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Middletown events

Out of sight, out of mind

[JULY 20, 2002]  MIDDLETOWN — Come one, come all, for another great afternoon in the park. Everyone is invited July 21 for the fifth Sunday of free fun and entertainment at the Middletown Park. The 2 p.m. "Health Sunday" program honors the past and also treats it with laughter, a good medicine.

The Sunday series is in celebration of the recent opening of the Knapp Library/Museum and its current display of Smithsonian exhibits.

The "Yesterday’s Tomorrows" exhibits, co-sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council, are housed on the first floor of the library, 101 S. Clinton in Middletown, and can be seen from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. A wheelchair entrance is on the west side of the building.

"Share Your Mementoes," a local exhibit of historic items and artifacts, is available on Sundays only, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. People who wish to share items for the display may bring them to the Village Hall from 9 to 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Lunch on Sunday will be served by the Middletown American Legion Auxiliary from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Legion Hall.

The afternoon program is in the covered, wheelchair-accessible pavilion in the park.

 

Jim Wilhelm will continue to emcee as the Village Voice — all-knowing of the past, present and future. He is host of the "Illinois Adventure" television series on PBS Channel 47, Peoria.

A skit entitled "Sasparilly Capers" has humor in store, as John Means plays the part of Dr. Moses Knapp. Other players are Diane Adye, Jim and Sandy Fielden, Shelly Dobey, Bob Rankin, Rachel Skelton, and Chuck Tibbs.

In real life, Means plays a vital role in the nearby Mason City community. His varied talents have helped initiate a historical society as well as beautification and renovation of the downtown area. He spent many hours last summer painting the exteriors of several downtown buildings. Recently he and his wife, Peggy, opened their new business, PJ’s Pizza and Pasta in Mason City. John also teaches English at Lincoln College.

The real Dr. Knapp came to Middletown in 1835 and had a 20-mile circuit from Springfield to Middletown. He owned several thousand acres of farmland in central Illinois. Around 1840 he and his cousin Colby Knapp built what is now the oldest brick commercial building in Logan County — the building that houses the new library and museum.

 

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"Yesterday’s Remedies" will be presented by Barbara Mason, curator of the Pearson Medical Museum at the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. Barbara, a popular speaker, brings her eels and tells of her findings as a medical historian.

Pam Moriearty of Lincoln will talk on "Malaria in Early Illinois." She has conducted research in South America.

Tributes to "Doctors of Yesterday" will be presented as follows: Dr. Green Hill, who had five physician sons, and Dr. Talbot Hill, will be honored by Joan Lipe of Winnetka; Dr. William Vincent Guttery, honored by Jeff Dorgan of Middletown; Dr. Wayne J. Schall, by Gary Schall of Springfield; and Dr. John A. Means, by John Means of Mason City.

There will be a special presentation of two volumes of the "History of the Thomas Jefferson Medical School" to the Knapp Library/Museum. Bill Post, president of the Knapp/Chesnut/Becker Historical Society, and Kathy Sommers, curator of the Knapp Museum, will participate. The books are gifts from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

Dr. Moses Loman Knapp graduated with the first medical class at the university, in 1826, and wrote his thesis on hemp. The Knapp Library has a copy obtained from the New York City Botanical Gardens. A copy of his book on malaria is in the rare book collection at the SIU School of Medicine Library. His writings on how weather affects the body have been obtained from the U.S. Naval Observatory. Dr. Knapp is considered a founder or co-founder of several medical schools in the Midwest.

The "Health Sunday" program will conclude "with a song in my heart" — a concert by the Possum Holler Pickers.

[News release]

Related articles:

Elkhart Homecoming starts Friday

[JULY 17, 2002]  The annual Elkhart Homecoming will be Friday, July 19, with activities continuing through Sunday, July 21. All events, food stands and entertainment will be set up downtown on Governor Oglesby Street.

Throughout the weekend there will be four free inflatable bouncers. Children can also enjoy face painting, balloon sculpturing, a storyteller and free games with prizes.

The weekend will kick off Friday at 5 p.m. with a pork barbecue dinner served by the Mount Pulaski girls basketball team. The Logan County Bluegrass will perform from 8 till 10 p.m. For the youth there will be a free dance beginning at 8 p.m. with the music provided by Schroeder’s DJ Service.

Saturday’s events begin at 8 a.m. with a townwide garage sale. The sale will include many first-timers, and there will be collectibles, crafts, antiques and much more. A car show with all makes and models will start at 11 a.m. A ribeye sandwich lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by the St. Patrick’s youth group. At 4 p.m. a "Home Town America" parade will feature several exciting entries.

 

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A fried chicken dinner will be served from 5 till 8 p.m. The dinner includes potato salad, applesauce, marinated cucumber salad, dinner roll and drink. The kiddie tractor pull is scheduled to begin competition at 5. The Needs and Goals group of Elkhart will sponsor a cake walk beginning at 6 p.m.

Kent Sorrells, everyone’s favorite hypnotist, will be performing at 7 p.m. A street dance featuring the band Upfront will begin at 8:30 p.m. The winner of the 50-50 $1,000 drawing will be announced at 9 p.m. Only 200 chances will be sold.

Sunday morning from 7:30 till 11 a.m. biscuits and gravy will be served by the St. Patrick’s youth group. A four-on-four co-ed grass volleyball tournament will be at the Elkhart Community Park. Cost is $60 per team, with cash prizes to first and second places. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and games at 9 a.m. There will be a maximum of 10 teams.

Mark your calendars for July 19, 20 and 21 and come to enjoy the events and food at the annual Elkhart Homecoming.

Elkhart weekend schedule and sponsors

Friday, July 19

Pork barbecue dinner, starting at 5 p.m. (a Mount Pulaski High School girls basketball team fund-raiser)

Tickets on sale for 50-50 $1,000 drawing

Free games for kids, 5 to 7 p.m. (sponsored by Illini Bank)

Logan County Bluegrass, playing from 8 to 10 p.m.

Youth dance with DJ, 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 20

Townwide garage sale, beginning at 8 a.m.

Tickets on sale for 50-50 $1,000 drawing

Ribeye sandwich and chips, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (a church youth group fund-raiser)

Car show, starting at 11 a.m.

Parade at 4 p.m. ("Home Town America")

Four free air rides, Saturday only, 5 to 9 p.m. (sponsored by Turris Coal Mine, Elkhart Grain Co. and the Homecoming Association)

Fried chicken dinner, starting at 5 p.m.

Free games for kids, 5 to 7 p.m. (sponsored by Illini Bank)

Kiddies tractor pull, weigh-in at 5:30 p.m.

Hypnotist Kent Sorrells, 7 to 8 p.m.

Upfront band, 8:30

50/50 $1,000 drawing, Saturday night (only 200 chances)

Sunday, July 21

Sausage, biscuits and gravy breakfast, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. (a church youth group fund-raiser)

Grass volleyball tournament

"Come see how we’ve grown"

 

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Sponsors

Freol Trucking LLC, Elkhart, 947-2422

Downing, Przykopanski, Clements & May Insurance

Crossroads Trucks, Jim Dambacher, Parts Department

The Mustard Moon, Lincoln, 735-1093

Davis Truck Service Inc., Elkhart, 1 (800) 272-7459

Rexx Battery Specialists, Lincoln, 732-2885

NAPA Auto Parts, Lincoln, 735-1594

Bob Peters Construction, Elkhart, 947-2760

Talk of the Town, Elkhart, 947-2770

Advance Thermopane, Scott Falkcon, 522-1440

The Treasure Chest Crafts & Gifts, 735-3103

Lincoln Logan Mutual Ins. Co., 732-2885

Frontier Mutual Ins. Co., Lincoln, 732-8222

Ag-Land FS, Rick Freed, 792-5027

Greene & Bradford Engineering & Surveying

Elkhart Mayor Dayle Eldredge

Richardson Repair, Elkhart, 947-2431

Croft Fertilizer, Athens, 445-2631

David Bros. Trucking, Elkhart, 947-2413

Farm Credit Services, Lincoln, 1 (800) 475-2201

Olson Farms, Dave and John Olson

Rich Brauer, candidate for 100th District representative

Monsanto Seeds, Mark Rhodes, 947-2229

Lincoln Land Oil Co., Springfield, 523-5050

Elkhart Oil, Joe Kolb, 947-2721

Rabin, Myers & Hanken, www.SpringfieldLaw.com

Dan Folkes Air Conditioning, 947-2236

Pioneer Seeds, Mike Gleason, 735-9307

Larry Bomke, candidate for Senate 50th District

Mike Maske Auction Services, 792-3959

Lake Fork Fertilizer, 792-3397

Bill Howard Construction, Elkhart

Graue Inc., Lincoln, 735-4444

STS Consultants, Ltd., Joe Olson, (217) 525-3780

Thomas Jacob Group, Bloomington, (309) 664-7777

Parker-Grieme Insurance, Lincoln, 735-1296

Elkhart Fertilizer, Steve Urish, 947-2221

Qik-N-EZ, Lincoln, 732-9110

Patterson Bros. Oil & Gas, Williamsville, 566-3328

Golden Harvest, Jim Olson, 732-2576

Sites to See

‘Walking on the Path of Abraham Lincoln’

A walking tour of historic Lincoln, Ill.

Note: The following material is from a brochure produced as a high school project by J.R. Glenn and Angie Couch for Main Street Lincoln. The Main Street Lincoln office and local tourist information center is on the second floor of Union Planter’s Bank at 303 S. Kickapoo.


[Click here for larger map]

1. Town christening site

Broadway and Chicago streets

In August 1853 the first sale of lots in the new town of Lincoln took place near this spot. Abraham Lincoln, in whose honor the town was named, was in attendance. When asked on the day of the land sale to officially "christen the town," Lincoln obliged. Lifting the cover off a pile of watermelons stacked on the ground by a local farmer, Lincoln picked up a melon and conducted a brief ceremony using its juice. Lincoln, Ill., is the only town named for Lincoln before he became president.

2. Lincoln railroad depot

101 N. Chicago St.

Abraham Lincoln frequented this city by train after its founding. As president-elect, Lincoln came hereon Nov. 21, 1860. He stopped near this spot to make a few remarks from the rear of his train. This was his last speech in Logan County and the last time Lincoln would visit his namesake city. His funeral train stopped here on May 3, 1865. The current depot was built several decades later, in 1911.

3. State Bank of Lincoln

111 N. Sangamon St.

Abraham Lincoln met sculptor Leonard Volk for the first time on the boardwalk in front of the Lincoln House Hotel. Volk asked Lincoln to pose for a bust and life mask of his face and hands. Signed copies of the life masks by Volk, as well as original artwork by Lloyd Ostendorf of Lincoln in Logan County, are on display in this bank building’s lobby.

4. Site of the Lincoln House Hotel

501 Broadway St.

The Lincoln House, one of the grandest hotels between St. Louis and Chicago, stood on this spot from 1854 to 1870. All the political luminaries of the day, including Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, David Davis and Richard Oglesby, crossed its threshold at one time or another The Lincoln House was a two-story frame structure that fronted the railroad tracks and featured a large veranda.

5. Robert Latham home site

400 N. Kickapoo St.

Robert B. Latham joined John D. Gillett and Virgil Hickox in founding the town of Lincoln in 1853. Abraham Lincoln, other lawyers and judges were often guests at his house.

6. Logan County Courthouse

When Lincoln became the county seat in 1853, a courthouse was built on this spot. A second courthouse was built in 1858 and remained in use until the early 20th century, when it was replaced with the current building. Abraham Lincoln practiced law and attended political functions in the first two courthouses built on the square. A statue of Lincoln stands in this courthouse. A Civil War monument and cannon sit on the north side of the courthouse grounds.

7. Lincoln lot site

523 Pulaski St.

A plaque located on the right-hand side of this store identifies the location as a lot Lincoln once owned. James Primm, in need of money, approached former Illinois Gov. Joel Matteson for a $400 advance. Matteson directed him to have Lincoln sign a note as Primm's guarantor. Lincoln co-signed the note. Later Primm defaulted and Lincoln had to pay the note. Eventually Primm deeded Lincoln this property in recompense.

 

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8. Rustic Inn

412 Pulaski St.

In 1876 members of a counterfeiting gang met here to hatch a plot to steal Lincoln's corpse from its burial vault in Springfield. The gang had planned to hide Lincoln's body in the Indiana sand dunes on the shore of Lake Michigan and negotiate with the governor of Illinois for $200,000 in cash and the release of Ben Boyd. The bartender at the Rustic Inn overheard the plot and reported it to the authorities. The Secret Service later apprehended the gang members. Robert Todd Lincoln had his father's coffin encased in several tons of cement to prevent future attempts to steal the body.

Other Lincoln sites in Lincoln

9. Stephen A. Douglas speech site

Comer of Fourth and Logan streets

Stephen Douglas visited this city during the famous 1858 Illinois senatorial campaign. Douglas paraded with all his supporters through the decorated streets to the tent that was pitched on this site. Lincoln, who was also in town, listened to his opponent from the back of the crowd. In the end, a majority of Logan County voters favored Lincoln, but Douglas won the 1858 election.

10. Postville Courthouse

914 Fifth St.

This state historic site is a replica of an 1840 courthouse where Lincoln argued, won and lost cases while he traveled the 8th Judicial Circuit.

11. Site of Deskins Tavern

915 Fifth St.

Lincoln often stayed at Deskins Tavern when he traveled to Postville. A well where he quenched his thirst is also at this site.

12. Postville Park

1300 Fifth St.

Abraham Lincoln was well-known for his athletic abilities, and he frequently joined in games of "town ball" at this village park.

13. Lincoln College and Museum

300 Keokuk St.

A nationally registered landmark, Lincoln College was founded and named for President Lincoln on Feb. 12, 1865. The museum houses an extensive collection of memorabilia on the life of Abraham Lincoln.

[See "LC Museum named one of 10 best Lincoln-related sites in Illinois"]

 

Other sites of interest in downtown Lincoln 

Lincoln Public Library (a Carnegie building)

725 Pekin St.

Logan County Genealogical
& Historical Society

114 N. Chicago St.

Lincoln City Hall

700 Broadway St.

U.S. Post Office

102 S. McLean St.

Courthouse Square Historic District

including historic sites, restaurants and shops


[Click here for larger map]

Logan County historical landmarks

Atlanta

J. H. Hawes wooden country elevator. Open Sunday afternoons June through August. Free.

Atlanta Public Library and Museum. On National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1908. Comer of Race and Arch. Phone (217) 648-2112. Free.

Chestnut

Monument proclaims the geographic center of the state of Illinois. Town was laid out in 1872.

Elkhart

Elkhart Cemetery. Richard J. Oglesby, who was elected governor of Illinois in 1864, 1872 and 1884, is buried here; also John Dean Gillett, known as the "Cattle King of the World," and Capt. Adam Bogardus, wing shot champion of the world. For tours of the cemetery and John Dean Gillett Chapel, please phone (217) 947-2238.

Emden

Bethel Church. Built in 1854. Three miles from Route 136 between Emden and Atlanta on County Road 20.

Lincoln

Site of Deskins Tavern. Across the street from Postville Courthouse, 915 Fifth St. Signage. Free.

Site of well Abraham Lincoln drank from. Across the street from Postville Courthouse, 915 Fifth St. Free.

Site of town christening by Abraham Lincoln on Aug. 27, 1853. Lincoln was the first community in the United States to be named for Abraham Lincoln before he became famous. Also, Lincoln's funeral train stopped here on May 3,1865. Located at the south side of the Lincoln Depot, Broadway and Chicago streets. Official Looking for Lincoln signage. Free.

Logan County Courthouse. Contains second-largest courtroom in Illinois. Built in 1905. Located on the courthouse square, downtown Lincoln. Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; Saturday until noon. Phone (217) 732-6400. Free.

Lincoln College Museum. Over 3,000 historic items. Lincoln College was founded and named for President Lincoln on Feb. 12, 1865. Keokuk and Ottawa streets. Summer hours: 9 to 4 Monday through Friday; 1 to 4 Saturday and Sunday; closed May 28 and July 4. Free.

Heritage In Flight Museum. Museum is filled with memorabilia from all U.S. military conflicts back to World War I. Located at the Logan County Airport. Phone ahead (217) 732-3333 to confirm hours. Free but donations accepted.

Lincoln Public Library. Original Carnegie library built in 1902. Tiffany-style glass inner dome. 725 Pekin St. Open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 to 6; Saturday, 9 to 3. Phone (217) 732-8878. Free.

Postville Courthouse State Historic Site. Guided tours. 914 Fifth St. Noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Ph. (217) 732-8930 for additional information. Free but donations accepted.

Middletown

Stagecoach Inn. The inn was on the old stage route from Springfield to Peoria. Built mid-1800s. Village is also famous for its aeronautical history. Free.

Mount Pulaski

Mount Pulaski Courthouse. This building is one of only two original 8th Judicial Circuit courthouses in Illinois. On National Register of Historic Places. Was Logan County Courthouse from 1847 to 1855. Guided tours. Open 12 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday. Phone (217) 732-8930. Free.

[Link to historical information on communities in Logan County]

Heritage In Flight Museum open on weekends

A little-known historical site full of large and small treasures sits on the outskirts of town on the Logan County Airport property. The Heritage In Flight Museum building itself is a part of history. It is a remnant of Camp Ellis, located west of Havana, which was the largest military training and prisoner-of-war camp in the United States during World War II. After the war the camp was closed and the buildings were sold. Logan County Airport is fortunate to have one of the few remaining structures from Camp Ellis.

A little-known historical site full of large and small treasures sits on the outskirts of town on the Logan County Airport property. The Heritage In Flight Museum building itself is a part of history. It is a remnant of Camp Ellis, located west of Havana, which was the largest military training and prisoner-of-war camp in the United States during World War II. After the war the camp was closed and the buildings were sold. Logan County Airport is fortunate to have one of the few remaining structures from Camp Ellis.

Several historic items are found outside at the airport, including the rotating beacon, the green-and-white light that identifies the airport location to pilots flying at night. Before being moved to Logan County Airport, it was part of the lighted airway system that the airmail pilots in the 1920s used to navigate at night. The one that now resides here was originally located between Lincoln and Atlanta and provided a bright signal for Charles Lindbergh when he flew the airmail route between St. Louis and Chicago.

While outside you can also view a number of aircraft that are on display from various time periods.

Moving to the inside, you find that the Heritage in Flight Museum is filled with items of aviation history from the military and civilian branches of flying and from the earliest days of open-cockpit biplanes to the latest jets. Veterans who reside in Logan County have donated much of what the museum has. Families from the community have donated items that belonged to our war heroes, revealing special sentiments, symbolism and forgotten practices that held a community together in war times. Other items offer a look at early technology such as the airplane and ship radios. Of the thousands of items in the museum, each can be said to teach us something about our past. Visitors can relive history through the numerous displays, mostly grouped in wartime periods, and gain a strong sense of patriotism while studying military displays throughout the building.

 

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A guided tour is recommended to get the most from these displays. The volunteers are both knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matter and will bring to light little-known nuances that make the displays fascinating.

The museum is always interested in adding items of aviation history. Its greatest need, however, is for more volunteers to help in the guardianship of this important gateway to Lincoln and Logan County.

The museum requires lots of care and maintenance. Members are always looking for interested people of all ages to help care for it, share their interests and preserve a bit of aviation history.

Heritage In Flight Museum is operated by an all-volunteer, non-profit organization: Heritage-In-Flight, Inc. You are invited to come meet the members and sit in on their meetings anytime. Meetings take place at 1 p.m. the first Saturday of each month in the terminal meeting room.

The museum is a great resource to educate our youth about our aeronautical and military past and shares the wealth of military traditions from a community and national perspective. Schools, youth groups and families are welcome.

Heritage in Flight Museum

1351 Airport Road, Lincoln

Open Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Phone: (217) 732-3333

Call the airport and leave a message to request a guided tour, schedule a time during the week or ask for more information.

[LDN]

You can read more about HIF from the archives of LDN. Go to: http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2001/Feb/15/comunity/business.shtml#Logan County is host to a unique museum rich in special military stories and treasures

Entertainment

Recreation

  • Lincoln Park District, 732-8770

Parks

Dining

Blue Dog Inn
111 S. Sangamon
Lincoln
735-1743
 Monday 11-2
Tuesday-Thursday 11-10
Friday & Saturday 11-11

Wendy’s
2815 Woodlawn Road
Lincoln
735-1011

 

Transportation

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Community Information

Links to Other Tourism Sites in Illinois

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