(HI)STORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR MUSEUM?
By Helen Crow, Watseka Life Member, Accession Committee Member
MUSEUM ROOM # 1
As you enter the Museum by the front door, the first room on your right is dedicated to early days in
Iroquois County. Arlaina Janowski has painted an unusual mural in which she included stuffed birds; swampy
areas are depicted, as befitting so much swamp here before the early settlers drained it.
The first human dwellers here were called “Indians” by the “white” men.
When Hubbard came as a fur trader, the Indians present were the Pottawatomie group, who called themselves the “People of the Fire.” In what came to be called Watseka, one of the influential early landholders was
Micajah Stanley who described the Pottawatomi as peaceful and honest. They are important in our heritage,
although many assimilated into the white culture so well that we no longer recognize their descendants among
us.
In a case on the east wall of the room we incorporated an Indian figure with a head sculptured in clay by
Lisa Immel Gengler. In the background of the case Arlaina painted wigwams, and on the northwest corner of
her mural she painted an Indian who overlooks the room; he rises from a mist of time, honoring that portion of
our heritage. The government attempted to move all the Indians West, but some never did leave the county.
Scattered in our Museum are Indian artifacts, but we do have a good exhibit of a variety of stone objects
from the past in a case, arranged by Verna Drake, one of the many volunteers who have worked setting up
displays in this room. She mounted maps on the wall giving the history of glacier movements in Illinois, and
set up surveying instruments adjacent to them. She and Marilyn Wilken put up a window curtain painted to
depict early history. At all night affairs the painted curtain becomes spectacular, with darkness behind it.
On the north wall sits a small diorama of Prairie Chickens, which were originally plentiful in our area.
Gradually, with civilization encroaching, they lost much habitat and cover at the same time they were hunted
for food. In 1891 Amelia Perrigo married Charles J. Johnson in Donovan and they were presented the diorama
by Brainerd Anderson, who recognized the threatened extinction. Therefore, he stuffed a representative
“family” of them and carefully arranged suitable terrain in a box with a glass front. Amelia cherished the
diorama which occupied a place of honor in her front parlor until she died, in Donovan. Then one of her sons,
Floyd Snider Johnson, took it to his home. Later, when we had a county Museum, Margaret Johnson
transported it in her car, saying she was fearful all the way that perhaps the little chickens, who had been
standing on their tiny legs since 1891, would fall over. They didn’t. We are proud of this display: we are
regretful that Brainerd Anderson was so accurate in his prediction that they would become extinct here.
In the early years of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s administration a program entitled “Work’s Progress Administration (W.P.A.) was instituted designed to put citizens to work so they could support families while also
accomplishing neglected public projects. Every town was involved. In Onarga occurred an astonishing result
when W.P.A. men uncovered well-preserved mastodon teeth. They now rest in a case in this room where all
can see them. The mastodons became extinct some time between 6,000 and 8,000 B.C. We do know that early
man hunted them on the North American Continent.
It is intriguing to visualize these elephant like creatures grazing in Onarga! We wonder what the terrain was
like, and if early man stalked this particular mastodon. Occasionally we find Paleolithic points here, proving
that this land was traversed by very “early” people.
Other items in the room are a horse-pulled hand plow for breaking sod. One can hardly imagine the strength
of the farmers who walked with this plow. There is an iron cooking pot, a spinning wheel, an oxen yoke also
used to farm this land, and on top of a case a wooden hay rake.
In a case volunteers have placed a cover used in cold weather in buggies and wagons, made of a horse hide,
an old side-saddle, the latter contributed by Virginia Orcutt, who bought it on a sale just to give to the Museum.
Various other items are included in the case, related to early settlers-a small, very old Bible, and an 1846 Book
of Common Prayer, chain measuring links used in surveying, a piece of wood thought to be from the cabin of
Hubbard and watch-e-kee, which was north and east of Iroquois Illinois.
In Iroquois county our most important business is our farming. We owe so much to our deep soil deposited
10,000 years ago. When the glacier flattened our land, grinding up boulders, and filling the valleys, making it
possible for generations to tell with such success to feed not only the local people, but many others in the
world.
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IROQUOIS COUNTY HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
“Old Courthouse Museum”
103 W. Cherry St. Watseka, IL 60970
Phone & Fax 815-432-2215
Email: [email protected]
www.oldcourthousemuseum.org
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Historical Society Board Officers & Members
Pres. David Todd - Watseka
V. Pres. Paul Bowers - Milford
Sec. Marilyn Wilken - Danforth
Treas. Stephanie Bowers - Milford
Blanche Swedlund - Watseka
Shirley Haberkorn - Watseka
Edna Ruth - Watseka
Lenore Tebo - Donovan
Helen Crow - Watseka
June Focken - Watseka
Joyce Franklin - Watseka
Jean Hiles - Watseka
Rolland & Wilma Light - Sheldon
Silas & Marlene Light - Watseka
Jean Loy - Beaverville
Dorrance Albright - Watseka
David Hiles - Milford
Elaine Brown—Gilman
Robin Brown—Watseka
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Management Board
Chmn. - Rolland Light—Sheldon
Sec. Marilyn Miller - Papineau
Jean Hiles - Watseka
Jack Swan - Watseka
Dorrance Albright—Watseka
Paul Bowers - Milford
Betty Busick - Watseka
David Todd—Watseka
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MEETING SCHEDULE
Historical - last Tues. of each month - 7:30 p.m.
Management - 7:30 p.m. — meets quarterly last Monday
Next meeting—April 24
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Accession Committee
Dorrance Albright; Helen Crow; Jean Hiles;
Wilma & Rolland Light
(meets 1st & 3rd Tues. of each month)
***********************************************
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW
YOUR MUSEUM
(continued from page 1)
THE CHAPEL by Helen Crow
When the space of the Old courthouse was
being converted into our museum, it was decided early that
Iroquois county, full of churches, must have a
chapel to represent the fact. So one of the first
rooms to be
furnished was the 3rd floor chapel. Many
things were donated; most were from county
churches which had caught fire, and few items
saved. The Swedish Church referred to as “On
Bearer,” which stood north and west of Donovan, was one of those; from it we have a pulpit
and chair, both attractive.
On the south wall is hung a cross, which was
all that was found after the Christian Church
burned in
Watseka. All the pews were donated. A working pump organ, very ornate, was donated, and
another organ as well. Presently, in one corner,
we have wedding provenance assembled—the
bride’s dress, the certificate, the picture. It is
fitting for the little chapel has been used for
many weddings since its inception.
Lisa Immel painted a picture of Jesus for the
wall. Then one day she brought a real treasure
to keep in our room. The Crusades of the Middle Ages go back to 1100 A.D.. The people
built small chapels to house the Crusaders over
night in the section of Germany which was
called Czechoslovakia. As the years went by,
the chapel was cherished by the local people but
in the turmoil of WWII, when the Russians
came through they set the chapel afire. A local
man managed to save just the head of St. Bartholomew. (Traditionally,
St. Bartholomew is the Apostle who originally
carried the gospel north in that part of the
world.) Lisa (Immel) Gengler was a small
child, and the local man handed it to her to
keep. When she came to the United States, the
head came with her. One night when she was
painting in her home in Watseka, she said she
looked up and had a feeling St. Bartholomew
was smiling at her. At that moment, she felt she
must get him to a place of worship.
We are indebted to Lisa for giving us such a
treasure. Ivan Crow fashioned a walnut shelf to
ensconce the head more safely.
It’s features are fashioned of carved wood,
most delicately executed. The back is terra
cotta. Lisa said it used to be permeated with
centuries of incense, from it’s original use, but
time has faded the perfume.
3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Here are some pictures of the interior of the
Parker School house. Plans are to open the
Parker School house in May.
As the Parker Schoolhouse was rebuilt and
modernized, restrooms were added. Here you
have the old fashion water closet. This sure did
beat having to go to the outhouse.
In the library is the old bookcase.
On the North side of the Parker School class
room you have the large series of windows. The
old fashion desks have been momentarily turned
upside down in order that cushions might be
placed on the bottom of them to protect the wood
finished floor.
In the Northeast corner of the large classroom
you have the old fashion heating stove. The
children kept their meals warm on top of the
stove.
We invite everyone to visit the Parker School
House in Gilman in the near future.
4
JUST IN TIME FOR
MEMORIAL DAY 2006
by Dorrance Albright , Watseka Life Member
Accession Committee member
The old museum Military Room on the third floor has been humming with activity for the past several
months. Display cases have been re-arranged, hundreds of items have been added, all with identification of the
artifact
including uniforms and wearer when known. Most wars from Revolutionary through Iraq share gems used in
war of that time and place.
When you enter the room, look up and meet a U.S. fighter plane diving toward you. Listen closely and you
might hear the distant rat-a-tat-tat of a WWI German
Machine Gun. Imagine it spitting 9 millimeter lead into the charging troops. There are pictures and a replica
of warships, a WWII field food ration, medals plus dozens of medals and equipment proficiency awards.
Allow yourself and hour or two and scan the
newspapers, and photos of Iroquois County veterans,
leaving and returning from wars. Those who died in
service are remembered.
We do not want to glorify war but without wars and the brave men and women who responded to the call,
many giving their all, you and I and the U.S. and Iroquois County could be different that we know them today.
Freedom is envied and even today there are those who would take it from us but for so long as we remain
strong and show willingness to fight to retain it.
So this Memorial Day visit your local cemetery and note the flags flying over the graves of those who have
gone now. Give a silent prayer and a brief salute as you are a recipient this day of the joys you enjoy and perhaps take for granted.
Include a visit to the museum. Wheelchairs are available, an elevator at the south end of the building
entrance will whisk you to the 3rd floor Military Room. A guide is usually available but call the museum
ahead at 815-432-2215 Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
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STEPHANIE’S WORD SEARCH
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PAPINEAU
PICKERELL MILL
PIERCE
PRAIRIE MOUND
ST. MARY & JOSEPH
TRINITY LUTHERAN
5
LETTERS- - - - - WE GET LETTERS!
This first letter was sent to Helen Crow from life member, Don Johnston from Downey, CA
It reads as follows:
“I don’t know how much fan mail you get but you deserve a lot! The KKK story brought back memories to
me.
I thought this issue of the Historical Societies publication was one of the most interesting I have seen in
many years.
It is notable that there was no KKK in Watseka from it’s inception after the Civil War until the 1920’s. As
you did I wonder why the need was felt in the 20’s. From your well written article it seems Iroquois County
was “agin sin” (moral matters). As Vic Cahoe, I too remember Watseka’s KKK parade on Walnut Street. Our
position was a half block from Vic’s. We were on the south side of the street a short distance east of 5th street.
I remember the parade coming from the east, the direction from the fairgrounds and marching west. I was
about 4 1/2 at the time but it is a vivid memory and one of only a few of those early years. Again you wrote a
wonderful story on it. I had a relative in the Klan. A well known person who’s name who should go unnamed.
This article is what prompted this letter..
The museum ballad was another outstanding feature as was the What a Way to Grow that I am re -reading
and find it more fascinating than my original read. We were visiting Juanita Dobson and she mentioned Betty
had written this book and I went right downtown and bought a copy. The only character I can figure out was
the Taylors and the pastor Bell whom I recall my mother talking about. It seems like I remember a connection
between Betty and Tony Sprague but I don’t know what. Betty was a bit older than my sister Eleanor but I
remember her just as she looked in the drawing with she and the aunt playing the piano.
How interesting that the large Victorian house on 2nd street has it’s history known. I do not recall the house
but I do recall the Homer Bell home. I will be sure to check it out the next time I am in Watseka.
I enjoyed the spotlight on you. My brother Norman, born 1916, you may have known at WCHS. I
remember $30.00 per month as being the hired hand wage but $19 seems unfair!
All the other articles were of special interest too.
Did you know there is a Watseka Street in Culver City, Cal. We have often wondered what Watseka
transplant was involved in the development of that place. It would probably have been in the 1920’s as Culver
City grew because of a movie studio being located there.
Anyway I was an eye witness to the parade and keep your stories coming.
Sincerely, Don Johnston “
*****************************************************************************************
A note also came to Helen Crow from Gloria Remy. Gloria came to Watseka for a visit., met up with Helen at
the Museum and was given a spontaneous tour by Helen.
“Dear Helen,
I certainly enjoyed the tour of the Museum. So many things have changed since I saw it last and due to your
hard work and the work of dedicated volunteers, it is certainly a Museum to be very porud of. I enjoyed hearing you speak of the people I knew as a child growing up in Watseka and I certainly learned more about the
history of Iroquois County. Thank you so very much, Sincerely, Gloria Remy”
*****************************************************************************************
We also received a letter from life member, Mary Fielding formerly of Milford and now Bloomington, IN
Her letter reads as follows:
“T he current newsletter was of special interest to me. Several things brought things to mind. First, the Klu
Klux Klan. A few years ago someone asked me if there had ever been a Klan in Milford. There was because I
remember going out south of town (how-I don’t know) to see a fiery cross burning. It was on a little hill just
north and across the road west of Bob Reiches present home. I went with my parents and it must have been
just after we got a car- 1925+ or so.
Another thing. When I was in high school—1930-34, I was in a pageant staged by a professional
company—director, costumes, etc. and held in what was then Fowler’s Park where the swimming pool is not. I
think there was an old pool there but was not in use. The affair was about Watch-e-kee and Indians. I was
one of the maidens and the costume was not great. One of the Milford boys, Roy Williams, brother of Alma
Eagle, was singled out to do a war dance. He was a good dancer and the director liked him. I don’t know what
the reason was for having this performance. If you know tell me.
6
LETTERS- - -
- WE GET LETTERS!
(continued)
Also in Nelda Wise’s family tree chart, Strean is mentioned. That was the middle name of Lawrence Strean
Johnson. He was my neighbor iin Stockland Township- - - - a very interesting man. He was a Lieutenant in
World War I and was a flight instructor in Louisiana. There weren’t all that many flyers-pilots in that age. I
have some information, newspaper clippings, pictures, etc. about him which I can send to you if you want
them. He also established the scholarship for Stockland students which is still in effect. I have info on that too.
Gayle (ed. Note: Mary’s husband) was the trustee for many years.
Mary Fielding.”
*****************************************************************************************
The following letter goes back to March 2005 and is from life member, Mabel Ervin Shuman of Sullivan, IL
It reads as follows:
Dear Friends,
“The enclosed $xxx is for a copy of Stephen Johnson’s CD that is selling for $15.00 (plus postage to mail it to
me, please) - -with the balance to go into your “upkeep of building” fund.
I would like to get in touch with Mr. Johnson re: the book he is writing about Victory School. I started school
at Victory, probably in 1923, and it contained all eight grades. My classmates were Leroy Hubert, Kathryn
Bower and Milton Judy—all of whom lived in the Prairie Dell community (and I believe are now deceased).
Milton (a member of the Elmer Judy family) lived in Donovan, also, so it is possible that Mr. Johnson knew
him since he, too, was a former Donovan resident. Several years ago, I furnished our first-grade picture to the
Museum for the old one-room school’s records.
Another interesting connection with Prairie Dell: Today, as I was thumbing through a new quarterly from
Millikin University (at nearby Decatur, IL), I read some familiar names and thought you might be interested in
these enclosures, also. Jessie FANYO Payne who grew up in “Prairie Dell, IL” and Helen WISE caught my
attention. Both were very successful hometown folks.
I’m wondering if the Florence Brooks on your one-room school committee lived in Milford about 70 years ago;
if so, I surely “knew her when.” I’m sorry that I live too far away to be active in your society- - -but am glad
to say that our Moultrie County Historical & Genealogical Society is very active and we have a nice small
museum and great library. Best wishes for an interesting summer!
Sincerely,
Mabel Ervin Shuman”
From the Millikin University Quarterly:
“Jessie Fanyo Payne ‘29
Jessie Fanyo Payne ‘29 has lived a life of service and spunk.
When she was in her 80’s, she was honored at the Alpha Chi Omega national convention for establishing an
endowed grant in the journalism field with an emphasis on public relations, just one more act in a lifetime of
service to her sorority. At the time, Diane Blackwelder, then AXO Foundation president, described her in
glowing terms, including:”...a real leader, courageous, sisterly and definitely a lady for all season.”
Jessie said later that it was a moment where she touched the heights. What the convention crowd didn’t
know was that only a short time earlier, she had also fallen pretty low: Back at her hotel, Jessie had tripped and
knocked herself unconscious on the patio outside her room only an hour before the ceremony. “No problem,”
says her son, John. “...a little ice, a little powder, a thrust of adrenaline and she was ready to go.”
Jessie was ready to go most of her life. She grew up in Prairie Dell, Ill., and was the first in her family to
attend college, coming to Millikin after one year at Northwestern University. At Millikin, Jessie was
introduced to the Alpha Chi Omega sorority by a high school friend, Helen Wise ‘31, and soon became an active member. This marked the beginning of her loyalty and involvement to the organization throughout her
lifetime.
(continued on page 6)
7
LETTERS- - - WE GET LETTERS! (continued)
After graduation, Jessie’s parents wanted her to stay close to home and become a teacher. She politely declined because she had much bigger plans in store- - - she wanted to see the world. And that is exactly what
she did. She moved to Washington, D.C., with friends in search of employment. In 1932, she married the late
Wilbur Payne and the two attended the inauguration of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt that same year.
Later, she and Wilbur moved to New York and had one son, John. The new family then moved to St. Louis.
Throughout her many moves and throughout her life, Jessie held many positions and offices with her sorority. She served as president of the AXO alum groups in both Westchester County New York and North Shore
of Chicago. In the 1950’s she was the national convention manager, which took her to sites across the U. S.
and into Canada, and in 1957 she was named national alumni vice president. Ultimately, she was named national president and served two terms, from 1960-1964, a time that son John Calls “years of great change.” She
continued to serve on both the national and local levels for various AXO groups wherever she was needed until
2000. She has been included in Who’s Who Among American Women several times and wrote her memoirs in
1992.
After celebrating her 97th birthday last Sept. 20, Jessie continues to enjoy life in Sarasota, Fla., where she
has lived since 1973. AXO continues to be a big part of her life. For more than 25 years, she has been asked to
induct the new AXO president of the Sarasota club. New national presidents still fly to Florida to seek her advice. Rumor has it that there is a group of AXOs who model themselves after the example she set and call
themselves “Jessie’s Girls.”
Her legacy of service and spunk will live on. “
*****************************************************************************************
AND ANOTHER LETTER- - - 10.28/2006
REFLECTIONS ON WAYNE HILES
by Ginny Lee, Milford Part-time Museum employee
“ I started working at the Museum some time in March. At the time I had no idea who Wayne Hiles was
but because of listening to Judy, Stephanie and Dorrance, I had heard his name a lot. I suppose it was a week
or two after I started when Wayne and Jean came in and we were introduced. It took me awhile to sort everyone out because names were flying at me everyday I was there and I didn’t know any of these “long time
Museum “ people. After about the second meeting of Wayne “things” started to happen. I don’t know how it
started (most people would say I started it, but I would, of course, disagree). I imagine it started when Wayne
said something “smart” and I, of course, can’t let that go. I had to say something just as “smart” back to him.
From then on it was a goal for each of us to stay one step ahead of the other. Believe it or not but there were
times when what I said left Wayne speechless, which I discovered didn’t happen too often. Oh, and yes, he
could do the same to me. No matter what kind of day I was having when he left he always left me smiling.
His favorite, and often stated, comment was “Poor Wayne. I really feel sorry for that man. He doesn’t have a
chance.” My husband’s name is Wayne also.
The first and only time my Wayne met Wayne Hiles was during Harvest Daze and they both worked in the
Red Barn together. Wayne came home that Saturday evening and said that he was very impressed with both
Wayne and Jean. They knew what they were talking about. It helped a lot when Wayne discovered that
Wayne Hiles had the same political views as he did. Wayne said he’d like to get to know the Hiles’ better.
Alas it was not to happen. Who knew that the last time Wayne was in the Museum to tell us about going into
the hospital and having angioplasty that that would be the last time we would see him or talk to him. As he
left we wished him well and fully expected to see him again. It was not to be.
One consolation I have is the day, Wednesday, he came home from the hospital he called the Museum.
Fortunately for me, maybe not for him, I was the only one there, so he had to talk to me. He was concerned
about what had happened at the board meeting the night before and other happenings at the Museum. We
also discussed the military room. He would like to have it cleaned and expanded so more military items
could be displayed. I told him not to worry about the board or the military room. He was to take care of himself and get better. I was fortunate enough to be the first one from work he talked to after coming home from
the hospital and probably the last.
The short time I got to know Wayne I realized that he took great pride in the Museum and wanted only the
(continued on next page)
8
Continued from page 6
best for it. He took the happenings at the Museum very seriously and personally. Even though he wasn’t
president anymore a lot of people still went to him for answers. His ideas and wishes were very well respected
by all.
I think God needed someone up in Heaven who had these traits to help him with this world. He got a good
one when He took Wayne. Wayne will be sadly and greatly missed but his legacy will live on in the Museum.
Wayne passed away on October 27, 2005.”
AND ALSO A NOTE CARD- - - - from Lois & Tom Krones, life members from Chenoa, IL
This note is in regards to the special newsletter put out highlighting Harvest Days and our Christmas
activities.
“The sweet smell of success. Congratulations on something different to all concern who put the newsletter
together…...just great.”
*****************************************************************************************
AND ONE MORE NOTE- - - - - from Carol Walker of the Two Rivers Senior Writing Contest
“Dear Judy,
Thank you so much for organizing the stories for the Two Rivers Writing Contest. I received your package
of stories today. You are in our data base for future mailings. It is my understanding that the writing contests
are held every few years rather than every year. A statewide mailing is done to advertise the contest and you
will be notified.
Every person who enters the current writing contest will receive a copy of Tales From Two Rivers, Version
VI, as a thank-you for participating. I’m going to be out of town next week, but will mail the books the first
week of April. Will also send you one for taking the trouble to mail all the stories in!
Best Regards, Carol Walker”
*****************************************************************************************
As a side comment to the note above. ….. The Historical Society sent in 35 stories to the Two Rivers Writing
Contest from our call for real life stories of Iroquois County. We thought this was a great number and those
we’ve talked to had a lot of fun recalling old memories. Our plans are to use these stories and make our own
“Iroquois County Stories” book. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - *********************************************************
Answers to Stephanie’s Word Search
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We would like for our
members to send, email or
call us with “Old Wives
Tales” that you remember
hearing as you were growing
up. We will use these on the
pages of the books where we
have a little extra space.
For Example:
“Don’t cross your eyes or
they will stay that way.”
“Step on a crack—-break
your mother’s back
9
GENEALOGY NEWS
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
2006 Library Schedule
Library to be open on weekends by appointment only. Call ahead.
CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS:
May 29, 2006 - Memorial Day
July 4, 2006
Sept 4, 2006 - Labor Day
Nov 23 & 24, 2006 - Thanksgiving
Dec 25, 2006 - Christmas
OPEN ON THESE HOLIDAYS
Oct 9, 2006 - Columbus Day
BEGGAR’S KORNER
by Dorrance Albright
Accessions Committee
We are looking for an outdoor advertising
sign, one that can be set up in the museum or
along South Second Street and will hold letters
To advertise upcoming museum events. Lighted
o.k. but not absolutely necessary. About 3 ft. x
6 ft. or less or more could be used. If you have
one or know where one could be found, call Judy
at the museum, 432-2215 and tell her what you
have.
This spring while you are cleaning the attic or
closets and you find old pictures in frames or just
frames you have been saving but will never use,
we could use them as we have many pictures we
could display if we had frames. If you find some
that could be repaired or usable give the museum
a call and if you cannot bring in, we will pick up.
If you run across any old memorabilia of Iroquois County of days
gone by, we would like to have
them. Pictures, maps, books, old
documents etc. is what we can always use.
We are still in need of male or
female mannequins to display
clothing in the form of being worn.
If you have an old bust or form in
the attic let us know as we could
use them with or without a head
would be o.k.
****************************************
10
COMMITTEE REPORTS
MEMBERSHIP REPORT by Jean Hiles, Watseka
Chairwoman & Board Member
I want to thank everyone who promptly sent in your annual membership dues and remind those who have
not to please do so soon; the dues were due in January.
Since Jan. 2006 we have 8 new Life Members, 4 new Paying on Life Members and 11 new Individual or
Family Members. On March 8 we sent out 5338 letters to people who were not members to invite them to join
us. So far we have received 2 annual memberships. The mailing usually takes a while for people to respond.
If you know anyone who is not a member of the Historical Society, Please encourage them to join. If anyone is interested in being a board member, please call the office. We need a few new board members as some
of the board members terms are up and they are choosing to “retire.”
Several towns in Iroquois County are celebrating milestone years (100, 125, 150, etc.) and are organizing
Historical Societies. The Iroquois County Historical Society would like to have members from these societies
in our society. I’m sure we can be of assistance to these societies and that they can be of help to us as all of us
try to collect and preserve the rich history of our county.
NEW INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS
Carol Banach
David Hofer
Donna Baumann
Joan Bohlin
Charles Brock
Gary & Ella Fairchild
Annette & Jessica Eimen
Gabe Fairchild
Raona L. Pearl
Jerry Brutlag
Margaret S. Burke
Gaylord & Betty Bruniga
Leroy Sarowatz
Esther Black
Highland, IN
Emden, IL
Polo, IL
Santa Fe N.M.
Lake Forest, IL
Gilman, IL
Gilman, IL
Gilman, IL
Lake Isabella, CA
Buckingham, IL
Cissna Park, IL
Crescent City, IL
Martinton, IL
Notre Dame, IN
NEW PAYING ON LIFE MEMBERSHIPS
Leland & Carol Milk
Kim N. Nagele
J.R. & Jeanine Clifton
Rick & Gretchen Elliott
Maynard & Beverly Geisler
Harley & Marilyn Miller
Michael & Mary Ann Kiefer
Chebanse, IL
Watseka, IL
Papineau, IL
Watseka, IL
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS TO
BECOME MEMBERS OF OUR SOCIETY
Name___________________________________________
Address_________________________________________
NEW LIFE MEMBERSHIPS
Julie & Brent LaReau
Thomas & Pauline Carter
Shanda & Rolfe Jaremus
Marie Fawbush
Carl & Rose Kaufman
David & Susan Todd
Elaine & Ralph Brown
Robin Brown
Dorothy Hansen
Judith Bauer
Watseka, IL
Watseka, IL
Woodridge, IL
Watseka, IL
Crescent City, IL
Watseka, IL
Gilman, IL
Watseka, IL
Cissna Park, IL
DECEASED MEMBERS
Arnold Focken
Wayne Hiles
Helen Butzow
Tom Strong
John R. Vilven
Dorothy J. Janssen
Robert W. Heins
Eva Sever
David Hanes
Beulah Atteberry
Elsie Grove
Ivan Looker
Jack Hamm
Lois Peters
Georgia Brooks
Lucille Brock
Watseka, IL
Watseka, IL
Watseka, IL
Watseka, IL
Morris Plains, N. J.
Danforth, IL
Onarga, IL
Watseka, IL
Mt. Home, AR
Watseka, IL
Watseka, IL
Watseka, IL
Kankakee, IL
Watseka, IL
Watseka, IL
Watseka, IL
City, State, Zip__________________________________
Annual Individual Membership
$10.00
Annual Family Membership
$15.00
Life Membership
$100 or $25 over 4 yrs.
Mail to: Iroquois County Historical Society
103 W. Cherry St.
Watseka, Il 60970
Our sincere condolences go out to the families
of all these members. Beulah Atteberry was an
honorary member (90+). The others were all
life members. Arnold Focken and Wayne
Hiles, life members, were also board members
and Wayne was past president of the Historical
Society.
11
ART GALLERY by Marilyn Wilken, Danforth
Art Chairwoman & Board Secretary
Spring is here and with that many changes take place! During March and continuing through April 2006,
the Museum’s Art Gallery room features a new exhibit of photography by Bill Jurevich from Kankakee. Better
known as “B.J.” Bill’s work has been seen in the Daily Journal. He is also adjunct professor of photography at
Olivet Nazarene University and principal owner of the Image Group in Bourbonnais. The subject matter in his
photographs is varied and representative of his talent.
A new display in the gallery showcase for the
Easter season highlights a rabbit collection, courtesy
of Cheryl Gocken, a Milford resident. Cheryl was
one of the genealogists here in this “Old Courthouse
Museum” and was president of the Iroquois County
Genealogical Society. She recently retired after 20
some years.