ILLINOIS
HISTORICAL SURVEY
977.3513 ^
:T644t
Toulon's
125 th
Anniversary
HISTORICAL BOOKLET
1841-1966
llUKI)Bt;i5M,!!»lS«»
DEVELOPMENT...
an extra CILCO service
for you and your community
Arousing national interest in this area
as an industrial location is the principal
objective of advertising by CILCO in
such leading business publications as
FORTUNE, BUSINESS WEEK,
DUN'S REVIEW and WALL STREET
JOURNAL. This advertising supports
the work of CILCO's Area Development
Director, who cooperates with your own
elected and business leaders in attract-
ing new industry.
Look at the ways this extra CILCO
«x-cxl lUftx^oi
service can help you. As more businesses
and people arrive, it can mean a higher
market value for your home . . . new
customers for your store or business . . .
additional taxpaying businesses and cit-
izens to share the cost of local govern-
ment and schools.
"Area Development" means good
things happening as your community
grows and prospers — helped along by
your friends at CILCO.
i^T^x Ooxs:m.pa[n^
ujiww fcetteAv mma Dmmhl
Toulon's 125th Celebration
Corporation Officers: President, Clyde Ham
Vice President, Rev. Joe Martin
Treasurer. Gerald Staples
Secretary, Jim Hellmich
The following people are the officers who have worked very hard on this
celebration and keep it roiling:
Harold Settles General Chairman
Jim Hellmich -Secretary
Gerald Staples -Treasurer
Wm. Jones and Frank Hoffman - -- Headquarters Chairman
Myron Arganbright Revenue Division Chairman
Jo Anne Rilliams and Frank Hoffman Participation
Donald Griggs - Spectacle Division
Don Rumley— -Publicity Division
John Cover - —Special Events Division
Mary Dunlap and Henrietta Silliman - Hospitality Division
Serving The Tri-Counties Area
for 30 Years
BRACKEN'S
RESTAURANT
SMORGASBORD
CHARCOALED STEAKS
MENU SERVICE
At Town's Edge - Leaving Kewanee South Rts. 34 & 78
Taylor & Son
KEWANEE, III.
Service to the Tri-Counties
For Over 70 Years
Murphy Book Store
Your Complete Stationer
Gifts - Office Supplies - Machines
222 N. Tremont St. Kewanee
BOB'S INN
"EVERYBODIES PUB"
WYOMING, ILL.
Lauterborn
Buick Pontiac, Inc,
449 Tenney Street
Kewanee, Illinois
"Where Our Customers
Send Their Friends"
Phone 4454
R and B WHOLESALERS
GALESBURG, ILL.
MILLERS U.UFE
BEER
T(c4^-L
^UiJC . H<<L^ ---U^
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iutm
- ccllc^v^EBiVava
TOULON HISTORICAL NOTES
This year marks the 125 anniversary of Toulon, Illinois. We can not claim the distinction of
being the oldest town in Stark County.
When Illinois became a state in 1818 this county was virtually a wilderness.
In the fall of 1828 Isaac B. Essex came to Spoon River Valley and selected a claim in section
15, Township 12, Range 6. He remained there long enough to cut logs and make the clap boards
for a cabin, after which he returned to the "Shoal Creek Colony" where the trading post had
been destroyed by order of Governor Edwards, and there passed the winter, in April 1829,
equipped with two horses and a wagon laden with tools and supplies, and accompanied by his
wife and little children, he set out for his home on the frontier, pausing for a short time at the
settlement known as "Princess Grove". A short distance North West of the present town of
Princeville. He there enlisted the cooperation of Daniel Prince, Frank Thomas, two Baptist
preachers -- Elders Silliman and Allen, Simon Reed Stephin Franch and perhaps one or two
others, all of whom agreed to go with him to his claim and assist him in building his cabin.
They arrived at the place late in the day and camped the first night in the woods, but before
sunset of the next day the cabin was completed and they "had a house to sleep in".
This cabin was the first dwelling erected by civilized man within the present limits of Stark
County.
In 1836-37 Stark obtained its full share of towns Wyoming, Moulton and LaFayette in 1836 and
Massillom in 1837.
Not until Feb. 27th 1841, when the legislature of the state of Illinois passed an act to locate
the county seat of the newly formed county of Stark.
It was also enacted that John Dawson, Peter Van Bergen and William F. Elkm, all of the
county of Sangamon, be the commissioners to locate the said town.
At a meeting of this committee on May 17 1841. at the home of Colonel William H. Henderson,
they decided to locate the county seat on ninety rods square of land, owned and afterwards
deeded to the county by John Miller and his wife Charlotte.
COVER INSURANCE AGENCY
REAL ESTATE-FARM LOANS
Toulon, Illinois Phone 2531
Blank's Repair
Shop
Blacksmithing Welding
Machine Work Aluminum Welding
Form Repair
A&P
FOOD STORE
TOULON, ILL.
COLLINS IMPLT. CO,
Service & Sales
International Harvester
Tractors - Farm Equipment
Trucks - Garden Tractors
For Service Call
TOULON 4121
Wyoming Veferinary
Service
Toulon & Wyoming
Toulon 2001
Wyoming 2561
Dr. Grant Dr. Fehrenbacher
Dr. Bennett
Compliments
From Mike & Martha
Bickner's "34 Club"
The name of the town was also decided on at the time of its location, no doubt through the
influence of Colonel Henderson.
When Mr. Miller donated to the county this ninety rods of choice land, on condition it should
be made the shire town or county seat, he reserved on the south and west sides there of certain
squares to be sold for his own benefit, also the privilege of removing all standing timber on the
town plot, unless it should be afterwards purchased of him.
The first sale of lots took place on the 14th and 15th of September 1841, one hundred and twenty
parcels were sold at this time, these choice lots brought but $10.00 to $75.00.
The second sale of lots was held, April 2nd 1849. There were but thirty two lots sold on this
occasion.
The town consisted at first of sixteen blocks, or fifteen besides the Court House Square,
but has received several large additions, Whittaker and Henderson, lying North and East of
the original plot, through which runs the line of the Rock Island Railroad, and two large addi-
tions by Mr. Culbertson, known as Culbertson's Eastern and Western additions to the town
of Toulon.
No further addition to this town had been made until Coal Strip Mining came to Stark County
in the late 1950's, when several new homes were built a subdivision on the western edge of
Toulon. The same year the Musselman addition to the East was started and is being developed
very fast with fifteen new homes and two public buildings, one the office of Stark County Dept.
of Public Aid and one being built this year 1966 to house the co-coperative Extension Service
and Co-Operative Home Economic Extension Service.
Toulon has not grown in population as fast as some of the surrounding towns, but can boast
of a clean town with a very good educational system and five thriving churches and many people
with a smile on their faces.
The first County Court House, a plain wooden structure built to meet present wants, was
completed in 1842, and served many important purposes for the county and town, not only as a
seat of justice, but sometimes as a church and school house too.
The old jail was built in 1844, by Ira Ward and was made partly of stone the balance of logs
and rough hewn logs.
The present Court House was built in 1856 at the cost to the county of $12,000, has met our
needs for one hundred and ten years and to some historians is still a thing of beauty many
travelers have been seen taking pictures of this building and some of these pictures have ap-
peared in magazines.
Toulon was incorporated as a village in 1858 and the village government thus established
continued for many years. The first board of trustees was composed of E. L. Emery, Oliver
Whittaker, Miles A. Fuller, William Lowman and Isaac C. Reed, April 20, 1909, an election
was held to decide the question whether Toulon should incorporate as a city, a majority of
votes were cast in favor of the change, and the charter bears the date of April 22, 1909, the
first city officers were: Mayor, George Nowlan; Clerk, Arthur Shinn; Treasurer, H. B. Davis;
Attorney, V. G. Fuller; Alderman, F. C. McClenahan, Thomas J. Malone, Wm. A. Newton,
Orlardo Brace, Amiel F. Lehman and E. H. Lloyd.
TOULON ACADEMY
About 1882 some of the citizensof Toulon, desirous of having a school that would offer a course
of study not provided by the public schools, conceived the idea of establishing an academy.
The institution was opened on October 12, 1883, with J. W. Stephens as principal, after earnest
work and the over-coming of many obstacles, sufficient funds were accumulated to erect a
handsome building, just out side the City Limits at the southeastern part of town, here the
academy continued its useful work until it was incorporated into the public school system and
made — the Township High School.
The academy building was used from 1912 to 1923 as Township high school when the present
edifice was erected. They have suffered two fires one in 1927 and later in 1942, the new addition
of gym and ag shop were built in 1959 or 1960.
We have a very good school, with seventeen teachers, guided by the Principal Mr. H. B.
Carlock. The pupils this year, 1966 number 193.
PRODUCERS MILK
"FIRST IN FRESHNESS"
PRODUCERS DAIRY
2000 N. UNIYERSITY-PEORIA, ILL
YOUNGS
SALES and SERVICE
Buick-Pontiac
DIAL 2081-TOUlON, ILL.
HOME BUILDING
DONALD C.
MUSSLEMAN
DIAL 3492
110 S. E. STREET
TOULON, ILL.
WILLIAMS
Paint and Wallpaper
"Your Decorating Center"
From Floor To Ceiling
We Place Our Confidence
In Toulon's Progress In
The Future
Phone 2001 Toulon, III.
ALICE'S
BEAUTY SALON
Alice Harrington, Owner
Hair Styling - Permanent Waving
226 S. Union St.-Toulon, III.
Phone 2931
TOULON'S YOUNGER NEIGHBOR SALUTES
TOULON
ON THE OCCASION OF TOULON'S J25TH BIRTHDAY
jcmette Jmnie njviwt^ INC.
liA FAYETTE. ILLINOIS
The Academy opened for its first term on October 12, 1883 with J. W. Stephens as principal
FIRST BUSINESS BUILDINGS
The first brick business block erected in Toulon 1872, it was built by John Culbertson s
estate, or by his widow, Mrs. Pleasant Follett, the upper story was formerly known as Opera
Hall and was used for this purpose until the Town Hall was built. The first floor was occupied
at various times by different mercantile firms, probably one of the best know being Starrett
Bros. Grocery firm.
The town hall block "we know it as McClenahan Drug Store , was built m 1876 by George
Nowlan and Julius Rhodes, the top story was used as a town hall and public hall until 1911 when
the present city hall was built, the lower or main floor has been occupied by drug stores,
grocery firms, and milinary stores and is now owned and occupied by Williams Paint and
Wall Paper store. ,
The Sundquist Block built in 1895, the odd fellows built the south 60 ft. of the upper story and
it is now owned by the Rebecca Lodge.
The firm of A. Sundquist and sons Furniture store occupied the large room on the first floor,
also 25 X 40 foot room at the North end of the second floor also the basement.
In 1940 this building was bought by Robt. and Grace Pyle and the New Brunswick Bowling
Alley was installed, later in 1947 a billard and pool hall with all new equipment was installed
in the basement, in 1956 Milton Ruckman purchased the business and building from the Pyles
and is still operating under the name of Rucky's Recreation.
In 1891, the Caverly Block was built by William P. Caverly, The brick used in this building
as well as all those built at that time were manufactured by J. P. Headley of Toulon. The metal
cornice on the building was also a product of Toulon, being made by the Toulon Sheet Metal
Ornamental Works.
The West lower rooms were Starrett Bros, who ran a big department store, the east side
occupied by McCuUough and Taylor, grocers.
The Sentinel Toulon's second newspaper was printed in the upper rooms. The Southeast
corner was the Toulon Library and reading room.
7
Niagara Chemical Division
PHONE
2571
FMC CORPORATION
.JVlagara
BOX D
WYOMING, ILL.
F. B. BOSWELL
KEWANEE, ILL.
SCHLITZ
STAG
CALVERT'S
WALKERS
Streitmatter Bros.
Garage
TEXACO STATION
Phone
3871
Toulon
III.
Marvine & Milo Streitmatter
MARTIN IMPLEMENT CO.
LoFayette, Illinois
995-3377
SALES AND SERVICE FOR THE FERGUSON
SYSTEM OF MECHANIZED FARMING
^
WAYNE MARTIN
OWNER
WORLD FAMOUS
FARM EQUIPMENT
WRI6LEY
Grain & Lumber Co,
TOULON, ILL.
PHONE 4201
HEADQUARTERS
LEVI'S
OSHKOSH
WOLVERINE
GOLD BOND STAMPS
GIVEN AND
REDEEMED
OPEN FRIDAY
AND
SATURDAY NIGHTS
TOULON LOCKER SERVICE
COMPLETE LINE OF PROCESSING
ALSO HOME SLAUGHTERING
DIAL 2011 FRANK HOFFMAN PROP. TOULON, ILL.
DO YOU REMEMBER
Chautaqua
Your first car ride
The O Joy O Theater
The log cabin in the courtyard
Wooden side walks
The ice cream tables and chairs at Carl Mac's
When church bells were tolled when people died, as many times as they were years old.
Polly Claybaugh playing for silent movies.
The old hitching rails around the court house
When monagrammed shaving mugs, soap and brush were left at the barber shop and used for
that client each time he came in
When colar boxes were needed for men's heavily starched dress collars and their collar buttons
When leggins and black stockings and long underwear were worn by all children
When all children walked to school, sometimes over two miles
When having company meant using linen napkins
When napkin rings were in vogue
When hat pins were one foot long and we used hat pin holders
When calling card trays were used on the parlor "center table"
When women did the family washing on a wash board in a round tub
When a three burner kerosene stove was a real luxury
When gentlemen tipped their hats to ladies
Doc L. L. Long making house calls with team and cutter
Carl Lehman working at his forge and horse showing
That fly swatters were made of old cambric window shades
Mustache cups
Mrs. Churchill Candy Counter
Walker Bros General Store
When Mr. Bowman had athletic clubs
When tags from different brands of tobacco, star, horse shoe, etc were horded and exchanged
by children
"Youth's Companion" magazine
"Mentor" magazine
When iron toy banks were what little children wanted for xmas
When little girls wanted "Little Women" or "The Five Little Peppers" or just any nice story
book
When two ribbons were a lovely Christmas Gift
When a souvenir sterling spoon was a perfect gift for the girl graduate
When the boys graduate's gift was a book of Emerson's Essays
When balsam blossoms were in every flower garden
When a set of sleigh bells was a part of every farmers winter equipment
The poll tax of two, or two days work
When commencement exercises were held in McClehnan Hall
Toulons corn carnaval and auto days
The first flying machine flys over our town
ELECTRIC LIGHT
On June 6, 1892, the board of trustees granted to Miles A. Fuller a franchise to construct
and maintain an electric lighting plant, the life of said franchise to be twenty five years, Mr.
Fuller and his associates went to work almost immediately upon the plant and the result was
that on the evening of December 25, 1892, the town of Toulon was lighted for the first time by
electricity. Some years later the business was incorporated under the name of the "Toulon
Light and Power Company." The power house which was located on Franklin St. between Main
and Vine is now owned by Fred Cole and is known as the Cole Garage.
Electricity for Toulon is now furnished by the Central Illinois Light Compnay, this same
company in 1964 also brought natural gas to Toulon, and is now being used by more than fifty
per cent of the homes and business establishments.
The water works came in 1910, W. S. Shields and company was given the contract for the
erection of the tower and reservoir and the installation of the pumping machinery.
Gray Brothers, were employed in 1911, to sink a deep well and lay about four and one half
miles of mains. The cost of the plant complete, including mains was about thirty thousand dollars.
THE PUB
MIKE and MARY
BIRTHDAY GREETIKGS
TO
THE CITY OF TOULON
Phone 2-9161
Kewanee
WALNUT CHEESE CO.
(Not Inc.)
TONY ZUEGER & PAUL SCHLUMPF. PROPS
MAKERS OF IB VARIETIES NATURAL AGED CHEESE
WALNUT, ILLINOIS 61376
Buyers of Manufacturing Milk
In Cans or Bulk
"A meal without Walnut cheese
is like a kiss without a squeeze"
SEALJESJ
DAIRY
PRODUCTS
A. W. CURTIS DISTRIBUTOR
BLAIR IMPLEMENT CO.
Our 23rd Year
With Allis Chalmers
New Idea
Kewanee Manufacturing
PHONE 2511
TOULON, ILL.
TOULON GRAIN
and
FEED COMPANY
Complete Milling Service
Custom Grinding - Cracking &
Mixing - Grain Bank
Bulk Delivery - Oat Hulling
And Rolling
Corn Drying & Storage
SWIFT FEEDS
10
The City Hall, located on Franklin Street, adjoining the water tower and the old electric
plant was erected in 1910, at a cost of $6,000.
The sewer system was constructed in 1914. A septic tank and four miles of sewer were in-
stalled that year. Since this time many new lines have been laid and more improvements made
at the disposal plant until now with its treatment plant and lagoon system Toulon has a very
good and adequate system.
John Culbertson, who located just outside the town plot in 1841 and bought a stock of goods,
was probably the first merchant, he commanded a large trade in and around Toulon, built a
flour mill and established a woolen factory, and was otherwise active in building up the new
county seat. Another pioneer of 1841 was Dr. Thomas Hall, who was the first resident physician.
The first hotel was kept by Benjamine Turner, who also kept a small stock of goods in one
of the front rooms. Other early hotel keepers were B. A. Hall and William Rose. Alexander
Able kept a tavern on the north side of Main St., between Franklin and Miller sts. where the
"Virginia House" was built by J. A. Cooley in 1849.
From this beginning in 1841, Toulon has grown to a city of 1200 inhabitants, with many new
developments and homes, it has two fine school buildings. State Bank of Toulon, Toulon Public
Library. Six flurshing churches, a large Kraft Food Plant, two large grain elevators, the
county highway building as well as county farm bureau. Soil Conservation Office and A. S. C.
Office, weekly newspaper, locker plant, three grocery firms, two fine restaurants, recreation
hall, garages, filling stations, and other business houses.
Toulon may never be a big city but it will always grow in spirit if not in size, thats the way
the founders wanted it.
INDUSTRY
Toulon has never been a manufacturing town. The first factories in the very early days was
the Flour and Woolen Mill of John Culbertson, these mills were operated under his personal
supervision and employed a number of people, after Mr. Culbertson' s death in 1869 the industry
was allowed to lanquish and finally went down.
At the close of the Civil War, John Maxfield began making brick near Toulon, James P.
Headley operated a brick yard at Toulon in the '80's. Among the other manufacturers were
wagons and carriages, cigars, harness and sorghum molasses, but the one product still being
manufactured is that of whole milk and cheese.
A cheese manufacturing company was organized at Toulon, in May, 1875, producing 41,800
lbs. of cheese in the first year. In 1885 the plant was closed and the building was converted
into a skating rink.
In 1932 when the Toulon Milk products company was practically defunct, Mr. Axel Madsen
came to Toulon from Plymouth, Wisconsin, he believed in the dairy cow, and had the foresight
to make plans, import dairy cows, start the movement of milk routes and started the organized
manufacturing of cheese and butter, soon adding; Tiskilwa and Tonica to his holdings his brand
became the triple T. In early 1940's local operation had out-grown all the small plant facilities
even with round the clock operations, and Mr, Madsen sold his plants to Kraft Foods Company.
Mr. J, L. Kraft, the founder of the giant food processing industry, was one of eleven children
of a Canadian family. He sold imported European cheeses. One of his customers was the future
governor of Illinois, Henry Horner.
In 1914, at the start of World War I, his source of imported cheese was curtailed. This was
the year he founded the J. L. Kraft and Brothers Company and decided to establish his own
cheese factory.
The first Kraft plant was at Stockton, Illinois in 1914.
The present Toulon Kraft plant was built in 1945 and started operations in 1946. During the
first years of operation American cheese was made. Many varieties of cheese have been made
here at one time or another. Now only Swiss cheese is produced. Milk is purchased in cans and
bulk from seven counties and delivered to the plant by independent milk haulers. Clyde Ham
has hauled milk to the plant almost since the plant was built.
J. L. Kraft became a connesseur of fine jade and ga-^^hered a valuable collection of gems.
His interest in jade led him to discover the only jade deposit in North America. Today, Kraft
awards the Jade Ring to outstanding employees.
Mary Webster, the office manager, has been with Kraft since the plant was built. Byron
Tonn, Grace Mortimer, Jack Silliman, Charles Catton, Robert Warren, Cecil Little and Axel
Henriksen are also some of the employees that have been with Kraft for over twenty years.
The three fieldmen working with the patrons to help improve their dairy practices are Milo
Shaw, Ernie Trent and Louis McDonald.
The three plant foremen are Adolph Rechsteiner, Max Hatfield and Ron Baird. The plant
is managed by James Hellmich.
The Kraft plant spends approximately three million dollars for milk purchases, supplies,
services, and wages paid to employees a year in the Toulon area, a major factor in Toulon
prosperity.
11
Old Settlers' Cabin
A Happy Partnership
Your farming skill and Your friendly Purina dealer
We Offer A Complete Line Of:
PURINA CHOWS and HEALTH AIDS
for
LIVESTOCK and POULTRY
Groin Bonk - Grinding - Mixing - Bulk Delivery
PRIDE OF FARM EQUIPMENT
LEHMAN'S
FARM SUPPLY
TOULON, ILLINOIS
PHONE 4731
PURINA
CHOWS
OLD SETTLER'S ASSOCIATION
Organized in 1878, The Old Settler's Association has had annual meetings for the past 88
years. Two of these meetings stand out with more prominence than others. One was the meeting
of 1898, when the log cabin on the public square was raised as a Memorial to the County's
pioneers. Each family bringing a log. Madison Winn being the architect and at a meeting August
25, 1898 was Master of Ceremonies. General T. J. Henderson gave the dedication address.
The other meeting of more than unusual interest was that of 1912, when the Old Settlers'
Monument was dedicated. P. M. Rennick, of Peoria delivered the address. On the North side
facing the Main Street is the inscription "In memory of the pioneers of Stark County; On the
west side the inscription, "In memory of Stephen A. Douglas who spoke here Oct. 5, 1858";
on the east side, is inscribed, "In Memory of Abraham Lincoln who spoke here October 6,
1858; and on the south side is the simple statement "Dedicated August 28, 1912".
This year, 1966, Joel Wright is President and William Lehman will be honored on the Stark
County Old Settler's badge.
STATE BANK OF TOULON
The State Bank of Toulon was established in 1903 and the Capitol Stock was fixed at $25,000.
The first officers were: S. M. Adams, President; D. K. Fell, Vice President; W. W. Fuller,
cashier.
In 1915, this bank reported a surplus of $25,000. Undivided profits amounting to $10,711, and
deposits of $275,000. S. M. Adams was then president; R. E. Taylor, vice president; E. H.
Lloyd, cashier; George Nowlan, assistant cashier.
This year, 1966, the bank shows a surplus of $250,000.00. Undivided profits of $118,248.06
and deposits on demand $3,655,308. 74; time deposits of $3,001,050.71.
The present officers are: President, Earl O. Turner; Vice President, Wm. E. Turnbull;
Vice President, Paul H. Walker; Cashier, Gerald C. Staples; Farm Representative and assist-
ant cashier, Robert V. Fuhr. Directors are the following: Allen C. Hodges, Earl O. Turner,
Carl W. Lehman, William E. Turnbull, Fred O. Heaton, George H. Ham, and John R. Jackson.
"MILLEM'S POINT". 1839, Became Toulon in 1811
Above is an artist's conception of Main Street in Toulon in the year 1839, two years before
the town existed. The drawing is the work of the late Gus Hulsizer, former editor of the Stark
County Sentinel, early day newspaper, published in Toulon at the time the site was chosen for
the seat of justice of Stark County in 1841. The only house upon the original plot of the town was
a small cabin occupied by John Miller and his family. This cabin had been erected by Minott
Silliman in the spring of 1835 and sold with the land to John Miller. The place afterward be-
coming known as "Miller's Point".
13
CONGRATULATIONS TO TOULON
ON HER 125TH ANNIVERSARY
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our friends and customers
for their past patronage and hope that you will call us again if we can serve you.
WOLTIL'S HEATING
and AIR CONDITIONING
1101 W. Prospect St. Kewanee, III. Phone 2890
CONGRATULATIONS TO TOULON FOR
125 YEARS OF PROGRESS
CARLSON ROOFING CO.
DIAL 2277 KEWANEE, ILL.
B.@B!0@ BOCK €®.
t/^grtculhire c^t twiesfojie - Q/Xoaa cJ\ock
PRINCEVILLE, ILLINOIS
Telephone 385-4516
Congratulations Toulon On Your 125th Anniversary
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
You can count us - - - quality costs no more. There is quality in a name
- - - Silvertone, Kenmore, Coldspot, Craftsman, All State - - - all Sears
products you have known and trusted for years.
107 N. Main St.
Sears
Kewanee, III.
Toulon Grade School
SCHOOLS
The first school in Toulon was taught by Elizabeth Buswell of Osceola, in the upper room of
the old Court House, in 1843.
Miss Susan Gill, Miss Booth and Mr. W. W. Drummond held private school classes in their
homes.
The first school in Toulon was called the "Old Brick". Located near the western line of
town, facing Jefferson Street, this was a one room building, the brick being specially burned
by Mr. W. B. Sweet and the lumber was hauled from the Illinois River, when the building was
built in 1846.
T. J. Henderson was the first teacher at the "Old Brick", Miss Booth followed him. During
the summer of 1849, Miss Boyce had an independent school in the Masonic Hall when it stood
near the Methodist Church, facing Henderson Street, and N. F. Atkins and wife were the first
teachers in the Seminary which they occupied under contract on permission from the super-
visors.
In 1860 two new frame buildings were erected in the northern and eastern borders of the
town, to accomodate the growing numbers of primary scholars. This arrangement seemed to
be very adequate for about ten years when the project of a new and improved school house,
large enough to accomodate all grades under one roof and one principal, began to claim attention.
This school, where most of our generation had at least some of their education, was erected
and ready for the school year of 1875. This two story building of brick structure was erected
at a cost of $20,000 including grounds, furniture and out buildings. The building would house
or seat three hundred pupils. The expense was met by a district tax, levied by the voters.
The teachers this year of 1876 were Mr. Frank Mathews, Principal; Mr. Manning Hall, in the
grammar school; Miss Sarah Berfield, in the intermediate; and Miss Pauline Shallenbuger and
Kate Keffer in the primary department. The board of directors the same year were Mr. Ben-
jamin Turner, Dr. Bacameister, and John Berfield.
This building was used until our present grade school was finished and moved into in 1950.
The all purpose room was built in 1956 and the same year a hot lunch program was started.
In 1957 a two month kindergarten was started, now 1966, a full time kindergarten is enjoyed.
This year the enrollment was 300 including the kindergarten. With twelve full time teachers
and three part time.
Mr. Paul Brown, principal, conducts one of the best managed and most productive schools
in the county.
15
Congress Park Lane Inn
South Edge of Kewanee, Illinois Phone 2165
All Weather Pool Sauna Baths Sun Deck
Weekend Vacation Plan Available
*W1MMIHG POOL
LUaCM III 10- 2 10
COCKTAILS FOOD
m> I.**
M. P. BURCHAM
OPEN
EVERY
DAY
SERVICE STATION
"On the Square - By the Square"
Dial 4521 - Bus Stop - Toulon, III.
CONGRATULATIONS
From
Wyoming Packing Co,
Wholesale - Retail
Kewanee & Wyoming
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR
125TH ANNIVERSARY
"LARGE ENOUGH TO SERVE YOU
BUT NOT TOO BIG TO KNOW YOU
11
STATE BANK OF TOULON
^Ui^^l^^^
Kewanee, Illinois
Since 1895
TOULON FIRE DEPT.
The fire dept. was organized in the early 90's and Charles S. McKee was appointed chief a
little later. A position he held until 1920, the first apparatus purchased for the use of the
company was a second-hand hose reel, which was bought from the city of Galva, then came the
hook and ladder truck, later Mr. McKee went to Indianapolis, Ind., and purchased a combined
gas engine and hose cart from the Howe Manufacturing company of that city.
The company then, as now consisted of twenty five members.
Many changes have been made in fire fighting equipment until now Toulon has a very up
to date fire fighting unit.
The present chief is Mr. Fhillip Pyle with two assistant chiefs under him. First assistant
Otto Paulson, second assistant Ben Parker.
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
Through the influence of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Noland and interested friends in the Toulon
area, a Bible class was started late in 1960. Pastor Clifford C. Ecker of Bradford First Baptist
Church volunteered his services to conduct these Bible Study classes on Thursday night of
each week. Classes met at several different homes in Toulon and surrounding area.
In the fall of 1961 it was decided by the group to organize and start a new church in Toulon,
Illinois, The Rebecca Lodge was rented and the first regular church service was held October
15, 1961. Pastor Clifford C. Ecker being the pastor from this date through May 1962. Church
services were held in the Rebecca Lodge until November 26, 1961, at which time the church
was moved to 223 W. Main St., second floor of the Packer Building.
By December 14, 1961 a list of twelve names were secured from those who wished to be
charter members of the church.
On February 9, 1962 a special, notary approved, meeting was held, with Pastor Clifford
C. Ecker as chairman. At this meeting the charter members adopted as their corporate name
Faith Baptist Church. Deacon-Trustees were then elected and a non-profit corporation was
formed. Application was then made and the church was registered with the State of Illinois
as a non-profit corporation.
On May 1, 1962 a special business meeting was held and a constitution and doctrinal state-
ment was adopted by the church.
May 3, 1962 Pastor Lawrence Mullinax was given an invitation to be pastor of the church.
He accepted this invitation and continued to serve as the pastor until October 1963.
In June 1962 the church purchased the Carol Noland property at 120 N. Olive St. to be used
as a parsonage, and future lot for building a new church.
17
WE SALUTE TOULON ON THEIR 125TH ANNIVERSARY
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Hughes Oldsmobile
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f r
THE ACTION DEALER
M
Phone
4447
Kewanee
III.
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Galva, III.
Call Collect
WE 22121
Tom Campbell, Mgr.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
CITY OF TOUtON
McNeill asphalt co
1021 E. Ninth St.-Kewanee, III.
Phone 2806
In September 1963 the church moved to 624 E. Jefferson where they met in the basement of
the Robert Dustin home. Pastor Benjamin Jochums was then called to be Interim Pastor until
a full time man could be secured. He served in this capacity until March 1964 at which time
Harold E. Eckert of Chattanooga, Tennessee accepted an invitation to come to 1 oulon as pastor
of the church. Pastor Eckert served as pastor until January 15, 1966. Benjamin Jochums was
again called to serve as Interim Pastor for the church.
On April 5, 1966 ground was broken on the church property to start building a new church
building. May 3, 1966 the basement and foundation were completed and construction of the upper
story was in progress.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY
On May 16, 1914 a meeting was held by students of Christian Science in Toulon to organize
a Christian Science Society. The first Sunday church service was held in Woodman Hall on May
24, 1914. A notice of this service appeared in the Stark County News. After meeting certain
requirements, the Society was recognized in July of 1916 as a branch of The Mother Church
in Boston, Massachusetts.
In January of 1915 the hall over Dewey's Bank was rented. Christian Science services were
continued in this location until October, 1953, when the Society rented rooms in the Cobb build-
ing, located at 113 N. Washington. Services are still held there at 11 A.M. each Sunday. A
Christian Science Sunday School convenes in this building at the same hour.
The year 1966 marks the Centennial Year for the discovery of Christian Science by Mary
Baker Eddy.
BAPTIST CHURCH
Old records of the Toulon Baptist Church reveal many interesting facts and highlights of the
life of this church, which is still standing in the same location these 118 years.
Condensed here are a few facts:
The church body was organized in 1848 and affiliated with the 111. River Assoc. The present
lot was purchased for $137, and a brick building 36' x 58' was erected and officially dedicated
on March 25, 1855.
Discord arose and the congregation divided; the 2nd group building a new wooden church --
now the Catholic church — and separate services were held for 9 years. Reunion came in 1877,
and the new united congregation began again to labor together in the Lords work.
Early in the morning of Sept. 22, 1894, the church was struck by lightning and destroyed;
walls left standing. The church immediately rebuilt. Extensive rebuilding was done in 1915,
and additional improvements have been added consistently through the years.
The present parsonage was built in 1898.
Elder E. W. Hicks, pastor for 19 years, and a tireless worker, also held services in rural
area; at Saxon and Stringtown; the Jug Run, Ham, Quinn, and Winans schools. From these
meetings came many members of this church. Mr. J, H. Winans organized and became Supt.
of a S. S. which met in the Quinn School house for 20 years. Later when the Winans school
was built, he started a S. S. there and served many years.
Early baptisms were held in Indian creek west of town; also in Spoon river, east of the former
Jug Run school. The first baptistry was built in 1886. Candidates scurried across the lawn,
south, to the home of Mrs. John Culbertson, for their change of clothing.
Covenant meetings were held on Saturday afternoons at stated times, and members were
expected to attend. If they were negligent a few times, or were careless in church attendance,
a committee was sent to call and find out why. It was not uncommon for such members to be
excluded because of unchristian conduct.
Families prominent in the work of the church in the early years include; Culbertson, Thomp-
son, Stickney, Packer, Winans, Price, Hart and later Griff ith. Dexter. There were other families
equally important, but as space in this account is limited, it's not possible to list them.
Presently as a church family, we are especially blessed in having as our pastor. Rev. Mr.
and Mrs. Eugene Anderson, now ministering in their 13th year. Together, as we look back over
the years and also ahead into the future we are reminded of the words of Paul when he wrote
"I count not myself to have reached perfection; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things
which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. 1 press toward the
mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus."
19
BRADFORD REPUBLICAN
Since 1889
*Hot News . . . from the coldest town in Illinois
*More "On the Spot" News than any other county paper
*Covering the events, local happenings and issues of Stark County
*Quality Commercial Printing when you need it
BRADFORD
Phone 2641
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112 N. Lexington Av.
Phone 2107
Kewanee, III.
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DISTRIBUTORS
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PHILLIPS 66
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LoFayette, III.
Ratliff Bros. & Company
Kewanee, III.
Phone 2222
TRUCKING & EXCAVATING
ST. JOHN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH TOULON, ILLINOIS
St. John's Catholic Church, of Toulon, dates back to 1840 for its beginning, for then the
Nowlans, Drinnins and a few other catholic families settled in the immediate neighborhood
of the City of Toulon. Priests came here from Peoria and Lacon and mass was offered in the
homes of the parishioners. About 1867 a mission was established at Toulon and was attended by
priests from Peoria, Lacon, Bradford, Kewanee and other places for several years. On Decem-
ber 30, 1877, Rev. John Moore, of Peoria, offered mass in the Second Baptist Church building,
this being shortly after the two Baptist churches in Toulon had consolidated, and on March 1,
1878 the present church building was purchased from the Trustees of the Baptist Church. For
many years St. John's Catholic Church of Toulon was a mission of St. John's Catholic Church
of Galva. From 1923 to the present time it has been a mission of St. Dominic's Catholic Church,
of Wyoming, and has been attended by the following named pastors: Rev. James M. Fitzgerald,
1923-1941; Rev. Edmund J. Bratkowski, 1941-1962; and Rev. Bernard Dempsey, the present
pastor since 1962.
THE METHODIST CHURCH
As early as 1835 Methodism was introduced in Stark County by a missionary sent out from
Peoria by Bishop Morris. He made arrangements to organize a Class to meet in Adam Perry's
home in the Essex settlement. It was transferred in 1841 to the cabin of Caleb P. Flint within
a mile south of Toulon and a year later to the home of Jacob Prior in the village. Here in
Mr. Prior's cabin Brother Wollascroft, the circuit preacher, led the singing and preached.
Beginning April, 1844, the Class met in the Court House where the first Quarterly Conference
was held. It was decided in 1853 to build a church and within a year a new frame building was
erected a block north of the present church at the cost of $2,000. By this time the church had
resident pastors, the Reverend Lazenby being the pastor in charge. During the next 31 years
the Methodists worshipped in this building.
Under the leadership of the Reverend W. W. Carr a new church was built in 1885 on the site
of the present church. The trustees were H. Shivers, W. B. Nelson, J. DeMuth, Martin Rist,
J. B. Cooley, W. O. Norton, Dr. T. Bacmeister, O. Brace, and D. Tinlin. The last three named
were appointed on the building committee. The building which cost $7,000 was dedicated Dec.
13, 1885. The architecture of the new church was traditional with a high spire and high backed,
straight pews, some of which were cushioned by families who sat in them every Sunday. Mrs.
Stewart had a special chair below and beside the pulpit where she sat in dignity with her ear
trumpet.
In 1920 a committee composed of J. W. Sundquist, A. E. Sundquist, F. E. Cole, Clyde Shults,
and Frank Martin, was empowered to build a new church. The pastor was the Reverend Fletcher
DeClark. July 24, 1921, the new building was dedicated. Then came the depression. By 1938
the building debt was removed. The present church has been the scene of two anniversaries.
The ninetieth was when the Reverend D. J, Geach was the minister. The Reverend R. T. Ballew,
a former pastor, 1909-1914, was the speaker. In 1941 the Hundredth Anniversary was celebrated
during the pastorate of the Reverend W. F. Powell.
During the past 25 years the church has continued to grow and has undertaken various tasks
relative to spiritual growth and improvement of church facilities. The pastoral leadership of
this period was given by P. Henry Lotz, Melvin Beger, E. B. Morton, William Howard Baker,
John H. Curtis and Joseph Martin, during whose ministry the One Hundred Twenty-fifth anni-
versary is being observed. The real history of a church should be more than an account of
buildings, but of the people who are the church and whose activities keep it alive. It is to be
hoped that the next 75 years will see increased spiritual growth and a greater application of
Christian principles to the life of this community.
HISTORY OF THE TOULON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
On November 29, 1966, the Toulon Congregational Church will be 120 years old, as a fully
organized church. Previous to formal organization there was a group, properly called a Con-
gregational Society, meeting at or near Toulon comtemporary with the Methodist classes
meeting in and about this area. This church owes its existence to the labours of a Home Mis-
sionary Pastor from the East, the Rev. S. G. Wright, a relative of the Wright family who made
their home in Toulon. This church is fortunate in its singularly complete record of its history
21
as the Clerk's books still in use today contains the minutes of every business meeting from the
November 29, 1846 organization meeting up to the present time, duly signed by the Pastor
or Clerk or both. This record is supplemented by the journal kept by Rev. Wright of his busy
labours, his trials and tribulations, as he preached here and there, at various points in Stark
County and outlying points.
From 1840 on, he had preaching appointments here or near here and from 1843 on he makes
record of regular preaching appointments with the group at Toulon held either at the Court
House or at the homes of members. In 1842 he preached 170 sermons and traveled 2,166 miles;
in 1843, 200 sermons and 2,353 miles; in 1844, 180 sermons and 3,103 miles; and all these miles
were covered on horseback or by wagon. His salary from the Home Missionary Society averaged
about $300 per year and this sum was eked out by products from a few acres of land that he
bought and farmed himself. So all this tremendous amount of labour was accomplished at the
cost of personal discomfort and self denial to himself and his family that would appall the people
of today.
A few extracts from his journal give a better idea of his life of toil and self-sacrifice in these
pioneer days when our midwest area was more frontier than anything else:
"Dec. 24, 1841 - Started for Walnut Creek; there had been a great rain, the Creek was
swimming; -- had much difficulty in crossing the branch above Trickle's Mill; had to break
ice for nearly an hour, and to go around by Fraker's Grove in order to get to the bridge
below Centreville; preached at Mr. Foster's Friday evening, etc. "
In one occasion, returning from Princeville, he writes -
"Jan. 17th, 1842 - ... On my way back, found Spoon River over its banks, for a quarter
of a mile or more, and the ice too thick to break; went back to Rochester" (Rochester was
near the Peoria County line) "and made out to cross the River".
Again, he writes sorrowfully -
"Jan. 31st, 1842 - Find 1 have attended evening meetings for ten successive nights; feel
the need of rest; can't bear everything, though 1 should love to hold meetings seven times
a week while 1 live."
After a trip to Farmington, still in 1842, he writes -
"Nov. 30th - The country is fast filling up; where six years ago everything was in a state
of nature, as far as the eye could see, now farms are seen in all directions and many little
towns are springing up. Preached five times at Swan Creek,"
So the journal runs on and on as he tells of his labours, funerals, sickness among the settlers,
his own family and himself sick with fever, as he tries to help others, his house so cold the
ink freezes in his pen as he writes. Then on Nov. 6th, 1846, he writes of a plan to organize a
Congregational Church at Toulon, on the last Sabbath of the month. The following is the entry
that tells of this event.
"Dec. 1st - On Sabbath (Nov. 29th) Brother Park was with me at Toulon and we organized
a church of nine members. It was a solemn time. The house was full and 1 hope a good
impression was made."
The first record in the Clerk's book of the new church reaffirms the above entry. It is to the
seven members of the Rhodes family, of this group of nine, that the window back of the choir
loft in the present church is dedicated, the gift of their descendants. The other two members
were Mr. and Mrs. Giles C. Dana, who moved away from the community at an early date.
Slowly, very slowly, grew the little church, at first under the patient leadership of this Rev.
Wright, who became its first Pastor. The country was new its people were poor, but, out of their
little, they gave, and by 1849 it seemed to be quite firmly established, strong enough to erect
the first church edifice, of any denomination, in Stark County. On Dec. 13, 1851, the first meeting
was held in this new building. It was unpainted; the stone foundation was incomplete and since
some of these early settlers let their hogs run at large these hogs gathered under the building
and accompanied the services with their grunts and squeals, to the delight of the children;
the walls had only one coat of plaster; and the room was furnished with rough boards and planks
on supports for seating.
In 1855, Rev. Wright, feeling the church was now firmly on its feet, resigned that he might
go on with his missionary work, in the area to the Northwest, and Rev. R. C. Dunn succeeded
him. The twelve years he spent here were much like those of Rev. Wright. Both men were
deeply interested in everything for the good of the community, in roads, bringing the dirt
road in, public works, schools, literary matters, and above all in the abolition of slavery.
Indeed it was the preaching against slavery that held back the growth of the little church in
its earliest days, but by and by ideas changed, of course. This kind and gentle Rev. Dunn
resigned, due to ill health, and he is buried here in our Toulon cemetery. It is to him that the
window on the west wall of the present church sanctuary is dedicated, the gift of his family.
In the 1860's, this church knew all the griefs and burdens of the Civil War. At one time, there
was not a single able-bodied man left in the congregation. All were in the battle lines. Judge
W. W. Wright 1, father of W. W. Wright 11, and grandfather of the present Joel Wright living
here now, was a captain in this War. It is in memory of Judge W. W. Wright 1 and his brother-
in-law. Rev. R. L. McCord, the third pastor of this church, beloved Christians of this church,
that the window on the north wall of the sanctuary is dedicated, by his family.
After the war, there were quiet, peaceful years and the church grew year after year, not by
22
leaps and bounds, but gradually. By and by its members felt they needed more room for its
various activities and the second church building came into being, a comfortable, pictureque,
frame building. This building was dedicated January 3, 1884.
The church continued to grow and then suddenly a great calamity came about. Early Sunday
morning, March 2, 1913, the church building, with all furniture, fixtures and contents was com-
pletely destroyed by fire. This was, perhaps, the most spectacular fire that ever occurred m
Toulon. The night was bitterly cold, the thermometer below zero, while a strong wind was blow-
ing from the northwest, carrying blazing masses of burning material all over town. Thus the
old frame church, home of so many precious memories, disappeared. However its brokenhearted
members gathered up their courage and, in a short time, committees were appointed and plans
were underway, in spite of their pastorless condition, to build a new church. The present
beautiful brick structure, suited to various kinds of work, with pipe organ and lovely memorial
windows of colored glass was dedicated October 15, 1914.
The night was stormy and roads all but impassable (no paved roads then) with thunder, light-,
ning and rain, but all available seats were filled and many had to stand. The speaker of the
evening was Dr. Harry P. Dewey, noted Congregationalist, brother of our Charles P. Dewey,
living here in town.
In the days, while the new building was being built, there were rumors of a possible war;
then World War I struck, followed by the greatest economic depression of all time; and World
War 11 soon after that. These three events were profoundly discouraging to this church and all
its sister churches here in Toulon, but all came through. So now after the celebration of three
great anniversaries, the 50th, 75th and 100th, the First Congregational Church of Toulon looks
forward to its 120th birthday, November 29, 1966, with the courage born of experience, with
many adversities in the past, to passing this institution on to those who come after, "not less
but greater".
EASTERN STAR
Toulon Chapter No. 10, Order of the Eastern Star was organized under a charter dated Febru-
ary 17, 1871 issued by the Supreme Grand Lodge of New York, where all the early Eastern Star
Chapters received their authority.
The charter and records of the chapter were burned in the fire of May 17, 1877, which
destroyed the Masonic Hall, and on October 2, 1877, a new chapter was obtained from the
Grand Chapter of Illinois. In 1915 the Chapter numbered over one hundred members. At the
present time we have around two hundred members. Our chapter is proud to have twelve
50-year members, forty three Past Matrons, fourteen Past Patrons, and four Grand Lecturers.
One of our Past Matrons, Kathryn Lowman Brace, served our Chapter from 1921 to 1957 as
Secretary.
TOULON WOMAN'S CLUB
The Toulon Woman's Club was organized November 2, 1878. Ten ladies signed the first
constitution - Mrs. E. H. Shallenberger, Stella Walker, Ruth A. Turner, Harriet M. Blair,
Eliza Lyon, Emily Hall, Carrie Rhodes, Lois Baldwin, Miss Sarah Berfield, and Miss Sarah
Turner.
The club grew in members. In 1951 the Delphian Club (which had organized in 1921) joined
the Woman's Club. These ladies felt they could better maintain the high standards of their club
with more members and present more intellectual programs. Still later the Amateur Music
Club (organized in 1919 under Miss Irene Nowlan) joined the Woman's Club as a Music de-
partment.
The Woman's Club has since added two more departments, the Garden and the Literary.
The membership is open to any woman in the community.
The Toulon Woman's Club sends students to Music Camp, Conservation and Art Camp,
each year, cares and plants flowers in front of the State Bank, planted a tree in the Court
Yard and promotes other projects in our town.
The club is federated with County, District, State, and Nation.
The 1965-1966 President was Mrs. Leslie (Cleora) Milburn. The 1966-1967 President is Mrs,
Willard (Martha) Price.
23
SALES
SERVICE
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TOULON, ILLINOIS
PHONE 2856
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110 NORTH TREMONT STREET
KEWANEE. ILLINOIS
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KEWANEE
VETERINARY CLINIC
Besf V^ishes
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THE STAR-COURIER
KEWANEE, ILL.
STARK COUNTY'S **BEST FRIEND"
WITH CHARLOTTE SEAY
AS OUR TOULON CORRESPONDENT
*FIRST IN NEWS
*FIRST IN PICTURES
*FIRST IN SPORTS
Dr. Hall office built 18- now rests on lot west of Toulon Public
Library and is being maintained by Historical Society.
DR. THOMAS HALL
Born in England March 12th, 1805. When he was quite young it was decided to give him a
thorough education and professional training in the direction of medicine and surgery. He
received his schooling in England and at the age of sixteen was entered as an apprentice to
Dr. Coleman of Wolverhampton for five years. The next two years were spent in London in
study and practice, receiving his diploma in 1828. In 1850 he received an honorary degree, in
Chicago, constituting him Dr. of Medicine.
When the family came to America they settled near Osceola Grove in 1837. When the new
town of Toulon came into being in 1841, Dr. Hall and all his belongings, including his cabin,
was moved to this town.
Dr. Hall practiced medicine for fifty years, none are left that knew him well, but the Stark
County Historical Society is keeping in preservation his small office built shortly after he came
to Toulon. In it are the furnishings and many of his medical and surgical instruments. Dr. Hall
passed away in 1876, ninety years ago.
25
STARK
COUNTY
Dial 2461 NEWS
Toulon, III.
MONSANTO
Agricultural Center
"SCIENCE
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AGRICULTURE"
Phone 8047 Wyoming, ill.
HOME JUICE CO.
''Quality Fruit Juice"
1120 W. Pioneer Pkwy.
Phone 691-0581 - Peoria, III.
Retail-Wholesale
Congratulations
To Toulon On Her
125th Anniversary
KEWANEE
NATIONAL
BANK
Kewanee, III.
Getz Fire Equipment
1615 S.W. Adams St.
Peoria, III.
Sales and Service
Fire and Safety Equipment
THE NORTHWESTERN
MUTUAL LIFE INS. CO.
Ken Elliott, Dis't. Agent
Baker Bldg. - Kewanee, III.
Phone 3343
For over a century our Toulon and Stork Co.
friends hove soved millions of dollars with
N.M.L.I.C. As dis't. agent for the past 20 years
please accept my thanks for the fine business
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Hopkins Road
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Phone 284-2058
Dixon, Illinois
Philip S. Hopkins
CONGRATULATIONS
TO
TOULON
ON ITS
125TH ANNIVERSARY
Kirley & Sons
"Fashions For Men"
Kewanee, III.
TOULON REBEKAH LODGE NO. 117
Toulon Rebekah Lodge No. 117 was instituted at Toulon on February 16, 1882 by Grand Secretary
N. C. Nason of Peoria, assisted by members of the Rebekah Lodges at LaFayette and Peoria.
The following officers were installed at this time: D. S. Hewitt, Noble Grand; Mrs. V. B.
Thornton, Vice Grand; J. M. Brown, Secretary; Mrs. Howard Stanley, financial secretary;
and Mrs. D. Chamberlain, treasurer.
The lodge now has fifty members. The officers are: Noble Grand, Hazel Thurston; Vice
Grand, Virginia King; Recording Secretary, Rita Williamson; Financial Secretary, Myra
McCuUoch; Treasurer, Pansy Edwards.
MASONIC LODGE
"Toulon Lodge" No. 93 A. F. and A. M. was chartered October 20th, 1850.
This lodge has always been prosperous and harmonious and for many years it was the only
lodge between Peoria and Cambridge. It is the parent of all the lodges in the County.
At the present writing, Toulon Lodge numbers 173 resident members, with the following
officers: John Cover, Master; Duane Allen, Senior Warden; Kenneth Blakey, Jr. Warden; Leo
White, Treasurer; A. R. Grieve, Secretary; James Mock, Sr. Deacon; Randall Fell, Jr. Deacon;
Robert Silliman, Chaplain; Gary Whittaker, Sr. Steward; Lloyd Phillips, Jr. Steward; Cecil
Little, Tyler.
AMERICAN LEGION
The first Veteran's Organization was the W. W, Wright Post, No. 327, organized at Toulon
under a charter, dated August 20, 1883, with twenty five charter members. The first Commander
was Capt. John M. Brown of Company K. Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry. At one time this was
the strongest Grand Army Post in the county, having close to one hundred members. In 1915
they were meeting in the Masonic Hall and Levi Silliman was the Commander.
The Toulon American Legion Post No. 416 was organized in 1920. The first Commander was
Ollie Colwell. They have been a very strong and hard working group. The primary purpose
of the Post is to care for the disabled Veteran, his widow and orphans.
They own their own building west of the Court House square and this year have a membership
of ninety six members.
The present officers are: Earl Cobb, Commander; Carl Lehman, Senior Vice Commander;
Max Hatfield, Jr. Vice Commander; and Ralph Gerard, Adj.
THE PRESS
The first newspaper in Stark County was the Prairie Advocate, January 4, 1856, John G.
Hewitt, Editor, and John Smith, Printer. In 1857 this paper was sold to Rev. R. C. Dunn, who
changed the name to The Stark County News. After a few months Mr. Dunn sold the News to
Whittaker and Henderson, who placed Dr. S. S. Kaysbier in charge as Editor. At the close of
1860 the paper was suspended.
In the fall of 1861 it was revived by W. H. Butler, who named it the Stark County Union. The
Union was short lived as in the spring of 1863, The Stark County News was resumed by Dr.
S. S. Kaysbier, who in 1864, associated with him, Oliver White. In July the same year Mr.
White became the sole owner, several more exchanges were made, and in the year 1897 the
News was purchased by Charles E. Nixon of Peoria and James A. Nowlan of Toulon, the latter
becoming sole owner in 1904. The Stark County News was kept in this family until it was sold
in 1964 to a Morton firm. It is still in operation as The Stark County News.
The Stark County Democrat was published in Toulon during the campaign of 1860, Martin
Shallenbuger, Editor-in-Chief. In 1868, the Prairie Chief with Mr. Shallenbuger and Benjamin
Seaton as editors was printed. In the spring of 1872 the Chief was sold to Dr. Henry M. Hall
who changed the name to the New Era and published it until January 1876, when he moved
to Iowa and Stark County was without a democratic paper.
27
The Stark County Sentinel, another Toulon newspaper, was first issued October 8, 1880,
by W, E. Nixon and Thomas H. Blair. On the last day of April, 1881, J. Knox Hall succeeded
Mr. Blair and in May, 1882, Mr. Hall became sole owner. In 1884, Gus Hulsizer purchased
an interest, but the partnership between Hall and Hulsizer was dissolved on February 13, 1885,
Mr, Hall retiring. Under the management of Mr. Hulsizer the Sentinel became a strong advocate
of probition, which policy was followed until circumstances forced it to suspend.
For two years, 1876 and 1877, Mr. Olive White published The Molly Stark, a tri-weekly paper.
Mr. White's paper had no filler, using all local news and advertising, which he found to be an
unprofitable business and therefore discontinued publication.
RAILROAD
Work on the Peoria and Rock Island Railroad Company was commenced in the spring of 1869,
and in June 1871 the first train arrived in Toulon. This was a construction train, but July 8th,
1871, the first passenger train passed over the tracks. In 1874, there was shipped from the
station at Toulon, 200 ears of corn, 145 cars of hogs, 107 cars of oats, 68 cars of cattle, 30
cars of rye, 10 cars of wheat, 5 cars household goods, 2 cars of brick, 2 cars of hay, 1 car of
flour, 1 car of mules, 1 car of horses, and 1 car of sheep. 251,700 lbs. of merchandise, butter,
eggs, hides, etc. was also shipped.
The same year 154 cars of lumber were shipped into Toulon, plus cars of nails, lime, brick,
stone and sewer pipe. 1,507,059 lbs. of merchandise also arrived by rail and the passenger
business amounted to $4,492.80.
The elevator business then became a leading industry. Do you remember when a scene
such as this was common?
STARK COUNTY
BAR ASSOCIATION
Glen L Borden
Floid B. Brian
Eugene H. Rennicic, Jr.
John D. Rennick
J. E, Richards
Donald D. Rumley
Charles M, Wilson
Scene al elevator
K
Mi
C.R.I. & P. Depot
29
"Since congratulations
On this very special day
Thot's filled
with countless memories
Of the joy that's come your way.
Best wishes, too,
That in the year
This anniversary starts
You'll be happy sharing
All that's dearest
to your hearts."
MANY MORE HAPPY 125TH'S
BERG & DINES
PRESCRIPTION PHARMACY
KEWANEE, ILLINOIS 61443
"In Business For Your Health"
Midwestern
Retreaders, Inc.
Dial 4820-Kewanee, III.
FIRESTONE
and
CARNEGIE TIRES
In 1933, Joe Colgan started to work in the
John Deere store in Wyoming and has been
associated with John Deere ever since as
employee and dealer - we invite you to
visit our modern farm equipment store.
COLGAN CO.
Route 91 South -Wyoming ,
5. J. RINELLA
219-225 W. Third Street
Kewanee, III.
Wholesale Distributor
of
BUDWEISER - FALSTAFF
MICHELOB BEERS
GOODYEAR SERVICE
401 W. 2nd Street
Kewanee, III.
Phone 4469
CONGRATULATIONS TOULON
ON YOUR 125TH ANNIVERSARY
Shoes For The Entire Family
Henry Bros. Shoe Store
107 W. 2nd St.
Kewanee, III.
IHI^^IiiiiiH^i
\
LEHMAN'S
One of the oldest business firms on our Main street is the Lehman feed and farm supply.
The grandfather Carl Lehman came to Toulon in 1870 working for two years for John A.
Slocum, then bought the carriage, wagon and blacksmith business, this business has been carried
on by his sons and now by one son William Lehman and grandson Carl W. Lehman for some
90 years.
The old shop stood just north of the present store and was abandoned when the present build-
ing was built in 1907, both the old Virginia house standing where Lehman's building now stands
and the livery on the corner were torn down at this time.
Times have changed and the wagon and carriage business has given away to the changing
times, the business is now mostly feed and farm supplies.
STARK COUNTY FARM BUREAU ORGANIZED 1919
The Stark County Farm Bureau was organized in the year 1919. The first meeting on record
was held on Monday evening, September 29 of that year.
It would be well to note that the I. A. A., statewide Farm Bureau, had already been organized
in 1916 and that many counties had already been formed.
The first farmers in this county were concerned about "the high cost of living". It is ui-
teresting to note that even then they were concerned about the manner in which farmers seem
to carry a lot of burden of our nations economy.
The first Farm Bureau members felt that by organizing farmers, farmers as a whole would
stand to gain.
One of the problems that had to be solved was a more uniform price for hand picking corn.
It was decided at their October 3, 1919, meeting that they would pay 60 a bushel for picking
corn, and if the man had to shovel it also they would pay 7C a bushel.
By October 22, 1919, Stark County Farm Bureau members totaled near 600. W. W. Wright
was elected President; W. H. Jackson, Vice President; Arthur Shinn, Secretary; and Mills D.
Dewey, Treasurer. The first board members were O. L. Hatch, Dave Turnbull, Otis Montooth,
J. A. Buswell, Ben Leadley, Harry Loper, Walter Finley, Bert Smith, Robert Galbraith, Gerald
Snyder, William Gill, P. V. Colgan, John I. Colgan, Eugene H. Rennick, George Wilson, and
George Scott.
31
JUNGLE JIM TRADE POST
MAIN STREET-TOUION, III.
BUY-SELL-TRADE
Quality Furniture - Discount Prices
Antiques - General Merchandise
Open 7 days 9 till 9 - Auction Every Sat. Night
FOR COMPLETE AUCTION SERVICE PHONE TOULON 6611
Juanita's for Beauty
401 S. Tenney St.
Kewanee - 2203
and
Vogue Beauty Salon
125 N. Tremont St.
Kewanee - 2540
Juanita Middleton, Owner
BREEDLOYE
SPORTS-TOYS -PAINT
Kewanee, III.
213 W. 2nd Ph. 2434
LaFayette Greenhouse
Flowers For AM Occasions
LaFayette Phone 995-3330
Jim & Fran Ingels
RICHARDS ALL
STAR DAIRY
Home Delivery In Toulon
Kewanee 9600 Phone
BLACKS & FLETCHER
Y & S HARDWARE
101 N. Tremont Kewanee,
On November 26, 1919, the Stark County Farm Bureau took up an affair in the east room of
the Packer Building's first floor.
A Farm Advisor was hired on the 17th day of December, 1919. He was E. H. Brown from
Newport, Indiana.
It was in the early 20's that a few of the Farm Bureau members felt that they needed good
automobile insurance. It was at this time M. Ralph Cox and others started writing insurance
for Pekin Farmers in their spare time. O. L. Hatch in the early 30's, started as a full time
special agent and remained on the job for 10 or 12 years. Country Companies Insurance is
recognized as being a front-runner in the insurance field today.
It was on February 12, 1945, that Stark County Service Company, as we know it today, was
organized. Previous to this date the company was in partnership with Henry County Service
Company. The incorporating directors were John Armstrong, Robert Moran, Warren Hall,
F. L. Dutton, Harry Morse, O. V. Blair, and Harvey Price. On April 19, 1945, Marvin Kottman
was hired as Service Company Manager.
The Stark Supply Company selling Animal Health Products was officially organized in 1939
while hogs were cooperatively vaccinated back to 1922 and before. On May 1, 1966, the Stark
County Farm Bureau board of directors were as follows: Robert Clark, Clement Cox, Marvin
Dexter, Wilbur Dienst, Roy Dutton, Jerry Kieser, Paul McKeever, Robert Nelmes, Kermit
Newton, Lynn Newton, Harold Plotner, George Slygh, Frank Streitmatter, William O. Turnbull,
and Ray Wagenbach.
In January, 1966, LaVerne Scott, Osceola Township, was killed in a truck accident south of
Wyoming making him our first board member to die while in office. Membership in Stark
County on April 1, 1966, totaled 850 with 195,265 in the state of Illinois. E. Sidney Foulke is
presently Farm Bureau manager in the county with Dick Finney as Country Companies Agency
Manager and Ray Carlson as Service Company Manager.
■x • -^
^^:^am*iJ^ ^
Picture Caption: Glen Peterson, Reuben Peterson, John McWilliom, Robert R.
Armstrong, and John R. Armstrong vaccinating pigs in 1922. This was the year
that Stork County farmers banded together to purchase vaccine ond serums co-
operatively to insure a quality product at a lower cost. It was in 1939 that these
farmers organized the Stark Supply Company.
33
LaFayette Grain &. Feed Co.
Hardware - Building Material - Serum Vaccine - Livestock Remedies
Custom Grinding and Mixing - Oat Hulling and Rolling
Grain - Coal - Field Seeds - Feed - Fence
PHONE 995-3331
LAFAYETTE, ILLINOIS
DeRoy Booker
GRAIN and LIVESTOCK
HAULING
DIAL 2721 TOULON
HERB'S
66 SERVICE STATION
Toulon, III.
GAS
OIL
TIRES
ACCESSORIES
Herb Murray, Prop.
Home
Rug &z Upholstery
Cle.\nl\g Sermce
L\ YOUR OWS HOJ.£E
Also WaU-to-Wall Carpeting and Car Interiors
LEON E. SMITH
PHONE 3861 TOULON, ILLINOIS
THE FRIENDLY
HUGH & NELLIE
ICE COLD BEER
PACKAGE LIQUOR
SANDWICHES
TOULON, ILL.
GUZZARDO'S
NEWS STAND
CARD SHOP
HOME OF FANNIE MAY CANDIES
117 No. Main St. Ph. 2485 Kewanee, III.
34
Coles G<xage 1907
Miss Anna Lowman and her 1913 doss
35
Peoples
Natiox^vl Bank
OF KE\A/ANEE
4
•hmim
KEWANEE, ILLINOIS
ESTABLI SHED 1928
^ 'j,..^/y/>^ m'^/^r ^y.y^.
MEMBER
FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
QOHGRM\}lM\OHS
TO THE CITY OF TOULON, ILL
ON YOUR I25TH ANNIVERSARY
LAURA FARMERS
CO-OP ELEVATOR CO
(S^^
THRIFT N SWIFT DRIVE-IN
^^^j tz^tc/u^
^^-
Main street Toulon early 1900's
Old Toulon Academy and the new Toulon Township High School
37
Princeville
Stone Co.
Ag Lime Crushed Stone
Custom Bulldozing
385-4396
Princeville,
Toulon's I25fh Anniversary
Congratulations
My 25th Year Serving
You With Quality
Standard Oil Products
JIM SHEARER
Ph. 4921 Toulon,
HOME OF
RE-JOYCE
FOODS
There i» a U.I. Food Marl near you . . . Shop and Save at
ARGANBRIGHT'S
SUPER MARKET
DIAL 4471 FREE DELIVERY
YOUR HOME OWNB) STORE
SERVING
TOULON
SINCE 1932
CONGRATULATIONS
TO TOULON
125 YEARS OF PROGRESS
FROM
The Stark County Officials
Burt W. Eltzroth - County Sheriff
James T. Jackson - County Clerk & Recorder
Joseph R. Nicholson - County Treasurer
W. S. Perrin - County Superintendent of Schools
Mary Ryan - Public Health Nurse of Stark Co.
Carolyn C. Wallace - Circuit Clerk
Oliver Wilson - Ass't. Co. Superintendent of Schools
■ m
Bob McClellan grades the Toulon streets
Bill Hogle Mail and Freight Delivery
39
BUSINESS LISTINGS
Dick Brubaker, Inc. -Chevrolet Sales-Kewanee, III.
Sunbeam Bakers- Galesburg, III.
Hagers Stagecoach Inn-Route 88-Peoria, 111.
Blue Star Foods-Bartonvllie, III.
Hub Ballroom-Edelstein, III
Volley Chemical Corp.-Pekin, III.
Al's Redi Mix Concrete-Kewanee, III.
Coca Cola Bottling- Galesburg, III.
Louie Dagit-Chevrolet Sales -Wyoming, 111.
Osco Drug Co.-Kewanee, III.
Sherwin-Williams- Paint-Wallpaper-Kewanee, III.
Winans Electric-Phone 3551-Toulon, III.
Zarvell Bakery-Kewanee, III.
Catalpa Grove-(Berniece & Harry) Toulon, III.
G & L 66 Service- Ernest Olson Prop.-Kewanee, III.
June Mel-0-Dee-Record Shop-Kewanee, III.
PROFESSIONAL LISTINGS
Dr. Kenneth Ebert-Physician, Surgeon, Osteopatic-Toulon,
Dr. Erwin Frankel-Physician, Surgeon-Toulon, III.
40
t'-^
r>
^
TOULON'S 1904 FOOTBALL TEAM
George Fell, Dean Hart, Onnie Lyon Parker, Sam Stewart
F. G. Winn, Banty Battin, Mavin Murrey
Forest Scott, E. H. Rennick, George Bennett
Toulon Womans Club taken at Kate Braces 1932
41
KIDD FUNERAL HOME
4181
24 HOUR OXYGEN SERVICE
AND
AIR-CONDITIONED AMBULANCE SERVICE
ESTABLISHED IN 1925
41 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE
HAROLD E. KIDD
J. MERLYN KIDD
TOULON, ILL.
Kraft Foods has offered a steady reliable market for
manufacturing grade milk for farmers in this area since 1944
KRAFT FOODS - TOULON. , ILL
TOULON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS
OF 1903
Bess Stonier, Alice Chase, Sam Stewart, Blanche Pearson, George Newton.
Gertrude Sickles, Maude Anderson, Asst. Prof. Miss McKinzie and Prof. Baker.
DAVIS BUILDING 1890
Now occupied by Debord Hardware and A and P Grocery.
43
Open Weekdays at 5 p.m
Buck Specials Monday thru Thursday
Liver & Onions - Steak - Chicken - Shrimp
WITH US
Good Food Is Our Specialty
ANDRIS WAUNEE FARM RCSTAURANT
4J4 miles south of Kewanee on Rte. 78 i 34
Special Men. thru Thurs.
Catfish $1.25
Club Steak $1.35
Sirloin For 2 $3.25
Smorgasbord Service
Friday & Saturday
l^l
K
For the finest in Home Appliances it's
KRI G I D.A.I Fl E
from
George W. Black's
ELECTRIC APPLIANCE SERVICE
TOULON, ILL
l^]]
K
Backed By General Motors and Our Own Factory Trained Service
Davidson's Restaurant
Kewanee, III.
SERVING
STARK COUNTY FARMERS
FOR FORTY-SEVEN YEARS
Seventy-eight years after the town of Toulon was put on the map a
group of Stark County Farmers decided that if farmers and small towns
were to survive as such they would have to organize. They did so and
have been vital to farmers and villagers alike.
We are pleased to offer our heartiest congratulations to Toulon and
her civic minded citizens on their 125th Anniversary.
We hope that we all continue to grow together.
STARK COUNTY FARM BUREAU
COUNTRY COMPANIES INSURANCE
STARK COUNTY SERVICE COMPANY
Facilities at
Bradford Toulon Wyoming
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA
977,3513T644T C001
TOULON'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORICAL BO
30
12 025392405
