The CENTENNIAL HISTOEY of yTBJMIU:, HUMUS „ ■ lit HMMSB f SBBS a a a THE Centennial History of Litchfield is presented proudly as a record of people founding a community and finding that in their dependence upon one another for their livelihood and happiness, the spirit of a small mid-American city came into be- ing and grew with the years. In the first century of the Christian era, Tacitus (perhaps the greatest of Roman historians) wrote that the object of history is to "rescue virtuous acts from the oblivion to which the want of records would consign them." So it has become one of the prime objects of observing Litch- field's Centennial, to recall in words and in pictures some of the things that have transpired within the span of one hundred years, that have made Litchfield what it is today . . . the sum- mer of 1953. This Centennial Book is not, nor could it be made, the com- plete story of Litchfield. But it is representative, and its com- pilers sincerely hope that the devoted efforts that have gone into its preparation, by many individuals and organizations of Litchfield, have succeeded in reviving many "nostalgic days of Yesterday." We, ourselves in this year of 1953, are Tomorrow's past. As those who have lived before us, we would not be forgotten. We might even wish to be remembered as more heroic and better than we are. We join memory with hope that the new century into which Litchfield is entering may fulfill the aspirations of the founding pioneers and all who have followed in their train during our community's first one hundred years. May this Centennial Book of Litchfield prove worthy of its purpose! L7/ c^<^<^^^«^^«^|^<>||^^j^^|^^)^^ FINANCE DIVISION COMMITTEES Harry W. Butler Member, Board of Directors Chairman, Finance Division Litchfield Bank and Trust Co. UNDERWRITING Harold W. Fleming, Chairman Douglas McPherson George Westhoff Wilbert Ross Roy Prange Chris Stamer Ned Granger Homer Saegesser Dr. Roy Guyan Mary Broeg Daisy Demkey ADVANCE TICKET SALES Chris Zuber, Chairman Murray Shrader Ed Buske NOVELTIES Jack Workinger, Chairman Arnold Birkenkamp William Cassidy Martin Mix Bryan Curry Jack Kopitke Steve Szczepanski Tom Fox Charles Aikman Arthur Large Virginia Winkleback Isabelle Prather BUMPER SIGNS Edwin Ross, Chairman Homer Haycraft Lewis McPherson Arthur Heath, Chairman Gladys Dey Edith Koval Margaret Roberts GATES AND USHERS Maynard Moore, Chairman Willis Cox George D. Worley Member, Board of Directors Chairman, Publicity Division Worley Wear, Inc. PUBLICITY DIVISION COMMITTEES PHOTOGRAPHY Herman Hageidorn, Chairman Robert Hermsmeyer Leo Hough Leonard Mazenko George Todt Millard Gordon PROMOTIONAL Clark Whitman, Chairman Lee Carroll Glen D. Riley Bismarck Fite Orin Coddington SPEAKERS William Blaeuer, Chairman Kathryn Bishop Willard V. Adams HISTORICAL WINDOWS Erma V. Nelson, Chairman Regina Davis Marie Heise Mabel Beeman Gus Kleinbeck Martha Worley DECORATIONS Harold Simpson, Chairman Harold Goodpasture Ben Kellenberger Verne Mahlandt PRESS Jack Hanafin, Chairman RADIO Jack Funk, Chairman <^?>«^»<^><^ «c^^<^^«^^<^^<^^<^^<^^«r^>^ SPECIAL EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEES J. Marvin Larkin Member, Board of Directors Chairman, Special Events and Entertainment Litchfield "News-Herald" Co-Chairmen HIGH SCHOOL CLASS REUNIONS Michael Godfrey, Chairman Evelyn Russell Russell Roberts Greta Caspers Mabel Striegel AIRPORT DEDICATION Lester Luehrs \ Albert Sallee \ Frank Swank Myrle Stinnett Wayne Barringer William Hoolihan Olind McPherson CHURCHES Rev. D. J. Brigham, Sidney Cohen Faye Travis Rev. E. P. Baker Lorraine Wiegreffe Leo Heise Rachel Thorp Leland Rea Dorothea Perry Wilmer Bultman Harold Repp Audrey Nobbe Rev. John Miller Don Mix Elizabeth McBrain FREE ACTS Claude Anderson, Chairman Leonard Berleman Fred Bissett Russell Heyen FREE GIFTS Sylvester Holmer, Chairman Ralph Prange Omer Thomsen Aaron Ridenhower Ray Hittmeier Ned Granger Clifford Quarton William Foehrkalb Robert E. Schwabe CIRCUS ^ har , d p He lh e ! Co-Chairmen Gilbert Prat her \ Ross Billiter Maynard Lovely STREET PAVING DEDICATION Max Ash, Chairman Willard Peterson Maurice Macy John Moss Lewis Yaeger Dwight Kinder OLD TIMERS DIVISION COMMITTEES Logan Fearn Member, Board of Directors Chairman, Old Timers Division Superintendent, City Schools BEARD Rex Culberson, Chairman Earl Symmes Clarence Burkhart Otto Bierbaum Duaine Sackett Dr. Vernon Becker SHAVING PERMIT Al Russell, Chairman Henry Henske James Driskell Ray Bramel Charles Fleming Harvey Lehnen Francis T. Fellers Henry Evans LADIES' DRESS Christine Wilson, Chairman Ida Allen Gladys Carter Virginia Green Mildred Kuene Henrietta Mahlandt Mabel Sihler Ellen Wey Doris Zuber Jody Brubaker Gladys Archer Ileen Atteberry HOSPITALITY Marian Shrader, Chairman Sally McClurg Ethel Schoen Mildred Ryan John Fizzell Joe Walker REGISTRATION Greta Fleming, Chairman Arthur Prange Carl Johnston Mabel Wilhite Rocele Shero Herman Miller Velma Fudoli HOMECOMING Helen Paden, Chairman Mittie Markos Grace Boyd Selma White Mabel Hull Marie Loew Eula Munn OFFICIAL HAT Russell Hogue, Chairman »*rllf^p>>«r$^^ uc^«r^«^^^^^^^<^<^«r^< '< : ^ ), '<^ Facsimile of certificate issued to those underwriters who have contributed financial assistance to the Litch- field Centennial, Inc., in order to make our celebration one to be remembered for years to come. In a great part the work of such a centennial is dependent upon the people, the business firms, and the organizations of a community in so many and in so diverse ways that this particular assistance should be given prominence. With this guarantee of funds the organization was able to make definite plans for the entire celebration. LIST OF UNDERWRITERS As of June 1G, 1953 A and H Supply Co. Harry M. Abraham Hattie Abraham Pete Adam Allan's Market A. M. Alexander A. M. Alexander, Pres., Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Celeste Alexander Dr. Lee George Allen Margaret Jane Allen Almetta Rebekah Lodge No. 156 American Legion Kniery-Knagg Post No. 436 C. Anderson Insurance Audrey Armstrong Don Armstrong Paul Armstrong Vivian Armstrong Clyde Austill, Mgr., Great A & P Tea Co. Austin-Shrader Bros. Arthur Bachstein Barenholtz Furniture Ed Bargfield Arlene Lucille Barnes Barbara Sue Barnes Polly Jane Barnes Wm. P. Barnes, Jr. Fred A. Barringer Richard A. Barringer Verna L. Barringer Beck Cleaners Leonard R. Beck Lydia Beck C. J. Berleman, Mgr. J. J. Newberry Co. C. D. Berry Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Biebel Roofing Co. Billiter's Standard Service Arnold Birkenkamp Leonard Birkenkamp Bissett Dairy Bar Barbara Bitter J. Lynn Bitter Blackwelder's F. C. Blackwelder Blaeuer Office Equipment Blatter Motor Sales (List of Underwriters, continued ) B. R. Blazer, Mgr. Alexander Lumber Co. Bruce Blevins Neil Blevins Boot & Shoe Workers Union Local No. 658 The Bootery The Bowl Leland C. Boyd B. P. O. of Elks John Bray J. C. Bremer Hulda Brockman Mary E. Broeg Martin E. Brown Brown Shoe Co., Ltfd. Mgr. Brown Shoe Co., Employees' Welfare Association Brubaker Motor Co. Edith M. Bryant Lee Bryant Builders Supply & Rental Busby's Drive-in J. Paul Buscher Buske Lines, Inc. Buske Service Station Henry Buskohl Harry W. Butler Merle S. Butler C and P Auto Supply Eva T. Carroll Carter's Beauty Shop John Roger Clark Linda Sue Clark M. Gladys Cline Sidney and Anita Cohen John Cooper Larry Cooper Thomas Cooper Co-Operative Savings & Loan L. A. Copeland, Mgr. Site Oil Station Walter Craig Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Crouch Rex Culberson, Mgr., Krogers' Charles E. Davis Charles M. Davis C. Kenneth Davis David L. Davis Emily Davis Muriel F. Davis Regina Davis L. H. Deming Edwin Demkey Dey Pharmacy Carl E. Diehl, Mgr., Standard Oil Bulk Plant Dixie Market Doll's Self Service Laundry William Lee Douglas Fred A. Droste Duchess Beauty Shop Mike Dukas Eades Dairy Queen Eagle Products Co. Kathryn Ebeling Lynne Ebeling Charles V. Faris Guy Farquhar Keith Fath Kenneth Fath Truman Felts Truman L. Felts, Sugar Bowl Wilma Felts First National Bank Frances Fiscor Helen J. Fiscor James J. Fiscor Steve Fiscor John and Ruth Fizzell Mayme G. Fleming Dr. N. K. Floreth Louis Fouts Elmer A. Frerichs Mrs. Raymond Friend James Fudoli Funk's Motel Alfred C. Gerlt Gilly Sales Co. C. E. Gilpin Illinois Belle Gilpin Douglas Gorsage Gretzer Grocery Henry Grosenheider Otto Grosenheider Leonard Gunn Dr. R. W. Guyan Herman Hagerdorn Herman F. Hagerdorn George Hall R. C. Hall Ray Harlow Dave Hart Hart's Market Ralph L. and Clara M. Hart Harvey's Poultry & Feeds Cynthia Hauser Marilyn Hauser Martin Hauser, Jr. Mary Ellen Heise Carroll and Mary Heitzman Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Henderson Carolann Henrichs Garth Henrichs Madge Henrichs Donna Lou Henry Henry and Mary Henske Hermsmeyer Bros. Hilger Bros. Theresa S. Hinton Hittmeier Bros., Inc. Walter Holderread Holmer's Superway The House of Sunshine Hribar & Sons Vernon Lee Hribar 10 (List of Underwriters, continued ) Harold E. Hussey Illinois Power Co. I.O.O.F. #724 Irvine Dairy Wm. Jacob William T. Janssen Johnson Hardware, Inc. Max H. Jones K & L Farm Supply, Inc. K & O Tractor Sales & Service Albert L. Kane Victor Karlovic Homer G. Keese Victoria M. Keese Bernard Kellenberger Edward H. Klekamp Lydia Klekamp Eugene A. Kozuk Lester L. Kranich Kriege Hatchery Kruse Auto Salvage Dolores Kruse L & M Market Arthur Large T. W. Lay Grocery Winifred LeMay Litchfield Auto Parts, Inc. Litchfield Bank & Trust Co. Litchfield Candy Co. Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Litchfield Jr., Chamber of Commerce Litchfield Creamery Co. Litchfield Farmers Grain & Livestock Co. Litchfield Food Lockers Litchfield Fruit-Produce Co. Litchfield Grocer Co. Litchfield Jayettes Litchfield Lumber Co. Litchfield National Bank Litchfield News-Herald Litchfield Rotary Club Litchfield Woman's Club Litchfield Volunteer Fire Dept. Maynard Lovely Loyal Order of Moose Doris L. Luenemann Richard H. Luenemann Maderite Block Works Dr. F. S. Mansfield Ralph's Marathon Service Norman Marburger Dr. Ira Maupin Mazenko Dri-Gas Service J. T. McBride McCance Bros. McCulley's Barber Shop Harriet E. McManus McPherson Barber Shop McWilliams and McWilliams James Millburg H. G. Miller Music Store Herman G. Miller Herman G. Miller, Jr. Jeanette Marie Miller Marie E. Miller Mix Grocery Martin R. Mix Arthur Monke Montgomery County Motor Co. Montgomery's Camera Corner Mueller Shell Service Charles A. Napier, III Nathanson's Clothing Store Erma V. Nelson Robbie Newport Henry A. Niehaus Louis Niemann The Overhead Owen Mfg. Co., Inc. Vic Paden Park Tavern Paul's Ice Cream William Pearce, Mgr. Metropolitan Insurance Agents Peck Upholstery Darold E. Peet Charlotte Peterson Phi Sigma Nu, Beta Chapter Plopper Hatchery A. F. Prange A. E. Price Jess and Thelma Putnam John M. Rambo, Jr. Ranch Inn Retail Clerks International Ass'n, Local 666 Elizabeth Celeste Richards Fern S. Richards John Alexander Richards A. Ridenhower, Mgr. Fair Department Store Maynard Ritchie Ritchie's Service Station Ritter Cleaners Russell C. Roberts Robinson Gas & Grocery Ross & Becker Funeral Home Ross & Curry Home Appliances Harry W. Ruecking S & L Motor Parts Albert H. Sallee Barbara Mae Sallee Carol Lou Sallee Margaret Jean Sallee Patricia Ann Sallee Mrs. Winifred Sallee Sargent Market Satterlee Brothers Cynthia Marie Satterlee Gwen Jean Satterlee Harry M. Satterlee Helen W. Satterlee Lawrence Albert Satterlee Mary Ann Satterlee Mr. and Mrs. Leo Schalk Harm Schmidt Paul Schmidt Schmidt Truck Service, Inc. John B. Schoen Scotty's Pontiac, Inc. Henry L. Sewing Walter Sewing Raymond Sharp Shero Plumbing & Heating Dr. A. E. Sihler Dr. C. H. Sihler Maynard Simmons Harold M. Simpson C. A. Sinclair, Jr., Texas Co. Stamer Implement Co. Michael Stehlin Joseph C. Stolle D. H. Storer, Mgr., Sherman Bros. Dry Goods Store Otto G. Striegel Mary E. Stuttle Subway 66 Cafe Sweney Gasoline & Oil Co. W. H. Todt & Co. Towell Coal Co. Charlotte Tschannen Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Tschannen H. B. Tunnell Uhlenhop Market Varner Motel V.F.W. McAllister-Pollard Post No. 777 Wagon Wheel Wilbur Lee Watkins Alta Weatherford Margaret Weber Betty Weller, Mgr. F. W. Woolworth Co. Westhoff Sheet Metal Bruce Christian Wilson Women of the Moose Women's Relief Corps Emmett Woods Jack Workinger Worley Wear, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Wright Yaeger's Dr. Harry Yaeger Yates Motor Co. Fred E. Young Zimmerman Equipment Co., Inc. Dr. C. H. Zoller Chris F. Zuber 11 '^W 7 The Story of a Midwest Town Litchfield (1853-1953) By Walter R. Sanders THE history of a community is a history of a family seek- ing a new farm, a site for a business, a way to make a living or a fortune; it is the privations of travel over a tree- spotted prairie unmarked by roads, rutted and bottomless in the spring rains. It is the story of a community living with a hope that their community would become large and prosperous. A history of its first years would tell of the individual families, a noting of the time when various stores, churches, schools, mills, hotels, and blacksmith shops were first opened to the public. The history of Litchfield is that of a typical central Illinois town: it began with the movement of men westward to new farm lands, the development of a railroad, and the formation of a land speculation group. There is nothing unusual about this; it is the story of a thousand communities in this country, re- peated many times before and many times after the founding of Litchfield. It is merely a phase marking the growth of our County, Illinois, then to Montgomery County, and here in 1849 was a need for communities to be formed along the right of way to provide revenue for the railroads ; land companies took up this responsibility. Before the time that Litchfield was actually thought of, there were settlements made within the corporate bounds of the pres- ent city. Early histories note that one Isaac Weaver had built a cabin on the present site of the library square; that is true, but he was not the first to settle there. John Norman, who lived in the Shoal Creek bottoms, had built a cabin on about the same spot before 1840 and had tried to farm the land. Unsuccessful in his new location he went back to the bottom land. Alfred Blackwelder came from North Carolina to Union County, Illinois, then to Montgomery County, and here in 1849 13 '^W 7 ** a q H *}S IBfflBHH^H 1 This is a photograph of the oldest plat of Litchfield in existence. It is the property of Mrs. H. C. Stuttle and was drawn by her grandfather, William E. Bacon in 1856. You will notice that the public square (now Library Park) is block Number 13 and that block was given to the city expressly to be used as a park. The marker from which the original surveyings of Litchfield started is marked "x," at the northwest corner of State and Edwards Streets. 14 took out 240 acres of land in the northeast part of the present town. The locations of these set- tlers, of course, means that their land was the site where the town would later be laid out. George B. Yenowine in 1853 owned land south of the present Big Four Railroad and west of State Street ; this he sold in 1857 to Philander C. Huggins. John S. Hayward, a land speculator from Boston, moved to Hillsboro and became the owner of much land within and around the present city during 1849 and the following years. Jefferson Brown came from Virginia and bought land before 1850 in the west part of the city south of the Big Four Railroad; this he sold in 1854 to Jacob Beeler. John Waldroop from Kentucky owned land in the south- east part of the city in 1853. Ralph Scherer with his brother moved to this area from the Hillsboro neighborhood; Ralph had a cabin in the north part, Jacob lived just west of his brother. Ezra Tyler, Ahart Pierce, and Caleb W. Sapp settled on land in 1849 which became the nucleus of the town. Caleb W. Sapp became the owner of the part which extended from the present Wabash Railroad half a mile east along the Big Four Railroad with a width of half a mile. Ezra Tyler had the east half of this tract; in May, 1861, this passed to J. Y. McManus who also bought the west half which belonged to Sapp. In April, 1850, Nelson Cline, who came from North Carolina, bought the east forty acres of the Sapp purchase, and a year later he sold the west six acres to Younger S. Etter who also purchased the forty acres lying immediately west of them. In the same year George F. Pretlow bought out Etter and when the initial survey of Huntsville was made in the fall of 1853 it covered only Pretlow's forty- six acres and the thirty-four acres which had been purchased by Cline. Others who lived within the city limits before 1853 were O. M. Roach, James W. Andrews from Kentucky, Josiah Kessinger from Kentucky, and Benjamin H. Hartgrove. Talk was heard of a new railroad being built in the county which would extend westward from Hillsboro. This railroad was the ancestor of the "Big Four," namely the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad; it was incorporated in 1851 and plans were made to extend the railroad from Hillsboro westward making a wide curve and entering Alton. It was only a rumor that people heard until the day the syndicate representatives talked to Pretlow and Cline. Simeon Ryder, Robert Smith of Alton, Joseph Gillespie of Edwardsville, Philander C. Hug- gins of Bunker Hill, Josiah Hunt, Chief Engineer of the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad, and John B. Kirkham had formed a syndicate to purchase the sites of prospective stations along the line of the road then in process of construction. On August 2nd, 1853, John B. Kirkham, acting as trustee for the syndicate, paid $240 to George F. Pretlow of Hardinsburg for land described as the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section thirty-three, and also the six acres off of the west side of the southeast quarter of the south- west quarter of section thirty-three. In this con- veyance the syndicate stated it would lay out on the land conveyed village lots, and for a consid- eration of six dollars, reconvey to Pretlow "every alternate lot which may be formed out of land conveyed." The syndicate on August 4, 1853, paid to Nelson Cline and his wife Lydia, the sum of $408 for the Zion English Evangelical Lutheran Church 1857-1865 1866-1889 15 southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of sec- tion thirty-three. Thus did the syndicate acquire eighty acres of land from Pretlow and Cline and after reserving the land needed for streets, public squares, and railroad uses, reconveyed to Pretlow one half the lots and blocks on his original forty- six acres. Mr. Kirkham, who was made agent for the syn- dicate, was soon replaced by P. C. Huggins, who retained his position through successful purchases of additional land to be laid out in village lots. When E. B. Litchfield became the sole owner of the company's interest in the city, Huggins was him- self replaced. The railroad was completed no farther than Bunker Hill from the western end when Thomas A. Gray, county surveyor, in October, 1953, laid out the original plat of the town in "the cornfield then recently the property of Younger Smith Etter, but at that time belonging to the 'Litchfield Town Com- pany.' " The cornfield was converted into 236 lots and this tract of 80 acres was the beginning of Huntsville, today called Litchfield.* About this same time Gillespie was also sur- veyed. A group of men who wished to invest in new lands drew straws to decide whether to move to Gillespie or to the proposed town of Litchfield; Litchfield won. This group of men who came from Ridgely, Madison County, were Richard W. O'Ban- non, W. T. Elliott, Henry E. Appleton, James W. Jefferis, John P. Bayless, and Winfield Scott Palmer. In January, 1854, Mr. O'Bannon bought the east half of the block facing on State Street and lying *This land in the southwest quarter had gone through the original grantors of Caleb W. Sapp and Ahart Pierce to Ezra Tyler to James Y. McManus, to Nelson Cline, to Younger S. Etter, and to George F. Pretlow. The following documentary evidence offers an interesting problem. The evidence indicates that Philander C. Huggins as a member of the syndicate had Thomas A. Gray survey and lay out the community, bought the land from the syndicate or was acting as its agent yet was not named as such, and had named the town as LITCHFIELD by November 19th, 1853. The various members of the Litchfield family did not come to this county before 1855. Therefore, it could be supposed that members of the Litchfield fam- ily, who had interests in the Michigan and New York railroads, also held much stock in this new syndicate. Early historians state that the village was first called Huntsville. There has been no record found to show that this name was ever recorded. The following items show a documentary record of this phase of land trans- actions leading to the establishment of Litchfield. "This indenture made this twenty-fourth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three between John B. Kirkham and Betsy Kirkham his wife and John B. Kirkham, trustee for Simeon Ryder, Joseph Gillespie, Robert Smith, P. C. Huggins, and Josiah Hunt of the first part and Philander C. Huggins of Bunker Hill in the county of Macoupin ... of the second part . . . the party of the first part for and in consideration of sum of six hundred and sixty dollars to them paid by said party of second part . . . have transferred to party of second part . . . certain parcel of land situated ... in Montgomery county . . . described between Ryder and Kirkham Streets for $120. He at once began building a store on the southeast corner of his purchase (the present site of the Litchfield Bank and Trust Company) ; this was completed and occupied before April of that year. Mr. Jefferis made the second purchase and Apple- ton and Palmer secured lots soon after this. Ap- pleton and Jefferis built a blacksmith shop on the southeast corner of the intersection of State and Ryder Streets and a wagon shop on east Ryder. Mr. Palmer built his store on the site of Austin and Shrader's store. Mr. Elliott erected his store in the same block as the O'Bannon store, brought his house from Ridgely and had it ready for his family by May 5, 1854. The fourth building was a rude blacksmith shop, the next was another store. A grain elevator was built by Ezra Tyler. In the same year Miss Sue Ellsberry and Charles M. Davis came to Litchfield. A description of the village as seen by an un- known writer who came here April 1, 1854 will locate the first settlers. ". . . There was no railroad, no indication of laid-out streets; the road, as it crossed the prairie, from southwest to northeast, left what is now the business part of the city considerably to the right. The embankment, thrown up for the expected railroad, bisected a lake which stood where the L. and St. L. depots and the car shops now stand. Mr. O'Bannon's new store stood where the Beach, Davis & Company Bank now stands. The ground was a cornfield and by special effort the corn was gathered from the site of the proposed building to permit of its erection. as follows, to wit: South one half of the southwest one quarter of section number thirty-three, township number nine north and range number five west. John B. Kirkham Betsy Kirkham (Deed Record, Book L, p. 165) John B. Kirkham" ************ "LITCHFIELD PLAN OF GRANT FOR STREETS: "I hereby certify that the above plan of the town of Litchfield was laid out by me upon the south half of the southwest one quarter of section 33 . . . lying and situated in the county of Montgomery and state of Illinois, the lots and streets to be the size and width as represented upon the foregoing plat, the stone as a beginning point situated at the south- east corner of Lot seven in Block Number 28 in said plat. Thomas A. Gray, County Surveyor" (Deed Record, Book L, p. 168) ************ "Know all men by these presents that I, P. C. Huggins, have laid out and surveyed and established this foregoing plat of the town of Litchfield in the county of Montgomery and state of Illinois. I also hereby give, grant, and forever quit claims with the county court of Montgomery county for the use of said county the streets and alleys described in said plan as map above laid out to be and remain forever as public streets or highways to be and remain for- ever subject to all the regulations of public streets. "In testimony whereby, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day of November, a.d., 1853 P. C. Huggins." (Deed Record, Book L, p. 168) If, View of ruins of first high school burned April 1, 1872. For pic- ture of what it looked like before the fire, see page 162. View looking from Kirkham Street to the northwest past the church toward ruins of the school. 17 *~ This house was moved from the northeast corner of Madison and Kirkham Streets to its present location on the northwest corner of Van Buren and Union. Miss Fanny Hood was born in this house. The church in the background is the Methodist Church. "From this point could be seen and counted all the houses within the present corporate limits of the city of Litchfield. Looking north and a little west was the farm house of Ahart Pierce. A little further, northwest, was the Lutheran church with the cemetery in the rear . . . Fur- ther north and east and just within the present corporation line was the farmhouse of Ralph Scherer, then just erected. It is now at the north end of State Street. A half mile or more west of that was the farmhouse of Jacob Scherer. . . . "Changing the direction to northeast, there was a log cabin then occupied by Major Cline, afterward by Louis D. Palmer. . . . Southeast loomed the farmhouse of Ezra Tyler, now the dwelling of E. C. Thorpe; Southwest, where the I. and St. L. and the Jacksonville railroads now intersect was a small building and a smaller store building, the latter owned and occupied by John M. McWilliams. These nine buildings, with the attendant stables, were, with the possible exception of one or two log cabins, the only ones on that first day of April, 1854 to be seen within what is now the city of Litchfield." While a trickle of families was moving into the new village another village was being moved. More than a mile southwest of Litchfield lay Har- dinsburg, a community founded about 1850 which by 1854 had grown to a population of about fifty persons. It had a postoffice and a public house run by James Cummings, a village store owned by J. M. McWilliams, a wagonmaker and carpenter in the person of Robert H. Peall, a physician, Dr. H. H. Hood; Jabez Blackburn was the blacksmith; a widow, Mrs. Ogle, and her son lived there. Also living in the community were three farmers, namely, Horatio Nelson, James Eddings, and Wil- liam Millian and families. This was the only town and postoffice within an area bounded by Hillsboro, Walshville, Staunton, and Zanesville. When the proposed railroad failed to connect with Hardinsburg, the villagers for the most part moved to the new site. Within two years of the coming of the railroad to Litchfield the community 18 of Hardinsburg went out of existence forever. J. M. McWilliams moved a small storehouse from Hardinsburg to Litchfield in January, 1854; Dr. H. H. Hood moved his office to Litchfield in Au- gust of 1855. Mr. Appleton built a wagon shop just in the rear of Jefferis' blacksmith shop dur- ing the fall and used the rear portion as his home. Mr. Palmer and Mr. May put in a stock of mer- chandise in the store built by the former, and the east end was his residence. John P. Bayless brought here on rollers one half of what had been the blacksmith shop at Hardinsburg. It had no door (only an opening), no window, no floor. He placed it on one of the corners and made it do for a home for several years. He became the village's first railroad and express agent; he was also the first appointed postmaster. To help travel between other towns and Litch- field a road from Hillsboro to Bunker Hill was made; a similar road to connect Edwardsville, Staunton, and Taylorville entered Litchfield at the southwest corner and ran diagonally across the vil- lage. These roads consisted of striking a furrow on one side for several miles and then returning with a furrow on the other side. The road lay between these shallow ditches and marked the way well enough for the few people who used them. Help in maintaining the early roads was secured by assigning men in the county to work on them. By October, 1955, the railroad was opened as far east as Clyde (Hornsby). In January, 1856, the Pretlow estate of lots was sold by his executor ; this sale was held in the store of W. T. Elliott and history relates that this day was remembered for the heavy rain that fell. The embankment for the railroad had formed a dike across State Street and had interrupted its drainage. A lake had formed and it was the policy of the parties owning land just west of the town to have the dike main- tained in order to force the location of the pas- senger station to their vicinity. The dike was cut and the lake was drained, thus averting the loca- tion of the station a quarter-mile further on west. After the Hood house was moved in the early 1870's, Dr. R. F. Bennett built on that loca- tion. The office of the "Monitor," east of the house, was one of Litchfield's earliest news- papers. The post office was at one time in the building just east of the "Monitor" office. 19 ■> ; it f A r< ; -fr- ' u £? ; 1 : i :: : :?t'^ HI "Blunderstone" was the unusual name given this residence by its builder, Palmer, in 1860. In 1870 it was sold to Mr. Elizur Southworth, a prominent Litchfield attorney. The next owner was Frank Cummings, who soon sold it to Dr. R. F. Bennett. It is now the site of a Mobil gas station located on the corner of Union Avenue and Jackson Street. (Lithograph from an atlas of 1874). The site of Litchfield had been bought in the summer of 1853 for eight to ten dollars per acre; then after the town was laid out lots sold for $30 per sixty-six feet front. In May of 1854 the price was increased to $50 and by 1857 the lots sold as high as $200, but also as low as $17. In the spring of 1855 at least four of Elisha Litchfield's sons came to the new site, namely: Egbert S., Electus Bachus*, Elisha Cleveland, and Edward Everett. With them from central and western New York came the three Dix brothers and C. F. How. About the same time Elisha W. Litchfield took up his residence here; he served as the city's second mayor. The Litchfield family bought much land here and elsewhere; E. C. Litch- field, who was a director in the Michigan and Southern Railroad, brought out William Enos Bacon to the new village to become his business manager. Mr. Bacon also joined in partnership with a group to deal in lumber and in operating a planing mill. The railroad was looking for a location for its shops and a terminal and had selected land at the present site of Hornsby, but Doctor Hornsby of Bunker Hill was not willing to donate land to the road. E. C. Litchfield was willing to donate much land and thus convinced the road that the shops should be located and erected here. By November •The town was named for him. 24, 1855, the railroad was opened to Litchfield and sale of lots again increased. James Cummings removed his store from Hardinsburg to the village; James Eddings, who also moved his house from Hardinsburg, established a hotel here. The coming of the railroad and the breaking of ground for the shops brought in more business firms and the year 1856 saw Litchfield begin an era of industry to supplement its farming element. The passenger station was completed, a roundhouse with thirteen stalls was enclosed, and the founda- tions for the machine shops were laid. Tilman Shore built the first two-story brick store. Hood and Brothers and Dr. Grinstead had drug stores. Four "hotels" found catering to visitors were "The Montgomery House" (built by Thomas Daniels), "The Litchfield House" (built by Andrew Johnson), the "Central Hotel" (opened by James Eddings), and the "Palace Hotel" (built by Jeremiah Tin- dell). The Brewer and Grubb Bank was now open for business. John McGinnis sold clothing and groceries. There was no lawyer and no resident preacher, but there was one schoolmaster. The Odd Fellow's Lodge Number 202 was created. General stories dealing principally with food were now operated by Bagby and Corrington, O'Bannon and Elliott, Palmer and Jefferis, Henderson, Hull, Hawkins, James Cummings, and B. C. Beardsley. 20 There was also one saloon, open part of the time. In May of 1857 H. H. Eeach, a young and skilled mechanic, came to Litchfield from Wisconsin; he brought engines and equipment for a machine shop and foundry. Within two months a barn-like structure was erected and his furnaces were in full blast. This was the only shop of its kind between Alton and Terre Haute. Here 150 to 200 skilled mechanics were employed. In the same year H. A. Coolidge came from Cazenovia, New York, and started the first issue of the Journal, Litchfield's first newspaper. The people who settled here had not forgotten their churches and by 1856 there were several established. Prior to the laying out of Litchfield, the Lutherans had a small wooden church building and a burying ground on what is now Scherer's addition. Until 1855 this was the only place of public worship in Litchfield, but in that year the Hardinsburg Methodist chapel was removed to this town. A year thereafter it was purchased by the Christian church group and removed to the south- east corner of Third and Madison Streets. About the same time the old Lutheran church and ceme- tery grounds were sold to Ralph Scherer ; the build- ing was removed by him to the north side of Ryder Street where it was used as a grocery store and drug store. The graves were removed to the new Lutheran cemetery in 1859. The old Lutheran church had also served as a school; it was a small frame building, furnished with trestles across which rough sawed oak planks were laid as seats and over these trestles the worshippers stepped or clambered as they passed to or from their seats. The First Baptist and the Presbyterian congre- gations organized churches in 1856. St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church was organized in 1857. On July 31, 1856, the members of the Christian Church organized and began services in a frame structure located on the corner of Madison and Third Streets. The population had now increased to a place where some of the citizens asked for the right to incorporate the village, but the measure was de- feated in 1855 by a vote of 3 to 1. In 1856 the effort was successful by a vote of 54 for and 13 votes against. A board of trustees was elected on April 11, namely: James Cummings, Tilman Shore, Jacob Beeler, Joseph A. Eddings,* and Ed- win C. Dix, who was chosen president of the board. •Joseph A. Eddings and John W. Keller received the same number of votes and in drawing lots Joseph A. Eddings won. I D -D4V| RET ^R0c ERS . ^LUJ** C„. -3 .. Lithograph of D. Davis & Company taken from an atlas map of Montgomery County of 1874, store situated at northeast corner of State and Edwards Streets. 121 This fountain stood in the Library Park before the present building was built in 1904. Alli- gators were often kept in this pool. The house in the background is the old William H. Fisher home. The trustees fixed by ordinance the limits of the town: "Beginning one half mile south from the south-east corner of State and Edwards streets, thence running one-half mile east ; thence one mile north; thence, one mile west; thence, one mile south, and thence one-half mile east, to the place of beginning." In the workings of the first and second board of trustees the matter of incorporation was never completed; therefore, the board met on January 22, 1858, to wind up the affairs of the village. Bills presented amounted to $76.66 and the treas- urer's account showed the sum of $51.85. On mo- tion, each of the board was assessed the amount of five dollars which was collected, the bills ordered to be paid and the balance of nineteen cents held in reserve for future use! The village charter was thus dissolved in the fall of 1857; again a petition was formed and a bill was put through the state legislature granting Litch- field a charter on February 16, 1859. On March 7 the first general election was held at which time William E. Bacon was elected as the city's first mayor. Under the new government an entire new code of ordinances had to be framed and adopted, the public had to be educated to the knowledge of and obedience to municipal regulations. The council served with no compensation, but the city clerk received sixty dollars a year. All other officers ac- cepted their fees in lieu of salaries. Plank side- walks were laid for the first time. The council had plats of the original town and additions printed and distributed. The city council was declared "ex-officio trustees and directors of schools"; they wielded the power of selecting teachers, offered contracts a month at a time, and established three ungraded schools. Public enterprise was shown with the organiza- tion of a society of ladies who raised sufficient funds in the winter of 1859-60 to enclose the pub- lic square with a plain board fence and set out shade trees. A second indication of the desire to improve the community is shown in the great number of private schools found here in the period before 1859. One of the earliest "school buildings" was located on the lot north of the Universalist Church and just to the east; the other was located on the lot on north Jackson Street where Dr. Ira Maupin has his home or on the lot next to his home. One of the first teachers was a Miss Charles whose sole reminder of her contribution to educa- tion here is the newspaper item that "the pupils of Miss Charles' School gave a pleasant entertain- ment to its patrons and a select number of guests last Wednesday" (July 8, 1857). The next school teacher to be noted was a Mr. H. A. Wells who opened "a fall and winter term of the Free School . . . Monday Next (September 7, 1857) at Cummins' Hall." Mr. Wells taught for a number of years in 22 the village. In April, 1858, Mr. Wells advertised that he was opening a summer term; in the same month Mrs. Edgar opened "a school in Whitaker's new building adjoining the Ambrotype Gallery." Parents were requested to send their children "without further notice" and those entrusting chil- dren to her charge were "warranted satisfaction." The following notices were found concerning schools of the year 1859. "Mrs. Edgar's third quarter commences on Monday, January 31st at her residence on Kirkham Street, opposite the Presbyterian Church. Bills collected before the close of the term. Tuition $5.00." Mr. Wells taught a fall term and held an ex- hibition which was "witnessed by an audience which filled every inch of the room, occupied the stairs of the Empire Hall, and stood on ladders looking through the windows. . . ." He also taught a summer term, beginning the school on April 11. In the year 1859 a most unusual advertisement concerning a girls' school was published. "The undersigned has opened a high school for young ladies, occupying for the present, a pleasant room over Mr. Durr's dry goods store. Is prepared to receive additions to the present number of students. The school, until assistant teachers are employed, will be strictly limited to thirty pupils. "Terms: Common and High English Branches, $5.00 per term. Juvenile Classes, $3.00. "Drawing and Painting classes receive instruc- tion Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week. . . . Drawing, twenty lessons $2.50. Water colors, $4.00. Oil painting, $8.00. Having had charge of this department in Jacksonville Seminary and since in other parts of the state, the principal hopes to give satisfaction both in the ornamental and thorough branches. September 28, 1859. Sarah Barton." Who were these people who came to a prairie village, supported by a struggling railroad? In many areas of the county the neighborhood was settled entirely by people from North Carolina, other areas were settled entirely by settlers from Kentucky and Tennessee. Here we do not find any one nationality, nor do we find them coming from any one state. Instead we find people born in North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, New York; we find peo- ple of English, Irish, and German birth; we find settlers poor in worldly goods and some with considerable wealth. Many of these early settlers from the east had come from fine homes; when they came to the prairies they brought with them their books, their desire for culture and schools, their customs and manners. Many had attended schools on the col- lege, academy, and university level. We find the first settlers interested in farming, then came the storekeepers, the blacksmiths, a doctor or two, a lawyer. With the railroad came the Irish laborer, with the railroad and machine shops came the skilled craftsmen and new laborers . . . these show a typical cross section of what we today call the American people; this is America! £****, P *0. M '*«>. H^ I 'be»J State Street taken in the 1860's. Beach, Davis & Co., Bankers, is present site of Litchfield Bank and Trust Company. 23 The Litchfields opened a general store here in 18S5 and continued business for four years. This is a picture of the inside of the early Davis store located at present site of Illinois Power and Light Company. The first post office was established here. 1860-1865: A WAR— A SCHOOL— A CITY HALL This period in the history of Litchfield is marked by the Civil War ; it was a period of bitterness as the community was settled by families whose views differed according to their background and origin. There were slaves in the county, there were free Negroes in the county. The Knights of the Golden Circle, an anti-war group, was strong in this area, yet they were opposed through the newspapers by the Union League Council Number 60, the patriotic homeguard during these difficult days. Many com- panies found Litchfield men enrolled during the war between the states; perhaps the best known was the group organized here by Delos VanDeusen which went into the Sixth Missouri Infantry as Company H. In 1860 the city council established a graded school system ; in 1861 a grammar school was built on Jackson Street; in 1864 plans for a two-story brick building were laid, but it was not completed until 1867. St. Mary's B. V. M. Church was built in 1860. Private schools still were in existence for in the year 1861 George C. Mack opened a select school; Miss Palmer moved her school into the lower floor of the Grammar School; Andrew Waters also opened a school in the Grammar School during the summer in which he taught Common English Branches for $5.00. Miss Gilham opened a pri- vate school in the Cummings Building. W. B. Schoen, dealer in furnishings, hats, caps, and boots; in 1878 he occupied the building where the Park Tavern is now located. 24 Interior of Beach, Davis & Company about 1886. In the cage are David Davis, Mr. Lovejoy, and Delos Van Deusen. Out of cage are Alexander Seymour, L. F. Wood. ^^^^^^<^^>'0|^>na||pr> -v~ /^ «%> V; *k *> ,-llvi^^ I .n Levy's Cheap Corner in 1881; can you locate this store today? 25 The "Daily News" was founded in 1887; this picture was taken in the 1890's when James Cox was the proprie- tor. The "Daily News" was consolidated with the "Moni- tor" to form the "News-Her- ald" by E. E. Burson. This office was located at present site of McPherson's Barber shop. In 1862 H. A. Wells continued his teaching and had "a private school in the Empire Hall" which was "well patronized." Also teaching private schools this year were Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson, Miss Berry, Miss Jackson, Miss Julia Palmer, Miss Georgiana Skillman, and Miss Carrie Clark. Dur- ing the month of May, a month when most of the schools were in session, Mr. Wells' school had 70 pupils, Mrs. Stevenson's school about 60 pupils, and Miss Skillman's not less than 30. The other schools had fewer scholars. In 1861 the first publication of the Campaigner, the Union, and the Litchfield Monitor came off the presses, but the first two did not have a very long life. Also in 1861 Haskell, Davis and Company formed a new bank, which in the years to come passed through the successive partnerships of Haskell, Seymour & Company, Brewer, Seymour & Com- pany, Brewer & Grubbs, and S. M. Grubbs & Com- pany to become the First National Bank in 1889. In 1864 Wesley Best and David R. Sparks built what was considered the best mill in the area, a four-story brick mill located between Railroad and Edwards Streets. In 1865 a two-story brick build- ing to be called the City Hall was constructed at a cost of about $5,000. In this year the congrega- tion of the Christian Church took steps to erect a new building opposite the Library Park on the north side of the street. The population had in- creased to 4,300. 1866-1870: COAL 10 City Council of 1903. FRONT Row, left to right: Harold Hood, Dave Blackwelder, George Winkelblack, Fred Windels, Adolphus Neuber, Lee Hussey. BACK Row: Joe R. Paisley, William Acree, William King (mayor), Zeno Rives, John Reeves. 35 This picture shows the north side of Union Avenue across from the Library Park; here a livery stable occupied the site for many years. Biebel Roofing Company is there now. Picture taken about 1900. 1930: Population: 6,612. 1934: Litchfield Creamery built a $30,000 annex. 1935: Creamery built a new warehouse. State Street paved with concrete. 1936: Sihler School built. Sewage disposal plant opened. 1938: Chautauqua Association dissolved and the grounds sold. 1940: The House of Sunshine erected. 1941: Cornerstone laid for new Zion Lutheran Church. 1944: American Radiator Company converted to magnesium castings. 1946: F. W. Means & Company, industrial & com- mercial laundry moved into the Reese Laundry. 1948: New Zion Lutheran parochial school dedi- cated. 1949: Owen Manufacturing Company established, turned out small precision parts. 1950: Hoffman Forge Company organized. New drive-in theatre opened in June. 1951: Citizens brought to town the Roll-Away Skate Factory. Wikomi Manufacturing Com- pany made different types of seeders and farm elevators. 1952: New addition to high school included gym- nasium, shop rooms, rooms for homemaking classes, band instruction, and agricultural classes. Fall classes opened in the new Madison Park School. * * # ->:• * * (Acknowledgment for data must be given to many who contributed their help, including the Montgomery News and the News-Herald, county officials, and the Chamber of Commerce. Credit must be given to the early historians of the county who in documents, pamphlets, and histories wrote their stories; assistance was found in county his- tories published in 1882 and 1918.— W. R. S.) This is the Beveridge Restaurant taken about 1904; Pfolsgrofs' Jewelry Store is here today. Pictured from left to right are Matilda Bockewitz Keene, Bertha Beck McPherson, and "Mom" Beveridge. 36 One of the highlights of the summers of the earlier days of Litchfield was the Litchfield-Hillsboro Chautauqua. The grounds were located midway between the two towns. In the hesvily wooded hills a dam was built across a small stream creating a fine lake for boating and swimming. The trestle is that of the Illinois Traction line which connected the two cities and made regular runs many times a day and evening. At this area during the summers, programs were held in the big tent; the finest talent in the country appeared here, in- cluding Billy Sunday, William Jennings Bryan, Colonel Bain, and John Bocke- witz, one of Litchfield's finest chalk-talk artists. In the first days of the Chau- tauqua, tents were used by the families in camping out, but it was not many years until fine cottages were built and families spent the entire summer here. 37 At the time this picture was taken in 1900 this was one of the most beautiful parks in the state. There was a fountain in the middle of the park; the band stand stood to the south side of the pool. There were many trees here, all of which created a pleasant atmosphere in the evening. Band concerts were quite the vogue with the various Litchfield and Mt. Olive bands trying to surpass each other. This was one of the worst train disasters ever to take place here. It happened July 3, 1904, just north of town; you can see the old mine at the left of the picture. Many were killed and many more were seriously injured and burned when the wooden coaches splintered and burned. The picture shows many of the freight cars as they were burning; the passenger cars are in the distance. The east side of State Street looking south. It is one of the few old pictures of Litchfield showing the old traction car. Picture taken Decoration Day, 1907. View of one of the early photographer's studios, located where the Sihler offices stand today at the southeast corner of Madison and West Kirkham Streets. 38 Perry Commodore Oiler I. Perry Commodore Oiler (Copied directly from the Litchfield Monitor Souve- nir Edition of December 31, 1901. S. W. Kessinger, editor.) "Perry Commodore Oiler, the oldest living pioneer Indian scout in the world, was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, Feb. 4, 1820, and came to Illinois at the age of 12 years. His father's family was attacked by In- dians near Swan Lake and he carried a message sev- enty miles through an unknown wilderness seeking assistance. -When a boy, he won a $500 wager by riding erect on a wild colt, bareback, carrying a horse pistol in one hand, and a rifle in the other, and killing on the wing, two pigeons thrown from a cage simultaneously, one with the pistol and the other with the rifle. He won $1,000 and a championship of St. Louis, by killing ten pigeons on the wing, in nine shots, two thrown from a trap at a time. "He married Elizabeth Snook, a daughter of Amos Snook who was a grandson of one of George Washing- ton's body guards. She died in 1862, leaving three sons, Amos, Thomas, and Jacob. "Leaving his children with their grandmother, he conducted a wagon train across the plains. He was engaged in the most perilous duties of scouting and carrying an important message from Portland, Oregon, to St. Louis through 2,000 miles of country inhabited with hostile Indians. "He was captured by Indians, a fire built to burn him alive, and when they came to untie him from the tree he slipped his hand through the noose, jerked a knife from an Indian's belt, thrust it into the Indian's body, picked up pistols dropped by his foe, and quicker than thought, started a dozen braves on their way to the happy hunting grounds, and escaped. "The bravest, and only act for which he claims any credit was that of dashing into a band of Indians, single handed, and rescuing two children, destined to burn at the stake. "Another time he found two babies scalped . . . their mother with their father had been killed several hours before. He followed the trail of the savages, and brought back the scalps of the children and their parents, and also those of the five demons who had done the bloody deed. "He is now living with his oldest son, Judge Amos Oiler, on West Kirkham Street. The picture was taken on the day he was 81, and he is still as good a shot as any man of 40." A lot of the old-time Irishmen that came to our city in the early days must have been characters. They have been described as always having the in- evitable clay pipe or "dudeen" as they called it, and flat-topped black felt hats. They never wore belts so their trousers were always sagging down on their hips. They never cut off the legs — just rolled them up. The ice plant, located at the old reservoir, was built in 1883 and burned in 1903. It hired between 75 and 100 men, and had a capacity of 40,000 tons of ice in a season. 39 The Windmill Factory was located along the traction lines, two blocks north of Tyler Avenue; it was in ex- istence from 1898 to 1929. John and William E. Mc- Daniel operated this plant; their display in the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis won first place. Firemen of 1911: TOP Rows: Wes Duncan, W. A. Kinder, L. O. Kinder, William Gangwish, Tom Butts, Frank Bachstein, Chancy Berry, Charles Rinker, Henry Heise, John Meckles, Alf Johnson, Ace Hurlston. Earl Shelton, Joe Lacky, Tom Newton, Ralph Skinner, William Elledge, Herman Hagerdorn, Edward Haley, Charles Heise, Wilbur Saxby, Roy Price, Robert Saxby, Rut Brawley. Paul Blatter, William Uhlen- hop, J. Bergdorff, George Gretzer, William Corzine, George Schutt, Walter Scheffel, H. W. Niemann, Au- gust Tiemann, Ed. Bailey, W. O. White, Joe Uhlenhop, Charles Barnett, Ike Randle, Dan Taulbee. FIRST Row, standing: Edward Butts, Charles Morris, Joe Strehle, Art Neuber, William Brell, Fred Rah- meyer, Herman Windway, Henry Eischenbaum, John Beck, Herman Caspers. Small boys, seated, left to right: William Brell, Jr., Paul Blatter, Jr., George Strehle, Joe Strehle, Jr. 40 Litchfield Concert Band of 1911. BOTTOM Row: left to right: A. T. Strange, Herman Detmer, Max Sal- lee, H. F. Henrichs, Roy Clifton, Ed. Gasaway, Burt L. Parker, Vivian Sallee. MIDDLE Row: Mr. Vincent, Edward Vincent, Burney Jett, Frank Paden, Clyde Walcher. TOP Row: Orley Hearn, Dean Gasaway, Charles Busick, Walter Bateman, Victor Neighbors, Paul Gasaway, Charles LaPIant. The Band was or- ganized by H. F. Henrichs in 1911, and he was the director for several years. Hats of the fashion for 1903 or 1904 as seen in the millinery department of the New York Store. 41 Wells Fargo Express office, located in the Snell Opera House. Old Wooden Indian (to the right) in front of Brell's' Cigar Store on the west side of the square. No one has been able to identify the man in this picture. Interior of the Litchfield Hotel. The bellboy on the right is said to be identi- fied as Harry Ferguson, "Prince Roman- off" of Hollywood Restaurant fame. Decoration Day, 1910. All the cars in Litchfield were lined up on North State Street. Do you re- member the island boulevard down the middle, complete with zinnias, cannas, caladium, and other flowers? For a number of years they were planted and cared for by Mr. C. E. "Charley" Morgan. 42 John Tuscher John M. Ferguson The early policemen of Litchfield had a tough job. Free and liberal use of the billy club was necessary to quiet the numerous disturbances in "battle row" and elsewhere. Here are pictured two of our earliest policemen, taken about 1890. This was the last of the horse-drawn fire wagons. Picture was taken about 1916. Martin Heise is the driver, with Ralph Skinner. 43 LITCHFIELD IN THE 1920'S 44 45 This picture was taken about 1905 of the Tile Works, owned by David Davis, and located between the Radiator and the Big 4 tracks. Left to Right: Phil Sawyer, George Butts, Jeff Faulkner, William Wil- son, Ed. Butts, George Britton, Otto Reents, Lou Emmons, and William Brewington. Mr. James Mahondu, one of Litch- field's best remembered characters, was born in slavery, and at the time of his death was reported to be over one hundred years old. ***% This building had one of the most interesting histories of any building in Litchfield. It was located where the Schwabe Jewelry Store now stands. According to some records it is be- lieved to have been built in Hardinsburg, and moved in 1855 by the Methodist Church group to the southwest corner of Hayward (now Union Avenue) and Madison Street. It was sold to the Christian Church in 1856, and moved to the southeast corner of Madison and Third Streets. It was moved to its present location just east of the Library, and used by the Baptist Church from 1859 until 1875. In 1865-1866 it was also used as a school for the fifth and sixth grades, and later by the Seventh- Day Adventist Church. In 1888-1889 it was again used by the Methodist Church, along with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, while the present Methodist Church was being built. It then became the Litchfield Marble and Granite Works. 46 £-*?S, £ S? 4 A. 4 *." i. > i />• > * k nil i v v Interior View of the Opera House The OK Mill which was located on the corner west of the Litchfield Lumber Company 1 fT ■ £ •-- I \ I I V t i ■UL. t ' r%r% f *'"~~^ **"# w AAA TIM aii ■ ■ ■ ~ i s 1 View of 1919 from Library Park. Note the iron horse rail. 47 I ^p I I i • L. Nathan's Clothing Store, taken in the 1880's; Blackwelder's is located here today. This is one of the Wells Fargo Express wagons. The driver is Victor Neighbors; picture taken about 1912. This is a picture of the best mine hoist in the world. It was made in the local foundry and machine shops. 48 Ug- K£-> "> i ' vL^*W ) Families of Litchfield TTT OVEN into the fabric of the century-old community life of the city of " Litchfield have been an untold number of families who chose to make it their home. To this place came hardy pioneers of the mid-nineteenth century, and here their number grew as there were born and reared the members of each new generation across one hundred years. The editors of the Centennial Book are proud to present the stories of some of the families whose names are linked with Litchfield's history — both early and late — though it is regretted that many other worthy family stories could not be included in this volume. Proudly, and conscious of the honor to our city which all of these families have contributed to the life of our community through the century, we give you "Families of Litchfield" in the Centennial Book of 1953. 6^£ 49 Winfield Scott Palmer AT THE age of thirty-five, in 1853, Winfield Scott , Palmer came with his wife and two small children, to make their home in the new town of Litchfield. He was born near Hopkinsville, Ken- tucky, but the family were Virginians, being de- scended from the early British families. In coming to Illinois they followed the usual plan and route, by way of Kentucky. Arriving in Illinois by covered wagon in 1831, they settled at Moro. There Mr. Palmer married Miss Rebecca Belasche. During their first year in Litchfield, she and their two children died. In 1860 Mr. Palmer married Miss Sarah Catherine Burnet. Their children were Elizabeth (deceased) who married H. G. Tuttle; Louis (deceased); Catherine (deceased) who married Dr. O. T. Strat- ton, and Albert B. Palmer, of North Litchfield Township. Scott Palmer was a schoolmaster until coming to Litchfield, but gave up teaching then to engage in business. In partnership with his brother-in- law, S. T. Mayo of Carlinville, he owned and op- erated a general store, beginning in 1854. Mr. Palmer was greatly interested in all civic enterprises. He was especially interested in schools, and served on the early school boards, and was mayor of the city. He was a graduate of Shurtleff College, and a Republican. After many years in business, Mr. Palmer re- tired and spent his last years in writing, and in the management of his farm, which he named "Hill Top." Here he died on April 4, 1904, aged 86. Richard W. O'Bannon RICHARD W. O'BANNON, the first settler in the city of Litchfield, was born November 1, 1808, in Fauquier County, Virginia. In 1816 he moved with his father, Isham O'Bannon, to Shelby County, Kentucky, where his father became a suc- cessful farmer. At the age of nineteen Richard began his lifelong employment as a merchant in Shelbyville, Kentucky. In 1830 he married Matilda Dorsey. About September, 1842, Richard came to Illinois, settling near Ridgely, Madison County. Here he lived until 1854. In January of that year, he came to Montgomery County on a tour of inspection and purchased ground where he built the first store on the site of Litchfield, stocking it with $6,000 worth of merchandise. This firm sold $42,000 worth of merchandise the first year. In 1866 the O'Bannon sons, Samuel and Johnsa, replaced W. T. Elliott, an original partner in the firm. Mr. O'Bannon con- tributed greatly in time, effort, and money to bring the present Wabash Railroad to the town. For seven years the firm of O'Bannon & Sons prospered. Richard O'Bannon was closely identified with every stage of the history of early Litchfield. On No- vember 14, 1883, he died, and his wife, Matilda, died January 23, 1893. Samuel E. O'Bannon started working in his fa- ther's store at the age of fourteen, continuing in this line for twenty-five years, when he retired to his farm in Zanesville Township. In 1866 he mar- ried Helen Quisenberry of Columbia, Missouri. Of their six children, William, Edward, Eula, Mattie, Bessie, and Nelle, only the latter two are living. Bessie (Ament) resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Nelle (Judd) in Litchfield. In 1874 Mr. O'Bannon re-entered mercantile life and was a prominent factor in the trade circles of Litchfield for ten years. At this time, due to ill health he retired to his farm. After farming for some twenty-eight years, Mr. O'Bannon moved with his family into Litchfield, where he built a new home on one piece of the original O'Bannon property at 615 North State. He served as Justice of the Peace until his death in 1920. Mrs. Helen O'Bannon died in 1932. Mrs. Nelle Judd still owns the original property bought by her grandfather, Richard O'Bannon, when the town was laid out. Nelle O'Bannon married William Judd in 1908; he died in 1922. Having been associated with the Corporation Department of the State of Illinois for the past twenty years, Mrs. Judd has now re- tired and is residing with her daughter, Martha, and son-in-law, George Worley, and their children, Judd and Pamela, of Litchfield. Mr. & Mrs. James M. Towey MR. JAMES M. TOWEY was born in New York City and came, at the age of seven, to make his home with the S. T. Mayo family of Carlinville. He grew to manhood and was educated there. In 1866 he came to Litchfield and became associated in business with W. S. Palmer. In 1873 Mr. Towey married Miss Florence Mayo. Their children were Samuel (deceased) and James. Mrs. Towey passed away early in life. In 1892 Mr. Towey married Miss Mamie Charles. He was treasurer of the Methodist Church for many years. His death occurred in February, 1923. The musical history of Litchfield would be in- complete without a sketch of the life of Mamie Charles Towey, a name almost synonomous with music, for she was a vocalist, pianist, organist, vio- linist, and a teacher of music. Her music studio was the social setting for many musical events at which times she entertained her friends with selec- tions. For many years she was organist at the Methodist Church and later at the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Towey played the Commencement grand march from the time of her graduation from music school until her death, in 1943. She was the only child of Willis and Phoebe Charles, pioneer residents of Litchfield. 50 Bacon — Stuttle — Goeke Families WILLIAM ENOS BACON, son of Enos and Lucy Savage Bacon, was born March 19, 1821 in Onondaga County, New York. Before Wil- liam was two months old, his father, a physician and surgeon, died. Seven years later, his mother married Elisha Litchfield, a widower, who had four sons: Elisha Cleveland, Electus Bachus, Edwin Clark, and Erasmus Darwin. Elisha and Lucy Bacon Litchfield became par- ents of Eliza Adeline, Emma Lucy, Edward Everett, and Egbert Savage. William Enos Bacon was educated at the Uni- versity of Michigan and joined Elisha Cleveland Litchfield in mercantile business in Fabius, New York. Upon dissolving this partnership, William Bacon went to Adrain, Michigan, where for five years he was paymaster for the then Michigan Southern Railroad. He then became chief clerk in the office of Samuel Brown, the General Super- intendent; he resigned this position to come to Litchfield in 1856. In Litchfield William Bacon established the first lumber yards and planing mills which business he conducted two years. He then represented the Litchfields as agent, disposing of property here, in Gillespie and Pana. From 1872-1880 he was Secretary of the Litchfield Car Manufacturing Company. From 1880 until his death September 18, 1903, he devoted his attention to real estate. He took active interest in all city affairs ; he was elected the first mayor in 1859 and re-elected to a second term. He prepared the first abstracts of title for Litchfield. When the business district was formed, he insisted on State Street being one hundred feet wide. His was the original idea for damming Long Branch south of town to form the first city water works. William Bacon married Jane Elizabeth Ely Jan- uary 16, 1850. She was born September 13, 1826 in Fabius, New York, and educated at Mt. Holyoke. They had seven children: Lucy Jane, Emma Litch- field, Anna Ely, Esther, Henry, Laura and Wil- liam Enos, Jr. ; the younger three died in infancy. Lucy and Esther Bacon never married; Lucy died in 1902, and Esther in 1923. Emma Bacon married Thomas Keithley in 1878 and moved to Dixon in 1890. On February 11, 1880, Anna Bacon married Harry R. Bringhurst, who operated a monument works at the present Post Office corner. He was a son of Dr. James and Mary Ryan Bringhurst of Alton, Illinois. James Bringhurst, physician and surgeon, was born of Quaker parentage in Phila- delphia where he was educated. Harry and Anna Bringhurst had two children: Mary Elizabeth and William Enos. Harry Bringhurst died early in life; Anna Bacon Bringhurst died in 1920. William Enos Bringhurst married Edna Nooney in Indianapolis in 1909. They had one daughter, Elizabeth Ann. Enos served in the Navy in World War I. He died in Indianapolis in 1937. Mary Elizabeth Bringhurst was graduated from Litchfield High School in 1899 and taught in Oak Grove School on Route sixteen one year and in the Litchfield grade schools for eight years. On August 20, 1909, Mary Elizabeth Bringhurst married Harry Conrad Stuttle, son of Joseph and Hannah Beeler Stuttle. Hannah was the daughter of Jacob and Lavina Beeler. Jacob Beeler came from Pennsylvania early in the eighteen fifties and bought land west of Litch- field, part of which became Beeler's Addition to Litchfield. He was a trustee on the first Village Board in 1856 and served on the first City Council in 1859. Joseph Stuttle, son of Peter and Anna Distel Stuttle, was born December 12, 1848, in Bohemia. His parents brought him to St. Louis before he was a year old. Later the family lived south of Litchfield. Joseph followed his father's copper trade in the Planet Mill shop. After marriage, Joseph and Hannah Beeler Stuttle lived on a farm adjoining Litchfield to the north. They had three sons: Harry Conrad, who died July 14, 1947; Joseph Stratton, who died in 1922 ; and Dr. Charles Peter Stuttle who practices dentistry in Staunton, Illinois. Hannah Stuttle died in 1884. Joseph Stuttle operated his farm and dairy until 1908 when he retired to live in Litchfield. He died in 1935. Harry Conrad Stuttle was graduated from the Litchfield High School in 1898. He attended Dixon College, Dixon, Illinois, University of Illinois and completed his legal education at the University of Chicago. Admitted to the Illinois State Bar in 1904 he opened his law office on the corner of State and Ryder Streets. From 1904 to 1908 he served as Assistant State's Attorney of Montgomery County under L. V. Hill. He was State's Attorney from 1908 to 1912. From 1918 to 1930 he was Judge of the Litchfield City Court. During these years he held court in the Superior Court of Chicago. He was a highly respected jurist. From 1932 to 1940 he served as Senator from the 38th District in the Illinois General Assembly. As chairman of the newly formed Education Com- mission, backed by Governor Henry Horner, to study conditions in Illinois schools and to make rec- ommendations, Harry Stuttle continued his inter- est in educational affairs which stemmed from his efforts as legal advisor for the Litchfield Commu- nity High School board in the creation of the pres- ent Community High District. Harry and Mary Bringhurst Stuttle had one daughter, Hannah Esther, who was graduated from University of Illinois, B.S., M.S. Education. Like her husband, Mary Bringhurst Stuttle al- ways has taken active part in civic and educational affairs, and she continues to do so. Hannah Esther Stuttle married Harold Everett Goeke, sales engineer, Aluminum Company of 51 America, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office, in 1939. Harold Goeke, son of Otto and Ada Sarafield Goeke, then of Dixon, Illinois, was graduated from University of Illinois, B.S. Engineering. An Army Engineer Corps officer during World War II, he was stationed in France and Germany. Alcoa sent him to offices in Dayton, Cleveland, and New York City. Harold and Esther Goeke are parents of Mary Isabel born in 1943 and Joseph Conrad born in 1948. The Goekes moved in 1950 to Zanesville Township where they operate a grain and dairy farm. Their FRIENDLY FARM is the home of SUNNY Registered Jerseys. Mr. Brewington was employed by many of the old business firms of the town; the Weber Bottling Works, the Munday Elevator and the Mathew Cy- rus Cider Mill. Later he was employed at the American Radiator. He also engaged in farming, and the clearing of timber land. Mrs. Brewing- ton was employed in many of the homes of the early residents. Mr. Brewington was fond of hunting and fishing, especially hunting, and was familiar with the woods, the creeks, and the farms of all the sur- rounding country. (Editorial Note? — On May 13, 1953, Mr. Brewing- ton, who had helped to prepare this story of his family, died at the age of 88.) William Brewington EXCEPT for two short periods, Mr. and Mrs. William Brewington lived for sixty years in their home at the corner of Brown and Ferdon Streets. Mr. Brewington was born in 1865, the son of Jeffery and Frances Brewington. His William Brewington grandfather Brewington was one of the very early settlers in the vicinity of Litchfield. Mrs. Brewington was Olive Jackson, daughter of John and Tersy Ann Jackson, and was born in Greenville, Illinois, in 1867. They were the parents of one son, Lloyd, born January 16, 1895. He is not living, having passed on in 1936. He served his country in the Infantry in World War I. John W. & Martin A. Ritchie Families JOHN W. RITCHIE was born in North Carolina in 1834, a son of John and Sela (Blackwelder) Ritchie. He came to this vicinity in 1855 where he and his brother, Martin A., bought a quarter sec- tion of land which they farmed. John W. mar- ried Rachel S. Cress in 1856. She was the daugh- ter of G. Henry and Elizabeth (Fogleman) Cress. John and Rachel were the parents of eleven chil- dren. Four died in infancy. James M., Mary E., Sarah E., Charles A., Flora R., Alice A., Albert L. Flora R. is the only living child. She married William Bowles in 1898. They were the parents of two children: Ruth R. Bowles, born 1899, J. Stanley Bowles, born 1903, who married Opal Mil- ler in 1937. Charles A. Ritchie was born in 1868 and mar- ried M. Margaret Taulbee in 1894, the daughter of Daniel and Josephine Taulbee. They were the parents of one son, John W., born in 1910. Charles A. died in 1936. His wife survives. John W. married Maude I. White in 1931, the daughter of J. Wesley and Iona White. John and Maude are the parents of two children, John W. born in 1939 and Suzanne born in 1947. Albert L. Ritchie was born in 1877. married Anna Waldrop in 1899, the daughter of Samuel and Huldah Waldrop. Albert died in 1938 and Anna in 1952. Albert and Anna were the parents of three children: Maurice G., born in 1900, J. Maynard, born in 1903, and Velma Lee, born in 1910. Maurice G. married Florence Keplinger in 1924, the daughter of John and Laura Keplinger. Maurice and Florence are the parents of one child, Marian, born in 1925. She was married to Drexel Mey in 1950. J. Maynard married Ruth McDaniel in 1923, the daughter of Ed. and Myrtle McDaniel. Maynard and Ruth are the parents of one son, Mac Lee Ritchie, born in 1925. He married Patricia Ahem in 1947 and they are the parents of two children, Andrew, born in 1949 and Thomas, born in 1952. Velma Lee Ritchie married Vincent Hoog in 1929 and they are the parents of three children: Marilyn, born in 1930, Vincent Lee, born in 1932, 52 and Deana, born in 1942. Marilyn married Richard Weller in 1949. Martin A. Ritchie, born in 1829. married Martha Cress in 1854; she was the sister of the wife of John W. Ritchie. Martin and Martha Ritchie were the parents of 12 children, eight dying in infancy. J. Henry, born in 1855, married Ella Dugan in 1880. He died in 1932. Ida O., born in 1880, William F. Ritchie born in 1872, Ira W. Ritchie, born in 1875. Ida O. married Elmer Irwin who died in 1910. They were the parents of four children, Ray, Ross, Roy, and Ralph who is deceased. William F. Ritchie married Cora Ash in 1894. He died in 1918. They were the parents of three children: Russell, born in 1898; Pearl, born in 1903; and Lavella, born in 1910. Russell married Vera Parsons in 1920. They were the parents of one child, William L. Ritchie, born in 1921. He married Marjorie Boe- decker in 1946. They have two children, Glen, born in 1947, Ray, born in 1950. Pearl Ritchie married Rowena Stephenson in 1937. Lavella and her mother, Cora, live in Litchfield. Ira W. Ritchie married Lillian Saxby in 1895. She died in 1949. They were the parents of one child, Roscoe, who died in infancy. Tyler-Thorp Families EVEN before the streets of Litchfield had been marked off, Ezra Tyler was a landowner here. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, he came to Illinois in 1848 with his wife, the former Maria Lynn. Their home, built on what is now the corner of Buchanan and Clay Streets, served for several years as an inn for stagecoach passengers. A member of the first city council, Ezra Tyler donated land to the Terre Haute, Alton and St. Louis Railroad for their car shops, Litchfield's first major industry. Of Ezra and Maria Tyler's twelve children only one has descendants living in Litchfield. A daugh- ter, Rachel Tyler, married Edwin Cornelius Thorp, a native of Upper Alton, who came to Litchfield in 1865 after serving with the Eighteenth Volun- teer Infantry in the Civil War. To this union were born: Addison, William, Frances and Edwin, all deceased, and Bertha. The history of the Thorp family is closely linked with that of the local post office. From 1892 when Edwin C. Thorp was appointed postmaster, until the retirement of his son Edwin G. Thorp as assist- ant postmaster in 1935, there were forty-three years of continuous service by some member of that family, including the terms during which Wil- liam Thorp and Bertha Thorp served as post- master. Edith Blades, daughter of Addison Thorp ; Eliza- beth Pekala, daughter of William and Elizabeth Edwards Thorp; Kathryn Armstrong and Rachel Thorp, daughters of Edwin and Bertha Butler Thorp, are the only members of the third genera- tion of the Thorp family. Peter Kane Family PETER KANE, born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1841, and Bridget Fox, born in County Mon- aghan in 1849, came to the United States when very young. They were married in Rushville, Illinois, and they came to Litchfield in 1866. Mr. Kane was a traveling salesman. With his team of horses and wagon he journeyed through the country in Montgomery, Macoupin, Christian, and Madison Counties. Wherever Peter Kane went, little children loved him. He sold notions and imported Irish linens and laces. Mr. and Mrs. Kane had eight children: John H., born in Rushville; Martin J. (died in 1899), Mary Josephine, Thomas (died in 1910), Albert L. were all born in Litchfield. Three died in infancy. John was a freight rate expert and worked for C. B. & Q., Rock Island, Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, and Great Western Railroads. He was mar- ried to Catherine Jones of Davenport, Iowa. One son, John Hugh, died at fourteen. John died in 1940. Mary Josephine was graduated from the Litchfield High School in 1893. She died in 1947. Albert L. Kane is the only surviving member of his family. He was graduated from the Litchfield High School in 1902. For many years he worked for the Illinois Central Railroad. He sold Metropoli- tan Life Insurance from 1910 to 1913. In 1925 he started an insurance business with J. C. Stolle. The firm is still operating at 222 North State Street. Al is a fourth degree Knight of Columbus and until this year he served as district deputy. He belongs to the Elks and Moose Lodges. He was a 100 r c attendance member of the Rotary Club for nineteen years. He still owns the oldest piece of property in the business district held in the name of the original purchaser. John Motherway Family JOHN MOTHERWAY, born in Hartford, Con- necticut, August 31, 1856, came to Litchfield in 1859 with parents Roger and Mary O'Brien Moth- erway, natives of County Cork, Ireland ; there were two other children, Mary and Nicholas, born in Litchfield. John, who was educated in the private schools in Litchfield, became a lifelong employee of the New York Central Railroad ; he married Ella Kniery who operated a dressmaking establishment at 307 North State Street. Both were active in church, social, and civic affairs. They were the parents of nine children: John and William died in infancy; the remaining seven received early edu- cation in St. Mary's School and the Litchfield High School. Rev. Thomas Motherway, S. J., Litchfield High School, 1904; St. Mary's College; St. Louis Uni- versity; seven years in European universities; sa ordained in Barcelona, Spain; now Doctor of Sa- cred Theology at Mundelein. Margaret, Litchfield High School, salutatorian class 1907; nun in Dominican order; known as Sr. Mary Henrica; died 1933. Mary, Litchfield High School 1912; with Litch- field Creamery Company since organization. Joseph, Litchfield High School; St. Mary's Col- lege; accountant in St. Louis. A. F. (Tony), manufacturer and distributor of fine cigars. Frank P., St. Mary's College; St. Louis Univer- sity; attorney at law; married and has four chil- dren; Assistant to Attorney-General of Missouri. Rev. Aloysius Motherway, S. J., Litchfield High School; St. Mary's College; St. Louis University; ordained in 1938; University of California; Chap- lain in World War II; now Professor of English at St. Louis University. John Motherway died in 1941. Mrs. Ella Motherway, aged 90, is still residing in the home at 303 Warren Street to which she came as a bride. A lithograph of the farm of John P. Davis. Picture drawn in 1874. Davis and Company Bank and he was active in its management until he retired in 1892. Mr. Davis was also interested in the Illinois Brick & Tile Company and the Litchfield Mining and Mercantile Company. Mr. Davis served several terms as Mayor and also as President of the School Board and several terms as Alderman. In 1867 he married Miss Blanche Keating of Rockbridge, Illinois. There are three living chil- dren: Captain David Davis, Litchfield; Colonel Ed- ward Davis, Santa Barbara, California; and Miss Regina Davis, Litchfield. Mrs. Blanche Crabb died in November, 1952, and two children, Earle and Eva, died in 1876. J / ...... p " PH - --- -£! - '- ' ■ — A.., David Davis DAVID DAVIS, Sr., was born in Madison County, Illinois, and in 1856, at the age of sixteen, came to Litchfield with his father, David Davis, and embarked in the grocery business on East Edwards Street. He was one of the first grocers in the city and built the three-story build- ing at the corner of State and Edwards Streets, where he conducted both a wholesale and a retail grocery business. In 1870 he became a stockholder in the Litch- field Bank and became its President. Shortly afterward the bank was reorganized as Beach, John P. Davis Family OHN P. DAVIS, a native of Crawford County, Pennsylvania, was born on March 10, 1825, and came to Litchfield around 1855. He purchased 260 acres in North Litchfield and built the home shown at the left in 1868. He was the father of six chil- dren; three of them, George, Wes- ley, and William, have descendants residing in or around Litchfield. George married Angelina Cruze and they were parents of three children, two surviving. Grace, married Robert Nimmons and they reside at 1715 North Monroe Street. They have one daughter, Evelyn, wife of Clarence Senn. They live in Staunton. Perl, with his wife, the former Lela Roberts, resides on a farm five miles north of Litchfield. Wesley married Annetta Briggs, and to this union were born three children; only one survives, Frank. He married Alice Potts, and they reside six miles north of Litch- field. They are the parents of six children, five surviving. Glenn, wife of Frank Kean, lives five miles north of Litchfield. They have two children, Betty and Gilbert. Gertrude, wife of Arthur Priddle, resides at 1812 North Van Buren. They have one daughter, Artrude. John married Carolyn Funke, and has two sons, Mike and Pat. They reside on a farm five miles north of Litchfield. Shirley married Hazel Wilson, and they live four and one-half miles north of Litch- field. They have two children, Lee and Marie. Jeanne resides at home with her parents. Harold, deceased, married Loraine Duff, and they had three children, Edward, Robert, and Eugene. William married Matilda Godown. They had one son, Walter. He married Dorothy Drawbaugh, and they reside at 322 North Jackson Street. They have one son, Bill. I ft *~ 54 Mark M. Martin MARK M. MARTIN was born in Sussex, Eng- land in 1831. Married Matilda Orchard, born in London, England, in 1838, and moved to Litch- field in 1858. Mr. Martin became Master Car Builder for Indianapolis & St. Louis Railway; later was Vice-President of Litchfield Car & Ma- chine Company. In 1885, he became Master Car Builder and General Superintendent of the Car De- partment of the Wabash Railway. In 1895, he be- came owner of M. M. Martin & Co. Bank, now known as the Litchfield Bank and Trust Company. He also owned the Litchfield Foundry. He died in 1901 and Mrs. Martin died in 1905. They had five children, two of whom are still living: Mattie and Mabel. One deceased son, Wil- liam had two children and six grandchildren all living in New Orleans, La. Mabel married Seldon Wadlington. Mattie married Charles E. Morgan who was cashier of M. M. Martin Bank for twenty- five years, later associated with the Morgan Drug Store. Mr. Morgan died in 1941. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Morgan had two children: Harold and Mabel. Harold attended Culver Mili- tary Academy and served during World War I as 1st Lt., U. S. Army with overseas duty in France and Luxemburg. He married Abbie Snell. They are the parents of four children: Martin, Marjorie (Mrs. Donald Miller), Dorothy (Mrs. John Hig- gins), and Virginia. Martin and Mary Morgan are parents of Martin, Jr., Lucy Ann, and Stephen. Dorothy and John Higgins have one daughter, Margaret Jane. Harold Morgan was proprietor of Morgan Drug Store and is now Inspection Fore- man of the American Radiator. Mabel Morgan graduated from Litchfield High School and Monti- cello Seminary. She married Dr. C. Harold Sihler ; they have two children, Edward and Dorothy. Stiefel-Scherer Family GODFREY STIEFEL born in Altdorf , Germany, in 1805, came to America in the early forties and settled near Hillsboro, Illinois. In 1848, he received a land grant of 25 acres from President Polk, and this is still owned by the Stiefel heirs. In 1849 he purchased 160 acres of land one mile southwest of the present city of Litchfield, where he engaged in farming and blacksmithing. Early pioneer settlers said that he manufactured the best prairie plow ever used in the county. In 1851 he married Talitha Scherer Harkey, widow of Levi Harkey, and daughter of Fredrick and Margaret Scherer. Of the children born to this union, three grew to maturity. A daughter, Sarah Ida, married Isaac Brokaw. They were the parents of seven children. Two sons, Jacob and Thomas, were prominent farmers of the Litchfield community. Both were elders in the Litchfield Presbyterian Church. Thomas married Carrie Brokaw. They had one child, Ira, who is assistant to the vice-president of the Westinghouse Electric Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jacob's first wife was Anna Grubbs. After her death he married Martha Clement. Three of the four children by the first marriage are living and reside in Litchfield. They are Myra, who is active in church and civic affairs; Elsie, who recently re- tired after many years of teaching in the Litch- field elementary schools; and Ralph (Jake), a World War I veteran and an active participant in community affairs. He is married to the former Elinor Ostermueller ; they have one child, Carol. Michael Kelly Family MICHAEL AND MARY KELLY left their home at Woodford in County Galway, Ireland, on November 12, 1848, and with their two children, John, aged two years, and James, just six weeks old, sailed from Dublin on a sailing vessel, the SARAH, landing at New Orleans after nine weeks of a stormy crossing. They came by river boat to Alton where Mr. Kelly found employment at the Dorsey farm near Bunker Hill. After five years he had sufficient cash to purchase a Land Grant from a Mexican War veteran and this they entered for 80 acres of land east of Rising Sun, afterward called Drummond, and now known as Mt. Olive. There the Kellys built a log house and, with oxen, broke the prairie for farming and in a few years were able to add 80 more acres to their farm. They came to Litchfield to sell grain, make needed pur- chases, and to attend church at St. Mary's. Wood was the fuel used in those early days and as there was no timber on their farm they looked about for a place that would have woods as well as tillable ground. This condition they found on the Tennis Farm of 400 acres at Shop Creek eight miles north of Litchfield, and there they moved in 1863. Shop Creek was a village consisting of a blacksmith shop, a grist mill, a post office, and several log cabins and was located on a bend of the West Branch of Shoal Creek on this farm. The trail from Vandalia to Jacksonville extended through the farm and over it passed the stage coaches and much of the travel of the early days. Older resi- dents often told of some of the Mormons going through Shop Creek on their exodus from Nauvoo. Mr. Kelly died in 1887 and Mrs. Kelly's death oc- curred in 1909. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom are now dead. They were John, James, Michael, Tobias, Brigit, who married John Creane of New Douglas, Elizabeth, wife of Michael Kniery of Litchfield, Mary, whose husband was James Kehoe of Philadelphia, and Patrick, who was a physician and surgeon of Litchfield from 1891 to 1913 when he was appointed by Governor Dunne as Superintendent of the State Hospital at Kankakee. He was a Grand Exalted Ruler of the Litchfield Elks Lodge, the first Grand Knight of 55 the Litchfield Council Knights of Columbus, a long- time member of the Litchfield Library Board, al- ways active in Democratic politics and many so- cial and civic organizations. John Kelly purchased a farm south of Raymond and it was there he took his bride after their marriage in 1888. Mrs. Kelly, the former Ellen O'Connor, was born near Cause- way in County Kerry, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1875, locating at Pana, then com- ing to Litchfield in 1882 to assist her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Richard McElligott, in the operation of a grocery store at State and Edwards Streets. In 1911 Mr. Kelly retired from farming and moved to Litchfield. He died in February, 1912, less than a year after leaving his farm home. Mrs. Kelly, now 96 years of age, and in very frail health, makes her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Leo A. Heise on North Street. Marie Kelly was married to Leo A. Heise on June 9, 1926. They had one son, Joseph Pat- rick, who lost his life at the Litchfield City Lake in August, 1941. Mr. & Mrs. Martin M. Heise MARTIN M. HEISE, former Chief of the Litch- field Fire Department and born in East St. Louis on October 8, 1864, was a son of the late Carl and Fredricka (Freiner) Heise, both natives of Baden-Baden in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany. They had emigrated to this country when both were young and had lived in the Caron- dolet section of South St. Louis. Here they were married, but moved later to East St. Louis where their nine children were born and where Carl Heise died. In 1870 Mrs. Heise moved to Litchfield so her children could easily find employment. The sons began working for the Litchfield Car Company as apprentice painters, and two of them, Henry and Lawrence, made that trade their life- work. The other children were Fred, Martin, Charles, Otto, Augusta Ballweg, Wilhelmina Doll, and Meta Crane. Martin Heise became a member of the Eagle Hook and Ladder Company of the Litchfield Fire Department in 1885 and served as Chief of the Department from 1901 until 1916. On January 28, 1891, he was united in marriage with Mary Callahan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Austin Callahan, early Litchfield settlers who were natives of Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Ireland. Martin and Mary Heise were the parents of five children, three of whom preceded their parents in death. Mrs. Heise died in June, 1927, in the resi- dence at 715 East Edwards Street, the house in which she was born and where she had lived her entire life, and Mr. Heise's death occurred in April, 1942. A son, Leo, and a daughter, Stella, still make Litchfield their home. Charles Heise, aged 83, of Woodriver, is the sole survivor of the chil- dren of Carl and Fredricka Heise. Richard McElligott Family RICHARD MCELLIGOTT, long identified with the early history of Litchfield, was born near Tralee in County Kerry, Ireland, July 13, 1842. After completing his education at the Christian Brothers' School in Tralee he went to London where he was employed for eight years as account- ant for the London Gas Company. In the early 1870s he came to America and worked for many years for the Big Four Railway Company at Mat- toon and Paris. In 1879 he was united in marriage with Mary O'Connor, a sister of Mrs. John F. Kelly. In April, 1882, they came to Litchfield, operating a grocery store at the southwest corner of State and Edwards Streets, later moving it to 108 West Edwards. They retired from business in 1904 and spent their declining years at their home, 619 North Harrison Street. For nearly 50 years Mr. and Mrs. McElligott were outstanding citizens of Litchfield. Their early lives took inspiration from the beautiful Irish countryside, and the religion and culture of their race. They had a decided taste for the best litera- ture, and a scholarly understanding of the poetry and prose, and the art and music of the great mas- ters. They were devout members of St. Mary's Church, which Mr. McElligott served for many years as Trustee. He was a charter member of the Litchfield Council Knights of Columbus and was Grand Knight of the Council in 1910-11. He had a keen knowledge of political and economic issues and for two terms, at the turn of the century, served on the Litchfield City Council as Republican Alderman from the Third Ward. His death at 86 occurred in July, 1928, and Mrs. McElligott died in September, 1934, in her 81st year. They had no children. Brewington-Price Family HENRY BREWINGTON, a farmer east of Litch- field, came here with his family from Ten- nessee before the town began. He had six chil- dren, Taylor, James, Jeffry, Joseph, Elizabeth and Melissa. He gave the lots for the A. M. E. Church on North Harrison Street. His son, Taylor Brewington, also a farmer, was well known throughout the community. A judge said of him, "If all people were as upright as Taylor Brewington, we wouldn't need any laws." His seven children were Frank, Minnie, John, Jen- nie, William, Ollie, and Pearl. The daughter Ollie married Vernie Price in 1893. For many years Mr. Price was a faithful custodian at the Post Office. Mr. and Mrs. Price were the parents of ten children, Richard, Amanda, Anna, Minnie, Emma, Delia, Nora, Taylor, Ola, Ida. In 1900 they went to Indian Territory and four of their children were born there before statehood in 1908. Amanda Price Vanderburg is the only child remaining in Litchfield. 56 Amanda's two children are Virgil and Vera Vanderburg. Both were graduated from the Litch- field Community High School, Virgil in 1934 and Vera in 1936. Virgil attended Illinois College, Jacksonville, for four years. Vera attended a busi- ness school in Detroit, Michigan, and is employed as secretary for the United Auto Workers Union in Detroit. Virgil is assistant pastor of the Hartford Baptist Church in Detroit. He was married to Maudice Franklin August 13, 1950. Maudice is a graduate of a Detroit high school, also of Howard Univer- sity in Washington, D. C. They have one child, a son Manuel, born August 12, 1952. Peter Mangers PETER MANGERS, born March 16, 1833, in Luxemburg, and Anna Oestrick, born June 17, 1836, in Germany, were married in St. Louis Jan. 2, 1863. They came to Litchfield from Mt. Olive in 1863. They first lived at the Litchfield House. Peter Mangers In 1867, they bought a home which had formerly been a store, at 1117 North State Street. Mr. Mangers was a cobbler and had his first shop on State Street where Simpson's Store is now lo- cated. At the time of the fire, which destroyed a large part of the block, his shop was burned. He moved to a place just east of Dey's Pharmacy. Here he worked until 1912. Then he moved to a building just east of the Capitol Theater, where he followed his trade until his death in 1927 at the age of 94. Mr. and Mrs. Mangers had seven children: Theresa, Louise, Alphonsia, Pauline (Knetzer), John, Evelyn, and Ottillia who married Edward Boehme. All are deceased except Mrs. Boehme, who still lives in the old home. Beach-Gage Families MR. HENRY HARRISON BEACH, the father of Mrs. Estelle Beach Davis, was born in Coop- erstown, New York, August 4, 1827. He came to Litchfield May 17, 1857, from Wisconsin, bringing engines and equipment for a machine shop and foundry. He purchased property from Mr. E. B. Litchfield on what is now South Jackson Street, and erected a "Foundry & Machine Shop." Thus began a career of usefulness and prosperity, this being the only foundry and machine shop between Alton and Terre Haute. By 1894, between 150 and 200 skilled mechanics were employed making the Beach Twin Hoisting Engines. Because of his energy and enterprise, Mr. Beach soon became one of Litchfield's foremost citizens. He was a member of the City Council when the first waterworks were built. He advanced money for a survey for a railroad to Springfield in 1887. Cheaper fuel was needed, so Mr. Beach joined in the movement to sink a coal mine which became very productive. He was active in the movement to secure the coming of the Wabash Railway through Litchfield, and was a director in the Terre Haute, Alton & St. Louis Railway. In 1871 he purchased a one-third interest in the Litchfield Bank at which time the bank became known as Beach, Davis & Company. That same year he con- ceived the idea of establishing a car works here. The company employed about 800 men, and paid over a million dollars annually in wages. He pat- ented a double hoisting engine for mines which was used by most mines in the country. The need for a good hotel became apparent, and he was one of the first subscribers to it. He was also active in securing the land for a cemetery, which is now Elmwood Cemetery. For almost forty years Mr. Beach was foremost in promoting the welfare of the city. By friends who knew him, he was called the "Peerless Prince of Men," whom to know was but to love him. On August 11, 1866, he was married, to Elizabeth Gage, and brought his bride to the home at 321 North Jackson Street, where the daughter, Mrs. Estelle Beach Davis, still lives. The Beach family were active members of the Universalist church. Mr. J. Gage, grandfather of Mrs. Estelle Beach Davis, came to Litchfield just before the Civil War. The Gage home still stands, the double house on Union Avenue in the 600 block. An interesting 57 story is that of how Union Avenue got its name. Mr. Gage was a very strong believer in the cause of the North, or the Union, and there being many homes on the street which was first called "Hay- ward," Mr. Gage suggested that it be named Union Avenue, which today is one of the most important streets of the city. He owned a large flour mill, which burned down, after which Mr. Gage moved to Greencastle, Indiana. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gage, the youngest being Elizabeth, who married Mr. H. H. Beach, and lived in the home at 321 North Jackson until her death in 1935. Mr. Beach died in 1907. Hood Family THE Hood family consisting of five brothers and two sisters came from Philadelphia to this vicinity in the early 1850's. They were Humphrey, Benjamin, Joseph, John, Griffith, Ann, and Mary. Humphrey H. Hood, the oldest, came first and taught school in Jersey County. He moved to Hardinsburg where he started practicing medicine as he was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College. years on the school board. In 1884 he was elected representative to the Illinois General Assembly. Children were Frances, Annie, George, Louise Rah- meyer, and Harold. Frances (Miss Fanny), a former schoolteacher, is his only living descendant. Benjamin S. Hood was editor of one of Litch- field's first newspapers, Litchfield Monitor. He was town and city clerk, and active in civic affairs. When Joseph Hood established Hood Brothers' Drug Store, Benjamin S. Hood was his partner until he moved to Jerseyville. Herbert S. Hood then became his father's partner and the store be- came Hood and Son. For 75 years this store was a landmark in Litchfield. John was killed in the Civil War and Griffith was drowned in the Mississippi River en route to Litch- field. Ann was a schoolteacher. She never mar- ried but helped to rear her brother's children as well as one great-niece, Edith Gaby, daughter of Sally Hood. Mary died at an early age. Herbert S. Hood married Minerva Pearce. They had two daughters, Nell, wife of Leo Schalk and Josephine, wife of William Schutt. Mrs. Leo Schalk and Florence Hood, daughter of George Hood, are the only other members of the Hood family living in Litchfield. The Hood family came to Illinois from Philadelphia in 1856. Upper row, left to right: John L. Hood, Jos. L. Hood, H. H. Hood. Lower row: J. G. Hood, Ann H. Hood, Mary J. Hood, B. L. Hood. He came to Litchfield in 1854. In 1862 he entered the Union Army and was surgeon to the 117th Illinois Volunteers. After a year he was assigned to the Third United States Heavy Artillery with quarters at Fort Pickering, Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Hood served as city alderman, supervisor of North Litchfield Township and was for many Kinder Family THE Kinder families originally came from Hol- land and settled in Pennsylvania. Later mi- grating to Illinois, they settled in Macoupin County north of Hornsby in the early 1800s. Jacob Kinder, born in 1815, died 1882, married Jane Huddleston. They had six children. One of his daughters, Emily, married James Wilton and settled in Litchfield. A son, Abram, married Adelia Chapman and lived on a farm four miles west of Litchfield. They became the parents of three children, Nora, David, and one child who died in infancy. Nora Kinder was graduated from the Litchfield High School in 1885. She taught school one year in Mt. Olive and taught seventh grade in Litch- field for nine years. In 1894, she married Frank Blackwelder, son of Monroe and Helena Cress Blackwelder, early settlers from North Carolina. Nora died in March, 1948, and Frank passed away on June 20, 1953, following a year's illness. David R. Kinder was graduated from the Litch- field High School in 1885 and from the University of Illinois in 1889. He practiced law with George L. Zink. After the death of Mr. Zink, he became a partner with the late Thomas M. Jett, maintain- ing offices in Hillsboro and Litchfield. In 1903, he married Eva M. Martin, daughter of the late Elbert and Eliza (Groner) Martin. They had four children, one dying in infancy: Dwight R. and Paul M. of Litchfield, and John F. of East Chicago, Indiana. Dwight R. Kinder is following his fa- ther's profession in the firm of Kinder and Dey. 58 David R. Sparks— Frank R. Milnor DAVID R. SPARKS joined the United States Army in 1847 and went to fight in the war with Mexico, serving in the New Mexico area until the end of the war. In 1850 Sparks, Best and oth- ers joined the California "Gold Rush" and made the journey from Staunton to California with a covered wagon and three yoke of oxen. They fer- ried across the Mississippi at Alton in April and finally reached Placerville, California, in August of that year. The mining operation was unsuccessful and Sparks, Best and others returned via San Fran- cisco in a sailing vessel. At Panama they crossed the Isthmus on foot and came home via Havana, Cuba, New Orleans and the Mississippi River. In 1852 they made the trip by steamboat and wagon to the Colorado gold mines, near the present town of Central City, where they established the first stamping mill in that locality. In the Civil War, at the first call for three-year troops, Sparks organized a troop of cavalry of which he was cap- tain, with recruits mostly from around Litchfield. They furnished their own horses and served in many campaigns, including the seige of Vicksburg. On his return in 1863 from two and one-half years' service in the Union Army as Captain, Company "L," 3rd Illinois Cavalry, David Sparks moved his family from Staunton, Illinois, to Litch- field. With his partner, Mr. Wesley Best, they pur- chased property near what is now the northeast corner of the crossing of the Big Four and Wabash Railroads. In that year the construction of a stone and brick flour mill was begun. The installation of machinery and equipment was completed and the mill started in the summer of 1864 with a daily capacity of 350 barrels of flour. At that time the mill was believed to have been the largest mill in Illinois. Captain Sparks and family continued to reside in Litchfield until 1869, at which time the partnership purchased a mill in Alton, Illinois. Sparks moved his family to Alton and became the manager of the mill there. Wesley Best continued to operate the Litchfield mill until it was destroyed by fire in 1879. In the meantime, Best and Sparks had purchased what was known as "The Old Gage Mill" in Litchfield, which they operated until it, too, was destroyed by fire. Captain Sparks continued in the milling busi- ness at Alton until his death in 1907. In 1877 he and other flour millers formed the Millers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Illinois with principal office at Alton. He served as President of the company from 1877 until his death in 1907. Sparks married Anna Davenport Chapman in 1849. They had nine children, one of whom, Mary Ann Sparks, the oldest, became the wife of Frank R. Milnor in 1874. One of the children, William Lincoln Sparks, was born in Litchfield in 1867. Captain Sparks was a Unitarian and a Mason. A staunch Republican, he was a representative in the 36th Illinois General Assembly and a Senator in the 40th Illinois General Assembly. FRANK RICHMOND MILNOR was born in Alton, Illinois, on December 15, 1846; the son of Joshua Milnor and Henrietta Platts Milnor; he attended Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois, and later the School of Pharmacy in Cincinnati. In 1865 he came to Litchfield, to work in a drug store owned by Dr. Grinstead; later he purchased it and continued in business for many years. In 1874 he married Mary Sparks, of Alton, daughter of David Sparks and Anna Davenport Sparks, former residents of Litchfield. In 1902 he became Vice-President of the Litch- field Bank & Trust Company; was made President in 1905, which position he held until a short time before his death, which occurred in June of 1938, in Alton. His was an eventful life — in 1858 he heard one of the debates of Lincoln and Douglas, in Alton, was deeply impressed by Mr. Lincoln's policies, and became a life-long Republican. He held many public and other offices — first that of Alderman in 1879, and of Mayor, first in 1885 and again in 1892. In 1900 he was elected to the General Assembly. He served two years as Presi- dent of the Litchfield Merchants' Association, dur- ing which time occurred many events noteworthy in Litchfield's history. Mr. Milnor also served in office as a Commander of St. Omar's Commandery, Knights Templar, as Treasurer of the Command- ery, of Litchfield Lodge A. F. & A. M., and of Eliot Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, as Presidential elector, alternate to the National Republican Con- vention in June, 1898, and as Elector to the con- vention in 1908. Mrs. Milnor took an active interest in affairs of the Litchfield community by helping found the Litchfield Woman's Club, of which she was the first President, serving as a member of the Library Board for many years, taking an active part in the work of the Universalist Church. She was largely instrumental in establishing a visiting nurse in the city, and also participated prominently in the so- cial life of the city. She attended Monticello Semi- nary and was graduated from Lombard College. There were two children, Mabel Sparks, who married Mathew A. Reasoner, a regular Army of- ficer in the Medical Corps; and George Sparks, who married Alice Bowman of Alton, after whose death he married Alice Ryrie of Alton. George Sparks and Alice Bowman Milnor had one son, George Bowman, who married Jeanne Betty Johnson of Enid, Oklahoma; they have a daughter, Marilyn, and a son, George Johnson. George Sparks and Alice Ryrie Milnor have two sons, Magnus Ryrie, who married Dorothy Gaines; they have one daughter, Alice Gaines; and one son, George Sparks, II; the other son is Frank Rich- mond, II, who married Florence Jacobsen of Bos- ton, Mass. They have two daughters, Anne and Susan. 59 Alice Milnor Reasoner, daughter of Mabel Sparks Milnor and Mathew A. Reasoner, married Curtis J. Herrick an officer in the regular United States Army. They have four children: Curtis J., Jr., Robert Milnor, Alice Anabel, and Mary Reasoner. George Albert Sihler, Sr. GEORGE ALBERT SIHLER, born in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, in 1862, was educated in pub- lic schools in Simcoe, and graduated from McGill University, Montreal, Canada, at the age of twenty. He studied one year in Germany, and married Bertha Ohnsorg of St. Louis, in 1884. He moved to Litchfield to establish his medical practice. He was President of the grade school board for twenty years; became Vice-President of the First National Bank in 1907. Dr. Sihler played an important part Dr. George A. Sihler, Sr. in the development of the business, social and pro- fessional life of the city. One of his biggest con- tributions to the community was the establish- ment of a reforestation area on the shores of the new waterworks lake. He practiced medicine for sixty years. After his death in 1945, Lincoln School was renamed Sihler School. Dr. and Mrs. Sihler had three sons: George Albert, Jr., Arthur Ed- ward, Charles Harold, and one daughter who died in infancy. George A. Sihler, Jr. (1886-1949). Graduated from McGill University, 1910. Practiced medicine in Litchfield 37 years. Rotary President, 1927-28. Board Member L. C. H. S., 1926-1930. Board Presi- dent, 1930, resigning 1944. Married Lois E. Mil- ler, 1914. Two daughters: Mrs. James A. Branch (Mary Elizabeth), Atlanta, Georgia. Mrs. Robert C. Crowe (Helen Virginia), Coral Gables, Florida. Grandchildren: James A., Ill, Mary Elizabeth, George Sihler, and Sarah Branch. Susan Sihler, Ann Miller, and Robert Emmett Crowe, III. Arthur E. Sihler, born in Litchfield, 1891. Grad- uated St. Louis University Dental School, 1916. Began practice of Dentistry in Litchfield. Presi- dent Central Illinois Dental Society, 1936. Mar- ried Julia C. Hill, 1923. Two daughters: Mrs. Bert Fitzpatrick (Margaret Marie), Aurora, Colorado. Mrs. Orville F. Stoddard (Ruth Louise), Overland. Missouri. Granddaughter: Nancy Kay Stoddard. Charles Harold Sihler, born in Litchfield, 1895. Graduated from McGill University, 1920. Began practice of medicine in Litchfield, 1921. Held of- fice of Mayor, one term beginning 1935. Also President of Rotary Club. Married Mabel Morgan, 1919. Dr. and Mrs. Sihler have two children: Ed- ward, Lieutenant — U.S. Air Force, stationed in Okinawa, married Joan Wilson, 1952. Dorothy, a junior at DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana. Potts Family THE first member of the Potts family to be as- sociated with the formative years of the city of Litchfield was William Baty Potts (born June 9, 1814). He came with his parents Richard F. Potts (born July 4, 1776) and Betsy Cummings Potts from Daviess County, Kentucky, to Illinois in 1829 and settled in Macoupin County where he married Rhoda Ann Richards. In 1856 he acquired large tracts of land in Montgomery County adjacent to Litchfield, to which village he moved in the latter part of his life and engaged in mercantile business, and where he died Jan. 11, 1885. Of the eight children of William Baty and Rhoda Potts, only two are identified with Litchfield his- tory; Edmund Jasper and Amanda. Jasper was born May 24, 1837 and married Agnes Ann Allen Nov. 8, 1856. Amanda married William Lee Allen, brother of Agnes Ann. These marriages produced a group of "double cousins" who treasure the fusion of the Potts-Allen families to this day. Edmund Jasper and Agnes Ann conducted ex- tensive farming operations north of Litchfield un- til 1884 when they moved to Litchfield in order that their children might attend school. Three sons, Albert, Joseph and Walter were graduated from the Litchfield High School with honors in 1888, 1889 and 1890 respectively and held posi- tions of trust in Litchfield's business life, until they moved to Mt. Vernon in 1891. Effie was society editor of the Litchfield Daily News and taught a Sunday School class in the old brick Christian Church on Union Avenue near State Street pre- vious to her marriage in 1900 to Dr. Simeon Ryer- son Johnson who opened an office in Divernon. For a few years Jasper Potts conducted a gro- cery store on State Street. He died in 1910. Agnes Ann died in 1936. Both are buried in Elmwood cemetery. Their eldest son, William Baty, II, married Olive Rushton. Two of their eight chil- dren are connected with the present life of Litch- field, Maye and Alice. Maye Potts married Charles Ash, now assistant supervisor of North Litchfield Township. They reside at 315 East Ryder Street and are prominent 60 in their church and civic life. The eldest daugh- ter, Dorothy, graduated from the Washington Uni- versity School of Nursing and married Dr. Robert Rebillot who has offices on Monroe Street. They have one daughter, Patricia. Milton, the oldest son, married Hattie Mae Moomey of Harvel, and he has his own office sup- ply business in Springfield. Jesse married Ferae Burris of Butler and they, with their three chil- dren, Sherrilyn, Jean, and Bobby, live in Washing- ton, Illinois. The second daughter, Marian, married Murray Shrader of the firm of Austin and Shrader Brothers Hardware and Furniture. They have two children, Larry and Ann. Mildred, the youngest daughter, married Charles Lawrence and is now residing in Chicago. Alice Potts married Frank Davis. They reside on a farm but participate in the civic life of Litch- field. Their eldest daughter Glenn Davis married Frank Kean, who has been connected with the Litchfield Creamery for 25 years. Glenn is con- nected with the Woolworth store. Their daughter Gertrude married Arthur Priddle. Jeanne Davis, youngest daughter, is on the bookkeeping staff of the Litchfield Grocer Company. Roberts Family JOSIAH AND SUSAN HART ROBERTS came to Montgomery County in 1828 from Maury County, Tennessee. He had served in the war of 1812 and was a Methodist. They settled southeast of the site of Honey Bend. They were the par- ents of John and James C. Roberts. James C. Roberts, born in 1822, married Nancy Jane Hughes in 1844. They lived in the Roberts settlement and owned land in that section. He donated land for the Roberts Cemetery. They were parents of 12 children: Virgil, Louisa, wife of Jesse Covington, Basil, Mary, wife of Pleasant Briggs, Henry, Susan, wife of Morgan Corlew, Josiah, Edwin and Zelotes. William, Naomi and Milton died at an early age. Edwin served in the Spanish-American War with Co. K, 4th HI. Vol. Infantry. He died in 1904. Virgil served in the Civil War in 1864-65 with Co. C, 17th 111. Cavalry. Virgil, born in 1845, mar- ried Mary Ash in 1868. They were the parents of 9 children: Estella, wife of Charles Arnold, Jesse, Mary Ann, wife of Dr. I. A. Kerley, Virgil, Walter and Edward. Lily, Frank and Bessie died in in- fancy. His wife, Mary, died in 1890. In 1893 he married Julia McGown of Raymond. They were parents of three children, Lela, wife of Perl Davis, Avery, and Earl who died in infancy. His wife Julia died in 1945. In 1892 he bought the Woods farm northeast of Honey Bend. There he farmed and was a livestock dealer. Later he served as Highway Commissioner of North Litchfield Township, which office his son, Walter, now holds. He was a member of Phillips Chapel Methodist Church. He died in April, 1923 at the age of 77. Bost-Barry Families WR. BOST of Fillmore vicinity came to . Litchfield just one-half a century ago. In the winters of 1903 and 1904, he taught Hickory Grove School, 1905 and 1906 in Fillmore School; married Alma Simpson, daughter of A. D. and Alice (Corlew) Simpson, moved into Litchfield; embarked in the implement and buggy business at 604 North State, specializing in buggies, as those were "The Good Old Buggy Days." Blue Boy — Fastest Horse in Town After Mrs. Bost's death, Mr. Bost married Faith Barry, teacher in the Junior High School of this city, and daughter of W. N. Barry and Nellie McFarland Barry. Mr. Barry, retired farmer, moved into Litchfield in 1910. He clerked for many years in the Bald- win and Wier Lumber Co. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and has served as elder. He served two years as Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge of this city. Mrs. Barry, daughter of Richard McFarland and Mary Blackwood McFarland, is a member of the Presbyterian Church and has served as Worthy Matron of Lavonne Chapter, Eastern Star. Among the achievements of Mr. Bost: he drove the first tractor ever in Litchfield in the Dairy Day parade, 1916 ; sold the first tractors ; built one of the first modern dairy barns; among first to produce Grade "A" milk ; bred a large herd of regis- tered Holstein cows; supplied Litchfield with bot- tled Grade "A" milk for ten years. In 1947 the Bosts bought the Dr. Link prop- erty, Ryder and Monroe; removed the old land- mark, a 17-room, 3-story house, and built a large modern grocery store now occupied by Kroger. 61 D. W. Taylor Family DANIEL W. TAYLOR arrived in Litchfield on July 2, 1865. He often said his first night he had slept with a 15-year-old boy who nearly kicked him out of bed. The boy was Johnny Gaby, later for many years a clothing merchant in Litchfield. Mr. Taylor had been told of a business for sale and he purchased it. The town looked like a comer to him. This store was located in a room near the present Ritz Theatre. About a year later S. Dexter Ludden, who owned a business in what was known as the Masonic Block, the three-story building on the corner of State and Kirkham, proposed that they form a partnership and occupy his room. Mr. Ludden had purchased a store in Decatur and wished to devote his time to it. The firm of Ludden & Taylor lasted until 1887 when Ludden's interest was bought by Mr. Taylor. It was always known by the name of "The New York Store." About 1878 they moved to a larger room across the street, two doors north of Summerfield's clothing store which had been established in 1856. The store remained there un- til 1888 and moved again to the room now occu- pied by the Austin & Shrader Hardware Store. This room was a three-story building built by Fred C. Beeman to Mr. Taylor's specifications. It was leased for ten years and at the end of that time was purchased by Mr. Taylor. In 1866 D. W. Taylor was married to Mary Belle Post of Alton, Illinois, who was visiting her sister, the wife of H. Clay Watson, an official of the railroad shops. They were married in Alton on May 15, 1866, and to this union were born two sons, Perry Post Taylor on April 29, 1867, and Dexter Perley on January 21, 1869. Perry Post Taylor graduated from the Litchfield High School in May, 1883, the only boy in a class of seven. After one year in the store of his fa- ther, he entered Smith Academy in St. Louis, took his first year of college in Washington University, then transferred to Cornell in Ithaca, New York. He graduated there in 1890, studied law in Chicago and was admitted to the bar both in Illinois and Missouri. He later opened an office in St. Louis and about two years later was appointed City At- torney of St. Louis. In June, 1892, he married Alice Dudley of Newfield, New York, whom he had met while at Cornell. To this union there was born a son, Dudley Post, who died at the age of eleven months. In 1897 a daughter, Lucy, was born. She lived all her early life in St. Louis and after graduating from high school and attending Cornell she married Mark Neville, a former Cornell student. To this union there were born Alice Ann, and Mark Taylor Neville. Mr. Neville was with the John Burroughs School for many years, then transferred to a boys' school in Chicago where they now live. Alice Ann married a member of the family making the Seeburg Wall-O-Matic and many other musical machines. Perry Post Taylor passed away in St. Louis on December 1, 1947. Dexter P. Taylor left high school in 1885 and started to work for his father that fall. In 1888 he attended Eastman Business College, graduat- ing in September of that year. He returned to again enter business with his father. On February 4 he was married to Ina Tinklepaugh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Tinklepaugh. To this union were born three children, Daniel Henry, John (Jack) Perry, and Josephine Belle. Josephine died July 17, 1901, aged two years, eleven months. Daniel H. Taylor, after graduating from Litch- field High School in 1911, worked in the store one year and then entered Northwestern University, but after his grandfather's death returned to the store with his father. The business of D. W. and D. P. Taylor was liquidated in 1913 and in March, 1916, D. P. Taylor and family moved to Junction City, Kansas. Shortly after he went to Junction City Mr. Taylor bought a dry goods business in September, 1916. He was joined by his son, Daniel. They operated this store for seven years, then sold out to Cole Brothers, whose store had burned out. Later D. P. Taylor bought a bankrupt clothing stock in Abilene; this was sold in 1929. He then bought an old established clothing business that had pretty well run down, which, with his son Jack, they have built up to one of the nicest stores in Junction City in the best location in the city. D. P. Taylor plans to retire this year from active work, turning the business over to his son, Jack. Daniel Taylor joined the J. C. Penney Company in August, 1923, as assistant manager in Abilene, Kansas, Ike Eisenhower's boyhood home. In April, 1928, they opened a new Penney store in Junction City, in the same room that Dan and his father had been in. Dan was made manager and has con- tinued with this same store ever since. He will reach the age of 60 this year and retired from the company July 1, this being the retirement age with this company. Dan went to New York in April for his final settlement with the company. He has been quite successful in his work and will retire in very comfortable circumstances. Dan was married in June, 1924, to Miss Mae Trueblood of Yates Center, Kansas. They have an adopted daughter, Mary Alice, about six years old. Jack Taylor, after graduating from Junction City High School in 1925, went to work for the J. C. Penney Company. In June, 1929, he was married to Sarah Johnstone. To this union was born Sarah (Sally) Elizabeth on January 5, 1933, but the mother died at that time. In August, 1937, Jack married Miss Ruth Kean. They have one daughter, Mary Kay, born November 1, 1939. Jack joined his father in Junction City in 1944. D. W. Taylor was mayor of Litchfield about 1904 and 1905 and turned the first shovel of dirt to start the building of the American Radiator Plant. Mr. Taylor and family were all members of the First Presbyterian Church and he was an Elder of the church for many years. 62 In 1902 Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Taylor adopted a two-year-old girl, Helen. She lived with her adopted father and mother until Mr. Taylor died. Later she and Mrs. Taylor moved to St. Louis where they lived until Mrs. Taylor died January 15, 1943, at the age of 94 years and 11 months. Helen has never married and now lives in Chicago, and is a secretary for a large insurance company. Crane-Fitzsimmons- Atchison-Skelton THE John and Margaret Gleason Crane family, immigrants of Tralee and Kinmare, County Kerry, Ireland, settled in Litchfield in 1880. Their children were Ellen, John, Michael, Edward, Agnes, and Daniel. Mr. Crane was employed at the Planet Mill. The sons were machinists, toolmakers, and moulders in the early industries. Margaret Atchi- son, a daughter of Agnes and George Atchison, was reared by an aunt and uncles, her parents having died when she was a child. Miss Atchison, a regis- tered nurse, is on the staff of St. Francis Hospital. John and Eliza Tighe Fitzsimmons, immigrants of Counties Cavin and Galway, Ireland, settled in Litchfield in 1860. Mr. Fitzsimmons supervised the laying of an early railroad here. They were parents of nine sons and a daughter, Mary Ann, who married John Crane. They were the parents of seven children: Frank of St. Paul, Minnesota, Catherine Johnson, Philadelphia, Pa., Marie, Mar- garet, and Ann of Litchfield. James and Joseph are deceased. Margaret is employed in the State Finance Department. Marie is the wife of Roy Skelton, an operator on the Wabash Railroad, who came to Litchfield thirty years ago. They are par- ents of three children: John, who is serving in the Navy in Korean waters, Susan Ann and Fran- cis Crane. Their great-grandfathers served in the Civil War. The Skelton children are the third generation who received their early education in St. Mary's School. Bennett Family DR. RICHARD FRANKLIN BENNETT, physi- cian and surgeon, was born in Shelby County, October 2, 1839. He married Elizabeth Storm in 1861, and came to Litchfield the same year. He was Mayor of Litchfield in 1880, and served four terms. He was a Methodist, Knight Templar, Re- publican, and Superintendent of the State Hospital in Anna, Illinois. They had two children, Harry Franklin Bennett, born June 12, 1871, and Mary Eloria Bennett, born May 10, 1876. Harry F. Bennett, physician and surgeon, prac- ticed medicine over fifty years. He was a captain in the Medical Corps in World War I, member of the American Medical Association, State and County Medical Societies, Rotary, Elks, Antlers, Chicago Athletic Club and Missouri Athletic Club. He organized Litchfield's first Red Cross Chapter. He was secretary of the Montgomery County Medi- cal Society until his death May 18, 1945. He was Chief of the Medical Staff of Fort Dearborn Ath- letic Club, Chicago, and established the first code of physical examinations for boxers before enter- ing the ring and his code is still used by State Box- ing Commissions. He married Claire May Porter- field, Marinette, Wisconsin, October 19, 1909. They had two children, Richard Franklin Ben- nett, born September 15, 1913, sports writer for the Illinois State Journal and the Litchfield News- Herald, and Claire Helene Ruecking, born June 12, 1917, wife of Harry Walker Ruecking, former news- paper editor, now owner of the Litchfield Transit Company. They were married June 14, 1939, and have four children, Claire Helene, born May 12, 1941, Katherine Jean and Richard Bennett, born August 15, 1947, and William Christian, born March 31, 1950. Mary Bennett married Leon E. Denison, Cairo, Illinois, June 14, 1905, and had two children, Rich- ard Charles Denison, Cairo, and Leon E. Denison, Jr., Louisville, Kentucky. Richard and Ruth Lemon Denison have one son, Lee Bennett Denison, and Leon and Camilla Cullinane Denison have one daughter, Anne. McGinnis-Machler Families JOHN McGINNIS of County Clare, Ireland, came to Litchfield in 1854. He had a grocery store, was the first alderman of first ward in 1859 and married Hannah Mahoney, also from County Clare, Ireland, who came to Litchfield from Casenovia, New York, in 1856. They lived in one of the first brick houses. Their oldest daughter, Mary (Mollie), was born May 9, 1859, and was educated at the Ursuline Academy. She married Julius C. Machler, who came to Litchfield in 1871. He was born in New York City, April 11, 1848. His parents were Peter and Julia Maurer Machler, natives of Germany. He enlisted as a drummer boy and interpreter in the Union Army at the age of thirteen. He was a charter member of the Litchfield Fire Department, served as mayor, alder- man, supervisor, and as a member of the School Board. They were parents of eight children; Julia, wife of George Badenhausen, whose son, George, is Hospital Administrator of Harriman Jones Clinic, Long Beach, California; Harry, deceased, Spanish American War Veteran; Dr. F. Patrick, Spanish- American War Veteran, Captain World War I, physician and surgeon, graduate of George Wash- ington University, Washington, D. C, married Ruth Steele of Chicago, is buried in Arlington Na- tional Cemetery; Otto, deceased; Katherine, grad- uate nurse, deceased ; Frances, teacher in the Litch- field public schools, widow of Joseph Kniery, former assistant Postmaster; Apalona, associated with Dr. Machler for 30 years; Cyril died in infancy. The family home, the ground for which was pur- chased from Litchfield and deeded to Mary McGin- nis in 1863, was recently moved to make room for the erection of the new Madison Park School. 63 Sinclair Family JAMES CLARK SINCLAIR was the fifth son of James and Rebecca (Parks) Sinclair. He was born in Greene County in 1833. At the age of thirteen he moved with his parents to Macoupin County. When he was twenty he moved to Mont- gomery County and settled 10 miles north of Litch- field on a farm now occupied by his grandson, John Spires Sinclair, and accumulated a great deal of land in Montgomery County. The twenty-acre Maple Grove which he set out at the home place Charles Abram, Jr., is now residing at 721 North Jackson Street in Litchfield and has been bulk distributor for Texaco petroleum products for the past 23 years. James Clark Sinclair has become a landmark. He was engaged in farm- ing and raising livestock in that vicinity until about 1883, when he retired from farming and moved into the city of Litchfield and built a home at 623 North State Street. He acquired consider- able property in the city of Litchfield and con- ducted a business of livestock trading and farm management on the east side of the 500 block of North State Street. In September, 1863, James Clark Sinclair mar- ried Elizabeth Jones. They had four children: James C. A. (1865-1890), Eva May (Sinclair) Baker (1869- ), Charles Abram (1867-1940), and Vesta Rhea (Sinclair) Brandon (1879-1931). Eva Sinclair married Dr. T. T. Baker in 1893. They had three children: Sinclair (1894-1910), Elizabeth and Evelyn. Charles Abram married Anna Susan Spires in 1893 and had five children: James Clark, Eva Rea (1897-1899), Mary Jane, Charles Abram, Jr., and John Spires. Strehle Family JOSEPH C. STREHLE was born in Litchfield in October, 1868, son of J. A. and Minnie Weipert Strehle. His father, born in Germany in 1835, came to the United States in 1854; after a few years in Alton he came to Litchfield in 1866. As a pioneer baker, he established a bakery in a wooden struc- ture replaced in 1871 by a brick building still the property of the Strehles. Minnie Strehle died in 1903; Joseph A. Strehle in 1907. Joseph C. Strehle was active from his youth in the business life of Litchfield; he left school to work in Beardsley's Jewelry Store. In 1892 he bought the shoe store of Constantine Hoog, con- tinued in the shoe business until 1913, then bought the Hood Insurance Agency and was elected Sec- retary of the Cooperative Savings and Loan Co. He was one of the organizers of the Board of Trade, now the Chamber of Commerce, serving as its Secretary for over thirty years. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, Fire Depart- ment, Elks and Rotary Clubs. In November, 1902, he married Estella Whaley, daughter of Jonas and Mary Judge Whaley; two sons were born to them. Mr. Strehle died in April, 1948. George, Jr., married Edith Weller of Tuscola, in 1937; a son Richard Weller Strehler is their only child. George was associated with his father in the insurance business, and was his successor as Secretary of the Loan Company. He carried on the work of his father until he died suddenly on September 19, 1952. Joseph C. Strehle, in the employ of the Bell Telephone Company, St. Louis, married Delphino Galloway of East St. Louis in 1936. They have two daughters, Sue Ann and Jo Ellen. Milnor Family THE John K. Milnor family came to Litchfield, from Alton, Illinois, in July, 1866. This fam- ily included John K. Milnor, his wife Elcenia, son Mara M., and daughter Henrietta. Harry H., Claude G., and Charles R. were born here. John K. Milnor was born in Bristol, Pa., Decem- ber, 1828, and came to Alton as a small boy. He was a plasterer and worked at his trade in Litch- field for many years. His wife, Elcenia Jones, was born in Baltimore, Md., September, 1832, and came to Alton in 1836. They were married in Alton November, 1856. Mr. Milnor died in Litch- field, February, 1908, while Mrs. Milnor survived until June, 1920. Harry H. Milnor was a printer and after work- ing on papers in Litchfield and Hillsboro, went to 64 Chicago where he worked on the Chicago Herald. He married Isabelle Cresswell, and they resided in Chicago until their deaths in 1932 and 1941. Claude G. went to Chicago as a young man and married Grace Jamison, in 1903. He died in 1906. Charles R. worked in his brother's drug store until 1900 when he went to Chicago. There he married Delia Beyer, and after a number of years they moved to Los Angeles, California, where they resided until their deaths. Mr. Milnor died in 1928, and Mrs. Milnor in 1943. Mara M. attended high school and worked in the drug store of Frank R. Milnor. In 1887 he bought a drug store and continued in that business until he sold it to Roy Colby in 1905. He was a direc- tor of the First National Bank, and was active in the Masonic Lodges, holding the high office in each one. He was a member of the original com- mittee for the new Water Works, and continued on that committee until it was in operation. He was president of the Cemetery Association for twenty years. He was elected president of the Co-operative Building and Loan Association in 1890, one year after it was organized, and con- tinued in that office for forty-nine years, until his death in August, 1939. He was married to Hattie A. Morrison, a daughter of Rev. A. B. Morrison, then pastor of the First M. E. Church, in April, 1884. She died February, 1914. In October, 1916, he married her sister, Adah Morrison. She died July, 1940. Henrietta Milnor married John McManus Janu- ary, 1895. To this union was born one daughter, Harriet Elcenia, who resides in Litchfield. John Henry McManus was born in Girard De- cember, 1843, and came to Litchfield, September, 1866 or 1867. He worked in the photo gallery of D. C. Bacon, for a number of years, later going into business for himself on the corner where the Dr. Sihler office is now located. Mr. McManus was an active member of the Zion English Lu- theran Church, and a member of the Church Coun- cil. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and Commandery. Mr. McManus died December, 1907, and Mrs. McManus January, 1909. Wiegreffe Family WILLIAM WIEGREFFE was born in Han- over, Germany, February 13, 1828, and came to this country in 1850. Buying a farm near Zanes- ville, Illinois, he lived there until 1868, when he came to Litchfield and embarked in the lumber business which he conducted until his death in 1904. He also served as Alderman for some years. He married Eva Sinn from Saskamp, Germany, in 1861. They had six children; William, the only one living, whose wife was Margaret Loescher of Litchfield, now deceased, resides here at the Elks Club; Charlotte, wife of George Hood, both de- ceased, one daughter, Florence, now residing in Litchfield; Emma, wife of William Cotter, both deceased, had seven children; Augusta, wife of Alfred Aldous, both deceased, had three children; Miss Maetie, deceased; and Fred, a former mayor of Litchfield around 1900, whose wife was Delia Lynch, a member of a pioneer family here, both deceased. There were four children, two of them residing in Litchfield — Lorraine, a music instructor and organist at St. Mary's Church, and Mildred. Berenice is the wife of O. E. Schuch of Detroit, one of the executives in the U. S. Radiator office there, and has two daughters, Eva Marie and Mary Lee, who being married are residing with their families in Michigan. William is in St. Louis, holding a responsible position in the office of the St. Louis South-Western Railway, and is married, with one daughter, Barbara Jane, who is also married and lives with her family in Berkeley, Missouri. Zuber Family THE name of Zuber has been known in Litch- field since the year 1859, when Christian Zuber, Sr., arrived here from St. Louis. He was born in Germany and came to this country at the age of 14, living in St. Louis until he was 20. He became a citizen of the United States in 1866. Christian Zuber, Sr., married Amelia Warnebolt May 16. 1869, and they had five children: Henry, Christian D., Emma, Anna, and Hattie. Henry J. Zuber was born June 17, 1870, in Litch- field. He was in the Spanish-American War, en- listing May 20, 1898, with Litchfield's Company K of the 4th Illinois Volunteer Infantry which served in Cuba. He served two terms in the City Council as alderman of the First Ward. He married Miss Amelia Young at Jerseyville, Illinois, on Sept. 12, 1904. Mrs. Zuber died March 7, 1952, and Mr. Zuber died Dec. 12, 1952. They were the parents of six children: Chris F. Zuber, Assistant Cashier, First National Bank, Litchfield; Emma K., wife of Charles Hand of Litchfield; Herman F., employed by the State Di- vision of Highways; Carrie E., wife of Ross Cress of Bethalto; Elizabeth A., wife of Alva Grauer of Nokomis; Henry W., who died in 1934. Christian D. Zuber was born March 17, 1872, in Litchfield and after completing his schooling, be- gan his own cigar manufacturing business. He took an active interest in civic affairs. He was united in marriage to Dorothea E. Balke, daughter of Henry and Eleanor Balke of Mt. Olive, Illinois, on May 3, 1899. Two sons, Carl H. and Arthur J., were born to them. Mr. Zuber passed away Sept. 25, 1945. One son, Carl, now resides in Detroit, Michigan, and is engaged in the investment banking business. Arthur, the other son, is also in the investment banking business in Tucson, Arizona, as a partner in the firm of Woodward and Zuber. Mrs. Chris- tian D. Zuber lives in Litchfield. 65 Mrs. Emma Zuber Kipping was born in Litch- field on Nov. 16, 1874. She was married to Fred Kipping on April 27, 1910. They resided in Cam- bridge, Illinois, where Mr. Kipping was engaged in the poultry business. Mr. Kipping died Feb. 24, 1934. For the past two years Mrs. Kipping has resided at 616 North Jackson Street in Litchfield. Mrs. Anna Zuber Windway was born in Litch- field on Dec. 14, 1876. She married Herman Wind- way on Aug. 26, 1895. Mr. Windway conducted a meat market with his stepfather and mother, Mike and Minnie Kunz. They built the Kunz Hall at the corner of Edwards and Madison Streets, now the home of McAllister Pollard Post No. 777, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mr. Windway died June 13, 1943, and Mrs. Windway died March 21, 1949. They were the parents of three children: Hattie, wife of Harry Gasen of St. Louis; Herman Frederick, who died in infancy; Amelia, wife of David Hogan of St. Louis. Mrs. Hattie Zuber Hippler was born in Litchfield on Nov. 7, 1883. She was married to Frank C. Hippler on August 15, 1903. Mrs. Hippie died May 27, 1940. They were the parents of two chil- dren: Thelma, wife of W. E. Fieting of Tomah, Wisconsin; Franklin, of Davenport, Iowa. Stahl-Pappmeier Families FREDERICK WILLIAM STAHL was born in Prussia on August 3, 1833, and came to this country, setting in Bloomington, Illinois, in 1855. On March 3, 1856, he was married to Margaret Jane Waldron of Albany County, New York. They resided in Bloomington until 1860, when they came to Litchfield. Mr. Stahl, who was a coppersmith by trade, entered into the hardware and farm implement business. Some years later, he sold his business and became a stockholder in the Litch- field Car and Machine Company. In 1881 he was elected Secretary and Treasurer, and he held this position until his death on May 22, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl were the parents of four children: Rosalie, who died in infancy; Louis, who married Mary Shoemaker of Litchfield; Amelia, who mar- ried Louis Goodell of Beardstown ; and Jennie, who married John A. Pappmeier of Beardstown. Mr. Pappmeier, who was associated with his fa- ther and brother in the jewelry and optical busi- ness, moved his family to Litchfield in 1896. He was a practicing optometrist for more than sixty years, forty-five of them in Litchfield. Dr. R. W. Guyan, who had been his assistant for fifteen years, bought the practice a year after Mr. Papp- meier's death on February 18, 1941. Mrs. Papp- meier died on February 9, 1943. They were the parents of four children; Frederick, whose wife was Helen Mclntyre of Oklahoma City; Louis, whose wife was Mary Miller of Hillsboro; Waldron, who married Julia Tolle of Litchfield; and Mar- garet, wife of Arthur F. Heath of Litchfield. Weber-Heath Families FREDERICK WEBER was born in Germany, January 1, 1838, and settled in St. Louis, Mis- souri, in 1856. He married Miss Elizabeth Enders in 1863 and after he served as a baker with the Union Forces during the Civil War, they lived in Cairo, Illinois, for a year. In 1866 they moved to Litchfield where he was a baker for William Roth. A few years later he established a soda water factory at the corner of Edwards and Mon- roe Streets, which he operated until 1890, when he sold the business to C. A. Tolle and moved to Hillsboro. The Webers had eight children, two of whom are now living — Mrs. Kathryn Uhl of St. Louis and Fred W. Weber of Momence, Illinois. The names of the deceased are: Augusta, Mrs. Elizabeth Heath, Mrs. Louise Sies, Mrs. Anna Kelley, Mrs. Rose Phillips, and Mrs. Mary Atkinson. Mr. Weber died in 1909 and his wife in 1927. Elizabeth Weber married Walter Heath of Litch- field on June 2, 1892. Mr. Heath came to Litch- field from Salamanca, New York, in 1884, and was employed as a miller at the "O.K." mill at Edwards and Jackson Streets. In 1911 he entered the em- ployment of the Illinois Traction System and was a station agent until a few months before his death in 1937. Mrs. Heath died in 1945. They had four children; a daughter died in in- fancy, David R. died in 1942, and Walter H. in 1950. Arthur F. lives in Litchfield and in 1944 he married Miss Margaret Pappmeier. George A. Hall GEORGE H. HALL was born June 4, 1900, at 509 North State Street. Father and Mother: Hugh Hall, born Fremont, Ohio, 1865, son of John and Bridget Hall. He came to Litchfield in 1886. He served as clerk of the City Courts ; on the School Board; was Circuit Clerk of Montgomery County; Postmaster; and Cashier of the Litchfield National Bank. Lulah Mae Finley, born 1879, Marion, Indiana, daughter of James and Elizabeth Finley. Father died 1880. Came here with mother and older sis- ter, Elizabeth, in 1881. Her mother married George W. Amsden in 1883 after which the two girls were adopted by Mr. Amsden. Two children born to the Amsdens; Helen and Bert, both deceased. Lulah Mae married Hugh Hall in Litchfield June 14, 1899. They lived at 509 North State until he died in 1938, and she passed away in 1950. Maternal Grandfather (by adoption) George W. Amsden, born 1842, Gowanda, N. Y. Came here with parents in early 50's. Homestead on North State Street built by his father, Daniel C. Amsden, shortly after coming here. He served in both Army and Navy during Civil War, and died in 1903. George A. Hall married Rosa Laverne Funk, daughter of Prof, and Mrs. Otto Funk of Hillsboro, 66 in 1922. Children born: Delia Lu Falls, Mont- gomery, Alabama; Rosemary, killed with her mother in automobile accident, 1948; Georgia, jun- ior in the University of Illinois. He married the former Zenda Frew in 1949, childhood sweetheart, daughter of William and Irene Frew. Mr. Hall is an attorney; President and Manager of the Litch- field Poster Advertising Co. He is a former City Attorney, serving two terms; was State's Attorney of Montgomery County for two terms; was presi- dent of the Illinois State Attorney's Association; and a member of the school board. Christian H. Zoller DR. CHRISTIAN H. ZOLLER, who celebrates his 50th year in the practice of medicine this centennial year, came to Litchfield in 1914, moving from Granite City with his wife, the former Philip- pine Hoffman, and daughter, Sarah Margaret. Be- fore her marriage Mrs. Zoller was superintendent of nurses at the Granite City Lutheran Hospital. During World War I, Dr. Zoller served as a cap- tain in the Medical Corps, Base Hospital 103, Dijon, France. He holds the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Reserve Army Medical Corps. Both daughters of Dr. Zoller are Litchfield resi- dents. Sarah Margaret, wife of M. Merritte Mc- Clurg, sales representative for McKesson-Robbins Wholesale Drug Company, St. Louis, Missouri, has two sons, William Christian and Patrick Michael McClurg. Christine, who lives with her parents, is the widow of William T. Wilson, killed in action in World War II. Lt. Wilson served as a para- trooper with the 82nd Airborne Division in major combat jumps in Sicily, Italy, France, and Holland. Before his death he was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, and the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster for gallantry in action. A son, Bruce Christian Wilson, shares the Zoller home with his mother and grandparents. Uhlenhop Family CHRISTIAN UHLENHOP, born in Germany, 1848, married Martha Volck, born 1852. Mr. Uhlenhop homesteaded in Kansas and came to Litchfield about 1870. They resided on a farm at the north edge of Litchfield. Both are deceased. Their children are Martha, William, Joseph, Henry, and Margaret. Margaret, now deceased, married Howard Gurick. Their daughter, Rachael Gurick, lives here. Paul Gurick, son, married Cecelia Schwab. Their children are: Lamoine, married Margaret Schmidt, one daughter Susan Mary, and lives in New York. Audrey, married Harold Pence, has two sons, Michael and Patrick. Patricia married Robert Walker and has two daughters, Mary and Alice. William married Lena Davis, and has two sons, Bernard of Washington, D. C, and Gerald, who married Joan Kniery. They, with their daughters, Germaine, Barbara, and Jackie, live in Los Angeles. Joseph and Cornelia Brokaw Uhlenhop, both deceased, had four children: Henry, married to Dena Johnson and residing in La Salle, had two sons, Robert, deceased, and Henry, Jr. The latter married Donna Larson; they have one son, David, and live in Chicago. Reba married Peter Graham. Marie married Ross Billiter, and they have one son, Dennis. Isabel married James Burgoyne, has one son, and lives in Alton. Henry married Lola Sammons. Their son, Paul, married Betty Buscher. Their children are Paul, Michael, Robert Lolabeth, and Mary Michele. Margaret married Manuel Eberly. Their son, William, lost his life in World War II. Daughters are Angela, Martha, and Betty Jean. Angela mar- ried John Kosuda, son Donald. Martha married Alfred Darte, sons are Thomas, David, William. Betty Jean is married to James Taylor, children James, and Pamela. They reside in Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Weatherford RALPH WEATHERFORD, youngest of the twelve children of William and Claudia Kinder Weatherford, came to Litchfield at the age of three months. William Weatherford was born in Carlinville in 1856 and is one of Litchfield's oldest residents. Mrs. Weatherford died in 1924. In 1920 Ralph married Blanche Hefly, daughter of Turner and Anna Conly Hefly of Hillsboro. Blanche Weatherford came to Litchfield in 1917 to work for the Brown Shoe Company. They have three children: Elizabeth (Betty Ann) born 1921; Dorris, born 1923, and Jack, born 1933. Betty Ann was graduated from L. C. H. S. in 1939, and the same year married Albert Kenz of Chicago, where they now reside. They have two children, Richard and Janice. Dorris was graduated from L. C. H. S. in 1942, and married the same year to Earl Ruth. They live in Kansas City, Kansas, and have two chil- dren, Barbara and Donna. Jack left high school in 1951 to join the Navy. He is a baker on the U. S. S. Wheater. He was mar- ried in 1952 to Frances Wade of Winter Haven, Florida. Frances resides in Charleston, S. C. Ralph has worked at the Sears store in Hills- boro for the past six and one-half years and Blanche is employed at the Yates Bakery here. Both Mr. and Mrs. Weatherford are members of the Odd Fellows, the Moose and the Royal Neighbor lodges. Mrs. Weatherford belongs to the Rebeccas and the Home Bureau. They are active members of the Methodist Church; Ralph in the Wesleyan Class and Men's Brotherhood, and Blanche in the Ruthean Class and Women's So- ciety of Christian Service. 67 Baker Family WILLIAM T. BAKER, born in 1837, and Mary Minerva Hough Baker, born in 1838, came to Litchfield from Elizabethtown, Kentucky in the early 1860's. Mr. Baker, a blacksmith, established one of the first blacksmith shops. He died in 1867. Two of the four children died in infancy. The fam- ily was affiliated with the First Methodist Church. In 1871 Mrs. Mary Baker mar- ried Eli Anderson. A son, Robert Anderson, practiced dentistry in California, and is now deceased. The mother, Mrs. Anderson, died in 1913. Martha Jane Baker, born in 1860, spent her entire life in Litch- field and died in 1931. Thomas T. Baker, born in 1866, graduated from the Litchfield High School in 1885. He apprenticed with the late Dr. William Barefoot and graduated in 1890 from Missouri Dental College, now Wash- ington University. In 1890 he and Dr. William Alexander opened a dental office, and Dr. Baker went out to serve neighboring towns several days each week. Two years later they dissolved part- nership. In October, 1893, Dr. Baker married Miss Eva Dr. Baker as a young man Dr. Baker later in life Sinclair, and to this union were born Thomas Sin- clair Baker, deceased, Elizabeth and Evelyn Baker. Dr. Baker participated in various civic affairs. He was a member of the Litchfield Bands, Charter member of the Antlers' Club, member of the Elks Club, served on the Board of Education, and Li- brary Board, and was an enthusiastic promoter of the First Dairy Day. He held membership in the Illinois Dental Society, and practiced dentistry for almost half a centurv in Litchfield. He died in 1939. William Lewis Nelson WILLIAM LEWIS NELSON was born in Litchfield on October 1, 1872, at 230 South Harrison Street. Here he lived all of his life and in that same house he died on August 4, 1951. He was the son of Lewis Nelson who was born in Den- mark and came to America in 1851, and who served in the Civil War in 1863 in the Illinois Infantry. Lewis Nelson married Lydia McKnight, a native of County Cork, Ireland; they settled in Litchfield around 1870, and had three children: Anna Nelson Heise, William Lewis Nelson, and Mary Nelson Powers, all now deceased. William Lewis Nelson, a coal miner, went to work at a very early age, on the death of his fa- ther. He worked in the old Davis coal mine east of Litchfield, and later in the Litchfield Coal Company and in the Hoosier Mine near Mt. Olive. He was married on July 22, 1896, to Sarah Essie Duncan, the daughter of Andrew and Viletta Duncan of Litchfield. Their four children are: Hazel Nelson Kurz of St. Louis, Missouri; Kenneth Nelson, who has operated a neighborhood grocery store on South Harrison Street in Litchfield for over 30 years; Erma V. Nelson, who is Trust Officer of the Litchfield Bank and Trust Company, and Eve- lyn Nelson Butts of Joliet, Illinois. Hazel Nelson Kurz has two children: Mary June Farmer and Daniel H. Kurz, Jr., and one grandchild, James Farmer; Kenneth Nelson has two sons: Gary Nel- son, serving with the U. S. Navy, and Glenn Nelson in high school in Litchfield; Evelyn Nelson Butts has one daughter, Carol Ann Engelhardt. The Nel- sons are all members of the English Lutheran Church. William F. Brell Harness and Saddlery Merchant 1857-1938 HE WAS the eldest in a family of five children whose parents came from Germany and even- tually settled in Raymond. After Mr. Brell served his apprenticeship as a harness maker at Nokomis, he came to Litchfield in 1885 and started business where the Piggly-Wiggly store now stands. He was a successful merchant in that one location for 35 years. When Cline's Store next door burned, his store was ruined and he had to change loca- tions. Soon the auto replaced the horse and buggy and he was forced to retire. He was married to Emma VanDyke of Taylor- 68 ville in 1883. They built their home at 1013 North State. Children were Selma, born in 1884, and William in 1901. Selma now is the wife of Dr. S. B. Nunnelley of Burlington, Kentucky, and Wil- liam and family live at Kirkwood, Missouri. After the death of his first wife, he married Mary Rhoads Carlisle of Medora in 1905. She sur- vives him and celebrated her 90th birthday March 27, 1953. She still lives in the family home. Mr. Brell was a trustee of the Union Avenue Christian Church for many years, a charter mem- ber of the Volunteer Fire Department, a school board member for two years, a director of the Chamber of Commerce for nine years, and because of his ardent civic-mindedness was instrumental in helping secure the Creamery and Brown Shoe Company for Litchfield. His epitaph could read, "He was a true friend to Litchfield." Charles Hauser Family MR AND MRS. CHARLES HAUSER, who are among our town's prominent families, came to Litchfield in 1918, when Mr. Hauser became as- sociated with the Litchfield Creamery. Mr. Hauser was born in High Ridge, Missouri, and Mrs. Hauser, the former Wilhelmine Kahle, in Montgomery Charles Hauser County, Illinois, near Walshville. They were mar- ried in 1909 at Newkirk, Oklahoma, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kahle. The Reverend Mr. Karstensen, Lutheran pastor, performed the ceremony. Five children were born to them, four sons and one daughter. The oldest son, Melvin, who mar- ried Miss Maxine Roberts, resides at 625 North Franklin Avenue. They are the parents of three children: two sons, Charles Robert and Richard Allen, and one daughter, Marcia Jane. The second son, Karl, is not living, having passed on, August 25, 1936. His wife was the former Dorothy Hiller, and they were the parents of one daughter, Carol May. Carol is now Mrs. Richard Voyles, and the mother of a daughter, Vickie Lee, the first great- grandchild. The third son, Martin, whose wife was the for- mer Lenna Eastin, resides at 917 East Union Ave- nue. Their children are two daughters and one son, Marilyn Ann, Cynthia Louise, and Martin Frederick, Jr. The youngest son, Victor, resides at 333 North Van Buren Street. His wife was formerly Miss Irene Stewart. The daughter, Irene, is Mrs. Donald Crenshaw. Their children are Andrew H. and Donna Lee. The Hausers have always been interested in all projects for civic betterment, giving freely of time and money. Mr. Hauser served eight years on the grade school board. Butler-Brokaw Families DANIEL P. and Caroline Turner Brokaw came to South Litchfield in March, 1852. Here they reared eight children. In 1863 Lemuel and Mary Butler began farming south of Litchfield. On Christmas Day, 1871, Joseph, oldest son of the Butlers, and Ellen, daughter of the Brokaws, were married. To this couple seven children were born: Emma who married Howard Hayes, Bertha who married Edwin Thorp, Mabel, Lillian who married Samuel Towey, Ethel who married Harry Grassell, Edward, and Harry who married Merle Stansifer. Joseph Butler was a pioneer in the field of farm machinery. He and his brothers invented and built a threshing machine and this began a machinery career that Mr. Butler followed for over 30 years. Ellen Butler's interests were her home and her church. She was a faithful member of the Pres- byterian Church and of its Missionary Society. The Butler couple had the following grandchil- dren: Elma, Evelyn, Hazel and Howard Butler Hayes, Ruth Kempton, Josephine Dodd, Kathryn Armstrong, Rachel Thorp, Ellen Grassell, Thomas and Robert Brokaw Butler. Their great grandchildren are: Marilyn, Sally and Matthew Dodd, in Columbus, Ohio; and Caro- line, Robert, and William Butler, in Taylorville. Miss Mabel Butler was active in Litchfield's re- tail business for 35 years, managing Towey's store from 1934 to 1952. Edward Butler held county offices for 26 years and is now bookkeeper at Yates Garage. Harry W. Butler was engaged in his own retail business for 30 years and is now Cashier of the Litchfield Bank and Trust Co. 69 Hushing Family MICHAEL HUSHING, an orphan thrown in his own resources at an early age, came to Litch- field and worked on a farm. He married Sarah Purdy, daughter of William Collins and Susan Best Purdy. He died February 27, 1896; his wife died August 17, 1943. At the time of his death he had a real estate and insurance agency and was police magistrate. They were the parents of five children. Ota May Hushing retired March, 1953, from her insurance business, and as secretary of the Oil City Building and Savings Association which she served for thirty-five years. William Collins Hushing of Washington, D. C, now chairman of the National Legislative Committee of the American Federa- tion of Labor, has received international honors in the labor field. John Earl Hushing of Aucon, Pan- ama, served for eighteen years as United States Marshal of the Panama Canal Zone, but resigned March, 1953. Sumner Kinney Hushing lived in Alexandria, Virginia and had charge of the Pat- tern Department, U. S. Navy. He died December 2, 1944. He had two sons: William Collins Hush- ing II, graduate of Annapolis Naval Academy and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is at present a Navy Commander stationed at Hono- lulu. He has a daughter, Druscilla, three years old. Sumner Kinney Hushing, Jr., of Levittown, New York, is a graduate of Columbia, and a reserve pilot in the U.S.N., now flying for six years. He has a daughter, Ota May, six years old and a son, Sumner Kinney, Jr., two years old. Irene Vera Hushing died in infancy. Mumme Family THE Mumme family came to Litchfield about 1878 from Edwardsville. The grandfather, J. L. Mumme, father of the late Emma and Chris, George, now of Mt. Olive, and Edna of Litchfield, built the house which is now the McDonald Nurs- ing Home. The grandmother, Agnes McHugh Mumme was a native of Ireland. Emma and Chris were born in Edwardsville; George and Edna were born here. When J. L. arrived in Litchfield he worked at the old Planet Mill and later operated a grocery store at the corner of Columbia and Jackson Streets. He died in 1923. All the children grew up here. Emma taught in the Public Schools for forty-five years. She was the first Principal of Sihler School after serving as Principal of Lincoln School for twenty years. She died in 1946. Chris began work at the American Radiator Company as a young man and became Maintenance Superintendent, a job he held for over thirty years. In 1901 he married Hermena Danklef of Mt. Olive. To this union three children were born: Agnes, Chief Warrant Officer, Woman's Army Corps; Henry J., Sr., Maintenance Superintendent Ameri- can Radiator Company, Buffalo, New York; and Matthew F., who died in 1928 at the age of eight. Chris died in 1950 at 321 North Chestnut Street, the family home for over thirty years. His widow, daughter Agnes, and sister Edna will move to a newly constructed home at 609 Ryder Court this summer. Four grandchildren, Mary 11, Maureen 10, Chris 9, and Henry J., Jr., 8, live in Buffalo with their parents. Their mother is the former Helen Daugherty of Dunkirk, New York. McWilliams Family MAJOR ROBERT McWILLIAMS was engaged in the practice of law in Hillsboro at the start of the Civil War. At the close of the war, Major McWilliams returned to Montgomery County and established his practice in Litchfield. He and Miss Mary Allen of Hillsboro were married in 1866 and to their union were born three children. Their oldest son, Benjamin, practiced law in Litchfield with his father until 1898 when he moved to Chi- cago where he died in 1932. The second child, Grace, an accomplished musician, died in 1897. Their third child, Paul, was born in 1873 and lived in Litchfield until his death in 1952. Major Mc- Williams died in 1910 and his wife in 1913. Paul McWilliams was engaged in the active prac- tice of law from 1896 until his death, during which period he was City Judge for 34 years. Judge Mc- Williams was married in 1915 to Miss Rena Jamie- son, who died in 1917. In 1921 he was married to Mrs. Lillian McFarland, who survives. Besides his widow, Judge McWilliams is survived by two sons, Bert and Paul, Jr., who are associated in the practice of law in the office built by their grand- father in 1881. Both sons served overseas in the armed forces during World War II. Paul McWil- liams, Jr., was a Civil Engineer for five years be- fore taking up the study of law. In 1941 Bert McWilliams was married to Miss Jane White of Hillsboro and they are the parents of five daugh- ters, Sarajane, Suzanne, Marcy, Patrice, and Julie. Hugh J. Hughes HUGH JOSEPH HUGHES, born in Airdria, Scotland, October 10, 1842, was educated at St. Joseph School in Glasgow. June 1, 1866, he came to the United States, locating at Lewistown, Illinois. He moved to Litchfield from Bethalto in 1868. He became an American citizen at Edwards- ville, October 11, 1870. He married Jane Dowd, a native of Cavan, County Cavan, Ireland, in 1866 at Alton. They had ten children. Four are deceased. Mrs. Hughes died in 1884. Mr. Hughes died Jan. 23, 1929. Five daughters and a son survive: Mrs. Mary Sheean, Detroit, Michigan; Mrs. L. M. Kinstle, Brunswick, Georgia; Mrs. J. P. Burns, St. Louis, 70 now residing in Litchfield. Charles and Nellie Hughes have lived in the Hughes home, 419 South State, for seventy-five years. There are 8 grand- children, 16 great grandchildren, and one great- great-grandchild. Mr. Hughes was identified with many activities of Litchfield. He was a member of the City Council when the first waterworks were built, a member of the first Library Board, and was on the School Board that issued diplomas to the first High School graduates. Mr. Hughes followed the mining business, man- aging the old mine east of town, also the north mine. Governor John P. Altgeld appointed him State Mine Inspector for this district in 1895. He was also the first Mine Inspector of Montgomery County. He was the first steamship agent in cen- tral Illinois, representing the Anchor Inman Lines. His son, Charles, has been a tailor at 401 North State for 31 years. Schalk Family HERMAN SCHALK and wife were both born in Germany and came to America when he was twenty-three and she only six years old. They were married in Harvel, Illinois, November 20, 1881, and moved to Litchfield in 1898. He was the custodian of the Elks Club for many years. Their children are: Leo C. Schalk, former presi- dent of the Litchfield Bank and Trust Co.; Miss Minnie Schalk at home; Mrs. Theresa Hinton, em- ployed at the City Clerk's office; Walter H. Schalk, a machinist with Illinois Terminal R. R. at Alton, Illinois; Ray W. Schalk, formerly with the White Sox ball club, now an instructor of baseball at Purdue University; and Clarence Schalk, manager of the Evergreen Tower Bowling Alleys in Chicago, which is one of Ray Schalk's interests in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bishop JESSE F. BISHOP (Frank Bishop) was born in Montgomery County, Illinois, January 12, 1872. He was the son of Joel B. and Martha (Moss) Bishop. His grandfather, William Bishop, came to this county from North Carolina in 1845, and his grandmother, Johannah (Gunther) Bishop was a native of Montgomery County. Frank Bishop spent his early boyhood in New Douglas, Illinois. At the age of 16, he and his parents moved to Litchfield, and he has since spent practically his entire life in this city. On June 5, 1895, he married Norma Canaday, born November 18, 1869. She was a daughter of James and Mary Canaday, another pioneer family. Her father was brought to Montgomery County when 3 years old, by his parents, John and Mildred (Sapp) Canaday, both of whom were born and reared in Kentucky. Mrs. Canaday was a sister of Caleb Warren Sapp who, with Ahart Pierce, entered the land which became the nucleus of Litchfield. During Mr. Bishop's early life he was employed by Litchfield Car Works, Adams & Pacific Express Company, Bartling & Hussey, and L. W. Cline. In 1913 Mr. Bishop and his wife opened a grocery store in this city, operating it until 1936 when it was purchased by their daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Mix. From 1929 until his retirement in 1949, Mr. Bishop was employed by the Litchfield Grocer Company. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop are the parents of four children: Ross of St. Paul, Minnesota, Allen of Taylorville, Mrs. Mildred Mix and Kathryn Bishop, both of Litchfield. Sanders Family RAY E. SANDERS was born near Pawnee, Oc- tober 1, 1888, the son of John C. and Cary Alice (Plummer) Sanders. John C. Sanders came to Litchfield from Pawnee about 1890 and followed his trade as a contractor and builder of homes. Through the years he also became known for the handling of concessions at most of the Illinois celebrations, fairs, and picnics; he traveled as far away as Atlanta, Georgia. His son, Ray, after graduation from the Litchfield High School, helped his father for some years, then began railroading for the Wabash road and today has completed thirty-seven years of service. On September 16, 1908, he married Blanche Miller; their two sons are Walter R. and John E. Walter R. Sanders attended the Litchfield High School, received his A.B. and M.A. degrees from the University of Illinois and for the past twelve years has been a member of the Litchfield High School faculty. His wife is the former Helen E. Sturdy, a graduate of Illinois College; they have two sons, Richard R. and John A. John E. Sanders was graduated from the Litch- field High School, attended Illinois College, saw service in the European theatre in World War II and at present is owner of Sanders Flowers at Salem, Illinois. He married Elsie Poppenhouse; they have two children, Janis D. and David. Charles Lee Whitlock CHARLES LEE WHITLOCK, farmer, was born in North Litchfield Township, July 23, 1874, and received his education in Litchfield High School and Brown's Business College, Jacksonville, Illinois. In 1902 he married Miss Mary E. Barry, daughter of the late Isaac U. and Margaret (Mc- Adams) Barry, and in 1907 he moved his family to South Litchfield Township and continued farm- ing. He took active part in community affairs. He helped organize the Farm Bureau in Montgomery 71 County, was first 4H chairman on the Farm Bureau board; helped with the organization of the Produc- tion Credit Association of Carlinville, and was field man for seven and one-half years. He helped form Prairie Farms Creamery of Carlinville and was president and director for ten years. His grandfather, Samuel Whitlock and family of North Carolina came to Illinois in 1845 and bought 40 acres near the village of Hardinsburg. When the I.C.C. & St. L. R.R. was surveyed and work begun, Calvin, the father of Charles L., and his brothers helped on the grading by working teams of horses and yoke oxen. His father carried mail on horseback from Walshville to Hornsby (Clyde) to Zanesville making two round trips a week. The children of Charles L. and Mary E. Whit- lock are: Harold B., Myron C, Charles L.. Jr., Mary Hope, Ruth Holderread, and Dorothy Schneider. They have been members of First Methodist Church of Litchfield more than 50 years. Macy Family MAURICE T. MACY, his wife, Ha Glee, and their one-month-old daughter, Maureen Tre- cia, came to Litchfield in June, 1927. He became athletic coach and commercial teacher in the Litch- field Community High School and served 15% years. Mr. and Mrs. Macy were both born and reared in Morgan County, Indiana. Daughters Carol Lee and Janet LaVerne were born here and graduated from the local schools. Mr. Macy received his education in Mooresville, Indiana schools, Indiana University, A.B., and Lin- coln College of Law, LL.B. Admitted to Illinois Bar 1942. Volunteered in U. S. Army 1942 and served 43 months in World War II. Discharged with rank of Major in Artillery. Elected County Judge of Mongtomery County in 1946, for 4-year term, now practicing attorney in Litchfield. Past President Rotary Club ; member Kniery-Knagg Post American Legion; Litchfield Lodge No. 236 A. F. and A. M., Litchfield Chamber of Commerce, and Farm Bureau. Ha Glee Macy was educated at Indiana State College and Indiana University. Taught in schools of Indiana, Florida, and Montgomery County, and in Litchfield Elementary Schools since 1951. She is a member of the English Lutheran Church. Maureen was graduated from Florida State Uni- versity A.B. and Lincoln College of Law LL.B.; taught languages in local high school 4 years; ad- mitted to Illinois Bar 1952. Married Arlyn Lober, one child, Rebecca Glee, born 1953; associated with the law firm of Macy and Godfrey. Carol Lee, Earlham College, A.B. married Allen Neave; one child, Maurice Richard, born 1950. They live in Hughesville, Md. Janet LaVerne, sophomore MacMurray College. Gorin-Myers Families HARRY C, son of George W. and Carrie R. Gorin, was born on a farm six miles west of Girard, Illinois. The family moved to Litchfield in 1889 and opened up the subdivision known as the Gorin Addition to the City of Litchfield. In addition to his real estate activities, Mr. Gorin established a retail flour and feed store under the name of Gorin & Winston in a building on the corner where the Post Office now stands. In 1900, the family moved to a farm two and one- half miles northeast of Litchfield, and in 1911, moved back to town. Mr. Gorin died in 1938, and Mrs. Gorin died in 1949. Mr. and Mrs. Gorin were the parents of three children; Harry C. and Glad- din, of Litchfield; and J. A. Gorin, Sr., of St. Louis. Mrs. Gorin, formerly Ina Myers, daughter of Frederick and Melissa Myers, was born in Litch- field. Her father was a veteran of the Civil War, and in 1886, opened a grocery store and bakery in Litchfield in the building where Austin & Shrader Brothers have their furniture store. This business was operated until about 1902, when Mr. Myer's health compelled him to sell. Mr. Myers passed away in 1905, and Mrs. Myers in 1930. In addition to Mrs. Gorin, Mr. and Mrs. Myers had two sons; George and Tom, both of whom passed away — George living in California, and Tom in New Mexico. Harry C. and Ina Gorin are the parents of two daughters, Ina Marie, wife of Lt. Col. Carl W. Bartling, in the Regular Army, now stationed in Korea ; and Harriet Jane Gorin, located in Chicago. L.W. Cline WILLIAM CLINE (1780-1830) and his wife, Jane Bryant Cline, came to this community from North Carolina in 1819, their son Reuben (1815-1859) being four years of age at that time. Reuben Cline married Nellie Smith, to which mar- riage was born James Wesley Cline (1837-1904), who married Mary Elizabeth Thompson in 1862. Leighton Wesley Cline, son of James Wesley and Mary Elizabeth Cline, was born near Litchfield July 31, 1866. Leighton Wesley Cline married Delima Cooper, daughter of Henry and Mary Murphy Cooper. Two children were born of this marriage, Mary Gladys Cline now living in Litchfield, and Leighton Wesley Cline, Jr., who died in 1911. Mr. Cline, Sr., at- tended Southern Illinois State Teachers' College, Illinois Wesleyan, and Blackburn University. In May of 1887 he purchased a grocery store on North State Street. This store grew into a general mer- cantile business which he operated until 1939. Leighton Wesley Cline, Sr., was active in the civic and religious affairs of Litchfield. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Elks. He served as President of the Board of Education of 72 the Public Schools, President of Chamber of Com- merce, and Trustee of the Presbyterian Church. He served upon many civic committees, numerous times as chairman, including the committee which brought the Brown Shoe Company to Litchfield. For many years he was a director of the Litchfield Creamery Company, and in 1935 was elected Presi- dent of the Litchfield National Bank, which position he occupied until his death, April 17, 1945. Bargfield Family IN 1893 Ed Bargfield came to Litchfield from a farm north of Worden to learn the barber trade under his brother, Henry, at 220 North State. In 1902 Ed purchased this shop from his brother. In 1896 he was united in marriage with Ida L. Knight of Litchfield. She died in 1943. They had six children. Three daughters died in very early youth. His only son, Edward, managed various J. J. New- berry stores until his death in 1944 when he was manager of a store in St. Louis. Two daughters are living. Mrs. Mildred B. Ryan and her husband, Maynard, reside with Mr. Bargfield. Mrs. Ryan is teacher and principal of J. D. Colt School where her mother was the first president of the J. D. Colt P.T.A. Miss Edna Bargfield of Boston, Massachu- setts, is secretary to the commanding general of the Cambridge Research Laboratory (U.S.A.F.). A grandson, Edward Hite Bargfield of Madrid, Iowa, spends his summers with his grandfather. For 35 years Mr. Bargfield ran a three-chair bar- ber shop at 220 North State. He barbered for 16 years at 106 East Ryder. In 1944 he sold his shop to Mr. Paulding who later sold it to L. O. McPher- son. Since then, Ed has been doing barber work at his home, 802 South Jackson, where he has lived for fifty years. Altogether Ed Bargfield has bar- bered 60 years in Litchfield. Siegel Wilhite Family SIEGEL AUSTIN WILHITE was born in Hornsby, Illinois, on December 16, 1898, a son of Peter Austin and Mary Lu Tibbetts Wilhite. They were the parents of two other children: Myrtle, wife of Stephen Grimes, Jr., and Selma, who died at the age of three. His family moved to Litchfield in 1899, where his father studied law and served two terms as City Attorney. He died March 20, 1904, while running for a third term. After graduating from Litchfield High School in 1916, he learned the electrical trade at the Ameri- can Radiator Company. Except for one year of teaching at Beacon School, and a short time with the Bureau of Standards in Washington, D. C, he has been all these years with the Radiator Com- pany. He is at present Chief Electrician and Power Plant Engineer. On June 4, 1923, he married Mabel White, a daughter of John Edwin White, the son of James and Martha Smith White, early residents of Litch- field, and Lillie Anderson White. Mrs. Wilhite's parents had four other children: Winifred, Lewis, Lavonne, and Frank. Mrs. Wilhite, a graduate of Litchfield High School with the class of 1916, taught in the Litch- field City School previous to her marriage, and later resumed teaching. She is now teaching at Madison Park School. Mr. and Mrs. Wilhite are the parents of a daugh- ter, Carol Joann, born in Litchfield April 12, 1937. The Wilhites reside at 315 North Walnut Street. William H. Todt, Sr., Family WILLIAM H. TODT was born on a farm in Harvel Township, Montgomery County, July 21, 1885. His parents, Herman Joseph Todt and Mary Langen Todt, were both natives of Illinois. Parents of his father were from Prussia and West- phalia, Germany. They came to America in 1851 and settled in Montgomery County in 1865. The mother's parents were from Bavaria, Germany. They came to this country in 1850 and settled near Morrisonville in 1863. "Bill," as he is familiarly known, graduated from Quincy College at Quincy, Illinois, in 1907. Shortly thereafter, he came to Litchfield and be- gan his business career in the employ of the late C. B. Munday, who had extensive grain, milling and banking interests in this area. He spent four years working in grain offices and banks in small country towns. In 1911 he was sent by his em- ployer to the LaSalle Street National Bank in the heart of Chicago's financial district. After spend- ing four years in this bank and one year with the Chicago Title & Trust Company, he returned to Litchfield in 1916 and engaged in the grain busi- ness. In 1925 he discontinued that business and purchased the real estate and insurance agency lo- cated at 114 West Ryder Street, which he has oper- ated under the name of W. H. Todt & Co. He has handled extensive appraisal assignments from vari- ous government agencies and the Illinois State High- way Department. He was on the appraisal staff of the Federal Housing Administration from 1937 to 1944. He is an Elk, a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, a member of the Springfield Board of Realtors and the Illinois Chapter of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers. During the past 9 years he has served as Democratic Precinct Committeeman. Anna McElligott Todt, born in Litchfield, Sep- tember 25, 1885, is a daughter of John Nolan Mc- Elligott and Honorah O'Connor McElligott. Her parents came to Illinois from County Kerry, Ire- land, about 1870, and settled in Litchfield in 1883. Mrs. Todt graduated from Litchfield High School in 1904, then worked in the St. Louis office of the Mutual Protective League. In 1908 she returned 73 to Litchfield and became a reporter and society editor for the Litchfield News-Herald. For some years she was an officer of St. Ann's Society. Dur- ing World War II she was local chairman of the War Mothers' Committee. William H. Todt and Anna McElligott were mar- ried in Litchfield on February 6, 1918. Their home since 1919 has been at 918 East Union Avenue. William H. Todt, Jr., Family WILLIAM HERMAN TODT, Jr., is a native Litchfieldian, and was born January 28, 1919 son of William H. and Mary McElligott Todt. Bill, Jr., graduated from Litchfield Community High School in 1937. A short time later he started working for C. C. Fischer, of Alton, Illinois, deal- ing in real estate loans. Inducted into military service in January, 1941, and assigned to the Air Corps, after 16 months he was given a medical discharge. He then was employed by the Trans- World Airlines at Lambert Field, St. Louis, and spent five years as a passenger agent and super- visor. For the last several years, he has served as sales representative in the Litchfield area for the St. Louis Independent Packing Company. He is an Elk and Fourth Degree Knight of Co- lumbus. In 1949, he served as chairman of the Community Chest Drive and is now President of the Holy Name Society Men's Organization of St. Mary's Church. On November 15, 1941, he was married to Mary Margaret Cronin, a daughter of Joseph F. Cronin and Bertha Arnold Cronin, both natives of In- diana. She is a graduate of Litchfield Community High School and St. Louis Business College, and for several years worked for The Home Insurance Company and the Pine Lawn Bank and Trust Com- pany, St. Louis. Their family consists of one daughter, Mary Kathleen, aged 8; and a son, William Daniel, aged 4. George Todt Family GEORGE LANGEN TODT, manager of the Litchfield Loan Company, is a native of Litch- field, born November 11, 1924, the second son of William H. and Anna McElligott Todt. After graduating from Litchfield Community High School in 1942, and spending one year at Springfield Junior College, he was inducted in military service in 1943; he was assigned to the air corps and spent about three years at the Eighth Air Force Base at Norwich, England. In December, 1948, he established the Litchfield Loan Company and has since been manager. He is a Fourth De- gree Knight of Columbus, and is a Past President of the Litchfield Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was married on September 6, 1947, to Kath- ryn Marie Cashen, a daughter of Peter J. and Kathryn Flynn Cashen, both of Irish ancestry. Her mother, born in Litchfield, was a daughter of William T. and Kathryn McNamara Flynn. Her father, Peter J. Cashen, is a native of Morrisonville. He came to Litchfield about 1925 and started work in the plant of the American Radiator and Stand- ard Sanitary Corporation. In 1950, after having been superintendent of the local plant for many years, he was transferred to the company's largest plant at Bayonne, New Jersey, where he is now superintendent. Mrs. Todt graduated from Sacred Heart Acad- emy in Springfield in 1946. Their family consists of Catherine Ann, aged 4, and George William aged 2. Mr. & Mrs. Bert J. Myers, Jr. BERT MYERS, Jr., born at 624 North Harrison Street, Litchfield, March 30, 1907, is the son of Bert and Anna Sendig Myers, and grandson of the late Jess Myers. Bert Myers, Sr., was a baker at Bartling-Hus- sey's from 1900 to 1918. He owned the Home Bakery located in the A and H Building from 1918 to 1927. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Myers, Sr., and family then moved to St. Louis. Bert Myers, Jr., started to work for the Master Manufacturing Company in St. Louis. When the Company moved to Litchfield he continued in its service until 1933. Bert, Jr., helped to organize Blatter Motor Sales in 1934, and is now manager. He married Lucille Fellis of Hillsboro in 1936. They have one son, James. He served in World War II for twenty-eight months, 18 months of which were spent in Europe. He was in the Field Artillery. Bert, Jr., is a member of Elks, Moose, and Masonic Lodges, the Shrine, and the Ameri- can Legion. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Myers, Jr., live at 119 Tilson Place, Hillsboro, Illinois. Mr. & Mrs. John F. Weir MR. AND MRS. JOHN F. WEIR and daughter, Cyrena, came to Litchfield from Galesburg, Illinois, in 1902. Mr. Weir established the Bald- win-Weir Lumber Co. at the corner of Union Ave- nue and Madison Streets. They built a large home at 910 East Union Avenue, where Mrs. Weir is still living. She was the youngest of twelve chil- dren born to William C. and Cyrena Dalton Bald- win at White Hall, Illinois. Mr. Weir was born in Galesburg. After retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Weir traveled ex- tensively, and later spent many winters in Bur- bank, California. Mr. Weir died November 16, 7-1 1931. Cyrena was graduated from Knox College, Galesburg. In 1908, she married George R. Cor- win, a native of Fredonia, N. Y., then manager of the American Radiator Plant. Mr. and Mrs. Cor- win left here in 1908, going to Buffalo, N. Y., where Mr. Corwin was manager of the American Radiator Plant until his retirement in 1928. Later they lived in Burbank, California, until Mrs. Cor- win's death, April 11, 1937. Mrs. Weir and Mr. Corwin returned to Mrs. Weir's home in Litchfield. Cyrena Weir Corwin will long be remembered be- cause Mr. Corwin, at his death April 21, 1952, left, as a memorial to her, a Trust Fund, the income of which is to be used for charitable and educational purposes. It is called the "Cyrena Weir Corwin and George R. Corwin Charitable and Educational Memorial Trust," and to quote Mr. Corwin, was given "in sincere appreciation of all that our asso- ciation with the good people of Litchfield has meant to us." Alfred Blackwelder ALFRED BLACKWELDER, grandfather of . Pearl W. Blackwelder, came from North Caro- lina to Hillsboro in 1835. In 1837 he married Joanna Scherer and they settled the next year on Alfred Blackwelder a spot which is now within the city limits of Litch- field. In 1846 he bought 240 acres of land, and some years later, when the Alton and Terre Haute was built through to Hillsboro, he sold the property to E. B. Litchfield. David Blackwelder, son of Alfred and Joanna, was born September 1, 1848, less than a mile south- east of where Litchfield now stands. He was mar- ried to Martha H. Fogleman December 2, 1868. She died March 29, 1890, and he passed away May 22, 1939. To this union were born six boys and one girl who grew to manhood and womanhood. They were: Mrs. George L. Good, Joel T., Benjamin A., Edward O., Alfred Monroe, Ernest S., and Pearl W. The only two surviving are Alfred Monroe at Balko, Oklahoma, and Pearl W. of this city. Pearl W. was born August 4, 1882, on a farm just north of town. When 18 years old he began sell- ing clothing for Alex Nathan. Later, he clerked in the Union Clothing Company for John Coddington. He stayed with this firm until January, 1913, when he purchased the store where he had first started to work for Alex Nathan. This was over 40 years ago, and the name, Blackwelder Clothier, is still the firm name. This is probably longer than any other clothing store in this community has run under the same name. On June 30, 1912, Pearl W. was married to Hazel G. Farquhar of this city and to this union two daughters were born: Alice Rosemond and Wanda Jane, both of whom are married. Alice married Omer W. Thomsen, who is now manager of the Blackwelder Clothier store. They are the parents of a son, Terry Wayne, now 10 years of age. Wanda Jane married Nelson Hoffman, and they make their home in Springfield, where Nelson is employed by the Hahn-Rodenburg Co. In politics, Pearl W. is a Democrat. In 1933 he was appointed Postmaster in Litchfield, which po- sition he held for thirteen years. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Arco Country Club, and the Antler's Club. Mr. Blackwelder's grandfather on his maternal side was Joel M. Fogleman, who was born April 7, 1826, southeast of Litchfield. He married Nancy Jane Crabtree in 1847 and bought a farm north of town which he owned until his death. Constantine Hoog Family A NAME that distinguished State Street's re- tail section for ninety-two years stemmed from Constantine Hoog, who migrated from Germany to Litchfield in 1856. A shoemaker by trade, he set up a store for custom-made boots and shoes at the southeast corner of State and Edwards Streets three years after Litchfield was laid out in town lots. He later ran a hide house and sack depot at the corner. He served as alderman from the sec- ond ward in 1869. Mr. Hoog married Charlotte Niemann of Mt. Olive. Five children were born: Edward, Anna, Lena, wife of E. M. Austin, Ida and Charlotte. The Hoog name became best known and will longest be remembered through the serv- ices of Miss Ida Hoog, a teacher in the Litchfield schools for nearly fifty years. In 1867, Constantine Hoog was succeeded in busi- 75 ness by his son, Edward. As this business waned, the lines of flour, feed and coal were added. Ed- ward married Minnie Johnson of Carlinville, and they became the parents of Arthur V. Hoog. In 1920, Arthur took over his father's store, and likewise found changing times demanded business changes. The store finally housed a line of home appliances and radios, and continued until 1949 when the Hoog name disappeared from State Street. The Hoog family continues through Arthur's son, Edward D., and his two daughters, Deborah and Patricia of Phoenix, Arizona. Updike-Cratty Families PIERSON B. UPDIKE was born in Trenton, New Jersey, July 14, 1836. As a young man, he came West and in Woodburn, Illinois, married Miss Estella Kipp on October 23, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Updike moved with their two small daughters to Litchfield in 1866. One daughter, Ellen Elizabeth, married G. L. Settlemire, and the other daughter, Cora Mary, married S. L. Cratty. Both families made their homes in Litchfield. Mr. Updike was in partnership with Temple Elliott (father of E. R. Elliott) until the latter's death when the hardware firm of Updike & Cratty was formed. Samuel L. Cratty was born near Walshville, Illi- nois, April 17, 1858. He came to Litchfield in 1881 and lived here until his death in 1899. Mr. Updike's entire life was one of activity. Be- sides being an energetic and successful business- man, he was president of the Board of Education, a prominent member of the Masonic Order, an ac- tive worker in the Presbyterian Church, mayor of the city for two terms, and a member of the State Legislature in 1891-93. Mrs. Updike died on Christmas Day in 1910 and after her death the family home located at the cor- ner of Union Avenue and Franklin Street was used as one of the city schools for several years. Woodman-Miller Families DANIEL PERLEY WOODMAN who was born in Massachusetts in 1834, and died in 1898, came to Litchfield in 1861. He enaged in the lum- ber business with his uncle, Rodney Perley, and later became the sole owner. In 1869 he married Sarah M. Knowlton of Bunker Hill, Illinois, the stepdaughter of Judge P. C. Huggins, who laid out the original town of Litchfield and gave its two parks. Daniel and Sarah were the parents of three children, Mary being the only survivor. She was born in Litchfield, graduated from Litchfield High School, and taught in the city's public schools. In 1907 she was married to Joseph Roy Miller, to whom one son was born, Joseph Woodman Miller. He is a graduate of Culver Military Academy and attended Oberlin College in Ohio. In 1949 he mar- ried Joan Ferguson of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. The father, Joseph Roy Miller, was born in Hills- boro and was educated in Litchfield schools. He is president of the First National Bank. Eli Miller, father of Joseph Roy, was born in Ohio in 1848, and died in 1928. He came to Litch- field in 1888, and organized the First National Bank which purchased the banking business of S. M. Grubbs & Co. In 1874 he married Alice W. Roberts of Iowa City, Iowa, to whom two children were born, Anna Isabel and Joseph Roy. Anna studied music in Knox College, Galesburg. In 1907 she married Myron W. Snell, who died in 1927. To them one son was born, Guy Miller, who is a musi- cian, being a graduate of Juilliard School of Music, New York. Anna Miller Snell, who died unex- pectedly in 1935, gave unstintingly of her talent to the community. The Updike-Cratty Home which stood on the site of the White House Service Station. Dr. John D. Colt JOHN DENNISON COLT, physician and surgeon, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1839. At the age of seventeen he began the study of medicine at what is now Western Reserve Univer- sity; he left in 1861 to serve in the navy under the command of Admiral Porter. He returned to West- ern Reserve University and was graduated in 1864, then immediately came to Litchfield. On Septem- ber 15 of that year he married Susan McAllister. They were the parents of two children: Archibald, who died early in childhood, and Charlotte, wife of Joseph Paden. Coming to this new town as a young doctor, Dr. Colt grew as Litchfield grew. With the families of his first patients he built lifelong friendships. He was on the staff of St. Francis Hospital from its very beginning. He served in the City Council and on the Board of Education. The First Ward School bears his name. When a young doctor named Lee Gilbert Allen returned from medical school to begin practice in Litchfield, Dr. Colt took the same fatherly interest in him which he would have taken in his own son. Throughout his life Dr. Colt displayed a love of nature and many were the trips he made to the 76 John D. Colt Dr. Lee G. Allen woods to watch the beauties of the springtime un- fold. His deep concern for human needs was equal to his continual search for knowledge. In the history of Litchfield, both medical and civic, Dr. Colt stands as an institution in himself. For sixty-six years he gave to the community the special services he had to offer. Dr. Lee G. Allen LEE GILBERT ALLEN, a lifelong resident of the Litchfield Community, was a physician and surgeon for half a century. Born November 30, 1876, died June 10, 1952, he was the son of William Lee and Amanda Potts Allen. Dr. Allen, educated at Marion Sims-Beaumont Medical College, now St. Louis University, was graduated in 1902. He returned to Litchfield to practice medicine and formed a deep friendship with Dr. J. D. Colt. Dr. Colt loved Lee Allen as if he were his own son and took interest and pride in the professional development of the younger physician. On April 26, 1905, Dr. Allen married Effie R. Felts. They are the parents of three children: Dorothy Lee, Elizabeth Colt, and Lee George. Their grandchildren are Dorothy Lee White, Jeanette Wright, Tommie McDonald, Dan Danahy, Timothy Pfahler, Jen and Patrick Colt Hittmeier, Nelle, Amy, and Matthew Allen. Their two great grandchildren are Roi White and Lee Allen Wright. Dr. Allen served on the staff of St. Francis Hos- pital during his entire practicing career. It was here for many years he assumed the role of Santa Claus for the Christmas festivities. In March, 1952, Dr. Allen was honored by the Macoupin-Montgomery County Medical Association for his fifty years as a practicing physician. Music played an important part in the life of Dr. Allen. As a hobby, he played the violin, and his folk music, including his own composition, "Honey Bend Waltz," brought pleasure to many, many people. Dr. Lee George Allen is practicing medicine in the offices, corner Monroe and Kirkham Streets, which he shared for six years with his father. Ronen Family THE family of Jeremiah Ronen came from Ire- land, and after a short stay in Albany, New York, came to Montgomery County. They settled two and a half miles northeast of Litchfield in 1861. The older children attended Oak Grove School for several years before they moved to Litchfield in 1868. They purchased a home at the corner of East St. John Street and Illinois Avenue, which was then in a new addition to the city of Litchfield. This property is still in the Ronen family. Jeremiah Ronen died in 1873 and his wife in 1912 and both are buried in the family plot in Holy Cross Cemetery. Michael Ronen, the oldest son of Jeremiah and 77 Ellen Lynch Ronen, married Anna Farley in 1885 and they were parents of Mary, Dan, Nell, James, Catherine, Patrick, Julia, and Michael. The four living children still reside in Litchfield. In 1913, Dan Ronen married Mae Unterbrink; they have two children, Nell and Dan V. Nell Ronen married J. M. Cox in 1944; their children are Anne, Dan, and Jim. Dan V. Ronen married Rachel Hill in 1942 ; their children are Dan H. and Dennis. Jim Ronen and Maunette Welliver were married in 1921 ; they have two sons, William J. and Harold. William J. married Barbara Norvell in 1949; their children are James and Patricia. Harold is now serving in the U. S. Navy. Shore Family PETER SHORE, a direct descendant of General Marion of Revolutionary fame known as "The Swamp Fox," and Elizabeth Tilman-Shore were born in Surry County, North Carolina, in 1791 and 1794 respectively. Peter and Elizabeth married at an early age and settled on a plantation near Lex- ington, Kentucky, where Tilman was born, Decem- ber 17, 1820, the eldest of twelve children, some born on the plantation and the others in Illinois. Peter was persuaded by a family friend named Litchfield, to sell out in Kentucky, come north, and settle in the town of Litchfield, Illinois. Here he bought lots from the Pretlow estate, established a home on North State Street and with Tilman, be- gan a hardware and farm implement business which proved very successful for three generations. After the deaths of his mother and father, Tilman, hav- ing a flair for farming, purchased considerable acreage away out on East Union Avenue where he proceeded to plant thirty-eight acres in orchards and shade trees and there he built a pretentious home for his bride, Jane Settlemire, of Cape Gi- rardeau, Missouri. She was a sister of David Orr Settlemire, in those days a cabinetmaker. It took her two years to spin the flax, weave the cloth and make her entire trousseau for her marriage in 1850. Three children were born to this union: George Marion born on December 28, 1852 ; Charles Francis in 1858 and Ida May in 1863. George, to the horror of some, and to the amusement of other old settlers, rode a high-wheel bicycle at night across a narrow rustic wooden bridge which his father had built over a deep ravine just west of the home. His mother often told how she, with the help of one servant, Martha Taylor, baked twenty- five pies, two dozen hams, several dozen chickens, many loaves of bread, roasts, vegetables, etc., when they would receive notice that Civil War soldiers would be passing through, and being well fed, they did not destroy any of the property or drive away any of the stock. After a time, Tilman Shore desired more land for his stock so he sold the place, later to become the home of David Davis, Sr. He bought a large tract of land just north or on the outskirts of Litchfield where he built another pretentious home which was given to much entertaining. The Shore Farm was then quite a show place, with its white build- ings, fences, great avenue of trees and vast rose and vegetable gardens. As there were no side- walks so far out, he laid double planks all of the way to North State Street so his small grand- daughter, Vera Shore, could walk to Sunday School without muddy or dusty shoes when the roads were too bad to drive the two miles. Tilman Shore, with his brother-in-law, D. O. Set- tlemire, and Henry Beach, organized the Litchfield Car & Foundry Company, but severed his connec- tion with same before it was moved to Bingham- ton, Tennessee. He died of a heart attack shortly after on March 7, 1887, and is buried in Litchfield. His wife sur- vived him by several years, and his sister, Mary Elizabeth Shore, who married Lewis Whitaker, also an early settler, died in Los Angeles at the age of ninety-two years, in 1931. George Marion Shore married Miss Alice Ann Jones, daughter of the Reverend Thomas William Jones, a Baptist minister, November 3, 1875. The Jones home occupied a square block on North State Street, later to become the Colonel Van Deusen home, when Reverend Jones was called to a pastorate at Danville, Illinois, where he died. Mr. Jones, a friend of Abraham Lincoln, had sold his plantation where he was born and reared, near Brownsville, Tennessee, had freed his slaves, and come north to St. Louis where he was appointed by Missouri's Governor, Hamilton R. Gamble, as Chaplain of the First Regiment, Missouri Cavalry, Volunteeers, September 6, 1861, for the duration of the war. After the war he located in Litchfield and besides having the Baptist Church pastorate engaged in real estate for a time. His daugh- ter, Elizabeth Preston Jones, taught in the Litch- field Public Schools. His first wife was Ann Pres- ton, daughter of Joshua Preston of Hillsboro, Illi- nois, formerly of Frederick, Maryland. Five years after her death he married her sister, Elizabeth A. Preston. George Marion and Alice Ann Shore had four children, Vera Elizabeth, now living in St. Louis; Georgine Marion who married Henry Brown Graham of St. Louis ; Herbert Roy and Helen Alice who died at the ages of two and three years. Charles Francis Shore was married to Emma Dees in 1886. Ida May Shore married Jacob Terry who was in the undertaking and livery business in Litchfield for many years. They located in Cali- fornia and were the parents of five children, two of whom survive: Grace Terry-Aston of Glendale, her two daughters and three grandchildren, and Alma Terry-Pennington of Stockton, California, and her three daughters and two grandchildren. Francis (Frank) Terry who was born in Litchfield, died in December, 1952, at Van Nuys, California; Earle died at the Mare Island Navy Yard, World War I, and Paul Terry died two weeks later at college. The Shore children all received their early edu- cation in the Litchfield public schools before going 78 elsewhere. George M. was sent to the Christian Brothers College in St. Louis where he received honors in Latin, Greek and calculus, and then on to college in Boston. For a time he clerked in his father's hardware store during vacations; then worked at the Car Company in Litchfield and in Binghamton, Tennessee. Later he worked for the American Car and Foundry Company of St. Louis; then in Canada on the Canadian Pacific Railroad for a time before leaving for California to enter the real estate business. Finally he returned to St. Louis where he built a handsome home at 5555 Lindell Boulevard but he died just before it was completed ; he is buried at Litchfield. His daughter, Georgine Marion Shore, a Latin and Greek scholar, taught German and French in the University before her marriage to Henry Brown Graham. Vera Elizabeth Shore, speaking German, French and Spanish, has done public speaking in St. Louis and was president of an International Literary Group, receiving the highest honors and the Award of Merit from the De'phians. Dale Graham DALE GRAHAM was the only child of George H. Graham, native of Farmersville, Illinois, and Alice McPeak Graham of Girard, Illinois. His parents came to Litchfield about 1898 and are now both deceased and buried in Elmwood Cemetery. Dale was born August 2, 1900, at 1404 North Jackson Street, Litchfield, which home he still owns. His first work was at the Glenn Brubaker garage doing odd jobs in the repair shop. In 1915 he went to work in the Litchfield Na- tional Bank and in 1917 left Litchfield to work in the Mississippi Valley Trust Company, St. Louis, where he stayed for eleven years, becoming As- sistant Vice-President. He was graduated from Benton College of Law, St. Louis, and admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1926. He left St. Louis in May, 1928, to become Assistant Vice-President of Na- tional Park Bank, New York, which bank soon merged with the Chase National Bank of New York and he became Second Vice-President of the bank. In May, 1931, he went to New Orleans as Cashier of the Canal Bank and Trust Company, which re- organized in 1933 as the National Bank of Com- merce in New Orleans. Mr. Graham served as Senior Vice-President and in 1950 was elected Pres- ident of the bank, which position he now holds. He was married to Dorothy A. Gahre, of Rock- ville Centre, New York, December 6, 1929, and they have two children, Marilyn Louise, born October 25, 1930, and Irene Ivel, born October 5, 1933. Their home is No. 1 Farnham Place New Orleans. Mr. Graham is a director of the Southern Cotton Oil Company, and of Wesson Oil and Snowdrift Company, Inc. He is a member of the Boston Club, New Orleans Country Club, International House, Petroleum Club, Stratford Club, Lake Shore Club, Recess Club, Round Table Club and is listed in "Who's Who in America." Chris F. Zuber Family CHRIS F. ZUBER, son of Henry J. and Amelia Young Zuber, was born in Jersey County, Illinois, on February 21, 1906. He attended the Litchfield schools and graduated in the 1924 class of the Litchfield Community High School. He be- came City Clerk of Litchfield in May, 1930, and served continuously until August, 1944, when he resigned to accept a position with the First Na- tional Bank of Litchfield, where he is now an as- sistant cashier. He was married June 19, 1940, to Miss Lucille Bandy, daughter of Elmer E. and Mamie Hoog Bandy. Mrs. Zuber was born Sept. 8, 1912, near Litchfield, and is a graduate of the class of 1930 of the Litchfield Community High School. They are the parents of seven children: Mar- garet Ann, Mary Louise, Christine A., John David, Kathryn L., and Jane Patrice. A son, Charles Edward died in infancy. Mr. Zuber is serving his ninth year as member and secretary of the Board of Education of the Litchfield Community High School, and his ninth year as Secretary of Litchfield Park Board. Buscher Family MICHAEL JAMES BUSCHER, born April 13, 1874, and John Francis Buscher, born Octo- ber 26, 1878, in Atlanta, Indiana, moved to Litch- field with their parents, John Buscher and Margaret Shield Buscher in 1887. They both attended St. Mary's Parochial School. Michael J. Buscher then returned to Atlanta, Indiana, where he taught school for two years. He then returned to Litch- field and was employed with his brother, John F. Buscher, in the company of Munday and Settlemire in the grain business. They then worked at the Litchfield Bank and Trust Company and M. J. Buscher was also employed by the Mercantile Trust Bank in St. Louis. He returned to Litchfield and set up a coal, ice, and grain business with the help of his brother, John F., who retired in 1948. On July 15, 1903, M. J. Buscher married Bessie McElligott, daughter of John and Honore McEl- ligott. Mrs. Buscher was born June 12, 1879, in Nameoki, Illinois, and her family moved here when she was three years old. She attended St. Mary's School and was graduated from the Litchfield High School. She died in 1941. M. J. Buscher has been a member of B. P. O. Elks, Moose, Knights of Co- lumbus, Committee of 25 Civic Organization for Town Development, and is a member of St. Alo- ysius Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Buscher had two children, J. Paul Buscher and Betty Buscher Uhlenhop, and eight grandchildren. Mr. John F. Buscher married Theresa Munday, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Munday in 1900. They had six children: Clement, Colorado Springs, 79 Colorado; Charles, Springfield; Joseph, Granite City; Genevieve Buscher Heise, Litchfield; Mary Agnes Buscher McLean, Granite City; James, now Rev. Adelbert Buscher, OSB, St. Meinard Abbey, St. Meinard, Indiana. They have 25 grandchildren. Mrs. Buscher died in 1940. Mr. Buscher has been a member of the Moose and is a 25-year member of the Knights of Columbus, also of the Holy Name Society of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Fisher- Wooster-Gragg- Montgomery WILLIAM H. FISHER was born in 1829 in Middlesex County, New Jersey, came to Jer- sey County, Illinois, in 1845, and in 1865 came to Litchfield, where he became an extensive land owner. He married Elizabeth Ivins in 1853. Their children were Charles, who died in infancy, George and Mary. He retired from farming and built a home at 821 North Madison Street. He planted most of the trees in Library and Madison Parks. Elizabeth Fisher died in 1875 and he married Sarah Cooper Ivins, whose daughter, Maria, mar- ried Fred C. Beeman. Their daughter, Mabel, lives at 905 North Madison Street. Mr. Fisher died in 1900. George William Fisher, born on a farm south- west of Litchfield in 1855, was educated at the Uni- versity of Illinois. He married Emma Louise Savage of Olivet, Michigan, in 1881. They lived in Michigan twelve years, where Roy Savage, Ruth Louise, and George were born. After returning to Litchfield, Mr. Fisher engaged in the grocery business. They were active in the Universalist Church from the time of its organization, and were interested in the Litchfield-Hillsboro Chau- tauqua. Mrs. Fisher was president of the Woman's Club in 1903-1904, and was also a mem- ber of the Library Board for many years. Mr. Fisher died in May, 1926, and Mrs. Fisher in Janu- ary of the same year. Roy Savage Fisher married Kathryn Eilert in Chicago in 1939. They resided in that city until his death in 1953. Ruth Louise married Alfred C. Gragg in 1915. They have one daughter, Kathryn Louise, who at- tended school in Litchfield and was graduated from Millikin University. She was married to Fritz Le- Roy Washburn of Decatur in 1940. They have two sons, Steven Bruce and Mark Fisher and now live in LaGrange, Illinois. George Fisher was born in 1890 at Saginaw, Michigan, and died in 1911. Mary Fisher married William L. Wooster in 1883. Mr. Wooster was born in Connecticut in 1861. He came to Litchfield in 1880 and worked for the C.C.C. and St. L. Railroad until he started in the furniture business, located in the same build- ing Barenholz now occupies. Mr. and Mrs. Wooster were active in the Presbyterian Church, the Litch- field-Hillsboro Chautauqua, and Library. The early married life of this couple was spent in a cottage on the corner where the Elks Lodge now stands. Lawrence Fisher and Grace were born there. In 1889, they built a home on the corner of Madison and Second Streets where Russell was born. Lawrence married Veva Magers of Portland, Oregon. He taught electrical engineering in Ore- gon State College for forty years, until his death in 1950. Veva Wooster died in 1952. Grace married Kenyon Montgomery of Carroll- ton, Illinois. Kenyon came to Litchfield in 1905, and was secretary and treasurer of the Litchfield Grocer Company for twenty-five years. Later he had charge of the Commissary Department of the Brown Shoe Factory. He died in 1953. They had two sons, Wooster and Kenyon Fisher. Wooster married Ann Galbraith of Vancouver, British Co- lumbia; they have one daughter, Carolyn Ann. They live in Van Wert, Ohio. Kenyon Fisher served three years in World War II. He married Irlene Rhea of Brentwood, Missouri. They have two sons, David Kenyon and William Rhea. Mrs. Grace Montgomery and son, Kenyon, own and op- erate a photo finishing plant and camera supply store in the Moose Building on West Ryder Street. Russell Wooster served two years in World War I; he married Geneva Harvey in 1928. They are now living in Normandy, Missouri, where he has a television and radio repair service. They have one son, William Donald, recently in military service. Settlemire Family DAVID O. SETTLEMIRE was born in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, in 1827 and the following year his parents emigrated to Greene County, Illinois, settling ten miles from Alton. Mr. Settlemire was reared on a farm at Brighton. His education was limited to six months' attendance in a log schoolhouse. In his 17th year he left home to serve an apprenticeship to a cabinetmaker at Carlinville where he spent three years. He then became a carpenter, working at Brighton, Bunker Hill and Gillespie as a contractor; one of his jobs was a large flouring mill at Gillespie which he ran until 1861. He then engaged in the grain business in connection with merchandising until the fall of 1866. Then he purchased property in Litchfield and the following year built his home and the grain elevator, then known as the OK Mill and Elevator. In 1870 he sold the mill to J. B. L. Keating. He then built the Wabash elevator, furnishing the first "dump" to handle unloading, cleaning and shelling of corn. In 1871 he built the Harvel ele- vator; in 1873 he rebuilt the Mt. Olive elevator, and six years later bought and remodeled the Mor- risonville elevator. On March 20, 1876, he was elected president of Litchfield Car Manufacturing Company. In August, 1877, he purchased the property of the car company and then organized the Litchfield Car and Machine Company. On August 14, 1878, he was elected president of the company and continued to serve in this capacity. 80 Mr. Settlemire's marriage occurred November 29, 1849, to Sarah J. Adams, a native of Massachusetts. Their children were George L. and Iola E. (wife of Walter Arthur). George L. was married October 8, 1878, to Ellen E. Updike; their children were David P. and Wil- bur L. George L. worked in his father's elevators in Litchfield, then became the owner. In 1902 he became director of the Litchfield Bank and Trust Company and in 1938 he became president of the bank. He died in March, 1940. George's children were educated in Litchfield Public Schools and the University of Illinois. The son, David P., went to Mt. Vernon, Illinois, to work in the Car and Machine Shop that had been moved from Litchfield, later he became the Secretary- Treasurer. He married Eleanor Smith of Boston and had two children, Walter Lynn and Betty Elizabeth, and two grandchildren. Wilbur L. settled in Litchfield in the plumbing business as partner with P. Odem. In December, 1919, he married Irene Goodall of Litchfield. They had one daughter, Patricia G., wife of Lt. Robert Newport (at present stationed at Okinawa), and one grandson, Robbie A. Newport. Masters-Henrichs Families THIS family's association with Litchfield began in 1855 when James E. Masters arrived with his father's family from Kentucky and settled on a farm a few miles east of town. James, 19 years old, had a longing to be a preacher, and in 1864 preached his first sermon in the "Brush Creek" schoolhouse southeast of Litchfield. In 1865 he married Isabelle Hayden of Dorchester, and they reared a family of two sons and a daughter on a small farm at Dorchester. One daughter died in in- fancy and a son, Charles, died in 1900 at the age of thirty. Surviving at this time are a son, Frank, in Washington, D. C, and the daughter, Mrs. H. F. Henrichs, in Litchfield. Mr. and Mrs. Masters spent 51 years in the Dorchester home, and after cele- brating their "golden anniversary," they moved to Litchfield in 1916. Mrs. Masters died January 7, 1924, at the age of 81, and Mr. Masters died Feb- ruary 15, 1930, at the age of 93. Both were active in the Christian Church during their lifetime, Mr. Masters preaching for many of the rural churches in this area. On April 15, 1900, Miss Winifred Masters was married to Henry F. Henrichs, also of Dorchester. They began their married life in Bunker Hill, where H. F. was editor and publisher of the Bunker Hill News. After a few years of publishing weekly and daily newspapers, they settled in Litchfield in May, 1906. Here H. F. was manager of the Daily Herald, resigning later to devote all his time to sell- ing newspaper plants throughout the country. In 1924 came the establishing of the Sunshine Maga- zine, which in the twenty-nine years has become world-wide. Children born to H. F. and Winifred: Garth, March 27, 1903, in Bunker Hill; Carol Isabel, June 24, 1909, in Litchfield (died March 24, 1910) ; Monta Mildred, March 30, 1911, in Litchfield. Garth married Madge Coleman of Peoria, June 7, 1928, and they have lived here since, Garth hav- ing been associated with the Henrichs Publications since the founding. Both graduated from Eureka College in 1925. Their two children are: Larry, a student in Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma; and Carolann, a student in Eureka College. Monta married Richard T. Crane of Modesto, December 22, 1934, and they lived for seventeen years in Mount Sterling, where Mr. Crane was superintend- ent of schools. They are both graduates of Eureka College. Their two children are: Richard Thomas, Jr., a senior next year in high school; and Judith Ann, now in junior high school. They moved to Litchfield in September, 1952, to become associated with the Henrichs Publications. H. F. Henrichs lives at 821 North State Street ; Garth lives at 1004 North State Street, and Richard Crane lives at 822 North State Street. Yaeger Family IRVING AND HATTIE BURGDORFF YAEGER, HAZEL MARIE, AND BEN I. came to Litchfield in 1896. Irving Yaeger was born in St. Louis, December 25, 1868. Hattie Caroline Burgdorff was born in Carlinville, on June 17, 1869. Hazel Marie Yaeger Sheetz was born in Carlinville on April 9, 1893. Ben I. Yaeger was born in Carlinville on September 7, 1895. Lewis D. Yaeger was born in Litchfield on October 3, 1897. Harry A. Yaeger was born in Litchfield on April 28, 1910. In 1895 W. F. Burgdorff and C. H. Burgdorff of Carlinville, operating a clothing store in that city, moved a clothing business which they were also operating in Greenfield to Litchfield, in those days a rather young city with industrial and growing possibilities. The store had lost money during the first year and the owners felt this was due to man- agement. Irving Yaeger was a millwright and in the mill building business. Mr. Burgdorff, his fa- ther-in-law, offered Mr. Yaeger the management of the Litchfield store and the family moved here in 1896. The business grew and in 1918 with his two sons, Ben and Lewis, Irving Yaeger effected the purchase of the Burgdorff firm. Irving Yaeger passed away in 1946 following the passing of Mrs. Yaeger in 1935. The firm of Yaegers was then organized with Ben I. Yaeger, Lewis D. Yaeger, and Ralph Hermsmeyer as owners. Lewis Yaeger sold his interest in 1948 to Ben Yaeger, Ralph Herms- meyer, and E. R. Granger, who carried on the Yaeger name and business. In 1950 Ben Yaeger passed on and the re-arrangement of the firm operates under the ownership of Mrs. B. I. Yaeger, Ralph Herms- meyer, and E. R. Granger. Hazel Marie Yaeger married John A. Sheetz, now living in Cleveland. They have a son and a daughter, John Irving Sheetz and Helen Lucille Sheetz Exton. Ben I. Yaeger married Louise Davis SI of Chicago and they had a daughter, Mary Yaeger Granger, living in Litchfield. Dr. Harry A. Yaeger married Dolores Becker of Mt. Olive. They have three children: Deanna, Linda, and Harry Ed- ward (Neddy) Yaeger. Mr. and Mrs. Irving Yaeger were active in Uni- versalis! Church circles. Irving Yaeger, Ben I. and Lewis D. were past Exalted Rulers of the B.P.O.E. Irving Yaeger was active in school circles for over forty years; was very active in business and Chamber of Commerce activities; Lewis D. is now the city's mayor. Dr. Harry Yaeger is serving as a school board member, carrying on his father's interests in that field. Mrs. Irving Yaeger was president of the Litchfield Woman's Club for sev- eral years. Goodall Family CHARLES GOODALL was born in Yorkshire, County of Durham, England, January 7, 1854. On June 14, 1880, he married Sarah Eleanor Park at Wheatley, England. In 1881 they came to the United States to reside at Springfield, Illinois. There four daughters were born to them. In 1888 they came to Litchfield where Mr. Good- all was first employed as a mechanic for the Litch- field Foundry and Machine Company, and later worked for the Wabash Railroad shops at Decatur. Two sons and a daughter were born in Litchfield. Mr. Goodall died in April, 1931. The children all attended the public schools in Litchfield and three of them, Jane, Gordon, and Irene, still live here. Lillian taught in the Lincoln and Ida J. Russell schools for some years before going east to become affiliated with the Boston Housing Authority. One great-grandson, Lt. Coleman, was with the armed forces in Korea. A granddaughter with her husband, Lt. Newport, and small son are with the armed forces in Okinawa. Both sons and grand- sons have previous war records. There are six children, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grand- children still living. The entire family has been active in fraternal orders, American Legion, and church work. Stansifer Family JAMES T. AND ABIGAIL BARNETT STANSI- FER came to Litchfield in 1892 where Mr. Stan- sifer became an insurance and real estate agent. In 1893 their youngest son, Albert R., married Delia Holbrook, a daughter of James L., born in Montgomery County in 1836, and Glaphira Spill- man of Kentucky. The Stansifers had two daughters, Merle, now Mrs. Harry W. Butler, and Mary, now Mrs. C. C. Ligon. Mary is on the Home Economics Extension staff of the University of Illinois. The Stansifers had two grandsons, Thomas Stansifer Butler and Robert Brokaw Butler; Robert died in infancy. They have three great-grandchildren, Caroline Virginia, Robert Brian, and William Stansifer, chil- dren of Thomas and Virginia Kuhl Butler. At the death of his father in 1897, Albert took charge of the business and from that time his in- terests in a business way had to do with the finan- cial life of the community. He was always civic minded and had a large part in bringing to Litch- field the Brown Shoe Company and the American Radiator Company. During World War I he served as Y.M.C.A. Secretary, stationed in England. Albert and Delia Stansifer were active members of the Union Avenue Christian Church through the years, Mrs. Stansifer a Bible teacher, and Mr. Stansifer serving as superintendent of the Sunday school, elder, and chairman of the official board. He also was a member of the Illinois State Board of Disciples of Christ for many years. Albert Stansifer died in 1947. Delia Stansifer is still liv- ing and active at the age of eighty. Ray W. Schalk RAY W. SCHALK, "The Cracker," Litchfield's most famous athlete, was born in Harvel, Illi- nois, August 12, 1892, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Her- man Schalk. The family moved to Litchfield when Ray was a small boy. Ray Schalk and son As a youth in 1909, he caught for the Litchfield Arcos, which was managed by Jesse Orr. In 1910 he played with Taylorville in the Illinois-Missouri League and was sold to Milwaukee in the Ameri- can Association. The Chicago White Sox bought his contract in 1912. 82 While with the Sox, he caught 1719 baseball games over a 17-year period, setting several rec- ords. He played in the World Series in 1917 and 1919. He managed the Sox in 1927. Other teams he managed were Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Buffa- lo. Schalk also coached baseball at Wisconsin and Purdue Universities. During his playing days he caught five no-hitters. He played on the Litch- field high school basketball team in 1909. In October, 1916, Schalk was married to Lavina Graham of Farmersville. He has a son and daugh- ter. The late Babe Ruth and Billy Evans named him the greatest catcher baseball has ever known. At present Schalk operates a large bowling es- tablishment in Chicago and helps coach Purdue's squad each spring. Charles M. Davis Family CHARLES M. DAVIS and Emily G. McReynolds were married in Granite City, Illinois, Sep- tember 20, 1930, and two years later came to Litch- field to make their home. Their present residence is 513 East Edwards Street. On December 17, 1932, their first son, David Lee, was born. Another son, Charles Kenneth, was born June 29, 1939, and a daughter, Muriel Frances, on September 21, 1940. David Lee graduated from Litchfield Community High School with the class of 1952 and is now serving in the Air Corps. For the past twenty years Mr. Davis has been employed as metallurgist at the American Radia- tor and Standard Sanitary Corporation. Mrs. Da- vis is Secretary of the Litchfield Chamber of Com- merce, Community Chest, and Litchfield Centen- nial. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are Past Patron and Ma- tron of Lavonne Chapter, O.E.S. and Mr. Davis is a Past Master of Litchfield Lodge No. 236, Past High Priest of Elliot Chapter, Past Commander of St. Omar Commandery and served as District Deputy Grand Master of 79th District, A.F. & A.M. All members of the family belong to the First Baptist Church in Litchfield. Snell Family GUY ASA SNELL and Abbie (Voorhees) Snell, his wife, were born in Jerseyville, March 14, 1839 and February 5, 1846. They came to Litchfield in 1900, retiring from their farm in Macoupin County. They had four children: Hugh, Myron, Truman and Reba. Hugh, born March 9, 1864, died August 29, 1925, in Litchfield. He came to Litchfield in 1884 to clerk in the hardware store of Thomas Rhodes. Later he became the proprietor of the Litchfield Steam Laundry, manager of Snell's Opera House, president of Litchfield Grocer Company, served as Past Master of Charter Oak Lodge, Chairman of the Board of Grand Examiners of Illinois, charter member of Elks Lodge, County Food Administrator in Montgomery County in World War I. In 1891 he married Mae Smith of Litchfield. Their daughters are Abbie (Mrs. Harold Morgan) of Litchfield and Mary (Mrs. John Wakeman) of St. Louis. Abbie Snell Morgan graduated from Litchfield High School in 1910, from the National Park Sem- inary, Forest Glen, Maryland, in 1912. She served as president of the Litchfield Woman's Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Women's As- sociation of the Presbyterian Church. Abbie and Harold Morgan have four children. Martin gradu- ated from the Litchfield High School in 1934, at- tended University of Illinois, was graduated from the Kent College of Law in 1940. He is a practic- ing attorney in Chicago, associated with the Social Security Department of the Federal government. Married Mary Beasley, St. Louis, Missouri. He has three children: Martin, Jr., Lucy Ann, Stephen. Marjorie (Mrs. Donald Miller) gradu- ated Litchfield High School 1939, and attended Uni- versity of Illinois. Dorothy (Mrs. John Higgins) graduated Litchfield High School 1943. Has daugh- ter, Margaret Jane. Virginia graduated Litch- field High School, 1948, attended University of Illinois and Washington University School of Nurs- ing, St. Louis, Missouri. Mary Snell Wakeman graduated from Litchfield High School 1915, attended National Park Semi- nary, Forest Glen, Maryland, and Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. She served as Presi- dent of Litchfield Woman's Club, as chairman of Volunteer Services of Red Cross. Mary and John Wakeman have one daughter, Marianna (Mrs. An- thony Melendez), New York City. Marianna grad- uated 1946 from high school in St. Louis, and studied at the Russian School of Ballet in New York City. Dr. Myron Snell born November 23, 1871, died January 5, 1927. Came to Litchfield early 1900's to practice medicine. Served as Exalted Ruler Elks. State President of the Elks. Lt. Col. Medi- cal Corps, World War I, head of National Military Hospital, Milwaukee, Wis. Chief Medical Exami- ner American Bankers Insurance Co., Jacksonville, Illinois. Married Anna Miller, Litchfield, 1907. One son, Guy Miller Snell, graduated Jacksonville High School, attended Illinois College, Juilliard School of Music, New York City, concert pianist, taught Blind Institute, Jacksonville and Monticello College, Godfrey, Illinois. Truman, born September 22, 1876, now prac- ticing attorney, Carlinville, Illinois. Been member State Legislature, Assistant Attorney General of Illinois. Married Emma Schmidt of Gillespie. Had two daughters: Margaret (Mrs. James Cassner), who has two sons, and Reba (Mrs. John Bur- roughs), who has a son and a daughter. Reba, born February 5, 1885, married Harry White, lived in Litchfield, operated White Jewelry Art Co., had two children, Elizabeth (Mrs. Clel- land Friddle), Kenosha, Wis., who has Donald, Abbie, David and grandson Robert Earl; and Shirley, proprietor of a store in Springfield, Illi- nois who has two children. S3 Samuel Moody Grubbs SAMUEL MOODY GRUBBS came to Litchfield in 1865. He was a member of the firm of Brewer, Seymour & Company, Bankers, which later became Brewer & Grubbs, then S. M. Grubbs & Com- pany. In January, 1889, it was organized as the First National Bank of Litchfield. Here he served as president until he retired in 1914. He built the brick house at 805 East Union Avenue, was elected mayor in 1879, served two terms as City Treasurer. He married Mary Brewer in 1857 and to them were born seven children, the four sons dying in infancy; his wife died in 1888. His second wife was Mrs. Elizabeth White who died in 1916. Children by his first wife were Ella, Mary and Lila. Ella married George Atterbury and has a daugh- ter, Hazel (Mrs. James R. Spraker). Lila had a son, Col. Allen R. Elliott, who married Margaret Andrews. Mary (Mrs. Edward Richard Davis) has seven children. William Warren Moody married Bess Canedy. Ella Feme married William Bernard Lewis. Frances Mary married Raymond Gage Talcott. Edward Paul died in infancy. Vice Ad- miral Ralph Otis married Anita Cresop and sec- ondly, Dorothy Benson. Mary Louise married Ben- jamin Irving Yaeger. Edward Richard married Frances Dixon. Descendants living in Litchfield are Mrs. B. I. Yaeger, granddaughter; Mrs. Edward R. Granger, great-granddaughter; Molly and John Granger, great-great-grandchildren. Kitch-Fleming Families HIRAM A. KITCH married Laura Alice Stark at Macon, Illinois, on June 24, 1885, and taught school there for a while, moved to Olney for a time, and came to Litchfield in 1900. He was one of ten sons born to Rev. and Mrs. E. H. Kitch. who served Lutheran pastorates at DeSoto and other points in southern Illinois and adjoining states. He traveled for the Meyer Schmidt Grocer Company for many years and taught the men's class in the English Lutheran Sunday School. Po- litically a Republican, he served as precinct com- mitteeman for several years, and one term as city treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Kitch passed away in 1941 and 1943 respectively. Children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kitch: Edna, now wife of John Busch of Decatur. She was a local school teacher and later supervising nurse in government hospitals; Ernest H. of Indianapolis, working for a branch of the American Radiator Company; Clara Mabel, a teacher of art in Lanphier High School, Spring- field; John Raymond, attorney, president of Secur- ity Mutual Casualty Company in Chicago; Alice Grace, wife of City Judge Charles Fleming, em- ployed in the office of the Litchfield Creamery Company. The grandchildren are: William, son of Ernest, Indianapolis insurance salesman; Dar- win, John Robert, and Frederick, sons of Raymond, all in military service; Mary Alice Taylor, Rich- mond, Indiana, whose husband is a recruiting of- ficer for the U. S. Marine Corps; and Carolyn Grace, a senior in the Litchfield Community High School, both daughters of the Flemings. Bryant-Green Families LEE T. BRYANT was born at Salem, Illinois, January 14, 1906. In June he came to Litch- field with his parents, Thomas L. and Stella Smith Bryant, and his sister Verda. His father was a railroad foreman, high school custodian, and oper- ated Bryant's Service Station. His grandparents, Asbury and Evelyn Swisher Smith, came here in April, 1888. John Swisher, his great-grandfather, came to Nokomis in 1840, obtained land from the government still known as the Swisher section. The Swishers came to this country from Switzerland in 1672. Lee graduated from Litchfield High School in 1925, attended the University of Illinois and Quincy, was City Treasurer in 1932-33, operated the service station, served in the Signal Corps in World War II, and is now City Clerk. On June 20, 1933, he married Edith Greene, a daughter of Charles and Mary Orso Greene. Her father was born near Butler, Nov. 29, 1867, a son of Daniel and Mary McCoy Greene who came here from Ohio in 1866. Her mother was born near Gil- lespie, a daughter of Dominic and Frances Orso. Edith's parents had three other children; Blanche. James, and Milburn. Edith was born in Kansas, January 15, 1909, was graduated from the Litchfield High School in 1926, was employed in the office of the Brown Shoe Com- pany and is now at The House of Sunshine. The Bryants have a son, Bobby, born in Denver, Colorado, April 1, 1943. They are members of the Christian Church; Lee is a member of the Litch- field Lodge 236 AF & AM and the American Le- gion. Edith belongs to the Lavonne Chapter 55. A. M. Alexander Family AUGUSTUS MAXWELL ALEXANDER and . Celeste Roberts Alexander came to Litchfield from Hickman, Kentucky, in 1921. Mr. Alexander bought the Coca-Cola franchise of three counties and established the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Mr. Alexander served for fourteen years on the Grade School Board and was President for one year. He was President of the Rotary Club 1932- 33; also President of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are the parents of one daughter, Anna Lynne, born in Litchfield in 1924. She was graduated from Litchfield High School in 1941, attended the National Park College, Wash- ington, D. C. in 1941-42, and the University of Illi- nois in 1942-43. 84 She was married to John Smith Richards June 25, 1943, in the Chapel of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, where Mr. Rich- ards was attending Communications School for Naval Reserve Officers. Prior to his Naval Service, during which he served with the Fleet in the Mediterranean and Pacific Areas, he was graduated from St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York. After the war Mr. and Mrs. Richards returned to make their home in Litchfield. They have two children, John Alexander, born October 9, 1945, and Elizabeth Celeste, born June 28, 1951. Mr. Richards is Sales and Advertising Manager of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. John W. Grummon Family EMSLEY GRUMMON, born near O'Fallon, Illi- nois, and Emily Grummon, born in Brown County, Ohio, were the parents of four children: John W. (Bill), Lewis, Dollie, and Harvilla. With his brother, Mr. Emsley Grummon operated a livery barn north of the Public Library where the Biebel Roofing Company is now located. Mr. Grummon followed the threshing machine busi- ness, beginning with horse power, until his death in 1923. John W. (Bill) was born in Harvel and has lived in or near Litchfield since 1910. He married lone Harvey of Coffeen June 4, 1931. They have one son, Paul Gail, born in 1938, now a freshman in the Litchfield Community High School. The family resides at 1005 North Montgomery Avenue. Bill began working with steam threshing en- gines at the age of seven. He is now a boiler op- erator, but he still owns four steam engines. Be- sides owning early models of threshing machines, he is interested in collecting pictures and news- paper clippings of everything pertaining to thresh- ing machinery. Recently the Montgomery News published some of the articles and the Journal printed several of his pictures. He and his son, Paul Gail, are the last two of the Grummon family now living. Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Koval THE parents of Edith Faeth Koval resided on a farm in South Litchfield Township for about 10 years, moving there from Farmersville, Illinois, where Edith was born. They moved to the city of Litchfield in the year 1914. They were Andrew and Anna Faeth and were the parents of eight chil- dren, six of whom are still living. These six sons and daughters reside in five dif- ferent states, and held a family reunion in Litch- field October 26, 1952, it being the first time in forty years that all of them had been together at the same time. They are Mayme, wife of Earl Saxby, Kansas City, Missouri; Arthur of Peever, South Dakota; Carl of Aurora, Illinois; John Earl of Long Beach, California; Golden, wife of C. D. Satterlee, Little Rock, Arkansas; and Edith, wife of Stephen P. Koval, the only member still resid- ing in Litchfield. Stephen P. Koval is the son of Elizabeth and the late John Koval, of Mount Olive, Illinois, and was born in Mount Olive. Stephen and Edith were married in September, 1938, and reside at 614 East Union Avenue. She began her duties as book- keeper and stenographer at the Litchfield National Bank in March, 1921, and was elected cashier in May, 1945, which position she still maintains. Stephen P. is an operating engineer, and operates large machinery for building and construction com- panies. They are both actively interested in bowl- ing, golfing, and fishing. Litchfield Family . ELISHA LITCHFIELD was born in Canterbury, Connecticut, July 12, 1785, served in the War of 1812 with the rank of Major, was elected to the New York State Legislature several times, and served two terms in Congress. He married Percy Tiffany in 1808 and after the birth of their first son moved to Onondaga County, New York. To them were born Elisha Cleveland, Electus Bachus, Edwin Clark, Erasmus Darwin, and Egbert Delos. In 1827 his wife died and Elisha Litchfield married the relict of Enos Bacon, Lucy Savage Bacon. Lucy Bacon had one son by her first marriage, William Enos Bacon. By this second marriage there were Eliza Ade- line (who married Calvin F. How), Emma Lucy (who married J. D. L. Childs), Edward Everett, and Egbert S. Litchfield. It is interesting to note that of the ten children of the three marriages eight of them came to this new town of Litchfield in the period of 1855 to 1857. Some stayed for a short while and then moved back to New York or to a new location. Erasmus D. and Egbert D. did not come here. Elisha C, Electus B., and Edwin C. worked closely together in much of their business life. By 1845 they had left Casenovia, New York, and had gone to New York City to become wholesale gro- cers and commission merchants. They also became interested in law and in railroad construction. By 1846 Edwin C. Litchfield was a member of a group which bought the Michigan Southern Rail- road and united it with the Northern Indiana Rail- road which when completed made a through route from Lake Erie to Chicago. Electus B. Litchfield at the same time was treasurer and later president of the Toledo and Cleveland Railroad, and under his directorship helped to build the Toledo-Detroit line, which aided in forming a well-knit system of railroads throughout Indiana. The brothers further allied themselves with the Chicago and Rock Island Road, then building west 85 to the Mississippi River and here Elisha C. Litch- field served as a director. East of Cleveland an understanding was reached with the new roads along the south shore of the lake to Buffalo, thence across New York State, and this resulted in connecting interests from New York City to Chicago. The Litchfield men con- tributed much to bring into existence this remark- able network of railroads which was the most use- ful of all the combinations before the Civil War. With the formation of the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad which eventually came through our city of Litchfield, Edwin C. and Electus B. Litchfield served as two of the early directors. In 1855 Electus B. served as treasurer of this line. Edward E. and his brother Egbert S. Litchfield came to our infant city in 1855 and entered into the mercantile business. They bought the Tyler grain warehouse and removed it to the site of the present Power and Light Company Building, con- verted it into a store and after a year or two sold it. Within a few years they returned to New York. Elisha W. Litchfield, who is believed to be a cousin to the other Litchfield men, came to this city in 1856, and entered into the wholesale grocery business and the making of lace. He served as trustee of the city in 1857, as mayor in 1861 and late in life died at his home in Litchfield. Truly, in the formative years of our community the Litchfield family was well represented here. George W. Taylor GEORGE W. TAYLOR, son of William and Su- sanna Groves Taylor, was born on September 12, 1886, in Huron, South Dakota. When he was two years old his parents moved to Shelby County, Illinois. George came to Litchfield in 1908. On February 22, 1918 he joined the army and saw action in central Europe and in the army of oc- cupation. In 1921 he began serving as night po- liceman in Litchfield and from 1925 to 1943 he was Chief of Police. He was graduated from the Institute of Applied Science, Chicago, as a finger- print expert. He was a charter member of the Moose Lodge and Post 3912 V.F.W. George W. Taylor died June 18, 1945 ; his family resides at 916 West Sargent Street. He married Helena Langheim at Virden, April 18, 1923. Their children are George, John, Wil- liam, Robert, Mary Marjory, and Ruth. George, Lieutenant junior grade in the Navy Air service, served from 1944 to 1946. John, in the Navy from 1945 to 1946, re-enlisted in 1951 and is now a radioman aboard the U.S.S. Kirkpatrick. Sergeants Marjory and Ruth are with the Women's Marine Corps in San Francisco. William was a sergeant in the Illinois National Guard and served from 1948 to 1951. Robert enlisted in the Army Air Force on May 19, 1953, and is at Parks Air Base, Pleasanton, California. Bert C. Arnold Sr., Family BERT C. ARNOLD, Sr., was born in Mont- gomery County, November 9, 1890. He came to Litchfield in 1911, buying a half-interest with Louis Hauser, in the Litchfield Bottling Works. In the early part of 1916, he sold his interest in the bottling works and became associated with the Litchfield Grocer Company, and has been Secre- tary-Treasurer of the Company since 1930. He was married to Adala Hauser, daughter of the late Louis and Anna W. Hauser, on November 12, 1911. To this marriage were born four chil- dren: Maynard, Virginia, Marian, and Bert C, Jr. ; Maynard died at the age of nineteen. Virginia is now Mrs. J. C. Driskell of Litchfield; Marian is Mrs. Harlow A. Yaeger of Scottsdale, Arizona ; and Bert C. married Annette Shroeder of Chicago, and is now living in Litchfield. Virginia has one daughter, Sue; Marian has one daughter, Karen; and Bert, Jr., has one daughter, Patricia Cay. Mrs. Arnold has always been active in the ladies' organizations of the Presbyterian Church; a member of the Litchfield Woman's Club; also, active in the Eastern Star, serving this organiza- tion as Matron several years ago. B. C. Arnold, Sr., has belonged to the Elks Club for 41 years, serving as Exalted Ruler immedi- ately after completion of the Elks building. He has been active in the Masonic Lodge, being Past Master of Charter Oak Lodge and Past Commander of St. Omar Commandery. He served on the Litch- field High School Board for six years, as a member and also, as president. He is also active in Cham- ber of Commerce work, serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the past several years. Samuel W. Stratton SAMUEL W. STRATTON spent his early life on a farm south of Litchfield where his father was interested in the importation of fine cattle to this country. At an early age Samuel attended the Uni- versity of Illinois and his outstanding ability made him a prominent student. He was a captain of the student military unit; later he became a professor of the School of Scien- tific Research. There he accomplished notable re- sults in his development of data regarding weights and measures. He then spent some years as a professor at the University of Chicago, but was soon called by the government to Washington, D. C, where he estab- lished and directed for our government the Bureau of Standards. During his work there he served on an advisory board in connection with the academic system of the United States Naval Academy. He later be- came the president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Stratton's standing in the scientific world was of the highest. 86 McNamara-Hanrahan PATRICK McNAMARA, son of Michael and Bridget McNamara, came to America on the White Star Line from County Clare, Ireland, in the year 1884. He resided for a short time in Elmira and Waverly, New York, before coming to Litch- field to make his home. In October, 1886, he married Mary Catherine Hanrahan in St. Mary's Church, then located on the northwest corner of Columbia and Jackson Streets. Records show they were the last couple married in "Old St. Mary's." She was daughter of James and Margaret Ann Hanrahan. Mr. McNamara's first employment in Litchfield was at the Litchfield Car Shops. In 1900, he was appointed foreman in the maintenance department of the Wabash Railroad, which position he held at the time of his death in May, 1936. Patrick and Mary McNamara were the parents of ten children: James, Winifred, and Mrs. Alice Campbell, who reside in Litchfield; John, of Spring- field, Illinois; Mrs. Margaret Harmon of Jackson- ville, Illinois; Mrs. Mary Edna McNamara, Mrs. Frances McNamara and Paul McNamara, who re- side in Chicago; Robert Emmet died in September, 1926 ; and Joseph died in March, 1937. Mr. McNamara was a charter member of the Litchfield Council, Knights of Columbus, and Mrs. McNamara is a charter member of the Forresters. James and Margaret Ann Hanrahan came to New Jersey from County Clare, Ireland, and in 1869 moved to Litchfield to make their home. They were the parents of three children: John, Michael, and Mrs. Mary McNamara. Glen D. Riley GLEN D. RILEY was born on the Illinois River in the small village of Liverpool. He attended Canton High School, where he was a member of the basketball team which went to the State finals twice, winning second place on one of the trips. He attended the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), where he was elected captain of the freshman football team. He continued at UCLA until a knee injury at the end of his junior year ended his football playing career. He returned to Canton, and as the doctors ad- vised against any more football, he enrolled at the University of Illinois, graduating from there in 1941. From there he went to Cissna Park as coach for three years, then to Areola for two years. He came to Litchfield as coach in 1946. After spending three successful seasons here, during which time football was resumed, he decided to enter the life insurance business, and has done an outstanding job with the Equitable Life Assurance Society. He is a charter member and past presi- dent of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and life underwriters. Mrs. Ruth (Kraft) Riley was reared in Gilman, Illinois. She has been active in Girl Scout and church work in Litchfield. The Rileys are proud indeed of their four sons, Donald, Rickey, James, and Jeffrey. Ahart Pierce Family Ahart Pierce was born in Wythe County, Vir- ginia, came to this vicinity from Indiana in 1842, and in 1848 entered 160 acres of land on which the city of Litchfield now stands. In 1849 he built a log cabin on Madison Street and here he farmed the land until the laying out of the town. Fifteen acres were sold and the remainder laid out by Mr. Pierce was formed into five additions to the town. The first coal shaft was sunk on part of this land. Mr. Pierce gave several lots to various benevolent enterprises, including land for a school- house. He served as the first assessor elected after the city's organization. Mr. Pierce married Polly Brown in Indiana and she bore him one child, Granville, who was born in October, 1845. Granville Pierce operated a grocery store and was a stock buyer for a number of years. He died in 1930. Granville Pierce married Dora Ware of Butler in 1877 and their eight children were: Essie, Grace, Earl, Harry, Estella, Hazelle, Fred, and Polly. One daughter Estella, now deceased, mar- ried Chancy Berry and to them three children were born. Chancy Berry, now of Springfield, married Helen Wilson and they have a son Rex. John Berry of San Diego, California, married Gwenneth Whitworth. Jennie Berry married John Meckles and they have a son, John David. Mrs. John Meckles and son John David are the only descendants of Ahart Pierce residing in Litchfield. "Knights of the Golden Circle" and "The Union League" In the early stages of the war between the States, pro-slavery men of our town organized "The Knights of the Golden Circle." These men, most of Southern ancestry, and birth, were otherwise very good citizens and defined their purpose as that of home protection. They believed their homes were in danger from anti- slavery advocates. It was a time of intense feeling and the questions of slavery and secession were so ab- sorbing as to overshadow every other question and create suspicion and animosity toward everyone who did not agree with the views of those opposed. They had headquarters in the third story of Gay's Wagon Shop which stood at the southeast corner of Madison and Ryder Streets. The Union League was organized in 1863 by Union sympathizers of our city. Ic had two objects in view: to carry the 1864 election, and to protect our city. History states that they accomplished the first by hav- ing ballots printed in Alton, and casting them election day after the opposition thought the battle won. They met in their lodge room on the second floor of Empire Hall at the northeast corner of State and Ryder. At a meeting one night they let it be known to a spy for the Knights, who sat in a tree outside an open window, that they possessed 500 Sharps and Spencer rifles, and a cannon in their lodge room, and could create great havoc on State Street. The Knights caused no trouble. The League and the Knights disbanded after the war. 87 Dodds Family J CARL DODDS, probably the only representative of . this family now residing in Montgomery County, was born in Virden, Illinois, February 28, 1884, the son of John Franklin and Illinois Humphrey Dodds. His father, J. F. Dodds, was born on a farm near Cotton Hill, Illinois, December 15, 1862, and came to Litchfield in 1903 from Girard. Here he bought a one-half in- terest in the undertaking business of Ed Voorhees, located on West Ryder Street, just south of the old Litchfield Hotel where the Barnstable Implement Com- pany is now. Early in 1904 Mr. Dodds acquired the remaining half interest in the business and his son, J. Carl Dodds, joined him in the company, then known as Dodds Undertaking Company. This was at the time of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, and it was at this location that sixteen of the persons killed in the Wabash wreck of July 3, 1904, when a Fair train ran into an open switch, were cared for. This same year, as the business expanded, larger and better quarters were needed, and the building at 108 West Edwards Street was bought from Richard McElligott, where the company, later incorporated, prospered for the next forty years. Mr. Dodds, Senior, died January 7, 1917, and J. Carl Dodds continued as president and manager until his retirement in 1945. The Dodds Undertaking Company was a progressive institution. It was the first advertiser in the Litchfield Telephone Directory. Litchfield's first ambulance serv- ice was inaugurated by them with a horsedrawn ve- hicle in 1904, and the first motor ambulance in the county was introduced by them in 1913 with a $4,000 white Cunningham car. Notable among the thousands of funerals conducted by the company was that of John Crabtree in 1914, when his famous race horses, Lady Maud C. and Hedgewood Boy, pulled the hearse to convey him to his last resting place in Crabtree Cemetery. This was the most expensive team ever hitched to a hearse, valued by some as high as S100.000, and the news item with pictures was carried all over the country in news- papers and trade journals. J. F. Dodds was the son of Joseph Craig and Eliza- beth Levi Dodds, Sangamon County farmers. He was married March 29, 1883, at Auburn to Illinois Hum- phrey, the daughter of William and Sarah Stocker Humphrey. Mrs. Dodds was a member of the D. A. R., her great-grandfather having commanded a Rhode Island battalion during the Revolutionary War. They had one son, J. Carl Dodds. Although reared on a farm, Mr. Dodds engaged in business early in life. He established a furniture and undertaking business in Divernon in 1893, and subsequently acquired similar establishments in Pawnee, Chatham, Girard, Litchfield, Mattoon, and Springfield, and was held in high esteem by contemporary funeral directors. Mrs. Dodds was among the first licensed lady embalmers in the state. She was also Past Worthy Matron of Lavonne Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She died at the home of her son in Litchfield July 22, 1944, aged 84. J. Carl Dodds graduated from the Auburn High School in 1901 and later from the Athenaeum Business College in Chicago and Embalmers College in St. Louis. Before coming to Litchfield he was employed in the office of the Chief Engineer of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company in Chicago. He was married in Litchfield August 16, 1913. to Blanche Olive White, only daughter of John C. and Alice Wilson White, and granddaughter of Goshen and Mary Jane Mclntire Wil- son, and James and Susan Cromwell White, the latter a descendant of Sir Oliver Cromwell of English his- tory. Blanche Dodds' parents were Litchfield residents for some thirty years before their deaths. Mr. White was a well-known stock man, contractor and real estate dealer, and came to Litchfield from the Wag- goner-Farmersville community. The Dodds history dates from the Revolutionary period, the grandfather, three times great, of J. Carl Dodds, Francis Dodds, having been a patriot in that war in which he lost a leg. During the war his family resided in Spartanburg District, South Carolina, where the first Declaration of Independence was signed. He died in 1795 while emigrating with his family to Ken- tucky. His widow, Margaret Craig Dodds, continued on with her five sons and settled in Caldwell County, Kentucky, reaching there in 1797. One son, Joseph Dodds, later moved to Wood River, Illinois, and in 1818 rode horseback north to Ball Township, Sanga- mon County, three miles west of Glenarm, where he settled, being one of the first three settlers of Sanga- mon County. His father-in-law, William Drennan II, another of the first three settlers, was appointed by the first Governor of Illinois on a commission of three men to select and name a site for the county seat. A site on Spring Creek was chosen and called Spring- field. Joseph's mother, Margaret, later came to Illinois to live with her son where she remained until her death, January 17, 1846, at the age of 97. Her grave in Old Cumberland Cemetery is the oldest marked grave in Sangamon County. J. Carl Dodds now resides with his wife at 715 North State Street in Litchfield, and has just been reelected to a third term as Justice of the Peace for North Litch- field Township. Simon Kniery Family C IMON and Margaret (Quinlan) Kniery were natives of ^ County Clare, Ireland. They were married in Mont- gomery County and came to Litchfield in 1866. He was foreman of construction on the Wabash Railroad; they were parents of eight children; only Ella is living. Ella (Mrs. John Motherway) is 90 years old, lives in Litchfield and is the mother of seven children: Agnes, Mary (Mrs. Joseph Tuohey), Margaret (Mrs. Dan Brennan), and James, foreman at the Radiator, married Elizabeth Corrigan, and they have a son, Paul, who married Mildren Deaton. Josephine (Mrs. James Doran), mother of Marga- ret, wife of Russell Roberts and assistant cashier at First National Bank; and Helen (Mrs. O. Martin), mother of James and Peggy (Mrs. Don Funderbrunk). Joseph served as assistant postmaster in Litchfield, was Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus, and married Frances Machler; father of Joan, wife of J. G. Uhlen- hop, and mother of Germaine, Barbara, and Jackie. Michael, former supervisor of the New York Central Railroad; a trustee of St. Mary's Church for 43 years; member of school board; Chief Ranger, Catholic Order of Foresters; married Elizabeth Kelly; father of Ed- ward who lost his life in World War I, for whom American Legion Post is named. His daughter, Rosalie, wife of Gerry Wand, mother of Mary (Mrs. O. J. Hent- rich), Lawrence, Theresann (Mrs. John Murphy), Fa- ther William Wand, Geraldine and Johnny. His son, Joseph, married Anna Jordan, and is the father of Ed- ward, Jerome, Anna (Mrs. Charles Koch), Michael, Mar- jorie (Mrs. William Quinn), Rita (Sister Clarice. Do- minican Order), James, student at St. Meinrad. In- diana, and Joseph. His daughter, Mary, wife of Wil- liam Houlihan, member of Airport Commission, is the mother of William Joseph. Seventy-five years ago Litchfield coal was selling (delivered) in the city at 10 cents per bushel. The mine was located at the northwest edge of town. Or- ders for the coal were taken by Geo. S. Webb, who was the local agent of the U. S. Express Agency. Some people bought their coal at the pit or from cars "at the foot of State Street," for only 9 cents per bushel. ^ The Business, Industrial, Professional and Organizational Life of Litchfield ~ f" X UMAN enterprise takes myriad forms, and it is characteristic of community life that men and women employ their time and their talents in diverse ways in meeting the needs not only of themselves, but of their fellow men. So it is that in Litchfield throughout the first century of its existence there has been a great variety of undertakings which together have formed its eco- nomic, social, educational, cultural, fraternal, and religious history. It is the story of people living, working, and sharing in their common purpose to provide not only for their material needs, but for their social and spiritual needs as well. The editors of the Centennial Book are proud to present, by both word and picture, the record of the business, professional and industrial life of Litchfield throughout one hundred years. No less important are the accounts of a large number of the organizations of Litchfield. Together they tell an absorbing, century-long story of the life of our community. 89 American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation FOR almost half of the hundred-year history of the City of Litchfield, the American Radiator & Standard Sanitary Corporation has been a citizen of the community. The cornerstone of the firm's Litchfield Plant was laid in 1904 on a 28-acre tract of land border- ing on what is now McKinley Avenue. Soon a core room, foundry, finishing room, warehouse, power house, office and laboratory with a total of 78,000 square feet of floor space, were erected for the production of cast iron radiators. By the next year the plant was the largest em- ployer in the community. Over 200 were at work and the annual payroll was $175,000. Between 1905 and 1944 the plant produced only cast iron radiation and, in that period more than 150,000,000 square feet of this product was cast. Rococo, Peerless, Corto, and Arco radiators were shipped from Litchfield to all parts of the United States and South America. In the early years be- fore the American Radiator Company built its European plants, large quantities were also ex- ported to Europe. Improvements in manufacturing processes and increased demand for the plant's products resulted in its doubling in size during this period. The plant was one of the first in this country to install a continuous automatic molding unit. This im- provement, developed by American Radiator engi- neers, was completed in 1907. During World War II the American-Standard Litchfield Plant was converted for the manufacture of sand-molded magnesium castings. The conver- sion meant practically rebuilding the interior of the plant and resulted in an additional 40,000 square feet under roof. A new melt room, office, laboratory and new locker rooms were added. The entire output of the plant was used by the Govern- ment for military aircraft. Peak employment of 535 was reached in 1945. The plant was re-converted to the manufacture of radiators late in 1945. Production of sheet metal floor furnaces was added in 1947 and a 40,- 000 square foot warehouse was added in 1949. The plant was closed for about 20 months during 1949 and 1950 because of excess inventories. After the outbreak of the Korean conflict, Ameri- can-Standard again converted the plant to mag- nesium production for defense purposes. The first casting was poured on January 30, 1952. 90 Am #*, While the original organization of the plant is much the same, the manufacturing space has more than tripled and the plant now occupies double its 1904 acreage. At the present time over 450 are employed and the annual payroll is now around $2,000,000. In 1953 as in 1905, the plant is the community's largest employer. It is interesting to note that the average hourly wage today is approximately 15 times that paid in 1905. At the same time the work week has de- creased from 60 to 40 hours. The plant has remained under the same owner- ship since it began production. Originally built by the American Radiator Company, it became a part of the American-Standard organization in 1929. At that time American Radiator merged with the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Com- pany, a leading producer of plumbing fixtures, to form the American Radiator & Standard Sanitary Corporation. Litchfield Plant has had eight managers, many of them prominent in the life of the community. They are L. A. LeClercq, 1904-1906; George R. Corwin, 1906-1909 ; Henry L. Bergman, 1909-1914 ; Thomas Potts, 1915-1931; Walter I. Gross, 1931- 1933; E. M. Benedict, 1933-1938; E. L. Grenagle, 1938-1953; and John R. Sieber, present manager. Long-service records are the rule. Almost half of the present employees have ten or more years of company service. Included are V. R. Fellers, Herman Detmer and Henrv Bockewitz with 40 years' service. Fifty-eight others have been with the company more than 25 years. They are: Clinton Fenton Wm. J. Davis Harry Yates Harry Unterbrink William Houlihan Willard V. Eyman Adolphus Bryant James Barry James Driscoll Earl E. Ewing H. E. Elledge Albert Bohlen James E. Badman Mike Funk Otto Harms Joe Jolley Wesley Cress Raleigh Rundle Aubrey Barrow Ira K. Gonterman Frank Beck Walter L. Wilson Wm. Cavanaugh Ralph Cayce Marvin Graham Charles Hull Charles Kinder Siegel Wilhite Wm. Borror Arthur Dietrich Joe Vanderburg Ed Riemenschneider Thomas Campell Dane L. Murphy Norman Schuette Cecil Jett Phillip Davis Henry Kindler Homer Stephenson Ira E. Wilson Earl White Marion Basso Orville Pilkerton William Arends Adolph Mehlberg Edgar Bishop Clifford McCracken Fred Andres Lester Batty Al Brandt Leslie Carnahan James Moore John B. Reeder Frank J. Sacha James Thornton Ammor Trunk Leo Wilson John Bowles Twenty-six former employees now receive com- pany pensions. More than fifty Litchfield Plant employees served in the first World War and 11 saw service in World War II. Since Korea, three have been called 91 to military service. Paul Fuchs, Willis Gates, and Wm. E. Haller gave their lives for their country. Present employees participate in the company's non-contributory pension plan and a comprehen- sive group insurance, hospitalization, and medical care program. The employees also sponsor an ap- proved credit union. Present officers are: Charles Kinder, president; James Moore, vice-president; Thomas Campbell, secretary, and G. M. Richards, treasurer. The credit union's board of directors in- cludes: R. H. Finke, Raleigh Rundle, Marion Basso, Thomas Tibbs, and Arthur Dietrich. Litchfield Plant employees are represented by an affiliate of the United Steel Workers of Amer- ica, CIO. Roland Sawyer is local president and Dane Murphy and H. E. Elledge are recording and financial secretaries, respectively. Plant employees also have a long record of par- ticipation in the civic and charitable activities of the community. At the present time Charles Hull is serving his third term as alderman and H. E. Elledge, his second. The Litchfield Plant is a long-time member of a world-wide organization. American-Standard op- erates a total of 46 plants here and abroad. Twenty-seven of them are located in this country. The parent company operates eighteen plants which produce a full line of heating equipment and plumbing fixtures, as well as plumbing fittings, air conditioning units, steel kitchen cabinets and sand- molded magnesium castings. In addition eleven plants are operated by the four American-Standard subsidiaries in this coun- try, American Blower Corporation, C. F. Church Manufacturing Company, Detroit Controls Corpo- ration and Kewanee-Ross Corporation. These com- panies manufacture a wide variety of products ranging from air handling equipment and gyrol fluid drives through plastics and temperature con- trols to commercial boilers. There are thirteen affiliated companies in ten foreign countries. American-Standard maintains 28 sales offices in principal United States cities. Its products are distributed through a network of 1200 plumbing and heating wholesalers, who, in turn carry them to some 65,000 retailers. The company also has 58 branch houses, company owned and operated wholesale outlets. Research facilities are head- quartered in modern and extensive laboratories in Louisville, Kentucky. World-wide the Corporation has over 30.000 em- ployees. The firm is proud of its long membership in the community and extends its best wishes to the City of Litchfield in this its hundredth birth- day celebration. Scene from core room 92 \*M i%mm> Laying of the cornerstone of the American Radiator Company plant in 1904 oc^^x^^x^^x^^x^^xrr^ Molding Machine Line in Foundry 93 New Creamery History and Development of Litchfield Creamery Company THE Litchfield Creamery Company was founded in 1912 and was located in the 2nd block of West Sargent Street. The Company operated in this building on a small scale as evidenced by the picture of the original plant. In 1915 Mr. Charles Hauser became associated with the Litchfield Creamery Company, and in the early part of 1916 a new plant was completed at the present location. During the early years about 29 or 30 people were employed. A complete line of dairy products was developed for sale in the local area. World War I created a tremendous demand for dairy products for export to Allied countries. To meet this demand the Company encouraged more milk production and in 1919 processed more than 23 million pounds of milk. Most of the milk was sold as sweetened, condensed and evaporated milk. After 1919 the demand for dairy products for export was gone. The dairy industry suffered greatly through most of the twenties. During the twenties the Company grew gradu- ally and about 1930 began manufacturing Milnut. Milnut was a new product to consumers and for several years the sales were slow. In 1932 the Company processed over 18 million pounds of milk. Under the direction of Charles Hauser the Milnut operations started a rapid expansion. In 1934 the offices were enlarged, the plant operations were ex- panded and new equipment was installed. Most important was the construction of a new receiv- ing room. In 1936 the Company purchased a milk plant at Warsaw, Indiana. The plant was converted im- mediately to the manufacturing of Milnut. In 1936 a warehouse was constructed adjoining the local plant on the east. With the building of this warehouse the original plant lost all of its identity. The sale of Milnut continued to expand and during this year more than 54 million pounds of milk was processed. In March, 1938, the offices were moved to the present location and another receiving line was in- stalled to handle the increasing volume of milk. Late in 1939 cottonseed fat replaced cocoanut fat in Milnut and the name was changed to Milnot for identification purposes. World War II created a greater demand for dairy products and the dairy farmers increased their herds to meet this demand. In 1941 a new warehouse was constructed and is located on the north side of West St. John Street. During this year the milk received and processed amounted to more than 117 million pounds. During the war the Company packed many thousands of cases of evaporated milk for the Government. In 1947 a new plant was constructed at Warsaw, Indiana and it is considered one of the most mod- ern milk evaporating plants in the country. In 1950 the offices were enlarged and new equip- ment was installed in the Litchfield plant. At the present time the volume of milk processed amounts to about 84 million pounds a year from approximately 2500 dairy farmers. Most of the milk is sold in the form of cream or butter and Milnot. Milnot presents one of the most efficient methods known for utilizing skimmed milk which is rapidly being recognized as the most important part of the cow's milk. The Litchfield Creamery Company employs 120 people. In the local area, the Company continues to market Litchfield ice cream, milk products, cheese and Sunshine Butter. 94 Early Bank Remodeled Building Litchfield Bank & Trust Company THE history of this bank goes back to 1868, when a man by the name of Nathan Kenyon came here from Brockfort, New York, and opened a bank with a capital of $20,000 in the place now occupied by Farquhar's Clothing Store. Part of the stock was held by local people and part by Eastern capitalists. A Mr. Wells of Massachusetts was the Cashier. In 1869 local businessmen pur- chased the Eastern holdings at the Litchfield Bank, as it was called. It was reorganized under the title of Beach, Davis and Company and moved to the present location of the Litchfield Bank and Trust Company, corner of State and Ryder Streets, with the late David Davis, Sr., as Manager; Col. Delos Van Deusen, Cashier, H. H. Beach and George M. Pomeroy as members of the firm. Those associated in the bank at the time were Dan C. Amsden, P. B. Updike, George Raymond, and Mrs. Elvira Brock of Jacksonville, the latter be- ing an aunt of Mrs. Estelle B. Davis. In 1873, the late M. M. Martin became identified with the bank, and in 1890, Mr. Davis disposed of his holdings and the bank was reorganized under the title of Beach, Martin & Company, with Col. Van Deusen as Cash- ier. In 1895, Mr. Beach retired and the bank was again reorganized under the name of M. M. Martin and Company, with M. M. Martin as Manager, and Col. Van Deusen as Cashier. On September 3, 1902, the bank was reorganized — this time as a State Bank, under the present name of the LITCHFIELD BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, with a capital of $100,000, and with D. O. Settlemire as President, Frank R. Milnor, Vice-President, and Charles E. Morgan, Cashier. When Mr. Settlemire died in 1908, Mr. Frank R. Milnor became President, and served until his death on June 7, 1938. Upon this reorganization in 1902, the first savings department in Mont- gomery County was installed, and the original bank building was remodeled. The present build- ing is a result of another remodeling in 1926. Among the men who have served as Presidents of the Litchfield Bank and Trust Company since its incorporation in 1902, have been: D. O. Settle- mire, Frank R. Milnor, E. B. Appleton, George L. Settlemire, Walter Holderread, W. W. M. Davis, and Leo C. Schalk. The Litchfield Bank and Trust Company cele- brated its 50th anniversary last year — 1952. Mr. Leo C. Schalk retired as President in February of 1953, after having served more than 50 years with the bank. The bank has a capital account, in 1953, of $223,000, deposits of $3,313,000, with totals of three and one-half million. It operates a savings department, safe deposit box department, and all phases of banking, together with the only Trust Department in Montgomery County. The present officers of the bank are Walter Holderread, President; Homer R. Saegesser, Execu- tive Vice-President; Clyde M. Brubaker, Vice- President; Harry W. Butler, Cashier; Arnold R. Birkenkamp, Assistant Cashier; Gladys L. Dey, Secretary; and Erma V. Nelson, Trust Officer; with Betty Farrar Nail and Marilene Eickmeyer as bookkeepers. Directors are Dr. F. C. Black- welder, Edwin Buske, Clyde M. Brubaker, Harry W. Butler, Frank P. Hanafin, Walter Holderread, D. R. Kinder, and Leo C. Schalk. 95 Former Towey Store before remodeling Simpson's Shoes — 1953 Simpson's Shoes SIMPSON'S Shoe Store at 307 North State Street was established by Harold M. Simpson in June of 1952. Predecessor in this location was Towey's Dry Goods Store, established in 1866. The store was completely remodeled in August, 1952 with the grand opening of the shoe store that same month. Simpson's Shoes features: Red Cross, Velvet Step, Dr. Scholls, Weatherbird, City Club, and Peters Diamond Brand shoes for men, women, and children. Harold and his wife, Ida, came to Litchfield in 1950 from Hillsboro, Illinois, to establish the Dairy Bar on West Union Avenue. They sold the Dairy Bar just prior to going into the shoe business. Both Harold and Ida are active in church work and the Scouting movements. Harold is a member of various community organizations and is head of the Retail Division of the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce for 1953. During World War II Harold served in the 78th Infantry Division with the rank of Staff Sergeant. His overseas duty included the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded and was the recipient of the Purple Heart award. He returned to the States for his discharge in the fall of 1945. The Simpsons are parents of a daughter, Sue, and two sons, David and Harold, Jr. John B. Schoen THIS firm, located at 208 East Clark Street, is among the old established groceries in this city. In 1923, John B. Schoen and the late Herman Buske purchased the business from Mrs. Luella Owings. For six years it was operated under the firm name of Schoen and Buske. In 1929, Mr. Schoen purchased the Buske interest and since then has continued the operation of the grocery at the original location. In 1931 this firm became a charter member of the Red and White group. Mr. Schoen has two sons, John E. and Bernard, who are also active in the operation of the business. They began their training by working part time while attending high school. After graduation, each became full-time employees and have con- tinued, except for interruption during World War II. John E. served three and one-half years with the Air Force in the Pacific, while Bernard was in defense work in Detroit, Michigan. At the close of the war, both returned to again assist their father in his business. Miss Anna Schoen, sister of John B. Schoen, assists in the store. John B. Schoen is married to the former Marie Keiser. Besides the two sons, the Schoens have a daughter, Geralene, wife of Leonard Mazenko. Vernon Green VERNON GREEN, General Contractor, started his business in 1945 after he returned from serving in the United States Coast Guard for two years. At this time he was given a medical dis- charge from this branch of the service. Upon returning home he went into business with his brother and two brothers-in-law as partners, doing general contracting, until 1948 when he went into business for himself, starting with just one employee. The business has continued to ex- pand until at the present time, this centennial year 1953, Vernon employs four or more helpers who are engaged for the most part in the construction of houses, garages, barns, and other farm build- ings. His office is at 615 North Illinois Avenue. Vernon Green was born in Walshville, Illinois, and attended the Pleasant Hill grade school and the Litchfield High School. Soon after his school- ing he was a partner with Harry Satterlee selling Nash cars. Because war had been declared and cars became scarce Vernon went to work in the maintenance department at the Small Arms Plant in St. Louis. It was while there that he became interested in the building business. Vernon married Virginia Watkins and they have one son, Steven. 96 Blatter Motor Sales Building on the northeast corner of West Union Avenue and North Jefferson Street the 5th Anti-Aircraft located in Paris, France. Before entering business for himself, Mr. Blatter was employed by the American Radiator Company as electrical engineer from 1924 to 1931. Mr. Myers is a veteran of World War II with the 1st, 3rd and 9th Armies. He had eighteen months of overseas service in Europe as Field Artillery Motor sergeant. Mr. and Mrs. Blatter have two sons, Arthur and Richard. Arthur had four years in the Navy as radio tech- nician and is at present employed by Vic's Radio and Television Service. Richard, the younger son, is a student in the Litchfield elementary schools. Mrs. Blatter before her marriage was Miss Irene Pettijohn, a native of Litchfield. Blatter Motor Sales BLATTER MOTOR SALES was established in 1933 in the brick building located at the cor- ner of Ryder and Jefferson Streets. This is the building that at one time was occupied by the Litchfield Lamp Manufacturing Company and later by the Willis-Overland Automobile Agency, oper- ated by Mr. C. D. Zuber. This was followed by the Chrysler-Plymouth Agency, operated by Mr. Monty Striegel. Mr. Paul Blatter, the present owner, purchased the agency in December of 1933, and established the firm of Blatter Motor Sales. The business was continued at the Ryder Street location until 1939. A new building was built at 219 West Union Ave- nue in 1939 and moved into on July 4 that same year. This new building was of one-story, modern design, and constructed of light-colored brick. The entire front of the building is enclosed with plate glass. This area is used for the showroom and office. At the rear of the showroom is the parts and service department. The service department is well equipped with modern motor testing, brake testing, wheel align- ing and balancing equipment. An overhead ex- haust system carries out the exhaust gases from motors being tested. In 1952, the building was enlarged by adding a new body repair shop and paint room. Mr. Bert Myers has been the firm manager since 1934. Other personnel include: Kenneth Titcomb, mechanic; Alvin Riemann, assistant mechanic; Byron Billiter, body repair; Cleo Brewington, washing and polish- ing; and Miss Ramona Ross, secretary. Mr. Blatter and Mr. Myers are natives of Litch- field, and both received their education in the local schools. Mr. Blatter also was graduated from Rankin Trade School of St. Louis, Missouri, in 1922. He is a veteran of World War I having served with Kriege Hatchery THE KRIEGE HATCHERY CO., one of the more recent business firms in Litchfield, is part of a long established business dating back to 1925. The local branch is an important addition to the diversified interests of Litchfield and its environs. The Hatchery Company, located at 111 West Edwards Street since 1951, has other branches in Edwardsville, Belleville, and Berryville, Arkansas. The one at Edwardsville was established in 1925; the one in Belleville, in 1940; the one in Litchfield in 1951 when the company purchased the Major- Ash Hatchery; and the one in Berryville in 1951. The firm specializes in hatching and producing Hi-Sired Baby Chicks. Its sales department is devoted to the sale of poultry supplies and feed. For the convenience and benefit of poultry raisers, the staff is able to advise on matters of modern equipment, feeding, and sanitation. The Kriege Hatchery Co. is a partnership com- posed of A. G., H. E., and D. L. Kriege, T. G., and G. E. Niemeier. The latter is manager at Litchfield. The company has in its employ 28 persons in all of the locations. Four of these are in the Litch- field plant, namely: Earl Farrar, Kenneth Hall, Wayne Law, and Gilbert Niemeier. The history of poultry raising presents many noteworthy phases. In early days the hatching was done for only a few weeks each year, but now the work is carried on throughout the entire year. Modern ways of handling the little chicks and the demand for frying chickens during the whole year make continuous operations possible and necessary. During the infancy of the Kriege business, the eggs were obtained from poultry raisers. Today they come from special flocks examined to guaran- tee high-grade chicks, and are hatched by the most modern scientific methods. These include auto- matic controls to provide proper humidity, exact 97 temperature, and proper air circulation. A breeding farm is operated in connection with the hatcheries where constant efforts are being made toward flock improvement. Marked growth of the company is evidenced by the following record: Edwardsville: 1925 incubator capacity, 50,000 eggs; 1953 incubator capacity, 300,000 eggs. New hatchery building erected in 1948. Belleville: 1940 incubator capacity, 65,000 eggs; 1953 incubator capacity, 200,000 eggs. New hatch- ery building additions in 1944 and 1948. Litchfield: Present established incubator capac- ity, 100,000 eggs. Berryville, Ark.: Incubator capacity, 62,000 eggs. Because the increased business has justified the faith of the promoters in Litchfield as a good busi- ness location, the firm plans eventually to build a new plant for increased production. \kJ7tLlODT & CO. c/2.ca£{oz±. -Jini.ui-z.ox-i- -Loans. 114. WEST CYDER STREET LITCHFIELD. ILLINOIS phone ag THIS business was established as a real estate and insurance agency by the late LeRoy F. Wood in 1905. It has been housed at its present location, 114 West Ryder Street, continuously since that time. Mr. Woods was later joined in the busi- ness by Joseph Potts and the agency was operated under the name of the Wood & Potts Agency for a few years, until it was sold to John S. Wood, son of LeRoy F. Wood. In 1910 it was purchased by the late John W. Rea, formerly County Treasurer of Montgomery County and Mayor of Litchfield. He took George Tester into partnership and the busi- ness was operated under the firm name of Rea & Tester until 1918, when Tester's interest was sold to Rea. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Rea's son, Leland B. Rea, Litchfield's present assistant postmaster, joined his father in the business and it was oper- ated under the firm name of Rea & Son. In August, 1925, the business was sold to W. H. Todt & Company, an Illinois corporation. The busi- ness specializes in the sale and appraisal of all kinds of real estate; writes insurance of all kinds except life, health and accident; income tax re- ports and loans. The present officers of the corpo- ration are: W. H. Todt, President; George L. Todt, Vice-President; Miss Kathryn Bishop, Secretary; and Anna R. Todt, Treasurer. All sales and appraisals of real estate are han- dled by W. H. Todt, who is a member of the Spring- field Board of Realtors and the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers. Miss Kathryn Bishop, who has been associated with the business since 1926, is in charge of all records, the writing of all insurance policies, and payment of claims and all matters pertaining to income tax. George L. Todt, who came into the business in 1948, is manager of the Litchfield Loan Company, an affiliate, and he handles all matters pertaining to loans and assists in the selling of real estate and insurance. The business of the Litchfield Loan Company was established in December, 1948, by George L. Todt and his father, W. H. Todt. The company is li- censed under the small loan act of the State of Illi- nois to make loans not exceeding $500.00. It specializes in loans on furniture, automobiles, live- stock and farm equipment. The business is housed at 112 West Ryder Street, and is under the man- agement of George L. Todt. Prosser Electric Company PROSSER ELECTRIC COMPANY, owned and operated by C. E. "Bing" Prosser, was estab- lished in September of 1947, having been purchased from Mr. A. F. Prange, a pioneer in the electric business of Litchfield. "Bing" Prosser has had seventeen years' ex- perience in the electrical wiring and repair busi- ness in Litchfield and vicinity, five years of which was given to work as a "trouble-shooter" for a large steel mill located in Granite City, Illinois. Mr. Prosser was a student of electrical engineering at the University of Illinois and while a member of the Industrial Division of St. Louis Electrical Board of Trade in St. Louis, Missouri, much study was given to application of electronics in industry. With the experience and formal training of this firm as a background, competent and trustworthy service is given in the electrical wiring of old and new homes, on commercial building and equipment, and in the repairing of electrical appliances such as toasters, irons, mixers, coffeemakers, etc., parts for which are kept in stock to insure prompt serv- ice on these appliances. Schutt Manufacturing Company IN 1930 this company was established by William A. Schutt at 424 West Union Avenue, Litch- field, Illinois. It has been operated by him continu- ously since that time. Approximately ten people are employed. The company manufactures athletic goods. Among its products are ten different kinds of basketball goals, football face guards, Softball masks, and inflators for basketballs and footballs. Products of the Schutt Manufacturing Co. are sold to jobbers only, all over the United States. 98 Yates Bakery YATES BAKERY, located at 109 West Kirkham, is owned by Alton Yates, who spent two years in the military service with fourteen months over- seas duty. After returning to his home in Harris- burg, Illinois, he represented the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and was transferred to Shel- byville, Illinois, where, after eleven years, he ter- minated his position with that company to go back into the bakery business. On March 1, 1950, Mr. Yates originally started his bakery business at 109 South Jefferson Street in Litchfield. October 15, 1952, he moved to the present location where he can better offer fresh bakery goods. He specializes in sweet yeast goods, pies, and orders for special occasions. The store includes a sales room and shop combination. His family moved to Litchfield July 4, 1950. Mrs. Yates is the former Bertie Brooks of Carbondale, Illinois. At present she is teaching the fourth grade at the Ida J. Russell School. They have two sons. Robert, who attended Greeley State College in Greeley, Colorado for three years, is now serv- ing with the Army in Korea. Jim is attending Carbondale University, but expects to be called into the service this summer. The working personnel of the bakery includes Alton Yates, who does all the baking, Blanche Weatherford, sales lady, and Tom Cory. Claude Anderson — Insurance WHILE working at the Farmers Exchange in 1940, I had the opportunity of purchasing a small insurance agency from Mr. Frank O'Donnell. This agency being small, I felt that I could handle it on a part-time basis and also do justice to my job as a meat cutter at the Farmers Exchange. Our agency was established primarily as a fire and automobile insurance agency, and continued in that way on a part-time basis until the early part of 1944. At that time I became a full-time Life Insurance Underwriter, continuing my general insurance business, with my office in my home at 1421 North Van Buren Street. In April, 1945, I rented space in the Dearduff building at 111 West Kirkham and opened a general insurance office to be known as the C. Anderson Insurance Agency. Our office has been located at this address ever since, writing all forms of insurance coverages. In 1946 I attended a Life Insurance School in Hart- ford, Connecticut and continued specializing in Life underwriting until 1949. Since early 1949 my time has been spent chiefly in the building of my gen- eral insurance business. Mrs. Anderson and I have spent most of our lives in Litchfield, both graduating from Litchfield Community High School. We have two sons, Gary, at the University of Illinois and Bob, in the fifth grade at Madison Park. Nold Drug Store NOLD DRUG STORE, situated at 303 North State Street, Litchfield, is proudly numbered among the very earliest businesses of the city. In 1856, it was established by Dr. Humphrey Hood and his brother, Joseph L. Hood. The business was then operated under the name of Hood Broth- ers. Shortly thereafter, Herbert S. Hood, son of Joseph L. Hood, became associated with the firm and the name was changed to Hood & Son. After the death of his father, Herbert S. Hood took over the business and operated it continuously until 1927 when it was sold to William H. Behrens. Thus, this business remained in the Hood family for 71 years. In 1930, E. A. Nold purchased the store and has conducted it since that time. It is worthy of note that this is one of the few businesses which has been housed continuously at the same location for 97 years. In 1936 Mr. Nold completely remodeled the in- terior of the store and in 1938 installed a new and modern front. Assisting the owner in the conduct of the busi- ness are George L. Bridgewater, Edna C. Ehret, Catherine Meicenheimer, Joyce Ann Logsdon, Charlotte Day Smith, and Jo Frances Hunsaker. Sackett's Barber Shop AT AN early age Duaine R. Sackett became fas- L cinated by a barber's shears. Soon he had a burning desire to make barbering his career. He began his apprenticeship at the age of 12, in a shop at Highland, Illinois. In February, 1918, at the age of 16 years, he passed his state exami- nation at East St. Louis, Illinois; thus becoming the youngest registered barber at that time. On January 19, 1919, Mr. Sackett came to Litch- field and entered the employ of Edward Hilliard, who then conducted a shop at 207 North State Street. After remaining there for seven years, he realized one of his greatest aspirations could become a reality — he could have his own shop. It was February 13, 1926, that Mr. Sackett purchased the Charles Fearno barber shop, located at 110 West Ryder Street, Litchfield, Illinois. Mr. Fearno had succeeded H. H. Guy who, in 1912, had moved a shop from Pinckneyville, Illinois, to Litchfield. By reason of the fact that Mr. Sackett has oper- ated this business at 110 West Ryder Street con- tinuously since 1926, it may be considered among the oldest barber shops at a single location, under the same management. 99 Robinson Gas & Grocery ROBINSON Gas and Grocery, located at 216 W. Union Avenue, was established in 1934 by Herbert Robinson, a native son of Litchfield, born in 1898. Death claimed his parents when he was 18 months old, and he was reared by his grand- mother. In his early youth he went to Alton, Il- linois, then returned to Litchfield to work at the American Radiator. In 1923 he married Edna Schmidt. They moved to Pontiac, Michigan, in 1928. While there, in 1929, a son Max was born. Later in 1936 a daugh- ter, Charlean, was born after they had returned to Litchfield and purchased a location for a gas sta- tion from John Anderson. October 4, 1934, was the opening date for this business which later ex- panded into Robinson Gas and Grocery. It is in- teresting to note that on the first day 11 gallons of gasoline were sold, and that was considered a good day. On March 15, 1935, a grocery stock of $87 was added to the business. From that time on the gas and grocery business kept growing, package liq- uors were added, and by 1952 the business had out- grown its floor space. The remodeling and expan- sion that took place necessitated more help, and on January 1, 1953, Max Robinson joined his fa- ther in the business. Robinson Gas and Grocery Store is not only a Self-Service Market, but has a special Drive-In Service. The working personnel consists of: Her- bert and Max Robinson, owners; Edna, Barbara, and Charlean Robinson, Ivan Weathers, and Dar- rell Savage. In 1952, Thomas B. Shinn, the President of Mas- ter Mfg. & Equipment Co., Inc., was commissioned by the Sherwin-Williams Paint Company to de- velop a machine for applying a new coating to concrete blocks. This machine, The Krete Koater, was officially introduced to the concrete industry at Cleveland, Ohio, in January, 1953. Several leading publications suggested in news stories that The Krete Koater machine would "revolutionize the concrete block industry." The Silver Fogger, another item manufactured by Master Mfg. & Equipment Co., Inc., was also developed by this company in 1952. The Fogger is an attachment which fits on power lawn mowers and garden tractors and is used for spreading in- secticides to kill flies and mosquitoes. This company was founded by Max Kruger, in Hannibal, Missouri, in 1924, under the name of Master Manufacturing Company. In 1926 Mr. Kruger moved his original plant from Hannibal to Litchfield. After the death of Max Kruger, the business remained in the Kruger family, under the management and ownership of Frank M. Kruger, until 1947, when it was purchased by its present owner, Thomas B. Shinn. Present officers of the corporation are Thomas B. Shinn, President; Mrs. Juddie W. Mc Williams, Secretary-Treasurer; and Mrs. Juanita Shinn, Vice-President. Approximately 10 people enjoy employment with this firm. Additional business has necessitated building ex- pansion. In 1951, a reception room and two of- fices were added to the main building. In 1952 an addition 30' • 60' was added. Master Mfg. & Equipment Co., Inc. MASTER MANUFACTURING AND EQUIP- MENT COMPANY, INC., located on the cor- ner of Harrison and Edwards Streets, Litchfield. Illinois, has manufactured oil dispensers since 1926. Master metal spouts are known to most service station operators throughout the United States. When service stations were relatively new, Mas- ter's dispensers and display stands were standard equipment. "Serve your oil in glass" was a fa- miliar slogan to every service station operator. In the late 30's and prior to World War II, canned oil became popular; and for a while it looked as if Master dispensers might be replaced by cans. However, this did not prove to be the outcome, and today Master continues to ship large quantities of its dispensers to all parts of the country. In addition to their use in service stations, Master dispensers are used by motorists who change their own oil, and they are especially popular on farms and with large trucking companies. A & H Supply Co. ORVAL AND RAY HITTMEIER, owners, estab- lished their store of Electric Appliances and Televisions on November 1, 1945. Major products handled are Philco radios, televisions, refrigerators, and electric stoves. They also maintain a com- plete service department. The business is under the management of Ray Hittmeier, assisted by his brother, Orval. Other personnel includes Ivan Roach, Wayne Culp, David Miller, and Jim Heatherly. In addition to this business, Orval and Ray are owners of the Hittmeier Brothers Garage on old U. S. 66, west of Litchfield. Natives of Mt. Olive, Illinois, Hittmeier Brothers formerly owned and operated the Mt. Olive Oil Company in that city before coming to Litchfield. In 1943, Ray Hittmeier enlisted in the Army, serving four and one-half years, where he attained the rank of Captain. Upon his discharge in Janu- ary, 1946, he returned to Litchfield to assume the management of the A & H Supply Company lo- cated at 209 North State Street. 100 Interior of store taken about 1903 Worley Wanderings IN GILLESPIE, one rainy Sunday afternoon, many, many moons ago Mamma brought out the browned-with-age record, showing that on Papa's side of the family we were descendants of Betsy Ross. After much discussion, we decided that Betsy must have been a good dressmaker, plus having a lot of designing ability, in making our Old Glory. Little did we think then, that some day, several years hence, brother George and sis- ter Stella would embark on a career of merchan- dising Ready-to-Wear. One year previous to the new business venture, George made a marriage contract, with Martha Judd, who is a direct decendant of one of the origi- nal settlers and merchants, Richard O'Bannon, of Litchfield. The sun was shining on Opening Day, Saturday, April 14, 1934, and is continuing to shine these many years. Our slogan, "The World Wears Worley Wear," becomes more realistic each day. We have shipped evening wraps to Africa — foun- dation garments to Germany, blouses to England, and so on, around the World. We remained in the John Coddington building until Sept. 1, 1948, when we purchased the Ben Springgate store, across the street. After exten- sive alterations, WORLEY WEAR CO. was changed to WORLEY WEAR, INC. It is our fondest desire that you good people let us continue to serve you, with Litchfield's best se- lection of Ladies' Apparel. Modernized version of same store 101 Fizzell Hardware Co. THE Fizzell Hardware Co., at 112-122 West Union is one of the few Litch- field businesses operated continuously by one family since its founding by Robert Fizzell in 1886. The present owner, John Fizzell, has been with the firm since 1920. In 1880 Robert Fizzell came to the United States from Canada, and after working in Taylorville and Stonington, settled in the booming town of Litchfield. Here he worked for the Lockmiller Blacksmith Shop at 112 West Hayward Street (now Union Avenue). In 1886 he bought the shop and put a brick front on it. This building still stands. He then acquired the adjoining Bur- dette Woodworking Shop on the corner and erected the first unit of the Fizzell Building, the two-story brick at 120-122 West Union. On the first floor was his farm imple- ment business, and on the second floor, a dance hall and skating rink. This is the building now occu- pied by the hardware store. The second unit was erected at 116-118 West Union in 1907. A hardware line was added and a garage where he had the first Studebaker agency in connection with his wagon and carriage business. irofii ii¥ffli SIIR9 ■ Hi Fizzell's store as it looked in 1902 He operated these projects until 1920 when he closed the blacksmith shop. He discontinued the garage about 1925 and the implement business in 1931. In that year he sold the hardware line to his son, John, who operates the store with the as- sistance of his wife, the former Ruth Wood of Waggoner, Illinois. Kenneth Bandy Barber Shop THE Bandy Barber Shop, now situated at 108 West Union Avenue, was first located in a room at the rear of the Odd Fellows Building on West Kirkham Street, and was then owned and operated by H. H. Guy, a veteran barber of this city. L. L. Johnson purchased Mr. Guy's interests and he con- tinued the operation of the business at the original location until he joined the Armed Forces during World War II. At that time Pete Paulding bought the shop and shortly thereafter moved it to its present location. After the close of the war, Mr. Johnson returned to Litchfield and again purchased his former business, which he continued to operate until February 1, 1951, when he sold it to Kenneth Bandy, the present owner. Mr. Bandy served in the 86th Infantry of the Army for two and one-half years, being in both the European and Pacific Theaters. After his dis- charge he attended Tipps Barber College, Spring- field, Illinois. Later he was employed at the Osa Delaney Shop in Gillespie, Illinois, and the Curley Burton Shop in East St. Louis. Mr. Bandy is assisted in the operation of his business by Howard Moreland, who has been with him since he bought the business in 1951. The building in which this business is housed is owned by John H. Taylor, who has recently in- stalled a new front in the building, making it one of the most modern in the city. J. J. Newberry Company THE J. J. NEWBERRY Company, with J. J. Newberry as president, operates 488 retail va- riety stores throughout the nation, distributing low- priced goods directly to the public. The first store was opened in 1911. The local store is located at 415 North State Street in the building built and owned by the late L. W. Cline. The first building was destroyed by Are and rebuilt in 1909. In 1930 it was remodeled and the Newberry Company established their busi- ness here. In 1938 it was enlarged to its present size. New fluorescent lights and ceiling fans were installed; it was completely redecorated in 1952. The store has operated under different manage- ments since it opened here. The present man- ager, L. J. Berleman, came here from Cincinnati, Ohio, four years ago. He has been with the com- pany for fourteen years. He served in the armed forces as sergeant in charge of a post exchange; he is married and has one daughter. At present there are twenty employees in the store. They are as follows: Mrs. Frances Dean, Mrs. Gloria Martin, Mrs. June Mitchell, Mrs. Helen Jones, Mrs. Velma Alshouse, Mrs. Loretta Ryan, Mrs. Emma White, Mrs. Gwen Arnold, Mrs. Edith Cayce, Mrs. Ethyl Crowell, Charles Young, Misses Doris Odle, Ruby Crawford, Dorothy Davis, Shirley Slightom, Martha Rea, Verna Williams, Dorothy Kellenberger, Shirley Kahl, and Joan McNew. 102 Hribar's Market THE firm of Hribar's Market was established at 107 West Ryder Street when John Hribar and his father-in-law, Fred W. Schneider, pur- chased the business from Virgil Dickerson on Oc- tober 30, 1927, the day his second son, Vernon, was born. Vernon is now associated with his father in the operation of the store. John was born at Zabava, Slovenia, Yugoslavia, August 3, 1894, the son of John and Mary Zyce Hribar. Mr. Hribar's father lived in this country during the 90's and returned to his native land in 1902. John came to America in 1914 at the age of 19. He followed the trade of coal mining for a number of years, working in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, and the state of Washington. In 1918 he came to Nokomis and established a meat market with a former friend from Montana, Frank Snyder. The business was operated until he came to Litchfield. Mr. Hribar married Miss Minnie F. Schneider, a native of Staunton, March 25, 1921. They have two sons, John F. of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Vernon. The store joined the Progressive Associated Gro- cers organization of Staunton five years ago and now handles the nationally known "Shurfine" products, together with a full line of quality meats. Mr. Hribar is a member of the Litchfield Cham- ber of Commerce and the Elks Club. Vernon is a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Taylorville Drum and Bugle Corps, Litchfield Volunteer Firemen, and the Elks Club. The family are members of Zion Evangeli- cal English Lutheran Church. Buske Lines, Inc. THE BUSKE LINES, Inc., located at 123 West Tyler Avenue, has been operating trucks for 30 years. The company was started in 1923 by Mr. Herman Buske. At that time one trip per week was made to St. Louis, livestock being hauled into the National Stock Yards and freight back to Litchfield. The equipment used was a Model T Ford truck and 4000 pounds, or 2 tons, was a large load. Today they operate a minimum of 4 trucks daily into St. Louis and they have a carrying ca- pacity of 11 to 18 tons. About 1930 the company started a run into Chi- cago and very shortly thereafter started hauling into various other states. It was also at that early stage that the company was incorporated and became the Buske Lines, Inc. Mr. Herman Buske served as president from the time of its incorpora- tion until his death in 1941. In 1935 trucking became regulated by the In- terstate Commerce Commission and at that time Buske Lines, Inc., was granted a common carrier certificate to haul general freight between Litch- field, Hillsboro and various intermediate points and St. Louis, Mo. At the same time they were granted a contract carrier permit to haul certain freight between Litchfield, Illinois, and points and places in the states of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, and Ne- braska. At the present time the Interstate au- thority is in effect and this firm now has an intra- state permit in the States of Illinois, Indiana, Mis- souri, and Oklahoma. During the past 15 years, several rather large expansion programs have taken place. In 1938 a branch was established in Warsaw, Indiana. In 1947, Buske Lines, Inc., built their own terminal in St. Louis, and in 1948 they established a branch in Seneca, Mo. At the present time they have 44 employees. They own 2 pickup trucks, 1 straight truck, 27 tractors and 34 semi-trailers. In 1952 their trucks travelled approximately 1,229,700 miles; used 214,031 gallons of gasoline and hauled 53,674 tons, or 107,348,000 pounds, of freight. Present officers of the company are Edwin Buske, Ella Buske, and Roy Prange. Uhlenhop Store THE firm of Uhlenhop Brothers was established in 1906, the original partners being Henry and Joseph Uhlenhop. The first location was north of Library Park, in what is now a cafe. Nothing but meat was handled until 1928. The first beef bought for the opening of the business cost 3*4^ per pound, which at that time was considered ex- pensive. All the meat was butchered by Henry and Joseph Uhlenhop, either before or after store hours. In 1911 the firm moved to the 300 block on South State Street. In 1919 the business was moved to the present location. William Uhlenhop, another brother, joined the firm in 1915 and re- mained until 1929. In 1942 Joseph Uhlenhop died. Four years later Paul Uhlenhop, son of Henry, took over the business, although Henry Uhlenhop is still very active in the firm. In 1926 a full line of groceries was added and in 1927 fruits and vegetables. The first customer the firm had on opening its doors was Mr. Chris Randle of East Ryder Street and they are very proud to say he has continued to trade with them all through the years. They have many families now trading with them who are into the third and fourth generations. Originally all deliveries were made by carrying the orders in a basket and walking from customer to customer. As the business progressed a sec- ondhand bicycle was purchased, then a horse and wagon, which was used until 1919 when Model T Ford trucks made their appearance as delivery "wagons" for the firm. In comparing operations of many years ago, the firm was open from 6:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m. and on 103 Saturday until 11:00 p.m.; on Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. In the summer, during thresh- ing season, the day began at 3:00 a.m. to start de- livering roasts to the farmers within a radius of five or six miles of Litchfield. Some of the early prices were: round steak, 2 pounds for 250; pork steak, 3 pounds for 250; beef roast, 10^ per pound; and bologna, 3 pounds for 250. Mr. Virgil Coss started with the firm in 1919, and with the exception of a few brief periods, has been with them since that time. Employees at the present are Henry Uhlenhop, Paul C. Uhlen- hop, Virgil Coss, Teno Michele, Margaret Lewey, Paul B. Uhlenhop, Michael Uhlenhop, Fred Haber- lin, and Patricia Meyer. Otto G. Striegel Real Estate Loans Insurance IN TERMS of years, the Otto G. Striegel real estate, loans and insurance agency is not one of the older businesses of Litchfield, having been established during the last quarter of a century. However, Mr. Striegel has spent most of his life here, and when he made his decision to establish a business for himself in 1933, he chose to stay in Litchfield. For a number of years Mr. Striegel was an auto- mobile salesman for the Ford agency owned and operated by Glenn E. Brubaker. In 1929 he was appointed postmaster by President Hoover, serv- ing in that office for four and one-half years. It was in 1933, following his term as postmaster, that he first opened his agency for real estate, loans and insurance at 109 East Ryder Street. His daughter, Mabel Striegel, joined him in 1935, and that same year the office was moved across the street. The business continued in that location until 1940 when Mr. Striegel returned to his origi- nal location and has continued there until the pres- ent time. Sidney's THE history of Sidney's Women's Wear and Sid- ney's Tot and Teen Shop is closely associated with the development of a family organization. M. M. and Lillian Hess took over the management of the store on a partnership basis with H. Brauf- man, who had purchased the store from Mrs. Berg- dorff. On the death of Mr. Braufman, who was a brother-in-law to the Hess', the latter bought out the Braufman interests from Mr. Hess's sister, Mrs. Braufman, in 1939. A program of expansion was inaugurated with intensive promotion of what was considered the Litchfield Trade Area, which resulted in an in- crease in the volume of business which today amounts to nine times what it was in 1933. In 1942 the Hess Tot & Teen Annex was established in the Stuttle Building, next door to the Women's Wear unit. In 1946 Anita Hess was united in marriage to Sidney Cohen of Chicago, who had just completed five years of military service. The following year Sidney and Anita Cohen took over the management of the Tot & Teen Annex and be- came sole owners of that unit in 1948. The name was changed to Sidney's Tot & Teen Shop and in 1950 the Hess' relinquished active participation in the enterprise and active control was turned over to Mr. and Mrs. Cohen who completely mod- ernized the store formerly known as Hess Style Shop, and changed the firm name to Sidney's Women's Wear. The progressive trend of the management led to the establishment of buying office connections in New York, guaranteeing the constant flow of new and seasonable merchandise to meet the demand of an ever increasing clientele. Nationally adver- tised quality merchandise is featured in the com- bination of units which is now the oldest estab- lished store of its kind in Litchfield. Maynard Ritchie Plumbing & Heating THE Maynard Ritchie Plumbing and Heating Company, owned and operated by Maynard Ritchie, is located at 123 West Buchanan Street. Mr. Ritchie, a lifelong resident of the Litchfield community, was graduated from the Litchfield High School in 1921. In 1923 he became asso- ciated with the J. H. McDaniel & Son firm, who in- vented, patented and manufactured the New Era Windmills. J. H. McDaniel and G. E. McDaniel were the grandfather and father of Mrs. Maynard Ritchie. Their manufacturing plant was located in the 500 block on South Clinton Street. The windmills made in Litchfield were exhibited at the World's Fair in St. Louis and were sent to many parts of the world. Some of them are still in exist- ence in the Litchfield area. Later the patent was sold and the plant on Clinton Street closed. McDaniel and Son then established a plumbing and heating shop at 110 East Kirkham Street and later moved to West Ryder Street. There it re- mained until the death of Mr. G. E. McDaniel. During this time Maynard Ritchie served his apprenticeship with the McDaniel firm and in 1928 was licensed as a journeyman plumber. In 1936 he received his master plumber's license. In 1939 Mr. Ritchie established his own business of plumbing and heating service. In connection with this he sells American Radiator and Stand- ard Sanitary equipment. At present he has work- ing with him an apprentice, William Heise. His wife, the former Ruth McDaniel, is in charge of all office work connected with the business. 104 The First National Bank of Litchfield THE First National Bank of Litchfield and its predecessors have been rendering banking serv- ice to the Litchfield community for over 93 years. During the year 1860 the bank was established as Brewer, Seymour & Company. In 1868 S. M. Grubbs, who came to Litchfield in 1865, joined this firm, and the name was changed to Brewer, Grubbs & Co. A few years later Mr. Brewer retired; the name was changed again, this time to The Bank- ing House of S. M. Grubbs & Co., and in 1884 the location of the bank was moved from 320 to 324 North State Street, the present site of The First National Bank. In 1889 The First National Bank of Litchfield was organized with the following officers: R. J. Whitney, President; S. M. Grubbs, Vice-President; Eli Miller, Cashier; and E. R. Davis, Assistant Cashier. The directors were R. J. Whitney, S. M. Grubbs, Amos Miller, D. O. Settlemire, T. C. Kirk- land, E. Lane and John J. McLean. As soon as the charter was issued they purchased the bank build- ing, fixtures and business of The Banking House of S. M. Grubbs & Co. During that year the build- ing was remodeled by constructing a new front of stone and pressed brick, and this building served as the home of The First National Bank for the next 34 years. In January, 1890, S. M. Grubbs succeeded R. J. Whitney as President, T. C. Kirkland was elected Vice-President, and G. A. Sihler was named a di- rector to replace R. J. Whitney. Twenty-three years later S. M. Grubbs retired and Eli Miller, who had been Cashier since the organization of the bank and a director since Jan- uary 1, 1897, was elected President. J. R. Miller, who started to work in the bank in 1891, and who had been elected a director and Assistant Cashier in 1906, was elected Cashier. In 1923, the deposits to the bank having in- creased to over one million dollars, and the direc- tors realizing the need of a better bank building, decided to erect a complete new home with the latest and best vault equipment available. In June of that year, the old structure was razed, and the present brick and limestone building was con- structed. During this time the bank had tempo- rary quarters at 411 North State Street, and moved into its new home February 23, 1924. On July 25, 1928, Mr. Eli Miller, who had been with the bank since its organization, passed away, and on August 25, 1928, J. R. Miller was elected President. A. F. Heath, who has been with the bank since 1913, was named a director and Cashier, having been Assistant Cashier since January 14, 1919. On October 24, 1945, Dr. G. A. Sihler, Sr., who had been Vice-President of the bank since 1906, passed away, and on January 26, 1946, A. F. Heath was elected Vice-President and Cashier. In addition to J. R. Miller, President; and A. F. Heath, Vice-President and Cashier; the present of- ficers and employees are: Chris F. Zuber, who came to the bank August 1, 1944; Mrs. Margaret A. Roberts, Assistant Cashier, who started as a temporary employee April 10, 1922, and who has been with the bank ever since; Miss Betty Laird and Miss Joyce Sturgeon, bookkeepers; and L. P. Etter, custodian. The directors are: J. R. Miller, W. H. Hartke, Ralf Hauck, A. F. Heath, and C. H. Sihler. Besides the directors previously mentioned, the following men of this community have also served as directors since the organization of the bank: E. Southworth, E. R. Elliott, H. S. Hood, Edward Hoog, C. W. Bliss, R. H. Isaacs, J. H. Ritchie, M. M. Milnor, Rice Miller, Dr. Geo. A. Sihler, Jr., and Guy M. Snell. During its sixty-four years' existence as a na- tional bank, The First National Bank has shown a steady growth. The resources are in excess of $5,000,000 and the Capital, Surplus, Reserves and Undivided Profits exceed $240,000. 105 Strehle Agency THE STREHLE Agency engaged in the Insur- ance and Real Estate Business, now owned and operated by Russell C. Roberts, has the distinction of being the oldest Insurance Agency in Litchfield. The Strehle Agency was started by Dr. Hum- phrey H. Hood in the year 1858. Later his son, Harold Hood, joined his father in the business, which they operated until Dr. Hood's death in 1903. Harold Hood continued the operation of the agency until 1913 when it was purchased by the late Joseph C. Strehle. In 1929 George W. Strehle joined his father in the business, which they oper- ated together until the death of Joseph C. Strehle in 1948. After his father's death George Strehle continued the active management of the agency for the family, assisted by Mrs. Virginia Winkle- black who started her employment with them in 1946. After the untimely death of George Strehle on September 19, 1952, the business was sold to Russell C. Roberts, who was born and reared in this community. Before purchasing the Agency, Russell Roberts was employed as Secretary and Manager of Litchfield Lodge No. 654 B. P. O. Elks for the past twenty-one years. During its ninety- five years of existence this agency has maintained a steady growth and takes pride in the fact that it still represents three companies with whom Dr. Hood began business in 1858, namely: The Home Insurance Co., The St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co., and the Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Co. Other Old Line Companies have been added from time to time. Fair Department Store FAIR DEPARTMENT STORE, owned and oper- ated by P. N. Hirsch and Company of St. Louis, is one of forty chain stores located in Illinois, Mis- souri, Indiana, and Alabama retailing ready-to- wear, shoes, home furnishings and general mer- chandise. The first store was opened at Anna, Illinois, in 1930 under the management of Phil Hirsch, now general manager of the chain. After purchasing the merchandise of M. Wolf in 1940, the Litchfield store was opened in what is known as the Pappmeier building at 322 North State Street. It was managed by Jerry Hirsch, Harold Hirsch, Danny Webster, and Willard Peter- son. On August 8, 1945, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Ridenhower took over the management. Before coming here they had owned a grocery business in Metropolis, later moving to Anna, Illinois, where Mr. Ridenhower was employed for some time by the Hirsch Company. At the time he came here there were three clerks employed. This number has since been increased to twelve. The building was remodeled in 1950, a new balcony added, and in 1953 it was air conditioned. The executive officers are P. N. Hirsch, President; Ralph Hirsch, Vice-President; M. J. Hirsch, direc- tor; Jerry Hirsch, buyer; Irvin Gettleman, buyer; Ollie Garolnik, buyer; Aaron Ridenhower, man- ager; Hester Ridenhower, manager of Ladies Ready-to-Wear Department; Florence Bonnington, cashier; Betty Bray, manager of Home Furnish- ings; Dorothy Roberts, assistant to Mrs. Riden- hower; Joseph Brabec, student manager. Clerks are Gertrude Miller, Mabel Dey, Marie Sprigg, Audrey Woodman, Lula Simmons, Grace Wallis, and Tressie Koertge. Hermsmeyer Brothers HERMSMEYER BROTHERS is owned and op- erated by Carl A. and Robert L. Herms- meyer. Its principal business is dry cleaning, with the plant located at 103 East Edwards Street. The business was purchased in October of 1949 from James Ramey, who operated it approximately four years before they purchased the business. Kenneth and Clara Moroney assist them in the running of the plant. A branch office is maintained in Raymond, at the Al Podshadley Barber Shop. Hermsmeyer Broth- ers are also the Litchfield agent for the Superior Laundry of St. Louis. Carl A. Hermsmeyer is married to the former Joyce Satterlee and they have two children, Kay, aged four, and David Carl, aged three. Robert L. Hermsmeyer is married to the former Dona Brookman and they have one daughter, Christy Lynn, aged two. Carl and Robert are both active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Carl has held office in the past and Robert is now serving on the Board of Directors of that organization. Both men are also interested in working with the Boy Scouts. Ronen's Market THE principal business of Ronen's Market is groceries and meats. It is located at 714 West Columbia Street. Mr. Dan Ronen purchased the business from the estate of the late Louis Tram on June 21, 1952, and opened for business 2 days later. Mr. Tram had operated the business for 23 years specializing in home-killed meats. During that time a number of changes had been made. The building was enlarged and now consists of three apartments and the market. Mr. Ronen is not entirely new in the business world as he has been in various types of businesses in and around Litchfield since 1908. 106 Dearduff Roller Rink H) EARDUFF ROLLER RINK and Snack Room "^-^ is located on Route No. 16 near Junction 66. The building was designed and built by Virgil A. Dearduff in 1946 and opened in 1947. During the remodeling in 1950, the front of the snack room was redecorated. In the snack room sandwiches, soft drinks, and ice cream are served. Curb serv- ice is available during the summer. In 1951, the stage was removed from the rink side, making it longer and giving more space for the skaters. Virgil Dearduff is the son of John and Myrtle Dearduff, who moved from Indiana to Litchfield in 1905. Virgil followed the trade of his father, becoming a builder and general contractor. He was in this type of business for thirty years in Litchfield before starting the roller rink. Mr. and Mrs. Dearduff, who own and operate the business, have two children who are attending Litchfield High School. Joan graduated with the class of 1953. Jim is a sophomore. Anniversary Penny Night, April 1, 1953, at- tracted 500 skaters, the largest attendance at the rink. A 1947 penny was the price of admission. The youngest skater is Linda Irvine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Irvine of Litchfield. She be- gan skating at the age of fourteen months. The oldest skater was "Pop" Carter, the world's oldest skater, who skated here two years ago at the age of ninety-two. Kane & Stolle Westhoff Sheet Metal ALBERT L. KANE and J. Clifford Stolle formed a partnership November 1, 1925 and started in the general insurance business with offices at 223A North State Street, which is the oldest brick building now in Litchfield. On May 1, 1926, they bought the A. R. Stansifer Agency, and moved to 222 N. State Street, where they have maintained their offices to the present time. Misses Frances Reeder and Sandra Hoffman are employed in the office. Mrs. Reba Uhlenhop Graham, who has been connected with the agency for 22 years, is on leave of absence. A. L, Kane started with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in April, 1910; later he joined the Aetna Life Insurance Company force in Feb- ruary, 1913. J. C. Stolle started in the insurance business with the Prudential Life Insurance Company in October, 1909. THE Westhoff Sheet Metal Company is owned and operated by George A. Westhoff and Harold Westhoff, both veterans of World War II. Business at the present location — 113 East Union Avenue — was begun in 1929. It was oper- ated by Maura K. Phillips as a sheet metal shop until January, 1946. At that time, Harold West- hoff, who had served as an apprentice under Mr. Phillips, and his brother George, took over the business and formed a partnership. The name was changed from Maura K. Phillips Sheet Metal Com- pany to Westhoff Sheet Metal. This firm does all types of sheet metal work, as well as sells, serv- ices, and installs heating equipment, oil burners, metal awnings and air conditioning. They special- ize in Timken Silent Automatic Oil Burners, Amer- ican Radiator Sunbeam Furnaces, and McDermott Tension Sealed Storm Windows. Assisting the owners are Mark Leitschuh and Arthur Grassel. 107 1 3 "^Pl i Roll-Away Skate Company — Aeroflyte Shoe Company The Roll- A way Skate Company THE credit for being the first recorded man in history to make a pair of roller skates belongs to Joseph Merlin, born in Huys, Belgium, September 17, 1735. He was a musical instrument maker by trade; however, he made his first pair of roller skates in 1760. The first pair of roller skates to carry a patent was designed by Mr. M. Petitbled, Paris, France, November 12, 1819. The patent described the skates as "a sole made of wood, fitted with two. three or four, copper, wooden or ivory rollers ar- ranged in a straight line." This of course made it impossible for the skate to move on a curved line. Many changes have been made through the years, thus bringing us up to the present. Roll-Away Skate Company will be twenty-one years old this year. It was just an idea at first, without plans for a big future, and started by two men who were machinists by trade but enjoyed the sport of indoor roller skating. Their idea was to build something different from the type of skate then on the market, so they set up a small machine shop in the basement of one of their homes. Very little progress or improvement had been made, at this time, as there was very little compe- tition in the manufacture of skates. About this time a young roller skating brother and sister team, known as Jimmie and Joan Lind- stone from England, visited the United States pri- marily to further the interest of roller skaters be- tween the two countries. They were very fine skaters and were eager to talk to anyone interested in the sport of roller skating. Their skates, being foreign-made, were of great interest to the men just starting to build a new model, therefore a new idea was formed and the first precision skate to be manufactured in the United States was built by Roll-Away Skate Company. The original starters of the Company soon lost interest and sold their small amount of equipment to new persons who carried on with a small ex- pansion program. The demand for better skates was started; therefore from time to time, the com- pany expanded to supply the new demand. A few years later Roller Derby joined Roll- Away and became the sales organization taking all the merchandise manufactured by Roll-Away. The move to Litchfield in March, 1950, was their latest expansion program. Present executive offi- cers of the organization are: Earl Friedlander, President, Chicago. V. P. Swanson, Vice-President, Litchfield. N. O. Swanson, Treasurer, Litchfield. James Welsh and place of business, on the site of the present Roll-Away Skate Company and the Aeroflyte Shoe Company 108 Aerflyte Shoe Company A ERFLYTE Shoe Company, owned by Leo and Jr\. Oscar Seltzer and managed by V. P. Swanson, is among the most recent industries in the city. Approximately 76 people are employed here in the manufacture of high-grade athletic footwear, spe- cializing in shoes for indoor roller skates. In July, 1951, they located their plant in Litch- field at 307 West Edwards Street. This building, one of the early landmarks of the city, was erected in 1864 by John Wiegers, who came here from Al- ton, Illinois. At that time the small building was used as a home for the Wiegers family and the main building as a cooper shop to serve the Best and Sparks Mill which was located near by. At that early day operations were limited, but the cooper shop produced approximately 300 barrels per day. Business progressed until 1879 when the Best and Sparks Mill was destroyed by fire, thus forcing the cooper shop out of business. Un- daunted, Mr. Wiegers then opened a grocery store in the former cooper shop and continued that op- eration for a number of years. With the passing of time the occupancies of these ^ two buildings have varied. Jl 3 Coca-Cola Company, the 1: 3 Street Gate Company, and % * the Litchfield Precision | Products were all in turn located in the main build- ing. The smaller structure was sold to James Welsh, who conducted a coal and scrap business there un- til about 1934 when he was sue- In 1944 the small building, as well as the main building, was purchased by Litchfield Precision Company. Since 1951 this location has been the home of the Aerflyte Shoe Company, an industry which is an asset to the City of Litchfield. ceeded by Sam Arsht. From the Litchfield Daily Monitor, Vol. I, No. 7, is- sued on October 28, 1876, are the following extracts from advertisements: "Remember! I stay behind my counters, and per- sonally superintend all sales. There are no old goods of former stocks, but everything is new, fresh, and of the latest style, at the well known One-Price Clothing House, No. 44, State Street, Litchfield, 111. E. Summer- field." "J. H. Ennigar, State Street, opposite the public square, where can at all times be found a select as- sortment of the Staple Articles usually kept in such a place. By fair dealing and selling a good article at a reasonable price, he hopes to gain a liberal patron- age. Coffins always on hand, or made to order. Pic- ture frames and repairing punctually attended to." "Fresh Oysters! received daily and served in all styles, at lowest St. Louis prices, by M. Freiner, 27 State St., Litchfield, 111. Sandwiches and warm meals at all hours. Bouillon every morning at 10 o'clock." McCance Brothers THE printing firm of McCance Brothers was established in January of 1948 to fill the need of the Litchfield community for a printing plant devoted exclusively to the production of job and commercial printing. A concrete block building was erected at Fourth and Van Buren Streets to house the plant. Equipment was secured by buy- ing the Matlick-Bennett shop in Kirksville, Mis- souri. The business is operated as a partnership by William B. McCance and H. Cecil McCance. Both are natives of the County of Down, Northern Ireland. William is married to the former Jean Laurence and they have two sons, William G, Jr., and John C; they reside at 617 Van Buren Street. Cecil lives with his sister, Mrs. Susan Graham, and niece, Sheila Graham, at 904 Van Buren Street. William learned the printing trade in Chicago and came to Litchfield in 1938, to work for the Henrichs Publications. He was employed as shop foreman there until 1948, with the exception of three years spent with the United States Navy as carpenter's mate from 1942 to 1945. Cecil was engaged in the automobile brake serv- ice business in Chicago, doing business under the name of Illinois Brake Service Company, until the summer of 1950 when he came to Litchfield to be- come active in this concern. Holmer's Superway SYLVESTER HOLMER, more familiarly known as "Dick," acquired his knowledge of the gro- cery and meat business, in the eleven years he was with the Kroger organization. He worked in their stores in Hillsboro, Virden, Pana, Mattoon, Charles- ton, Alton, Raymond and Edwardsville. In 1944 he resigned as manager of the Kroger Store in Ed- wardsville, came to Litchfield and purchased the Piggly-Wiggly Store at 411 North State Street. This business had been established in 1921 by the Fisher Grocery Company of Springfield and was managed by the late George Dasher until his death in 1936. At that time the stock and franchise was sold to Meno Bros, of Carlinville, who operated it until it was taken over by Mr. Holmer in 1944. "Dick" continued the business under the Piggly- Wiggly system until 1952, when he surrendered that franchise. He then joined with the Bunn Cap- itol Company organization of Bloomington and it has since been known as Holmer's Superway. It numbers among its personnel, two of "Dick's" five sons, Ronald, a student at St. Louis University High School, and Donald, who attends Litchfield Community High School. Other personnel are: Donald Parnell, grocery department; Roberta Requarth, checker; Velma Koonce, meat department ; Jerry Wallis and Robert Rogers, grocery stockers. The Holmer family, including Dick, Mary, and their five boys, reside at 602 North Harrison Street. 109 Interior of bank before remodeling The Litchfield National Bank THE LITCHFIELD NATIONAL BANK was organized in 1907 as a state bank under the name of First State & Savings Bank. Its officers were M. Morrison, Presi- dent; J. W. Kidd, Vice-President; and M. W. Snell, Cashier. Its original capital stock was 500 shares, and the number has never changed. It continued as a state bank until September 19, 1911, when it converted to a "National Banking Asso- ciation" and a charter was issued by the United States Government. The Directors at that time were M. Mor- rison (president), J. W. Kidd, Edson Pound, Herb B. Herrick (cashier), Chas. A. Tolle, Thomas T. Lackey, William Wilton, and Paul McWilliams. Later Mr. T. T. Lackey became president, Charles E. Morgan, vice- president and Hugh Hall, cashier. Upon the resigna- tion of Mr. Lackey, Mr. Morrison was elected presi- dent, who served until his death in 1928, at which time Mr. H. B. Herrick became president, he being followed by Chas. J. McBride. In January, 1935, Mr. L. W. Cline was elected president, occupying this posi- tion until his death in 1945, at which time Mr. Harold Fleming was elected president and continues in that capacity. The bank has maintained a steady and continuous growth through the years. In 1947 it became necessary to enlarge the working quarters. The in- terior of the bank was remodeled, a new director's room was built in the base- ment, and the entire building was air- conditioned, this bank being the first bank in our city to have this conven- ience. In 1949 more remodeling was done, modernizing the fixtures and in- creasing the tellers' windows from three to five. A new modern lighting system was installed. In 1952 a new 24-hour depository was installed for the con- venience of its many customers. It has also increased the number of its safety deposit boxes from 250 to 498. The present officers of this bank are Harold Fleming, president, who has been associated with the bank since April 1, 1931. Mr. Murray L. Shrader is vice-president, his association starting in 1933. Mrs. Edith F. Koval is the cashier, who began her duties as bookkeeper and stenographer in March, 1920; Mr. Maynard F. Moore is assistant cashier, having started as bookkeeper on March 1, 1937. Others are William M. Cassity, teller; Erma L. Watts, bookkeeper; Orva W. Ernst, book- keeper; Dorothy Dittus, stenographer, and Arthur Johnson, janitor. This bank does a general banking business, handles loans on real estate, having enabled many G.I.'s to purchase their own homes, in addition to all other kinds of loans. Since the organization of the bank there has been a total of $100,250 cash dividends paid to the stock- holders on the 500 shares of capital stock. As a comparison, on December 31, 1912, the total assets of this bank were $291,520.55, and on December 31, 1952, the total assets were $4,375,676.75. On De- cember 31, 1912, the total deposits were $176,634.43, and on December 31, 1952, they were $4,158,735.16, which shows the growth of this institution through the years. The surplus, undivided profits and reserve accounts were increased during the period mentioned above from $10,143.45 to $166,941.59. Special mention should be made of Mr. Dale Graham who commenced his banking career in this bank, leav- ing here in 1916. He is now president of the National Bank of Commerce, New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. Frank G. Paden also served this institution as assistant cashier for a number of years, leaving here in 1919 to become a National Bank Examiner. He is now located at Rosedale, Mississippi. Mr. Geo. A. Hall and C. A. Sinclair, prominent local citizens, were former employees of this bank. Members of the present Board of Directors are Harold Fleming, Murray L. Shrader, Maynard F. Moore, F. E. Bailey, and Henry L. Schmidt. It is, and has been the earnest desire of the officers, directors, and employees of this bank to serve each and every customer faithfully and well, thereby earn- ing and deserving its slogan, "The friendly bank in the middle of the block." Remodeled interior of bank 110 This picture was taken before the construction of the four-story wing on the northeast corner of the original building Brown Shoe Company LITCHFIELD has for many years been the stronghold of men's footwear in Brown Shoe Company. In 1916 first arrangements were made between progressive citizens of the community and officials of the company regarding the possibility of locating a Brown Plant in Litchfield. The com- munity agreed to raise some $70,000 and a person- to-person canvass was made of the community. Among Litchfield's leaders, A. R. Stansifer, R. L. Hurt, and J. C. Strehle were three of the very active local men to whom much credit and praise are still due for securing the Brown Shoe Company for Litchfield. Mr. Hurt was chairman of the drive in the raising of funds for the bonus, Mr. Strehle was secretary of the Chamber of Com- merce, and Mr. Stansifer was the one selected to go to the heads of the Big Four Railroad in Cin- cinnati to secure the lease on the present site of the Brown Shoe Factory. Other Litchfield men playing an important part were Eli Miller, F. R. Milnor, M. M. Morrison, David Davis, and Harry C. Gorin. A large clock was erected in the library park across from the First National Bank and each time another $1,000 of the bonus required was raised, the clock hand was moved up. A systematic canvass of all business houses and citizens was made by different wards for this bonus. Many business houses gave as high as $1,000. The Ameri- can Radiator Company started the list off with their donation of $2,500. When the bonus was raised, the fire bell and church bells rang, and people celebrated in the streets. The new factory was opened the week of March 31, 1917. A reception to the public was held on the evening of April 13, 1917, with a band concert by the Moose Band in the downtown district. Proceedings were interrupted at 7:00 by the first sounding of the new factory whistle, at which time the entire assemblage moved to the factory area where the band was established on the roof garden for another concert. During the evening additional music was supplied by the Crescendo Orchestra and the Factory Booster Quartet. To prove to the world that Litchfield was a live town, the entire business district was kept lighted for the duration of the evening. More than 7,000 visitors trooped through the factory to marvel at the magnitude of the community's accomplishment. The first payroll was dated 11/25/16. The cut- ting and fitting departments were started in what is now known as the Carroll Building, corner of Ryder and Madison Streets. A one-story addition was made to the factory in 1922 and the remaining three floors added to this new addition a year or two later. By June 30, 1917, there were 323 employees work- ing at the factory producing 5,500 pairs of shoes per week. Seven of these employees are still with the Brown Shoe Plant at Litchfield. They are: Her- man Gronewald, Matilda Keene, Fidelis Heise, Ethel Pruitt, Robert Smith, Leo King, and Ada Simpson. At the present time there is an average of 450 employees making 15,000 pairs of shoes per week with an average weekly payroll of $24,000. In 1939 the factory started making a line of top grade men's dress shoes. At the present writing the factory produces 3,000 pairs of shoes daily sold under the nationally advertised name of "Roblee." Shoes are shipped to towns and cities in every state of the union, also to many foreign countries. Former Superintendents in order of service are: Wm. Kincade, Mr. Skillings, J. A. McDonald, Luke Sawmiller, and Raymond Higgins. Mr. Higgins started at the factory as an operator when it opened, and is now a General Superintendent. The present supervisory staff includes: Supt. E. B. Meyers; Ass't Supt. E. N. Woods; Office Man- ager, Miss LeVella Ritchie; Engineer Estel Sights; Foremen Alfred Hinz, Harley Logsdon, G. L. Rich- ardson, John Welsh, Melvin Evans, Fred L. Dively, Francis Cawthon, Elmer Frey. Ill Brawley Brothers BRAWLEY BROTHERS WHOLESALE DIS- TRIBUTORS is located at 201 South Jeffer- son Street. Brawley Brothers first started as a cigar manufacturing business at 1326 North Jackson Street in 1910. A barn was purchased at that time to house the new cigar factory. As business multiplied, the barn gave way to a larger building purchased in 1913 at the corner of Clark and Jackson Streets. The firm oper- ated here from 1913 to 1917 as a growing enter- prise in Litchfield. A third move was made in 1917 to 109 West Union Avenue where the property was pur- chased from Dr. Barcroft. On this site a one- story building was erected to house the firm. With business gradually expanding, a second story was added to the building in 1925. Also in this year a new line of candy and confections was added for distribution. In 1925 the distribution of confections became the main business of Brawley Brothers and the cigar manufacturing was discontinued. With the ending of prohibition in 1933 the firm fore- saw opportunities for the distribution of beer and liquor. Thus, these were added to the con- fection line in that year. In the same year, the Brawley business again had growing pains. The Bartling property lo- cated at 201 South Jefferson Street was pur- Brawley Brothers Cigar Factory chased as a business site. It is here in the year 1953 that we find a still expanding business of Brawley Brothers Wholesalers and Distributors. The firm is operated by Ted Brawley with the help of his sons, Leighton and Rex. Norman Marburger and Merle Scherer and also full-time employees of the firm. Oldest Business in Litchfield Still Operated By Founder 112 Busby Cleaners THIS firm was established in April, 1924, as a combination cleaning-tailoring store and car- ried a small stock of haberdashery. The cleaning was done first in Mattoon at the Paris and Para- mount plants and later by White and Nail at Hills- boro. In 1927 the present plant building was con- structed on the residence site at 1421 Madison Street. The pressing was still done at the down- town location, which was first at the present barber shop of McPherson & Son, then at the Striegel agency building and finally in the building now oc- cupied by the Capitol Cafe. In 1935 an addition was built to the original plant to house the pressing equipment and the es- tablishment was then one unit. Take-in stations were maintained for short times in the Robert Angle barber shop, Johnny Johnson's barber shop, and Herbert Kahl's Clothing Store. Besides Mr. and Mrs. Busby there are four others who assist in operating this business. They are namely: Christina Schoen, Gertrude True, Ray- mond Boston, and Larry Evans. June of this year brought the installation of complete new cleaning equipment of the latest type, completely automatic and of much greater capacity. Eades Dairy Queen EADES DAIRY QUEEN is a more recent busi- ness in Litchfield which is located on Route 16 on West Union Avenue, near old Route 66. Walter Eades is the owner of this business and came to Litchfield from Bushnell, Illinois, with his Steve Eades, Charles Marit, Walter Eades News Center THIS business was established June 1, 1950, by Elmer Gotsch and Leonard Birkenkamp. Mr. Gotsch is agent for metropolitan newspapers and Mr. Birkenkamp is in charge of the retail division of the business. Twenty-three newspaper carrier boys work from this center each day. Newspa- pers, magazines, sundries, records, sheet music, and hobbycraft are the principal items offered for sale. The music department and hobbycraft are the newest additions to the merchandise handled. Mr. Gotsch was born and reared in St. Louis, Missouri, coming to Litchfield in 1949 when he pur- chased the newspaper agency from Philip Mc- Namara. From 1938 to 1941, Mr. Gotsch was in a wholesale electric appliance business in St. Louis, dealing only with contractors. The next two years, 1941 to 1943, he spent in the United States Army. After his discharge he worked three years, or until coming to Litchfield, with the Grain Market in the Merchant's Exchange Building in St. Louis. Mr. Birkenkamp was employed at the Park Drug Store in this city, but went into the Army in 1948. After one year of service, he was discharged in 1949, but inducted again in 1950 and served an- other fourteen months. This is a progressive business and is a big fac- tor in the growth and development of Litchfield. family in 1951. Since that time they have been serving Dairy Queen cones, sundaes, shakes, and malts with increasing popularity to local and tran- sient customers. Charles Marit and Steve Eades help with this business. Jerry Eades also helped until called to the Army in 1951. Leonard's Market THIS business, located at 213 North State Street, Litchfield, was established there on September 17, 1931, by Bahn Bros., Inc. In May, 1939, Wm. Vogelsang, who had been associated with the firm for a number of years, bought the business and continued the operation thereof until November 1, 1946, when he leased it to Leonard Beck, the pres- ent owner. Just three years later, on November 1, 1949, Mr. Beck purchased the business and shortly thereafter became a member of the Progressive Associated Grocers. Mr. Beck first became associated with this store in 1939, when he was employed as a clerk. He con- tinued in that capacity until he joined the Armed Forces during World War II. He spent three years in the Pacific Theater. It was upon his return home that he leased this business and later pur- chased it, thus becoming one of the responsible and reliable merchants of Litchfield. 113 El pi *r r I ■ i j Napier's in 1930's Napier's as seen in 1953 Napier Plumbing and Heating Company NAPIER PLUMBING AND HEATING COM- PANY, 202 East Ryder, represents a second generation in the Litchfield business world. The original business had its initial start in March, 1920, under the name of Prange and Napier Plumb- ing, Heating, Electric, located in the Pappmeier Building. This partnership was dissolved in 1924. C. A. Napier, Sr., purchased the King property at 218 Monroe. An insurance office on the property became the home of C. A. Napier Plumbing and Heating. In December, 1948, Charles A. Napier, Jr., and Charliene M. Napier purchased the inventory of C. A. Napier, Sr., and registered the firm as the Napier Plumbing and Heating Company. The location of the office at that time was 218 Monroe — a sheet-metal building 11' x 20', which barely allowed room for the small coal heating stove, a desk, chair, and glass case containing minor repair items for the trade. In a few months the new home of Napier Plumb- ing and Heating Company was under construc- tion next door at the corner of Ryder and Monroe Streets. In April, 1949, the company moved to their new location. The two-story tile building, 52' x 26', includes a showroom, office, and store- room, and a six-room apartment on the second floor. The use of a gas-fired, hot-water boiler for heating the building made it possible to illustrate various types of heating equipment — radiant floor panels, baseboard, convectors, and radiators. At last there was space to display complete plumbing and heating equipment, and the employees and owners felt they had joined the march of progress in their thriving community. The following employees of the firm, many of whom were in the employ of the former owner, have been active in the progress of the company: Carl Schroeder, journeyman plumber, 12 years' service; Aldo Paris, journeyman plumber, 6*4 years; Dale Quinn, advanced apprentice, 5*2 years; Theodore Crocks, laborer, 11 years; Elmer Collen- berger, laborer, 5V-> years; Robert Taylor, laborer, 2 years; Colleen Lewis, office manager, 2 years. Carl Schroeder, Aldo Paris, and Charles Napier, Jr., are graduates of David Ranken, Jr., Trade School in St. Louis. Charles Napier, Jr., qualified for his apprentice license in April, 1937, and re- ceived his Master Plumbers' License in June, 1947. The firm is equipped to handle all types of jobs from minor repairs to new construction, both resi- dential and industrial. There would not be space to list all of the jobs of which we are proud but some of the high lights have been the Madison Park School, and the Litchfield High School addition. To date the name of "Napier" has been con- nected with the plumbing and heating business in Litchfield for thirty-three years. Now a third generation has entered the picture — Charles A. Napier, III — and it is hoped that the family name will continue in this firm for the next half century or more. 114 Ross & Becker Funeral Home THE Ross and Becker Funeral Home was origi- nated in Litchfield, Illinois, August 30, 1940, by W. E. Ross and M. C. Becker. The property located at 404 East Union Avenue was purchased from the Herbert Hood Estate and remodeled especially for funeral directing purposes. A new casket showroom and a three-car garage were constructed to give the necessary room and adequately enhance the entire structure for a com- plete homelike atmosphere for this particular type of profession. An organ reproduction system was installed in 1952 and just recently the entire estab- lishment, inside and outside, has been redecorated. In February, 1949, W. E. Ross purchased the half interest of M. C. Becker and sold a part of this interest to Albert H. Sandner. Mr. Ross, a son of Mrs. Anna Uchtman and the late John Ross, was born in Mt. Olive, Illinois. He attended the Zion Lutheran Grade School and was graduated from the Mt. Olive High School. He attended and was graduated from the American School of Embalming in 1929 and that same year passed the Missouri State Board of Embalming, re- ceiving his license in that state. He also took ex- tensive training under Albert H. Hoppe of St. Louis, Missouri. Later he attended Worsham Col- lege of Embalming in Chicago, Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1931 and that year received his Illinois state license. He was employed by the A. G. Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, Illinois, and later by the E. R. Stocker Funeral Home in Vincennes, Indiana. Mr. Ross married Miss Esther Berg, a schoolteacher of Mt. Olive. Mr. A. H. Sandner is a son of Mrs. Sophia Wohl- ers Sandner and the late A. E. Sandner. He was born in Mt. Olive, where he received his schooling, graduating from high school in 1931. He en- tered the Hohenschuh-Carpenter College of Em- balming and was graduated from it in 1934, and in the same year passed the Illinois State Board, receiving his Embalming and Funeral Directors Licenses. Before coming to Litchfield he was em- ployed by the Vancil Funeral Home in Springfield, Illinois, and the Becker & Son Funeral Home in Mt. Olive. Mr. Sandner married Miss Velma Fearn of Pana, Illinois, who had been a teacher in the Taylorville Schools. -v "" r 'S'>3 i iji Cities Service THE Cities Service filling station located at 303 South State Street is owned by Mr. and Mrs. William L. Niehaus and son, William, Jr., natives of the Litchfield area. The business was purchased by the Niehaus family on January 21, 1949. Mr. Niehaus is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Niehaus, who lived on a farm near Litchfield and later moved to another farm near New Doug- las. Mrs. Niehaus before her marriage was Miss Mathilda Buske, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Buske. Mr. Niehaus drives for the Buske Lines, having been in their employ since 1929. Mrs. Niehaus is employed in the fitting department of the Brown Shoe Factory. The son, William, Jr., graduated from the local high school with the class of 1952. At the present time he is a student at Ranken Trade School in St. Louis. He is taking a trades course in auto mechanics. He is also a member of the Naval Reserve and is taking the Navy course in airplane mechanics. The filling station is leased and operated by the Cities Service organization. Recent improvements include black-topping the drives and repainting. The station is well equipped to give complete lubri- cation and wash service. The stock consists of a complete line of Cities Service Products. 115 Schmidt Truck Service, Inc. THE Schmidt Truck Service has its terminals on Highway 66 in Litchfield and in the Merchants Truck Terminal, 827 South Broadway, St. Louis. Its officers are A. G. Schmidt, Jr., president; Roy L. Schmidt, vice-president; Alma Schmidt, secre- tary-treasurer. Roy Schmidt became a member of the firm in 1953. Fifteen persons are employed by the company in- cluding Clarence Hayes, bookkeeper and office man- ager, Delmar Prange, Harry Purdy, Elmer Meier, Don Kates, Henry Kahl, Francis Farrar, Earl Schmidt, Martha Evans, Harold Flitz, Henry Wil- son, LeRoy Niehaus, Lee Street, Ira Marko, and Charles Wilson. The business began in 1927 with one straight truck; in 1953 it has 10 trailers, 8 tractors, 3 straight trucks, and 1 pick-up truck. The trucks operate daily between Litchfield and East St. Louis and St. Louis with freight and livestock. They return daily with freight for Staunton, Mt. Olive, Hillsboro, and Litchfield. The firm also serves any town in Illinois from the home terminal. To keep pace with the expanding business the Litchfield plant has been enlarged to include an eighty-foot terminal built in 1937; office space in 1941 ; new loading dock, additional dock room, and mechanics' room in 1949 ; water system in 1952 ; and a new parking lot for trailers in 1953. One of the highlights in the business was the change to a corporation in January, 1949. Thiessen's Market THIESSEN'S Market, located at 416 West Kirk- ham Street, specializes in groceries and meats. On June 1, 1949, this business was purchased by Henry Thiessen from John (Jack) Bray who had been operating the same type of business for eight years. Mr. Thiessen is assisted in carrying on his busi- ness by his wife, Ruby, and his three sons: Ron- ald, Jerry, and Billy. A daily delivery service is maintained through the able help of Ellis (Cotton) Hess, a regular em- ployee for the past two years. Erma Franklin has part-time employment to help during rush periods. A former location of business was the Farmer's Exchange, corner of State and Union, which was purchased from John L. Bitter and was later sold to Charles Hires who dissolved the business. Litchfield has been the home of the Thiessen family for 22 years during which time Mr. Thies- sen has been employed by the Brown Shoe Com- pany fourteen years, Litchfield Creamery six years, American Radiator three years. Their home is located at 423 East First Street. Johnson Hardware Company THE Johnson Hardware Company, 409 N. State St., was purchasd on Nov. 5, 1933, by Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Johnson from John Cartwright and Rex Gilly doing business under the name of Cart- wright and Gilly. It was first established in 1908 by W. A. Schutt who operated it for 22 years as the Schutt Hardware Co. He sold it in 1930 to Cartwright and Gilly. Mr. Johnson operated the business until his death in November of 1945. Mrs. Johnson has continued the business under the management of Harold E. Johnson, David A. Canaday, and Clifton C. Quarton. The major products sold are Frigidaire appli- ances, Sentinel and Stromberg Carlson Television, Phelan's Paints, Scotsman's Oil Heaters, Jacobsen Power Mowers, Permutit Water Softeners, and general hardware. The personnel consists of: Mr. Clifton C. Quar- ton, Manager; Mr. J. Robert Huffman, Service Man; Mr. Melvin R. Billiter, Salesman; Mrs. Bar- bara Morgan Odle, Secretary; Mrs. Betty Johnson Quarton, Bookkeeper. 116 The Oil City Building & Savings Association THE Oil City Building and Savings Association, one of the oldest businesses in the city was chartered March 27, 1883— now 70 years old. The incorporators were: H. H. Hood, Wm. Wiegreffe, Richard F. Bennett, Philip Kelly, Samuel M. Grubbs, John Lange, Sam E. O'Bannon and Wm. E. Bacon, with them holding 736 shares. The object of the association is to assist share- holders to own their own homes. The present offi- cers are: President, Harry C. Gorin; Vice-Presi- dent, Arthur F. Prange; Secretary, J. Lynn Bitter; Treasurer, J. R. Miller; Directors, A. M. Alexander, Charles E. Owens, Ota May Hushing, Charles Hauser and V. R. Fellers. The executive officers longest in service were Henry W. Bartling, President for 40 years, and Ota May Hushing, who resigned last year after 35 years' service. The following have served as officers or direc- tors: Eli Miller, Elmer Eichelroth, C. A. Tolle, R. L. Hurt, Irving Yaeger, John W. Rea, Thomas Potts, Hugh Hall, C. J. McBride, C. W. Bartling and C. W. Grafton. The Association owns its own building at 122 West Ryder Street where it loans money to people to buy homes and pays a dividend to savers. R & C Home Appliances IN MAY, 1948, this business was established by E. G. Ross and B. R. Curry. It was first located in the Fizzell Building at 116 West Union Avenue, but within a few months moved to its present lo- cation at the southwest corner of State Street and Union Avenue. Previously, Mr. J. Lynn Bitter had occupied this building for many years and had op- erated a grocery store, known as "The Farmer's Exchange." The R & C Home Appliance Store carries a com- plete line of Crosley products — televisions, radios, refrigerators, deep-freezes, and complete kitchens. They also have a complete service department. Mr. Ross, a native of Mt. Olive, Illinois, came to Litchfield in 1947. Previously, he had attended the P & S School of Medicine in St. Louis, after which he did research work for a number of years. Prior to coming to Litchfield he was employed as a drug salesman. Mr. Curry, the junior member of the firm, served in the Army Air Corps for three and one-half years. Following his discharge, he enrolled in the Coyne Trades School in Chicago and studied radio and electronics. Upon completion of the course, he was employed in the service department of the Montgomery Ward Company in Decatur, Illinois. He came to Litchfield in 1948 and joined Mr. Ross in the business. The Ariston Cafe THE ARISTON Cafe, located at the junction of Routes 16 and 66, is owned and operated by Pete Adam. Mr. Adam came to Litchfield from Carlinville, Illinois, and established his business in 1930 across the street from his present location. In 1935 he moved to the present site. Since 1925 Mr. Adam has been in the restaurant business. Prior to that he was in the confectionary business. A personnel of fourteen is employed by the Ariston to serve fine foods to visitors passing through Litchfield, as well as to local patrons. Rambo's Wallpaper & Paint Store IT HAD always been my desire to own and oper- ate a retail wallpaper and paint store, as my interests were always along the line of interior and exterior decoration. After World War II and my discharge from the Army, I knew that my desires were even stronger to begin — but where? After discussing my prob- lem with various companies, it was decided that Litchfield would be the town. My partner and I came to Litchfield from Princeton, Illinois in February of 1949 and began operation on April 7. On June 20, 1952, I pur- chased the interest of my partner and the business is now operated under my own name. I have continued to operate the business with merchandise from the country's foremost paint and wallpaper manufacturers. H. L. Burwell Glass Products HL. BURWELL GLASS PRODUCTS is located . at 412 North Jefferson Street. This Litch- field business was started in 1948 in a frame garage building at the present location. In 1949, as the business became firmly established, a new tile and glass building was erected which houses the pres- ent operations. The idea which developed into the starting of the business was a result of experience by Mr. Burwell in the automotive field, and the trouble and delay occasioned in obtaining replacement glass, usually resulting in a large stock of glass which would finally become broken or damaged in handling and if not ruined, would in time be ob- solete due to changes in models of cars and trucks. H. L. Burwell Glass Products is operated with the help of two employees. In addition to special- izing in auto glass at wholesale, the firm also makes desk and furniture tops and shelves which are retailed and wholesaled to the community. Prompt delivery is assured on packaged auto 117 glass in both flat and curved, clear and tinted num- bers, which are popular on cars and trucks in this territory. The location of Litchfield, which has resulted in its being such a wonderful trade center in many lines, applies equally well to automotive service and supply parts, and H. L. Burwell Glass Products enables automotive dealers and repair shops in Litchfield and surounding towns to get prompt de- livery service on glass parts without their carry- ing a heavy inventory. Litchfield News-Herald THE Litchfield Neves-Herald prides itself in be- ing the community's oldest institution, founded in 1856 as the Litchfield Journal. A file of the news- paper is still in the News-Herald's upstairs vault, printed on rag content paper, which, by the way, is whiter than the newsprint we use today in spite of all these years. The first editor was H. A. Coolidge, who came to Litchfield from Cazenovia, N. Y. Editor Coolidge found after a short time that newspapering didn't pay as well as teaching, and established one of the first schools in his home on West Kirkham Street near what is now the Illinois Central tracks. Litchfield's first newspaper was Democratic in politics and soon ran into competition from the Whigs, who established the Illinois Free Press. The Free Press later folded in a Whig factional dispute over the formation of the Republican party. Its place was taken in later years by the Litchfield News, but not before the Union League's Union Monitor, a widely read Civil War newspaper, had been published here on the same press. The News eventually became the News-Herald. The Herald was born when H. A. Coolidge was lured back to the editorial chair in the campaign of 1872 by his admiration for Horace Greeley, the Democratic candidate opposing Gen. U. S. Grant. It later became the Democrat, Prairie City Advo- cate and then went back to Herald under the owner- ship of Fred C. Beeman. Mr. Coolidge, in his history of Litchfield written in 1881, said on several occasions the total cash taken in "from Monday morning until Saturday night would not exceed the sum of fifty cents" and he was "downcast, sick and tired of the whole thing" and if it wasn't for feeling that he had a mission of spreading the truth, he would have given up again. The News was the first daily newspaper in Litch- field, going from semi-weekly to tri-weekly and then finally to daily in January, 1887. The Herald became a daily in 1890. The two were combined as the News-Herald in 1890. The last paper to enter the field was the Daily Union which made its bow to the public on Nov. 4, 1913. It was consolidated with the News- Herald in 1928. Litchfield has had scores of newspaper editors during the 96 years since the press settled here. One of the greatest, besides Coolidge, was James Stanley, editor of the Monitor. Stanley and Dr. William Barefoot, alderman from the third ward, became embroiled over Dr. Barefoot's ordering the trees in Library Park topped. Dr. Barefoot was peeved about Stanley's criticism and challenged the editor to a duel, "choose your weapons." Stan- ley editorially chose brickbats at 200 yards and the duel was averted. The News-Herald travels to every state in the union, three Canadian provinces and to all terri- tories, plus the troops in Korea and Europe. It centers its circulation to 5000 homes within 20 miles of Litchfield, outside of the loyal readers by mail. It has received telegraph news from the UP since 1913. The wire service comes in the office 24 hours per day, every day with the newspaper using the ticker from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. most days. It has been the "official newspaper" of the State of Illinois for several years. Frank Hanafin has been publisher since 1928. Hittmeier Brothers IN 1934, Orval Hittmeier left the employ of B. F. Goodrich Co. in St. Louis, and his brother, Ray Hittmeier, left Medart Electric Company in St. Louis, and established the partnership of Hittmeier Brothers, going into business as Mobilgas distribu- tors and dealers for B. F. Goodrich Company in Mt. Olive, their home town. In 1938 they acquired an interest in the A & H Auto Supply Company and opened their store in Litchfield. After the start of World War II Ray, in 1943, joined the Army and served four and one-half years, attaining the rank of captain. Orval Hittmeier continued to operate the busi- ness, expanding in 1945 to include the Dodge- Plymouth Agency for automobiles and Dodge trucks. The Cox Building on old U.S. 66 was then purchased as the garage for the agency. After remodeling the structure, the agency moved into the present building in early 1946. The business continued to grow, and in 1947 an addition housing the office was constructed. In July of 1946 they were incorporated as Hitt- meier Brothers, Inc., with Orval Hittmeier as presi- dent, and Ray Hittmeier secretary-treasurer. At the present time the firm employs sixteen peo- ple. Orval Hittmeier conducts the business at the garage with assistance from Ray Hittmeier. The large, well-stocked parts department is operated by Frank Roach. Through the years, Hittmeier Broth- ers have remained dealers for B. F. Goodrich Co. and are now area distributors for their tires, tubes, batteries, and all types of automotive accessories. Victor Brakenhoff is service manager, supervis- ing the following automobile mechanics and tire men: Darwin Rosenthal, Daniel Mancini, William 118 Harmon, Melvin Bounds, Vernon Duff, Curtis Yemm. Walter Roach acts as sales manager, and has Perry Sneed and William Shivers in his department. Lamar Hagen, in charge of the body shop, has built up a fine reputation for this department. Dorothy Hailstone heads the office force as sec- retary, with Ruth Whitlock as bookkeeper. This organization has done everything in its power to please its customers and hopes to continue to do so for the next 100 years. Gerlt Funeral Home GERLT Funeral Home, 623 North State Street, was established in 1935 by Alfred and Mary Gerlt, when the home of Dr. and Mrs. T. T. Baker was purchased and moved into in April, 1935. It was remodeled, carpeted and furnished, and was the first FUNERAL HOME in Litchfield. A new four- car garage was built in 1939 after their garage burned with two cars, a new LaSalle Funeral Car and a family car. Personnel at the present time include Alfred and Mary Gerlt, Opal Howard, Richard Roller, and Leonard Birkenkamp. Mr. and Mrs. Gerlt are natives of Staunton, Illi- nois and are both licensed Funeral Directors. Mr. Gerlt is a licensed embalmer, graduating from Worsham College of Embalming in Chicago, Illi- nois in June, 1922. At that time he was employed by the Huntman Furniture and Undertaking Com- pany in Staunton, where he started working, after school and on Saturdays, at the age of 16. Many fine families have been served at the Gerlt Funeral Home and some families for three gen- erations. Walter Holderread Drug Store THE Corner Drug Store, 223 North State Street, which has been owned and operated by Walter Holderread since he purchased it from Mr. Frank Milnor in 1906, was first established by Dr. John Grinstead, a practicing physician of Litchfield, in 1856. Frank R. Milnor became a clerk in the store in 1865 and worked as a clerk there until 1871, at which time he bought the store from Dr. Grin- stead. Walter Holderread, a young Litchfield man, started working for Mr. Milnor in 1893, and has spent his entire life in Litchfield with the ex- ception of five years, 1901-1906, when he had a store in Divernon, Illinois. On his return to Litchfield in 1906 he purchased the Corner Drugstore from Mr. Milnor. In 1912 new fixtures were installed. Mr. Holderread graduated from the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy in Chicago in 1900. He is assisted by his daughter, Florence, who is Mrs. Maurice Nimmons. Austin & Shrader Brothers AUSTIN & SHRADER BROTHERS was started . in 1860 by Mr. Benny, in the building now occupied by Workinger's Jewelry Store. Five years later the stock was sold to Tilman Shore, who operated the business until 1874 when it was pur- chased by Condry & Rhodes. In 1880 Mr. Condry sold his interest to Thomas Rhodes, who continued the business until May 27, 1887, when Ramsey & Austin purchased the stock and moved it to 213 North State Street. In September, 1895, Mr. Ram- sey sold his interest to E. M. Austin. The first new line to be added was harness, bug- gies and surreys. Next a paint department and a tin shop were added. In 1903, Ed Shrader, who for years had been an employee of the store, became a partner. Another building was leased to add furni- ture, floor coverings and draperies. Bert Shrader joined the partnership in 1911, at which time the buildings occupied by the New York Department Store, at 214-216 North State Street were pur- chased and the name was changed to Austin & Shrader Brothers. Arthur Shrader joined the part- nership in 1925, Homer Haycraft in 1931, Murray Shrader in 1933, and Al Russell in 1935. Miss Jennie Karnes was employed as bookkeeper for approximately 47 years ; Uly Hawkins, as clerk for 35 years; Joe Knight, as tinner for 43 years; George Rushton, 39 years, and Wm. Judd, 19 years. In addition to the executive officers, present per- sonnel includes: Clifford George, Herman Stamer, Esther Wolfe, Earl Blackburn, Eugene McClughen and Elmer Anderson. As store looked in 1904. L. to R.: Grace Parks, Ed. Shrader, E. M. Austin, Bert Shrader, Emil Schumaker, George Ramsey, Milton Davis, Frank Ghayua, Ray Hobson, J. H. Jones 119 Street scene in front of Burgdorff's (about 1910) Yaeger's in 1953 Yaeger's YAEGER'S men's and boy's wear, located at 321- 323 North State Street, was established in 1896 as L. H. Bergdorff and Company. In 1918 it became known as Irving Yaeger and Sons. The father, Irving Yaeger, and his two sons, Ben I. and Lewis D. Yaeger, owned and operated the store under that name until 1946, when the store took the name of Yaeger's. At present the officers and owners of the firm are Mrs. B. I. Yaeger, widow of the former owner; Ralph Hermsmeyer, who joined the firm in 1934; and Ned Granger, a son-in-law of the former owner, B. I. Yaeger. Granger became affiliated with the Yaegers April 1, 1946. A partnership of these three was formed in January, 1951. The working personnel of the store includes two of the three owners, Ralph Hermsmeyer and Ned Granger, Elvis Groves, Tom Dooley, who at pres- ent is serving with the National Guard in Korea, Richard Voyles, Mrs. Amelia Stoneburner, altera- tions lady, Larry Mitchell, student in the high school, and Lois Thacker, bookkeeper. It is interesting to note that Yaegers are still doing business with three firms that are original with the opening of business in 1896 namely, Hart, Schaffner and Marx Clothes of Chicago; Lewis Meier and Company, Auto Brand work clothing, manufacturers of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Cluett, Peabody and Company, makers of Arrow Shirts. Some of the recent remodelings include installa- tion of air conditioning in June, 1942, and the change of wood shelving to glass in the north side of the store in 1948. 120 If * V rES MOTOB_ SALES ■ 'iiiiilB Yates Motor Sales DURING the year 1937 Mr. E. R. Baker realized the advantage in locating a business of this type on one of the busiest highways in the country. Therefore, he erected a building and established an automobile garage and farm equipment agency on U. S. Highway 66. Shortly thereafter, both the building and business were purchased by Kelley Dirbin. It was during the time of this ownership that the right-of-way for U. S. 66 was moved; hence, the present location of the firm on old 66. On January 26, 1949, William A. Yates purchased this automobile garage and farm equipment busi- ness from Mr. Dirbin and since that time has op- erated it under the name of Yates Motor Sales. During the years, business has progressed and at the present time this firm has the agency for Oldsmobile and Cadillac automobiles, GMC Trucks, Allis Chalmers Farm Machinery, New Idea and Kewanee Farm Implements. Their parts depart- ment is completely stocked and they are fully equipped to service all makes of automobiles, trucks, and farm machinery at all times. The present personnel of the organization in- cludes the owner, Mr. William Yates, and Hans Schmidt, Cecil Stockstill, Edward Butler, Joe Vignos, Everett Jones, Thomas Carter, Harold Uchtman, Eldon Requarth, William Boehler, Gor- don Goodall, Ralph Nimmons, Franklin Bell, Eugene Fogle, Lyle Harmon and Cecil Johnson. Mr. Yates is not a native of Litchfield, but of our capital city, Springfield. He was born and reared there and has had various business interests. He was one of the owners of the Y. B. Super Market in Springfield, until buying his present business here. For eight years he was Chairman of the Sangamon County Republican Central Committee. Mr. Yates married the former Geraldine Wolover and they are the parents of two children, Sandra and Billy. The Yates family reside at Sycamore Lane on Lake Springfield. Dr. Harold J. Henderson DR. HAROLD J. HENDERSON moved to Litch- field from Raymond, September 20, 1937, and was associated with Scott's Optometrists who had established their office in Litchfield in 1932. Scott's Optometrist office was located in a portion of the building now occupied by the Newberry Store. In 1938 the office was moved to 108 East Kirk- ham Street, where the rooms had been completely remodeled to accommodate an optometrist's office. On September 15, 1942, Dr. Henderson purchased the practice and equipment from Dr. Scott. Dr. Henderson has two sons who are optome- trists, Dr. Harold V. Henderson, who is a graduate of The Chicago College of Optometry of Chicago, in June, 1950, and Dr. Robert H. Henderson, a graduate of the same school in September, 1950. Upon graduation Dr. Robert served in the Army and Dr. Harold V. in the Air Force. After their discharge they both returned to Litchfield to be- come associated with their father in his practice. Dr. Henderson then enlarged his office, increasing the size of the reception room and adding fully equipped and completely modern refracting rooms. Dr. Henderson is married to Beatrice Custer Henderson. The Hendersons have another son, Carroll, who received his degree in music from James Millikin University in May. They also have two daughters, Virginia, and Marilyn, the wife of Sergeant Robert Garrels serving in Korea. 121 Montgomery County Motor Co. MONTGOMERY COUNTY MOTOR COMPANY was founded in April, 1928, and opened its business of handling Pontiac automobilies in the old Ed. Wright Building at the northeast corner of State and Division Streets. By April of 1931 it had outgrown these small quarters and a move was made into the building now occupied as the Illinois National Guard Armory, and it was here that the business was operated until January 1, 1938. During the year 1931 Buick automobiles and GMC trucks were added to the business and this combination was continued until May of 1937 when the line of Ford automobiles and trucks was taken on exclusively. Our Sales and Service or- ganizations along with Ford have enjoyed serv- ing our community since that time. One of the highlights of our growth and success in Litchfield was the erection of our new building at the corner of Union Avenue and Jackson Street in the fall of 1937, and moving into it on January 1, 1938. It will be recalled that ours was the first business building built on East Union Avenue, in the residential section, having replaced the Arthur K. Leak residence, which had stood on this corner for many years. The building which we built to serve the automotive and truck needs of our people was of the most modern type, and proved a few years later to be too small, so an addition was built in 1947. At first Montgomery County Motor Company was made up of a very small group of employees, but it has grown to be an organization of from twelve to fourteen people, ranging in years of serv- ice up to fifteen years. The business is owned and operated by John W. Moss, who feels that the suc- cess which his organization has enjoyed has been made possible by the help and progress of this fine community. Kroger's THE growth from one small store on Cincin- nati's busy river front to more than 2200 mod- ern stores, is the story of the development of Kro- ger. Founded by the late B. H. Kroger in 1882, the company's growth during the early years was relatively slow. By 1903, there were 58 Kroger stores in Ohio and Kentucky. Also, Kroger was manufacturing many products sold. As the num- ber of stores increased, the manufacturing division was expanded. Today there are 15 modern bak- eries, 5 dairies, a milk evaporation plant, 2 coffee roasting plants, 2 beverage bottling operations, a peanut processing plant and a general factory. More than 25,000 men and women work full time for Kroger and y 3 as many part time. From its early days, Kroger has followed the policy of pro- moting men within the organization. Many of its branch managers and other executives started as clerks. Kroger gives more than $200,000 a year in support of Community Chests, Red Cross and other civic and charitable enterprises, in the 1500 communities in which stores are located. The local store, at the corner of Monroe and Ryder Streets, is Kroger's third location in Litch- field. Each move has been progressively toward a more complete modern food market. The first store was opened in March, 1923 at 110 East Kirkham Street. In October 15, 1929, they moved to 308 North State Street where they remained until Oc- tober 12, 1948, when they moved to their present location. The local store has been managed by Rex Cul- berson since 1942 and Lester Hewkin has been head meat cutter since 1944. In addition there are ten regular and five part-time employees. 122 Litchfield Food Lockers ONE hundred years ago, no thought would have been given a business such as this. Today it is among the city's most thriving establishments. In 1942 Rex Dirbin and Kelley Dirbin, brothers, realized the growing need for a locker plant in Litchfield. Kelley owned a building on old U. S. 66 which housed his Oldsmobile Automobile Agency and his farm implement business, but this was not sufficiently large to accommodate another busi- ness. So Mr. Dirbin enlarged the building and a complete locker plant was installed. A partner- ship was formed, but Kelley continued to devote his time to the automobile and farm equipment busi- ness, and Rex assumed management of the Litch- field Food Lockers. When this business opened they had 342 lockers and one employee in addition to the manager. To- day, they have five employees: Osmond Langford, William Heck, Eugene Walden, Charles Cranford, and Joyce Ann Roach. To accommodate this grow- ing business, the building has twice been enlarged. Litchfield Food Lockers retail and wholesale meat and do complete processing for lockers and home freezers. They specialize in home-cured hams and bacon and homemade barbeque. During 1952 they felt they could better serve their patrons and added a complete line of groceries to their stock. The Corner Liquor Store THE Corner Liquor Store is located at 126 West Ryder Street at the corner of Ryder and Madi- son. If we look into Litchfield's pages of history, we find that also, on this same corner stood the old Nickelodeon Theatre. The Corner Liquor Store is owned and operated by Steve V. Szczepanski. The building which houses the business was erected in 1948 by Henry J. Kas- kutas, who at that time initiated and placed into operation retail sale of package liquor; engaged in this business for three years, then sold the build- ing and business to its present owner in 1951. Steve V. Szczepanski has been one of Litchfield's enterprising young businessmen. Before engaging in retail liquor, he owned and successfully operated the Sugar Bowl Confectionery from 1948 to 1950. The years 1950-1951 found him engaged with Met- ropolitan Insurance Company in Decatur. He was born and reared in the city of Chicago and came to Litchfield for the first time with the N.Y.A. program in 1940. He liked the city of Litchfield and made plans to spend his future here. In 1942 Mr. Szczepanski entered the U. S. Army during World War II and served from 1942 to 1943. The Corner Liquor Store offers completely stocked, retail package liquor products. It is the only exclusive package liquor store in Litchfield. Barnstable Supply Company WILLIAM FLOYD ALLEN, general manager for Barnstable Supply Company, 206 West Ryder Street, is a son of the late George N. and Zelphia Wilson Allen, for many years farmers in the Donnellson, Illinois, community. Mr. Allen was born January 22, 1891, one of a family of four boys and three girls. Oren Kirk and Cullen Festus died several years ago. A brother, Robert Wilson Allen, a retired army officer, resides in Omaha, Nebraska. One sister, Mrs. Charlotte McAliney lives at Greenville, Illinois, and Mrs. Denver Dunn in Greeley Colorado. Another sister, Dorothy, died in 1924. Mr. Allen started his business career in Donnell- son in 1915 and continued there until 1929, with in- terests in drug, sundries, automobile, farm ma- chinery, and motor fuels. On October 6, 1929, Frank Ware of Hillsboro and C. W. Barnstable of Nokomis purchased from the late Elmer Eichelroth, his farm machinery busi- ness which was then at this location, 206 West Ry- der Street. The new firm was organized under the name of Barnstable Supply Company, Inc. Allen joined the firm as general manager on February 1, 1930. At that time the concern was the local dealer for International farm operating equipment. When the firm was organized only one other farm machinery dealership was doing business in Litchfield. Mr. Allen was partially responsible for the encouragement of other farm machinery out- lets here, and has seen Litchfield become one of the outstanding farm machinery centers in Illinois. In 1944 the firm became franchise dealers for the Ford-Ferguson line and is now dealer for Ford Tractors, Dearborn farm operating equipment, and Honnegger Feeds. A subsidiary organization at Union Avenue and the I. C. tracks in Litchfield handles Minneapolis-Moline equipment. Until 1951 Barnstable Supply Company operated a branch at Hillsboro, and in the late 1930's had a branch in Virden. They own and operate 320 acres of farm land in Hillsboro and Butler Grove Townships. Mr. Allen, or "Bill" as he is known to his many friends throughout the Litchfield neighborhood, is a past president of the Litchfield Chamber of Com- merce, holds membership in the Elks Club, the Masonic Lodge at Donnellson, the Antlers Club in Litchfield, and is a past officer of the Mississippi Valley Farm Implement Dealers Association. He has three children, Joel, manager of the Minneapolis-Moline Store here, Mrs. William Cooper of Detroit, Michigan, and Miss Betty Allen of Chi- cago. Their mother, the former Hazel Boone, died in the summer of 1949. Mr. and Mrs. Allen, the former Ida Calcott Steh- lin, reside at 320 North Chestnut Street. Mrs. Al- len's children are Mrs. William Blevins, of Litch- field, and Rollin Stehlin of Springfield. There are Margaret Allen, Neil and Bruce Blevins, and seven grandchildren, Larry, Tom and John Cooper; and Michael Stehlin. 123 Nathanson's NATHANSON'S CLOTHING STORE, a store for men and boys, was first established in 1909 at Waverly, Illinois, by David Nathanson. In August, 1919, he and his family came to Litchfield and purchased the store owned by Nathan and Rose Sterneck located at 318 North State Street, the site of the present establishment. Ben Kellenberger began his employment here in 1924 at the age of seventeen and continued with them until he was called into the Navy in 1943. Max Ash, son-in-law of David Nathanson, became Nathanson's Store in 1920's an employee in 1945 after having served for three and one-half years with the First Armored Di- vision in North Africa and Italy. After the death of David Nathanson on July 13, 1947, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, while on vacation, the business was operated by his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Nathanson. In 1948 it was sold to Max and Helen Ash (the former Helen Nathanson). Mr. and Mrs. Ash are the parents of one son, David. Some of the lines which were carried at the time the business was first opened in 1909 are still car- ried at the present time, such as Lee work clothes, Nelson clothes, Master-Bilt pants, Friedman-Shelby Shoes, and Endicott Johnson shoes. Other well- known brands that have been added and carried exclusively in the store for a number of years are Florsheim shoes, Cooper underwear, Adam hats, Tru Val shirts, and Swank jewelry. Mr. Ash is assisted by his wife, Helen, and Mike McBride, a student at the Litchfield Community High School. Doll's Self-Service Laundry DOLL'S SELF-SERVICE LAUNDRY, located at 226 South Harrison Street, is owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Martin Doll. In 1945, Mr. Paul Hertineaux came here from Greenville, Illinois, built and established this laundry business. After his death in November, 1948, it was pur- chased by Mr. and Mrs. Warren Behl. They oper- ated it for thirteen months before selling it to the present owners on July 15, 1950. Their present equipment consists of eleven square-tub conventional Maytags. During the past year two new modern gas dryers have been in- stalled in their establishment. They do custom laundering and finishing; also have self-service. There are three others employed here besides the owners: Mrs. Bernice Osborne, Mrs. Evelyn Seamen, and Mrs. Frieda Beaman. Before purchasing the laundry business, Mr. and Mrs. Doll owned and operated their own wholesale and retail poultry business in Litchfield. He served in World War I and they have a son, Charles, now serving in the Navy. Katherine Grace Beauty Shop THE Katherine Grace Beauty Shop, owned and operated by Katherine Carleton, is located at 313 South State Street. The shop was opened in May, 1930, by the present owner after she purchased it from Mrs. Eva Gram. This was Litchfield's first beauty shop and Mrs. Gram was the first operator in town. Katherine Carleton, the owner of the shop, was graduated from the Edith Heller School of Beauty Culture in Decatur in 1929. Following her gradu- ation, she worked for a time in a Jacksonville shop. After buying her own business, she established her shop in a building belonging to the Martin Lauber estate, now owned and occupied by the Striegel Insurance Agency. Later she moved to State Street over what is now the Niemann Electric Co. In 1933 she moved to the Moose building on Ryder Street where she continued for fifteen years until the Moose Club began its remodeling program in 1948. In that year she took her business to its present location. This building she bought from Mildred Bruce, who had operated a beauty shop in it. In 1947 Katherine Carleton won a certificate of merit for hair styling in a contest conducted by the State Association of Hairdressers. She won an- other certificate of merit for artistic work in a con- test held in Peoria by the State Style Body. During her years in business, Miss Carleton has seen many changes in methods of permanent wav- ing, hair styling, and other aids to good grooming. 124 Litchfield Farmers Grain and Livestock Company LITCHFIELD FARMERS GRAIN AND LIVE- STOCK COMPANY is located at 503-505 West Tyler Avenue. The company has as its executive officer, William H. Hartke. Other officers are William H. Monke, vice-president; E. H. Niemann, secretary; W. D. Watkins, treasurer. Serving on the company's board are Herman Thompson, Warren Rull, P. L. Davis, and Henry Hartke. Litchfield Farmers Grain and Livestock has six employees: John Saathoff is employed in the ca- pacity of manager for the firm, a position which he has held since 1938. Other employees are Howard Christen, George Gretzer, Melvin Husman, Sherman Suits, and Glenn Holliday. This Litchfield company was organized as a stockholders enterprise in 1909 with the purpose of buying livestock, grain, and feed. B. B. Cassedy was the main organizer and promoter at its incep- tion. After the company was organized, Henry Prange became the first president with B. B. Cassedy taking over the duties as the first secre- tary. John Murphy served as its first manager from 1909 to 1912, and then Harry Saathoff served as manager for one year, 1912-1913. He was suc- ceeded by Henry Saathoff who in the capacity of manager served the company long and well until 1938. At that time Mr. Saathoff was succeeded as manager by his brother, John Saathoff. The site of Litchfield Farmers Grain was origi- nally vacant lots until an elevator was erected in 1909. In 1917, that elevator was torn down and a larger elevator was built which still serves the needs of the Litchfield community. In 1920, livestock buying was discontinued and the firm began to specialize in feed and grain. Today, Litchfield Farmers Grain and Livestock handles grain, seeds of all kinds, coal, commercial fertilizer, and mixed feeds for livestock, as well as the custom grinding of grain. 125 Dooley Shoe Repair Shop CLAUDE DOOLEY, owner of this business, is a native of Gillespie and came to Litchfield in January, 1900. As a young man he was employed for many years at the American Radiator and the Brown Shoe Company. His grandfather was a shoe cobbler, and from the time Dooley was a small child he was interested in this work, feeling the thrill of taking something practically worn out and rebuilding it. In May, 1930, he started a shoe repair shop in the rear of Joe Gomberg's Bargain Store, 219 North State Street. In September, 1935, he bought the brick building at 103 North State Street and estab- lished his business and residence there. Only a few minor changes have been made to the exterior of the building since it was erected in 1886 by the late John McElligott, who was in business there until his death in 1900. Other occupants through the years were Charles Norris, "Bill" McCann, Wm. Streavy, John Bederman, a Mr. Towell, James Blakey, and Kate Lewis. After World War II, when his son Thomas was called into service, his wife, Irene, assisted him. In 1938 their daughter, now Mrs. Juanita Harris of Oakland, California, received special recognition in the "Shoe Service" Magazine as the first woman in the United States who could perform every op- eration in a shoe repair shop and completely re- build a shoe. Workinger's THIS is not a recently established business, though it is new under the present ownership and firm name. January 1, 1952, Jack Workinger. former resident of Columbus, Indiana, bought the Paul Armstrong Jewelry Store located at 219 North State Street, and has since continued operation at that location. This business was established in the early '30's by L. A. Beatty, father of Mrs. Paul Armstrong. It was then located at 220 North State Street. After the death of Mr. Beatty, Mr. and Mrs. Arm- strong purchased the business. In 1947, they bought the building at 219 North State and com- pletely remodeled it, making it one of the most modern and attractive jewelry stores in this part of Illinois. Workinger's carry a complete line of beautiful jewelry, as well as Fostoria and Cambridge Crystal and a large selection of sterling. This is one of the few stores in Central Illinois that has a display board for sterling silver, where a place setting of every pattern in Towle, Gorham and International Sterling is completely exhibited. They also have the exclusive dealership in Litchfield for Haviland China. In addition to Mr. Workinger, other employees include Paula Bridges, Joyce Boedecker, Evelyn Hudson and Hester Giosta. September 3, 1952, Mr. Workinger opened the Capitol Gift Shop at 114 East Ryder Street, with Mrs. Evelyn Senn in charge. Costume jewelry, gifts for all occasions and suitable greeting cards are always available. Dr. R. W. Guyan, Optometrist DR. R. W. GUYAN, optometrist, came to Litch- field July 4, 1926, and began his practice of optometry in association with the late Dr. J. A. Pappmeier. About the same time that Custer was making his famous "Last Stand" in the year 1876 the late J. A. Pappmeier was taking his first interest in the optical field — first conducting his practice in his home at 409 North Jackson. At the turn of the century he established the office at 409 North State, where Dr. Guyan now conducts his practice. Dr. Guyan was associated with the late Dr. Pappmeier from 1926 until Dr. Pappmeier's death at which time he purchased the practice, records, and equipment from the Pappmeier fam- ily. In the intervening years Dr. Guyan has re- furnished, redecorated, and modernized the office, adding new instruments and equipment from time to time. The upstairs office consists of reception room, two refracting rooms, and a laboratory. Dr. Guyan's present receptionist and assistant is Miss Carole Whitlock. Dr. Guyan brought his bride, Martha Nichols Guyan, to Litchfield from Iowa, in June, 1927. Their son, Richard, was born in May, 1931. Dr. Guyan, was born in Iowa and graduated from high school in Rock Rapids, attended the University of Iowa, and Northern Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, graduating in 1925. He took the Illinois State Board and became licensed in Illinois that same year. Richard, son of Dr. and Mrs. Guyan, is now a student in the same college of optometry, just com- pleting his Junior year. 126 KNEELING: Left to Right: Harold Lehnert, Robert Parrish, Wayne Batty, Russell Roach. SEATED: Clyde M. Brubaker, Jr., Bernice Frerichs, Clyde M. Brubaker, Sr., Irene Painter, Don L. Brubaker. STANDING: Arthur Young, Lenos Diamond, Gerald Trimble, John Mejaski, Hobart Weatherford, Harold Rolf, Floyd Smith, Jess Putnam Brubaker Motor Company BRUBAKER MOTOR COMPANY, located at 607 North State Street, is the direct factory dealer for Chevrolet and Buick automobiles in the Litch- field area. We take pride in the fact that we are the oldest established automobile dealership in Litchfield and one of the oldest in this part of the state under the same management. Our officers are Clyde M. Brubaker, Sr., president; Clyde M. Brubaker, Jr., vice-president; and Don L. Brubaker, secretary-treasurer. The business was started in June of 1915, when a contract was signed with the Buick Motor Com- pany to handle the new Buick Six. The first sale was made to Mr. Walter Holderread of this city and was delivered from the Ford Garage operated by Glenn E. Brubaker. In 1916 the business was moved to what is now known as the Brandon Build- ing at 510 North State Street and for many years the business was conducted under the trade name of Brubaker-Buick Company. In 1918 Clyde, Sr., was called into the service in the Infantry during World War I, and resumed the automobile business in early 1919 after his release from active duty. While in the service the business was under the management of the late Edward A. Johnson. On August 1, 1919, the firm moved to the present loca- tion formerly occupied by the Spence Garage. As automobiles became more popular and busi- ness increased, an addition to the building was deemed necessary, and this was made in 1923 when the building was extended west to its present length. In February of 1926, a contract was signed with the Chevrolet Motor Division of the General Motors Corporation to handle Chevrolet automo- biles and trucks. The business was purchased from Mr. Albert Niemann of Litchfield, and Litchfield Motor Company became the authorized Chevrolet dealership for sales and service in Litchfield at 201 North State Street. On January 1, 1929, the busi- nesses of Brubaker Buick Company and Litchfield Motor Company were consolidated at the 607 North State Street location under the trade name of Bru- baker Motor Company, and has continued under that name and at that location ever since. In 1941 another building addition was con- structed to the south increasing the floor space by approximately 50 per cent and providing an en- trance on Division Street. The next major change of operation came in 1946 when Clyde, Jr., and Don actively entered the business after their return from service in World War II. In the immediate post-war period the personnel was expanded, and important shop equipment added to increase the service facilities. We believe that we now have the most complete automobile facilities in this area, and we are very proud of the products we represent. 127 Harvey's Poultry & Feed Co. MR. AND MRS. HARVEY LEHNEN came to Litchfield, September 1, 1935, and managed the Lone Elm Hatchery until January 15, 1945. At this time Mr. Lehnen went on the road as a salesman for the National Oats Company of East St. Louis, Illinois, selling Corno Feeds. He con- tinued as a salesman until August 1, 1948, when he purchased the present business at 314 West Sargent from Martin Doll and renamed it Harvey's Poultry and Feeds. Harvey's business consists of custom dressing of poultry, selling live as well as dressed poultry, both wholesale and retail. He also sells a complete line of Gainer Feeds as well as poultry equipment and Reo power lawn mowers. Mr. Lehnen was born in Nokomis, Illinois, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Lehnen. He married Jessie Hartline Lehnen, formerly of Witt, who as- sists her husband with the business. Their resi- dence is at 1415 North Harrison Street. Litchfield Lumber Company THE Litchfield Lumber Company, corner of Jackson and Edwards Streets, was established eighty-five years ago, in 1868, by Wm. Wiegreffe. When first organized the firm was known as Per- ley, Wiegreffe & Co., dealers in lumber and manu- facturers of sash and doors. In 1872 Mr. Wiegreffe and his brother, Theodore, purchased Mr. Perley's interest. In 1877 Wm. Wiegreffe became sole own- er and was joined later by his two sons, Fred J. and William, Jr., forming the firm known as Wm. Wie- greffe & Sons. Other concerns have succeeded the Wiegreffe firm, which at one time was the only business of its kind in the city of Litchfield. However, a lum- ber yard has been conducted continuously at this same location, but the real estate remained in the possession of the Wiegreffe estate until purchased by the present owners in 1939. Predecessor to present owners was the Baker in- terests of Pawnee, Illinois. Under this ownership the business was managed for several years by Albert B. "Al" Blevins and then later by J. R. "Abe" Dawson. Later "Abe" moved his family to Raymond where he became partner-manager of the Raymond Lumber and Hardware Company, un- til his death on April 14, 1947. On February 1, 1937, the following local business- men purchased and organized the present company: W. H. Hartke, Edgar Hartke, Arthur Heath, Fred "Casey" Jones, and Earl Anderson, manager of the company. Mr. Anderson started in the lumber business thirty-five years ago, ten of which were spent as manager of the local Alexander Lumber yard. Clyde Clotfelter, with twenty-four years' experience in the lumber business, purchased the interest of Fred Jones on September 16, 1944, and is an active partner. Miss Stella Heise, well-known businesswoman of Litchfield, was associated with the new firm until her illness in 1950. "Stell" had charge of the bookkeeping and office work. Her position is being filled by Miss Virginia Carrico, formerly active in advertising and graphic arts in St. Louis. Landon Rupert, former carpenter and painter, is yardman. The present owners have completely rebuilt the old yard and have added new buildings. The new two-story offices and display rooms, nearing com- pletion, add distinction to this modern place of busi- ness. The firm has kept pace with the progress and latest trends in the building industry, stocking not only a full line of high grade lumber but all kinds of builders, supplies including hardware, paints, roofing, millwork, and insulation. The Litchfield Lumber Company, 100% home owned and home operated, is proud to participate in the celebration of one hundred years of progress of the city of Litchfield. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. AS EARLY as 1906 the Metropolitan Life In- . surance Company recognized the possibility of growth in Litchfield and established an office in the Doran Building, now known as the Carroll Building, at the corner of West Ryder and Madison Streets. After a few years the company trans- ferred this office to Carlinville, and still later to Gillespie, but in 1938 the office was reopened in Litchfield in its present location at 400 Monroe Street with Merle Anderson as assistant manager. Mr. Anderson was succeeded by William Brum- mett, and when he left the organization in 1949 William Pearce became assistant manager. At the present time the office serves a territory covering parts of four counties — Montgomery, Macoupin, Bond, and Christian. In addition to Mr. Pearce, the personnel of the office includes: Michael F. Ahern, William E. Blevins, James O. Hunsaker, and A. Wayne Kayser as local agents. Harlow's Shell Service Station HARLOW'S SHELL SERVICE STATION is lo- cated on State Highway 16 and U. S. High- way 66. Ray Harlow is the owner and operator of this station. On October 26, 1926, Mr. Harlow opened a Shell Service Station at the northwest corner of North State Street and Union Avenue. This building was small and made of steel and glass. In 1941 it was rebuilt of glass and brick and had two large bays. This location was leased to Al Mueller and Mr. Harlow moved to old Route 66 in 1945 and operated a Shell Service Station there until 1952, when he built a new two bay station on new Highway 66. The Harlow Service Station was the first station in Litchfield starting in 1926 to give windshield service to patrons. 128 Blackwelder's Clothing Store Pearl Blackwelder BLACKWELDER'S CLOTHING STORE at 305 North State Street, was established under the present ownership of Pearl W. Blackwelder on Jan- uary 8, 1913. Mr. Blackwelder was born August 4, 1882, the son of David A. Blackwelder, one of the pioneers of the Litchfield community. Mr. Blackwelder is one of a family of seven children consisting of six boys and one girl. His father, David A. Blackwelder was a farmer in North Litchfield township and was born in that area in a log cabin on September 1, 1848. On his mother's side of the family was a great uncle, John Gogleman, who was the first white child born in Walshville township. Mr. Blackwelder began work in Litchfield at the Alex Nathan store at the present location, at the age of seventeen. Shortly after that he became a member of the sales staff of the Coddington store, where he worked until he purchased the Nathan store in 1913. Mr. Blackwelder has been closely associated with the business development of Litchfield through the forty years he has been owner of the store. From 1933 to 1947 he served as postmaster of the city, and is at present a member of the Elks Club, Ma- sons, Country Club, Moose Club, Antlers Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. Through the years many young men have been associated with the store who are now in business for themselves. These include Russell Roberts, Guy L. Farquhar and John W. Ritchie. Mr. and Mrs. Blackwelder, the former Hazel Farquhar, reside at 1313 North Monroe Street. They have two children, Alice, wife of Omer W. Thomsen, now associated with the store as man- ager, and Mrs. Wanda Hoffman, a resident of Springfield. The picture at the lower right shows the pres- ent staff of the store with the two principals, Blackwelder and Thomsen. The members are Carl Johnston, Paul Watson, Rex Webb, and little Terry Thomsen, son of Omer. The picture at the left shows the inside of the store. Some of the leading brand names in the clothing industry for men and boys have been familiar names to residents of the Litchfield neighborhood for many years. They are Clippercraft, Michaels-Stern, Mirror Test and Som- merset, Wolverine, Nunn-Bush, Edgerton, Haynes, Campus, Alligator, Wembley, Van Heusen, Shapely, Samsonite, Interwoven and others. When asked by the Centennial committee to give some review of his career in Litchfield during the past fifty-four years, he made the observations quoted just below: "Highlights of m y business life have been the pleasure of serving a community of fine people who by their continuous patronage have been an expres- sion of confidence in us and our desire to treat this great group as we would like to be treated. A lot of water has gone over the dam since I started selling clothing for Mr. A. Nathan over a half cen- tury ago in the room where I have now been in business over forty years. At that time I had only one em- ployee." 129 «Jli!$i|i K , 1 T^B^L^^^; HjE am I ~"->^^^5Hhb k X$r P"? v ' . i N. j m i 1 | " A \ L- 1 v lii es^m ■B^l 19S3 — Montgomery's Camera Corner The same location in 1903 Montgomery's Camera Corner MORE than a half century ago Mr. Sol Schiller established this business, in 1901 to be exact. Mr. Schiller was one of the early photographers of Litchfield. He specialized in roll-film photo finish- ing, and he took a great many pictures himself for use on post cards — many of these pictures in this book are his work — recopied by the very same studio he established 50 years ago. Mr. Schiller sold out to Mr. Stanley Cline, who owned the business only a short time before selling to Mr. Claude Wilson in 1926. The business was located above the present Johnson's Hardware Store, and in the rear of Dr. Guyan's optometry office. Mr. Wilson built up a large mail order photo finishing business before selling to the present owners, Mrs. Grace Wooster Montgomery and her son, Kenyon Fisher Mont- gomery, on November 1, 1940. Under the present management the photo-finishing department has been converted to mechanical, photo-electric equip- ment. The business moved to its present loca- tion in the Moose Building, 117 West Ryder, on November 1, 1944. In 1949 the camera depart- ment was added which included all types of still and movie cameras, projectors, and other photo- graphic supplies. The Moose Lodge remodeled the front of the building in 1952, making it one of the most modern and attractive in the city. McPherson Tire Service McPHERSON TIRE SERVICE is a by-product of a business established some years ago by Donald Schultz, formerly of Litchfield. The busi- ness, including Douglas McPherson and John Ritchie as partners, was begun in 1946 as the Home Oil Co. with a Sinclair Service Station, a tire re- capping, vulcanizing, and repairing service, and a general car repairing and service. Mr. Ritchie withdrew from the Home Oil Co. in 1948. The business was renamed McPherson Tire & Auto Service, and McPherson became the Litchfield dealer for Kaiser-Frazer Corp. With the trend back to tire recapping and repair, he relinquished the agency to concentrate on tires under Kelly Spring- field and O.K. Rubber Welders franchises. The store is equipped with a complete tire stock of new and used tires and includes a department of recapping, vulcanizing, and the general repair of tires of all sizes, including the largest truck and tractor tires. Doug still maintains the Sinclair Service Station and also does some car servicing. Douglas McPherson was born in Alberta, Canada. In early life he moved to Wisconsin, and just prior to coming to Litchfield, lived in Chicago. Doug is one of the few people who has been able to se- lect his town from a wide choice of places to live. He traveled, selling auto accessories and decided to move his family to a home more centrally lo- cated in his territory. During the summer of 1937 Mrs. McPherson traveled with her husband trying to locate a place to live. They traveled through Litchfield several times and were attracted by the city's beautiful trees, its wide streets, and lovely homes, as well as the friendly manner of its people. So it was Litchfield Doug and Dorothy selected for their home, and the town in which to rear their two daughters, Alice and Leah. Doug was called into service in the army in 1944. He became a member of the 2nd Infantry Division and was awarded the Bronze Star medal for meritorious service. He was wounded and re- cipient of the Purple Heart soon after having fought through the Battle of the Bulge. After be- ing separated from service in October, 1945, he was employed for a time as parts man at Mont- gomery County Motor Company. Employees at McPherson Tire Service are Clinton Rupe, with twelve years' experience, as manager of the tire repair shop, and Edwin Boehme as his assistant. O. D. Poulton is the bookkeeper. Wil- bert Mahnke is a part-time employee. 130 Coca-Cola Bottling Company THE Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Litchfield is located at the junction of U. S. 66 and Route 16. The business was established January 4, 1922, at a site on West Edwards Street. The construction of the building on the present location was completed in January, 1931, and the firm moved from Edwards Street to the present place of business on January 10, 1931. However, two additions have been added to the building, one in April, 1948, and the other in May, 1952. A re- modeling of the building took place in 1948. Executive officers are A. M. Alexander, Presi- and Treasurer; W. R. Cox, Vice-President; and C. R. Alexander, Secretary. The number of personnel is nine, namely: Miss Helen Bray, Miss Joan Crawford, John S. Rich- ards, Eugene Black, William Crawford, Orville Brakenhoff, Ross Slightom, Alan Greenwalt, and Robert Bourke. In 31 years this company has not missed a pay- roll or had a shut down. More cases of Coca-Cola are bottled in two weeks now than were bottled in the entire year of 1922. Nine routes are operated out of Litchfield and serve most of Montgomery and Macoupin counties. Parts of Bond and Chris- tian counties are also served. were Wayne Batty, Joe Jolley, Lawrence Vincent, Gerald Trimble, Cecil Millburg, Wayne Frame, Wayne Culp, William Ewing, Vernon Odle, and William Whitley. Litchfield Transit Company THE Litchfield Transit Company "idea" was born one hot summer afternoon as I was bounc- ing along in a city bus in the sponge town of Tar- pon Springs, Florida. Somehow, don't ask me why, that bus impressed me so that I could hardly wait to start one in my adopted town. Immedi- ately upon being discharged from the Army, I be- gan planning. It was incorporated August 6, 1946. Illinois Commerce Commission gave its approval; service was inaugurated Sept. 23, 1946, with one old yellow school bus. Pre-war, I had been an edi- tor but now I would wash grease instead of print- ers' ink from my hands. I also had the dubious distinction of being the only Litchfield president of a Litchfield public utility. (See "Who's Who in Illi- nois, volume 9.") I added routes, reduced head- ways, ran night and day, bought buses, until we had three routes with three buses. On Feb. 4, 1953, telephone supervisor, Lillian Meadows, was our 500,000th passenger, and it was 169,910 miles away and seven years since the first rider, American Radiator worker, Aubrey Parrish, swung aboard that first chilly September morn. Officers are my wife, Helene C. Ruecking ; brother, Richard F. Ben- nett; and myself, Harry W. Ruecking. Drivers Mazenko Dri-Gas Service MAZENKO DRI-GAS SERVICE, located at 107 North State Street, was established in 1932 by Frank Mazenko who owned and operated the business for eighteen years. He was born at Bak- ersfield, Pennsylvania. In 1921 he married Sue Thomas and they moved to Litchfield in 1932. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mazenko had six children. Edward, who served with the Navy Air Corps in the last war, was recently recalled to duty as a pilot. He married Viola Rector in 1945. They have three children — Mark, Max, and Cathy Sue. Leonard, who served three years in the Army Air Corps is managing the business. In 1948 he mar- ried Geralene Schoen and they have a son, Thomas. Florence Mazenko Hopper is now residing in Ohio. Francis graduated from the Litchfield High School with the class of 1953. Judith is attending St. Mary's School and Michael will start school there next year. After Mr. Mazenko's death in 1950, his wife assumed the ownership of the busi- ness. The remodeling of the store in 1938 made major improvements. Due to growing demands for serv- ice, it was necessary to buy a truck for gas de- livery only. At present 1,250 customers in Mont- gomery and Macoupin Counties receive Dri-Gas Service and delivery from this establishment. The working personnel includes Mrs. Frank Mazenko, owner; Leonard, manager; and Ross Moehle, who served with paratroopers, is in charge of the gas delivery. Fred P. Jones Tile Company AFTER being associated with the Litchfield . Lumber Company as a stockholder and yard- man for several years, I decided in 1945 to go into business for myself. My first business was to sell and apply roofing, siding and insulation, but I later eliminated these lines, and in 1946 I began to specialize in tiling, where we could work inside the year round. I sell and apply Dura-Tile and Plastic Wall Tile, and also rubber, plastic, and asphalt floor tile, and Formica cabinet tops, covering a territory within a radius of 25 miles of Litchfield. Since going into this business, I have had as my helper, Mr. Ira Bridges, of this city, a veteran of World War II. My son, Donald, also worked with me for a time before enlisting in the Air Force. 131 •--- The House of Sunshine THE HOUSE OF SUNSHINE is a symbol of goodwill. It was in the early 1920' s that a small publish- ing business was started in Litchfield, based on the theory that goodwill is more surely the basis of success for the business and professional man today than it was two thousand years ago, when the Man of Galilee went about spreading sunshine. This idea resulted in the issuing, in January, 1924, of the initial number of a publication which shortly after was named "Sunshine Magazine." At the same time an auxiliary business publication, called Rays of Sunshine, was issued, intended for distribution by business and professional men as a means of manifesting goodwill to patrons and pros- pects. This was the result of a study by H. F. Henrichs, who had for a number of years been a newspaper editor and publisher, and also a news- paper business broker. The idea clicked, and the circulation of Rays of Sunshine grew so rapidly that before long four ad- ditional monthly publications were launched. The mechanical production of these publications proved to be a problem. Various places in Litch- field helped in this capacity. While the editorial office was first located over Walter Holderread's drug store, corner of State and Ryder Streets, the forms for printing the publications were imposed in a small printing plant owned by Max Sallee, lo- cated in the rear of his father's optometry office on West Kirkham Street. The actual printing was done in the News-Herald plant. Later, printing equipment was acquired and in- stalled in a rear room of the old Litchfield Hotel, formerly occupied by Mrs. Ellen (Heise) Roberts as a restaurant. But after a few months the shop was moved to a small room in the Holderread Building, near Dr. Blackwelder's office. Finding this arrangement inadequate, the shop was sold, and the printing of the Sunshine publi- cations was let to a large publishing house in St. Louis, Missouri. The editorial office was moved to the Allen Building, opposite the Post Office, and later to the Pappmeier Building, on the south side of the Carnegie Library square. The publications had grown to proportions of national aspect, with sponsors in various parts of the country. It became evident that new quarters were necessary to give the business more room and the needed atmosphere. This led to the con- struction, in 1940, of the House of Sunshine, which immediately attracted wide attention. But the business soon outgrew what at first appeared to be spacious quarters. In 1948 the owners acquired the 10-acre park 132 area in the eastern section of Litchfield from the Davis estate, and later purchased additional acre- age from Charles Sammons, for the purpose of providing larger quarters for the enterprise. Early in its history the publishing business was divided into two partnerships, viz., The Sunshine Press, publishing Sunshine Magazine, and The Henry F. Henrichs Publications, producing a line of goodwill business "magazets," a word coined by the owners. Members of the Henrichs family con- stituted the two co-partnerships. The House of Sunshine was designed in the motif of the Norman-Early American classics. Its architecture is authentic, and unusual in Ameri- can building construction. Many of its appoint- ments and decorations, both exterior and interior, are of original design. The second floor studio in- cludes an amplifying sound system, electric organ, piano, antique music boxes, and tape recording equipment. The public entertainment features are offered solely for civic and patriotic reasons, in- tended to contribute to the welfare and goodwill of the community. Price's Cafe THE firm of Price's Cafe has been a familiar landmark of Litchfield for over thirty-three years, twenty-six of which the present owner, Arthur, has been established with the business. Located at 206 North State Street, it was formerly owned and operated by Mrs. Liz Jones. The present Price business was started in the year 1920 by Mrs. Mary L. Price and her son Her- bert G. Price. They operated the business together until 1927 when Arthur E. Price became a partner with his brother, Herbert. The two brothers operated the restaurant in partnership until the death of Herbert which oc- curred in 1945. After his death, Herbert's son, William, took over his father's interest in the busi- ness for a short time and eventually sold out his interest to Arthur. Arthur, with his wife, Ruby J. Price, and his son, Arthur, Jr., has since owne 1 and operated the restaurant in its original loca- tion, but Price's, in keeping with the time and expansion of business, have made several improve- ments in their establishment. In the year of 1938 a private dining room was added to the restaurant. This dining room is now regularly used by the Kiwanis Service Club and the Lions Club as well as being used for many spe- cial occasions by different groups and organiza- tions of the Litchfield community, and for private dinners. In that same year of 1938 a new and modern front was put on the outside "face" of the building to give it a more attractive appearance. In 1950 Price's had an air conditioner installed for the comfort of their patrons during the sum- mer months. Then in 1952 the old counter and stools were replaced with a new counter and stools, and a new back-bar with new and modern shelves for display of foods and serving equipment. Many times during these years the restaurant has been completely redecorated, and new and more modern conveniences installed in the kitchen. Price's employ ten people regularly. Some of the employees are familiar faces of many years' service — others have been employed more recently. They include Ida Hart, Amelia Watkins, Girlie Stockstill, Lee Hicks, and Charles Gretzer. In the dining room are Virginia Reed, Nellie Angle, Goldie Clark, Fern Bosen, and Ross Painter. Art and Ruby Price, one or the other, are ever present in their restaurant establishment. The other member of the partnership, Arthur, Jr., is now a student in the University of Illinois in Urbana. W. J. Niehaus Truck Service BECAUSE Litchfield is located in the midst of an agricultural area, trucking is a very essen- tial business in this community. In 1929 Walter J. Niehaus realized the need and it was then that he started the W. J. Niehaus Truck Service. For a time, only one truck was operated, but as the years passed the demand for this service increased and today three trucks are being operated. Assisting Mr. Niehaus is Jesse Marburger. Mr. Niehaus op- erates from his residence and his office and head- quarters are at 506 South State Street. This company gives complete trucking service. However, their principal operations are hauling livestock for farmers to East St. Louis; hauling feed back to the Litchfield Farmers Grain & Live- stock Company. A very important part of their business is the hauling of rock and sand and spread- ing of limestone and phosphate. Most of the lime- stone is purchased at Columbia, Illinois, and prac- tically all of the phosphate at Hamel or Jerseyville, transported to Litchfield and then to the farms. Mr. Niehaus was born and reared on a farm a only a few miles from Litchfield. However, he has lived at his present address for the past 31 years. For some time prior to starting this truck- ing service, he was employed at the B. R. Neel Grocery in this city. Sargent Market THE Sargent Market, situated at Sargent and Lincoln Streets, was originally located where the Litchfield Creamery office now stands and was owned by Charles Kinder. Later it was moved to the 200 block on South Lincoln Street, Charles Eckhart being the proprietor. Then it was moved to the present location by Mr. Garwood. Mr. Brady operated it until 1924. It was then sold to R. S. Rupe, who sold it in 1949 to Stewart and Kuman. They in turn sold it in 1950 to Bernard Tabaka. In September, 1952, Thelma and Joseph Bernot purchased it and have operated it since that time. 133 if aarffffwrr^" Litchfield Bituminous Company JC. BREMER, of Hillsboro, a widely known con- . tractor and road builder for the past thirty years, and Truman L. Flatt and Sons of Springfield, road oil and asphalt contractors for the past thirty years, formed the Litchfield Bituminous Corpora- tion, July 26, 1952, with the following officers: Truman L. Flatt, Sr., President Truman L. Flatt, Jr., Vice-President C. B. Flatt, 2nd Vice-President J. C. Bremer, Secretary-Treasurer Road oiling and asphalt equipment and contracts of Taylor and Leigh were purchased. A new mod- ern Barber-Greene Portable Bituminous Mixing Plant with a capacity of 60 tons per hour produc- tion was set up adjacent to the Litchfield Concrete Plant at 400 West Tyler Street. Our first contract was for the resurfacing of portions of State Routes 48, 112, 127, and US Route 66, situated in Madison, Macoupin, and Montgom- ery Counties. August 28 was the first day of actual production of blacktop, and though pro- duction was completed October 21, the total pay- roll amounted to $81,316, with an average weekly employment of 79 men drawing an average weekly wage of $87.58. Distribution of the material is accomplished with our own five trucks and rental of another fifteen trucks from local firms and individuals. A recent contract is the resurfacing of State Street, a long-needed project. Litchfield Concrete Company THE plant for Litchfield Concrete Company, owned by J. C. Bremer and managed by Charles Boyles, was erected in 1948. At that time it was merely a plant, with no office or shelter, set in the midst of a lake during the rainy season and a weed patch during the other seasons. But Litchfield Concrete Company located in this city because of three railroads and two highways, as well as avail- ability of labor. Litchfield is centrally located in the midst of a territory where there is a demand for ready-mix concrete. Also, due to the amount of highway construction and road repair in the vi- cinity, Litchfield Concrete Company felt justified in locating here. When the plant opened in 1948, three mix trucks were sufficient to handle the operations. Today a crane and five trucks operate regularly and plans are being made to secure two more trucks. At present nine people are employed. Recently a huge building, with two modern up- to-date offices on the second floor, has been erected. The plant is now servicing an area within a thirty- mile radius of Litchfield. It is well to note that all gravel, sand, and cement that go into the mix are government inspected. A few of the present contracts for which this company will furnish the concrete are the State Street resurfacing job, the Housing Project, and road repair at Gillespie. 134 Pfolsgrofs' Jewelers PFOLSGROFS' Jewelers, the oldest jewelry store in the city under the same name, was established in Litchfield on November 15, 1947, under partner- ship of Willard E. Pfolsgrof and his wife, Doris M. Pfolsgrof. The location at the time was a small building at 112 West Ryder Street. In September of 1950, in order to have space for china, dinnerware, glassware, sterling, and a gen- eral gift line, the location of the store was changed to 218 North State Street. The Pfolsgrofs pur- chased this building and did extensive remodeling to accommodate their expansion and to provide an apartment for themselves above the store. Willard Pfolsgrof served four and one-half years with the 7th Infantry Division of the Army during World War II. His service was in the Pacific theater where he participated in the invasion of Attu, the Marshalls, and Leyte. An injury while on Leyte Island sent Pfolsgrof back to the Army hospital in Hawaii. It was while he was at this hospital he received a discharge from service in July, 1945. Following his discharge from service he was employed for a time at precision work in the train room of the Elgin National Watch Factory in El- gin, Illinois. He enrolled at the Elgin Watch- makers College in Elgin and graduated from there early in 1947. He was employed for a time in a jewelry store in Urbana, Illinois, before establish- ing his own store here in Litchfield. Doris M. Pfolsgrof holds an A.B. degree from Carthage College, Carthage, Illinois, and a B.S. de- gree in library science received in 1943 from the University of Illinois. Doris has been a high school teacher in various locations, a librarian in high school, junior college, and public libraries. For a time "Tony," as he's known to his friends, and Doris operated their store and did all the watch and jewelry repair work themselves, but with the expansion of the store and business they now em- ploy Paul F. Meyer as watchmaker and Ruth Jubelt and Ruth Kalaher as salesladies. Mr. Meyer served in Navy Communications in the Pacific theater during World War II. He was formerly employed as watchmaker in a Belleville jewelry store. The ladies, Ruth and Ruth, are both Litchfield people. Ruth Jubelt is the wife of Marvin Jubelt and Ruth Kalaher is the wife of Edward Kalaher. Lay's Grocery LAY'S GROCERY, situated at 915 North Har- rison Street, is owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Truman Lay. A full line of groceries, meats, fruits, vegetables, and sundries is carried. Mr. and Mrs. Lay purchased the grocery in 1938 from the Grimm Brothers and have continued to operate it since that time. This is one of the familiar landmarks in Litchfield, having been op- erated for many years by James Ball. In 1896 he purchased the building, stocked, and opened a store. That being about the time of the great gold rush, Mr. Ball very appropriately named his store "The Klondike Grocery & General Store." At that time it was located on the outskirts of the city, and was operated by Mr. Ball for approximately 28 years. Mr. Lay, the present owner, was born in Zanes- ville Township and came to Litchfield at the age of six years. Mrs. Lay is a native of Litchfield. For eleven years prior to purchasing this business, Mr. Lay was manager of the Standard Oil Service Station located at the corner of State Street and Union Avenue, in this city. The Lays' daughter, Mrs. Delores Butts, assists them in the store; their other daughter, Ellen Mc- Kimmey, lives in Taylorville, Illinois. Carroll Funeral Home MR. AND MRS. R. V. CARROLL, Mr. and Mrs. Albert T. Carroll and family, Harley, Lee, and Isabel, came to Litchfield from Farmersville, Illinois, in August, 1915, and located in the Hughes Building which is now Workingers' Jewelry Store. In 1918 they moved to the building east of the News-Herald, where the Gift Shop and Gib's Flower Shop is now located. In 1920 they moved to the Doran Building, Corner of Madi- son and Ryder Streets, then in Decem- ber of 1940 they moved to their pres- ent location, 819 East Union Avenue. Personnel includes Mrs. Albert T. Car- roll, F. Harley and Lee Carroll. "We are proud of our business, our people, and our city." 135 Gib's Flower Shop GIB'S Flower Shop, located at 116 East Ryder Street, is among the more recent business firms in the city. It was established by Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Prather in July, 1952. This firm carries a complete floral line, specializing in funeral flowers, wedding arrangements, corsages, and bouquets. Mr. Prather has lived in the Litchfield commu- nity for the past 37 years. He has been associated Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Prather with florists in this city for 27 years, starting when he was sixteen years of age. Mrs. Prather, a na- tive of Gillespie, has also had seven years' experi- ence in the same line of work. The building which houses this business is one of Litchfield's early land marks. It was built in 1865 by Henry Appleton and remained in his family un- til 1946 when it was sold to Jesse Orr. For a time, during the early history, the building was occupied by Fred Schalk. This occupancy was fol- lowed by a blacksmith shop and later a Chinese laundry. From 1883 to 1906 it was the print shop for the Litchfield Daily News and Daily Reveille. Looking into the past, we further find that the late Ben Beardsley, who had the old Overland Agency, used this building as a garage, one of the first in the city. R. V. and A. T. Carroll at one time oc- cupied it as part of their mortuary. For many years, Jesse "Heide" Orr occupied it as a barber shop. When he discontinued business in 1952, he sold the building to F. P. Hanafin. Soon thereafter, Mr. and Mrs. Prather opened their flower shop at this location. Alexander Lumber Company THE Alexander Lumber Company, which is lo- cated at 201 West Union Avenue, has been a Litchfield firm for the past twenty-seven years. In 1904 the first building was constructed by Baldwin and Weir. The founders of this firm retained own- ership for eleven years. Mr. Charles Johnson, the first teamster employed, is a Litchfield resident. About 1915 Baldwin and Weir sold their firm to Mr. Tom Taylor, who operated as Taylor Lumber Company until 1926. The present owner, Alex- ander Lumber Company, purchased the firm in April, 1926. With this change of ownership Mr. Earl Anderson became manager. He was with the firm until 1937. Mr. Nauman was in charge for about one year. He was followed by Mr. O. H. Paddock who took charge in June, 1938. On November 1, 1942, the present manager, B. R. Blazer, was transferred here from Beardstown, Illinois. Over the years only small changes were made in additions or remodeling. In 1949 an extensive re- modeling program was carried out. The front was torn down and replaced with brick; a new modern display room and office was constructed. This work was completed in November. 1949. Present employees are: Walter George, Frank Fraley, Mrs. Mary Vignos, and James Slightom. Niemann Electric Company NIEMANN ELECTRIC COMPANY, owned and operated by Edgar Niemann, is located at 217 North State Street. Mr. Niemann was born near Farmersville, Illi- nois, but at the age of 6 months his parents moved to Litchfield. He was graduated from the Litch- field Community High School with the class of 1935. This business was established by Mr. Niemann in April, 1939. He was first located at 108 W. Ryder Street and in 1941 moved to 204 North State Street. 136 Because of the shortage of electric appliances dur- ing World War II, Mr. Niemann found it advisable to discontinue the business until appliances were again available. The war ended and Mr. Niemann purchased from Morris Silbergeld the building lo- cated at 217 North State Street. He installed a new and modern front and remodeled the interior of the building. He then re-opened his appliance business at that location and has been there since. At the present time, in addition to Mr. Niemann, the organization is comprised of Kenneth Sander- son, Burrell Wernsing, Ralph Campbell, Chester G. Huff, and Miss Barbara Baker. At all times the newest and most modern elec- tric appliances are displayed in this store. Prin- cipal lines carried are General Electric and Kelvi- nator appliances, Maytag washers and gas ranges, Ironrite ironers, Magic Chef, Universal, Detroit Jewel and Hardwick gas ranges, Zenith radios and televisions, Eureka vacuum cleaners, Winkler, Coleman, and Quaker oil burners. The Bootery MORRIS SILBERGELD, owner of the Bootery, dealer in men's, women's and children's shoes at 221 North State Street, was born in Wengrow, Province of Siedlitz, Poland, the son of Hyman and Freda Orenstein Silbergeld. He attended school in his native land and came to the United States in May, 1921, at which time he joined his father in the shoe business at Auburn, Illinois. He went into partnership with his father in 1924 and remained in Auburn until 1930 when he bought a shoe store at Gillespie which had been opened six months previously by his father. He was married on October 5, 1930, to Miss Sarah Potashnick of St. Louis. They have two children, Irving, 22, a liberal arts graduate of Washington University in 1953, and Jean, 19, a junior at Wash- ington University. The family resides at 201 North Brentwood in Clayton, Missouri. In 1931 Mr. Silbergeld opened the Sample Shoe Store in Litchfield, at the location which is now Niemann Electric at 217 North State. He opened a store at Jerseyville in 1936 and in 1940 opened the Bootery at its present location. The building which housed the Sample Shoe Store was pur- chased from Jack Lager in 1933 and sold to Mr. Niemann in 1945. At that time the two stores were combined and the Sample Store closed. Mr. Silbergeld and his family resided in Litch- field from 1936 to 1947, moving then to St. Louis. Don Hamblin is manager of the local unit, as- sisted by Mrs. Everett Jones. The store handles an extensive line of shoes for all ages and price ranges. Manufacturers include: The Brown Shoe Company, International Shoe Company, Wohl Shoe Company, Fashion-Bilt, and Crosby Square. Mr. Silbergeld is a member of the Litchfield Ma- sonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite and Shrine in St. Louis, the Meadowbrook Country Club in St. Louis, the National Shoe Retailers Association, and the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his interests here, he owns and operates a 15-family apartment building at 7532 South Kingshighway, St. Louis. In making observations as to the changes in the styles and fashions of shoes over the past twenty- two years since he came to Litchfield, Mr. Silber- geld points out that the shoe of today is more com- fortable, easier for growing children, and a more economical buy than at any other time in the his- tory of the business. He is particularly proud of the fine brands such as Air-Step, Teen Age, Buster Brown, Pedwin, Star Brand, Rand, Fashion-Bilt, Connie, Natural Poise, Paris Fashion, and the LaCross line of rubber foot- wear, which the store features. He also observes that throughout the history of the store he has always made it a point to keep up with trends in the industry, so that when better shoes are available they will always be ready for his customers here in Litchfield. Beck's Cleaners BECK'S Cleaners was established at 300 South State Street as a dry cleaning business in March, 1952. Owners of the business are Harold R. Beck and his wife, Almyra F. Beck. The cleaning business was purchased from Vic Karlovic. The building was completely remodeled and redecorated, and a 16 feet by 18 feet addition put on to house a complete new cleaning plant at the time of the opening, as Beck Cleaners. At the present time the Becks are in the process of hav- ing the outside of the building renovated and dec- orated to make a more attractive establishment. Ownership and management of this dry cleaning business were preceded by six years' experience on the part of Mrs. Beck at Ramey's and later, Herms- meyer's Cleaners. For a time Mrs. Beck, assisted by her daughter, managed the business herself. As the plants' volume increased, Mr. Beck decided to leave his employment at the Atomic Oil Co. and join his wife in their cleaning establishment. Previous to three years' occupation at Atomic Oil Co., in Litchfield, Harold worked seven years at Western Cartridge in East Alton. Previous to that time he was a Brown Shoe Co. employee in the Litchfield factory. Both Harold and Almyra are of Litchfield origin and have spent their lives here. Their daughter, Mrs. Mary Hickerson, is their assistant in their cleaning establishment. Other employees are Bill Claxon and Eugene Koonce. Litchfield, at one time, had three breweries. The entrance to an old cave used by one southeast of town near the northwest corner of the Country Club, is still to be located. These businesses were unable to compete with the large breweries of St. Louis and Belleville. 137 K & L Farm Supply K& L FARM SUPPLY, INC., was organized in October, 1943, by Harry E. Kennedy and Els- worth E. Lively, Jr., to handle a line of builders' hardware, plumbing supplies, electrical supplies, fixtures, and other items incident to home and farm construction. At the same time a franchise was signed with the Oliver Corporation and a sep- arate part of the building was remodeled to handle the sales and service of Oliver Farm Machinery. In 1948 this firm was incorporated, naming Harry E. Kennedy as president and Elsworth E. Lively, Jr., as secretary and treasurer. A one- story addition was constructed at this time, a com- plete new front was built, and modern fixtures were installed to accommodate additional lines of mer- chandise. Since that time, K L Farm Supply has been one of the leading outlets in the Litchfield neighborhood for Louden barn equipment, Youngs- town cabinets, DeLaval milking equipment, home freezers, power and hand tools, a complete line of water systems, and paint for the home and farm. Elsworth E. Lively, Jr., was born April 24, 1906, the son of Elsworth E. Lively, Sr., and Grace Carmony Lively, who now reside on a farm near Girard, Illinois. He is married to the former Ber- nice Jennings, daughter of Roy and Lillie Craw- ford Jennings of Palmyra, 111. They have one son, Boyd E., a member of the staff of K L Farm Sup- ply. Boyd is married to the former Phyllis Foster, daughter of John and Mattie Cox Foster of Chat- ham ; they have one son, John Elsworth. The service station dealing in Texaco products is operated by Willis Sturgeon and Thomas Telfer. It is planned and conducted to give the best possi- ble service to the traveling public. The Annex Cafe THE Annex Cafe, Motel, and Service Station is located on Route 66 in South Litchfield and may be entered from old 66 as well as from the new highway. The Annex, formerly known as Rut's Corner, was purchased from William Bahr who had operated the business from 1947 to 1951. It was remodeled and opened in May, 1951, by Joseph Roseman and Estell R. Felts with Eugene A. Kozuk as manager. In April, 1952, Eugene A. Kozuk purchased the Felts interest and the Rose- man-Kozuk partnership has continued since then. At the Annex is an efficient staff composed of Lillian Kreevich, Barbara Birkenkamp, Opal John- son, Lois Cooper, Jane Purdy, Emma Booher, Ruth Lowe, Helen Harmon, and Margaret Kaufman. Remodeling done by the firm has been extensive. A completely modern ten-unit motel moved from the site of the present service station has been en- tirely remodeled. The restaurant has been made to accommodate 125 people. A new two-stall serv- ice station was erected in May, 1951. A major expansion has been a new ultra-modern five-unit motel which was opened in June, 1953 for operation. It is of the latest design with a large lobby complete with television and lounge facilities. Each unit is air conditioned and has a garage for each car. Blaeuer Office Equipment Co. BLAEUER Office Equipment Company is oper- ated and owned by Wm. H. (Bill) Blaeuer and his wife, Velma, who reside at 704 North Walnut Street with their two children, Bill, Jr., and Mary Kathryn. Although they have been in business here only seven years, Bill and Velma are no strangers to this community. Velma is the daughter of Henry and Louise Niehaus and was born and reared on a farm between Raymond and Nokomis. Her fa- ther (Hank) was state cornhusking champion. Bill was born in Carlinville, where he was graduated from the public schools and Blackburn College. After a number of years with a bank in that city, he became associated with Sears Roebuck and served as credit manager for five years in Duluth, Minnesota. He was then transferred to Encyclo- pedia Britannica where he served as office man- ager in their Chicago headquarters for four years. While serving in this capacity he became acquainted with some of the personnel of Remington Rand, through whom he later obtained the franchise for the downstate territory that brought him and his family to Litchfield. On July 1, 1946, the Blaeuers opened their of- fice at 108 East Kirkham Street. In June, 1950, they moved to their present location, 419 North State Street. This business has grown from a "one- man" operation to five full-time workers. Present personnel, in addition to the owners, includes Wil- lard Adams, Edith Adams and Mike Polovich. M. J. Buscher & Son ONE of the oldest businesses in Montgomery County being operated by the original own- ers, was established in 1904 by M. J. Buscher, son of John and Margaret Buscher, who at one time lived in a house located on the present site of the Community High School Gymnasium. Mr. Buscher came here to finish his schooling. He later went to St. Louis and was employed in the foreign exchange department of the Mercantile Trust Company, and upon returning to Litchfield was employed at the Litchfield Bank & Trust Com- pany as assistant cashier. In 1904 he purchased an ice house on the old Litchfield Reservoir site and cut and stored ice to be sold during the sum- mer months. This ice house burned, and Mr. Buscher built one of the first ice plants in this community and added coal service to his business. In 1924 Mr. Buscher was joined by his son, J. Paul Buscher. Gradually flour and feed were added to the business. In the meantime the ice 138 plant was sold, the Buschers retaining the rest of the business. In 1940 building supplies were added. Present personnel are M. J. Buscher, Roy D. Price, Rita Dively, Jesse Hoyt, and J. Paul Buscher. Office and warehouse are located at 304-06-08 West St. John Street. Next year, 1954, this firm will celebrate its 50th year in business, making it the oldest or one of the oldest businesses in this community still operating under original management. Jim Fudoli Heating & Sheet Metal Contractors JAMES FUDOLI, better known as Jim, came to Litchfield in May, 1942. Because he expected to be called into service, Jim moved his wife, Velma Bouillon Fudoli, daughter Rosemary, and son Jimmy, to Litchfield from Peoria. While waiting for his call, Jim started his heating and sheet metal business on a very small scale. However, the war ended before he was called and he gradually built it up to the business it is today. Jim was born in Schram City, attended grade school there and was graduated from the Hills- boro High School. Two years after his graduation he went to work in Peoria and while there started working for A. Anderson, who owned and operated a sheet metal shop. While Jim served his sheet metal apprenticeship he attended night school at Bradley University, taking a sheet metal course. Jim and his family spent seven years in Peoria be- fore coming to Litchfield. At the present time Jim employs two men, Dick Weiss and Norman Hartman, who are now working on the seventy-five-unit heating job on the Litch- field Housing Project and the sheet metal work on the fifty-unit Hillsboro Housing Project. Jim just completed the sheet metal work on the new Litch- field Gymnasium and the Madison Park School. Jim's business consists mainly of heating homes and buildings with coal, gas or oil furnaces, stok- ers and blowers, and also flashing, ventilating and guttering work, plus service work of all kinds. William Jacob WILLIAM JACOB, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jacob, farmers in Cahokia Township of Ma- coupin County, was born February 14, 1911, at East Peoria. He moved with his parents to the Litchfield neighborhood at the age of six. He at- tended the Sunny Side School near his home and was engaged in farming with his father until 1930. In the fall of that year he established the trucking business which he has been conducting without in- terruption until the present time. Mr. Jacob's principal business has been coal haul- ing. He has served a large number of residents of Litchfield from mines throughout this area, and is now one of the many trucking customers of the new mine at Farmersville. In addition to coal he deals in gravel, sand, and earth hauling. In 1948 William erected a new building at 1204 North Van Buren which houses the business. His home is at the same address. William was married to Miss Thelma Anderson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Anderson of Gil- lespie, on December 15, 1936. They have one son, William, who is a junior in the Litchfield Commu- nity High School and a carrier boy for the Litch- field News-Herald. A nephew, Vernon Jacob, is employed as a driver for the firm. A brother, Henry Jacob, Jr., father of Vernon, farms near his father's home. William recalls that his first rolling stock was a model "T" Ford truck. He now has 3 GMC's, two of which are in constant operation. Shero Plumbing & Heating Contractors SHERO Plumbing & Heating Contractors, owned and operated by Carter Shero, is located at 111 West Union Avenue. Mr. Shero was born in St. Louis, Missouri, Jan- uary 9, 1906. With the exception of a few months spent in Centralia, Illinois, he lived in St. Louis his entire life, prior to coming to Litchfield. In 1926, he graduated from the David Rankin School of Mechanical Trades as a Sanitary Engineer. He served his apprenticeship with Joseph T. Tumulty Plumbing & Heating Company of St. Louis. Dur- ing the year 1935, he became construction super- intendent and estimator for the Fowler Plumbing and Heating Company. He continued in their em- ploy until May, 1950, when he established this busi- ness in Litchfield. Upon coming to this city, Mr. Shero purchased the building which houses his business at the pres- ent time. He remodeled it, enlarged the office and display room, and installed a complete new heating system. At all times, the latest design in plumb- ing and heating equipment may be seen and in- spected in his showroom. Principal lines carried are American Radiator & Standard Sanitary Equipment, Kohler & Crane, and Youngstown Kitchen Equipment and Kitchen Planning Service. They also have the franchise for Iron Fireman Heating Equipment. One of their popular services is the "roto-rooter" for opening sewers. Assisting Mr. Shero are M. E. Odem, superintend- ent, John Ingle and Bob Albertine as plumbers, and Miss Marvella Moore as bookkeeper. "A new departure has been taken in sidewalks and crossings. Wood is to give way to stone in the busi- ness part of State Street and to stone and brick else- where Another Fourth of July will probably see no planking on State Street." (This refers to Litchfield. From Wellington, Kansas, Monitor, of July 19, 1889). 139 "■■ateS** 1 Sweeney Gas and Oil Company— White House Service Station JUST before the turn of the century, in the 1890's, two local merchants, C. F. Bartling and L. A. Hussey, were dissatisfied with the quality of the "coal oil" they had to offer their customers. There was only one local source of supply so they decided to do something about it. They were able to find a good quality kerosene in Indiana. This was shipped in wooden barrels and stored in the building which is now Harvey's Poultry House. That was the start of the Inde- pendent Oil Company. They soon began "ped- dling" their product in competition with the other company, which brought on a few "price wars." Bartling and Hussey operated the company for several years and later sold to the Torch Oil Com- pany. By this time the company had expanded with bulk plants in Litchfield and Hillsboro. In March, 1931, the plants at Litchfield and Hills- boro were sold to the Sweney Gasoline and Oil Company of Peoria. The Sweney company was also one of the older independent companies, be- ing established in 1909. It was started under con- ditions similar to the Independent Oil Company with the desire to have a better product to offer their customers. That has been their policy all through the years. In 1948 the Hillsboro and Litchfield plants were combined at Litchfield. Two of the older agents who started with Bartling and Hussey, with horse-drawn tank wagons, are Wil- liam Elledge and Fred Britton of Litchfield. Agents of later years are Walter Sewing, Joe Walker, Fred Brandt, and Carl Brandt. The present agent, Maurice Joyce of Hillsboro, has been with the company since 1930, starting un- 140 der the old Independent Oil Company. He has been the Litchfield agent since 1948. In 1929 W. A. Elledge bought the old Updike property on Union Avenue which was a large brick house and at one time was used as one of Litch- field's early schools. He tore this building down and built the White House Service Station which sold Torch products until it too was sold to Sweney in 1931. The first manager of the White House was Fred (Casey) Jones. Later operators were J. E. Coffee and Fred Brandt. The present manager, William (Bud) Green, took over in 1950 from Fred Brandt. Bud, too, is a veteran in the oil business as he worked several years for J. E. Coffee. Down through the years the Independent Oil Company, The Sweney Oil Company, and the White House Service Station have always brought their customers the finest of petroleum products and service. W. A. Elledge, driver, and Fred Britton Howard Schweppe & Son IN 1923 Howard D. Schweppe was an electrician apprentice in the Burlington Shops at Hanni- bal, Missouri, and later a signal maintenance man on the C. B. & Q. Railroad. In 1946 Howard was employed by the Litchfield Fire Department. He began doing small electrical repairs for friends and neighbors at his home, then at 234 South Illinois Avenue. A motor bike was his first means of transportation in this work. Soon the jobs were so numerous that Howard de- cided to make it a full-time business. The job at the Fire Department was given up. In addition to hard work, a great deal of time was devoted to study. In 1948 he moved his family to their pres- ent location, 612 East Edwards Street. The busi- ness grew and a shop was opened in the basement. Howard's son, Ross, became interested and started learning the business while still a student in high school. He worked after school and during vacations, and in 1950 the name of the business was changed to Howard Schweppe and Son. This part- nership was interrupted when Ross was called into service in November, 1951, as a member of the 44th Division of the National Guard. His discharge in April, 1953, allowed him to again join the business. Howard Schweppe & Son are now using a 1953 station wagon as a means of transportation for their rapidly growing business, with the slogan "Let Us Do Your LIGHT Work." Skinny's Cafe SKINNY'S CAFE was established in Litchfield in 1935 by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Large. The first location was on old route 66 in the building known as the "Dash Inn," which recently burned. In 1939 they erected a new frame building north of route 16 on old U. S. 66. The same year the restaurant was moved into this new building. Gasoline pumps were installed and a filling station was operated along with the restaurant. It was a regular truck stop for drivers of many large truck lines. A tavern was built on the north side of the restaurant in 1947. The new addition and the original frame building were then covered with attractive blue and white glazed tile. In 1949 the business was again expanded and another building was erected west of the restau- rant. This building contained a large show room enclosed with plate glass and space for an automo- tive service department. The gas pumps were moved to this building and a Nash Sales and Service Agency was operated here until 1953. After the removal of the Nash Agency it was operated as a general sales and auc- tion room. This business grew rapidly and the place is now well known as the "Bargain Barn." The shelves and counters are well stocked with a wide selection of new merchandise. Mr. Harold Covili is associated with "Skinny" in the operation of the Bargain Barn. Sharp's Market ALTHOUGH the present owners, k Mr. and Mrs. Ray Sharp, are com- parative newcomers, this is not a newly established business. Looking into Litchfield's history, we find Ja- cob Ross erected this building and opened a grocery store here in 1875. He later sold it to a Mr. Kilpatrick, who in turn sold to Jacob Mumme. In 1895 B. R. Neel, who is still a resident of this community, bought and operated the business for seven years. During that time he started a delivery service, using a horse and wagon. It was Mr. Neel who had a hitching rack installed on the east side of the building. The old rack still stands today and as the years have passed it has been kept bright and shining by the passing children who still en- joy that hilarious sport of "skin the cat." In 1902 Sam Blades purchased and remodeled the building, and installed the present front. During the past 50 years this store has had numerous own- ers, among whom were J. A. McClain, John Mercer, Charles Mercer, William Devinney, and Walter Anderson. Perhaps Charles Mercer operated the business longer than any of his predecessors, from 1919 to 1939. It was in 1931, during Mr. Mercer's ownership, that this firm became a charter mem- ber of the Red and White Organization. In 1949 Mr. and Mrs. Sharp, with their three children, Kenneth, Carolyne, and Roger Bruce, moved here from Hammond, Indiana. Upon com- ing to Litchfield, they purchased this business from Walter Anderson and have since continued its operation. Assisting them is Mr. Harry Wagner. 141 Satterlee Brothers THE automobile dealership known as Satterlee Brothers was established on January 1, 1938, when Harry M. Satterlee, who had been associated with the Archer-Mann Motor Company of St. Louis, returned to Litchfield and entered into a partnership with his brother C. Dal Satterlee. Dealing in Nash and Graham automobiles they located in a garage building on West Union Avenue near State Street, where they operated for three years. First location on West Union Avenue On January 1, 1941, the firm, requiring larger quar- ters, moved into a garage building on North State Street which was completely remodeled and modern- ized to provide adequate service for a growing clien- tele. In 1942 after World War II was declared and the government had frozen all new cars, Dal left the or- ganization to return to the Tom Fuller Agency with whom he had been employed prior to entering the automobile business. This agency later formed a new company in Arkansas and Dal has since that time been the Secretary and General Manager of the Fi- delity Reserve Insurance Company with offices in Little Rock. Harry Satterlee, with a reduced staff, stayed in the business still under the same trade name, Satterlee Brothers, to help with the problem of keeping Amer- ica's vital transportation facilities in repair through- out the war. Early in 1946, after new cars were again available, he started negotiations with architects and contractors for a new building, at which time land was purchased at the southwest corner of Routes 66 and 16. Plans were completed, government permits to build were granted, materials were allocated, and construc- tion was started in September, 1946. Government con- trol of steel and other vital materials, and a general shortage of labor and material, caused delay after de- lay but Satterlee Brothers was able to make another move on January 1, this time the year was 1948. This new garage building was the first of its kind in Central Illinois, with a circular showroom and a circular service area utilizing a completely depart- mentalized layout to offer every needed service to the car owner. Glass was used liberally in the showroom area and the service department to provide an abun- dance of light and ventilation. The radiant heating system was the first of its kind to be used in this vicinity and possibly one of the first of its size in the country. Hot water, pumped through over 9,000 feet of copper pipe installed in the concrete floor, provides a constant and uniform heat through the building. The water is heated by a gas-fired boiler with com- pletely automatic and safety controls. In July, 1948, Harry Satterlee cancelled his contract with Nash Motors and signed a franchise for Mont- gomery and Macoupin counties with the Lincoln-Mer- cury Division of Ford Motor Company. On July 31, 1948, Satterlee Brothers announced the change in deal- ership and formally opened the new building for public inspection. Satterlee Brothers has provided employment for 12 to 15 people since 1946. Steve Fiscor, now General Manager, has been with Harry for over thirteen years. His wife is the former Frances Elvidge and they have three children, James, 14; Helen Jane, 10; and Paula, 2 months. W. L. Watkins, salesman for over 6 years, suddenly passed away in April of this year. Richard Luenemann, employed for over 5 years, is Service Manager. Mary Ellen Heise, employed over 4 years, is Bookkeeper and Office Manager. Dolores Kruse is clerk and stenographer. Harry Ruecking is Sales Manager. Louis Fouts, Wm. Lee Douglas, and Richard Brachear are Lincoln-Mercury Registered Mechanics. Joe Sikor- ski, mechanic, and Melvin Parsons, parts department, are both with the U. S. Army in Germany at the pres- ent time. Earl Johnson is in the lubrication depart- ment, and David Flack handles car washing and polish- ing. Harry Satterlee is married to the former Helen Watkins, daughter of the late W. L. and Alice Watkins, and has five children: Gwen Jean, a graduate of the University of Illinois; Mary Ann, a graduate of Mac- Murray College, both employed in Chicago; Donna Lou Henry, age 10; Cynthia Marie, age 3; and Lawrence Albert, age 3 months, at home at 119 West Second Street. <«fes*» 142 Builders' Supply and Rental Co. HARRY E. KENNEDY, owner of Builders' Sup- ply and Rental Company, St. John and Jack- son Streets, was born in Litchfield, November 17, 1889, when his parents lived in a home where the home of the late Dr. Lee G. Allen now stands. His father, David G. Kennedy, was a native of Bellamania, Ireland, and came to this country in about 1860. As a young man he engaged in farm- ing and came to Litchfield to work for the New York Store, where the Austin and Shrader busi- ness is now located. He worked for Austin and Shrader Brothers for a time and was also a clerk in the stores of L. W. Cline and Leopold Levy at the site of the present Woolworth Store. His mother was Martha Jane Green. They were married April 28, 1886. In addition to Harry there were two children, Frank Kennedy of Independ- ence, Oregon, and Mrs. H. H. Chambers of Mus- kegon, Michigan. Mr. Kennedy had two half sis- ters, Mrs. Bertha McDonald who died in 1952, Miss May Kennedy who died in 1934, and a third half- sister, Mrs. Effie Jenkins who lives at Portland, Ore. Harry was married to Miss Bessie Kelly on Sep- tember 11, 1909. He attended schools in Litchfield, and after sev- eral years in the machinist trade with the old Nicholson and Beindorf machine shop, a short time at Western Cartridge Co. during World War I, and an apprenticeship in the brick laying trade, he became a brick mason contractor in 1922. He specialized in school buildings and churches throughout central Illinois, and in 1935 started the Kennedy General Contracting business. Local projects have included the Litchfield Creamery, The House of Sunshine, the Zion Lutheran Church, the Charles Hauser home, the new Satterlee Broth- ers Garage, and many others. In 1943, with E. E. Lively, Jr., he organized the K-L Farm Supply Company, and in 1948, the Anti- mite Company, termite extermination contractors. It was in 1946 that he purchased the grounds and buildings of the old Litchfield Foundry and Machine Company and began the operations which have resulted in one of the leading building sup- ply companies in the city. The property includes a building for the Illinois State Employment Service, the Kennedy Storage and Warehouses organized in June, 1951, a num- ber of apartments, and an extensive building and home consultation service. H. G. Miller Radio and Music Store IN October, 1939, Herman G. Miller came from Chicago, Illinois, where he had worked in various radio factories for ten years, and located in Litch- field in a store shared with Keith Lipe on East Ryder Street. In 1940 he bought Mr. Turley's Music Store and combined his radio and repair business with the music line at the store on 113 West Union Avenue. Due to the war he closed his store in April, 1942, and worked in Chicago for A. B. Dick Company. He returned to Litchfield in November, 1944, and a month later located and reopened his Radio and Music Store at its present location, 115 West Ryder Street. In the month of April, 1947, Mr. Miller was in- strumental in opening up the field of television in the Litchfield community by adding television sets to his stock and expanding his service with a tele- vision repair department. In August, 1952, the store front was completely remodeled by the Moose lodge, owners of the build- ing, and Mr. Miller put in new store fixtures, floor- ing, and enlarged his radio, television, and repair departments. Mrs. Miller is bookkeeper for the firm. Other members of the business are George W. Lefler, television technician, Glenn A. Brachear, and Sam- my L. Hamilton. Their line of merchandise is made up of RCA Victor radios and televisions, Spartan televisions, musical instruments, Domestic sewing machines, and Hotpoint electric appliances. Herman G. Miller married Marie Napier in Oc- tober, 1941 ; they have two children, Jeannette and Herman, Junior. 143 Litchfield Grocer Company Wholesale Grocers CASH & CARRY WHOLESALE BRANCHES Hillsboro Greenville Shelbyville Harry C. Gorin THE Company was incorporated in 1905. Origi- nal stockholders were: H. A. Snell, W. M. Jageman, A. C. Stevens, W. T. Thorpe, and H. H. Montgomery. The majority of stock has always been owned by Litchfield people. Harry C. Gorin, President, came with the com- pany in 1911; and B. C. Arnold, Secretary-Treas- urer, in 1916. Arnold Twenty-seven people are employed by the com- pany. The present building was erected in 1910. The company serves some 45 Red & White Stores and several hundred independent retail grocers, located in communities within an average radius of 45 miles from Litchfield. Merchandise is delivered to the customers by the firm's own tractor-trailer outfits. Guy Farquhar's Men's Store ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1947, Guy L. Farquhar opened the Guy Farquhar Men's Store at 222 North State Street selling men's wear exclusively. The building which had been previously occupied by the Armstrong Jewelry Store was then com- pletely remodeled to accommodate the Men's Store. Mr. Farquhar was born in Litchfield, the son of Lewis W. and Lena James Farquhar. He attended the Litchfield schools. As a young man he worked for C. B. Munday and Company and the First Na- tional Bank. In 1917 he entered the service of his country and spent the next two years, first in the artillery and later transferring to the Army Air Force, as a pilot. After Mr. Farquhar was discharged from the Air Force he worked in Blackwelder's Clothing Store for a number of years before opening his present establishment. Mr. Farquhar is married to Helen Shrader Far- quhar, a daughter of Arthur Shrader and the late Mrs. Myrtle Conner Shrader, of Litchfield. Mr. Bernard Kellenberger assists Mr. Farquhar in the operation of the store, in which a complete line of men's and boys' furnishings is stocked, in- cluding some of the best known clothing brands. Ralph's Marathon Service Station RALPH'S Marathon Filling Station Service is located at 616 North State Street. The busi- ness is owned and operated by Ralph J. Prange. At this same location, the Weatherford Pontiac Garage was in operation from 1937 to 1940. Then, the Greyhound Bus Lines operated a terminal on this location from 1940 to 1946. In 1946 the Atomic Oil Company bought and occupied the building from the year 1946 to 1952. Ralph Prange, present owner of Marathon Serv- ice, was a member of the Atomic Oil Corporation. In 1952 Mr. Prange leased the present building and business from the Ohio Oil Company and initi- ated the services of Marathon Petroleum Products to Litchfield and surrounding area. Ralph J. Prange was born in Michigan City, In- diana, but at an early age moved with his parents to Oak Lawn, Illinois. Here he spent his early youth. Mr. Prange came to Litchfield in 1938 as an employee of the Buske Lines, Inc. Ralph's Marathon Service offers to the public Marathon Petroleum Products as well as a guaran- teed tire recapping service. Plans are being made in 1953 for extensive re- modeling of the building which houses the present business. 144 Wabash Railroad THE history of the Wabash Railroad Company dates back to the time when the state of Illinois was still virgin prairie. Few towns or settlements had been made and the towns which had sprung up were, for the most part, along the banks of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Pioneers who settled away from the rivers soon realized the need for better transportation facilities to move crops, furs, and goods to markets along the river. When the Illinois legislature met at Springfield in the early 1830's the legislators divided into two partisan groups. One group favored an extensive canal system of transportation for Illinois, since there was a network of rivers available; the other group favored a railroad. The latter group was met with public ridicule and jeers from the "canal- ers." Financiers could see no gain in investing money in a railroad that would span an unpopu- lated forest. However, under Governor Duncan's term in office in 1834, the approval of a steam engine railroad to be built with state funds was obtained. Scarce materials, such as iron for rails, had to be brought by boat up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to a tiny settlement called Meredosia, which was later designated as the starting point for the new road. On Nov. 8, 1838, the first railroad locomotive ever operated in Illinois, or in the entire Mississippi Valley, was placed on a track at Meredosia, Illinois, on the east bank of the Illinois River. River travel was easier than land travel so it was not absurd to find the beginning of the first railroad making its origin at this river point. A locomotive called the "Rogers" which had been made in Newark, New Jersey, by the firm of Rogers, Grosvenor, and Ketchum, was shipped knocked-down to Meredosia by a long, arduous river trip. The railroad track was laid from Meredosia east and south to Morgan City, a distance of 12 miles. This small railroad was known as the Northern Cross Railroad, since it paralleled the well-worn trail known as the Northern Crossing of Illinois. This early railroad, the Northern Cross, formed the nucleus of the Wabash Railroad system. In 1841 a line between Jacksonville and Spring- field was completed, and by February, 1842, serv- ice between Meredosia and Springfield, Illinois, was made available. Since the first locomotives soon wore out from travel on the rough rails, for a time animal power had to be used to maintain service on this line. By 1847 new locomotives were pur- chased. At this time the railway was known as the Sangamon and Morgan Railroad. Rails were extended and connected to this origi- nal track, and by 1865 a corporation formed under the name of the Toledo, Wabash, and Western Railway Company. The Decatur and East St. Louis Railroad Com- pany was incorporated February 26, 1867. On June 9, 1869, work was begun at Decatur, Illinois, on the Decatur, East St. Louis track and rightaway. This line approached Litchfield in the northeast by southwest axis, and by August 1, 1870, a double track was completed, 109.14 miles in length. Litch- field was made a division point and many trains terminated here. On August 10, 1870, this track and rightaway was absorbed by the Toledo, Wa- bash and Western Railway. This line pushed northward from Decatur, and this northern section was known as the Decatur and State Line Railroad. This formed one of the first direct routes between Chicago and St. Louis. During the business depression of 1877, the To- ledo, Wabash, and Western Railroad which included some 678 miles of operating track was reorganized, and the new name of the railroad became the Wa- bash Railway Company. The Wabash tapped the great coal area of south- ern Illinois, and the railroad became a large coal carrier. In Litchfield, a round house was con- structed by the Wabash Company on the south side of the Litchfield mine. All local trains and mine crews operated in and out of Litchfield. When the coal mine was abandoned and the Karnes yard was built, Litchfield ceased to be of much importance as a railroad yard. The round house was torn down and the local runs moved their terminal to Karnes. Due to the four railroads in Litchfield, a good freight and passenger business was derived, with a volume almost incredible for a town of this size. During the World's Fair in St. Louis in 1904 the Wabash did a tremendous passenger business. Sta- tions were built all along the line to accommodate the crowds of travelers who came from rural areas. The Wabash Railway has always been noted for its freight and passenger service. The present subsidiaries of the Wabash Railroad are: the Ann Arbor Railroad Company; the New Jersey, Indiana, and Illinois Railroad Company; the Manistique & Lake Superior Railroad Com- pany; and the Lake Erie & Fort Wayne Railroad. Executive officers are A. K. Atkinson, president, who has been with the company since 1922 ; G. H. Sido, vice-president, in charge of operations, who has been with the company since 1905; and L. E. Clarahan, vice-president in charge of traffic, who has been with the company since 1912. Local Wabash personnel include the following: George Gregory, agent David Napier, first trick operator Fred Humphrey, second trick operator Victor McCracken, swing man 145 New Saratoga Club THE New Saratoga Club, often referred to as the most beautiful restaurant between St. Louis and Chicago, was built by Lowell "Hydie" Orr in 1946 following the dismantling of the Old Sara- toga Cafe which was built in 1937 by Charles and Harold Morgan. They called the restaurant the Sunset Inn and sold it to Lowell Orr in 1939. When the Saratoga Club was rebuilt in 1946, which required nine months to complete, the front of the exterior was done in vitrolite. All the fix- tures in the interior are of chrome and leather. The walls are of tufted dark green and pleated buff leather. Interior illumination is accomplished by lighting individual side panels, with the focal points being nine large oil murals which depict hunting scenes. The paintings were done by Sandy Schultz, former art student, Washington University, St. Louis. The kitchen, heating, and air condition- ing equipment is of the most modern design and the dining room was enlarged to seat 175 people comfortably. A smaller dining room, paneled in Philippine mahogany, is for private dinner parties. "Hydie" as he is known to his friends through- out Illinois, was born in Litchfield, the son of Jess and Carrie Butler Orr. His father was a barber in Litchfield for 48 years, before his retirement in 1951. "Hydie" has one sister, Mrs. Grace Camp- bell, Pekin, Illinois. He graduated from the Litchfield Community High School in 1925 and was a member of the basketball, baseball, and football teams. As a coin- cidence, "Hydie" was a member of the basketball team which played the first game on the court in the old high school auditorium. This floor is no longer used for games. His son, Richard, was a member of the squad which played the first game of basketball in the recently completed field house. "Hydie" passed papers for the old Litchfield Union as a boy, shined shoes in his father's shop, and during vacations worked at the Brown Shoe Company. Following graduation, he worked at the American Radiator Company from 1925 to 1927 and at the Union Avenue and State Street Shell Service Station during part of 1927 and 1928. He opened a billiard hall in 1928 in the building now occupied by the Strehle (Roberts) Insurance Agency. This business was relocated in 1929 to the building on West Ryder Street which now houses the Midway Tavern. In addition to the New Saratoga Club, he also operates a company known as Hi-Lo Sales, which specializes in novelties. This firm is found at 109 West Union Avenue. The New Saratoga Club has, in recent years, sponsored many nationally known entertainers and dance bands. The Johnny Engro Orchestra played a sixteen-month engagement, which ended in 1947. Lowell Orr was married to Ann Whitley, daugh- ter of the late Daniel and Martha Wright Whitley, on June 2, 1932. They now reside at 903 North Monroe Street. They have two children, Phyllis Suzanne, student at Washington University, St. Louis, and Richard Lee, a senior in the Litchfield High School. Richard also helps his father at the New Saratoga Club. 146 Billiter's Standard Service Station ROSS BILLITER, born and reared in Mont- gomery County, graduated from Litchfield Community High School in the year 1930. From 1932 to 1938 he was employed by Montgomery County Motor Company, this city. During the year 1938 he leased the Standard Service Station, located at the Northeast Corner of State Street and Union Avenue, and continued the operation thereof until January, 1944. From that time un- til December, 1945, he served in the U. S. Navy, during which period the station was leased to Alvin Mueller. Upon Mr. Billiter's discharge from the Navy, he again took over his former business and has since continued its operation. At the present, Mr. Billiter is assisted by his son, Dennis Billiter; Kennon Daugherty, Paul Kinder, James McConathy, and Wilbur Daugherty. During the year 1924, Standard Oil Company purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sinclair, the ground on which this service station is located. By August of the following year, the station was completed and ready for operation. At that time it was considered one of the most modern and up- to-date stations in this area. However, over a pe- riod of 26 years architecture changed, the station had become obsolete, and Standard Oil Company realized the need of a new building. During 1950 a large Super Service Station was built on the site replacing the small structure built a quarter of a century before. Their home is in Litchfield and they have one daughter, Margaret, who married Bernard May. They also have one grandson, Thomas Allen May, born July 10, 1952. Ranch Inn ALTHOUGH the Ranch Inn is a comparatively . new business venture in the Litchfield com- munity, its owner, Tom Cokinos, brought years of experience to it. Tom Cokinos came to Litchfield from Chicago in 1921 to go into business with his uncle, the late John Cokinos, in the Smoke House, located where Workinger's Jewelry Store now stands. In 1934 Mr. Cokinos, with Pete Adam, built the Ariston, but sold his interest to Mr. Adam in 1936. The Blue Danube was his next undertaking, located on old Route 66, and he continued at that location until the business was sold in 1945. When the New Saratoga Club opened in 1946, Mr. Cokinos was a partner with Lowell Orr, but the partnership was dissolved in November, 1948- It was in May of 1949 that ground was broken for the present Ranch Inn on Route 16 three miles west of Litchfield, with Tom Cokinos and George Dasher as partners. July 4 of that year was open- ing day and the business continued until the spring of 1951, when a wing was added to the building to provide a room for private parties. In April, 1952, Mr. Cokinos bought the entire interest and he and his wife, the former Frieda Hensley, now operate it together. Dixie Market AT a very early age, Elbert Moore became in- L terested in the work of a baker and was par- ticularly fascinated by the results of the finished product. At the age of twelve he began work in the Bartling and Hussey Bakery, under the direc- tion of William Schroeder and William Papke. As Mr. Moore relates his early training, he recalls that conditions were rather different from present-day methods. He learned to use the old wood-fired hearth oven and most doughs were hand mixed. Times progressed and the old type ovens were re- placed by coke fired. Today practically all are either gas or electrically operated, and doughs are never touched with the hands, but are all machine mixed. After completing his training, Mr. Moore went to work as a baker at the Home Bakery, then owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Bert Myers. A few years later he joined the force of the Sani- tary Bakery, later renamed the B. & B. In 1947 Mr. and Mrs. Moore opened a neighbor- hood grocery at 1001 South Jackson Street, under the name of The Dixie Market. Mrs. Moore man- aged the store and Mr. Moore continued his em- ployment at the B. & B. Bakery until 1950, when he decided to devote his entire time to The Dixie Market. At that time he enlarged the building to provide space for ovens and machinery. Since then, Mr. and Mrs. Moore have operated a bakery in conjunction with their neighborhood grocery. Denton Cafe WHILE the present owners, Mr. and Mrs. Har- old Denton, are comparative newcomers, they are not new in the restaurant business. At a very early age, Mr. Denton become interested in this line of work. During the time he was attend- ing high school he had part-time work in restau- rants, and six weeks after graduating from Hills- boro Community High School— about thirty years ago — he purchased a restaurant business in Hills- boro, which he continued to operate for several years. He then moved to St. Louis, spending about twenty-four years there. During that period he devoted a large portion of his time to office work. In 1948, he returned to Hillsboro and was employed by the R. P. Keele Clothing Company. In 1951 Mr. and Mrs. Denton purchased this business. A son, Jim, is also associated with the firm. This location at 115 East Union Avenue has had various occupancies during Litchfield's history. However, it is a restaurant location. Among the Denton's most recent predecessors are Charles Wagner and Opal Felts (now Mrs. C. C. Simpson). 147 Air view of Owen Mfg., Inc. IN 1937 the D. E. Owen Company moved to Litch- field and was located on the square next to the Elks Club. In 1940 Mr. Owen purchased the Street Gate Company which had been operating in Litch- field for some thirty years. The name of the com- pany was changed to Litchfield Precision Products Company and in 1940 Mr. Owen and his associates moved to the old Windway Building, located at 311 West Edwards Street, remodeling and adding an additional 11,000 square feet of floor space. Dur- ing the war the facilities were greatly expanded and the company specialized in the manufacture of small precision parts, having made some 39 mil- lion parts for the 30-M1 Carbine, millions of bomb fuse parts as well as precision parts used in the time mechanism of the atomic bomb. The Gill- Owen Company was formed in 1945 as a sales or- ganization selling carburetor and magneto parts. In 1948 the Gill-Owen Company purchased the ma- jority of the assets of the Litchfield Precision Prod- ucts Company. In 1946 Mr. Owen and associates purchased half interest in the Rego Metal Special- ties Company and moved this company from Chi- cago, Illinois, to Litchfield. This company oper- ated in the N Y A Buildings until it was dissolved and the assets bought by Mr. Owen and associates. One of Mr. Owen's patents was a Tractor Tire Pump of which approximately 100,000 were made. Several thousand were made by the Litchfield Pump Company located at the N Y A Buildings. Another item was an out-door Stove which was manufactured for the Out-O'-Door Stove Company of Litchfield, and later several thousand were made and sold directly by the Owen Mfg., Inc. In August, 1949, Mr. Owen sold his holdings in the Gill-Owen Company and purchased all of the precision equipment, trademarks, etc., of the Litch- field Precision Products Company and moved them to the N Y A Buildings. At this time the Owen Mfg., Inc. was formed by Mr. D. E. Owen, Mrs. Joan Owen and Mr. J. W. Owen, Sr. The outgrowth of the original purchase of the Street Gate Company which had one employee has put approximately $2,000,000 worth of payroll into the City of Litchfield and at the present time is employing approximately 100 people with a payroll of $4,000 per week. This company in the past has produced millions of ball point pens and a good majority of all electronic phonograph needles used by RCA, Magnavox, Fidelitone, Jensen, Web- Owen Mfg., Inc., precision parts held to .005 inch tolerance Owen Mfg., Inc. 148 ster-Chicago and many others. Since 1949 the Owen Mfg., Inc. has added approximately $100,000 worth of new equipment, some domestic and others imported from Switzerland. At the present time it is engaged in the manufacture of small pre- cision parts for civilian and defense use as well as a farm sprayer for weed and pest control. In March, 1953, in order to take care of addi- tional production needed for the Armed Services, Mr. W. H. Owen, Mr. F. B. Miller, Mr. D. E. Owen, Mrs. Joan Owen and Mr. J. W. Owen, Sr., formed Omeco, Inc., leasing the Ware Building at Butler, Illinois. All new equipment is being installed and about thirty people will be working each shift. Street Gate Company — 1940 Windway Building, 311 West Edwards Street, when taken over in 1941 Windway Building after remodeling 10 Swiss automatics out of a total of 30 in the plant New Swiss automatic from Moutier, Switzerland One type of over twenty special machines designed by and manufactured by Owen Mfg., Inc. Owen Mfg., Inc. 149 • :?~SS.^J5 v \>%*** & ' «* "~ J- < *%fc.^ l S«k. 4»1 % '' Varner Brothers Motel WHEN the Varner Brothers Motel was started on Route 66, three miles north of Litchfield in 1950, it was an entirely new business venture. The two brothers, Shirley and Ellis Varner, had lived most of their lives in the Litchfield commu- nity, but they were first machinists by trade and then farmers. Recognizing the need for motel accommodations on one of the busiest highways in the country, they purchased farm land adjacent to Route 66 and erected one of the most modern motels to be found between Springfield and St. Louis. Most of the construction was done by the two brothers them- selves, and the result is eighteen modern brick units, beautifully furnished throughout, and equipped with radiant electric heat. Soon after its erection it received AAA approval. The two Varner brothers also realized the need for a cafe and a filling station in connection with their motel. These were built on adjacent land and the cafe was leased to C. C. Simpson and the Standard Service Station leased to Victor Karlovic. Ritchie's Service Station RITCHIE'S Service Station is one of the newer businesses of Litchfield. The station was origi- nally erected by the Sinclair Oil Company at the corner of Monroe and Kirkham Streets opposite the post office on a site which had not been used for many years. It was leased to Glenn D. Holladay in 1951 and continued under his management for four months when it was taken over by Lawrence Ritchie, who continues as manager. Mr. Ritchie has always been a resident of Litch- field. After his graduation from the local high school he was employed by Western Electric in St. Louis until his induction into the army. He served with the armed forces for forty months, of which twenty-four months were spent in the Euro- pean Theater. After his return from the Army Mr. Ritchie and his wife, the former Marjorie Boedecker, established their home in Litchfield, and he was again affiliated with Busby Cleaners until 1951 when he began his present business with the Sinclair Oil Company. Working with Mr. Ritchie are John Hammond and Reuben Flack, and together they have suc- ceeded in making one of Litchfield's newest service stations also one of Litchfield's finest. Max Jones MAX H. JONES, General Contractor, with his office at 510 East Ryder Street, has spent the last twenty-four years in the contracting business. Max was born in Litchfield, the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Jones. He attended the Litchfield grade and high schools. As a young man he went into busi- ness with his father, Jess Jones, who was also in general contracting business and worked with him until 1941 when he entered business for himself. In 1942 he was called into the service of his country and spent the next three years in the United States Navy serving in the Construction Battalion which gave him added experience in his business. On receiving his discharge from the Navy in October, 1945, he returned to Litchfield and began his construction business again in November of that year. At the present time Max employs several men to help him. He specializes in modernizing kitch- ens and bathrooms, the designing and the building both accomplished within the firm. Just recently Max, with his employees, completely remodeled the Knights of Columbus Building and St. Mary's Hall. Mr. Jones is married to the former Margaret McNamara and they have five children, four girls and one boy. 150 Sallee Refrigeration Service K & O Tractor Sales & Service THE Sallee Refrigeration Service, located at South Jefferson and West Sargent Streets, has been serving the Litchfield community since the Sallee brothers, Raymond and Albert, purchased the business from B. F. Vancil, on October 1, 1937. This partnership installed and maintained refrig- eration equipment of all makes, and also rendered a motor repair service until Raymond died in De- cember of 1942 while serving in the Air Force dur- ing World War II. Since Albert acquired the business, he has bought the property and remodeled it. The first improvement was the erection of an addition which has been used as the Sallee Piano Store. Then the front of the original building was replaced, a parts department constructed, and the office enlarged. In 1945 a Frigidaire franchise for commercial equipment was awarded the firm. This line in- cludes a wide variety of refrigeration and air-con- ditioning equipment for use on farms, in homes, stores, restaurants, and hospitals. All sizes and types of air-conditioning from single room to com- plete building size are being sold. Refrigeration equipment from low-temperature freezers to water coolers is available. At the present, Mr. Sallee installs and services all types of commercial refrigeration equipment, and maintains a motor repair service. K& O Tractor Sales and Service was established in Litchfield in May, 1949, by T. W. Klekamp and Walter Osterman. Temporary headquarters for the business were in the backyard of the Kle- kamp home on East Columbia Street. A new building was erected at 812 South Sherman Street, and occupied by the business in September, 1949. K & O Tractor Sales and Service are authorized dealers for Ferguson Tractors and Implements. They are also dealers for Kelly-Ryan, Baughman- Oster and Soiline farm tools, Wizzer motor bikes and Excello lawn mowers. Henry Hesterberg is the serviceman. Mr. Klekamp was born in South Litchfield, mar- ried Amanda Sewing and they are the parents of two daughters and one son. For fifteen years "Ted" was in the wholesale and retail gas and oil business. He was also in partner- ship operating a set of bowling alleys on North State Street for a period of eight years, and in 1945 left that partnership for four years of farm- ing previous to his present business. Mr. Osterman was born in Cahokia Township near Mt. Olive, Illinois. Walter married the former Bernice Klekamp; they are the parents of one daughter. Walter was always active in 4H Clubs and rural youth organizations. At the present time he is active as a volunteer fireman. Faris Cab Company A taxi service was started in Litchfield by Wm. (Bill) Mueller in about the year 1931. This business was purchased from Mueller by a com- pany formed by four Faris brothers, Charles, Al- den, Ralph, and George, in 1946. Eventually three of the brothers acquired jobs with other concerns until Charles became sole operator of the cab busi- ness in May, 1952. Faris Cab Co. was first located in the one hun- dred block on West Edwards Street. In February, 1951, to give customers better service, the com- pany installed a two-way radio system with a re- ceiver and speaker for receiving and transmitting messages between each cab and the cab headquar- ters. In April of that same year, Faris Cab moved to the present address, 203 North State Street. Mrs. Dorothy Faris, wife of Charles, is the head dispatcher taking calls and operating the radio system in the office. She is assisted by Shirley Is- ley. Assisting Charles as drivers are two steady employees, Bill Watkins and Vernon Dutton. The company has five cabs with six other drivers as part-time employees. There are many interesting phases to the serv- ices rendered by Faris Cab Co., such as taking emergency confinement cases to the hospital, phon- ing people at intervals to remind them to take their medicine, and calling others to waken them so they will arrive at their employment on time. North End Service THE North End Service, located next to the high school, was built by Mr. Charles E. Owens in 1924 and opened the same year. It was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Bryant in December, 1926. In 1927 it was remodeled. Gasoline pumps, a grease rack, and other facilities for automobile service were installed in 1931. It was sold in October of 1946 to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Livingston, who in turn sold it to Mr. and Mrs. Maynard Simmons, the present owners. "Sim- mie" is a World War II veteran, having served two and one-half years in the Navy, nineteen months of which were overseas. "Simmie" and Ann are as- sisted by Shirley Slightom, Edna Funk, and Larry Simmons, students in the local high school. "Simmie" is a graduate of the Litchfield Com- munity High School with the class of 1933. His wife, the former Ann Pavlik, is a Gillespie girl and attended the Gillespie schools. Before her mar- riage she was employed for several years at St. Francis Hospital. "Simmie" was employed for many years at the Litchfield Grocer Company. He is now employed at the American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation plant. He is inter- ested in sports and civic affairs and is constable of North Litchfield Township. He was born in Litch- field and has lived practically his entire life here. His parents and younger brother are also residents of Litchfield. 151 Irvine Dairy THE Irvine Dairy Company located at 900 South State Street was established in 1946 by Stuart Irvine and his two sons, Wayne and Melvin. The father was formerly in Gillespie where he engaged in mining until he moved his family to Detroit in 1922, and there he resided for 25 years. For twenty-two of those years he was employed by the Borden Creamery Company; there he acquired his knowledge of the dairy business. In 1946 he moved to Litchfield and had com- pleted construction of the present building by July. The business expanded to such an extent that new equipment was added and a five-car garage was erected in 1952. Products sold by this enterprise at the present time include pasteurized milk, cottage cheese, butter, chocolate milk, orange drink, and cream. Mr. Irvine is assisted in the business by his wife, the former Helen Rinker of Litchfield, whom he married in 1921, and his son Melvin. The other son, Wayne, works for the state government in Detroit. Both young men were members of the Air Force in World War II with overseas duty. Frisina Amusement Company Capitol, Ritz, and Sky View Drive-In Theatres THE Frisina Amusement Company, whose home office is in Springfield, Illinois, operates the Capitol, Ritz, and Sky View Drive-In Theatres in Litchfield. It is owned and operated by Domenic Frisina, J. B. Giachetto, Domenic Giachetto and Ciro Pedrucci. Mr. Russell Hogue is the resident manager of the three Frisina properties in Litch- field. The Frisina Amusement Company owns and operates 60 theatres, including eight drive-in's in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. The Capitol Theatre was built in 1918 by W. D. Kneedler who operated it for a number of years, then sold it to Mr. John Spalding. The Frisina Amusement Company leased the Capitol Theatre in 1931 and at that time did an extensive remodel- ing job. In 1941 a new marquee was installed and since then a number of improvements have been made. The Capitol was among the first theatres owned by the Frisina Amusement Company. In 1938 the Frisina Amusement Company built the Ritz Theatre, a 400 seat house on State Street. It has been the policy of the Ritz Theatre to run only the finest in motion pictures, each picture playing a week's engagement. The Sky View Drive-In was constructed in the fall of 1949 and the spring of 1950 and was opened in June of 1950. It is one of central Illinois' most modern Drive-in's and is located on old Route 66 west of Litchfield. The Frisina Sky View Drive-In has a capacity of 750 cars. It offers its patrons many conveniences including a snack bar, play- ground for the kiddies, and dancing on the patio lo- cated in front of the snack bar. The policy of the Drive-In has always been entertainment for the entire family. Our patrons can always be assured of the finest in motion picture entertainment, since all produc- tions from all major motion picture studios are under contract for showing at one of the three fine theatres in Litchfield. Sherman's Department Store SHERMAN'S DEPARTMENT STORE, retailers of men's and children's clothing, ladies' ready- to-wear, home furnishings and general merchan- dise, is located at 401-403 North State Street in the building now owned by J. H. Jones and members Interior of Sherman's when it was the Golden Rule Store. The picture was taken about 1905. Left to right: Myra Stiefel, Odess Wandling Taylor, Guy Scott, Mar- garet Wiegers, Mr. Derringer, Ed. Schindler, Dr. L. R. Gray. of the Odd Fellows Lodge. The first and second floors were built several years ago by H. H. Hood, later the third floor was added. A portion of the building was occupied at one time by D. D. Tenny- son, one of the leading photographers of Mont- gomery County. A number of pictures in this cen- tennial book have been taken from his plates. 152 In 1938 Sherman's established their business here under the management of C. E. Markham. The front and interior of the building were remodeled and it was air conditioned in 1948. Clyde Keefer preceded the present manager, Delbert Storer, who came here from Olney, Illinois, four years ago. He began employment with this company following his graduation from high school and remained with them fourteen years. He served in the Armed Forces four years. This business has expanded through the years, increasing the number of its employees during its expansion. A number of them have been with the company since it opened here and at present there are twelve employees: Jennie Waggoner, piece goods; Jean Atteberry, cashier; Florence Mercer, ready-to-wear; Willa Barrow, lingerie; Gertrude Roach, men's and boys' clothing; Mildred Cress, shoes; and clerks: Pete Zangriles, Gladys Archer, Lois Hunt, Edna Billiter, Hester Williams, Evelyn Weathers. Mueller's Shell Service MUELLER'S SHELL SERVICE STATION is located on the northwest corner of State Street and Union Avenue. Prior to 1946 this sta- tion was operated for 19 years by Ray Harlow. At that date Al Mueller obtained the lease for this location and Mr. Harlow moved to Highway 66. Mr. Mueller was born in Litchfield and during the years from 1939 to 1943 he worked for Russell Brawley at Rut's Corner Service Station. He took over the Standard Service Station on the north- east corner of State Street and Union Avenue, in the years of 1943 and 1944, at the time when Ross Billiter, present operator, was serving in the United States Navy. Since 1946 several changes have taken place. A new driveway was made and a new pump island was installed in 1950. In 1952 the station was remodeled. The exterior of the building was cov- ered with porcelain on steel. Mr. Mueller obtained the Shell Franchise at this location after more than ten years' experience of station work. The following assist Mr. Mueller in conducting this business: Russell Heyen, Eugene Niehaus, and Ronald Billiter. Verne & Gene's THIS store, which has been a member of the IGA group since 1940, originated in the build- ing at 209 North State Street, now occupied by A & H Supply Company. Verne Mahlandt and Gene Phillips had been grocery and meat managers at the Tri-City Store in the building now occupied by Bahrenholtz Fur- niture Company, at 319 North State Street, until it was gutted by fire in September, 1941. On October 8 of that year, they started in busi- ness for themselves as Verne & Gene's Food Mart. On March 1, 1943, they moved to 306 North State Street. In the fall of 1948, the Kroger Store va- cated 308 North State Street, and at that time plans were made to increase the size of Verne & Gene's Store into a self-service supermarket. Floor space was doubled, and partitions were removed so that the two became one unit. Mr. Mahlandt was reared in Carlinville and has spent the past eighteen years in the grocery busi- ness, first in Carlinville and later in Litchfield. He entered the army in 1944 and served until 1946. He was in the corps of engineers and transferred to the adjutant general's office. He saw service in France and Germany. While away from his busi- ness, Mrs. Mahlandt was in charge of the grocery department. Mr. Phillips is a native of Granite City where he worked for Tri-City Grocery Company before be- ing transferred to Litchfield. Litchfield fairs were held for several years in the 1870's and early 80's, on the present site of the Arco Country Club. Traces of the old track are still dis- cernable. Edwards Street was not only a busy place, but soon gained the reputation as a tough thoroughfare as well. It gained, deserved and retained for many years, the title of "Battle Row." Anyone seeking trouble could always find it there. Biebel Roofing Company THE Biebel Roofing Co. was organized in 1912 by John P. Biebel and Michael Biebel at Belle- ville. From time to time other members of the Biebel family joined the company until in 1926 there were five brothers and two cousins, who are in addition to the two founders, M. N. Biebel, H. J. Biebel, and Nicholas H. Biebel, all brothers, and Al. B. Biebel and A. M. Biebel, cousins. They opened branches in St. Louis, East St. Louis, Benton, and Springfield, Missouri, and con- tinued to operate as one company until 1929 when the St. Louis branch was sold to Al. M. and A. M. Biebel. In 1939 the Litchfield branch was opened with N. H. Biebel as manager. In 1943 the com- pany was reorganized with the original founders retaining the Belleville office, and Nicholas H. Bie- bel retaining the Litchfield office, which was in- corporated under the name of Litchfield Biebel Roofing Company, with Nicholas H. Biebel as President, and Lena Biebel as Secretary-Treasurer, with an office at 109 East Union Avenue. Biebel's sell and apply roofing of all types, sid- ing, insulation, storm windows, and doors, awn- ings, and floor and wall tile of all types. Miss Norma Watts is employed as bookkeeper and Howard Eckhoff and Henry Sewing the only two permanent employees at the present time, with roofers being called in from other Biebel offices in rush periods or times of emergency. 153 iil llili The Overhead THE business known as "The Overhead" was established by Charles A. Aikman and Truman L. Felts in the summer of 1948. They opened the business on July 1 in a completely remodeled build- ing which was purchased that spring from Robert "Bob" Kelley. Located just north of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy overhead bridge, on old route 66 north of Litchfield, it was a landmark for many years and had been an old downtown grocery store, moved to the location. The restaurant, one of the busiest on Highway 66, introduced the specialty, "Chicken in the Bas- ket," shortly after their opening and have served over 40,000 chickens since that time. Mr. Felts sold his interest in the business to Francis "Lum" Fleming July 19, 1950, but since that time no changes have been made in the origi- nal policy of fine foods and drinks at popular prices. Another interesting phase of the business is an extensive souvenir department, one of the first on Route 66 in Litchfield. Mr. Aikman is the son of the late Arl E. Aikman and Jane Park Goodall Aikman. He was born within one block of the home where the family now resides at 1124 North Monroe. His mother makes her home with them. Mrs. Aikman is the former Geneva Heltsley, daughter of Richard and Margaret Mansfield Helts- ley. Mr. Aikman's father was born in Alto Pass in Southern Illinois. His mother is a member of one of the pioneer families of Litchfield which have resided here for the past 68 years. The Aikmans have one son, Ralph, nine years of age. After attending school in Litchfield, Charles worked for the Brown Shoe Co. for eighteen years and for two years immediately preceding open- ing The Overhead was in the manufacturing busi- ness with the Litchfield Pump Company. He served in the Army during World War II and for eighteen months, was a member of the staff of the Depart- ment of Public Works and Buildings. Mr. Fleming is the son of the late William and Mary Pickering Fleming. His father was City Treasurer for four years and Street Commissioner of Litchfield for twenty years. Francis was born and reared in Litchfield. After completing school he worked for the Henley-Alden Company, and for the American Radiator Company, for twenty- one years. He operated the Park Drug Store two years and just before he bought Mr. Felt's interest in The Overhead worked for the State of Illinois. Mrs. Fleming is the former Mayme Jones, daugh- ter of Robert L. and Estella Clark Jones. They have two children, Harold Lee and Mrs. Wanda Randle. There are three grandchildren, Janie Fleming, Eddie and Lee Ann Randle. Mrs. Flem- ing has been operator of Mayme's Beauty Shop since 1936 in their home at 704 Monroe Street. "Chalkie" Aikman (on left) and "Lum" Fleming 154 Litchfield Candy Kitchen THIS thriving business was established by John and Steve Cokinos, brothers, who migrated to this country from Sparta, Greece. They came to Litchfield in 1905 and opened a confectionery at 314 North State Street under the name of the Litchfield Candy Kitchen, which they operated un- til 1913. In that year Mr. and Mrs. Gus Skeadas, the latter a niece of the Cokinos brothers, and from the same city in Greece, came to Litchfield and purchased the business. With Gus Vapos, also a native of Greece, who came to Litchfield the same year, a partnership was formed and the busi- ness was operated by Vapos and Skeadas. Early in 1939 the Vapos interest was sold to Gus Skeadas. Later in the same year Mr. Skeadas died unexpectedly. His wife, with the assistance of her two sons, James and Arthur, operated the business thereafter. James, the older son, was en- listed into military service in 1941, and served in the Medical Corps until 1944. In 1950 James purchased the interests of his mother and brother and with the assistance of his wife, Dena, has since been the executive head of the business. New fixtures were added in 1946 and the interior of the building completely remodeled. The personnel includes George Kruse (now in service), Dena Skeadas, Arthur Skeadas, Mrs. Gus Skeadas, Leroy Clark and Steve Cokinos. Mix Grocery THIS firm, located at 622 North Montgomery Avenue, is one of the long established busi- nesses in the city. It is among the few that have remained in the same family, at the original loca- tion, for nearly a half century. Looking into the past, we find Charles Pullen purchased this property from Robert and Mary McWilliams in 1879. At that time it was only a small four-room cottage surrounded by vacant land. Mr. Pullen soon erected a two-story dwelling and about 1910 he built a one-story addition thereto. It was the intent that his daughter, Martha, would open a dressmaking shop in the new addition. However, in 1911, about the time the building was completed and before opening her business, Miss Pullen married Thomas W. Kinzer and moved to Sorento, Illinois. It was then that James, son of Charles Pullen, opened a grocery store in this building and operated it a short while. In September, 1913, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bishop leased the property, including the store building, dwelling and eight lots for the fabulous sum of $10.00 per month. They purchased their opening stock of groceries for less than $300.00. Mrs. Arminda Kimbro, mother of J. C. Stolle, was their first patron and she continued as a customer until her death. This being before the day of packaged merchandise, the sugar barrel and pickle keg oc- cupied prominent places in the store. Sugar sold for 4! 2 ^ per pound and the most popular brand of coffee, 2 pounds for 25^. Bread was delivered (unwrapped) from Litchfield's only bakery, by bi- cycle, the boy making several trips each day. Busi- ness progressed but it was not until December 7, 1921, that Mr. and Mrs. Bishop purchased the prop- erty and rebuilt the structure. Even then, it was a single building with seven vacant lots surround- ing it. In 1931 this firm became one of the charter members of The Red & White, a grocers' organiza- tion newly introduced in this section. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop continued the operation of their store until January, 1936, at which time it, but not the real estate, was purchased by their daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Mix. Thus, the busi- ness has remained in the same family for 40 years. Prior to coming to Litchfield, Mr. Mix was em- ployed in St. Louis, moving to this city in Decem- ber, 1935. Shortly thereafter, he and his wife pur- chased this business and have conducted it con- tinuously since that time. During World War II, Mr. Mix spent two years in the European Theatre and Mrs. Mix managed the business during his ab- sence. Present personnel, in addition to the own- ers, are Mrs. Eva Wolfe, Richard and Stephen Grimes. During the past few years, the interior of the store has been modernized and a complete line of meats, frozen foods, and ice cream has been added. During the many years the business has been in this family, the owners have enjoyed serving the public and have made many acquaintances and very dear friends. Hagerdorn Studio HAGERDORN STUDIO, located at 401 M> North State Street, is owned and operated by Her- man H. Hagerdorn. The original business was started in 1908 by D. D. Tennyson in the Yaeger Building and moved to the Odd Fellows Building in 1918. John T. Murray purchased the studio in 1927 and operated it for eighteen years. In 1938 Mr. Hagerdorn started to work for Mr. Murray and in 1940, he attended Winona School of Photography after which he managed the studio. In 1942 Herman joined the U. S. Naval Air Corps and after being commissioned, he mar- ried Betty Link of Gillespie. During the war, he instructed at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida and served several months overseas, flying transports in the South Pacific. After his separa- tion from active duty, he purchased the studio from Mr. Murray in 1946. Mr. Hagerdorn is still in the Naval Reserve program and flies once a month with a squadron in St. Louis, in addition to 155 spending two weeks every year on active duty. Mr. and Mrs. Hagerdorn have two daughters: Judy, who is in the first grade, and Janey, two years old. In 1946 and in 1952 the studio was completely remodeled and redecorated. It is equipped with electronic speed lights, and is fully air conditioned. The working personnel includes: Mr. Hager- dorn, owner; Mrs. Hagerdorn, colorist; and Mrs. Edward Sihler, receptionist. Chancy D. Berry Insurance Agency CHANCY BERRY was a resident of Litchfield for thirty-two years before he established his general insurance business. After coming to this city from Taylorville, in 1900, he was employed as a cigar maker for Chris D. Zuber until that cigar factory was closed in 1924. At that time Mr. Berry decided upon a busi- ness venture of his own, and he opened his agency for general insurance at 218 Monroe Street. A year later he moved to 114y 2 East Ryder Street and has operated continuously at that location from 1925 to the present time. Busby's Drive-In PAUL BUSBY, JR., was born in Illinois, south- east of Litchfield, and graduated from Litch- field Community High School with the class of 1939. He was employed in Buffalo, New York, for ten years, during which time he married Ginny Jarrell of that city. In August, 1950, Mr. and Mrs. Busby, along with their two sons, George and Paul, moved from New York state to Litchfield to operate the Sugar Bowl. In August, 1952, they sold the Sugar Bowl to de- vote their time to Busby's Drive-In. Busby's Drive-In was planned and constructed entirely by Paul Busby, Sr., and Paul Busby, Jr., in the spring of 1952. The Drive-In was opened for business on Memorial Day of that year, serving to the public sandwiches, frozen custard, and soft drinks. Since the Drive-in is open only in the spring and summer, Mr. and Mrs. Busby operate a candy factory in their home during the winter months. The homemade candy is distributed to various establishments in this area. Early in 1953, a screened-in lunch room was added, furnished with booths and a lunch counter. The business is owned and operated by Paul and Ginny Busby. It is located one mile east of Litch- field on State Route 16 in the Edgewood Addition. Scotty's Pontiac JOHN GRACIE, president and general manager of Scotty's Pontiac, Inc., was born in Glasgow, Scotland, son of John and Sarah Gracie. He spent the first 22 years of his life in his native country and in 1919, following service with the British Navy, during World War I, he came to America. Mr. Gracie lived at Raton, New Mexico, for a number of years, where he worked for Von Dyke Motor Co., and in 1929 came to Litchfield. He worked for a number of years with the Brubaker organization in Litchfield and Hillsboro ; for a time with Montgomery County Motor Company, and in 1943 he took the dealership for Pontiac and Pack- ard automobiles. Mrs. Gracie is the former Iris Tritt, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. C. S. Tritt of Litchfield, and she is vice-president of the corporation. Their son, John C. Gracie, assistant manager, is secretary and treasurer; and their daughter, Mrs. Dewey M. Lowe, is office secretary. Mr. Lowe is a second lieutenant in service with the United States Army in Korea. The Gracies have two grandchildren, John Scott and Kristen Leigh Gracie. Their mother was the former Marjorie Karrick. In addition to the sale of new cars, Scotty's Pontiac also does an extensive repair and used car business. William V. Allen is salesman for the company. Carl Veit is shop foreman and Wayne E. Bain is shop mechanic. 156 Zelda Carroll demonstrating new "kitchen stove" Out-O'-Door Stoves, Inc. '"P HE Out-O'-Door Stoves, Inc., was incorporated in ■*• 1947 to make and sell park equipment. It is owned and operated by Frank and Paul Carter. The prin- cipal product manufactured is the famous Out-O'-Door Round Stove. This has been given wide acceptance in the park trade throughout the country. The need for a charcoal burning stove in the park trade has brought about the development of the Out-O'-Door "Wayne" Long Stove. This product was developed upon the suggestion of and with the cooperation of engineers and park executives of Wayne County (De- troit). Michigan. Five years of experimentation and development has resulted in a perfected stove, which is being offered in 1953. A natural variation of this stove is the Out-O'-Door Kitchen Stove, shown in the picture. The "Wayne" Long Stove has been placed on a galvanized iron post, making it 36 inches high and rotating to adjust to the wind. This stove is the same height as kitchen fixtures and is large enough to cook a complete meal at one time. Hence, the name "Out- O'-Door Kitchen Stove." A national franchise for rustic park furniture, manufactured in Milan, Michigan, and a sales agency for playground equipment, complete the line. Through national advertising in two large park trade magazines and through sales in department stoves, the local product has been sold in 46 states, to Federal, State and local governments and to private parks. Many people throughout the country use this stove in parks and then write for literature and prices, as they wish to use the stove in their yards, due to the trend to backyard living. Victor O. Paden VICTOR O. PADEN, operator of Vic Paden, Signs, 1338 East Ryder Street, was born near Honey Bend, the son of Lester O. and Lulu Billiter Paden. His mother died in 1918. Vic attended the Honey Bend schools for one year, and in 1919 went to Oklahoma with his father, who for the past number of years has been county tax assessor of Comanche County, Okla- homa. Victor was graduated from the Faxon (Oklahoma) high school and Wichita (Kansas) Business College. He served his apprenticeship in the sign trade at Clinton, Oklahoma. During World War II he spent two years in the Navy and one year in civil service with the Army. December 28, 1931, he married the former Helen Davina, daughter of George and Ethel McElroy Davina, of Colony, Oklahoma. The Padens have one daughter, Beverly, wife of Corporal Carl Bier- baum, now in Korea. In 1935, Mr. and Mrs. Paden moved from Okla- homa to Litchfield, where Victor has since been engaged in the sign business. He specializes in highway bulletins, window, wall and truck signs, as well as display cards. He is also a licensee user of "Day-Glo," a patented fluorescent paint for screen process painting. Vic is a member of the Litchfield Lodge of Elks, the American Legion, and is recording secretary of Local 858, Painters, Decorators and Paper Hangers of America. Stamer Implement Company THIS firm, dealers for the Massey-Harris line of farm equipment, was established in January, 1946, by Chris G. Stamer. For several years prior to coming to Litchfield, Mr. Stamer was engaged in farming operations in the Mt. Olive community. In 1934 he came to Litchfield and was employed by Buske Truck Lines as a mechanic, a position which he held until he established his own business, the Stamer Imple- ment Company. At that time the building now lo- cated at 510 West Union Avenue was built and especially equipped to house the implement dealer- ship. For many years this site had been the loca- tion of the old Wabash Restaurant. Since opening his business, Mr. Stamer has specialized in the re- pair of all kinds of farm machinery. An efficient shop is in daily operation for convenience of cus- tomers and a floor stock of Massey-Harris products and parts has been available almost constantly since the business was started. Mr. Stamer holds membership in the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi Valley Farm Implement Dealers Association. November 1, 1931, Mr. Stamer married the former Miss Alva Stowe. They are the parents of three children, Dwane and Jack, who are associated with their father in the business, and Carol, aged eight years. A brother-in-law, Almus Stowe, also works at the Company shop. 157 Litchfield Auto Parts LITCHFIELD AUTO PARTS, INC., located at 117 West Edwards Street in Litchfield, is a fairly new business in the city under that particu- lar name. Previous to this incorporation, Gris- wold Auto Supply Store was in this location. In 1951 the business was purchased by Harwood Auto Supply of Springfield. Mr. Harwood sold the busi- ness in January, 1953, and the company reorgan- ized under the name of Litchfield Auto Parts, Inc. Harold Goodpasture, vice-president of the cor- poration, is manager of the store which deals in wholesale auto parts, general garage supplies, and equipment. Under the management of Mr. Good- pasture the store has been restocked and rearranged for the convenience of customers. Harold Goodpasture is a native of Virden, Illi- nois. He was an employee of the Springfield Auto Supply during the years of 1940 and 1941. In 1942 he entered the army and served in the vehicle main- tenance of the Quartermaster Corps with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received his discharge from service in February of 1946. After being separated from the army, Harold managed the Clinton Auto Supply in Clinton, Illi- nois, for six years, and spent one year with Hacka- day and Phillips, parts wholesalers in Santa Ana, California, before coming to Litchfield. Harold is married and has one daughter. Bob McAlister is employed by Litchfield Auto Parts as salesman for Litchfield and the surround- ing communities. Hope Camp Number 9959 THE Royal Neighbors of America, Hope Camp No. 9959, Charter was granted on January 13, 1926. There were 33 charter members and at the present time there are 142. The purpose of this society is Family Insurance, Protection, Fraternal- ism, and Patriotism. The Supreme office is in Rock Island, Illinois. A home for the aged is main- tained at Davenport, Iowa. The meetings are held in the I.O.O.F. Hall as they were originally. The offices are managed by women. To date there are over 6,000 Camps. This society stresses Patriotism and Principles. Patriot- ism emphasizes loyalty to our nation and to the homes of America. Principles emphasize the Bible and the Five Graces of the Order, which teach us abundant faith, true courage, humility, modesty, charity and unselfishness. The insurance protection of this society offers Whole Life, 20 Year Payment, 24 Year Endowment, or 65 Year Endowment. "The Litchfield Tile and Brick Company had a ca- pacity of 20,000 bricks per day, employed forty hands." (Wellington, Kansas, Monitor, of July 19, 1889). Doug's Service Station DOUG'S SUPER SERVICE Mobilgas Station was built in 1951 by Mobilgas and opened by Richard and Ray Pederson. They operated it un- til it was purchased by Douglas D. Gorsage on No- vember 10, 1952. Mr. Gorsage was previously en- gaged as a partner in the Hillsboro-Edwardsville Transit Company for two years. After selling his interest in this company he operated the Annex Cafe on old U. S. 66 for one year. This modern super-service station, lo- cated at Jackson Street and Union Ave- nue, handles Mobilgas, oil, and tires. Union Avenue was originally known as Hayworth Street, named for John Shaw Hayworth who came to Mont- gomery County in 1834. Mr. Hayworth represented a Massachusetts land syndi- cate. Most of his holdings extended from the business district of Litchfield, east four miles and amounted to ap- proximately 60,000 acres in Montgomery County at one time. "Blunderstone" was the name given the home built on this site in 1860 by Winfield Scott Palmer. To this home Mr. Palmer brought Sarah Catherine Burnet, of Zanesville Community, as a bride. In 1870 it was sold to Elizur Southworth, prominent Litchfield attorney, who sold to Frank Cummings. Dr. R. F. Bennett, early Litchfield physician, pur- chased this home from Mr. Cummings and lived in it for years. It then passed to his son, Dr. Harry Bennett, also a prominent physician. In 1909, Dr. Harry Bennett married Miss Claire Porterfield, of Marinette, Wisconsin. They, too, lived there for many years and were its last owners. 158 l&M Tim JZL 5L r Russell School Junior High School Litchfield Public School System 'THE centennial period for Litchfield is a remarkable ■*- one in the beginning, development, organization and forward-looking outreach of the Litchfield Public School System. Under a special charter from the Legislature, Litch- field became a city in 1859, and, at the same time, the Litchfield school district was created with the mayor and aldermen as members of the school board. The first official act of the newly created school board was to create, by ordinance, the office of city superintendent of schools. Minutes of the meeting of August 12, 1859, show that H. A. Wells was appointed city superintendent and Andrew Miller school agent. These two officers were given the power to secure buildings and seats for the same, for Litchfield's first •'free school." These schools were located as follows: No. 1, in the Cummings Building, immediately south of the present Masonic Temple; No. 2, in the log cabin which stood north and just east of the residence of Dr. John D. Colt; No. 3, a frame building at 221 North Jackson Street. At a meeting August 17, 1860, the public schools of Litchfield took on some manner of order and form: (1) Provision was made for the establishment of one grammar school, admitting pupils, of both sexes, hav- ing the usual qualifications for such schools. (2) The establishment in each ward (at that time, three) of one primary school admitting all children of the proper age, living within the ward, and not eligible to ad- mission in the grammar school. (3) The appointment of three persons, one from each ward, who, with three aldermen, one from each ward, constituting a board of school inspectors of which the mayor was chair- man. The board's duties were to examine and to recommend teachers to the council and to exercise a general supervision over the schools of the city. On August 20, 1860, Samuel Taylor was chosen prin- cipal of the Litchfield grammar school; Miss H. K. Skillman, for the First Ward school; Miss Julia Palmer, for the Second Ward school; and Miss Mary Gillham, for the Third Ward school. Aldermen Savage and Hood were appointed to serve as a committee to secure suitable houses for schoolrooms. Third Ward school was held in the Christian Church, located at the southeast corner of Third and Madison Streets; First Ward school was in a building located at the southeast corner of Sargent and State Streets. The school board, in August, 1865, appointed W. S. Palmer, David R. Sparks and Thomas G. Kessinger to select a site for a new public school large enough to accommodate District 83. They selected the block, known as Pierce Mound, the location of the present Ida J. Russell School. In spite of public protest, these educational found- ing fathers remained firm in their purpose to meet the educational need by providing suitable and ade- quate school housing and facilities. Accordingly, in 1865, the erection of a handsome three-story, ten-room brick building, with an assembly on third floor and the superstructure erected over a suitable basement, was begun. Finished and ready for occupancy in Septem- Sihler School Colt School 159 New Madison Park School ber, 1867, this was Litchfield's first graded school, large enough to accommodate primary, grammar and high school pupils. To Professor Blanchard, the superin- tendent, is given the credit of organizing the graded system. On April 1, 1872, fire destroyed this school. By the fall of 1873, the new Third Ward building, similar to the first, had risen on the same site. Using the same basement, a three-story building was erected to house grades one through twelve, with an assembly and study hall on third floor. On September 24, 1873, this building opened for school. Years later this school was named in honor of Miss Ida J. Russell who taught here fifty years. After the removal of the third floor in 1926, only grades one through six were housed in Russell School. Today, the superintendent's office, the band, music and art departments are centered in this building, the oldest school in Litchfield. One room has been sound- proofed for the band room. Present faculty: Mildred Davis, Principal, Elizabeth White, Elizabeth Baker, Frances Kniery, Bertie Yates, Ethel Schoen. By 1882, the new building was not large enough to accommodate all the pupils who were eligible to at- tend. Accordingly, the Baptist Church, east of City Park, at that time, was used for classes in the fifth and sixth grades. In 1899 the Kunz building, corner of Madison and Edwards Streets, was used for an eighth grade. Later this grade was moved to the Lange building on West Union Avenue. From there it was moved to the Sinclair-Baker building and, eventually, to the Updike residence, both on East Union Avenue. In 1917, several classes of eighth grad- ers attended school in the Masonic Temple, old build- ing, lower floor, until the third floor, Russell School and part of the second floor became the departmental school for seventh and eighth grades, where it re- mained until the Junior High School was erected on the same lot and north of Russell School. In September, 1926, the Junior High School moved into its present quarters, a two-story brick building with eight classrooms, principal's office on second floor and study hall and auditorium combined, seating more than two hundred, with stage and dressing rooms at the east end. Manual arts workshop, home economics department and physical education classes meet in the basement rooms. One classroom is set aside as a library with more than 2,000 books for circulation and reference volumes for study. A faculty of ten, one of whom is the principal, takes care of required and elective subjects. Two band divisions permit pu- pils to carry instrumental music as part of their regu- lar schedule. Present faculty: Charles D. Grigg, prin- cipal, Mural P. Watkins, Greta Caspers, Doris Bantel, Oneia Gahr. Robert Hall, Omer Tobias, Gilbert Rags- dale, and Edward Dahler, Jr. Madison Park School, erected in 1888, served Fifth Ward with the first six grades until it was razed in 1952, to make way for the west wing of a most modern and adequately equipped school completed in 1953. The portion of the new building already completed was in operation for school, September, 1952. This modern plant eventually will accommodate and house comfortably, a kindergarten, four self-contained pri- mary classrooms, eight intermediate classrooms, an auditorium-playroom combined, and an office. Pres- ent faculty: Frances A. Keese, principal, Faye Brandt, Lola M. Smithson, Camilla Singler, Ruth Bishop, Mabel Wilhite, and William G. Sielschott. Lincoln School, serving Second Ward, located at the Lincoln School Old Madison Park School 160 corner of State and Buchanan Streets, was built in 1884 with only four rooms for the first four grades. The new school, built on the same site, after the old one was razed in 1936, took care of the first six grades. It was re-named in honor of the late Dr. G. A. Sihler, a member and president of Litchfield Board of Edu- cation, District 83, for many years. Present faculty: Leone Bergfield, principal, Dorothy Goesman, Ruth Hussey, Ila Glee Macy, Irma Obertino, Esther Hussey. The J. D. Colt School, located at the corner of Tyler and Chestnut Streets, was built in 1890. It is a six- room building, serving the First Ward and taking care of the first six grades. Originally called Tyler Avenue School, it was re-named in honor of Dr. J. D. Colt, a prominent, pioneer doctor here. In 1900 an addition was built to care for increased enrollment. Present faculty: Mildred Ryan, principal, Kathleen Youell, Bertha Vann, Kathryn Frame, Maxine Nimmons, Wil- liam Kasich. Litchfield has, at the present time, a dual school system. In District 83, Grade School System, there are 780 pupils enrolled. The administrative office per- sonnel: Logan W. Fearn, superintendent, Grace M. Boyd, truant officer, May Penman, secretary, Flor- ence Keethler, music, Lee R. Sullivan, art, Harry J. Reinhold, band. The Junior High and Grade School Band numbers 60. Competitive athletics in basketball, base- ball, and track, as well as intramural contests, are annually held. Music, instrumental and vocal, receives splendid recognition. Art has its place in poster con- tests and timely seasonal work, as well as an annual exhibit of students' work. Board of Education members include: 1952-1953 John W. Moss, president J. Lynn Bitter, secretary Maynard Richards Lee Carroll Al Russell Wm. McCance Arthur Bachstein 1953-1954 Al Russell, president J. Lynn Bitter, secretary Maynard Richards Lee Carroll Wm. McCance Arthur Bachstein Wm. M. Pearce Cahokia Trinity Lutheran Church ON MAY 27, 1893, Mr. H. Niehaus, Wm. Klocke, F. W. Marburger, and F. W. Hartke met to discuss the pos- sibility of building a church, a school, and a parsonage, since they felt that the Mt. Olive Zion Lutheran Church was too far away for their children to attend school there. They received permission from the Zion Church in Cahokia township, Macoupin County, State of Illinois: H. Niehaus, Wm. Klocke, F. W. Marburger, F. W. Hartke, Herman Niehaus, August Buske, John H. Meier, Martin Hauser, Margretha Niehaus, Henry G. Niehaus, H. J. Prange, W. H. Niehaus, August Kruse, Fred Ebeling, Henry Stoecker, Edward Meier, August Jung and H. Kahe. Only one charter member is liv- ing, Mrs. Henry J. Niehaus. The subscription guaranteed amounted to $1,045. Henry J. Prange, August Kruse, F. W. Marburger, Henry Niehaus and F. W. Hartke were appointed as a building committee. F. W. Hartke, who was Wm. Hartke's father, donated the five acres needed. One acre was used for the cemetary. Mr. W. H. Hartke is still organist of the church after 60 years of service. The following pastors have served the congregation: Rev. Telthorster, Rev. Bierkle, Rev. Klindworth, Rev. Spieler, Rev. Hestermann. Present officers are: Charles Hartke, Frank Niehaus, Warner Rull, Herman Niehaus. Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church, built in 1893 L. to R.: William Roth, Edgar Hartke Lutheran Church to have their names cancelled as members, and any members who lived close to where the church would be built, could also have their names cancelled from the Zion Lutheran. They also received permission for a collection to be granted to help build a church. The following families signed their names to be- come members of the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Woman's Relief Corps AUXILIARY to the 21st Congressional District k Grand Army of the Republic was chartered in Litchfield, December 4, 1891, and is known as the Sidney B. Phillips Post No. 192. The following were charter members: Mrs. Ellen Lay, Mrs. Mary Milnor, Mrs. Mary Grassel, Mrs. Minnie Hood, Mrs. Mollie Machler, Mrs. Abigail Hood, Miss Frances Johnson, Mrs. Elizabeth Beach, Mrs. Jesse Kirby, Mrs. Amila Zuber, Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett, Mrs. Carrie Sieger, Mrs. Martha Hoffman, Mrs. Lula Richmond, Mrs. Lucy Tuscher, Mrs. Mary Parrish, Mrs. Theresa Neuber, Mrs. Martha Weath- erford, Mrs. Mattie Ehrhart, Mrs. Ella Bartling, Mrs. Ollie Ferguson, Mrs. Louise Schmidt, Mrs. Letiecia Bilyew, Mrs. John Edwards. The present officers are: President, Mrs. Lucy Simmons, 842 Short Street; Secretary, Mrs. Delia Pence, 702 East Tyler Avenue; Treasurer, Mrs. Cora Mumbower, 511 West Kirkham Street; Pat. Inst., Ethel Holman, 417 Clay Street. The Aux- iliary meets on the third Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Chaney Hall, 816 Short Street. There are 31 members. 161 First brick school building which burned April 1, 1872. Located where Russell School is today Community High School THE history of the Litchfield Schools goes back many years, but perhaps we should begin the history of the Litchfield High School with the year 1896, for it was in June of that year that Litchfield saw the formation of a new type of school: The North Litchfield Township School which officially began its term in September. The school occupied the third floor of what is now the Russell School, and had a faculty of four teachers. In the follow- ing year, the first commencement of the newly organized high school was held at the Rhodes Opera House. In the years following its establishment, the Township High School expanded and developed until disaster struck the school in 1922. Fire de- stroyed the Masonic Building which housed the majority of the classrooms. The fire was dis- astrous to the school since desks, accumulated awards for merits in athletics and speaking, the extensive library and antiques of Dr. J. D. Colt, a case of valuable trophies, schoolbooks, and newly purchased football uniforms were lost. The greatest losses, however, were records of the stu- dents up to this year, and a place to hold classes, since the Masonic Building had been the only place available for school use. A forced vacation from school was created until new equipment could be purchased, and during this emergency a plan was formed to erect a Litchfield Community High School 162 building which would permanently house a high school. School resumed on November 15th in the Moose Lodge located at the corner of Madison and Ed- wards Streets, and in the lobby of the old Wessel Hotel, which was apart from the rest of the build- ing with a separate outside entrance. In 1923 the contract for the new school was let; in November of that same year, the cornerstone was laid and the new Litchfield Community High School was dedicated. The building was so near completion in the spring of 1924 that the senior class held its class play and graduation exercises in the auditorium. The school was ready to receive its student body for the fall session of 1924. Seventeen classrooms, an auditorium, a well- equipped gym and a library were found within the new building. The campus was landscaped and behind the school was located a football field with a quarter mile track around it. An addition in the southwest corner of the build- ing was built in 1936 which included rooms and equipment for an industrial shop, a drafting room and a typing room. Another addition was built onto the northwest corner of the main structure in 1942 resulting in a farm mechanics shop, an extra room for general science, and a new library. Finally, in 1952, work was completed on another addition to the high school which included a gym- nasium, shops, homemaking rooms, band rooms, and agricultural class rooms. Russell School before third floor was removed New Addition opened to clas 1952-1953 school term 163 Universalist Church THE Essential Principles of the Universalist Faith : The Universal Fatherhood of God. The Spiritual Authority and Leadership of His Son, Jesus Christ. The trustworthiness of the Bible as containing a revelation from God. The certainty of just retri- bution for sin. The final harmony of all souls with God. Statement of Faith: We avow our faith in God as Eternal and All-Conquering Love, in the spir- itual leadership of Jesus, in the supreme worth of every human personality, in the authority of truth known or to be known, and in the power of men of good will and sacrificial spirit to overcome all evil and progressively establish the kingdom of God. Neither this nor any other statement shall be imposed as a creedal test, provided that the faith thus indicated be professed. Dr. Colt's residence, now the Universalist Church (picture taken about 1913) THE Litchfield Universalist Church has a rich heritage of public service. The city's first mayor, W. E. Bacon, was a Universalist. Interest- ingly enough after 100 years, Litchfield's mayor, Lewis D. Yaeger, is a Universalist. In the interim, the people of Litchfield have many times placed a Universalist in their highest elective office. Universalists had strong roots in this community since the beginning of the town. The men and women who came from the East to push the ad- vancement of the city brought with them their religion. The first minister to preach Universal- ism in Litchfield was the Rev. Thaddeus Manford who was persuaded by Wesley Best and D. R. Sparks of the Best and Sparks Milling Company to come here. During the early days, Mary E. Livermore, who was nationally known for her work in founding the Women's Nursing Corps dur- ing the Civil War, spoke on Universalism. Through these visits, the families of Amsden, Beach, Bacon, Davis, Milnor, Tuttle, Paullis, Stoddard and others formed the first Litchfield Universalist Church on September 2, 1883. It was incorporated Septem- ber 13, 1883. Other families who were members included the Richmonds, Southworths, Keithleys, Suddeths, James, Wyckoffs, Straffords, Bringhursts, Kathans, Mummes, Gages, Tildens, Arnolds, Beemans, Pres- sons, Whites, Beardsleys, Barringers, Beverlys, Tinklepaughs, Higginsons, Hughes, Evans, and Lanes. Services were held in the City Hall at first, later in the Saxby Building on Monroe Street. The Church was reorganized in 1902 with serv- ices held in the Knights of Pythias Hall on State Street, later in the Litchfield Carnegie Public Li- brary building. Other Litchfield families now af- filiated with the Church were the Fennessys, Palm- ers, Friedlunds, Blankleys, Webers, Rhodes, Van Deusens, Russells, Fishers, Stuttles, Yaegers, Eichelroths, Husbands, Crabbs, Randies, Buels, Halls, Atterburys, Harlans, Kinsmans, Richards, Gradys, Farquhars, Gills, Warrens, Ludewicks, Frains, Potts, Thompsons, and Holloways. In later years, we find the names of Bennett, Wilson, Ruecking, Burke, Landholt, and Wilhite. A permanent church structure was purchased September 18, 1921, when the estate of Dr. John Colt was settled. This is the present church and it is located at 303 East Union Avenue. If it is possible for any church to give particu- lar mention to just a few, the following are note- worthy: Miss Lucy Bacon, Mrs. Blanche Keating Davis, Mr. W. B. Fennessy, Mrs. Estelle Beach Davis, Mr. Irving Yaeger, and Mrs. Olivia Tuttle Palmer. Universalism has been taught almost since the founding of the Christian Church. This year the Universalist and Unitarian Churches have voted to federate. Beta Sigma Phi ILLINOIS Epsilon Psi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority was established May 12, 1946, with 11 charter members and one director, by representa- tives from Beta Sigma Phi International Offices, Kansas City, Missouri. Beta Sigma Phi was founded for the purpose of giving young women in search of further cultural advantages and expanded social contacts an opportunity to unite in fellow- ship with other young women who also desire to develop their cultural natures by definite courses of study with the ultimate aim of making an Art of Living. At the present time there are 19 active members with one director. There are 9 with the Ritual of Jewels Degree and 10 Exemplars. Since being founded the chapter has had 37 members. The group meets in the members' homes twice monthly for nine months of the year for business 164 and cultural programs, and one social is planned each month. Each year on the anniversary of the chapter a six-member Executive Board is elected. Some chapter highlights during the past seven years are: Formal pledge Ritual, Ritual of Jewels, Exemplar Degree and Installation of Officers; Rushing in the spring and fall; Founder's Day; Mother's Day; Area Convention; Cooking School Sponsorship; Publicity Contest; Queen Coronation- Centennial Committee. Achievements: Founding Nu Phi Mu Chapter in Litchfield; work with Montgomery County Tuber- culosis Association; Beta Sigma Phi Cancer Re- search Funds; Dairy Day Activities; Baby Contest and Fashion Show; Community Chest Drive each year; "Shine for a Dime" Infantile Paralysis Drive; Fashion Show. St. Aloysius Church IN THE year 1883 ten men, who desired to have sermons given in the German language, estab- lished the St. Aloysius Church in Litchfield. These men were: Bernard Melvis, John Markel, Constan- tine Hoog, Joseph Bartman, Sr., John Wiegers, St. Aloysius Church built in 1883. School in background (early 1880's picture) Peter Mangers, George Hilger, Sr., Joseph Hoog, Sr., Casper Hoog, and Chris Uhlenhop. Twenty- five families made up the parish. It will be recalled that the late Miss Etta Bart- man was organist of the church for twenty-five years, giving much of her time and talent. She was also a teacher in the parochial school main- tained by the parish at that time. The ten pastors who have served the church and parish are: Rev. Joseph De-Shane, Geo. Pesch, F. X. Schonlau, J. Kopp, J. A. Telken, A. J. Stengel, F. C. Schlepphorst, Wm. Pietch, and Arthur Thies. During the pastorate of the late Rev. A. J. Stengel, a new brick building was erected. This was in the year 1928. The original location of the church was the same as the present location, the corner of Franklin and Taylor Streets. Henry Uhlenhop was the first child to be bap- tized after the church was founded, in the year 1883. The first wedding to be solemnized in the church united Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stratman. Mrs. Theo. Troetlein's funeral was the first held in the church. She was a daughter of one of the founders, Bernard Melvis. The first trustees were Bernard Melvis and Constantine Hoog. The pres- ent trustees are Bernard Kellenberger and Andrew Schwab. Today the church has a membership of two hundred twenty-five. Women of the Moose LITCHFIELD Chapter 581, Women of Moose- heart Legion, an Auxiliary of the Loyal Or- der of Moose, was organized October 25, 1921. Some years later the name was changed to its present name, Women of the Moose. There were some forty charter members. Only two of those are still members, Mrs. Florence Henties and Mrs. Lillie Vaughn. Mrs. Laura Fife was the first Senior Regent and Mrs. Mabel Coffey was the first Recorder. Meet- ings were held in the Hall on Edwards and Madi- son Streets, later the meeting place was changed to the Pappmeier Building and then to the Moose Building on West Ryder Street where the meetings are now held. The purpose of the organization is to aid and support Mooseheart, "The Child City," and Moose- haven, a model community for older folks, by con- tributing toward the same. The Chapter con- tributes regularly to various scholarship funds to assist graduates from Mooseheart to further their education in colleges and universities in special fields. Local projects are carried on through various committees. The Chapter co-operates with other groups in community affairs and contributes to the various community funds and assists in chari- table ways when needed. From time to time some recreation or enter- tainment for the sons and daughters of the mem- bers is provided, such as picnics, roller skating, and gifts or parties at Christmas. In November the Chapter has a gift shower for the children at Mooseheart and the men and women at Moose- haven. The members bring suitable gifts for the children and gifts that older folks can use and 165 enjoy. Each year books selected from a list sent out by Mooseheart are purchased for the Library used by the boys and girls at Mooseheart. The Chapter has one member who is now a member of the College of Regents, one member who is a member of the Star Recorders, and twenty-two members of the Academy of Friend- ship, all degrees of the Women of the Moose. The present officers are: Senior Regent, Mrs. Gladys Elledge; Junior Graduate Regent, Mrs. Daisy Demkey ; Junior Regent, Mrs. Ethel Pruitt ; Chaplain, Mrs. Lota Davis; Treasurer, Mrs. Lucille Rundle; Recorder, Mrs. Mary Broeg; Sentinel, Mrs. Mabel Fletcher; Argus, Mrs. Irene King; Guide, Mrs. Ellen Wey; Assistant Guide, Mrs. Mildred Deming; Pianist, Mrs. Kathryn Doolin. There are 114 members on the Chapter roll at the present time. The local Chapter entertains the different group meetings when they are held in Litchfield, and are represented at the meetings when held in other cities. Free Methodist Church THE Free Church springs from a spirit of re- vival and a desire to "spread scriptural holiness over these lands." For the past three-quarters of a century, the Free Methodist Church in Litchfield has remained true to her calling. Under the leadership of Rev. W. B. M. Colt and Rev. Frank Ashcraft, known as the Colt-Ashcraft band, a tent meeting was held in 1878, financed by W. S. Dann, a Greenville, Illinois, businessman. Free Methodist Church Out of this tent meeting the Litchfield Free Meth- odist Church was organized. The church has kept the Faith under the able leadership of such pas- tors as Rev. W. D. Corkran, later District Super- intendent, the Rev. S. K. Wheatlake, author of "The Touch of Fire," and Rev. G. W. Griffith, later Bishop of the church. This church also sent out into the church out- standing men as pastors and District Superin- tendents, namely, Rev. Homer Tanner, now de- ceased, and Rev. Thomas E. Bailey. The church is located on the corner of Van Buren and East First Streets, with the Rev. Clar- ence Nobbe as its present pastor. Originally the church was in the south part of town on Water Street and was purchased by the Free Methodists from the "Dunkards." It was then moved to North Harrison Street, and later to its present location. In 1948 the church was completely remodeled, in- cluding raising and putting a basement under the entire building. New pews were bought, a hardwood floor was laid, a new vestibule was added with entrance from the south, instead of the west. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3912 & Auxiliary LITCHFIELD Post No. 3912, located at 215 West Ryder Street, was organized May 28, 1944, with a charter membership of 98 veterans. This membership repre- sents honorably discharged men of Army, Navy, Ma- rine Corps, and Coast Guard who have had foreign service in time o£ war. The Ladies' Auxiliary, located at 318 Sherman Street, represents the wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters of the men eligible to the Veterans of For- eign Wars. This Auxiliary was organized on January 6, 1945, with 120 charter members. Both observe a fraternal, patriotic, historical, and educational objective. They assist members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and their own members wherever and whenever possible. They maintain true allegiance to the government of the United States and fidelity to its Constitution and laws. They foster true patriotism, maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, equal rights and justice to all men and women. They work to preserve and defend the United States of America from all her enemies whom- soever. Activities of these organizations consist of: Aid in maintaining National Home for Orphans of Veterans. Hospital work by supporting, with ample funds, materials and assistance, those who work within the hospital walls. Rehabilitation: giving assistance to the needy outside the hospitals. Community Welfare: Relief projects as Red Cross, Infantile Paralysis, and Community Chest. Legislative Work: Because any- thing which benefits the Veterans benefits his family and the community. Americanism: Every activity of these organizations builds and works to make a better America. Officers in charge for 1953: Post Commander — Marion Voyles Adjutant — Clinton Fenton Quartermaster — John Welsh Auxiliary President — Helen Hopper Secretary — Bernice Slightom Treasurer — Sue Welsh 166 Zion English Evangelical Lutheran Church ZION ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, Litchfield's oldest church, ante- dates by one year the founding of Litchfield. The first Lutheran families came to this section of Illinois somewhat over 100 years ago. Occasional services were held for them and those who fol- lowed, in the homes, beginning about 1845. In 1851 a small frame church was erected on land west of State Street and north of Ferdon Street, which was then only a country road, and all land north of it was prairie. On April 25, 1852, Mount Zion Lutheran Church, as it was first named, was organized by Rev. Elias Schwartz of Hillsboro. with a charter member- ship of 14 known members: Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Blackwelder, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Blackwelder, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Scherer, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Scherer, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Cline, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Cress, John Walcher, and Miss Mary Emily Blackwelder. Soon after, Mr. and Mrs Godfrey Stiefel became members. In 1855, together with the Presbyterians, a brick church was erected on a site just east of the pres- ent post office. Interest in the church declined subsequently to such an extent, that in the spring of 1865 Zion sold its interest in the joint church building to the Presbyterians and almost dis- banded. In January, 1866, fifteen members de- cided on vigorous action and on July 8, 1866, an- other church building on the site of the present church, Second and Monroe, was dedicated. This Church and Parsonage — Second and Monroe Streets building was sold in 1889 and moved elsewhere, making room for the present church building which was dedicated July 21, 1889. Additions and changes have been made to it since. Growth has been slow but steady. Up to the present, 23 pastors have served our congregation. Our oldest organizations include: The Ladies' Aid, organized in 1886; The Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, June, 1903; The Uhl Mission Band, January 10, 1916; The Lydia Mis- sionary Society, March 11, 1926. The Rev. John Miller, B.A., B.D., S.T.M., the present pastor, was called by our congregation in 1948. In January, 1950, after a quite extensive renovating and remodeling program, a new chancel, beautifully lighted and furnished with all the meaningful and dignified traditional Lutheran furnishings and appointments, was dedicated. In 1951 a very adequate parsonage was built be- side the church, and dedicated. This is the splendid first unit of new buildings which the congregation plans to erect in the future. The next building will be an educational unit which will follow soon. A long-range program is anticipated, which will ultimately provide new buildings of brick. Zion celebrated its Centennial in 1952 from Sep- tember 14 to October 21. In the last five years there has been a resurgence of growth, 37 per cent in membership, 130 per cent in income, and in attendance. Four new or- ganizations have been added, vestments, movie and filmstrip projectors, a filmstrip library of 170 filmstrips, and a tape recorder. The church has 435 baptized members. Present officers are: Rev. John Miller, President; Henry Schroeder, V i c e-President ; John Ritchie, Secretary; Elmer Meyers, Corresponding Secre- tary; Chris Stamer, Financial Secretary ; Homer Saegesser, Treasurer ; Wayne Barringer and Arthur Roth. Our congregation is noted for its fine worship services, its outstanding educational program, its strong Mission- ary and Brotherhood organi- zations, and its exceptional record in the practice of Stew- ardship. Whoever desires a church with both a beautiful and devotional service, led by a well-trained and educated church leader, will find here a warm welcome sincerely ex- tended. 167 First Baptist Church BEGINNING in 1830 a group of Baptists met in various homes of the community for worship. This practice was continued until the year 1856 when the church was fully organized; Rev. John- son was called to be their first pastor. This congregation met in a hall from 1856 to 1859, when a church was built east of the present Library at the site Mrs. W. R. Saxby now owns. In October, 1874, Mr. Wilson Meicenheimer, a farmer living south of town, gave the church two lots at the corner of Division and Van Buren Streets. The present building was completed on that site in 1875. The first building was sold to Mr. Mad- dox of Hillsboro for $2,000 ; a lot on Union Avenue where the Universalist Church now stands was also sold and the proceeds from the two sales were used to offset the cost of the new building. In 1912 Dr. Sihler, Sr., gave the church a build- ing which was moved to the north lot and used for a parsonage. Then in 1927 the members felt the need for a larger place of worship and for Sunday School rooms. The next year work was started on the remodeling and enlargement, which was completed in 1929. At this time William Sielschott was Sunday School Superintendent and he served for 21 years. The pastor was Rev. R. J. Anderson, who designed the present building, which was erected under the leadership of a build- Present First Baptist Church, cor- ner of Van Buren and Division Streets. ing committee composed of William Sielschott, Sr., Ed Gore, and Ed Shrader. In the fall of 1951, the church again felt the need of additional Sunday School rooms and an ad- dition costing $20,000 was built just east of the church extending to the east line of the property. The church was without a pastor and the addition was designed by the Sunday School Superintendent, Frank Randle. The building com- mittee included the following trus- tees: Dewey Bierbaum, Forrest Wright, Myron Mitchell and Les Sanderson. The parsonage was completely remodeled in the inside in the summer of 1952 and in the early part of 1953 the basement of the old building was remodeled, including the Installation of a modern kitchen. The present pastor, Rev. William A. Gray, began his ministry on June 1, 1952. On May 3, 1953, there were 890 on the church roll and 823 on the Sunday School roll. Present plans include the building of another addition north of the new part and also the use of the present parsonage for Sunday School rooms. The parsonage will soon be located at 315 North Harrison Street as this home was recently given to the church by Mrs. Ed Shrader. The pastors of the church: Rev. Joseph Beaven, 1883; Rev. W. B. Lile, 1885-86; Rev. Justus Buckley, 1887-92; Rev. H. L. Derr, 1893- 94; Rev. J. V. Hopper, 1895-96; Rev. F. W. Car- stens, 1898-99; Rev. W. C. Webb, 1900-02; Rev. D. C. Blunt, 1902-03; Rev. R. W. Moon, 1904-05; Rev. G. E. Milford, 1905-08; Rev. J. F. Howard, 1909-11; Rev. H. R. Otto, 1912-15; Rev. D. H. Toomey, 1916-20; Rev. R. J. Anderson, 1920-32; Rev. J. F. Daugherty, 1933-38; Rev. H. P. Lovik, 1938-42; Rev. W. Reppenhagen, 1942-46; Rev. A. P. Sengpiehl, 1947-51 ; Rev. W. A. Gray, 1952-. 168 Frame Church at Union Avenue and Harrison Street 1902-1925 Brick Church— 1865-1901 Union Avenue Christian Church THE Christian Church of Litchfield, Illinois, was organized July 21, 1856, and has stood the test for 97 years. With God's help and through the tireless efforts of its consecrated members it became one of the largest Protestant churches in the city. The first meetinghouse was an old frame struc- ture located at the corner of Madison and Third Streets. In this unpretentious building the few Disciples met, praised and prayed. No musical in- strument for their singing, but the Christian melo- dies burst forth from hearts afire with love for Him whose power gave them being. The first regular minister was a young Mr. Sims, a student of Eureka College who began his min- istry in the spring of 1861. There were 42 charter members. The available names are as follows: J. W. Keeler and wife, W. C. Henderson and wife, Matilda O'Bannon, Susan Ellsbury, David Forehand and wife, John P. Bayless and wife, John Waldrop and wife. In 1865 the congregation had out- grown the old frame building and a substantial brick church was erected just north of Library Square at a cost of $4,000. In 1902 the east part of the church which was located on Union Avenue and Harrison Street was built, the west auditorium being added in 1906 and this served for eighteen years. These were years of great growth; many were added to the church and the Sunday School was one of the largest in the state. The Crescendo Orchestra pro- vided inspirational music for the Sunday School during this period. Possessing a vision that reached far into the fu- ture the leaders of the church planned and built the present educational building and dedicated it in 1925. From a charter list of 42 members the member- ship of the church has grown to 1036 resident members and 150 non-resident members. Now many years after the dedication of the educational unit, and under the able leadership of Rev. and Mrs. Ernest P. Baker and a host of con- secrated members, the church goes forward in plans to complete the vision of those earlier lead- ers by building the sanctuary. The complete church as shown by architect's drawing, construction of which is planned for the near future. 169 m m — First Presbyterian Church ON FEBRUARY 9, 1856, the pastor of the Pres- byterian Church of Hillsboro, Rev. R. M. Roberts, and two of his elders organized the First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield. There were ten charter members, five of the Paden family, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. Brokaw, two of the McElvain family, and Mrs. Lydia Jane Crawford. Descendants of these charter members are still active in the church today. The first pastor was the Rev. Peter Hassinger, born in New Jersey and educated at Princeton! Later the Rev. Roberts who organized the church was pastor for nine years. The church had no regular meeting place at first. In 1856 or 1857 the Lutheran congregation united with the Presbyterian to build a brick church on Kirkham Street on the east part of what is now the Post Office property. This church cost $3,000, a considerable sum for those days. The women of the two congregations were deter- mined to get a bell for the new church and to get a good one. The sum of $200 was accumulated, partly by holding "sociables" and in many small ways, but this was not enough. Mrs. Sarah Good- win, an aunt of Mr. R. N. Paden, then offered to give the women a land warrant for 160 acres which the government had given her as the widow of a Revolutionary soldier. This was sold for $165 and the bell was bought in West Troy, New York. Thus we have the unique distinction of having 160 acres of land invested in our bell. The Lutheran congregation sold its interest in the building in 1865, but the two churches con- tinued to co-operate in many ways. In 1889 the present church building and manse at the corner of Kirkham and Jackson Streets were planned and the cornerstone of the church laid. It was not dedicated, however, until ten years later when most of the $15,000 which the buildings cost, had been paid. In 1952 extensive improvements were made, enlarging and rear- ranging the basement into a more attractive social room and equally efficient classrooms for the church school, kindergarten, and primary departments. The church school has been an active part of the church organ- ization since the early days. The oldest member of the church, Miss Frances Hood, was secretary for some seventy years, until she was retired as secretary emerita a few years ago. Various women's groups have existed over the years. The Lad- ies' Auxiliary, later known as Ladies' Aid, was organized early; the Women's Missionary Society was organized in 1879, The Glean- er's Class in the winter of 1913-14, and the J.O.Y. class in 1940. All these were combined in Oc- tober, 1952, into the Woman's Association of which Mrs. Harold Morgan, Mrs. A. V. Hoog, and Mrs. Harry Gorin are the officers. The women's or- ganizations have always assisted in the financial work of the church and even more in the spiritual life and outreach in our own and other countries. The men have had various organizations. The present Presbyterian Men's Club was organized about 1940 and has been quite active in promot- ing worthwhile projects. Present officers are: E. R. Granger, H. C. McCance, and D. E. Paullis. Pastor of the church is Dr. David John Brigham, who began his ministry here in October, 1948. Of those who have ministered to the church down the long march of time, one has said "Each did his best in his own way and the Lord shall bless the labors of each hand." PASTORS OF THE CHURCH: P. S. Hassinger, 1857-1858 B. H. Charles, 1858- a few months D. R. Todd, 1859- one year R. M. Roberts, 1859-1868 A. S. Foster, 1869-1873 S. I. McKee, 1873-1875 A. J. Clark, 1875-1877 D. W. Evans, 1878-1881 W. B. Minton, 1881-1885 Theodore Hunter, 18S5-1886 D. W. Campbell, 1886-1890 Frank P. Miller, 1890-1896 J. A. Gerhard, 1899-1902 E. W. F. Holler, 1902-1906 Allen D. Baillev, 1906-1907 D. K. Miller, 1907-1911 W. F. Gibson, 1911-1913 W. S. Dando, 1919-1920 W. S. Dands. 1919-1920 John A. Spvker, 1920-1921 William V. McAdoo. 1922-1926 N. C. Griffin, 1927-1930 J. E. Agans, 1931-1939 Herbert M. Lohr. 1940-1948 D. J. Brigham, 1948- 170 THE history of Litchfield could not be completely written without mention of the Methodist Church. The first Methodist Church in the vicinity was constructed at Hardinsburg, which was lo- cated two miles southwest of the present site of the city of Litchfield. In 1855, four years before Litchfield was incorporated, probably two dozen families were located here, and the Methodists be- gan looking for a place to worship. In 1857, the little Hardinsburg Chapel was put on wheels and moved into the town. It was placed at the southwest corner of West Union Avenue and Madi- son Street. It was used as a house of worship un- til 1862. By that time the town had grown to a considerable size and the Methodists, always pro- gressive, decided to erect a new church. The old structure was sold to the Christian congregation and moved to the southeast corner of Third and Madison Streets, where it was used by both the Christian and Methodist bodies until the new Meth- odist Church was ready for occupancy. The new church, a small brick edifice of the prevalent style of architecture of that day, was erected on the old site, at a cost of $8,000 or $9,000, and for several years was the finest church in the city. The parsonage was located two blocks north of the church, where the home of Miss Mabel Butler now stands. In 1875, the present site of the church and par- sonage was purchased. Eleven years later, in 1886, after much deliberation, it was decided to sell the old church to the German Lutheran congregation. For two years following, services were conducted in the old Seventh Day Adventist Church, the build- ing on North Monroe Street now occupied by the Schwabe Jewelry Store. The work of erecting a new church on the pres- ent site was commenced in April, 1887. On May 15 of that year, the cornerstone was laid. Late in the fall the new church was completed at a cost of $11,300, but the first service was not held until March 18, 1888, and the church was formally dedi- cated April 22 of that year. The new church with its tall spire, surmounted by a cross which could be seen for miles, was considered a beautiful struc- ture. Need for repairs and alterations became ap- parent very shortly but they were out of the ques- tion. There was an indebtedness of $2,000 which First Methodist Church had to be cancelled before repairs could be con- sidered. By 1901 the debt had been completely liquidated and there was sufficient money to make the necessary improvements, including the elimina- tion of the spire, which was said to be unsafe. A new parsonage was built in 1907 which, with but few changes and alterations, is in use today. The next big structural change in the church was begun in 1922 and was completed in 1927 at a cost of $45,000. In addition to the building cost, the "Ladies' Guild" of the church had a new pipe organ installed at a cost of $5,000. August 21, 1927, the remodeled edifice was dedicated by Bishop A. W. Leonard. For more than 40 years, many of the members yearned for a church bell, and in 1929 the present bell was purchased. During 1941 the church was re-carpeted and in 1946 new pews were purchased and installed. From time to time various organizations have been formed throughout the church. The church school has been ever active through the years. From the early days to the present, people have been faithful in their work and stand ready and willing at all times to do their part in any and all undertakings. The true work cannot be put in this record. The influence of spiritual uplift and moral force cannot be estimated. The good ac- complished can only be known at that last great day when our Master Himself will open the "Books" and pronounce the final judgment. God has blessed us in many ways. May we remain ever faithful! 171 :■:# I Zion Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod MEMBER of the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, Zion Lutheran Church at 1301 North State Street (The Rev. C. I. Klewer, present pas- tor), was organized in 1886. From a small be- ginning it has grown to one of the largest congre- gations in the city. It numbers 570 communicant members and over 800 baptized members. The present church was built in 1942. Zion Lutheran Church was organized here by the late Pastor Claus Schroeder, at that time pas- tor of St. John's Lutheran Church, South Litch- field. The congregation has been served by five resident pastors: Rev. Fred Bergen, 1888-1904 Rev. George Stiegemeyer, 1905-1911 Rev. Theodore Iben, 1911-1922 Rev. J. L. Strelow, 1924-1952 Rev. C. I. Klewer, 1952— An active Sunday School is under the direc- tion of Mr. Walter Tiemann with an enrollment of 160 children. Mr. Harold Repp and the pastor conduct the junior and senior Bible classes. These classes meet at 9:30 a.m. Two services are held every Sunday morning at 8:30 and 10:30. Holy Communion is celebrated in the second service on the first Sunday of every month. The Men's Club meets on the fourth Thursday of every month ; the Ladies' Aid on the first Thurs- day ; the Senior Walther League on the first Thurs- day; and the Junior Walther League on the sec- ond Thursday. Those who wish to acquaint them- selves with the teachings and practices of the church are invited to attend the adult membership classes which are held by convenient appointment. Zion Lutheran Church maintains a Christian Day School. It has existed since 1888 and offers the first to eighth grade State courses which are cou- pled with Christian guidance and Bible instruc- tion. Mr. Harold Repp, who is the principal, has been an instructor since 1932. The new modern structure includes three classrooms with up-to- date equipment. The present enrollment of 88 children is served by three teachers. 172 Installation of Max Sherman Lodge Number 1096, Independent Order of B'nai B'rith, April 15, 1928. Max Sherman Lodge Number 1096 Original Officers L. Cohn, President Nathan Sterneck, Vice-President Sam Barney, Secretary Mike Sherman, Treasurer M. Rosenfeld, Monitor I. Faintich, Assistant Monitor Dr. P. J. Wolf, Inside Guard Abe Katz, Outside Guard Present Officers Max Ash, President Mel Heselov, Vice-President Joe Foreman, Secretary-Treasurer Sam Rifkin, Monitor Sam Rich, Assistant Monitor Nathan Seltzer, Inside Guard Stewart Baker, Outside Guard IT IS with the utmost of pleasure and pride that we of B'nai B'rith share in Litchfield's Centen- nial of progress. Share, indeed, for we too have an anniversary — our 25th. Twenty-five years ago a small group of Jewish families representing Carlinville, Gillespie, Benld, Staunton, Mt. Olive, Greenville, Litchfield, and Hillsboro, felt the need of a "getting together." B'nai B'rith was the answer, for the very diversity that makes up B'nai B'rith endows it with the power to be a unifying force in Jewish organiza- tional life. Thus, the Max Sherman Lodge had its beginning. Since there was no permanent meeting place, meetings were rotated among the homes of the members. Soon, thereafter, the demand for larger and permanent quarters was fulfilled by renting a hall in the Litchfield Hotel. With the loss of all our records and our meeting place, caused by the hotel fire, the B'nai B'rith was once again without a home. This was of short duration, for in May, of 1947, the purchase of a residence at 1103 North Madison Street in Litch- field made our dreams of our own home a reality. After extensive remodeling, we now have com- plete facilities for all our activities, which include monthly socials, and meetings of the B'nai B'rith Lodge, and Sunday School each Sunday for the children of Jewish families from the surrounding towns. It is our hope that our fraternity, with its nu- merous philanthropic agencies, welfare organiza- tions and religious and cultural departments, will always contribute greatly to the democratic herit- age of America. 173 Lithograph of Ursuline Convent, established in 1871 (from "Atlas" of 1874) •Assumption B. V. M. Church THE first Catholic settlers in Litchfield were immigrants from Ireland who were employed by the Indianapolis and St. Louis Railroad, the first railroad through this part of Illinois. A con- siderable number of these worthy people made Litchfield their home. Their spiritual needs were looked after by priests who traveled through, from town to town celebrating mass in the homes of the people and administering baptism to the infants and otherwise caring for them as best they might. Rev. P. Cody from Paris, Illinois, performed such services. The first mass celebrated here was in the home of John Timmons on North Jackson Street in 1857. Later a priest from Alton came occasionally. In 1859, Rev. Michael Colton was appointed pastor and went to work to build a brick church on the corner of Jackson and Columbia Streets. In January, 1870, Father Gonant was succeeded by Rev. Leopold Moczygemba, O. M. C, who, seeing a large number of children throng into the church on Sundays for catechism and instructions, set about building a school. He moved out from the rectory erected by his predecessor and made it the central part of a new building, placing an addition on each end, one for the school and the other for the convent. The school and convent formed quite an imposing building for that time and held the honor, for many years, as one of the best buildings in Litchfield. The Ursuline Sisters from Alton were teachers and conducted a very successful parish school, as well as an academy for young ladies. The school and academy were pa- tronized by a number of non-Catholics. On June 21, 1882, Rev. Patrick F. Carroll was appointed pastor. He began very soon to collect funds for the erection of a new church. Two years were devoted to collecting funds and pro- viding material for the building. Six lots, facing on State Street, where the present church now stands, were purchased at a cost of $1,800. On Christmas morning in 1886, the first mass was celebrated in the new church in the presence of a great throng of people, happy and joyous to see their dream of a new church realized. The cost of the church without any furnishings was $26,700. In 1890 a new pastoral residence costing $8,700 was erected beside the church and facing State Street. In 1892, the Dominican Sisters from Springfield took charge of St. Mary's School. Mother Thom- asina was Superior and with her were Sister Mary Lawrence and Sister Regina. They were indus- trious, devout religious who took up their work with a sympathetic interest in their previous charges. The work of the Dominican Sisters in the school has been eminently successful. A beautiful parish hall and auditorium were erected in 1927. The school and convent were also 174 veneered with Alton buff brick to harmonize with the new building and together they present a very fine appearance. In 1930 the steeple of the church was completed. On September 16, 1931, Father Carroll suffered a stroke which permanently paralyzed him. He spent four years in his bed following this stroke and he died September 13, 1935. Following the first illness of Monsignor Carroll, Monsignor Edward Cahill was appointed adminis- trator of the parish. After the death of Mon- signor Carroll, he was appointed pastor. He re- signed because of ill health and was succeeded by Rev. William B. Whalen on September 21, 1939. In 1943, Rev. Frank J. Lawler, the present pastor, was appointed pastor of St. Mary's Church. History of Litchfield Dentists DR. WILLIAM BAREFOOT came to Litchfield in 1863 and began practicing in an office on the second floor of the Masonic Building, which was located on the present site of Sherman's Store. Here he practiced until his retirement in 1904. Dr. S. H. Gerog entered the Dental Department of the University of Michigan and received his de- gree in 1881. He came directly to Litchfield to practice, but there is no record as to how long he remained here. Dr. T. T. Baker served his apprenticeship with William Barefoot and then attended and was grad- uated from the Missouri Dental School in 1890. He opened an office with William Alexander in what is now the Yaeger Building. After several years Dr. Alexander went to Carlinville to practice. Dr. Baker practiced here until his death in 1939. Dr. Coddington had an office in the middle of the block on State Street west of the Library square. Here he practiced until 1906 at which time he moved to Chicago. Dr. L. R. Grey was born near Butler, Illinois, was graduated from the Litchfield High School, and later received his degree from Central College of Dentistry at Indianapolis, Indiana. He first prac- ticed in Pawnee, then came to Litchfield in 1906 and opened an office in the building at the south- west corner of State Street and Union Avenue. Here he retained his office for many tears, then moved into 107A West Ryder Street. Dr. Charles W. Grafton was a graduate of the University of Iowa, School of Dentistry, class of 1898. For six years he practiced at Rock Island, Illinois, then in 1904 he came to Litchfield and established his office in the Holderread Building. Here he remained for forty-eight years. Dr. Grafton retired in 1951 after spending fifty-four years in his profession. Dr. A. E. Sihler has his office at 312 North Madi- son Street. He is a graduate of the St. Louis Uni- versity, School of Dentistry, in the class of 1916. He began his practice January, 1917, in the Mc- Manus Building which stood on the present site of the Sihler Building at the corner of Kirkham and Madison Streets. In May, 1922, Dr. Sihler moved to his present location. Dr. Frank S. Mansfield has his offices at 407A North State Street. He is a graduate of the Uni- versity of St. Louis, School of Dentistry. He came to Litchfield in 1926 and has practiced here con- tinuously with the exception of time served in World War II. Dr. John M. Patton has his office in the Allen Building at 400A North Monroe Street. Dr. Patton is a graduate of Northwestern University, School of Dentistry, class of 1935. After graduation he came to Litchfield and entered the office of Dr. Grey at 107A West Ryder Street. He entered military service in 1943 and served until 1946, then returned to Litchfield. Dr. Ira T. Maupin, Jr., has his office at 215 North Jackson Street. He is a graduate of Washington University with the class of 1935. He practiced at White Hall, Illinois, for seven years, served in World War II for three years, then came to Litch- field in 1945. Dr. Vernon G. Becker has his office at 204 North State Street. He is a graduate of Washington Uni- versity, class of 1944. He served three years in World War II, then came to Litchfield in 1947. Sportsman's Club THE Litchfield Sportsman's Club was founded in 1937. At that time Leo Wilson served as President and Chris Zuber as Secretary. The pur- pose of the club was to appropriate game for the vicinity of Litchfield. The first project was rais- ing pheasants, and 1,000 pheasants were raised and released during 1937 and 1938. The pheas- ants were raised at the Litchfield Disposal Plant. Another project of the club was raising bass at the old reservoir swimming pool for stocking lakes of this area. In 1939 and 1940 a quail project was started. The quail were raised by Blake Lowry at the Chautauqua grounds. The same year field trials were started in this area. During the beginning of World War II, in 1941, the club was inactive. In 1945 the club was re- organized with Robert Huffman serving as Presi- dent and Clyde Osborne as Secretary. Since the reorganization, the club has been incorporated. The club has sponsored various activities such as fishing rodeos, two Sports Carnivals, two recog- nized field trials per year, breeding, raising and releasing 500 quail per year, annual fish frys for members and families, and trap shoots. In the near future the club plans to sponsor an obedience training class for dogs of all breeds, without charge to owners. They also hope to ob- tain new field trial grounds at Lake Ramsey, which would enable them to hold bigger and better field trials. Present officers of the club are: President, Henry Strothman, and Secretary, Ralph J. Green. 175 St. Francis Hospital in 1891 St. Francis Hospital in 1953 St Francis Hospital A God to love, Souls to save, A life to sacrifice for God and country. What a privilege! SUCH is the sentiment of every true Hospital Sister of St. Francis. Such was the sentiment which filled the hearts of five Sisters who estab- lished the Motherhouse of the Hospital Sisters of Saint Francis in Muenster, Germany, in 1844. Thirty years later, aflame with this same zeal, an intrepid band of missionary Sisters left the Mother- house and came to Illinois to found the American Province of this Congregation. Due to differences between the rulers of Germany and the Vatican, the scope of their work of more than two decades was struck a stunning blow by the passage of re- strictive laws against Catholic Communities. During this time of peril, there came an invita- tion from the Bishop of Alton, Illinois. He desper- ately needed nursing Sisters in his diocese, and wanted the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis to found a community there. On Oc- tober 15, 1875, twenty Hospital Sisters said their goodbyes as they left their Motherhouse in Muen- ster. The following day they boarded the ship MAAS in Rotterdam and sailed for the United States. By November 3, the MAAS was standing in New York harbor, and by nightfall of November 6, the Sisters were in Alton, as they were eager to get to their new field of service. Imagine a group of twenty Sisters riding through the streets of Alton in a huge open wagon! Villagers stared in candid surprise as the wagon rumbled through the town. They were welcomed kindly by Bishop Baltes, who on the following day presented his plans to them. They were to separate into groups, going to vari- ous Illinois towns to start their work. Three Sisters were appointed to go to Litchfield, Illinois. They were Sisters Fridolina, Rosa, and Augustina. They arrived here on November 13, 1875, and started the first foundation of their nurs- ing career. These three Sisters were given living accommodations in the upper story of the John Weigers home on West Edwards Street, at which place they remained for three months. The first hospital was a frame building on the southeast corner of the intersection of Columbia and Jackson Streets, which was used until 1891. In this year the first wing of the present hospital was erected on South State Street, which accom- modated twenty patients. This building was of brick, 60 x 45 x 30 feet. In 1906 a suite of operating rooms was added and a new elevator installed. This addition was built to the northeast of the original building at a cost of $20,000. The third story of the hospital was added in 1911, and at the same time additional rooms for the patients were built to the south. Two years later, in 1913, the present operating rooms and more patients' rooms, to the east, were built. The chapel, Girls' Home and Convent were added in 1923 at a cost of $112,543. The last addition was made in 1931, a 40 foot building, which consists of the lobby, offices, and a new ele- vator, erected at a cost of $34,000. New equipment has been placed in the various departments through the years to meet the de- mands of the medical field in aiding the sick and dying. The Blood Bank was started in October, 1948, and is completely equipped to meet its re- quirments. Records show that Mayor Henry L. Shroeder gave the first pint of blood. A new $17,- 000 X-ray table, Maxicon, was installed in 1951, making this department, headed by a full-time radiologist, Dr. Harry A. Olin, complete in service and equipment. At present the hospital has a ca- pacity of 157 adult beds and 18 bassinets. In 1891, 37 patients were cared for; in 1952, a total of 4,500 persons received care as bed patients. These changes and additions through the years were accomplished by the prayers and sacrifices of our pioneer Sisters, and the cooperation of our 176 doctors and the people of Litchfield and surround- ing areas. As we glance back through the years, we find that many of the people who assisted the hospital in its growth, are still remembered and revered by the citizens of Litchfield and will be thought of in years to come. Prominent among the early physicians of this city was Dr. J. D. Colt, who was interested in the progress of our hospital, and who actively assisted in the fund-raising cam- paign for the first electric elevator installed in the hospital in 1906. The names of many others are closely linked with the history of St. Francis, namely, Doctors Harry A. Bennett, Myron Snell, and Kelly. More recently called from our midst were Doctors George A. Sihler, Sr., George A. Sihler, Jr., and Lee G. Allen. To these dear departed we owe a debt of gratitude for their service and loyal- ty. To our present Litchfield medical staff we owe a like debt: Doctors C. H. Zoller, Ross W. Gris- wold, C. H. Sihler, J. R. Rebillot, H. A. Yaeger, N. K. Floreth, and L. George Allen. It is interesting to note that one of the patients who entered the old hospital on Jackson and Co- lumbia Streets, was transferred to the new hospital in 1891, and is still with us. Bridget McGrath, familiar to many in Litchfield, now 81 years of age, was injured as a young girl and has been with the hospital ever since in an employee-patient capacity, and to this very day continues to attend daily Mass in our Hospital Chapel. More than this, she is not able to do, but needless to say, she has grown dear to all at St. Francis. Especially are we indebted to our dear pioneer Sisters, whose sacrifices and labors will never be known, except to God, and whose devotion and love for the sick can never be equaled. Still living in the memories of our Litchfield people are our Sis- ter Jerome, one of the hospital's early superiors, Sister Beda, Sister Celestine, and many others who have gone to their eternal reward. Still living is Sister Lawrence, who loves to recall her days of service spent at St. Francis Hospital years ago, and who now is happy to spend the evening of her life after her long years of faithful toil for the Lord, "back home" at the Motherhouse in Springfield. To these dear Sisters and to all the friends of St. Francis Hospital — may God's choicest blessings abound. By the power and grace of the provident Master of all, The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis will go on to greater accomplishments. Cherish- ing always the ideals of the "Little Poor Man of Assisi," may we carry on as faithfully as ever, in- spired and encouraged and strengthed by the stir- ring truth of our motto: "Caritas Christi Omnia Vincit." "The Charity of Christ conquers all!" COAT OF ARMS HOSPITAL SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS MOTHERHOUSE, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS Future Farmers of America THE Future Farmers of America, an organiza- tion of the Litchfield Community High School, was first established in September, 1929, by Irving Olson, high school agriculture teacher. There were thirteen charter members: Jesse Ash (vice-president), Ross Billiter, Victor Monke (secretary), Arthur Priddle (president), John Suits, Fred Thornton (treasurer), Dale Bandy, Mel- vin Boedecker, John H. Bruce, John DeBarr, Gay- lord Elliott, Walter Elliott, and Cledis Wyman. There are thirty-four members at present and their officers are: Walter Bishop, president; Gil- bert Kean, vice-president; Leon Bierbaum, secre- tary ; Ross Lay, treasurer ; Richard Rupe, reporter ; Phillip Williams, sentinel ; Glenn Douglas, adviser. The F.F.A., as it is commonly known, is a na- tional organization of boys studying vocational ag- riculture in secondary schools. Striving for the development of leadership, the building of a more permanent agriculture, and the improvement of country life, members learn through active partici- pation how to conduct and take part in public meetings, to speak in public, to buy and sell co- operatively, to solve their own problems, to finance themselves, and to assume civic responsibility. The four degrees of voluntary membership — "Greenhand," "Chapter Farmer," "State Farmer," and "American Farmer" — are the result of the in- dividual's own advancement, the first two at the local level and the third and fourth at the state and national levels. Activities included in the organization's program are judging, public speaking, and parliamentary procedure contests, and many cooperative services. 177 Nu Phi Mu THE Illinois Beta Beta Chapter of Nu Phi Mu in Litchfield was founded in May, 1950. There were thirteen original charter members and pres- ent membership is a total of seventeen, with one member-at-large. We have two sponsors from Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Mrs. Grace Jones and Miss Betty Bishop. The officers are Alice Parrish, President ; Donna Brachear, Vice-President ; Bar- bara Pilkerton, Recording Secretary ; Doris Dooley, Corresponding Secretary; and Mary Gorman, Treasurer. Members at present are Barbara Baker, Wilma Bierbaum, Donna Brachear, Joan Dearduff, Doris Dooley, Rosemary Godfrey, Carolyn Gorin, Mary Gorman, Margaret Lewey, Shirley Niehaus, Helen Ohren, Alice Parrish, Barbara Pilkerton, Jean Ryals, Patricia Sieber, Marilyn Slightom. Cora Wolfe, and Barbara Arnold, Corpus Christi, Texas, member-at-large. The purpose of Nu Phi Mu is to have a friend and to be one. We prepare ourselves through our business meetings and cultural programs to be of service to our community, country and homes. Our civic activities have been ushering for the Jay-Cee Minstrel, a Dairy Day booth, donating to the Red Cross and donating to the Cancer Fund. Our social activities have consisted of several formal dances, teas, swim parties, trips to the Ice Capades and the Empress Playhouse in St. Louis. Ira T. Maupin, Jr., D. D. S. DR. IRA T. MAUPIN, Jr., who is engaged in the general practice of dentistry at 215 North Jackson, came to Litchfield with Mrs. Maupin February, 1945, after he had served three years in the United States Army which included a tour of the Solomon Islands of the South Pacific. Dr. Maupin opened his practice at 400A North Monroe. In October, 1945, he purchased their present building which was known as the "Old Sweeney Place." This house was remodeled into their home and office. Dr. Maupin was born in Springfield, Illinois. His parents later moved to Marine, Illinois, where his father is still engaged in the practice of dentistry. He attended his first two years of high school at Marine, the last two at Highland, Illinois. Three years of university work were done at the Univer- sity of Illinois and four years at Washington Uni- versity School of Dentistry at St. Louis. Upon graduation he began practice at White Hall, Illinois. Mrs. Frances Maupin, who assists her husband, received her education at the University of Georgia and the Robin Adair School of Oral Hygiene. Prior to going with the Red Cross as a hygienist for the Army in 1941, she had been associated with a specialized children's dental practice for twelve years. She has been a member of the National Dental Hygienists Association since 1949. Knights of Columbus THE Litchfield Council No. 699 of the Knights of Columbus was organized February 18, 1904, with 58 charter members. Under the leadership of its first Grand Knight, Dr. P. M. Kelly, the Council grew until the membership included many from nearby towns. As time went on several new Coun- cils were started from Litchfield. Among them were Councils at Morrisonville, Farmersville, Staunton, Gillespie and Nokomis. The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal organization, formed for the purpose of serving God and the nation. The Council had its clubroom for many years above the L. W. Cline Store on State Street, but in the early twenties it purchased the Wiegreffe property at 326 North Harrison Street for its home. The clubrooms were located at this address for many years, but it was finally sold to the George Worley family. In 1949 the Council purchased the property on the southwest corner of Union Avenue and Madi- son Street, and after extensive remodeling is now occupying the second floor. The first floor is rented to the Bissett Dairy Bar, and the west side of the property is operated as a used car lot. Just re- cently the Council purchased the property south of its building known as the Blackwelder Feed Barn. The Knights of Columbus will long be remem- bered for their fine work during the first and sec- ond World Wars at which time the Litchfield Coun- cil made a great contribution. Many athletic events were sponsored by this group. The most outstanding one was the Anchor Ball Club which played at the old Anchor Park located on West Water Street. Several big league players started on their road to fame here in this place. The first Schalk Day game was one of the high lights of Litchfield's sport history. The Council also sponsored many plays and min- strels to raise money for worthy causes. At present the roll numbers 250 members and includes men from Hillsboro, Taylor Springs, Cof- feen, Panama, and Mt. Olive. Richard Roller is the present Grand Knight, and other officers include: Rev. Frank Lawler. Chap- lain; Jack Funk, Deputy Grand Knight; George Flynn, financial secretary; Ted Simmons, recording secretary; Raphael Spinner, chancellor; Michael Godfrey, advocate; Carl Lehnert, warden; Max Jones, treasurer; James Volmer, inside guard; William F. Heise, outside guard; Louis Huber, lecturer; Louis Harmon, A. B. Herman and Victor Vogt, trustees. In the 1870's, Edwards Street was a busy mart. Starting at the Illinois Central tracks going east was the Best & Sparks Mill, a grist mill, Wiegers' Cooper Shop, a grocery store, a saloon, a blacksmith shop, and Woodman's Lumberyard. The next block, an ele- vator, the Boxberger Mill, the Montgomery House, and Palace Hotel. Between Madison and State, Peter Kane and James Collins were prominent businessmen. 178 UHlUlim! City Hall and home of the Fire Department. In the early days the firemen's quarters were upstairs and stalls for the horses were downstairs. The firemen slid down a greased pole to get to the first floor fast. A harness was tied above each horse so that in a moment's notice the harness could be dropped right on the horse. ■ Litchfield Fire Department THE Litchfield Fire Department was established in 1874. Later it was made up of three units — The Eagle Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, May 19, 1883; Eldorado Hose Company No. 2, August 13, 1895; and the Rescue Hose Company No. 3, August 19, 1889. The first fire chief was John Lance in August, 1874. The original location was 125 East Ryder Street which is across the street north from the present fire house. The Fire Department started with a hand-oper- ated hose cart. The next piece of equipment was a ladder wagon also hand operated. Then a horse- drawn wagon with chemical tank and hand pumper was used. This was followed by a Model T Ford and in 1925 a 750 gallon La France pumper was bought. In 1946 another 750 gallon La France pumper was put in use. The Fire Department is a corporation now, known as the Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department. There are 75 members with their meeting place at either the Fire Department, 120 East Ryder Street, or The Firemen's Club House at Walton Park. The present officers are: Glenn Martin, Captain Paul Kniery, First Lieutenant Bernard Schoen, Secretary Truman W. Lay, Treasurer Lyman Towling, Trustee Litchfield Woman's Club THE Woman's Club of Litchfield dates from April 12, 1890. For the first six years it was called "The Reading Circle." During those six years, there were four Presidents: Mary Sparks Milnor, Abigail Torrey Hood, Elizabeth Gage Beach, and Ella Updike Settlemire. The first President after the name was changed to "The Litchfield Woman's Club" was Blanche Keating Davis, who served one year, and was followed by Estella Beach Davis, who served from 1897 to 1900. Abigail Torrey Hood served a second term, 1900 to 1903, and she was followed by Emma Savage Fisher, 1903 to 1904; Estella Beach Davis served a second term, 1904 to 1906; and Emma Savage Fisher a second term, 1906 to 1907. From 1907 to 1909, Maud Miller Baldwin served; Mar- garet Middleton Paisley, 1909 to 1911 ; Bessie Cald- well Kessinger, 1911 to 1914; Ethel Paisley Mc- David, 1914 to 1915; Anna Tuttle Kniery, who died a few months after her election; Bessie Caldwell Kessinger, a second term, 1915 to 1917; Hattie Burgdorff Yaeger, 1917 to 1920; Anna Brown Galbraith, 1920 to 1921; Frances Holbrook Keese, 1921 to 1924; Bessie Caldwell Kessinger, a third term, 1924 to 1925; Frances Machler Kniery, 1925 to 1926; Claire Porterfield Bennett, 1926 to 1928; Anna Cummings, 1928 to 1929; Louise Hood Rah- meyer, 1929 to 1931; Regina Davis, 1931 to 1933; Mary McElligott Burson, a few months in 1933, with Regina Davis filling out her year, 1933 to 1934 ; Mary Bringhurst Stuttle, 1934 to 1936 ; Mary Snell Wakeman, 1936 to 1937; Eunice Beane Paullis, 1937 to 1939; Nelle Hood Schalk, 1939 to 1941; Winifred Masters Henrichs, 1941 to 1943; Lucille Dammann Hoog, 1943 to 1945; Beatrice Custer Henderson, 1945 to 1947; Rosa Funk Hall, 1947 to 1948; Christine Zoller Wilson, 1948 to 1949; Abbie Snell Morgan, 1949 to 1951; Marian Ash Shrader, 1951 to 1953. The "golden" anniversary of the Club was ob- served in 1940 with a brilliant program that will long be remembered, using the theme: "Women of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," and the spirit of the pioneer women who have made pos- sible this splendid civic and cultural institution lived again in the hearts of all who attended. Through the years the Club has striven to pro- mote the highest type of programs in literature, music, art and homemaking. Two musical groups within the Club were worthy of note: the Ladies' Orchestra, composed of Mrs. Nell Brawley, cello; Mrs. Ella Bartling, cornet; Mrs. Emma Hyndman, piano; Miss Isabel Kaveney, cello; Miss Anna Louise Kaveney, violin, and Mrs. Stella Beach Davis, violin; and the Woman's Club chorus, di- rected by Anna Miller Snell, and who, after her death in 1935, were known as the "Anna Snell Singers." An outstanding feature was the presen- tation of "The Shepherd's Star" at Christmas time, 1941, in which the entire Club united to give to the community of Litchfield a beautiful production in the High School auditorium. The Club constitution states that "The object of the Club shall be mutual helpfulness, broader and better culture, and organized service to the com- munity." The annual dues are $2.50. The man- agement is vested in a Board of Directors com- posed of the Club officers and the department of- ficers. For the past 25 years the Club has worked through four departments — Literature, Music and Art, American Homes and Gardens, and Book Re- view. This year the Department of Drama was added. With the fine "home talent" programs put on by each of the departments, through the years gone by, a great deal of marvelous talent has been developed. The Club has been affiliated with the State Federation since 1898 and with the General Federation since 1944. The Club has enjoyed the privilege of meeting on the third floor of the Elks Building, free of charge, since its erection in 1923. Previous to that, meetings were held in the Appleton Building and the Pappmeier Building. The Club has always endeavored to give service to the community. In 1915 it began to sustain the Rest Room in the basement of the Carnegie Li- brary building, which it continues to do. The teaching of "Household Science" in the High School was promoted about 50 years ago by the Woman's Club, with Club members doing the demonstrating. For a number of years, the Club sponsored a visiting nurse, who gave care to the needy families of Litchfield. In 1921 the Par- ent-Teacher Association Council was formed by efforts and assistance of the Woman's Club, which was followed by the organization of P.T.A.'s in each of the six schools. A later project sponsored by the Club is the Cub Scouts. The Club furnishes the Chairman of Cub Scouts and assists financially. State projects of the Illinois Federation are sup- ported, and recently Art and Music scholarships have been provided for local students. Provision is made in the Constitution for active, associate, non-resident and complimentary mem- bers. The last named are the ministers' wives and the public librarian. The total paid membership at this time is 174. Mrs. Estella Beach Davis is the only living char- ter member. For 63 years she has been a vital and efficient force in our community for the best in music, art, and literature. There are at present 17 living past-presidents. The Club officers for 1953-1954 are: President, Miss Geraldine Forehand; first vice-president, Mrs. Vernon Hauser; second vice-president, Mrs. Ralph Keune; recording secretary, Mrs. Aaron Ridenhow- er; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Francis Flem- ing; treasurer, Mrs. Mabel Dey; historian, Mrs. Mary Stuttle. 180 Sigma Sigma The Sigma Sigma was a social organization of the "Gav Nineties." FRONT Row: left to right: Alice Belle Warner, Effye Potts Johnson, Lavonne Hoy Jefferies, Bertha Barefoot Richards, Blanche Davis Crabb Feme Davis Lewis. MIDDLE Row: Winifred Allen Rose, Regina Davis, Bessie O'Ban- non Ament,' Nellie Miller Zink, Louise Hood Rahmeyer, Anna Miller Snell, Bessie Griswold Bocke- witz TOP Row: Mayme Nail Smith, Elizabeth Johnson Knight, Elizabeth Foulk Snell, Mane Bennett Dennison, Bertha Lee Kinsman, Mary Woodman Miller, Mabel Milnor Reasoner. (Pic- ture was taken in August, 1897). P. E. O. Sisterhood CHAPTER H K, P. E. O. Sisterhood, was or- ganized in Litchfield May 18, 1951, by Mrs. Sara Minear, state organizer, of Quincy, Illinois. The organization meeting was held in the foyer of the Elks Club, following a dinner attended by neighboring P. E. O. Chapters, including Chapter A B, of Carlinville, the sponsoring chapter. The Charter members of Chapter H K were: Eunice Larkin (Mrs. J. M.), President Martha Guyan (Mrs. Roy), Vice-President Eunice Paullis (Mrs. Esper), Recording Secretary Margaret Heath (Mrs. A. F.), Treasurer Lois Blazer (Mrs. B. R.), Corresponding Secretary Merle Butler (Mrs. Harry), Chaplain Frances Sinclair (Mrs. C. A., Jr.), Guard Rachel Thorp (Miss) Kathryn Patton (Mrs. J. M.) Maxine Hauser (Mrs. Melvin) Henrietta Mahlandt (Mrs. Verne) Abbie Morgan (Mrs. Harold) Doris Moss (Mrs. John) Margaret Ann Sinclair (Mrs. Leonard Wilson) Evelyn Russell (Mrs. Al) Jane Floreth (Mrs. Nelson) The P. E. O. Sisterhood was organized at Iowa Wesleyan College, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1860 by seven young women. It is now the largest organi- zation of its kind in the world, with over 3,000 chapters in all states of the union, Canada, Alaska, and Hawaii. The P. E. O. Sisterhood owns and operates Cot- tey College, a two-year girls' school at Nevada, Missouri, the Educational Loan Fund for the aid of worthy young women in colleges of their choice, a memorial library at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and a number of state homes, including the Illinois P. E. O. home at Knoxville. Kiwanis THE Litchfield Kiwanis Club was organized in 1941 and was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville, Illinois, along with the able assist- ance of Charles Fleming of Litchfield. Its purpose was to serve the community by assisting with worth-while projects. The charter officers of the club were: Charles Fleming, President; John Taylor, Vice-President; Harold Henderson, Secretary-Treasurer. The present officers are: Russell Pence, Presi- dent; Willis Cox, Vice-President; Clyde Clotfelter, Secretary-Treasurer. There were 25 charter members and the pres- ent membership numbers 35. The original meet- ing place of the club was Price's Cafe, 206 North State Street, which is also the meeting place now. The Club observes National Kids Day every year. 181 In the year 1948 several bus loads of boys were taken to St. Louis to see a major league baseball game. This Club has several times sponsored boys to Boys' State, as well as boys and girls to the Egyptian Music Camp at DuQuoin, Illinois. Three times it has financed sending a Boy Scout to some National Camp. It is the custom to entertain the Junior High basketball team every year. Members of the Club assist the school bands by selling tickets to concerts. The Club holds a pancake day every year. They also put on "Kiwanis Kapers," a play in which every member participates, for the purpose of raising funds to help carry on these projects. Starting in the fall of 1952, to date, June, 1953, the Club has raised $1,200 to be used for the build- ing of a wading pool at Walton Park. The pool is to be completed by July of this year. International Machinists of America Local 878 MONTGOMERY County Local 878 International Machinists of America was established Sep- tember 21, 1951, for the purpose of promoting a better understanding between management and la- bor. The first regular meeting was held November 26 with the following officers: President — W. W. Wilson; Vice-President — Harry Roach; Financial Secretary — Cecelia Rill; Recording Secretary — Marian Barry; Treasurer — Walter Webb; Conduc- tor — Ralph Davis; Sentinel — Ernest Long; Trus- tees — Wanda Garrett, Leslie Sanderson and Nilda Blatnick. There were twenty-five charter mem- bers. At present there are thirty-six members who meet twice a month in the I.O.O.F. Hall. Our pres- ent officers are: President — Walter Webb Vice-President — Violet Felkel Financial Secretary — Marian Barry Recording Secretary — Helen Porter Treasurer — Harry Roach Conductor — Ruby Bridgewater Sentinel — Lillie Roach Trustees — Gracia Curto, Wanda Garrett, and Ray Harkey. Elementary Teachers THE Litchfield Elementary Teachers' Associa- tion was organized September 28, 1939. Dur- ing a "get acquainted" party at Walton Park on that date, the teachers decided to form an organi- zation for the purpose of "promoting professional growth and good fellowship among teachers of the elementary schools of Litchfield." Mr. Chellis Young, Principal of J. D. Colt School was elected President, Miss Emma Mumme, Principal of Lin- coln School, Vice-President, and Miss Frances Keese, Principal of Madison Park School, Secre- tary-Treasurer. Mr. Oscar Chute, Superintendent of Schools, Miss Mildred Davis, Principal of Ida J. Russell School, and Mr. Robert Burton, science teacher in Junior High, were appointed by the President to draft a constitution and by-laws. The founders were Mrs. Mildred Ryan, Miss Mildred Davis, Miss Betty Ford, and Miss Frances Keese. There were thirty charter members. Down through the years, regular professional and social meetings have been held. Some of the best known educators in Illinois and Missouri have met with the group. The L.E.T.A. is affiliated with The National and State Classroom Teachers organizations. The organization has brought about a closer working relationship with the Board of Education. A salary schedule was adopted, report cards re- vised, and textbook adoptions have been made from time to time. At the present time the officers are William Siel- schott, President; Irma Obertino, Vice-President; and Mrs. Bernard Schoen, Secretary. Eastern Star AN EASTERN STAR CHAPTER was instituted . in Masonic Temple, February 17, 1881, with the following officers: Lavonne Hildreth, Worthy Matron; Samuel Grubbs, Worthy Patron; Mary Ashlock, Associate Matron; Jennie Lane, Secre- tary; Lulu Sampson, Treasurer; Julia Whipple, Conductress; Lulu Richmond, Associate Conduc- tress; Mary Collins, Warder. On May 9, 1881, the chapter was named "La- vonne" in honor of the first Worthy Matron, and in October, 1881, was presented a charter from The Grand Chapter and then known as "Lavonne Chapter No. 55, Order of Eastern Star." The first year ended with fifty members. February 16, 1931, the Chapter celebrated its Golden Anni- versary with Ruby Price as Worthy Matron and Arthur Price as Worthy Patron, in a befitting manner. The present officers are: Bertha Carll, Worthy Matron; Fred Carll, Worthy Patron; Mabel Hull, Associate Matron; Chas. Hull, Associate Patron; Helen Rea, Conductress; Betty Bishop, Associate Conductress; Estella Blankley, Secretary; Ota May Hushing, Treasurer; Flora Baker, Chaplain; Ida Allen, Marshal; Velma Alshouse, Organist; Mabel Crouch, Adah; Elizabeth Jones, Ruth; Rocele Shero, Esther; Virginia Ann Gates, Martha; Mil- dred Strothman, Electa; Ruby Dively, Warder, Guiles Personnette, Sentinel; Gus Kleinbeck, Color Bearer. Much has been accomplished. Only eight mem- bers organized the Chapter and present member- ship is 258. The Chapter was organized in the old three- story Masonic Hall at the corner of State and Kirkham Streets, and moved to the present Ma- sonic Building on Ryder St. The Chapter was honored in 1920 by the ap- pointment of Elizabeth Heath as Grand Ruth and in 1945 by a commission given to Estella Blankley as Grand Lecturer. 182 Carnegie Public Library AN ACT of the General Assembly of Illinois, . March 7, 1872, was the first free public li- brary law enacted by any state in the Union. On June 27, 1872, the city council levied a tax for city library and reading room purposes. Winfield Scott Palmer was the mayor. The money collected was permitted to lie in the city treasury until it amounted to $2,259.79. When E. Southworth was mayor, he appointed Hugh Hughes, D. B. Fleming, Thomas Charles, D. M. Grubbs, George L. Zink, John D. Colt, D. W. Taylor, George W. Jones, and D. P. Woodman as the first library board of trustees in November, 1881. The library was first located in the upstairs rooms of the Cline Building, 421 North State Street. On April 27, 1882, a formal opening was held. By 1889, more room was needed and in August the library was moved to rooms over the First Na- tional Bank at State and Kirkham Streets. The need for a library building became apparent by 1903. A special citizens' committee was ap- pointed by the mayor, W. J. King, to obtain funds from Andrew Carnegie. The committee was D. O. Settlemire, chairman, M. Morrison, Eli Miller, and W. L. Wooster, secretary. The regular library board members were Mesdames George W. Fisher, Mary Glynn, M. M. Milnor, Charles F. Bartling, Frank R. Milnor, Dr. P. M. Kelly, W. L. Wooster; and two other members not recorded. The building was completed at a cost of $15,- 646.55 plus $614.80 for the walks. It was first oc- cupied on September 19, 1905. The building is lo- cated in block 13 of the original town. Conform- ing to the grant made by P. C. Huggins, November 19, 1853, the city council has retained control of the Public Park of the original plot of the city of Litchfield. The first librarian was Miss Mary Wal- lace who served for forty years; the present libra- rian is Mrs. Winifred LeMay. The present library board consists of Mesdames Harry C. Stuttle, Jo- seph Kniery, P. G. Keese, J. Lynn Bitter, Wm. T. Wilson, Miss Ota May Hushing, David Davis, Har- old Fleming, and C. D. Berry. 183 Seated: Left to Right: Aaron Ridenhower (Secretary), Rev. David Brigham, Logan Fearn, Ned Granger (Vice-president-elect), Bill McCance (President), Elmer Meyers (President-elect), Don Brubaker, James Shinn, Dr. Roy Guyan. Middle Row: Russell Blazer, Verne Mahlandt, L. J. Hill, Bert Arnold, Sr., Albert Sallee, Garth Henrichs, Herman Miller, John P. Hanafin, B. J. Ellis, Harold Fleming, Ray Hittmeier, Clyde Brubaker, Sr., Maurice Macy, Lester Luehrs, Eugene Stewart, Harry Gorin, J. C. Kopitke, Charles Hauser, Nick Biebel, William Blaeuer, Fay DeBarr, Harold Goeke, Eldon Anderson. Back Row: Harold Simpson, Rev. A. L. Jones, Hiram Gooch, R. E. Deans, Walter Zimmerman, Dr. C. H. Sihler, Rudolph Monke, Roy Miller, Dick Holmer, Clifford Prosser, Dick Crane, Leland Boyd, Charles Napier, Jr., Charles Napier, Sr., John Meckles, Homer Saegesser, George Worley, Carroll Heitzman, Jack Workinger. (Ab- sent: M. M. McClurg, Rev. William Gray, Lee Carroll, Paul Armstrong, A. M. Alexander.) Litchfield Rotary Club THE charter for the Litchfield Club was issued March 23, 1925. The Charter Night Banquet and Program were held on April 24, 1925. There were twenty-four charter members. Two of these charter members, Harry Gorin and Roy Miller, are still active members of the club. Present club membership is fifty-six. The first Board of Directors was: Pearl Black- welder, Glenn Brubaker, Harry Gorin, Charles Grafton, Herbert Herrick, Everett Lewey, Roy Mil- ler, Leo Schalk, and Harry Stuttle. The Board immediately organized and the following officers were selected: Harry Gorin, President; Harry Stuttle, Vice-President; Albert Stansifer, Secre- tary; Roy Miller, Treasurer; and Glenn Brubaker, Sergeant-at-Arms. Thus did Rotary in Litchfield begin under the leadership and guidance of its most able citizens. The real story of Rotary in Litchfield has been written not only in the lives of its members, but even more in- their influence in the affairs of the community. Though the membership has changed greatly through the years, the objectives of Rotary through vocational, club, community, and interna- tional service have continued to be for the better- ment of all whom its influence has reached. Litchfield Rotary, through its organization as well as its individual members, has contributed in time and money to every worth-while cause in the community. It has stood back of every movement that would promote a happier, cleaner, more pros- perous Litchfield. Litchfield Rotary is dedicated to even greater ac- complishments during the next 100 years. Past Presidents Harry Gorin Harry Stuttle Geo. Sihler, Jr. John Pappmeier Jim McDonald Harold Sihler Charles Hauser Gus Alexander Lloyd Hill Bryce Kennedy Maurice Macy Clyde Brubaker Frank Hanafin Pat McClurg 1925-26 1926-27 1927-28 1928-29 1929-30 1930-31 1931-32 1932-33 1933-34 1934-35 1935-36 1936-37 1937-38 1938-39 Oscar Chute Claude Curtis Oscar Paddock Will Whalen Will Davis Ben Yaeger Garth Henrichs Hiram Gooch Denson Sprouse Les Luehrs Bill Blaeuer Paul Armstrong Logan Fearn Bill McCance 1939-40 1940-41 1941-42 1942-43 1943-44 1944-45 1945-46 1946-47 1947-48 1948-49 1949-50 1950-51 1951-52 1952-53 Past Secretaries Kenyon Montgomery 1925-44 Russell Blazer 1944-45 Earl Anderson 1945-46 Aaron Ridenhower 1946-47 Les Luehrs 1947-48 Aaron Ridenhower 1948-53 New Club Officers— 1953-54 Elmer Meyers Ned Granger Aaron Ridenhower Harold Simpson B. J. Ellis Al Jones President Vice-President Secretary -Treasurer Sergeant-at-Arms Musician Song Leader Directors Logan Fearn Ned Granger Russell Blazer Jim Shinn Jack Brigham Bill McCance Employes Welfare Association Brown Shoe Company EMPLOYEES of the Brown Shoe Company met at the Elks Club Friday night, November 10, 1933, to organize a Welfare Association. The of- ficers elected at that meeting were: Ralph Orr, President; Myron Mitchell, Vice-President; and Maybell Canady, Secretary and Treasurer. The purpose of this organization is to foster and perpetuate friendly relations between the em- ployees of the Brown Shoe Company and to pro- vide partial payment of doctor and hospital bills for all members. This organization was responsible for the open- ing of the recreation park on June 2, 1934. Pro- visions were made for tennis, Softball, croquet, basketball, horse shoes, and baseball. The equip- ment was furnished by the Welfare Association and made available to employees and their families. Later this was changed to the Community Park and opened to the public. In 1934 Frank Randle conceived the idea of a newspaper to improve the feeling throughout the organization. On February 28, 1935, the first issue was published. The staff of this paper was: John Rea, editor; Frank Randle, "Shuey-Huey" ; Ted Simmons, sports; and the late Udell DeWerff, sec- retary's report. A contest to choose a name for this paper was won by Faye Gonterman and Elmer Frey, who submitted the name "Shu Horn." During 1936 a most important project was be- gun. This was the organization of a credit union, the purpose of which was to set up a savings pro- gram for the employees of the Company. Mr. Long and Mr. Arnold, organizers of the credit union of Decatur, were invited to speak at the March meeting that year. Plans were made to form the union and on April 2, 1936, Mr. Murphy of Decatur organized the present Credit Union. In the summer of 1936 the association decided to improve the lighting system in the park. By the fall of the year the new lights were up. The ball park had become the home of the Brown Shoe base- ball team, the girls' Air Stepper Softball team, the girls' Red and White Softball team, and the de- partment teams. It had also become the center of recreation for fans of the Litchfield community. By 1937 plans were being considered for the pur- chase of a public address system to be used at Wel- fare Park as well as at the entertainment and busi- ness meetings. This set was purchased and in- stalled by October of that same year. The welfare plan which provides partial pay- ment of doctor bills and hospital bills has proved very successful through the years. For a small weekly charge in the form of dues the members enjoy protection for their families and themselves. During the year of 1952 alone $9,210.21 were paid in claims. The number of members to date is 375. Every three months meetings are held in the Moose Lodge. The last three years lavish enter- tainment for the December meetings has been en- gaged from St. Louis. The election of officers is also a part of the December meetings. The present officers are: William Bates, Jr., President; Lloyd Sheppard, Vice-President; Arline DeMonbron, Secretary and Treasurer; and Leo King, Sergeant-at-arms. American Legion Kniery-Knagg Post 436 "For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To Up- hold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; To maintain law and or- der; To foster and perpetuate a one hundred per cent Americanism; To preserve the mem- ories and incidents of our association in the great wars; To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; To make Right the master of Might; To promote peace and good will on earth; To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democ- racy; To consecrate and sanctify our Comrade- ship by our devotion to Mutual Helpfulness." THE national organization of the American Le- gion was founded in Paris, France, in Novem- ber, 1919. The Litchfield Post was founded on Jan- uary 17, 1920. Charles Lang was Commander; the post was organized by Joe Dort. The name was changed to Kniery-Knagg Post No. 436 in 1922 in memory of Corporal Edward Kniery, Co. I, 129th Infantry, wounded in the Meuse-Argonne, and Private Edward Knagg, Co. F, 127th Infantry, killed in the Verdun drive; they being the first two Litchfield boys who gave their lives in World War I. The meeting places have included the rear room of the present News Stand, above the Armory, above The Park, the K.P. Hall, above Ross and Curry, and the Elks Club. The present home was purchased in 1938, and a new kitchen was installed recently. This home is at 221 y 2 North State Street. Charter members numbered fifty; there are now 180 members made up of honorably discharged veterans of World War I, World War n, and the Korean conflict. 185 The Litchfield Post owns its post home and is self-supporting. It always participates in Memorial Day services and is active in many ways, such as child welfare programs, Boys' State programs, Jun- ior Legion baseball, in civic and war efforts, Christ- mas gifts to "Yanks Who Gave," and they will con- duct military funerals when requested. Outstand- ing Fourth of July celebrations were conducted during the late 1920's and early 1930's. A twenty- five-member Drum and Bugle Corps was organized, and it won second place rating in the 1932 fair. The annual Turkey Shoot is held each year on the Sunday before Armistice Day. PAST COMMANDERS 1920 Charles I. Lang 1937 B. J. Ellis 1921 Herman Gronewald 1938 Charles A. Napier 1922 William Brazil 1939 A. E. Price 1923 Clarence Winkleblack 1940 Harold Tunnell 1924 William Q. Setliffe 1941 Elza Cline 1925 Clarence Winkleblack 1942 Leo A. Heise 1926 Clarence Winkleblack 1943 George A. Hall 1927 (No Officers list on file) 19 H. C. Schroeder 1928 Gordon D. Goodall 1945 Fred P. Jones 1929 Howard L. Christen 1946 Harold A. Stout 1930 William E. Anderson 1947 Ross W. Griswold, Jr. 1931 John Lynn Bitter 1948 M. M. Hess 1932 Walter Bishop 1949 Ralph Hermsmeyer 1933 Maynard Kinder 1950 Max Ash 1934 Truman Sexton 1951 A. L. Guymon 1935 Herbert G. Price 1952 Maynard Lovely 1936 William Calcott 1953 George Wolfe Boot and Shoe Worker's Union Local No. 658 THE Boot and Shoe Workers' Union was or- ganized in Litchfield on August 18, 1941 as Lo- cal Number 658, with an initial charter member- ship of 250. It is affiliated with the Illinois State Federation of Labor. Its charter officers were: President — Robert Hutton Vice-President — William Howard Recording Secretary — Minnie Edrington Financial Secretary — Henry Saathoff Treasurer — Benny Saathoff Sentinel — Oscar Vincent Trustees — Roy Koonce, Oscar Bockewitz, Udell DeWerff Members of the charter Executive Board were: Henry Zenner, Loeva Bundy, Thomas Sim- mons, Ray Harkey, Vane Edwards, Bea Wright, William Lambert Business Agent — Richard Roller Auditing Committee: John Rea, James Elvidge, Wynter Rogers Special members are Mike Dukas, Oscar Bocke- witz, and Henry Saathoff. Mike Dukas has a un- ion shoe repair shop card from this union. The present officers of the local are: President — Mike Goldasich Vice-President — William Howard Recording Secretary — Loeva Melchert Financial Secretary and Business Agent — Clarence Wey Treasurer — Early Symmes Sentinel — Lawrence Bishop Trustees and Auditing Committee — William Howard, Everett Billiter, Robert Edring- ton. The present Executive Board consists of Leroy Koonce as Chairman, Pearl Elledge as Secretary and Wynter Rogers, Richard Heise, Wilmer Hus- man, Tabitha Bishop and George Saathoff, members. At the present time there are four hundred mem- bers of Local No. 658. This union originally met in Newberry Hall, but now meets in the Moose Hall. The purpose of organization is set forth in its constitution and is as follows: "The purpose of this organization is to organ- ize all shoe workers in North America into one trade union affiiliated with the legitimate and recognized trade union movement of the United States and Canada, as an affiliate of the Ameri- can Federation of Labor. We declare against all divided or opposition organizations of wage- earners of the same craft as opposed to the true interests of labor and destructive of suc- cess to the labor cause. "We invite all shoe workers to unite with us to the end that we may more effectively regulate wages and conditions of employment; control apprentices; reduce the hours of labor; prohibit the employment of children under the age of sixteen; promote the use of the Union Stamp and all other union labels; assist and support all other legitimate trade unions to the full extent of our power; and to take such further action in promoting the interests of shoe workers or other wage-earners as may seem desirable from time to time, keeping pace with industrial development." Painters, Decorators and Paper Hangers Union THIS organization was established in Litchfield on June 23, 1937. Adopting as its slogan, "In union there is strength and cooperation," this group was organized to establish and maintain fair wage scales and working conditions. The original members of this group were: E. E. Keele, Clar- ence Winkleblack, Ted Meier, Guiles Personett, Ar- thur Crowell, William Hamilton, Charles Martin, C. E. Gilpin, James Farris, R. P. Cline, Eugene Childers, Edward Heise, Ernie Jones, Fred Carll, Elmer Schoenewies, G. W. Winkleblack, George Detamore, and Clifford Turner. The present officers are: Clarence Meier, President Clarence Tilley, Vice-President John Suits, Financial Secretary-Treasurer Vic Paden, Secretary At this time there are fifteen members, including one honorary member, C. E. Gilpin. Two of the members are in service, Dean and Teddy Meier. Meetings are in the South Litchfield Town Hall. By investigation and careful screening of appli- cants for membership, this union can insure the employer of high-quality workmanship. 186 Carpenters and Joiners Union Local No. 505 A CHAPTER of the United Brotherhood of Car- penters and Joiners of America was estab- lished in Litchfield on March 7, 1900. It carries Local Union No. 505. Its purposes and objects as set out in its by-laws are: First: To maintain and promote their inter- ests, and protect them from the depressing effect of piecework, and sub-contracting, and encourage a system of apprenticeship which will elevate the moral, intellectual and social interest of our craft. Second: To as- sist carpenters in obtaining employment. Third: To cultivate a feeling of friendship and brotherhood. Fourth: To encourage carpenters in the pursuit of their business. Fifth: To secure an honest day's wages for honest toil. Sixth: To establish funeral benefits. The original charter and some of the records of this union were destroyed in the fire which burned the Litchfield City Hotel a few years ago, so there is now no known record of the original founders of this chapter or its first officers. However, some of the charter members of the Local are known and they are: Emory Small, George Fellner, Charles Helmick, Dave Clark, James Caulk, John Gester, William Christy, William Lent, Charles Roberts, Fred Heise, Billy Mock, Job James. Will James, and Frank Lant. The present officers of this Local are: President, Beuford Smith; Vice-President, Roy Logsdon; Recording Secretary, Lee Koonce: Financial Sec- retary, Gene Eskew; Treasurer, Russell Hemkin; Conductor, John Koniak; Warden, Howard Ogden: Trustees, Wilfred Loew, Mayo Meyers and Robert Johnson. The Local has a present membership of 54. It has an honorary member in Clarence McCart and it has four apprentices, who are Richard Hantla, Thomas Keene, Jr., Richard Hasheider, and Dar- rell Morgan. At the present time Darrell Morgan is in the Armed Services. The present meeting place of Local 505 is at Memorial Hall, 318 Sherman Street. The original meeting place was Emory Small's Carpenter Shop, which was just west and across from the present Post Office. The oldest member of this Local at the present time is S. W. Travis, who is 83 years old. James Lipe has been a member since 1903 and is now 74 years old and is still working at his trade. Another member for nearly fifty years and still active is C. F. Loew. John Gordon, who passed away on April 7, 1953, and Joe Fite, who died suddenly while "on the job" on May 28, 1953, were members for nearly 50 years. The Motto of our organization is "Our Organiza- tion — help it right, when wrong; when right, help it on." The essential principle which our Local tries to follow is embodied in this provision: "We, as a body, thoroughly approve of the objects of the American Federation of Labor, and pledge ourselves to give it our most earnest and hearty support. "Believing the Union Label the brightest gem of the diadem of honest production, we further pledge ourselves to its support, there- by holding up our fellow wage earners who like ourselves, 'Earn their bread by the sweat of their brow.' "We furthermore pledge support and best efforts to defeat any individual, firm or cor- poration who should strike a blow at organ- ized labor, whether it be at our own craft, or that of our sister orders, and we sincerely believe, as the battle is not always with the strong but victory with those who arm in a noble and righteous cause, that, with a united effort upon the part of the wage earners, we will succeed in gaining for ourselves and our posterity, that freedom from industrial slav- ery, which our forefathers intended we should enjoy when they penned the Constitution of our United States." Almetta Rebekah Lodge Number 156 THE Almetta Rebekah Lodge No. 156. a fra- ternal order, was founded November 17, 1886, with the following charter members: L. J. Mur- phy, G. J. Hamilton, Joseph Heaton, Marion W. Ament, J. C. Emmons, John Tuscher, Mary J. Murphy, N. A. Hunter, Ada Cassaday, Emma A. Ament, Rose Edwards. Lucy Tuscher, Lizzie Bocke- witz, and Louise Bockewitz. There are sixty-seven members at present with two honorary members. Mrs. Elizabeth Jones of Clay Street and Mrs. Birdie Dalton. Old Folks Home, Mattoon, Illinois. The original meeting place was Wilton Hall. The present meeting place is the Odd Fellows' Hall with the following officers presiding: Noble Grand — Cora Mumbower; Vice Grand — Lucy Simmons; Recording secretary — Fern Sheppard; Financial — Erma Hill: Treasurer — Clara Drosselmier; Chaplain — Eula Munn; De- gree Staff — Capt. Leslie Kinder: Warden — Lula Smith; Conductor — Blanche Weatherford; In- side Guardian — Bernice Osborne; Outside Guardian — Florence Mercer; Right Supporter of Noble Grand — Matilda Keene: Left Sup- porter of Noble Grand — Martha Drosselmier; Right Supporter of Vice Grand — Tillie Smith- son; Left Supporter of Vice Grand — Ethel White; Musician — Hazel McCulley; Junior Past Noble Grand — Elizabeth Green. The Lodge helps maintain the Children's Home at Lincoln, Illinois, the Old Folks' Home at Mattoon, Illinois, and also contributes to civic enterprises. The oldest member is W. T. Weatherford. who will be 97 years of age in August of 1953. Until the last year he was an active member, attending most meetings. 187 Radiator and Furnace Workers — Local 1770 THE Litchfield Radiator and Furnace Workers Local 1770, United Steel Workers of America, C. I. O., was originally organized May 6, 1937, with the charter being issued on May 20, 1937, by the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel, and Tin Workers of America, Steel Workers Organiz- ing Committee, C. I. O. After several changes of affiliation the local was again affiliated with the Steel Workers in January, 1950. The founders of this local were: Harry Puckett, Dane Murphy, Edwin Gorman, Herman Detmer, Chet Lebetter, Mona Kennedy, and Gilbert Par- nell. The charter officers were: Harry Puckett, president (deceased) ; John Boyd, vice-president (deceased) ; Clifford McCracken, financial secre- tary; Dane Murphy, recording secretary; Frank Roach, treasurer; Gilbert Parnell, inner guard; Fred Arends, outer guard; Chet Lebetter, guide. The purpose of this local was to organize all em- ployees (Production and Maintenance) of the American Radiator Corporation, Litchfield Plant, into a bonafide labor organization. There were approximately 250 charter members while at the present time there are 391 members on production and maintenance. The original lo- cation for meetings was the old Woodman Hall now known as the VFW 777 Building. Now the meetings are held in the Moose Hall on the second Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. The organization strives for better working con- ditions, better wages, higher living standards, the right to collective bargaining and closer harmony between company and employees. A pension plan, paid vacations up to three weeks, bonafide hospital- ization and sick benefits are achievements of the local, as well as the right to settle all disputes be- tween the company and the employees in a busi- ness-like manner without resorting to strikes or work stoppages, all of which we feel has con- tributed greatly to obtain a higher standard of liv- ing for our members and their families and added to the general economy of Litchfield. Last, but not least, our organization has achieved close har- mony among all of our members by giving them greater job security in their work. The present officers are: Roland Sawyer, President Clarence Burkhart, Vice-President H. E. "Tubby" Elledge, Financial Secretary Dane Murphy, Recording Secretary Fields Jolley, Treasurer William Borror, Trustee Earl Ewing, Trustee Paul Kniery, Trustee Marion Basso, Inner Guard Herman Detmer, Outer Guard Joe Boucher, Guide To date, there have been 24 employees of Local 1770 pensioned at the age of 65, namely: English Chaplin Dale Timmons C. C. Thacker N. E. Laird Roy Hendrickson Jesse Edrington George Mumme Mike Boehm Martin Kahle (deceased) Addison Tinsman George Butts Herb Hutson (deceased) William Bailey Joe Tabaka, Sr. Harvey Clark Fred Evans Chas. Smithson (deceased) Oliver Smith John Kindler Walter Roach, Sr. William Schmuck Paul DeMarco William Conlon Lee Deming Company employees on pension are: Martin Furlong J. P. Vaughn John Easterly (deceased) Typographical Union THE Litchfield Typographical Union No. 368 was affiliated with The International Typo- graphical Union on April 14, 1900. There were 15 chapter members, namely: F. C. Buck, C. O. Rich- ards, P. E. Low, C. Adreae, W. M. Coddington, H. E. Richards, Wm. Duncan, W. H. Barton, W. P. Hagthrop, M. H. Myers, H. C. Painter, P. A. Randle, B. A. Greer, Harry Fields, and Emma Beck. At the present time there are twenty-two mem- bers from Litchfield, Hillsboro, Mt. Olive and Staunton. These members are: Wm. Bandor, Wm. J. Beer, J. Fred Brown (I. T. U. Pensioner), Wilmer F. Bultmann (President), Miss Marguerite Dunn (I. T. U. Pensioner), Wm. I. Fansler, M. Max Field, Wm. M. Gage, D. E. Galer, W. F. Haase, Kenneth E. Kellerman, Jas. E. Kenney, Chas. A. Knisley, C. E. Mausehund (Vice-President), Chas. L. Menzer, W. C. Moser, Donald C. Neff (Secretary-Treasurer), Albert A. Reed, L. E. Troeger, Ralph R. Thacker, Thomas A. Bliss and H. Lyle Mayfield. In the month of August, 1950, Miss Marguerite Dunn was honored by the presentation of a fifty- year button. She also served as secretary-treasurer of the local for forty years. 188 Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen Union Local No. 286 LOCAL UNION 286 of the International Broth- erhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehouse- men, and Helpers of America, A. F. of L., was granted a charter on April 6, 1937. The purpose of the Union is to create a thorough organization of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen, and Helpers eligible for membership in the Interna- tional Brotherhood, and to establish a more per- fect unity of those employed. Of the ten charter members when the Union was activated, C. W. Furness of Irving, Illinois, is still a member of the local. The original location of the Union was in Hills- boro, but on April 13, 1945, the International amalgamated all the Unions in Macoupin and Montgomery counties, and eventually had the of- fice moved to Litchfield since it was the focal point of activities for the two counties. At the time of the amalgamation, John Hardin was made Presi- dent and Business Representative of Local No. 286 and has continued to serve in that capacity. The Union holds meetings the second Monday of each month at the Moose Hall in Litchfield, and the office is located at 226A North State Street. The current officers of Local No. 286 are: John W. Hardin, President and Business Representative; Henry Strothman, Vice-President; Leslie Holland, Secretary-Treasurer; Ernest Rolando, Recording Secretary; and three Trustees, William Dustman, Russell Stottler, and Verner Crouch. There are about four hundred active members in the local. Woman's Christian Temperance Union THE Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Litchfield was first organized in 1881. A list of charter members is not available, but an early list included the names of Maggie Carson, Mary Wallace, Mary Coddington, Hattie Cave, Mrs. George Zink, Mrs. Austin, Mrs. Howell, Mrs. Stahl, Mrs. Bickett, Leatha Boss, Lucie Stucky, Mrs. Keaggy, Mary Bost, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Shoemaker, Mrs. Wing and many others. The object of the organization was then, as it is now: to enlist and unite the women of the com- munity in temperance work; to promote the prin- ciple of total abstinence from all alcoholic liquors; to abolish the legalized traffic in beverage alcohol; to educate for purity, good citizenship and peace. During the early years meetings were held in a hall called "The Temple." This was sub-rented to the Y.M.C.A. for $1.00 per month. One summer, all meetings were held in the English Lutheran Church. A children's organization was the Band of Hope, which today is called the Loyal Temperance Legion. From 1911 to 1931 there was no organization, but the work was revived in 1931 and has grown constantly in the past 22 years. The presidents since 1931 have been Mrs. E. M. Baker, Mrs. W. W. Rainey, both deceased, Mrs. H. F. Henrichs, Mrs. Effie File, and Mrs. J. C. Brown, now serving. The membership now is 140 women and 29 men. The requirements for membership are: signing the to- tal abstinence pledge and paying one dollar per year. Affiliation is maintained with the county, state, national and world organizations, and many activities are promoted. The Litchfield W.C.T.U. holds meetings regularly, featured by reports of progress in educating the American people regarding the harmful effects of intoxicating liquor. Steelworkers Union Local No. 4737 THE Local Union No. 4737 United Steelworkers of America C.I.O. was established on the sec- ond of January in 1952. The purpose of the Union was to obtain better working conditions and wages and to promote mutual understanding between employer and employees. The following were chartered officers: Presi- dent, Opal Johnson ; Vice-President, Clarence Mier- kowski; Recording Secretary, Shirley Lowe; Fi- nancial Secretary, Lona Bockewitz; Treasurer, Shirley King; Guide, Juanita Whitley; Guard, Homer King; Trustees: Dorothy Sveglich, Helen Slifka, Ralph Campbell; Grievance Committee: Opal Johnson, Clarence Mierkowski, Ralph Camp- bell. The present officers are: President, Buel Martin; Vice-President, Mary Campbell; Recording Secre- tary, Josephine Benjamin; Financial Secretary, Lona Bockewitz; Treasurer, Shirley King; Guide, Helen Lynn; Guard, Homer King; Trustees: Mar- vin Carver, Cletus Cline, Fred Sies ; Grievance Com- mittee: Mary Campbell, Fred Sies, Barbara Spudick. Twenty-eight members comprised the Union in 1952 and at first their meetings were held at Price's Cafe. The present membership numbers eighty-five and the meetings are held in the I.O.O.F. Hall on the third Saturday of each month at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Since the beginning of a union shop there has been an increase of 33%% in wages for the lowest paid worker. An incentive plan has been set up whereby the employees receive a bonus of not less than five cents per hour per month, and increases in proportion to the amount of work done each day. The union members receive a vacation of one week after one year's service, and those who have been employees since January 10, 1950, will re- ceive an additional one-half week vacation with pay. Each employee now has seniority rights. 189 Boy Scouts of America ABRAHAM LINCOLN COUNCIL RAILSPLITTER DISTRICT— LITCHFIELD— RALPH HERMSMEYER, DISTRICT CHAIRMAN THE first Boy Scout Troop was organized in Litchfield in 1911, one year after the Boy Scouts of America were organized. The first troop was sponsored by the Christian Church. Truman Lay was one of the first Litchfield Boy Scouts. The Cub Scouting program was organized in Litchfield in March, 1937. Mrs. Leo Heise, Mrs. Clyde Brubaker, Sr., Mrs. A. V. Hauser, and Mrs. B. C. Hauser were registered as the first Den Mothers. The Litchfield Woman's Club has spon- sored the Cubbing program since its inception in Litchfield. The Abraham Lincoln Council was organized in 1919. Soon after that time, the citizens of Litch- field petitioned for membership and were admitted. Mr. Ralph Hermsmeyer, Mr. M. M. McClurg, and Mr. W. Harold Fleming represent Litchfield on the Executive Board of the Abraham Lincoln Council and Mr. McClurg is serving as Vice-President of the Council. Mr. R. L. Thompson, Scout Execu- tive, and Mr. Berkeley P. Duncan, Field Scout Ex- ecutive, serve Scouting in Litchfield. PRESENT UNITS IN LITCHFIELD SPONSORING INSTITUTION LEADER Troop 80 Loyal Order of Moose Troop 81 Zion Lutheran Men's Brotherhood Troop 83 First Baptist Church Troop 84 Methodist Church Men's Club Pack 87 Litchfield Woman's Club Pack 88 Litchfield Woman's Club Post 85 Litchfield Elks Club Tom Keene Bernard Schoen Warren Lee Roach Robert Hermsmeyer Neil Browning Alva Guymon Harold Simpson ASSISTANT LEADER Kenneth Snow Bill Meyer Luther J. Piatt Bill Heise John Richards Everett Able Victor McCracken Loyal Order of Moose THE local Lodge of Moose was or- ganized in the fall of 1915. The charter from the Grand Lodge was is- sued in 1916. First meetings were held in the Baker Building on the north side of Library Park. Then quarters were rented in the Koonce Building, the Pappmeier Building and the Reisch Building, their present location, which was purchased in 1928. The institution of the lodge was held on September 3, 1915, in the U.T.C. Hall of the Baker Building. Records of the period show that Dr. A. Travis was the first governor, Wil- liam May, vice-governor, William Hickman, past governor, William Hendrickson, prelate, and John Bitter, secretary. Wilton McPheron was treasurer, William Calcott, outer guard, John Skelton, inner guard and Vallee R. Fellers, sergeant at arms. John Bitter resigned as secretary and Vallee Fel- lers was elected in his place. The lodge has always been in the forefront of all civic movements in the city. It has taken part in many community drives throughout its history Moose clubrooms on second and third floors and has a long list of veteran members in both World Wars I and II. The lodge began in 1915 with sixteen applica- tions and now has a roster of 547 members. Gov- ernors of the lodge since its beginning have been: 190 Dr. A. Travis— 1916 Joe Fite— 1916-17-18 William May— 1918-19 A. H. Johns— 1919-20 C. J. Long— 1920-21 J. Bert Meyers— 1921-22 George Mumme— 1922-23 Joe Fite— 1923-24 C. Willard Peterson— 1924-25 Joe Fite— 1925-26 George A. Coffey— 1926-27 Mike Godfrey— 1927-28 A. H. Johns— 1928 (resigned) Chancy Berry filled unexpired term 1928 H. L. Perkins— 1929-30 Harry Griffith— 1930-31 Forrest Hess— 1931-32 Oscar Bockewitz— 1932-33 J. P. Vaughn— 1933-34 Oscar Bockewitz— 1934-35 Terrance O'Connell— 1936 (died during term) Harold Graham filled unexpired term also elected for 1938-39 Joe Basso — 1939-42 C. D. Berry— 1942-43 H. R. Saathoff— 1943-44 (resigned) W. E. Ross (completed term) 1944-46 Joe Basso— 1946-49 Olin L. Baker— 1949-51 A. M. Gordon— 1951-53 Members of the Litchfield lodge, No. 1634 Loyal Order of Moose, dedicated their new club rooms at 117 West Ryder Street, September 3, 4, and 5, in 1949. Invitations were sent to neighboring towns to attend the open house programs throughout the three days. In the early days the lodge was co-sponsor of three children who were sent from Gillespie to the Mooseheart home for dependent children. Later they sponsored three families of children. There are five of the original charter members in the local lodge at present: Ray E. Sanders, Dr. R. W. Griswold, Arthur Fogleman, V. R. Fellers, and John Bederman, oldest in membership. Salvation Army THE Salvation Army was established in East End, London in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth. From the humble beginning, the Army has advanced marvellously in size, in the scope of its activities, and in usefulness until now 95 coun- tries and colonies are "occupied" and the good news of the Gospel is preached in one hundred languages. Originally the Army was an evangelical organi- zation solely designed to bring men and women into a better relationship with God. With this aim still dominant, The Salvation Army's many and varied present-day activities are a practical ap- plication of that spiritual motive. Divisional Headquarters: The Divisional Head- quarters offices for central and northern Illi- nois are located at 331 North Adams Street, Peoria, Illinois, administered by Lt. Col. T. H. Martin, di- visional commander; the Rural and Extension Service is directed by Brigadier T. F. Samsel. These Headquarters embrace a territory of 65 counties with 26 corps located in strategic points and 370 Service Units. In Montgomery County there are 15 Service Units in operation. The local committee is recognized as a liaison be- tween the rural public, community chest, welfare clients, and interested friends supporting the pro- gram. In addition, the committee controls the lo- cal Welfare Fund, rules on all applications for aid and indicates to the Salvation Army the most effec- tive areas of service. In Litchfield, the local committee is headed by Claude L. Anderson, Chairman, Maynard F. Moore, Treasurer, and Grace Boyd, committee member. Arco Country Club THE Arco Country Club was established in 1922. Its purpose was to serve as a golf club, and for its charter officers the following men were chosen: Thomas Potts, president; William Schutt, vice- president; and Roy Miller, secretary. Fifty-two charter members were enrolled in the organization and their names were as follows: Roy Miller, Eli Miller, L. W. Cline, William Schutt, Hugh Hall J. A. Pappmeier, William Chamberlin, Ray Schalk, Leo Schalk, Carl Zuber, Arthur Heath, William LaForce H. S. Shorter, Paul McWilliams, Thomas Bryce, Harry Gorin, Lee Allen, A. T. Carroll, G. A. Sihler, Sr., G A. Sihler, Jr., C. W. Grafton, John Coddington, Thomas Taylor, M. J. Buscher, Tom Baker, Joseph Strehle, Harry Bennett, Arthur Sihler, G. L. Settlemire, Bovd Neighbors, Clyde Brubaker, Hugh Snell, B. C. Arnold, Charles Morgan, Lee Richards, Frank Cooper, Guy Farquhar, Kenyon Montgomery, Pearl Black- welder, Thomas Potts, Glenn Brubaker, C. H. Zoller, Guy Reese, William Kneedler, Carl Dodds, Lynn Settle- mire, C. M. Ridgely, G. W. Paisley, J. E. Hewitt, D. E. Finley, John Carroll, John Bitter. At the present time the club roster bears one hundred names. The officers for this year are: Victor Hauser, president; John B. Schoen, vice- president ; and Gladdin Gorin, secretary. The clubhouse was built in 1923 of log construc- tion at an approximate cost of five thousand dol- lars. It is located on an improved road one-quarter of a mile east of the American Radiator and Stand- ard Sanitary Corporation at the southeast edge of the city limits. During the year various social activities are scheduled for the members and their families. When our city was first laid out as Hardinsburg, Main Street was the main street. It now parallels the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. 191 Litchfield Council of P.T. A.'s THE Litchfield Parent-Teacher Council was or- ganized in April, 1921. In the spring of 1921, Mr. S. W. Kessinger of Litchfield, with the State Board of Health at that time, made an address be- fore the Litchfield Woman's Club. He stressed the need of a parent-teacher association in Litch- field and urged its immediate organization. The matter was left with the Educational Com- mittee of the Club. Members of this committee were Mrs. Ethel McDavid, Mrs. Blanche Crabb, and Mrs. Mabel Pound. These women set to work to accomplish the task to which they were called. In- stead of organizing the local associations first and then forming the council from these groups, as was the usual procedure, the first thing they did was to organize the Council. This was in April and the following were the first officers: Presi- dent, Mrs. Frank (Blanche) Crabb; Vice-President, Mrs. E. D. Walker; and Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. Roscoe (Mae) Bartling. Immediately following the organization of the Council, a committee of ladies was sent to each of the five schools to form local parent-teacher asso- ciations, each named for the school in which they were formed. Following are the results. Lincoln School (now Sihler), Organizer, Mrs. I. Yaeger with 12 charter members. Officers were: President, Mrs. Fern Bosen, who immediately re- signed and Mrs. Roscoe Bartling was elected Presi- dent; Vice-President, Mrs. Carl Broeg; Secretary, Miss Mary O'Brien; Treasurer, Miss Emma Mumme. J. D. Colt School, Organizer, Mrs. Frances Keese with 14 members. President, Mrs. Ed. Bargfield; Vice-President, Mrs. Purdy; Secretary, Miss Har- riet Murphy; Treasurer, Mrs. Robert Lee. Madison Park School, Organizer, Mrs. Leo Rob- bins with 32 members. President, Mrs. I. Yaeger, Vice-President, Mrs. Leo Robbins; Secretary, Miss Faith Barry; and Treasurer, Mrs. Leo Schalk. Ida J. Russell School, Organizer, Mrs. Frank Crabb with 18 members. President, Mrs. Nell Judd; Vice-President, Mrs. Pearl Blackwelder; Secretary, Miss Mildred Davis ; and Treasurer, Miss Virginia Harrington. The Departmental School, which was later changed to the Junior High School, Organizer, Mrs. E. D. Walker with 25 members. President, Mrs. Anna Miller Snell; Vice-President, Mrs. Eva Kinder; Secretary, Miss Mabel Kitch; and Treas- urer, Mrs. Ed. McDaniel. The purpose of Parent-Teacher Associations is to promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, church, and community; to raise the standards of home life; to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth; to bring into closer relationship the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the training of the child; to de- velop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for every child the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education. By the fall of 1924, there was a new Litchfield Community High School, so it was deemed timely to start a high school Parent-Teacher Association. The committee appointed by the Council for the organization were Mrs. Eva Kinder, Mrs. Lee Nor- vell and Mrs. Leo Schalk. The first officers of the Litchfield Community High Parent-Teacher Asso- ciation were: President, Mrs. Nell Judd; First Vice-President, Mrs. Eva Kinder; Second Vice- President, Miss Turner; Secretary, Mrs. Govaia; Treasurer, Mrs. Ed. Thorp. It had 52 members. The name of the Council was changed to the Litchfield Council of Parent-Teacher Associations. The Executive Board of the Council meets once a month in the basement of the Litchfield Public Li- brary. The meetings of the various associations are held in the schools once a month during the school year, except in February and in May when joint meetings of all the Parent-Teacher Associa- tions are held. All members are also members of the Illinois Congress of Parents and Teachers and the National Congress of Parents and Teachers. The joint meeting in February, known as Found- ers' Day, honors the founding of the National Con- gress in February, 1897. The P.T.A. cooperates with other groups in com- munity affairs, especially when it concerns the health and welfare of children and youth. While the P.T.A. is not a charity organization, it has sup- plied articles of clothing and shoes and in a num- ber of cases has paid for having children fitted with glasses. A student aid committee at the Litch- field Community High Parent-Teacher Association has assisted students from the student aid fund. It is impossible to enumerate the activities of the various associations, but each school has been enriched by material gifts such as pianos, record players, radios, playground equipment of various types, balls, bats, jump ropes, and numerous other articles used on the playground. Milk and graham crackers were furnished the children in the grades and Junior High School for a number of years, the P.T.A. paying for same when the children were unable to pay for them. Money has been raised in various ways with various types of entertainments and basketball games with adults from the groups playing on the teams. With the exception of a very few years, the P.T.A., through the generous co-operation of the theater owners and managers, has benefited by sharing in the proceeds of pictures sponsored by the P.T.A. at some time during the year. Tickets for these pictures are sold by the school children. Presidents serving for the year 1952-53 are: Litchfield Council, Mrs. Edw. Granger, Jr.; Litch- field Community High, Mrs. J. L. Musgrave, with 56 members; Junior High, Mrs. Ralph Keune, with 56 members; J. D. Colt, Mrs. Carter Shero, with 65 members; Sihler, Mrs. Robert Cayce, with 44 192 members; Russell, Mrs. Henry Anderson, 44 mem- bers; Madison Park, Mrs. William T. Wilson, 101 members. Mrs. Harry Stuttle and Mrs. Carl Broeg served as District Directors and each was on the state board of the Illinois Congress of Parents and Teachers for a number of years. Hod Carriers, Building & Common Laborers' Union THE HOD Carriers', Building & Common La- borers' Union of America was organized in Litchfield, March 4, 1952. The purpose of this Union is to create an organization to promote the welfare and protection of general laborers, masons, and plaster tenders. The charter officers of this union included: Business Agent, S. S. Burdell; President, Charles Pickerill; Vice-President, Wilbert Adams; Record- ing Secretary, Harry Booher; Financial Secretary- Treasurer, James N. DeMarco; Sergeant-at-Arms, Edwin Walker. There were twenty-one charter members of this Union, and the membership now stands at seventy. The present officers of this union include: Busi- ness Agent, S. S. Burdell; President, Wilbert Adams; Vice-President, Wayne Curto; Recording Secretary, Harry Booher; Financial Secretary- Treasurer, James N. DeMarco; Sergeant-at-Arms, Edwin Walker. Three trustees of the Union are: Frank Jamison, Harry Burdell, James Curto. This organization is interested in a movement to construct a building, which would be used as a recreation center for children and young people of Litchfield, which would be open evenings. Silver Leaf Camp No. 197 SILVER LEAF CAMP NO. 197, Royal Neigh- bors of America, was chartered October 15, 1895, with 69 members. Now there are two camps here, part of the largest fraternal insurance com- pany, writing insurance on men, women and chil- dren. Minnie McWilliams was the first recorder and was a great-aunt of the present recorder, Feme Symmes, who has served as recorder for 22 years. Ella Hutson served as chancellor for 23 years, to 1950. Dr. Williams was camp physician for years. There are six living Past Oracles. They met in the Woodman Hall when they had to walk to lodge meetings and carry a lantern. There are four 50-year members: Belle Beck, 1895; Mary L. Duncan, 1899, who is in the Royal Neighbors' Home at Davenport, Iowa, now; Kath- ryn Roach, 1900; and Ella Whitlock, 1901. Monthly meetings are held in the I.O.O.F. Hall on the fourth Thursday night. The following are now serving as officers: Oracle — Leslie Kinder Vice-Oracle — Addie Jamison Post — Lucy Simmons Chancellor — Leona Gipson Recorder — Feme Symmes Receiver — Ida Allen Marshal — Gladys Elledge Assistant Marshal — Virginia Reineke Inner Sentinel — Dorothy Sawyer Outer Sentinel — Florence Hayes Managers — Bessie Saathoff, Mildred Shoop and Joy Chaplin Physicians — Drs. L. George Allen and H. A. Yaeger Faith — Isabel Prather Courage — Marie Sprigg Modesty — Mae Kellenberger Unselfishness — Bernice Osborne Endurance — Essie Nelson Musican — Velma Alshouse Other officers in the past few years were Lola Knight, Mabel Livingston, Martha Schweppe, Berdie Dalton and Cecilia Rill. South Side Baptist Church IN September, 1950, a series of evanglistic meet- ings were held in a tent on the present site of the Southside Baptist Church by Reverend Leo Belcher, Macoupin Associational missionary and Reverend Abraham Wright, Home Missionary of the Southern Baptist Convention. At the close of the meeting plans were made for Sunday School and preaching services to be held in the Harry G. Saathoff home, 1003 East St. John Street, until other arrangements were made. On November 1 of that same year, the Board of Directors of the Illinois Baptist State Associa- tion authorized Reverend Abraham Wright and Reverend Leo Belcher to erect a chapel for mission services on the tract of ground south of Columbia Street and east of Illinois Avenue, which had been acquired by the State Association in 1940. As authorized, a chapel 24 feet x 28 feet was erected. It was occupied in February of the next year, and dedicated on the first Tuesday of May following, with Dr. George L. Johnson, Dean of the Baptist College of the Bible, Carbondale, Illinois, de- livering the dedicatory address. The church was organized and approved by a Baptist recognition Council August 5, 1952. The Southside Baptist Church was thus officially instituted. At the time this article is being written, the prospects for the future of the church are bright. The Illinois Baptist State Association has deeded the property to the trustees of the Southside Bap- tist Church and plans are being made for the erec- tion of a larger, more permanent building of con- crete and brick. Officers are Rev. Abraham Wright, Pastor; Mrs. Anne Saathoff, Clerk; Harry G. Saathoff, Treas- urer, and Andrew Whitworth, Chairman of Trus- tees. 193 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks LITCHFIELD Lodge No. 654, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was instituted on Feb- ruary 11, 1901, with 43 members. By the time the Lodge sent in its first report, on March 31, it had added two more members and this rate of growth has been continuing ever since. At present the membership numbers more than 600. At the time the Lodge was instituted at the old Pythian Hall it met on the second and fourth Mon- days of each month. On the following May first it moved to a hall on East Kirkham Street across from Library Park which served as home until the present Elks Club was built. The Charter lists the following officers: Louis E. Heinly, Exalted Ruler; Wilson P. Spruill, Es- teemed Leading Knight; E. O. Eichelroth, Es- teemed Loyal Knight; David R. Kinder, Esteemed Lecturing Knight; Fred C. Beeman, Secretary; Ar- thur F. Smith, Treasurer; T. L. Beveridge, Tyler; John F. Coddington, Esquire; George B. Faulk, Inner Guard ; R. C. Shellenbarger, Chaplain ; George W. Amsden, Organist; Hugh Hall, Hugh A. Snell and W. T. Thorp, Trustees. Of the Charter mem- bers, all save William Wiegreffe have passed on. The Litchfield Lodge led a pleasant and agree- able existence for its first twenty-one years. How- ever, its quarters became cramped and the Lodge entertained thoughts of a new home. Under the leadership of C. C. (Chet) Weber, Secretary and then Exalted Ruler (1921 to 1923), the plans became more than discussion and the property on the southeast corner of Union Avenue and Monroe Street was acquired for the project. Brother Weber is given full credit for seeing through the construction of the present Lodge home. He conceived the idea of floating approxi- mately $125,000 in bonds and personally handled their sale. The Lodge points with pride to its record of paying off every cent of this indebtedness after a small reorganization of its financing. The building was started with the late Brother Hugh Snell turning the first dirt in the spring of 1922. It was dedicated on February 5, 6, and 7, 1923, with a gala celebration and open house. A class of forty-five was initiated on the final eve- ning. Three special traction cars brought the out- of-town guests. During the next two decades the Lodge met with a series of ups and downs. A basement swimming pool in the building was abandoned a few years later as too costly to operate. The Lodge under- took a series of benefits to maintain its existence, including the famed Elks Minstrels, the highlight of home talent shows of its time. The struggle was intense, and it was a proud night in March, 1941, when under the leadership of Ex- alted Ruler Benjamin I. Yaeger the burning of the last bond paid off on the building marked the liquidation of its tremendous debt. During its fifty-two years, Litchfield Lodge No. 654 has been in the forefront of every movement for the benefit of the community, and its service has been as unswerving as it has been quiet in its pres- entation, without fanfare, but with deep apprecia- tion of the meaning of charity and selflessness. 194 Independent Order of Odd Fellows THE first Lodge of the I. O. O. F. was instituted October 17, 1856, under the name of Litchfield Lodge No. 202. The following brothers were the charter members of Litchfield Lodge No. 202: S. W. McDonald, R. P. Paden, E. R. White, E. W. Miller, and John P. Davis. The second Lodge was instituted October 14, 1873, under the name of Auguste Lodge No. 507. The third Lodge was instituted Nov. 16, 1882 under the name of Oil City Lodge No. 724. Auguste Lodge No. 507 passed out of existence after about thirty years, some of its remaining members joining the two Lodges then existing. Litchfield Lodge No. 202 and Oil City Lodge No. 724 were consolidated December 7, 1909, un- der the name of Litchfield Lodge No. 724 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of Illinois. The number 724 was previously the num- ber of Oil City I. O. O. F. Lodge, and at the closing of Oil City Lodge, its remaining members and the number 724 were made a part of Litchfield Lodge No. 724, I. O. O. F. As our present records show, the first lodge meeting place was on the third floor at 405 North State Street. The second meeting place was on the second floor of a building located at the corner of West Ryder and Jefferson Streets. The third meet- ing place was on the second floor of the Beopple Bakery at 211 North State Street. The fourth meeting place was on the second floor at 421 North State Street. The fifth and present meeting place is on the third floor of the I. O. O. F. building at 401 North State Street. This present lodge home building was purchased from the D. D. Tennyson estate in the year 1929, and in connection with the adjoining building, now belonging to J. H. Jones a lifelong member of the I. O. O. F.), houses the Sherman Department Store on the ground floor. The Hagerdorn Studio occupies the second floor; Charles Hughes, tailor, also has his shop on the second floor. The third floor of the I. O. O. F. Building is the lodge hall. Litchfield Lodge No. 724, I. O. O. F., has 54 members at the present time. Officers of the Lodge are: Claude Dooley, Noble Grand; A. R. Mercer, Vice Grand; Clyde J. Kiefer, Secretary; and Dave Simmons, Treasurer. The Trustees of the Lodge are: J. H. Jones, chairman, Floyd Sheppard, A. R. Mercer, Clyde J. Kiefer, and T. S. Smith. On August 23, 1949, Raymond Lodge No. 476 was consolidated with Litchfield Lodge No. 724, thus adding seventeen members to our Lodge. J. H. Jones, District Deputy of District 74 of the I. O. O. F. was the consolidating officer. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has as its motto, "Friendship, Love and Truth"; the let- ters F. L. T., symbolize sincere Friendship, un- feigned Love and simple Truth. The emblem of the order is three links, each link representing one of the words of the motto. Litchfield Lodge No. 724 has adopted the wheel chair and hospital bed program of the Lodge, whereby anyone in the community in need of a wheel chair or hospital bed may obtain the same upon application to the lodge. Vernon Becker, D. D. S. DR. VERNON BECKER was born in Mt. Olive, Illinois, and received his elementary education in that city, graduating from the Mt. Olive High School in 1938. He attended the Washington Uni- versity College of Dentistry in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated from that school in June of 1944. He then entered the service of his country, serving in the United States Dental Corps until 1946. In March of 1947 Dr. Becker opened his dental office at 226a North State Street with all new and modern equipment. In June of 1952 he moved to a ground floor office at 204 North State Street. His assistant and receptionist, is Miss Betty Morgan of Litchfield. Dr. Becker married Betty Tolbert of Vincennes, Indiana, and they are the parents of two daughters, Margaret Lynn and Barbara Ann. Aid Association for Lutherans THE Local Branch No. 542 of the Aid Associa- tion for Lutherans, Legal Reserve Life In- surance, was organized in Litchfield, Illinois, on December 15, 1921. It began with ten certificate holders and with $7,250 of insurance in force at that time. The first local branch officers were: President, August Tiemann; Vice-President, Paul A. Fedder; Secretary-Treasurer, A. H. Niemann. Officers elected on February 10, 1953, are: President, Burrell Wernsing; Vice-President, Theodore Birk- enkamp; Secretary-Treasurer, Walter Tiemann. At the present time the local branch at Litch- field has $483,500 of insurance in force. A meeting is held annually at the Zion Lutheran Church Auditorium, at which time new officers are elected for the year. Mr. Delford T. Precht, the General Agent for the Central Illinois area, De- catur, Illinois, visits the local organization at its annual meeting. All policy holders are invited to attend. Entertainment is furnished, which is fol- lowed by refreshments. On April 27, 1947, Henry F. Peters, of the lo- cal branch, became District Representative for the Aid Association for Lutherans, the home office being in Appleton, Wisconsin. At that time Mr. Peters took the correspondence course for sales- manship in life insurance. At the present time, he still holds the title of District Representative. 195 Attorneys of By-Gone Years THE first lawyer in Litchfield was B. M. Munn, who came to Litchfield in 1857, and later moved to Chicago. In 1859, Elizur Southworth, born in Vermont in 1826, began the practice of law in Litchfield and remained an active attorney in Litchfield until his death at an advanced age about 1915. For many years Mr. Southworth owned and occupied the home now the residence of Attorney Herbert W. Dey. James H. Attebury, early Litch- field lawyer, was the son of Abram D. Attebury, who came to the Litchfield area in 1850 and lived his entire life here. He began practice here in 1881 and for many years was a member of the firm of Southworth and Attebury. Louis Allen, native of Clinton and born in 1852, came to Litchfield in 1877 and practiced law in the Litchfield area for many years. George W. Jones, once City Clerk of Litchfield, began the practice of law in Litch- field as law partner of George P. Fowler, in the spring of 1868. They practiced here for many years. George L. Zink, born in Ohio in 1841, and former teacher at Gillespie, located in Litchfield in May of 1866, the same year he was admitted to the Illinois bar, and practiced here for many years. In later years he became a member of the firm of Zink and Kinder, the latter being the late David R. Kinder. Ben McWilliams, brother of the late Judge Paul McWilliams, practiced law in Litchfield until 1900. His father, the late Major Robert Mc- Williams, was a pioneer Litchfield attorney. P. A. Wilhite, early Litchfield attorney, brother of Circuit Judge L. E. Wilhite of Carlinville, died in 1903. In 1902, while serving as city attorney, he collected and codified the city ordinances of Litchfield. He was father of Siegel Wilhite and Mrs. Myrtle Grimes, both now of Litchfield. His widow, Mrs. Mary Lou Burns, still resides in Litch- field. Other Litchfield attorneys of bygone years who served at one time as city attorney include Thomas A. Gasaway, Walter V. Halford, Herbert L. Jackson, George P. O'Brien, and David R. Kinder, father of Dwight R. Kinder. "Dave" Kinder, once associated in law practice with the late Judge Thomas M. Jett of Hillsboro, was noted for his knowledge of the law as well as his forensic skill, as was also George O'Brien, brother of Maisie O'Brien of the News-Herald staff. Litchfield attorneys of bygone years who served as judge of the City Court include Colonel Amos Oiler, Paul McWilliams, Dan W. Maddox and Harry C. Stuttle. Early 20th-century attorneys here included M. M. Creighton and Zeno Reeves. Mr. Reeves was once postmaster here and later served a term in Congress. ATTORNEYS OF TO-DAY Present attorneys in Litchfield are Frank W. Cooper, Geraldine Cooper, Herbert W. Dey, Charles I. Fleming, Dennis J. Godfrey, Michael F. Godfrey, George A. Hall, Dwight R. Kinder, Maureen Macy Lober, Maurice T. Macy, J. Bert McWilliams, Paul McWilliams, Jr., and Harold B. Tunnell. Martin S. Morgan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Morgan, practiced here until a few years ago when he moved to Chicago. Maurice T. Macy, served as Montgomery County Judge from 1945 to 1950. Previously, Judge Macy had been a teacher and coach at the local high school for many years. Michael Godfrey, son of former County Clerk Mike Godfrey, practiced three years in East St. Louis before coming to Litchfield. The firm of Macy and Godfrey was established in 1951. Mrs. Maureen Macy Lober is associated with the firm. Herbert W. Dey, present Master in Chancery of the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, is a member of the firm of Kinder and Dey. Frank W. Cooper is also associated with that firm. Mr. Cooper's wife, Geraldine, is an attorney. Among the present Litchfield attorneys who have served as City Attorney of Litchfield are Harold B. Tunnell, Dwight R. Kinder, George A. Hall, and Herbert W. Dey. Mr. Hall also served as Montgomery County States Attorney for two terms. J. Bert McWilliams, son of the late Judge McWilliams, is the present City Attorney and is associated in law practice here with his brother, Paul McWilliams, Jr. THE CITY COURT OF LITCHFIELD In 1898 the City Court of Litchfield was estab- lished. Colonel Amos Oiler was elected the first judge and served one term of four years. In 1902, Paul McWilliams was elected Judge, serving three terms until 1914. Judge McWilliams, when first elected, was the youngest City Judge in the State of Illinois. Dan W. Maddox was City Judge from 1914 to 1918 and he was succeeded by Harry C. Stuttle who served as such until 1930. Judge Stuttle also served as States Attorney and as a member of the Illinois Senate from 1932 to 1940. Judge Paul McWilliams was again elected City Judge in 1930 and continued in office until his death in 1952. Charles I. Fleming, a former high school teacher, was elected to fill Judge McWil- liams' unexpired term and he is the present City Judge. Judges Stuttle, McWilliams, and Fleming have been often called to preside in the Circuit and Superior Courts of Cook County in Chicago. A number of well-known reidents of Litchfield have served as Clerk of the City Court. Dewey Randle, the present clerk, has served as such for the past 23 years. Preceding him were Harry Ballard, Lauretta Salzman, Chester Sullivan, Carl Zuber, and Robert Angle. Litchfield's Attorneys, past and present, have done much for the Litchfield community. The complexities of legal problems have mounted with the passing of the years and the lawyers of Litch- field have always earnestly tried to keep pace with them. They have done much toward devel- oping the Litchfield area into the peaceful, orderly, and progressive community which it is today. 196 History of the Physicians of Litchfield THE founding of a town is always of historical interest, and since 1953 marks Litchfield's centennial, it becomes of profound concern because of this history-making event. The history of the medical profession will show the part played in the growth of our town by this body of men. History tells us that Dr. Gamble was the first physician in the town and lived in a half-floored log cabin west of the Methodist Church. Dr. H. H. Hood first opened an office in Hardinsburg and was the second physician in Litchfield. He had his office at the store of J. M. McWilliams which was be- tween the Phoenix House and the Central Hotel. He was a man of decided opinions, active, persist- ent and inflexible, and was familiarly known to all. On November 24, 1854, the railroad was opened to Litchfield and the sale of the Pretlow property soon followed; the town received an impetus which it has not lost since; panics, fires, the Civil War, and removal of the railroad shops have each given a breathing time to lay wiser plans and build its prosperity on a more stable basis. Dr. John Grinsted came in 1856 from Woodburn, opened a drugstore, and practiced as a physician until advancing years compelled his retirement. In 1857 Doctors Strafford and Speers located here from St. Louis. Speers stayed only a short time but Strafford remained, much impaired in health. He never gained the position to which his skill might have properly carried him. Dr. Ash was here a year or two but found the field was too unpromising and moved to Brighton. Dr. John Skillman from Alton sought employment here and returned to Al- ton but came back to die. Of Dr. Neff it is proper to say that he is better known for his financial transactions than for his professional success. Dr. R. F. Bennett located here in 1862 and gained a large practice and possessed a modest fortune. He was active in politics and was twice mayor and twice alderman. His medical abilities even earned for him the high office of superintendent of the Anna Asylum. Dr. H. F. Bennett, his son. was secretary of the Montgomery County Medical So- ciety for many years. Dr. John D. Colt, forced by the failure of his health from service in the gunboat fleet, came here in 1863 and had reached an enviable rank in his profession. He was a pioneer surgeon and his skill was instrumental in establishing Litchfield as an enterprising medical center. He loved the science of medicine and for recreation chose the rod and gun when he could steal a day or two with them away from practice. He knew the names of flow- ers and loved the out-of-doors. At the opening of St. Francis Hospital in 1875, Dr. Colt was the only surgeon on its staff and established a secure foundation here for skilled surgery, causing Litch- field to be recognized as a famed medical center. Dr. Blackwelder went with Sherman to the sea and finally settled here and had a large practice. Dr. Jacob Clearwater was for many years the county physician. His practice was enormous and his fees would have been large had he exacted them. His reputation built his success. Dr. James after serving in Price's army came here. He lost his health, tried farming and went to Virginia to die, but regained his health and resumed his pro- fessional duties. Dr. Leach was the first homeop- athist and after his departure was not seen again. Early in the sixties, Ben Davis, the snapping doctor, made semi-monthly visits here. His au- dience room in the Cummings Building contained backless benches, on which were seated a score of patients, as grave and silent as mourners at a religious assembly. Davis circulated about the apartment, snapping his fingers like castanets and professing to heal diseases by occult magnetic in- fluences impacted from himself. Cures did not follow. His visits have been nearly forgotten. Other early physicians who practiced here in this era were Doctors Link, John H. Tilden, Charles W. Johnson, P. T. Jameson, and J. M. Stratton. Prior to 1882 in the long honorable list but three names have fallen to the ground: Doctors Alex- ander, Skillman, and Grinsted have died. It is the best evidence of their worth and skill that with the increase of the population, the bills of mortal- ity in 1881 were but little larger than in 1857, with only one-eighth of the present population. As early as 1854 cholera appeared in South Litchfield by importation from a river town. Again in 1870 cholera invaded the city and caused many deaths. All butcher shops were closed, but at night a meet- ing was held in several of them, where steaks were cut, broiled, and eaten. In 1882 there was an epi- demic of smallpox — the result of railroad travel. Preventive measures were taken but twenty-four died. General vaccination was enforced and the disease stamped out. In 1888, black diphtheria occurred. A victim of this disease was our Dr. Ross Griswold who made a complete recovery. Prior to World War I in 1917, the names of the following physicians are known: A Dr. Kelly who formerly was superintendent of the Kankakee In- sane Hospital. Dr. G. P. Yengst, who was in World War I, did not return to the city. Dr. Myron W. Snell, a physician in 1900, later became the com- manding officer of the Veterans' Hospital Milwau- kee, Wisconsin. Dr. Victor Barcroft, who came from Walshville, also Dr. T. B. Williams and Dr. Watson are known by some of the older physicians of the city. Dr. V. A. Carriere, who practiced here in 1900, later became a coroner in St. Louis. Dr. George W. Cox practiced here in 1916, and was a graduate of Johns Hopkins Medical School. Physicians of Litchfield have been not only active in civic affairs but very patriotic and heeding the country's call in the crisis of World War I. Those who served in the army in this period were Doc- tors H. F. Bennett, C. H. Zoller, Ross W. Griswold, and Myron W. Snell. Of this group Doctors Zoller and Griswold are carrying on an active practice. 197 Another skillful physician who was a great surgeon was the late Dr. George A. Sihler, Sr., who after graduating from McGill University came to Litchfield in 1884 and shortly after became an assistant of Dr. Colt. The St. Francis Hospital as a medical center in these days was clearly estab- lished mainly through the skill and efforts of Doc- tors Colt and Sihler who were the pre-eminent sur- geons in southern Illinois. Dr. George A. Sihler, Jr., a son of Dr. Sihler, Sr., followed in the foot- steps of his illustrious father and carried on a very skillful active surgical practice for 37 years. He was noted for his daring and boldness in the prac- tice of surgery and was held in high esteem by his colleagues. His death in January, 1949, was keenly felt by the profession and townspeople. Dr. C. Harold Sihler, another son, has been carrying on a very active practice since 1920. Last but not least was the late Dr. Lee Gilbert Allen, with whom the writer has had a close per- sonal contact for four and one-half years up to the time of his death in June, 1952. A family physi- cian of the old school, kindly, refined, and a great lover of humanity, Dr. Allen personified all the fine traits of the old beloved family doctor. He was held in high admiration by his colleagues and loved by his patients. To the townspeople, his reverence and noble character commanded high esteem and the most profound respect. To these fine attributes as a man, were added the skill and knowledge of a skilled surgeon and a studious physician. In many tete-a-tete fireside chats with the writer, Dr. Allen told with intimacy, the fine training he had re- ceived as a preceptor young doctor from his kindly teacher, Dr. Colt. As long as people reside in Litchfield, Dr. Allen will always be remembered as a fine and able physician and one of the town's most esteemed citizens. The physicians of Litchfield today have a glori- ous past and a solid foundation upon which to build for the successful activities of the medical practice for the future. All are graduates of fine medical schools which are classified as the best that modern education can bring to a young physician. A medi- cal education today is long, costly, and highly tech- nical, and with the interneship training qualifies a graduate to give most competent and intelligent care to the sick or maimed. For the quality and skill of its doctors, Litchfield indeed is very fortu- nate to possess so fine a group. Much success, care, comfort, and community health are in a great measure due to the splendid service and painstak- ing efforts of the Sisters, nurses, technicians, and employees of St. Francis Hospital who have so magnificently served the community since 1875 — a monumental test of care, love, and ceaseless vigi- lance for Litchfield and its neighboring countryside. In the two World Wars Litchfield contributed medical talent to the armed forces in the person- nel of the following: World War I Year entered practice in Litchfield Dr. Harry F. Bennett — Capt. U. S. Army (deceased). 1914 Dr. Christian H. Zoller— Major U. S. Army — overseas in France. 1912 Dr. Ross W. Griswold— Capt. U. S. Army — overseas in France. Dr. Myron W. Snell — Commanding Officer U. S. Veterans' Hospital, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 1949 Dr. Harry A. Olin— M a j o r U. S. Army Reserve Corps — overseas in France and England now in Litchfield). World War II 1946 Dr. George L. Allen— C a p t. U. S. Army — in India and Persia — 2 years. 1939 Dr. Nelson K. Floreth— Capt. U. S. Army Air Force — 38 months in New Guinea, South Pacific. 1935 Dr. Harry A. Yaeger— Capt. U. S. Army — 36 months U. S. and New Guinea. 1935 Dr. J. Robert Rebillot— Lieut.-Col. U. S. Army — 44 months and service in Hawaii. Dr. E. J. Beckner is the Health Offi- cer from the Illinois State Health Service for Montgomery County and resides in Litchfield. From the foregoing it can be appreciated that the physicians have served in various parts of the world, some, thousands of miles from home, and have returned to their homes to continue improv- ing the lives and health of the community. The task of writing a history of the physicians of Litchfield the past one hundred years was assigned to the writer on short notice, and much against his will. But he has been rewarded by learning Litchfield's early history and the group of fine physicians who have aided the community and who comprise its foremost citizens, civic- minded, patriotic, and contributing to its daily life and welfare. The writer begs indulgence for any omissions or unintentional misstatement of facts which have been gathered from the citizens, physi- cians, and from the histories of Bond and Mont- gomery Counties, published in 1882 and which the author considers some of the most valuable books of the Litchfield Public Library. An attempt has been made when drawing upon the material from the history of Montgomery County to preserve, as far as possible, the color, tone, and expressions which have proved to the writer such fascinating reading. The writer wishes to acknowledge with thanks, data furnished by Walter R. Sanders, and the staff of St. Francis Hos- pital, two of whom, Doctors Christian Zoller and Ross Griswold, supplied many missing links. As we go to press a few words should be writ- ten to honor those who have been in the practice of medicine 50 years. This honor was awarded to Dr. Lee Gilbert Allen in a joint meeting of the Montgomery and Macoupin County Medical So- cities in February, 1952. The Illinois State Medi- cal Society awarded him a 50 year membership 198 certificate and a gold pin. A similar honor this coming October will be awarded to Dr. Christian H. Zoller who will have completed his fifty years as a practicing physician, 37 of which have been spent in Litchfield. Harry A. Olin, M.D. 4-H Clubs THE 4-H CLUBS of the Litchfield vicinity were established between 1920 and 1925. Their purpose was to give young people the opportunity to learn skills and to obtain knowledge of farm and home practices; to develop leadership in commun- ity activities; to provide an opportunity to work out problems in a democratic manner; and to meet their needs for wholesome recreational and social activities. J. Ed Priddle and Myron Whitlock organized the first boys' 4-H Club in South Litchfield Township with the help of the Litchfield Community High School agriculture instructor, Irving Olson, and the Montgomery County Farm Adviser, Aldon Sny- der. In turn, Mesdames Priddle and Whitlock or- ganized, a few years later, a girls' 4-H Club. Both clubs were known as the Hickory Grove Clubs. Between the first club and the present Crabtree 4-H, several years elapsed without the existence of any 4-H club. Some other leaders served when it was reorganized, but Mr. Priddle took over the leadership again when the name was changed and served the second time for fifteen years before re- tiring. In North Litchfield Township one of the first leaders to organize a club was Miss May Crawford from the Honey Bend area. She was in charge of this girls' club for about 25 years and one of her first assistant leaders was Mrs. Frank Davis. The following are names and officers of the clubs: Hillside Lassie: Mrs. Freda Bandy, leader; Lois Jones, assistant leader; Dona Mae Wright, president; Joan Striplin, vice-president; Mary Carol Jones, secre- tary-treasurer. South Litchfield Home Economics Club: Mrs. A. Werner, leader; Mrs. Clifford Green, leader; Mary Ann Werner, assistant leader and reporter; Reba Bishop, assistant leader and secretary-treasurer; Maudine Pope, president; Carol Slightom, vice-president. Barnctt Busy Bees: Mrs. Russell Varner, leader; Mrs. Harold Goeke, assistant leader; Mary Thornton, president; Virginia Ragland, vice-president; Dottie Thornton, secretary; Keith Curvey, treasurer; Alberta Crawford, reporter; Carol Ray, recreational leader. Ritchie: Fremont Jones, leader; Tom Bandy, presi- dent; Paul Hampton, vice-president; Donald Hampton, secretary-treasurer; John Bowles, reporter. Crabtree: Tom Priddle, leader; Karl Frerichs, as- sistant leader; Ross Lay, president; Edward Helgen, vice-president; Henry Gartner, reporter; Leon Bier- baum, secretary-treasurer; Charles Culp, recreational leader. The clubs are made up of five or more boys and/ or girls between the ages of 10 and 20 who work on specific home or farm projects under the super- vision of adult leaders. This program is a part of the National Extension program in Agriculture and Home Economics in which over 2,000,000 boys and girls are now enrolled. Records are kept of the boys' and girls' projects which consist of livestock and grain production, tractor maintenance, home beautification, farm electrification, cooking, sewing, gardening, poultry raising, etc. All members completing their proj- ects are given a certificate with a seal attached. Completed record books are turned in and graded each fall as the basis for determining achievement awards. At an Achievement Night held at the end of each year the members are awarded bonds, trophies, medals, etc., for having outstanding projects on a county-wide basis. Of the winners, the two most outstanding are given a trip with all expenses paid to the 4-H Club Congress held in conjunction with the International Livestock Show in Chicago. Girl Scouting in Litchfield THE Girl Scout movement was begun in Litch- field in 1926 by the President of the Litchfield Women's Club, Mrs. Harry F. Bennett. This troop continued for about two years, and then the move- ment died out. It was reactivated in 1936 with Mrs. Harold Fleming as Leader of Troop I and Mrs. John Heinlein of Troop II. Girl Scouts have gone forward continuously since that time. At present there are fifteen very active Girl Scout troops and 85 adult interested workers registered with the National Girl Scout Association. Churches and P.TA.'s work in harmony to sponsor these troops in Litchfield. In 1946 a sum of money had been collected for Montgomery County Girl Scouts through the United War Relief Fund Drives. Realizing this money was available to further the Girl Scout movement, in January, 1947, a group of interested Litchfield women, including Mrs. Frank Carter, Miss Estella Blankley, Mrs. Garth Henrichs, Mrs. Lee Carroll, Mrs. Ruth Hauser Anderson, and Mrs. Murray Shrader, attended a meeting in Hillsboro. This meeting was conducted by a professional worker of National Girl Scouts (paid for from County funds). She helped the group to set up the Mont- gomery County Girl Scout Association uniting Litchfield, Nokomis, and Hillsboro. In July, 1947, the Montgomery County Girl Scout Association held its first day camp of four weeks at Lake Hillsboro, at a minimum cost of two dol- lars per girl per week. The allotment from the Litchfield Community Chest each year has helped to make day camping possible for Litchfield girls in all circumstances. A four-week day camp has been held each summer in July since 1947 with an attendance of approximately 350 Girl Scouts and Brownies. An average of 60 Girl Scouts and Brownies from Litchfield attend the day camp each week. Each year additional improvements and sup- plies have been added to day camp. We now own 199 one general supply house used as headquarters, and called the "Big House"; a second smaller build- ing used as a first-aid station, and called the "Little House"; three large tents; and outdoor cooking utensils, dishes, and silver for use by the girls. Additional material for arts and crafts is added each year. A swim period is provided each day with instruction by an American Red Cross Life Guard. Instruction in the handling of small boats is also included. Our day camp meets all National Girl Scout requirements in program and sanitation. In November, 1947, Mrs. Verne Mahlandt was appointed town chairman for Litchfield to pass on information to Litchfield from the County Group. On January 18, 1949, the Litchfield Girl Scout Association was officially formed with fourteen peo- ple in attendance. Later Mrs. Robert Rebillot served two years in the capacity as Town Chair- man. The Litchfield Girl Scouts have had a Cookie Sale each year since 1948. In March, 1949, a Girl Scout Birthday Party was held with all Litchfield Girl Scout troops participating; it has become an annual event. County Girl Scout Play Day was instituted in 1950 at Walton Park in Litchfield. The Scouts look forward to Play Day each year. Through the cooperation and endeavor of Litch- field people, Girl Scouting has become a commu- nity project and continues to grow. Masonic Fraternity IN February, 1857, a petition was granted by J. H. Hibbard, MWGM of the State of Illinois, to a group of Masons to institute a Masonic Lodge in Litchfield to be known as Charter Oak Lodge. The first meeting was held on March 4, 1857, the three principal officers being G. G. Withington, WM; W. S. Palmer, SW; W. H. Cummings, JW. On Oct. 7, 1857, a charter was granted to these men and C. W. Parish, S. W. McDonald, James Thalls, Samuel Boothe, and B. C. Beardsley to form Charter Oak Lodge No. 236. On Oct. 28th, W. S. Palmer was installed WM; W. H. Cummings, SW; D. W. Bagley, JW; together with the other officers of the lodge. The second degree was con- ferred on Brother E. W. Litchfield (after whose family the town was named) and the third degree on Brothers W. T. Elliott and R. W. O'Bannon. The meetings were held in a room on the third floor of the yellow-colored frame building known as the "Wigwam" which was located on the south- east corner of Ryder and Madison Streets. The first and second floors were occupied by a carriage fac- tory. The membership increased to such an extent that in May, 1867, the lodge took temporary quar- ters in the second story of the Elliott Hall (what is now the south half of Yaegers Clothing Store). In July, 1867, the Grand Lodge was petitioned to form another lodge of Masons to be known as the Litchfield Lodge. On Oct. 1, 1867, a charter was granted by I. R. Gorin, MWGM, and on Oct. 7 Litchfield Lodge No. 517 was constituted with the following charter members being installed: Geo. M. Raymond, WM; W. E. Bacon, SW; S. J. Kirk- patrick, JW; I. W. Davenport, Treasurer; H. C. Watson, Secretary; Geo. A. Stoddard, SD; Shelby Tyler, JD; C. W. Parish, SS; John B. Hall, JS; C. M. Gilfellen of Charter Oak Lodge as Tyler. Other charter members were Wesley Best and N. C. Alexander. Dr. J. D. Colt was one of the first members to be initiated. In March, 1868, both lodges moved to the third floor of the brick building located at the northwest corner of State and Kirkham Streets, now occu- pied by the Odd Fellows. On May 15, 1913, the Masons purchased the build- ing known as the Opera House located at the north- east corner of Ryder and Madison Streets, the sec- ond floor of which was used as a lodge hall. In 1923 this building was destroyed by fire and on Nov. 20, 1924, the present Masonic Temple was dedicated. On June 7, 1935, a charter was issued consoli- dating both lodges into Litchfield Lodge No. 236 and on July 23 the following officers were installed: C. A. Hampton, WM; Earl Anderson, SW; W. L. Bishop, JW; A. F. Heath, Treasurer; Clyde Du- pree, Secretary; O. J. Stockton, SD; Geo. A. Hall, JD; C. M. Davis, SS; John H. Taylor, JS; A. R. Blankley, Chap.; A. H. Roberts, Mar.; B. J. Ellis, Organist; Danvill Bennett, Tyler. Present officers are A. N. Barrow, WM; R. Brandt, SW; G, Faris, JW; A. F. Heath, Treasurer; A. G. Kleinbeck, Secretary; D. Symmes, SD; J. Markos, JD; F. Butts, SS; L. Corn, JS; C. D. Case, Chap.; R. N. Angle, Mar.; B. J. Ellis, Organist; A. Handegan, Tyler. American Legion Auxiliary THE American Legion Auxiliary was organized August 24, 1929, with 32 charter members. The first president was Helen Brubaker and the first secretary was Irene Goodall. For God and Country we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To up- hold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred per cent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations during the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good-will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democ- racy; to participate in and contribute to the accomplishments of the aims and purposes of the American Legion. We help the Crippled Children's Clinic, Christ- mas baskets, needy children and any civic project and charities. We bought an incubator for the hos- pital, and artificial limbs for children. We sponsor: a cottage at Soldiers' Orphans' Home; Americanism Essay and Poppy Poster Con- 200 tests; Brownie Troop; a girl to Girls' State; par- ties and gifts for Gold Star Mothers and Nurses of both World Wars; also assist in National-Civil De- fense. Furnish: Parties, cigarettes, candy, books, cloth- ing, vaponefrin, insulin, cards, materials for craft articles and poppies that disabled veterans make. Save coupons to purchase seeing-eye dogs and transportation for veterans' families. The present membership is 136. Marie Sprigg is President and Marie Loew is Secretary. Dairy Club THE Litchfield Community Dairy Club was es- tablished in the latter part of 1947. The found- ers were C. A. Brock, former high school voca- tional agriculture teacher, and Earl Peterson, Montgomery County Farm Adviser. They were assisted by local farmers and businessmen. Its purpose was to award boys and girls, 4-H and F.F.A. members, for their proficiency and achievements in dairying. There were twelve charter members: Elmer Frerichs, Henry Schmidt, Charles Hampton, Har- old Fleming, A. K. Saunders, C. A. Brock, Andy Kopp, H. Henning, W. F. Allen, Robert Sharp, Ed Priddle and Earl Peterson. The present member- ship numbers 35 and the officers are: Morgan Fogleman, president ; Karl Frerichs, vice-president ; and Gertrude Ploczizka, secretary-treasurer. The directors are: Henry Schmidt, A. K. Saunders, W. F. Allen, Glenn Douglas, and Earl Peterson. Seven degrees are set up on a score card as a basis for presentation. These vary from the first degree of Cub Dairyman, with 30 points earned from the point scale, to the Master Dairyman, 7th degree, with 850 points earned from the point scale. Members receiving awards in 1953 were: Cub Dairyman Degree — Charles Culp, Mike Hittmeier; Junior Dairyman Degree — Delmar Volentine, Rob- ert Janssen, Gilbert Kean, Paul Hampton; Dairy- man Degree — William Sielschott, Robert Gurley, Donald Hampton; Skilled Dairyman Degree — Leon Bierbaum, Edward Helgen, Charles Bierbaum, Wal- ter Bishop; Star Dairyman Degree — Gertrude Ploczizka, Karl Frerichs, Herman Helgen. State Employment Office The Illinois Department of Labor through its Illinois State Employment Service Office located at 218-220 South Jackson Street, Litchfield, ad- ministers both the Employment Service and Un- employment Compensation Programs for Macoupin and Montgomery Counties. This office was opened in August, 1941, so as to provide full-time service to the public — workers and employers — of this and the surrounding com- munities. Prior to this date, Litchfield was served on an itinerant basis through the Gillespie office. Through operation of the Employment Service and Unemployment Compensation Programs, the local Employment Service Office seeks to promote and maintain the highest levels of stable employ- ment for the community. Since August, 1941, this office has made 18,624 placements with employers in this community and throughout the State and Nation. Unemployment Compensation benefits paid to workers during periods of unemployment help to maintain the economic security of the individual and preserve the welfare of the community. In furthering its program of maximum utiliza- tion of all labor within the community, this office works closely with the Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations in attempting to attract new industry to locate in Litchfield. The Litchfield Post Office which was built in 1910. 201 Litchfield Community Chest and Council, Inc. FOR several years prior to being officially or- ganized, the Community Chest Drives were conducted through the supervision of the Chamber of Commerce office. On March 1, 1949, the Litch- field Community Chest and Council, Inc., was of- ficially incorporated. DRIVE CHAIRMEN YEAR PRESIDENTS J. Bert McWilliams Wm. Todt, Jr. Guy Farquhar and Harry Butler Frank Cooper Paul McWilliams 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 J. Bert McWilliar Garth Henrichs Don Brubaker Victor Hauser The following statement shows the amounts raised for the past 5 years by the Community Funds Raised Expenses — Allocations Boy Scouts of America Girl Scouts of America Salvation Army U.S.O. (Now U.D.F.) Christmas Basket-Relief National Travelers Aid Illinois Heart Association Illinois Heart Association (Reserve) Litchfield School Milk Fund Litchfield Social Service Council National Association Mental Health Nat'l Com. Chest Membership Dues Treasurer's Bond Campaign Expenses Chest and the corresponding agencies benefiting from the Drives: 19^8 191,9 1950 1951 1952 4291.70 4696.80 5656.38 6537.14 6403.11 1000.00 1300.00 1400.00 1643.00 1800.00 1000.00 800.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1200.00 1200.00 1200.00 1200.00 150.00 325.00 108.98 429.00 448.00 250.00 200.00 250.00 354.61 180.22 25.00 25.00 250.00 250.00 232.45 25.00 250.00 459.25 400.00 19.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 571.58 578.56 705.81 567.35 571.64 The Chamber of Commerce THE Litchfield Chamber of Commerce was or- ganized in 1898 by a group of 28 civic minded men, under the name of the Litchfield Board of Trade. One year later, with $7.00 in the treasury, an Industrial Committee was set up, with David Davis as Chairman. It was through this Commit- tee that negotiations were first made (1904) with R. Lewis Redpath, resulting in the purchase of Mike Cleary's cornfield as the site for the Ameri- can Radiator Company. This group later became known as the Merchants' Protective Association of Litchfield (1907) and finally was incorporated as the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce (1936). At the time the Brown Shoe Company located here (1917) the Chamber took the lead in raising the $60,000 to make this possible. Later, another $25,000 was raised for an addition to the plant. When the Hoffman Forge came here in '49, the Chamber again raised the $7000 necessary for this industry employing 23 men. The industries recently brought to Litchfield through the efforts of the Chamber are the Roll- Away Skate and Aerflyte Shoe Companies in 1951. at which time the industrial committee again raised $20,000. With the securing of desirable industries, the Chamber has also had the job of screening unde- sirable ones. Hundreds of contacts are made each year by the Industrial Committee. There is also a Committee working on a zoning ordinance for the approval of the City Council. The Chamber was instrumental in organizing the Litchfield Community Chest and their campaigns are conducted each year with the cooperation of the Chamber Office. The preliminary work of activating a Centennial setup was done through the Chamber's Board of Directors, whose office served as headquarters for the Centennial Board's business transactions. Other Chamber activities by committees include Greeter Service to new families, new street light- ing system, Community Planning Survey, employ- ment survey, weekly radio broadcasts discussing vital national issues, study and recommendations on legislative matters in conjunction with State and National Chamber, highway and lake plan- ning, farm program, assistance in compilation of 202 city directories, financial support of matron for Library Rest Room, shrubbery in Library Park, ordinance recommended and passed affecting ped- dlers, solicitation screening, downtown garbage col- lection, negotiations for Illinois National Guard, also Illinois State Employment Office, Scrap Drives, War Bond Drive, and support of Grade and High School bond issues. The Retail Division embraces such activities as Christmas decorations for the downtown district, Christmas on Wheels parade, Santa Claus, Style Shows, Dollar Days, survey of retail service to shoppers and Retail Clinics, Business-Industry-Ed- ucation Days, Vocational Guidance and Distribu- tive Education programs with schools, and prizes for the annual National Employ-the-Physically- Handicapped Poster contest. The Litchfield Chamber of Commerce is affiliated with the State and National Chambers. Past presi- dents are: D. W. Taylor, Ed Shrader, Charles Morgan, L. W. Cline, H. C. Gorin, Clyde Brubaker, Sr., Gus Alexander, R. L. Hurt, Clyde Dupree, Charles Hauser, W. H. Hartke, Paul Armstrong, Ben Yaeger, George Worley, M. M. Hess, F. P. Hanafin, W. F. Allen, A. E. Price, and Max Ash. Present Officers: B. C. Arnold, Chairman of the Board Al Sallee, President Max Ash, Vice-President Harold Fleming, Treasurer Mrs. Emily Davis, Secretary Directors B. R. Blazer J. W. Moss D. R. Kinder Ray Hittmeier A. E. Price Al Russell Home Bureau THE Litchfield Unit of Home Bureau was or- ganized on October 9, 1936, at the home of Mrs. Frank B. Davis. There were thirteen charter members. The first officers were: Unit Chairman Mrs. Frank Davis Vice Chairman Mrs. Lawrence Heyenga Secretary Mrs. J. Marvin Larkin Treasurer Mrs. August Mehlberg The Litchfield unit was later joined by ladies from the South Litchfield Unit who were members until 1947 when a unit was again organized in South Litchfield and is now a flourishing unit with ten members. The Officers of the Litchfield Unit for 1952-53 are: Chairman Mrs. Maynard Ritchie Vice Chairman Mrs. Merle Shoop Secretary Mrs. Wayne Sharp Treasurer Mrs. John Tunnell The Officers of the South Litchfield Unit for 1952-53 are: Chairman Mrs. J. Ed Priddle Vice Chairman Mrs. Fred Towell Sec'y-Treas. Mrs. August Ploczizka Home Bureau is an organization co-operating with the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the Home Economics Extension Department of the University of Illinois. The Home Bureau Aim is to have every home Economically sound Mechanically convenient Morally wholesome Mentally stimulating Artistically satisfying Physically healthful Socially responsible Spiritually inspiring Founded on mutual affection and respect Meetings are held monthly in the homes of the members and lessons are presented on various sub- jects pertaining to the home. Specialists from the University give instructions in the subject matter and the lesson is presented by members of the unit. The County Home Advisor, Mrs. Helen Watson, and the Assistant Home Advisor, Mrs. Anita Smith, present the lesson several times each year. V. F. W. 777— Ladies Auxiliary LADIES Auxiliary to McAllister Pollard Post 777, Veterans of Foreign Wars was instituted in a joint installation with the Hillsboro Auxiliary at Hillsboro, Illinois, November 20, 1940 (in the Kinkaid Hall). Mrs. Sue Welsh was installed as first president of the local Auxiliary of 36 charter members. Only four charter members remain at the present time; they are Mesdames Cora Buzick, Emma Herman, Hannah Hart, and Delia Pence. The objects of the organization are: rehabilita- tion of the sick and wounded veterans in govern- ment hospitals by giving parties, dinners, and gifts. Once each year the Auxiliary sell "Buddy Pop- pies." These are made by disabled veterans to earn money for themselves and families. The National Home is maintained by contribu- tions of Posts and Auxiliaries for the benefit of widows and orphans of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Child Welfare is one of the most worthy projects of our Auxiliary. Special fund-raising activities are held to assist the Department of Illinois in the care of children of needy veterans. In community service the Auxiliary is always ready to give time and money to any worthy cause. The Auxiliary is composed of a group of hard- working loyal women who combine service and pleasure to make a succesful organization. The Auxiliary holds regular meetings the sec- ond and fourth Thursdays of each month at Post Home, 123 West Edwards Street. Mrs. Juanita Martin is president of the local Auxiliary. Many of our early industries were lost to us for- ever through fire — the mills, car shops, etc. Some were lost due to change in times. It was found that northern grain made flour that would absorb more water. Bakers weigh their loaves before they were baked so they have the advantage of the weight of the water. Hence no mills rebuilt here. 203 This Is WSMI TODAY in the United States more homes have radios than have electricity; than have bath- tubs or indoor plumbing. In fact, there are more radio receivers than the total of all the beds in the land. Radio to listeners of Mid-Illinois is Radio Station WSMI. A recent survey showed that WSMI is listened to more than all other stations combined, and more than twice as much as daytime televi- sion. The major phases of WSMI's programming op- erations include news, sports, farm programs, women's programs, special events, and music. WSMI employs a full-time news editor, Jack Funk, and a full-time leased news wire of the Associated Press. Sports fans tune in for Ed Johnson's daily broadcast "Last Word in Sports," as they do each year for Ed's annual broadcast directly from Cham- paign at the State High School Basketball Tourna- ment. Each summer major league daytime base- ball games are broadcast directly from ball parks throughout the country through special sports net- works. Two programs each day are broadcast especially for farmers. The noontime Mid-Illinois Farm Hour is the most complete noontime farm program heard in Central and Southern Illinois. Farm news, markets, weather, interviews, and talks by farm leaders are all a part of the program. Women's news, fashions, cooking and interesting interviews are broadcast each day on "Your Home and Mine" by WSMI's Evelyn Smith. It's a program that's interesting, entertaining and informative. The WSMI special events microphone takes lis- teners to the scene of all the major happenings in the area. Most recently broadcast were final ar- guments in a murder trial; the departure of the local National Guard unit; and the appearance of the President of the United States. Radio Station WSMI in 1949 was little more than an ambitious idea in the minds of two young radio engineers and broadcasters, Hayward L. Talley and Thomas F. Payton, Jr. By the early months of 1950, however, the idea had grown to the extent that a new corporation, the Mid-Illinois Broadcast- ing Company, had been formed for the purpose of constructing and operating the proposed station. First officers of the corporation were Hayward L. Talley, President, and Thomas F. Payton, Jr., Ex- ecutive Vice-President and Secretary. Soon formal application was made to the Fed- eral Communications Commission for authority to build. Early plans called for a station with a power of 250 watts, the usual power for a local sta- tion. Before application was made, however, it was decided to plan for 1000 watts, thus giving Mid-Illinois radio equal or greater power than any other Illinois station south of Peoria. November 2, 1950, climaxed the many months of planning, building and equipment installation with the first day's broadcast. Taking part were Hayward L. Talley Thomas F. Payton FOUNDERS representatives of all phases of community life — business, religious, and political. 1952 marked the untimely death of one of the station's founders, Thomas F. Payton, Jr. Tom is missed at WSMI — and throughout the area. But WSMI remains as a fine memorial to his life and work. The other founder, Hayward Talley, re- mains as President and General Manager of the organization. Radio Station WSMI has gained within less than three years a wide listening audience in the south central area of Illinois. Bearded Champions HIGHLIGHT of the Litchfield Elks bowling sea- son was the winning of first place in the five- man team event of the Elks National Bowling Tournament held in Chicago at the Congress Rec- reation Alleys, February 23, through May 3, 1953. The winning score was 3,106 pins. Members of 1953 Elks National Champions the winning team pictured above with their first place trophy are, reading left to right: seated, Carl Diehl, and Mason Bouillon, captain; stand- ing: Harvey H. Lehnen, Ralph Walls, and Gene Phillips. Other prizes received were individual diamond belt buckles to the team members, and a check for $300 to the local Elks Club. 204 View of Airport looking north — Litchfield is in the upper right part of picture The Litchfield Airport THE "Litchfield Airport Authority Act" was voted on and carried by the citizens of Litch- field and its surrounding area. The "Litchfield Air- port Authority" was approved April 4, 1945, under the provisions of an Act entitled "An Act in re- lation to Airport Authorities." Board members are appointed for five years. Clyde Brubaker, Jr., and Russell Brawley, appointed by the Mayor of Litchfield, were the members of by the Judge of the County Court ; Bill Houlihan, M. M. McClurg, and Lester W. Luehrs, appointed the first Board. Clyde Brubaker, Jr., was the first President and Chairman ; Lester W. Luehrs was the first Secretary-Treasurer and still holds that post. Two plots of ground just west of new Route 66 and south of the Schmidt Trucking Company, con- sisting of about ninety acres, were bought from Mr. Kaiser and Mr. Prange. However, before this land was bought, all surrounding areas were explored by the board and the C.A.A. state and federal rep- resentatives. Litchfield has the only airport in Macoupin, Montgomery, and Bond counties, or the Litchfield trading area. In looking for a site, the board wanted to be close to a town with a good road leading to it. Litchfield has such an airport, five minutes from the business section and three hundred feet from a motel and restaurant. There is approximately one-half mile of runways with the west and east runway blacktopped; the airport has blacktopped taxi strips and a large hangar housing ten planes. The field is fenced to keep out all animals. A bond issue of $50,000 was passed by ordinance to acquire, establish, construct, and develop the "Litchfield Airport Authority" ; the bonds to be retired in 20 years. The board then applied for, and received, State and Federal aid, with the Air- port Authority to pay 25 per cent, the State 25 per cent and the Federal Government 25 per cent. The present board members are President, Al Sal- lee; Secretary-Treasurer, Lester W. Luehrs; Olind McPherson, Bill Houlihan, and Frank Swank. The present manager and flight instructor is Merle Stinnett, Charles Peters is the licensed A. E. Me- chanic. Orval Hittmeier served as a board mem- ber for several years. $1.02 per $1,000 valuation is assessed the prop- erty owners within the airport district. The air- port cost far less than one mile of single pavement on Route 66. If anyone in Litchfield or surrounding area needed a medicine or drug in case of serious ill- ness, the airport could easily be worth more than one could ever pay. The airport has considerable traffic of people going across country each day and it certainly has put Litchfield on the map. 205 INDEX A & H Supply Co., 100 Aerflyte Shoe Co., 109 Aid Association for Lutherans, 195 Airport, 205 Alexander, A. M., 84 Alexander Lumber Co., 136 Allen, Dr. L. G., 77 Allen, W. F., 7 American Legion Auxiliary, 200 American Radiator, 90 Anderson, Claude, 99 Annex Cafe, The, 138 Arco Country Club, 191 Ariston Cafe, 117 Armstrong, Paul, 7 Arnold Family, Bert C, Sr., 86 Atchison Family, 63 Attorneys of By-Gone Years, 196 Austin and Shrader Bros., 119 Bacon Family, 51 Baker Family, 68 Bandy Barber Shop, 102 Bargfield Family, 73 Barnstable Supply Co., 123 Barry Family, 61 Beach, Davis & Co., 25 Beach Family, 57 Becker, Dr. Vernon, 195 Beck's Cleaners, 137 Bennett Family, 19, 63 Berry, Chancy D., 156 Beta Sigma Phi, 164 Beveridge Restaurant, 36 Biebel Roofing Co., 153 Billiter's Standard Service, 147 Bishop, Frank, 71 Blackwelder, Alfred, 75 Blackwelder's Clothing Store, 129 Blaeuer Office Equipment Co., 138 Blatter Motor Sales, 97 Boot and Shoe Workers Union, 186 Bootery, The, 137 Bost Family, 61 Boy Scouts, 190 Brawley Brothers, 112 Brell, William F., 68 Brewington Family, 56 Brewington, William, 52 Brokaw Family, 69 Brown Shoe Company, 111 Brubaker, Don L., 7 Brubaker Motor Co., 127 Bryant Family, 84 Builder's Supply & Rental Co., 143 Burwell Glass Products, 117 Busby Cleaners, 113 Busby's Drive-In, 156 Buscher and Son, M. J., 138 Buscher Family, 79 Buske Lines, Inc., 103 Butler Family, 69 Butler, Harry, 4 Cahokia Trinity Lutheran Church, 161 Capitol-Ritz Theatres, 152 Carnegie Library, 183 Carpenters and Joiners Union, 187 Carroll Funeral Home, 135 Car Works, 30 Chamber of Commerce, 202-203 Chautauqua, 35, 37 Cities Service, 115 City Council of 1903, 35 Cline, L. W., 72 Coca-Cola Bottling Co., 131 Colophon Credits, 208 Colt, Dr. John D., 76 Community Chest, 202 Concert Band of 1911, 41 Cooper, Frank W., 8 Corner Liquor Store, 123 Crane Family, 63 Cratty Family, 76 D Dairy Club, 201 Daily News, 26 Davis, Charles M., 83 Davis, David, 54 Davis, John P., 54 Davis, Mrs. Charles M., 3 Davis Store, 21, 24 Dearduff Roller Rink, 107 Dental Profession, 175 Denton Cafe, 147 Dixie Market, 147 Dodds, Family, 88 Doll's Self-Service Laundry, 124 Dooley Shoe-Repair Shop, 126 Doug's Service Station, 158 Eades Dairy Queen, 113 Eastern Star, 182 Elementary Teachers, 182 Elks Bowling Team, 204 Elks Club, 194 Employees' Welfare Association, 185 F Fair Department Store, 106 Farmers Elevator, 125 Farquhar's Men's Store, 144 Faris Cab Co., 151 Fearn, Logan, 5 Fire Department, 179 Firemen of 1886, 29; 1911, 40 First Baptist Church, 168 First Methodist Church, 171 First National Bank, 105 First Presbyterian Church, 170 Fisher Family, 80 Fitzsimmons Family, 63 Fizzell Hardware, 102 Fleming Family, 84 Four H Clubs, 199 Free Methodist Church, 166 Fudoli, Jim, Heating & Sheet Metal Contractors, 139 Future Farmers of America, 177 Gage Family, 57 Gerlt Funeral Home, 119 Gib's Flower Shop, 136 Girl Scouts, 199 Goeke Family, 51 Goodall Family, 82 Gorin Family, 72 Gragg Family, 80 Graham, Dale, 79 Green Family, 84 Green, Vernon, 96 Grubbs, Samuel Moody, 84 Grummon, John W., 85 Guyan, Dr. R. W., 126 H Hagerdorn Studio, 155 Hall, George A., 66 Hanrahan Family, 87 Harlow's Shell Service, 128 Harvey's Poultry & Feed Co., 128 Hauser, Charles, 69 Heath Family, 66 Heise, Martin M., 56 Henderson, Dr. Harold J., 121 Henrichs Family, 81 Henrichs, Garth, 3 Hermsmeyer Brothers, 106 High School, 162-163 Hittmeier Brothers, 118 Hod Carriers, Building and Com- mon Labor Union, 193 Holderread Drug Store, 119 Holmer's Superway, 109 Home Bureau, 203 Hood Family, 58 Hood Home, 18 Hoog, Constantine, 75 Hope Camp Number 9959, 158 House of Sunshine, The, 132 Hribar Market, 103 Hughes, Hugh J., 70 Hushing Family, 70 I Ice Plant, 39 Irvine Dairy, 152 Jacob, William, 139 James, Dr., 30 Johnson's Infirmary, Dr. C. W., 26 Johnson Hardware, 116 Jones, Fred P., Tile Company, 131 Jones, Max, 150 K K & L Farm Supply, 138 K & O Tractor Sales, 151 Kane & Stolle, 107 Kane, Peter, 53 Kelly, Michael, 55 Katherine Grace Beauty Shop, 124 Kinder Family, 58 Kitch Family, 84 Kiwanis Club, 181 Kniery-Knagg Post, No. 436, 185 Kniery, Simon, 88 Knights of Columbus, 178 Koval, Stephen, 85 Kriege, Hatchery, 97 Kroger's, 122 Larkin, Marvin, 5 Lay's Grocery, 135 Leonard's Market, 113 Levy's Cheap Corner, 25 Library Fountain, 22 Litchfield Auto Parts, 158 Litchfield Bank & Trust Co., 95 Litchfield Bituminous Co., 134 Litchfield Candy Kitchen, 155 Litchfield Concrete Co., 134 Litchfield Creamery Co., 94 Litchfield, Electus Bachus, 12 Litchfield Family, 85 Litchfield Food Lockers, 123 Litchfield Grocer Co., 144 Litchfield Hotel, 33, 42 Litchfield Lumber Co., 128 Litchfield Marble and Granite Co., 46 Litchfield National Bank, 110 Litchfield Public Schools. 159-161 Litchfield Transit Co.. 131 Litchfield Woman's Club, 180 206 Mc McCance Brothers, 109 McElligott, Richard, 56 McGinnis Family, 63 McManus Studio, 38 McNamara Family, 87 McPherson Tire Service, 130 McWilliams Family, 70 M Machinists' Union, 182 Machler Family, 63 Macy Family, 72 Mahondu, James, 46 Mangers, Peter, 57 Martin, Mark M., 55 Masonic Fraternity, 200 Master Mfg. Co., 100 Masters Family, 81 Max Sherman Lodge, 173 Mazenko Dri-Gas Service, 131 Maupin, Ira T„ Jr., D.D.S., 178 Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., 128 Miller Family, 76 Miller, H. G., Radio and Music Store, 143 Milnor Drug Store, 34 Milnor, Frank R., 59 Milnor Family, 64 Mine Hoist, 48 Mix Grocery, 155 Montgomery's Camera Corner, 130 Montgomery County Motor Co., 122 Montgomery Family, 80 Moose Lodge, 190 Mothervvay, John, 53 Mueller's Shell Service, 153 Mumme Family, 70 Myers, Bert, Jr., 74 Myers Family, 72 N Napier Plumbing and Heating Co., 114 Nathan's L., Clothing Store, 48 Nathanson's, 124 Nelson, William L., 68 Newberry Co., J. J., 102 News Center, 113 News-Herald, 118 New York Store, 32, 41 Niehaus Truck Service, W. J., 133 Niemann Electric Co., 136 Nold's Drug Store, 99 North End Service, 151 Nu Phi Mu, 178 O O'Bannon, Richard W., 50 Odd Fellows Lodge, 195 Oil Citv Building & Savings Assn., 117 Oil Rig, 29 OK Mill, 47 Oiler, Perry Commodore, 39 Opera House, 27, 47 Out-O-Door Stoves, Inc., 157 Overhead, The, 154 Owen Mfg. Inc., 148. 149 Paden, Victor O., 157 Painters, Decorators, and Paper- hangers Union, 186 Palmer, Winfield S., 50 Pappmeier Family, 66 Parent-Teacher's Association, 192 P.E.O. Sisterhood, 181 Pfolsgrofs Jewelry, 135 Physicians, History of, 197-199 Pierce Family, 87 Planet Mill, 31 Plat of Litchfield, 14 Post Office, 201 Potts Family, 60 Price's Cafe, 133 Price Family, 56 Prosser Electric Co., 98 R R & C Home Appliances, 117 Radiator and Furnace Workers Union— Local 1770, 188 Ralph's Marathon Service Station, 144 Rambo's Wallpaper & Paint Store, 117 Ranch Inn, 147 Rebekah Lodge, 187 Riley, Glen D., 87 Ritchie, John W., 52 Ritchie, Martin, 52 Ritchie, Maynard, 104 Ritchie's Service Station, 150 Roberts Family, 61 Robinson Grocery, 100 Roll-Away Skate Co., 108 Ronen Family, 77 Ronen's Market, 106 Ross and Becker, 115 Rotary Club, 184 Ruecking, Harry, 6 Sackett Barber Shop, 99 St. Aloysius Church, 165 St. Francis Hospital, 176-177 St. Mary's Church, 174 Sallee Refrigerator Service, 151 Salvation Army, 191 Sanders Family, 71 Sanders, Walter R., 8 Saratoga Club, 146 Sargent Market, 133 Satterlee Brothers, 142 Satterlee, Harry, 3 Schalk Family, 71 Schalk, Ray W., 82 Scherer Family, 55 Schmidt Truck Service, 116 Schoen, John B., 96 Schoen, John E., Jr., 6 Schoen Store, W. B., 24 Scotty's Pontiac, 156 Schutt Mfg. Co., 98 Schweppe, Howard and Son, 141 Settlemire Family, 80 Sharp's Market, 141 Sherman's Department Store, 152 Shero Plumbing and Heating, 139 Shore Family, 78 Sidney's, 104 Sigma Sigma, 181 Sihler, George A., Sr., 60 Silver Leaf Camp, 193 Simpson's Shoes, 96 Sinclair Family, 64 Skelton Family, 63 Skinny's Cafe, 141 Snell Family, 83 Southside Baptist Church, 193 Southworth Home, 20 Sparks, David R., 59 Sportsman's Club, 175 Stahl Family, 66 Stamer Implement Co., 157 Stansifer Family, 82 State Employment Office, 201 Steel Worker's Union, Local 4737, 189 Stiefel Family, 55 Stratton, Samuel W., 86 Strehle Agency, 106 Strehle Family, 64 Striegel, Otto G., 104 Stuttle Family, 51 Tavlor, D. W., 62 Taylor, George W., 86 Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Ware- housemen Union, 189 Thiessen's Market, 116 Thorp Family, 53 Tile Works, 46 Todt, George, 74 Todt, William H., Jr., 74 Todt, William H, Sr., 73, 98 Towey, Mr. and Mrs. James M., 50 Train Wreck, 38 Tyler Family, 53 Typographical Union, 188 U Uhlenhop Family, 67 Uhlenhop Store, 103 Union Avenue Christian Church, 169 Universalist Church, 164 Updike Family, 76 Varner Brothers Motel, 150 Verne & Gene's, 153 V. F. W., Post No. 777, and Ladies' Auxiliary, 203 V. F. W., Post No. 3912, and Ladies' Auxiliary, 166 W Wabash Railroad, 145 Weatherford, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph, 67 Weber Family, 66 Weir, John F., 74 Wells-Fargo Express, 42, 48 Westhoff Sheet Metal, 107 White House Service Station, 140 Whitlock, Charles Lee, 71 Wilhite, Siegel, 73 Wiegreffe Family, 65 Windmill Factory, 40 Woman's Christian Temperance Union, 189 Woman's Relief Corps, 161 Women of the Moose, 165 Woodman Family, 76 Wooster Family, 80 Workinger's, 126 Worley, George, 4 Worley Wear, 101 WSMI, 204 Y Yaeger Family, 81 Yaeger's, 120 Yates Bakery, 99 Yates Motor Sales, 121 Zion English Evangelical Lutheran Church, 15, 167 Zion Lutheran Church — Missouri Svnod, 172 Zoller, Christian H., 67 Zuber, Chris Family, 79 Zuber Family, 65 207 Copyright 1953, Litchfield Centennial, Inc. COLOPHON The Centennial Book containing The One Hundred Year History of Litchfield, Illiiims Page Design and Layout by Walter R. Sanders Official Seal drawn by Juanita Ellis Markos TYPOGRAPHY Title Page, P. T. Barnum and Jim Crow Types Headings, Ludlow Bookman Text, Regal, set 9 point on 10 point body Picture Captions, Regal 7 point PAPER Mirra Dull Enamel, cream white, 80 pound, specially made for this volume by the Kalamazoo Paper Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan and furnished through the Bermingham and Prosser Paper Company, St. Louis, Missouri COVER Genuine DuPont Red Cordoba Fabrikoid 700 Quality Centennial Seal stamped on Front Cover in Genuine Gold Leaf PRINTING The Bethany Press, St. Louis, Missouri ENGRAVINGS The Peoria Engraving Company, Peoria, Illinois BINDING The Becktold Company, St. Louis, Missouri EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Walter R. Sanders, General Chairman Lee Carroll, Editorial Chairman Kenyan F. Montgomery, Picture Chairman Garth Hentichs, General Advisor "Sunday, April 5, 1953: I visited Garth Henrichs to talk over the history of Litch- field which I had been asked to write for the Centennial. In the course of our lengthy discussion I was told that plans for a Centennial 'booklet' had been laid and that my name had been mentioned as edi- tor of said 'booklet.' I was pleased, of course, but I was evasive concerning whether I could take on this additional work. Inasmuch as it was to be a small volume consisting of a few pictures to- gether with histories of families, busi- nesses, and organizations, I accepted. Fool- ish man, like a lamb being led to the slaughter, I said 'yes'! "Little did I know that the town would respond so enthusiastically to each section of the book. Little did I know that the workers would do such a splendid job of contacting everyone. The results surprised even the most optimistic chairman." So might a diary have read had one been kept. In the first meeting of April 10 with the workers, we were all a bit uncertain how the response would be from the townspeople. Meeting followed meeting, and each time the book was enlarged — from 96 pages to possibly 112, we thought, then to 160 pages, then to 192 pages, and as the book goes to press it finally ended with an astounding figure of 208 pages. The many who spent hours and hours and days upon days accumulating pictures, contacting people, writing copy, typing the final drafts, will realize the amount of effort which went into this volume. "To every single member of my section who assisted in any way, and especially to the chairmen, I say Thank You for your cooperation, your giving of your time generously during these six weeks of frenzied hustle and bustle. You will long remember the num- ber of times that calls were made to check and re- check, the problems that arose and the adjustments that resolved themselves into this Centennial History. Acknowledgment for assistance to the many who freely gave to further the project of a Centennial His- tory is appreciatively given: to Miss Margaret Norton, Archivist, Illinois State Historical Library, for photo- static copies of Litchfield's charter and pages from a county history; to high school graduates who con- tributed histories which were used in part, namely, Dolores Kruse, Charles Arends, Maurice Hickman, Dorothy Stamer, Joan Schwab, Theresa Heise, Lloyd J. Hill, Jr., Vernon Hribar. Deloris Norvell, and James Saathoff. Those permitting the use of pictures: Mrs. T. T. Baker, John Bederman, Pete Bennett, Edward Bocke- witz, Miss Lou Bockewitz, Mrs. Ted Brawley, Lee Car- roll, Miss Margaret Wiegers, David Davis, Miss Regina Davis, Miss Rosalie Dunn, Fire Department, John Fizzell, Charles Henske, Hilger Brothers, Mrs. S. A. Johnson of Divernon, Mrs. Matilda Keene, Norman Litchfield of Southbury, Connecticut, Miss Harriet McManus, Mc- Williams and McWilliams, Mrs. Kenyon Montgomery, Mr. Nichols, Mrs. Flmer Radcliff of Raymond, Mrs. Maynard Ritchie, Mrs. H. C. Stuttle, Mr. D. P. Taylor of Junction City, Kansas, Mrs. Edward Thorp, P. J. Vaughn, and the late Mrs. John Coddington. Through the courtesy of Herman Hagerdorn the glass plates of the D. D. Tennyson files were made available. For any errors or omissions which may occur, the staff asks your indulgence in considering that in the short period of six weeks we have accomplished a tremendous task. Most certainly any error found will be unintentional. WALTER R. SANDERS, Chairman, Centennial Book. 208 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA 977382L71C C001 THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD. IL 3 0112 025398105