the north part Lyon, but the
secretary of state reported there was already a Lyon township
in Cook County, so the citizens selected the name of Grant. This
is supposed to be the first honor to the then little-known U.S.
Grant. The southern part became Ross. Much later, in 1925.
because of bickering between neighboring villages, another
division was made so that today a new township. South Ross, is
separated from the area about the city o/Ross\'ille.
Other Towns in Grant
Near Burr Oak Grove, just north of Cheneyvillc. stands a
stone marker which was on the trail from Williamsport to
Chicago. This is the only land mark left of the time when Indian.'i
and pioneers roved the vast prairie land.
Five miles east of Hoopeston. Cheneyville was founded in
1871 and laid out in lots in 1880. It was named for Mr. J. H.
Cheney, vice president of the Lake Eric and Western Railroad.
In the history of other towns we read how some land owner
gave land so that a railroad would pass through the town in
which he lived. In Cheneyville the men also gave work. Tade
Layden donated two days' worl^. James Swaner helped haul
Other Towns in Grant
ties. Thus began the village of Cheneyville.
Telephones canie to Cheneyville in 1888, and soon the system
had to be enlarged. Everyone wanted a telephone. The new
instrument replaced the old telegraphs which had been placed in
the bank for use during the day and at the newspaper office for
the night. Townspeople had placed them there to make it easier
to call a doctor. The school was built in 1885 but is closed now, as
children attend school in Hoopeston.
One former resident of the village will be remembered for
words she penned. Ina Duley Ogdon, writer of many hymns,
advised countless Sunday school students to "brighten the
corner where you are."
An old scrap book contains this about one of the early citizens
of Cheneyville:
"There's Zachariah Fetters,
A man of great renown.
Who runs a little blacksmith shop
In the northern part of town.
He also keeps a boarding house.
And his meals are all in style;
And while he has his troubles.
He greets you with a smile."
Prospect City once existed east of Hoopeston. It was laid out
by a Chicago surveyor for Janet Taft. a relative of President
William Howard Taft, in 1857. Ransome Murdock, William
Pells, and Leander Britt were the first settlers, and the first
industry was the distilling of whiskey. The town died a slow
death in 1880.
Weaver City was platted for George Weaver on his farm east
of Cheneyville in 1872, but that is about all there is to the history
of the village.
Rankin
Alvan Gilbert, founder of Alvin, born 1810.
Prospect City
Prospect City was laid out by Ransom R. Murdock, William H.
Pells, Leander Britt, Benjamin Sites and Dryden Donelly. This
village was located on the south half of the southwest quarter of
section 8, the northeast quarter of section 18, N., 20 acres of the
west one half of the northwest quarter of section 17, and the
southeast quarter of section 7, and the west half (less twenty
acres of north end) of the northwest quarter of section 17, lying
in township 23, N. of R, 10 E. of the 3rd Principal Meridian. The
plat of this village was recorded July 31, 1857. (Near the Indiana
State line where route 9 is located today)
Weaver City
A city which came into being and disappeared without a
history, was laid out by George Weaver where the L. B. & M.
railroad crosses the Indiana line. The town plat was recorded
and afterward vacated, and consisted of four blocks on the north
half of section 6 (23-10).
If the outcome of a quarrel had been different when the town
was founded, Rankin probably would have been located west of
its present site. The dispute which began in 1872 between W. H.
Pells and W. A. Rankin concerned the location of a Lake Erie
and Western Railroad station. Pells was a member of the board
of directors, and Rankin was a wealthy landowner. The solution
was that two stations were built, one at Rankin and one at
Pellsville about one and a half miles west. The citizens of
Pellsville raised $3,500 to get their depot, but when the narrow
gauge railroad went into the hands of a receiver, Rankin won the
long battle. It was Pells who laid out the town in 1888.
Under Rankin's leadership his town grew and won the contest
for the post office location. Pellsville declined and gradually
became a ghost town.
For many years Rankin was a railroad (own. The L E & W
(later the Nickel Plate) located shops there. However, in 1932
the shops moved to Frankfort. Indiana, and some of the town's
citizens went also.
W. A. Rankin
Gilbert
It was in 1872 that a station was made on the Chicago &
Danville Railroad a mile south of the present site of Alvin. This
was named for the progressive citizen of that part of the country
called Gilbert. L. T. Dixon laid out the town of Gilbert on section
8 (21-11) and Bruce Peters and D. McKibben started a store.
Peters was made postmaster. John Davison afterwards bought
it and put in a stock of dry goods. Dr. G. W. Akers started the
drug business in 1875 and remained there a year, when the
narrow gauge road made a crossing a mile to the north and the
post office, station, stores and all moved to this point. Gilbert
became an abandoned town, but the new town built in its place
must be named. So great was the appreciation of his neighbors
for Mr. Gilbert that his name was kept for the other town, and it
was called Alvin. Now Mr. Gilbert always persisted in the
spelling of his given name with an ."a" and the devotion of those
who named the new town went to the extent of spelling it in the
same way. The post office department knew how to spell and
refused to accept this spelling, but spelled the town "Alvin". So
it is that this town in Vermilion County has the spelling of Alvan
as a railroad station and of Alvin as a post office. Anyone can
give either spelling as he may choose and be correct. Alvan
Gilbert had lived in this neighborhood for ten years and had
large land interests there, and if he demoralized the or-
thography of the community, it is too late a day to make any
change. Mr. Gilbert was the man who made a settlement at the
site of Rossville. possibly in 1862. That was the date of his
coming to this place, which was then called Henpeck, the reason
for which is unknown. This included the settlement made first
by Mr. Bicknell in the earlier history of the country. There was a
point of timber running into the prairie at this place where Mr.
Bicknell had settled.
East Lynn
Lost City Names
"East Lynn Tonight" was a sign that drew theater-goers for
years. The play was based on a novel written by Mrs. Anna
Stephens. The name of the novel — and play — is perpetuated in
Vermilion County by a small village, founded in 1872.
In East Lynn. Henry Ludden was the first station agetU. the
first postniaster. the first to operate a store. The first business
was a hotel which burned in 1911.
The grain business became the backbone of the economy of
the village, and the East Lynn Methodist Church became the
center of religious and social life.
The church was founded in 1869. Three years after the village
was incorporated the people built the first church building. In
1914 they moved into their present building.
East Lynn Public School, built In 1915
Butler Township
Butler Township was separated from the rest of Middlefork
Township in 1840 and named for "Old" General Benjamin F.
Butler, "cock-eyed hero of the Civil War.'
THE FIRST HOTEL
The first Hotel was built in Leed's addition (Hoopeston's West
Side) at a cost of $7,700.00. The hotel has 21 sleeping rooms, each
with stove and furniture, the name was The Hibbard House.
Feb. I. 1872: A Wolf was chased thru the streets by R. Mc-
Cracken. He cornered the wolf or visa versa and before long
there were 6 mounted men giving chase. One man was on a
donkey and he was armed with a pitch-fork. The howling wolf
was finally driven away by the shouts and shots of the men.
July 4, 1872: There is a private dancing party tonite on the
North Side. Fire works this evening. The Soda fountain is going
full blast at the Union Depot and a great quantity of cakes were
baked by Spoor & Tucker. Hoopeston's baseball team was
beaten by Danville's team on July 4. 1872.
May 15. 1873: Mr. Spinning will spare no pains to make the
post office commodious and creditable, and we feel sure it will
compare favorably with others of higher rank.
NOTE: The Chronicle building was on the corner of Main and
Bank Streets. The Chronicle was on the second floor over the
Union Bakery. Apparently the post office moved into some
location on the first floor.
It is evident that the postmaster, Mr. Spinning was involved in
other activities and used the post office as his personal office.
Advertisements were carried in the newspaper stating that he
sold books of all kinds, notions, toys, pictures, and frames,
stationary, initial paper, envelopes, writing desks, etc. One such
advertisement was published in the April 1 7th issue of the North
Vermilion Chronicle-1873.
It was in 1871 that Hoopeston was laid out. The fight over the
possession of the site by the two companies who were building
the two railroads was a bitter one and ended in the platting of
three towns: Hoopeston laid out in July where Main street is
now: Leeds laid out where later the Hibbard House was built,
and North Hoopeston comprised all the land north and west of
the railroad. The first town was platted in the spring of 1871, the
next was platted in November of that year, and the third was
platted in the same year. A great factor in the growth of
Hoopeston was the organization of the Hoopeston Agricultural
Society. This was formed in 1873 and the stock was fixed at
$5,000. and afterward raised to $10,000.
The Hoopeston Library and Lecture Association was
organized in December 30. 1872. and Hon. Lyford Marston
elected president. After the car shops of the Eastern Illinois
Railroad were built near the junction, the demand for an in-
corporated village of the territory lying to the northeast of that
locality. A petition was filed in the county court June 25. 1874,
asking the court to direct the holding of an election to vote for or
against village incorporation, setting forth that there were over
400 people living within said limits. The petition contained the
names of sixty voters who lived within said limits. The petition
was granted and an election was called for July 6. 1874. At this
election there were thirty-one votes cast, thirty for and one
against the incorporation. An election was held on July 31 for six
trustees to perfect the organization. At this election there were
thirty-four votes cast. In 1875 there were sixty-one votes cast.
When the village was incorporated the people living there were
largely Germans, but that did not last long, since the working
men who have come into the shops are by no means all Ger-
mans, and other nationalities find their way to this village.
While the entployment of its citizens were men who had little
farms and truck patches, there were conditions which attracted
the German settler who remained the German all his life. Thus
"Hoopeston won out and "Leeds" and "North Hoopeston" lost
their titles.
Streets! 1904)
"Great pressure is being Drought to bear upon the local board
to order the paving of Lincoln street from Euclid avenue west to
Fifth avenue. While the board had not yet reached a decision on
its street, it is likely to be ordered. This string of pavement will
be a little more than a mile long."
"Work is already in progress on Market street from Mc-
Cracken avenue north to the city limits, and on Seminary
avenue from Market street east to the city limits. These two
pavements are just a fraction short of one mile in length.
"Counting the pavement already laid, which is fully six and
three-quarters miles long: the pavement already decided upon,
and the pavememt which is likely to be laid, we will have an
aggregate of eleven miles, as follows:
Pavement already laid 6% miles
Pavement being laid, short 1 miles
Pavement decided upon 2^4 niiles
Pavement in prospect, long 1
Total 11 miles
"It is safe to say that not another town of five thousand
inhabitants in the State of Illinois, possibly not in the world, has
eleven miles of street pavement. And possibly no other town in
the world needed it so badly. However that may be, if is also
certain that in no other town is the pavement ta.x paid so
willingly, for it has been demonstrated time and again that the
money paid for street paving is the most profitable real estate
investnient possible to make, yeilding a larger and more certain
profit than any other investment. Possibly the cost of the
pavement seems a little bit heavy just at the time, but the
system of dividing it into ten equal annual payments makes it
come easy. People who were not fixed well financially, and who
have paid out on pavements already laid, unite in saying that.
while they were opposed to the pavement when it was first
suggested, and did all in their power to prevent it, they are now
glad it was put in, and would not have taken up for twice its cost
laid down all in one lump in cold cash. "
k^>^m^m^m^<»^i»^m^m^m^m^m^m^»^>,^m,^m^m^*>^<>^'m^t>^m^^,^'<>.fmi^,^*,,^>..0^,,^^>^^..^^
Our Ancestors first broke this soil.
Want to St-r-r-etch Yours?
Remember when cattle provided
most of the product and
the farmer relied
on horses to spread it?
Not So TODAY!
Modern materials »««V
provide the
"stretch"
r
As sure as there's a tomorrow,
SEARS can help you today!
"We're goin' down to SEARS to pick up
our telephone order!"
and our
up-to-date
equipment
will insure
For as long as most of us can remember, there's always
been a SEARS-ROEBUCK & Co.
Order Now from our "WISHBOOK."
that the job
HOOPESTON isdoneto
FERTILIZER CO. "''^"""'
SEARS-
ROEBUCK
AND CO.
Ron Gehrig, mgr.
207 E. Main
283-5561
W. THOMPSON AVE.
(Since 1946)
Dalph - Earl - Ray Stipp, owners / RICHARD W. SEARS ALVAH C. ROEBUCK
Hoopeston's Men in Uniform
100 Years Old.
We're Proud to have Served Such
_i .'11 • f ? vve ru rruuu lu iid
...and stdl growing! ^ p^^^^^^^.^^ ^ity!
Since 1917
We're happy to have
been a part of Hoopeston's
growth as general
contractor for the
recent school Im-
provements and hospital
nursing home addition.
B. D. Hardy
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
381/2 N. Vermilion Danville,
When Co. B was first organized In 1917,
Hoopeston's men responded .... and have
continued to serve for 54 years!
TROOP B
1st Sqdn., 194th Cavalry
inols National Guard
Danville,
«
Would you believe...
1929 Tires at 1929 Prices?
'I
Yep! — 5.00/5.25/21 or 5.00/5.25/19
Whitewalls:ni5,L,.
(Slight Blemish)
Centennial Week — July 18-24 Only
FREY TIRE CO.
WOOD
FUNERAL HOME
AIR CONDITIONED
CALL 283-5128
24-HOUR AMBULANCE SERVICE
OXYGEN EQUIPPED
2I4E. Penn 283-5571 «> 309 E. WASHINGTON
We pay tribute
to a great city!
Sincere Wishes for
a floppy celebrotioni
For all your
trucking and
transfer needs,
ship it by
RAYLS
RAYLS BROS.
TRANSFER, Inc.
North Dixie Hiway 283-6603
Lloyd and "Boots" Rayls
^^
Flowers for 5
all occasions l
^r
Wholesale |
and Retail
<
E N H O U S E
1
Established
1913
(Sandy and Bill Schuler) |
S. Second Ave.
TeL 283-6681 4
Pioneer Names Appeared On The First
Roster Of Citizen's Stockholders
Following is a list of stockholders in the Citizen's Savings and Loan back in
1894. You'll recognize many of them as former prominent citizens.
James A. Cunningham
W.J. Lateer A.S. Vancleave
John L. Hamilton, Jr.
Carrie Lahr Sadie Finley
Nathan Bond V.C. Preston
Charles 0. Williams
J.O. Dixon Charles W. Warner
H.B. Harper W.C. Cook
Geo. W. Prutsman H.T. Hobson
George A. Collings John York
Charles A. Allen J.W. Heaton
George R. Deatrich W.H. Lewis
D.D. Gilman A.B. Burtnett
Harry Cunningham W.P. Pierce
R.A. Bayne Simon Rohren
W.H. Elliott J.S. Decloss
C.T. Putnam Thomas Kight
N.E. Beaver Lillie E. Lewis
George M. Dunlap Georgie Finley
A.M. Sorey Lester Kight
C.C. Bradford Charles R. Finley
Ray Alexander E.R. Knox
Further information on these
pioneer citizens is not too readily
available, but we do know a few
things about some of them.
On the original board of
directors was Charles A. Allen,
Charles C. Williams, Nathan
Bond (secretary), H.B. Harper,
W.J. Lateer, Joseph W. Heaton
and George Prutsman.
Charles Williams operated a
shoe store. W.C. Cook a grocery.
H.T. Hobson also a grocery.
George W. Prutsman had a
lumber yard. Nathan Bond, our
first secretary was in the in-
surance business, just as our
present secretary, Tate Duley.
A.S. Van Cleave was a clerk in
Heaton & Evans Dry Goods.
George Duley (Tate's dad) was
a shareholder. Also Dr. L.W.
Anderson. David Bodell was a
merchant and also assistant post
master. W.P. Pierce, mayor of
Hoopestom from 1889 to 1893 is
listed. John Heaton, mayor from
1919 to 1925 was a stockholder.
M.H. Lewis, a retired farmer,
built part of the original Route 9.
He was an uncle of Don Petry's.
James Cunningham, Irma Dyer's
grandfather was represented.
John Hamilton was cashier of the
First National Bank and W.J.
Lateer was vice-president of the
bank.
Charles R. Finley, first
president of the Vermilion
County Farm Bureau, was in-
cluded. From the same family
was Addie Reece Finley, Marion
Reece Finley, Margaret Alice
Finley and Watts Finley.
Dr. J.W. Heaton, father of Drs.
Dick and Herb was on the roster,
as was Charles Warner, father of
Gladys Finch. John York was
included and his wife, Mrs. Nora
York, and his son Shirley York
now lives at 848 E. Honeywell
Ave.
Charles T. Putnam was on the
original list. The greater part of
his career was spent in
Hoopeston in the lumber, coal
and planing mill business,
which he sold in 1908.
This is only a sketchy and
partial list. The other old timers
have passed from our ken, but
are well remembered by
relatives and friends.
The current board at Citizens
pays high tribute to these early
pioneers. Without their far-
sighted views, we would not be
where we are today.
And we're looking forward to many more good years....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HOOPESTON!
Savings and Loan Association
Phone 283-5548
103 West Penn
Hoopeston, Illinois 60942
\St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Churchl
St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church was founded in Hoopeston in the year 1877. The parish was then a mission of Silman, with the
spiritual needs of the Catholics in the community being taken care of by a visiting priest from a neighboring city. In this year, the growth
of Catholics in numbers was sufficient to warrant the erection of a church.
A MISSION OF PAPINEAU
According to the Catholic directory, in 1895. Hoopeston was a mission of Papineau. The pastor of Papineau,
the Reverend M. A. Mainville, became the first resident pastor of Hoopeston in 1897. Another church and
rectory were built by Father Mainville after the first church was destroyed by a storm.
Following Father Mainville, the pastors were: Reverend William Sellc in the years 1898-1902; Reverend
Michael A. Welter 1902-1903; Rt. Reverend Monsignor Frederich Gahlman 1903-1929.
Monsignor Gahlman was born in Clyman, Wisconsin on March 28, 1872, and was ordained a priest by the
late Bishop O'Riley on June 26, 1901. His first assignment was the post of assistant pastor at Gilman, Illinois.
FATHER MAINVILLE
He was scarcely acquainted with the members cf his
parish when he received the call from the Bishop again,
sending him to Hoopeston. He arrived here in July
1903. When he assumed the pastorate here, there
was a little wooden church at the corner of South
Third and Lincoln Streets. Four years later the first
of his ambitions was realized when he completed a
new brick church in 1907. The next great improve-
ment was the parsonage, a brick residence next to
the church on Third Street. The rectory was com-
pleted In 1928.
THE NEW RECTORY. 1928.
1^^^ FIRST CHURCH, BUILT IN 1877.
THE NEW CHURCH, BUILT IN 1907.
Father Gahlman established the Ladles Altar and Rosary Society with Its
main purpose being, to look after the altars and see that they were properly
decorated on church holidays, also to take care of the linens and the cleaning
of the church Itself. However the functions do not stop there as the ladies
also organize the social functions and meetings around the diocese and in the
parish.
After Monsignor Gahlman, the Reverend Dennis Walsh was pastor, fol-
lowed by Reverend F. X. Janssen In 1937. Reverend E. W. Flynn came to St.
Anthony's In 1938. Father Flynn had served In several churches In central lllinals
prior to his appointment In Hoopeston. While rummaging through old church
records, (written mostly In French), Father Flynn discovered that the first bap-
tismal services were held at St. Anthony's on April 20. 1888. and the first con-
firmation was that of Matthew Jennett on September 13, 1895.
Succeeding Father Flynn was Reverend John Kozel who stayed at St.
Anthony's until Reverend Raymond J. Boyle assumed the parochial work. Under
the direction of Father Boyle, the Interior of the church was redecorated to coin-
cide with the modern era. The grounds of the church were redone to make St.
Anthony's one of the most beautiful churchs In the city of Hoopeston.
Lutheran Church
Rev. Berthald of Danville called first meeting in summer of
1943 because of a concern for the community the size of
Hoopeston being without a Lutheran church since a large
number of people of Scandanavian descent and Lutheran
backgrounds were migrating to the area.
The first meeting was held at the home of George Arnholdt at
840 E. Maple that summer with ten people attending. Those
present were Mr. and Mrs. John Lah, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Lah,
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Roberts, Mrs. Leona Murray, and Mrs.
Chrisman and Mr. and Mrs. George Arnholdt.
They made plans to canvass the town to determine the
probability of establishing a congregation and in the following
year, 1944 the charter was issued.
The first services were held in the Lions Club meeting hall
which at the time was over the Darb Cigar Store which occupied
its present location.
Shortly arrangements were made to rent, by the week, the
church building located at the corner of Honeywell and Market
which belonged to the United Presbyterians. This building had
been destroyed by fire in 1925 and by 1928 was completely
rebuilt.
In 1946 arrangements were made to purchase the building
from the Presbyterians, at the time of the purchasing
agreement, a clause was included to allow any individuals or
groups of the United Presbyterian Church to use the church
facilities at no charge. This agreement was made to express
appreciation to the selling church body for their fairness in the
transaction and remains in effect today.
In 1950 the purchase of the parsonage directly to the east of the
church was completed. This parsonage was in use until 1964, at
which time it was sold.
The first services were conducted by Pastor Norman E. Klatt.
Since that time the church has been served by several pastors.
Following Pastor Klatt was Pastor Wheele, then Pastor Ballash.
Hoopeston then shared a pastor with the Loda congregation,
Pastor Lutz. After his departure Hoopeston entered into an
agreement with the Our Savior Lutheran Church of Milf or d for a
joint parsonage, the first pastor being Rev. Knauft, then Pastor
Howard Jording and presently by Pastor John Hobratschk who
graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. Nov. 25,
1970 and was ordained January 10, 1971. He assumed his duties
as pastor immediately following and now resides in the par-
sonage at Milford, III.
The Christian Church
The Christian Church in Hoopeston had its beginning almost
with the city itself at a time when most of its members came
from other communities to attend services.
During the first year, 1873, a church house was built jointly
with the New Light Brethren and the Disciples of Christ on East
Honeywell, site of the present home of Donald Petry.
The building was bought a few years later from the New Light
Brethren and became the sole property of the Disciples.
First members included J. M. R. Spinning, Hoopeston's first
postmaster, and his wife; Dr. F. J. Roof, his wife and niece;
Miss Amy Jane Given; J. W. Hawkins and his wife; Dr. S.
Frankenberger; Mrs. Mark Johnson; Noah Brown and three or
four others whose names were not noted in history.
Spinning was chosen elder and Hawkins, deacon. Elder
Martin preached for the small congregation at intervals for a
year or more and traveling ministers visited the pulpit oc-
casionally.
In 1885, the congregation voted to move the church to a more
central location and a larger building was necessary by then. A
lot on the northwest corner of Main and Fourth was purchased.
On August 2, 1886, the new church was dedicated.
In 1890, J. N. Lester came to Hoopeston from Milford and was
engaged to preach. Under his guidance, the church began to
grow and soon numbered 475.
In May of 1899, members voted to change the name to First
Church of Christ. Soon after that the congregation bought a lot
across the street on the northeast corner of the intersection and
J. M. Strote of Watseka was awarded the contract to build a new
church for $8,100.
The n^ortgage on that building was burned in 1912 during the
pastorate of Andrew Scott.
In 1948 the church was extensively remodeled and the
following year found the auditorium being remodeled into a
more modern sanctuary and youth chapel. Also, new
classrooms were built as well as a pastor's study, choir room,
baptismal room and rest rooms were reniodeled. Cost of the
remodeling was estimated at $53,000.
On December 17, 1953, the entire structure was destroyed by
fire with estimates of damage set at $250,000.
Cornerstone for the new building of brick was laid during
ceremonies on October 31, 1954.
Ministers of the church through the years have included: R.H.
Robertson, 1898-1901; G.W. Thomas, 1902-03; L./. Mercer, 1904-
06; L.R. Hoteling, 1907-08; H. F. Keltch, 1909-10; Andrew Scott,
1911-14; John P. Givens, 1915-18; Eugene Smith, 1919-23; E.F.
Winkler, 1924-25; E.S. DeMiller, 1925-27; Charles Brooks, 1927-
33; Harold G. Elsamm 1933-39; Kent M. Dale, 1940-42; Eugene
Fairman, 1942-47; C. Ernest Grace, 1948-49; H. C. Roberts. 1949-
57; William Taylor, 1957; Leroy Roland, 1958-59; Joe Aspley,
1959-63; W. T. Harden, 1963-68; and Harry Elwood. 1968 to date..
Ministers who served during the early years were Elder Rolla
Martin who was responsible for organizing the first
congregation, Arnett Owen, William Rowe, Austin Stipp, Wesley
Miller, J.W. Lester, Simon Rohrer, J.S. Clements and Arthur
Cheesman.
Universalist Church
The Hoopeston Universalist Church was organized August 18,
1882. A constitution was first formed in September 1882. The
meetings that led up to the organization of the church were held
in the Presbyterian Church. The Rev. T. S. Guthrie of
Springfield, Ohio delivered the first sermon and received the
first members. A Sunday School was soon organized and met in
the room over Sniveley's Market and the church meetings were
held in the McFerren Opera House.
In March 1884 it was decided to purchase lots on the southwest
corner of Penn and Market and a church was to be built at a cost
of less than $3,500. This was the first church or wooden church
built in 1885, the year that Rev. L. W. Brigham assumed half
time work as pastor. Rev. Jacob Strub of Marselles, Illinois was
the first full time pastor. This building was dedicated October 2,
1887. The Rev. Cantwell and the Rev. Conklin preached the
sermons.
In 1892 they started to acquire a parsonage but no action was
taken until 1895 when a frame house was built on East
Washington Street. On January 23. 1918 this parsonage burned,
destroying most of the personal property of Rev. Harvey H.
Hoyt and in February 1918 it was voted to build a new parsonage
as the old one was beyond repair and a $6,000.00 parsonage was
built.
1904 was the year the plans were made for a new church at the
site of the wooden church which was to be torn down and a new
stone church built. On June 18, 1905 this church was finished and
dedicated. For this service the Methodist, Christian and Baptist
churches closed their services and their ministers took part in
the dedication of the new church. At this service eighty two
hundred dollars was raised in less than one hour and the
building was dedicated free of all indebtedness.
The church was built of Indiana Limestone, of English Gothic
design, with two porch entrance. The tower on the north east
corner was sixteen feet square by seventy two feet high with a
minaret twenty feet higher. The carved heads on the tower are
symbolic of the four gospels. The building was built at a total
cost of $26,760.
Methodist Episcopal
The first service was held by President Elder Wood of the
Danville District in a blacksn\ith's shop, using the anvil for a
pulpit, in 1871. Reverend Hyde, of the Rossville Circuit, then
formed the Methodists into a class, and attached it to the
Rossville Circuit. Next Presiding Elder Wood asked the Illinois
Conference for a missionary for the area north of Rossville to
the Iroquois County line, east to the Indiana line and west to the
Blue Grass appointment. The request was granted and
Reverend D. D. Alkire was secured. He gave his first sermon on
October 29. 1871. The first regular pastor of the church and area
to be assigned was Reverend A. H. Alfeire. in 1872, who suc-
ceeded his missionary brother. D. D. Alkire. These two men held
services in McCracken's Store. In 1873, Reverend Walter Lange
organized the Hoopeston Methodists into a separate class of
their own. composed of eleven charter members. Services were
now held in Taylor's Hall, located on the southeast corner of
West Penn and South Second Avenue. It was not until 1875, under
the ministry of Reverend James Muirhead. that an actual
church building was erected in Hoopeston, at a cost of $3,000.00.
The church nearly was closed twice in those early years. One
businessman, who had a bill of $30.00 against the church, got out
an injunction to close the church on a Sunday. The church was
kept open by Mrs. W. R. Wilson, Reverend Muirhead's adopted
daughter, who provided the $30.00 from money she had saved by
giving music lessons. At another time, the church was to be sold
for a mechanic's lien. The church was saved this time by Cyrus
Hartwell and W. R. Clark signing a note: though neither of these
men were Methodists. The lot on which the original and present
church building stands was acquired for the sum of $450.00 from
Robert McCracken of Paxton.
The Hoopeston Methodists were on a circuit of churches until
1885, when they became a station charge under Reverend J. P.
Mclntyre. Under Reverend Mclntyre's leadership, the first
parsonage was built at a cost of $1,500.00, located in the 300 block
on the north side of East Main Street.
The first Young People's Society was organized under
Reverend C. R. Morrison, who came in 1887. In 1888, Reverend
Walmsley came and under his leadership the first Woman's
Foreign Missionary Society was organized, Mrs. Walmsley
being the first president.
Another important era was begun in September 1895, when
Reverend Parker Shields came as pastor. His pastorate was so
successful that there were 240 additions to the church, raising its
membership to 745. Also, the present sanctuary was built and
then dedicated in 1896.
Another item of importance was that the 77th session of the
Illinois Annual Conference was held in the Hoopeston Methodist
Episcopal Church, September 18-24, 1900.
A list of ministers from beginning to present follows:
Antioch Church
The Antioch church, which was built on section 34, about two
miles from the southern and two from the eastern line of the
township, was the outgrowth of a union effort for securing the
necessary house of worship for that part of the township. Elder
Sites at an early day had preached there at the house of James
Holmes, who was a member of that — the Christian-denomina-
tion, and others of that connection followed. Father Connor
preached there in 1870, and Elders Hubbard and Stipp, later.
The Methodist class, that worships in the same place,
belonged to the Rossville circuit, and was served by the same
pastors who had labored at Hoopeston. The church was a neat
and commodious building, and by the terms of its building is to
be free to be occupied by all Christian denominations. Noah
Brown and Mr. Brillhart were trustees, and were largely in-
strumental in collecting the means to build, which was sub-
scribed liberally by all the neighborhood.
D. D. Alkire, 1871: A. H. Alkire, 1872: Walter Lange. 1873
James Muirhead, 1874-76: H. M. Haff. 1877-78: S. Goldsmith
1879-81: A. Clarke. 1882-83: J. P. Mclntyre, 1884-85: J. Long
1886: C. R. Morrison. 1887: E. S. Walmsley. 1888-92; J. G. Orr
1892-94: Parker Shields, 1895-99: S. N. Thornton, 1900: T, N
Ewing. 1901-03: A. L. T. Ewert. 1904-05: W. A. Smith. 1906-07: S
L. Boyer, 1908, M. G. Coleman, 1909-11: W. L. Ewing, 1912-14: J
M. Miller. 1915-16: A. S. Chapman, 1917-18: A. S. Flannagan
1919-20: H. G. Becfe. 1921-23: E. F. Young, 1924-28.
The name of the pastor in 1929 is unknown: H. F. Powell, 1930-
34: H. Leach. 1935-37: J. E. Evans. 1938-43: B. L. Rudd, 1944-45
Ralph C. Close. 1955: Clyde B. Friend, 1955-58: N. Felton
Whittle. i959-61. Ernest H. Duling. 1962-64: H. Leland Walls.
1965-69: Benjamin F. Anderson, 1970 to the present.
United Presbyterian
The United Presbyterian Church was organized in May 1872
by Rev. J. D. Whitham. Services were first held in McCracken's
Store.
Honeywell Avenue was named Davis Street in 1873 when the
First United Presbyterian Church was erected on Third and
Davis Street, just north of the present Baptist Church.
The Rev. John T. Meloy served in the United Presbyterian
Church from 1904 to 1922. Three of his children became well
known missionaries overseas. Sarah Meloy was president of an
active well known Girl's College in Cairo, Egypt for many years.
She is now living in Muncie, Indiana with two of her sisters.
Lucille Meloy Addy and John Meloy also served the church
overseas.
The Rev. E. E. Grice served in this church one year, 1922-23.
He has held high positions in the General Assembly of the United
Presbyterian Church and also served overseas in Egypt.
A frame building was erected, then a brick church on the
corner of Market and Honeywell. This later was burned to the
ground one very cold day in 1928. The fire hydrants were frozen
so help could not be obtained. The present church was erected
shortly after that with a small congregation. The United Pres-
byterian Church was dissolved in 1940 because of the very small
congregation and that there were very few ministers available
because of the war. The present building was rented for one
year, then sold to the Lutheran Church in 1942 where services
are still held.
The First Presbyterian
The First Presbyterian Church was organized May 3. 1872 by
Rev. A. L. Brooks and Rev. W. A. Steele. A union Sunday School
was held in 1872 with Dr. T. S. McCaughey as teacher for these
first religious services.
The first eight years services were held in various halls:
1. Hibbard House-tavern and hotel on Second Avenue and
Penn Street
2. Snell and Taylor's Hall
3. Givens and Knox Hall on Market and Honeywell
Seventeen charter members were in the first congregation.
In 1880 a wood-frame church with a bell tower was erected
under the pastorate of Rev. A. L. Knox. The son of Rev. Knox
was a prominent printer here, as was the grandson, also A. L.
Knox. After twenty years service this building proved to be too
small with the increasing congregation. It was sold to John
Mann Sr. who tore it down immediately, but saved the stained
glass windows which were stored carefully, then destroyed in a
fire.
Union services were held in summer evenings in the North
Side Park during the 1920's with several denominations.
The present brick church still in use. was erected in 1900 at the
cost of $15,000.00 under the pastorate of Rev. E. J. Regennes.
There have been sixteen ministers serving in The First
Presbyterian Church from 1872 to 1971.
Best Wishes to Our Neighbors
On 100 Years of Progress!
Apostolic
Christian
Church
of
Cissna Park
Located SYa Miles Southeast of Cissna Parle
HISTORY
A few members of the Apostolic Christian faith immigrated to the East Lynn community from
Europe prior to 1 880. Services were held in homes until 1 88 1 when a church building was pur-
chased near Fountain Creek. As the membership increased the people gradually located nearer
to Cissna Park, in the year 1890 the old building was moved to the present area, it was enlarged
and remodeled as needed until this new building was dedicated October 23, 1949.
SERVICES: Sunday - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
DOCTRINE
All are welcome to attend our services. We endeavor to follow the teachings and words of
our Lord Jesus Christ and the doctrine which is according to Godliness. Repentance, Conver-
sion, Confession, Rebirth through baptism, walking in newness of life — embracing a hope of eter-
nal life through the shed blood of Christ the son of God.
(All honor and glory to God in the highest.)
The present ministers are Ezra J. Feller serving as Elder. Also Phil Sauder and Ed Alt,
(More complete history of doctrine and nature available upon request.)
\Congratulations On Hoopeston's
100th Anniversary Of Progress
Hoopesfon can look back on Hs first cenfury with
pride in its acconnplishments. "From a swathe in
the raw prairie" came a prosperous community
which exemplifies those ideals which have made
America great.
The Louisville and Nashville Railroad extends con-
gratulations to all of Hoopeston's citizens . . .
past and present . . . whose vision and efforts have
given profound meaning to this centennial cele-
bration.
But a new century is dawning for Hoopeston. The
second hundred years will bring new challenges,
new promises. This milestone presents the oppor-
tunity to rededtcate ourselves to the noble princi-
ples of Hoopeston's earliest citizens.
L&N is proud to be part of Hoopeston, and a
partner in its future growth and progress.
fS^
1^^
&
THE LOUISVILLE & NASHVILLE RAILROAD
German
POTATO
SALAD
Happy 100th,
HOOPESTON
from one of your oldest companies
JOAN OF ARC COMPANY
Canners of Fine Foods Since 1878
To my hometown,.... a wonderful
community.
BEST WISHES
for a successful Centennial
■fo serve you in the Illinois State ^
Senate .... -^^i
^ Sen. Tom Merritt
As a local businessman, I'm proud of our
33 years and hope we have made some con-
tribution in protecting the properties of the
people of hloopeston.
TOM MERRITT & CO.
INSURANCE — REAL ESTATE — FARM LOANS
(SINCE 1937)
202 S. Market Tel. 283-7722
5/4/0 Semi Annually Paid on Savings
PLUS — Life Insurance on
First $2,000 of Savings.
JOIN
"Illinois' Largest Community
Credit Union "
GRANT & ROSS TWP. COMMUNITY
CREDIT UNION
228 E. MAIN
HOOPESTON, ILLINOIS
PHONE 283-6656
''
Celebrating
KECI
• FURNITURE
• CARPETING
• BEDDING
• ACCESSORIES
• DECORATING
• GIFTS
71st Anniversary
Congratulations
To
Hoopeston
100 Years Old
We want to help you be bigger and better
in the next 1 00.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
LOYAL SUPPORT
Happy Anniversary
from your partner in progress
Since the first Methodist service was held in
Hoopeston in 1871, we have thrived to -fill the
spiritual needs of the "HOLY CITY".
And we dedicate ourselves to continued growth,
spiritually and in reality.
THE UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
OF HOOPESTON
315 E. MAIN
HOOPESTON
The Rev. Ben Anderson, minister
^^jSw^v^BnnT**^
CONGRATULATIONS
HOOPESTON.Ill.
On your 100th AnniTersary Celebration
We are proud to have been part of the
history and g'rowth of the community. May
the progress and success of the next
100 years be as fruitful.
Sprague Canning Machinery Company 1S9S
m'i nm
FMC Corporation 1971
" SERVING THE FOOD INDUSTRY SINCE 1885
t/'i fmc
Fl^C COR.PORi\.TIOZ^
CANNING MACHINERY DIVISION
BAL sales offices WESTERN-SAN JOSK, CALIF EASTERN - HOOPESTON, ILL
Happy Birthday,
Hoopeston !
On Your 100th
Anniversary.
H
AMILTON FUNERAL
OME
OOPESTON, ILLINOIS
Eugene Orr — Owner
Phone 283-6696
Good Luck on
your Centennial
horn the
"PEPSI"— GENERATION
PEPSI-COLA
' 1
DANVILLE PEPSI-COLA
BOTTLING CO., INC.
211 S. BOWMAN
DANVILLE, ILL.
YOUR FARM-TO-MARKET SERVICE
INTER and
INTRA STATE
HAULING
E & H TRUCK BROKERS
AND
FEDERATED COOP
TRANSPORT
WE MAKE ALL POINTS EAST
AND
MANY POINTS WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI
ALL PHONES
283-6684
BOX 365, HOOPESTON. ILL.
DIXIE HIGHWAY
$
§
GADDIS SERVICE
QUICK - PROMPT
EMERGENCY SERVICE
DAY OR NIGHT
OPEN 6 A.M. TO
10 P.M.
COMPLETl ■ONl-STOP' SCftVICl
• BRAKE SERVICE • LUBRICATION
• TIRES • MUFFLERS • TAIL PIPES
283-7214
COMPieTE MOTOR REPAIR
108 W. MAIN HOOPESTON, ILL
HOWARD GADDIS (operator)
>
©
'#
i
Electronic Devices of Distinction for the Electronic Industry
by Woodward - Schumacher Electric Corp. Manufacturers
of QUALITY Radio, Television, Ballast and special iron core
transformers: Battery chargers and Fencers
IN HOOPESTON SINCE SEPTEMBER, 1963 at:
405 W. ORANGE ST.
TEL. 283-5551
Hats off to Hoopeston!
We're happy to be a part of the 100th BIRTHDAY
of our community
Since the days of the pio-
neers and "BULL DURHAM",
we've catered to the needs
of the men in our town!
ALL POOL & SNOOKER
per
cue
per
game
5'
(CENTENNIAL WEEK ONLY)
"Bring your friends"
Sandwiches & Short Orders
try our specialty
TENDERLOIN SANDWICH ....so*
FOR THOSE CARRY-OUTS. PHONE 283-5850
COFFEE 5'.... DURING THE WEEK, JULY 18 - 24
LADIES WELCOME
THE DARB CIGAR STORE
AND
''BROWNIE'S" LUNCH COUNTER
(Earl and Mae Smock)
(Roy and Gwennle Brown)
Best Wishes....
to Hoopeston on its 100th Birthday .
J XL I Congratulations on your
Although we ve changed our name thru /
the years, we're still in business.
s Mi f
iOi
il
and we're happy to have been a part of
Hoopeston's growth ourselves since 1924.
HOTT'S LUMBER
and COAL CO.
'I
lOOTH BIRTHDAY
AUTOTRON, Inc.
Industrial
Electronic
Equipment
Danville, Illinois
105 E. Penn
283-5729
Happy Birthday
to Hoopeston!
See Greene
for your
Grain Handling,
Drying & Storage Needs.
GREENE'S WELDING
AND HARDWARE
9 99
' 'Mr. L s
Steakhouse
En|oy yourself and relax
at Mr. L's Steakhouse,
during our Centennial —
A Snack — Dinner —
or just a friendly Cool
Cocktail in Mr. L's room.
Come anytime and feel
at home among Friends.
For Milady!
• Cutting
• Styling
• Permanents
• Personalized fast
machine coloring
• Wigs and
Hair Pieces
Carolynn s
Hair Stylists
Lillian Lee: Owner
Carolynn Curry: Mgr.-Operator
Start
urith
Adequate
Wiring!
R.R. I, Hoopeston,
East Lynn Phone
217-375-3813
'I
(Corner R+e. 9 & 6th Ave.)
Telephone 283-6713
Happy 100th
Anniversary
from
Congrafulofions, —
Hoopesfon
DANVILLE
BEER
WHOLESALERS
We thank you for the oppor-
tunity to be a part of your
thriving and progressive com-
munity!
CROW'S HYBRID
CORN COMPANY
MILFORD, ILL
LOCAL CROW'S DEALERS
Tom Field, Wellington Jim Brammer, Wellington
Bill Putnam, Hoopeston Clifford Hinkie, Cissna Park
Lester Landsdown, Rossville
ROSSVIILE
a^Cy^
/^ud<
WPS
Congratulates you, Neighbors on your Centennial!
Antiques and Uncommon
Accessories for the Home.
Weber's
Coachman
iana's Finest Supper Club
ROSSVILLE
Decorative and Useful Gifts
For The Home and All Occasions
ANTIQUES — OIL PAINTINGS
LA PETITE
GIFT SHOPPE
THE HOUSE OF GLASS
748-6191
Featuring
l>^^Efe<g"^^'~--0 Wright's Old-Fashion
Bulk Ice Cream
Wedding and
Party Punch
Full Fountain Service — Grill Service
PHONE 748-6221
FIRST
NATIONAL BANK
10! N. Chicago
JEWEL CASE
Gifts, Imports,
Jewels,
Watch Repairing
ROSSVILLE, ILLINOIS
WHISTLER'S
^J^!^ ANTIQUES
Hand Decorated Furniture
1 1 5 South Chicago
Treof Your Centennial
Guests to the Finest:
"Good for wtiaf ails you . . . hangnail, whooping cough,
or that run-down feeling."' Remember those days?
Wines, Liquors
and cordials
from around the World.
Glassware
Misc. Gift Items
Bar Supplies
• BEER •
(Domestic & Imported)
WELCOME VISITORS — Come in and brouse —
I Block East of Centennial Headquarters near the
L&N R.R.
Ted's Home Beverage
TED MORRIS, owner
101 W. MAIN TEL. 283-7213
Best of Luck on
your Centennial.
Compliments of:
S. A. SNIVELY
COMPANY, INC.
ROY A. CARLSON, proprietor
SHEET METAL WORK — ROOFING
VENTILATION — AIR CONDITIONING
HOOPESTON, ILL
112 W. MAIN ST. TEL 283-5628
Happy Birthday,
Hoopeston!
(May you double in size and age)
Present this ad to us for
10% off on carpet cleaning
or
10% off on new carpet
DEEP STEAM EXTRACTION
RETHELFORD CARPETING
615 N. Vermilion, Danville
Hoopestonite partners:
Perry Rethelford & Chuck Baker
HOOPESTON MASONIC LODGE
Chartered Oct. 8, 1873
CHARTER MEMBERS:
Johnathon Bedell
George Steeley
Samuel E. Douglas
William Moore
William Brillhart
Edwin D. North
James M. R. Spinning
Landa M. Purriance
Patrick Coleman
George White
Samuel Malo
Cyrus Hartwell
James A. Cunningham
John S. Crane
Thomas Williams
Amos Perkins
J. P. Lindeaf
Randolph Morey
Abrahamb Levi
John W. Hughes
Richard H. Austin
Martin L. Miller
FRIENDSHIP • MORALITY • BROTHERLY LOVE
Meetings Conducted 2nd & 4th Mondays
STAR LODGE 709 AF & AM
i
206 W. Orange St.
Tel. 283-5373
'I
Compliments of:
W. A. READ
PONTIAC • BUICK
^^= — - ■ Wouldn't you
: really rather
have a
BUICK?
BUY YOURS IN HOOPESTON
W. A. READ
PONTIAC - BUICK
Authorized Sales & Service
424 N. DIXIE HIWAY PH., 283-6688
HOOPESTON, ILL.
^
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
from:
"The total
communications
agency
HARRY L. BAUER ASSOCIATES
ADVERTISING
2 NORTH RIVERSIDE PLAZA
CHICAGO ILL. 60606
TEL. 312-236-0097
Congratulations from
STANDARD OIL
Serving Hoopeston and
area since 1906.
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
INDUSTRIAL LUBRICANTS
AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS
DAVE McGEE - Agent
HOOPESTON. ILL.
Congratulations on your highly-successful
100-year journey!
ADSIT QUALITY FARM
EQUIPMENT CO.
RFD3.
MILFORD, ILL
HOOPESTON AREA CENTENNIEAL CORPORATION
Bob Ault
Ethel May Martin
Ttiomas N. Martin
DIRECTORS
Tom Merntt
Marguerite Wallace
James A. Miller
Joseph C. Moore
Larry Oyler
Charlotte Russell
Thomas E Mills
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
GENERAL CHAIRMAN
Earl Smock
WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION
Marge Wallace
SPECTACLE
Sara Ault
SECRETARY
Charlotte Russell
MEN'S PARTICIPATION
Clyde Watson
INSURANCE
Tate Duley
TREASURER
Byron Hedgecock
DECORATIONS
Dale Preston
PUBLICITY
"Slim" Collier
HEADQUARTERS
Tom Mills
SPECTACLE TICKETS
Bill Burtis
SPECIAL EVENTS
James A. Miller and Paul Tolch
REVENUE
Dale Brown
OPERATING CAPITAL
Lee Martin
SPECIAL DAYS
Ethel "Pepper" Martin
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
COMMEMORATIVE BOOKLET
Leon Gosseft
TRANSPORTATION
Earl Drollinger
PIONEER EVENTS
Dorothy Shuler
NOVELTIES
Bill Scharlach
SCENARIO AND TITLE
Jack Fisher
HISTORICAL WINDOWS
Charles Miller
CELEBRATION BALL
Rich Tosi
CONCESSIONS
Bob Rosborg
PROPERTIES
Carol Barber
CAST
Dianne Summers
MUSIC
Pat Musk
Larry Voorhees
Jim French
BROTHERS OF THE BRUSH
George Blalock
MEN'S HATS AND TIES
Herb Shoufler
KANGAROO COURT
William Nelson
CENTENNIAL BELLES
Fran Griswold
LADIES' BONNETS AND DRESSES
Dianne Singleton
PROMENADE AND CARAVAN
Don Buck and Sue Regan
TICKETS
Ken Crouch
PATRONS' TICKETS
Esther Haworlh
ADVANCE SALE
Charles Johnson
CONSTRUCTION
Harry Silver and Ken Dazey
COSTUMES
Anita Clements
PRESS RELEASES
Byron Yanders
DISTRIBUTIVE
Harlan Hatfield
RADIO AND TV
Dave Hodge
SPEAKERS
Ray Mendenhall
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Bill DeWitt
MERCHANTS
Paul Tolch and Woody Evans
PARADE
Mike Blankinship and Larry Coon
AUDIENCE AREA AND GROUNDS
Ron DeVore
HOSPITALITY CENTER
Louise Braden
RELIGIOUS HERITAGE DAY
Rev. Ben Anderson and
Fr. Raymond Boyle
OPEN AIR MARKET DAY
Paul Tolch and Woody Evans
INDUSTRY DAY
Dr. Winston Bash
YOUTH DAY
Selma Young
Ralph Huffman
Steve Baldwin
Mrs. Bobbie Sears
AGRICULTURAL DAY
Ed Layden
Mildred Cadle
USHERS AND GATES
James Hopkins
TRAFFIC AND SAFETY
Police and CD Police
VARIETY DAY
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Trego, Jr.
Centennial Shareholders
C. F. Dyer
C. E. Fenckcn
Bill McGee
Jane McGee
Kelly Jane McGee
Chuck & Connie Fenwick
Teanna Lynn Knoll
Lindy or Richard Knoll
Mrs. Eva Odie
Miss Ethel Mae Martin
Mrs. B. B. Russell
Charlotte Ann Russell
Miss Lillian Geyer
Georgia Prather
Jerry & Carolyn Kincheloe
Paul Fischer
Ed Beck
Harry Merritt
John A. Chanian
Mildred M. Shumway
Paul H. Morrison
Miss Emily Geyer
Lloyd & Mary May
John Lavoie
Ralph Floyd
Don Anderson
Alvin & Bessie Earls
Jason Wade Martin
Jeffrey Lee Martin
Hoopeston Chamber of Commerce
Hoopeston Lions Club
The City of Hoopeston
Linda's Beauty Shop
Griners Beauty Shop
Charlene's Corner Salon
Tom Layden
Bury's Beauty Salon
Betty's Beauty Shoppe
Pat Regan's Beauty Shop
Carolynn's Beauty Shop
Pat's Powder Puff
First Methodist Church
Women's Society of Christian Service
Donald Henning
Citizens Savings and Loan
R. Yonkelowitz & Son
Cade Oil Company
Woody's Dept. Store
Douglas B. Hatfield
S. A. Snively Co.
Wallace Agency
Webers Drug Store
Timmons Insurance
Hoopeston Standard Parts
Sheridans
Yergler's Jewelry
Ted Morris
Lowell or Arlene Miller
Miss Carol Sims
Miss Paula Sims
Hoopeston Plumbing & Heating
Mills Publications, Inc.
Howard Gaddis
Gary's Men & Boys Store
Tate W. Duley
Danny Thrasher
Paul Layden
Fronville Jewelers
Carl Petersen (Worthens)
Silver Bros., Inc.
Arnold's Office Supplies
Miss Jane Carroll Browne
Miss Frosty Browne
Cassenora Lee Simpson
Mr. Ted Gordon
Mrs. Abby Gordon
Mrs. Carol Zook
Mr. J. M. Zook
Mrs. Paul J. Zook
LeRoy Baker
Gwen Baker
Michelle Zook
David Zook
Chris Allen Zeigler
Western Auto Supply
The Wellington State Bank
The Hoopeston United Methodist Men
Glennie Browne
Jim Nielsen & Family
XI Beta Rho Chapter
United Methodist Church
FH&C Circle
Robert Raymond Gatrell
Billie Francis Gatrell
Bette Gatrell Knapp
George Raymond Gatrell
Harriet Redman Gatrell
Ira Owen Kreager • Auxiliary
Beta Beta 747 ESA Sorority
John Evar Olson
Margaret Cox
Jacque Fenwick
Frances Fenwick
Ralph Lloyd
Simpson's Garage
Illinois Lumber, Grain & Coal Co.
Hott's Lumber & Coal Co.
Hoopeston Motors, Inc.
Keek's Trend House
Alpha Chi Sorority
VFW Auxiliary
Billy DeWitt
Lisa DeWitt
Cox Bros. Equipment Co.
Harold &-or Naomi Cox
Jay P. Buck
Jeffrey D. Buck
Jeanne Marie Buck
Jonathan A. Buck
The Darb Cigar Store
Robin Denise Smock
Douglas Earl Smock
Mark Allan Smock
Roy Scott Brown
Lee David Curry
Roy L. Brown
Dairy Queen Brazier
Donald Dobkins
Loyal Order of Moose No. 1227
Scott Michael Preston
Julie Ann Preston
Thomas Rhett Kee
Merry Circle Club
Robert & Charlotte Marko
Ben and Esther Milton
Walter & Iris Scott
Jerry and Pat Scott
Sharon Sauder
Shelley Galloway
The Corner Dress Shop
Miss Lori Ann Smith
Downtown Motel
Elliott Jewelers
Ferdinand Radio & T.V.
Mark Summers
Hilda Smith
Hoopeston Fertilizer Co.
Ray Stipp
Dalph Stipp
A. C. Lind
Knapp Mobil Feed Service
George Bobis
Larry & Michael Farrell
Hoopeston Implement Co.
Robert D. Vandenberg
Wm. Arthur Vandenberg
Barbara Schwartz
Walter Leslie Vandenberg
Pamela S. Vandenberg
Gregory Paul Vandenberg
Edwin Robert Vandenberg
Sara Pauline Vandenberg
Robert Eugene Vandenberg
Kim Lockwood Nelson
Beta Sigma Phi
Paula Lloyd
Ralph Michael Lloyd
Glenn Earl Lloyd
Steven Petersen
Randall Petersen
Julia Petersen
Mary Jo Petersen
Jack Petersen
Jack Johnson
Linda J. Johnson
Leigh Ann Johnson
Jeanne V. Johnson
Charles R. Johnson
Patricia A. Fraley
Norman L. Fraley
Florence E. Smith
Esther Brewington
Robert D. Vandenberg
Phronie Harris
Jack Goodwine
Coleman Norton
Lois Cramer
Dave Magee
Shuler's Greenhouse
Spurgeon's
Paperhouse
Pla Mor Lanes
Sanitary Cleaners
The City National Bank
Tommy Buel
C. "Slim" Collier
Hazel Collier
Jerry Collier
Ronald Collier
Janice Williams
United Propane Company
Orvale Kaag
John T. Bitto
Charles B. Pierce
Ted N. Thomas
Thomas F. Mannin
Ray Osborn
Earl Drollinger
Ruthanna Bell
Linda Cramer
Viola Warner
Earlene Longfellow
Jeanne Field
Brian E. Field
Barry A. Field
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Field
Walter A. Vandenberg
Wilbur A. Vandenberg
Ronald Schwartz, Jr.
Earl Cunningham
Mrs. Mae Clements
Richard Cox
Robert Shore
Earl Burton
Harlie Huckleby
Tommy Creamer
Vernon Hoaglund
Phil Alcozer
Morris Hunt
Vernon Hoaglund
Frank Crawford, Sr.
Ernest Froedge
Robert Irvin
Samuel M. Witty
Lori Ann Dain
Kevin Dain
Sue Stoner
Edith Gooch
Glen Brasel
Ned Brasel
George S. Blalock
Judy A. Blalock
Kimberly Ann Blalock
Sandra Dee Blalock
Laura Lee Blalock
Willaim L. McNeely
William L. McNeely, Jr.
Sandra Jo McNeely
Lori Lynn McNeely
Teri Jo McNeely
Burton Motor Sales
Hoopeston Hardware
Paul Hamilton
Hamilton Funeral Home
Hall's Shell Service
Gritton's Marathon
Herman's Standard
Hoopeston Food Locker
Hoopeston Cable TV Company
Galloway Machine Company
Forshier Realty
Flowers by Molly Colbert
Frey Tire Company
Eastern Illinois Telephone Corp.
Model Finance Corp.
Vernon F. Terry
First Baptist Womens
Missionary Fellowship
Ira Owen Kreager Post 384
Mrs. Floy H. Petry
Clair J. or Margaret E. Oyler
Lawrence W. Petry
Beverly A. Petry
Lois W. Petry
Hoopeston Grain & Coal Co.
John McGinlev IV
Mark McGinely
McGinley's Radio & TV
Tom Merritt & Company
Mildred Hall Cadle
Charles L. Miller
Mary V. Allison
Hoopeston Garden Club
Thomas or Ruby Meredith
Nancy Eells
Susan Eells
Kevin Eells
Scott Eells
Don B. Pharmacy
Billy Pickett
Crocket Scott
Sam Long
Ralph Keller
Ruth Stapleton
Marvine Clem
Margaret Stark
Larry & Carol Oyler
Tim Oyler
Jane Oyler
Cindy Oyler
Lawrence Parr Birch
Larry 0. Coon
Phyllis I. Coon
Joseph M. Coon
Cheryl L. Coon
Robin L. Coon
Rayls Bros.
Marjorie Hayes
John Haughee
Juanita Haughee
Terry Haughee
Stuart Haughee
Dan Haughee
Eric Haughee
Abby Haughee
Norman Vonderheid
Charles W. Webb
Marita Webb
Florence Goodrum
Wayne Shepherd
Esther Judy
Hoopeston Rotary Club No. S4S0
Eldon McGinnis
S. W. Nelson
Martie R. Nelson
Art & Jan McKinney & Kitty
Margie & Morrie Weiner
Maxine & Larry Sonkin
Dennis Jerome
Martha Lottinville
Larry Powley
Patricia Powley
Debra Powley
Lisa Powley
George A. Maney
Mrs. George A. Maney
Rev. Herman Dam
Mrs. Herman Dam
Polly Gail Dam
Mrs. Clara McGraw
Hoopeston Jaycees
Hoopeston Community Am. Theatre
Waukesha Foundry Co.
North Fork Conservation Club
Thomas D. Holt
Hoopeston Junior Woman's Club
Hoopeston Hobby Club
Central Steel & Wire Co.
Mary McBride
Herb & Bette Smith
North Vermilion Loan and Savings Assn.
Home Bakery
Hoopeston Woodworks
Dale Wallace II
Walter Daniel Miller
Woods Funeral Home
Larson's Clothes Shop, Inc.
Gerald & Louise Hamilton
Leiand Martin
Hoopeston Athletic Booster Club
Dice Goodwine
Kimberly Clayton
Rep. Leslie C. Arends
Gene Barrick, County Auditor
Caroline Baxter
Feme Starr
Everett Laury, States Attorney
Diane Lynn Byers
Centennial Shareholders
Randall Curtis Metz
Sheryl Metz Denison
James K. Bell II
Dorp Duntap
Michelle Miller
Debbie Miller
Elaine Miller
Robert Miller
George Dunlap
Earl Navarre
Jacqueline Lackey
Chris Cornell
Dale Odie
Richard W. Dobkins
John Boyer
Mr. & Mrs, E. W. Parrish
Clyde Watson
Pat Watson
David Watson
Margaret Watson
A.M. Castle & Co.
Mr. Fred Deibler
Myron Harris
Debbie Glenn
John E. Glenn
L. W. Bergstrom
Roy Boughton
Leo Huffman
Robert G. or Mary F. Thomas
Vern Western
Lewis Haines
G.A. Baker, Inc.
Bradley E. Glover
Vicki Glover
Joe & Linda Roberts
Al Jon & Nancy Longfellow
Glenn & Jeanette Potts
Joe Roberts III
Laura Roberts
Edgar & Maxine Potts
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Oevore
Mr. Randall Devore
Mrs. Ruth Devore
Miss Angela Rene Devore
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald E. Devore
Mrs. Ruth Lockwood
Epsilon Theta No. 2742 E.S.A.
Business & Professional Women's Club
Mr. William D. Cox (Rep.)
John R. & Betty J. McClaflin
James W. & Mary E. McClaflin
First Christian Church
Kings Daughters Class
Mrs. Karen M. Laubstier
Kent Joseph Hoskins
Brian Keith Hoskins
Carol Jo Hoskins
Joe Hoskins
Kate Hoskins
Harold M. Glessner Co.
Berry Bearing Co.
Russell Reed
Hilda Reed
Monty Reed
John R. Reed
Ronald J. Reed
Joseph C. Moore
Polar Warg Co.
H. Kramer ft Co.
Mrs. lone Clements
Renee Marie Wilson
Robert Ray Wilson
Stanley Clouse
Margo Clouse
Robert Rosborg
Hoopeston Fire Dept.
Randall Tyler
Larry Tyler
Joyce Garrison
Scott Tyler
Earl Tyler
John G. Laubscher
Mike Shaw
Donnie Allen Schroeder
Pauline Kelley
Christopher Wagoner
Betty Summers
Timothy Summers
Tom Thurman
Susan Jane Morrison
Rodney Allen
Michael Allen
Harol Dice
Kathy Harden
Rex Harden Jr.
Jeff Harden
Rex Harden
Junior Jones
Mrs. Ed Gustine
Kipp Barber
Carol Barber
Debra Longfellow
Tony Barber
Angela Barber
Bob Goldsbery
Charlotte Goldsbery
Christy Goldsbery
Cmdy Goldsbery
Mary Ann Goldsbery
Esther Moore
Wilbur Longfellow
Tammy Fortier
Cassy Carter
Wayne Carter
Amy Lee Cox
Stuart T. Cox
C. M. or Esther Haworth
Helen Keister
Reba Goin
Larry Ward
Donald Michael McFarland
Mrs. Doris Silver
Leola Witty
Kelly Jane McGee
Paul D. Eckert Jr.
Paula Diane Eckert
Allen Irwin
Charles H. Voyles
William Earl Lloyd
Bryan John Lloyd
Bradley Joe Lloyd
Mrs. Noble Adams
Bob Teegarden
Haiel Shupe
Regina Woodrum
Jayme Staton
Vernon Gholson
Milton Pettice
Kerri Bilbrey
Lori Blackwell
Robyn Blackwell
Ed Bury
Cecil Bury
Delores Cox
Peggy Leemon
Eddie Wallace
John Cleveland
Mrs. Virgil Smith
Greg Baughman
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur J. Chrlstensen
Derek Clouse
Leigh Ann Clouse
Jan Marte Longfellow
Kim Weaks
Floyd Thomas
Paul Tutwiler
Thurman Moore
Madeline Moore
Rick Johnson
Chelle Johnson
Jeff Johnson
Clay Sneed
Linda Sneed
Mrs. Ida Westberry
Miss Helen Mclntyre
Beulah Galloway
Mary Hatfield
Wilma Ritter
Faye Whitman
Bill Graves
Mrs. Shirley Cartwright
Mark S. Cartwright
Paul Griner
Miss Cheryl R. Arnholt
Philip J. Arnholt
James E. Arnholt
Robert E. Arnholt
George R. Arnholt
Mr. George R. Arnholt
Mrs. Josephine Arnholt
S. W. Nelson
J. Kenneth Todd Keith
Mr. C. A. Peterson
Mrs. Juanita P. Peterson
Honeywell P.T.O.
Robert L. Knecht
Troy Bloyd
Hoopeston Freight Co.
Lee ft Tweedy
William Schoolman
Lawrence Gorney
Parkway Laundry & Dry Cleaners
Alice L. Mann
Willard H. Bruens
Marvin L. Buhrmester
Betty J. Buhrmester
Jane B. Reetz
Martha H. Snively
Jones & Laughlln Steel Corp.
Raymond V. Sears
Raymond R. Long
Cecelia A. Collier
Mary Jane Longfellow
The Commercial News
Orollinger & Jameson Elec.
Hoopeston Jr. High School Library
Tools & Abrasives Inc.
Fred Pruitt
Ron Knuth
Margaret E. Crothers
Charles Hollen
Betty I. Hollen
Howard L. Debord
Larry Schmink
R. Lavin & Sons Inc.
Harold R. Wood
Roberta C. Wood
Bonnie Kay Wood
Betty Lynn Wood
Kenneth Hughes
Brad Burton
Tim Taflinger
Mr. & Mrs. William McClenan
Mary Dalrympte
Mrs. Anna Finley
Hubert Morrison
Adrian Houmes
Mary Menagh
Frank S. Menagh
Harry A. Mayer
Ina Mae Mayer
Richard Mayer
Nancy Mayer
Bruce Mayer
Andy Braden
Max Page
Velma Wells
Joan Tovey
Burt Petersen
Mrs. Harry Trent
John W. Rossey
Joe McBride
Mrs. Ida McFann
Mrs. Mary F. Merckle
Mrs. May Brooks
Mrs. John Lee
Herman Schmidt
Carthiel Burge
Ivan McNeely
Phillip Petry
Diane Petry
Ruth Ann Petry
Dennis Petry
Carioll Crozier
Harold L. Smock
Verna Neitzey
Noble Adams
Lillian Stokes
Bertha Smally
O. A. Smally
Nina Olson
Kathryn Johnson
Stanley Johnson
La Von Kimberlin
Centennial Trego
Ann Elizabeth Armstrong
Bruce W. Armstrong
Stephen A. Unger
VFW Buddy Egnew Post 4826
Jim Nichols
Rick Hoke
Joyce Hoke
Little League Moms
Janna S. Griffin
Bruce Hedgecock
Ray Cox - Owens Service
Mr. Jack Clark Sheriff
North Fork Conservation Club
A R. Marshall
Helen C Marshall
Elmer Unger
Ralph Mann Jr.
Racheline Arnholt
Schultz Bros. Co.
Katherine F. Trego
Sue Unger
Prairie Rebekah Lodge No. 622
Mrs. Russ Lightbody
Mrs. Frank Graham
Mrs. Elizabeth Russell Bell
Hoopeston Junior-Senior P.T.O.
Ellen M. Martin
Sara A. Martin
Mary M. Martin
Winifred A. Martin
Thomas N. Martin
Samuel Harris & Co.
W. James Schaefer Jr.
George T. Kalhust
Evelyn Brunson
James Brunson
Terry Beauvois
J.T. Ryerson ft Son Inc.
Republican Central Committee
Carp's Inc.
James H. Ellis
Oliver & Rebecca Williams
Bob & Marlene Moses
Larry & Tina Dellarocco
Joe & Ines Odrobinal
Marg Shoufler
Marsha Shoufler
Herbie Shoufler
Herb Shoufler
Robert ft Charlotte Marko
Angela Dee Hollen
Linda Lee Hollen
Sandra Kay Garner
Randall Kent Garner
Stokely Van Camp Inc.
American Can Co.
FMC Corporation
John Richard Lane
Belinda Sue Lane
Timothy James Lane
James & Louise Lane
Christy Garrison
Debbie Garrison
Lisa Garrison
Calvin Tyler
Dale Singleton
Mark Singleton
Ann Singleton
Albert Wootson Corps No. M3
Danville Industrial Supply Co.
Lillian Sever
John A. & Dorothy V. Crumley
Nora Joan Sheffield
Nancy Lee Sheffield Anderson
Lucy Williams McLaughlin
Lenora V Sheffield
Floyd Sheffield
Richard Eugene McCullough
Mr ft Mrs. Leon Gossett
Harold Morrison
Dora Fair
Women of the Moose
J. Harold & Mary F. Dalton
Paige Glenn
Sandra Woodrum
'^1 VN,.
/ p.
27
Official Centennial Seal
Harold L. Morrison, Hoopeston postmaster since 1965, a 33-
year veteran employe of postal service in Hoopeston, was
designer of the seal. His entry was selected from several
submitted by residents and is displayed on all official
celebration material. It symbolizes Hoopeston's overnight
growth from a raw prairie in what was once a remote area in
extreme northern Vermilion County.
Morrison is a life-resident of Hoopeston, born 1917, and he
and his wife (Nella Seals) have three married children —
Sharol Gossett of Hoopeston; Joe of Alvin; and Jay of
Hoopeston.
LET'S ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES AND GET TO WORK!
The Comprehensive Plan for Hoopeston lists many changes
and improvements in store in the years to come. Some of them
are:
To provide and encourage new industrial site development.
To provide year-round public recreational facilities.
To create a park district with full time personnel and to provide
for the acquisition of open land for future parks.
To study the feasibility of constructing a YMCA or similar
recreational facility.
To develop a Junior College program and a vocational school
program.
To conduct a study for the installation of a local airport facility.
To re-establish public bus service throughout the community.
To provide new and improved lighting on all city streets and
alleys.
In 1872 the population of Hoopeston was 245. In 1873 it was 800.
inl874 itwas 1.000 and in 1878 it was 2.000 In 1966 it was 7.229. In
1980 it is projected to be 9.100. in the year 2000 it will be 12,000
and in the year 2020 it is projected as 15.500.
The next 100 years will no doubt see as many changes, if not
more, in our home town as it has witnessed in its first 100 years.
As we mark this anniversary, may we endeavor to achieve our
goals and continue serving the community in its growth.
There's a big job ahead of us
in the coming years . . . keep-
ing this town great! The
only way to get the job
done is to have every-
one pitch in with
energy and determ-
ination in the home,
in the factory, in
the office and in
the classroom.
Let's a II work
together!
firi n
POP uL^m^Mm^,:m^5
1. Christian Church. 2. Public School.
3. Girven & Knox, Brick Store.
■4. A. Randolph, Lumber Merchant.
B. Dr. Anderson.
6. Miller Bros,, Grocers. 7. Holaizer <& Taylor.
8. W. R. Clark, Hardware Store.
KZEY TO THIS IPIC^
9. P. F. Levan, Bakery, Confectionery A Restaurant.
10. Dove, Groceries. Bank.
11. 1-ukens <Sc Mullins.
j T. F. Swinford, Bookstore.
12. -i I M. R. Spinney, Notary Public.
IG. H. King, Jeweller.
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Metropolitan Museum
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