ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEY • 56 i£5 r -4M %m w mm BmimiLiiiihimk <%■ tM^jfc- *->* j&4fi' ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEY 1 I m MECHANICSBURG 125th Birthday ~ 1957 The prospect pleased his builder's eye s The site, his kindly soul, And so the man named Pickrell sent Out news to gain *his goal: "Mechanics near, mechanics far, Here waits a home for youi A lot is yours; come, build this year Of 18321" They came, they built. The town was named Mechanics burg, his choice; Then business prospered, culture came To make each one rejoice. Brickyard, drug store, steam flour mill, Post Office, stage coach line - Many the businesses that come, Including one coal mine. Prosperity brought cash to spend. On food and goods and mind; The Seminary rose that none In learning lag benxnd. The old Assembly gave to all Joy for leisure hours Mechanicsburg, the town that was For artisans, now is ours. Mechanicsburg, we're pleased to meet Today to honor you, And wish your birthday just as fine In 20821 - Lcuise Nicholson Oder EARLY CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPS SNTS OF STATE, COUNTY, AND TOWNSHIPS Illinois territory came into existence in 1309 by dividing Indiana territory. Then by Act of Congress, approved April 18, 1818, Illinois was admitted to the Union and became the twenty-first state, composed of thirty-three counties, Sangamon County, Springfield, Mechanicsburg township or village was not as yet created. An act establishing the County of Sangamon was approved January 30, 1821 by a division of several other counties. The county is centrally situated north and south in the State and is bounded on the north by Menard and Logan counties, on the south by Macoupin, Christian, and Montgomery, on the east by Macon, and on the west by Morgan. It con- tains an area of 880 sq. miles and over 550,000 acres of land. A series of acts passed between 1823 and 1827 effected the gradual elimination of the townships. The tendency was reversed; however, the "Town idea" had grown strong enough to force the adoption of a pro- vision for the organization of County Government with or without town- ships under the Constitution of 1848, and this arrangement was contin- ued in the present Constitution of 1870. In 1861 Sangamon County adopted the township organization law and the Commissioners of the Board of Justice divided the county into 22 townships. Mechanicsburg TownshiD was all of 16, Range 3 west of the Third Principal Meridian. There are now 26 townships in the county. Mechanicsburg Township is m the eastern part of the county and contains three small villages—- Mechanicsburg, the oldest of the three, being platted in 1832; Buffalo is second, being platted in May, 1854; and Dawson in June-July, 1854. *n7r)v"/Ov /T" /"Ovft /v /\ .'\ /\ r\ /Ox '» t\ THE EARLY SETTLERS MODE OF LIVING After Sangamon County was opened for entry by the Government in 1821 to encourage early settlers, the government issued land grants- land co-old be bought for $1.25 per acre—end made roads. Those who came to what is now Mechanicsburg Township in 1821-30 were James Newell, Jesse Wilson, John Eckles, Jesse and William Pickrell, George Churchill, Josiah Green, Jacob Constant, James McKee, John Burch, and Charles Morgan. They came from Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky, settling on land granted to them by the government; the patents being signed by President John Quincy Adams. Those that came from Virginia came on pack horses as this was the only means of crossing the mountains; others probably came in wagons drawn by oxen or horses. They built their houses of logs; the spaces between being filled with split sticks of wood called "chinks", and then plastered both inside and out with mortar made of clay. The roof was made of "clap- boards", which were laid on cross pieces and held in place by poles the length of the building. The floors were made of "puncheons", or split logs, with the split side upwards. The door was made of clapboards fastened to two cross pieces by wooden pins. The hinges and latch were also made of wood. The latch was on the inside of the door and was a wooden bar, catching into a wooden hook. A buckskin strap was fastened to the bar and drawn through the hole in the door to the outside, pulling the string inside; if the latch-string was found hanging outside, all callers were welcomed. The ^f ire place was made by cutting an opening in the wall (usually about 6' wide) making an offset by laying up three sides with logs and lining it with plaster made of clay if stones were not at hand. The flue or upper part was laid up of split sticks and plastered with clay both inside and out. Cooking was all done by the fireplace, and the cooking utensils were a "Dutch oven" or a covered skillet, a long handled frying pan, some pots, and sometimes a coffee pot. A little later, when a stone or brick wall formed the base of the chimney, a long iron "crane" swung in the fireplace, and by means of "pothooks" held the boiling kettle or heavy iron pot. A saw, an ax, and an auger were about all the tools in a carpenter's kit; and it was considered extravagant, to build more than two or three rooms For food there were many wild bees, prairie chickens, turkeys, deer and other game. Father's trusty musket and powder horn were always handy by the door for protection and to provide meat for the family table. Most every household had its big and little spinning wheels, winding blades, reel, warping bars, and loom with which the women of the family spun and wove the cloth for the family clothing and bedding from flax, hemp, and wool raised on the place. Flannel and iinsey were woven and made into garments for the women and children and jeans for the men. The wool for the jeans were color- ed with bark from the walnut and hickery trees, and from this came the terms "butternut suit" aid "hickory shirts". Agricultural implements were very rude. In the cultivation of wheat the land was plowed, then harrowed with a wooden tooth harrow or smoothed by dragging heavy brush over the ground. Wheat was sown broadcast by hand and harrowed in. When it was ripe, it was cut either with a sickle or a cradle, which was a scythe fastened to a frame of wood with long bending teeth for cutting and laying the grain in swaths. After the grain was dry, it was threshed with a flail or tramped with horses. In 1830-39 the families of Samuel Garvey, Samuel Hampton, David and Benjamin Hall, Henry Fullenwider, Benjamin and Thomas Fortune, Rueben Bullard, John North, Samuel Butts, John Thompson, John ^ane, Mrs. Martha Gragg, William Hickman, Wesley Hathway, the Corrells and the Birds entered land near the village. THE DEEP SNOW 1830-31 Those early settlers who happened to be already in Illinois, no doubt, witnessed the "Deep Snow" or sometimes referred to as the "Sud- den Change". The snow fell all over central Illinois to a depth of 3' on the level, then rain came to form a crust of ice over that, then another light snow over that; the clouds passed ax-ay, and a high forceful wind from the northeast; for at least two weeks the temneratures never showed higher than 12 below zero. This snow provided constant sleighing for nine weeks. As of 1876, in an article written concerning this, "it is distinguished from all others, because in this latitude the like of it was not known before and has not been known since." For this reason the earlier settlers are referred to as "The Snow Birds". MECHANICSBURG EARLY HISTORY THE FOUNDING Before the village of Mechanicsburg' s activity of industry began to show its needs among the early settlers, Josiah Green opened a black- smith shop about a mile west of what is now Mechanicsburg. In Spring of 1828 Jesse Pickrell, being the first to come to the county, stopped in what is now Mechanicsburg township and was married to Elizabeth Churchill. In 1829 Jesse Pickrell taught the first school on section 27, west of what is now Mechanicsburg. In 1830 he was postmaster of a post office established under the name of "Clear Creek, P. 0.". After more families came into this surrounding community and with the county established, there was need for a village. WUHani S. Pickrell, brother of Jesse Pickrell, entered the land on which Mechanicsburg now stands, laid out the original town, having a block in the center for a park, and later making two additions. He offered to give a lot to any mechanic who would build a building and pay for the title. Hence the name MECHANICSBURG. The sale of lots book place November 16, 1832. The town was described as the East half of the SJ/. Quarter of Sec- tion 26 and part of the East half of the N.W. Quarter of Section 26, Township 16, Range 3 West. Mechanicsburg was not incorporated until IL869. The post office was then changed from Clear Creek to Mechanicsburg with Thomas Fortune as the village's first postmaster. He later entered Se mlSntlle business for many years and left about the close of the rebellion. Mrs. Elizabeth Butts, a daughter of Tnomas Fortune had a boarding house about the year 1859 in a building built by Dr. Leeds, built on the lot where Leonard Belts now lives. As the needs of the community began to grow, other men opened up different lines of business. William D. Spain was the first wagon maker and William Parks had the first blacksmith shop. John Dawson was tne first Justice of the Peace. Religious devotion being inherent in these early settlers, almost immediately after adjusting themselves to the situation, religious services were begun in the home of Jesse Pickrell. Some of these early settlers served in the Black Hawk War in 1832. William S. Pickrell volunteered and served three terms in this *ar. He was Lieutenant, then made Major and Lieutenant-Colonel of the militia. Jesse Pickrell had a tan yard west of the present Pickrell cemetery. After conducting it for a number of years, he sold it to Nathan Smith, who moved it to another part of town. Villages and towns were few and far apart, and business was varied and conducted^ peculiar ways in earlier days until the trend towards modern conveniences. In 1835 Crawford and Crealy were the first merchants and had their stores in the east room of the old Byerline house; Mr. Pease living in onlllA. When they opened their store, there was no plac e nearer tnan sSingSeld where merchandise could be bought, and the "Sangamo" River (as if was then called) had to be crossed by flatboats near the present site of Riverton. Mrs. Miles Wilmot, daughter of Morris Bird, told that when her father built his house in 1835, it was considered a very f £« °™ ^j*™" 1 * had a brick chimney. The site of this house would have been on the north side of Main St. near the northeast corner, on the Norman Smith Farm Supply property. She also mentioned about having seen sheep killed by wolves on the prairie east of their house . This house was one of the land marks of down town and was known as the "Bird House" and was used as a post office by David Isaacs, post- master about 1915. THE GROWTH OF THE VILLAGE The following item was published in a Springfield paper in 1838. "Mechanicsburg, 15 or 18 miles east of Springfield, contains 12 or 15 families, two stores, a tavern (at that time applied only to an inn or hotel), a post office, a school, and about 25 buildings. Lots are worth |10-$30 each. As the country is fine and well settled in the neighborhood, it is reasonable to suppose that with the start it has already attained, it will grow to some importance". The village was located on what is known as the "Old State Road", hence the reason for the tavern mentioned in the ahove item. It was used by a stage coach line and for travellers to rest over night, jalso used for meals and changes of horses. By whom it was built or ■ben has not been kept in records of the village, and those whose mem- pries that one depends upon for data has long since passed on. But it Was located on the property and exact spot (data given by Leslie Solmes) of the new MECHANICSBURG FIRE ENGINE HOUSE built in 1954. In the fall of 1838 William and Upton Radcliff opened a store, and bout this time Wesley Hathaway and B. L. Hall opened another store. In 1841 an Englishman by the name of Rowell built a steam saw and Flour mill in the southwest part of town which he operated until 1850, then he sold it to the Dunnick Brothers who afterwards replaced it vith a larger mill on the same site. In 1844 the Thompson Brothers (A.T. and Harvey) purchased the Rad- cliff store and conducted the business until 1857 when A. T. Thompson sold his interest to his brother Joseph. In 1873 the Thompson Brothers [Harvey and Joe) built a brick store where the post office now occupies he old Bank building on the northwest corner of First Cross St. and fain St. The First Bank was built of brick by A. T. Thompson and was known as the Thompson Brother's Bank in about 1873. At this time it was the only bank between Springfield and Decatur. William Grout, son of Priscilla Thompson, was the cashier. In this same location several years later the Bank became the property of J. T. Fullenwider. About 1887 the Thompson Brothers retired from business and Ed. P. Thompson and Samuel Nesbitt took charge of the business. Later Nesbitt sold to J. F. Fullenwider and Thompson; this partnership continued until 1891 when Mr. Thompson bought his partner's interest and later sold to R. E. Alvey. Mrs. Hazelrigg, who was the oldest woman in town at the time of the Centennial in 1932, being 90 years of age, came with her father's fami- ly when 11 years old in 1853, remembered many interesting happenings of the early days. Her father was John T. Dunn who came from Kentucky in three covered wagons and built his house on the corner of the lot where Charles William (Bill) Taft now owns and resides. The T aft home is the original home (what was then two rooms with a lean-to kitchen; of Robert Dunn, the brother of John T. Dunn. They both did blacksmith work in the village. Mr. John T. Dunn was the great grandfather of Mrs. Earl T. Sample (Irene). According to Mrs* Lucy Hazelrigg, there were only a few houses here when she came, and people told her the oldest was that of Mrs. Eliza- beth Burch, which was built in 1826 and was across the street from the Dunn home, on the north which at this time would be where the S. D. Caruso family now resides. During this early period the village had never had a licensed saloon until a certain man in 1853 started one in connection with a boot and shoe store. The ladies of Mechanics burg, headed by Mrs. Harriet Langston with funds raised by the community, purchased his stock and poured it into the street and attempted to set fire to it . He promised never to sell liquors again, but of course, he didn't keep his promise and the citizens agreed to boycott his business. This was very ef- fective and the man left town. In 1839 or '40 a woolen mill was built and operated for about ten years by Andrew Lindsey; it was patronized by farmers for miles around and was located south of the Henry Lochbaum house, (house south of the present M.E. Church). In 1859 Frederick Snelling, who was a coffin maker, came to kiechf.nicsburg and started his business in a shop on what would be now located on the northwest corner of First Cros- St. and Main, just across the street, west of the present post office. He conducted this business until his death in 1885. He built his home in the southwest part of town in 1859, and it still stands on the original spot. At the present time it is the home of the Atterberry's. Mr. Snelling was |the grandfather of Mrs. William Prior (Marie). In 1859 William (Billie) Hall opened a store selling boots and shoes, also dry goods. Later he added groceries and conducted the business for forty two years. Also about. .this time George Hall and Mr .^Fisher had ji store in one Dart of the Leeds building. Mrs. Butts had a boarding house in the >ther part. A boarding house of most importance was built for Mrs. J. N. Spar- row by her husband, who at the same time conducted a new blacksmith :;hop. This boarding house is still on the original location and is pe home of Mrs. Preston Combs, located on Main St., second house from i:hurch St. It has been kept in good repairs and is a historical spot nown by most people as "The Sparrow House". This was built in 1858or59. In I860 James Freeto started a tin shop in the Leed f s building cali- che Row". Later he moved his shop into the old Elkin building and dded hardware. A favorite place for women of the community to combine shopping with pcchange of news was to go to the milliner's shop, in the Row, oper- bed in 1865 by Mrs. John Bird and Mrs. Elizabeth Carman. Hats then re not bought ready made. First the frame was selected, then the rimmings, be it flowers or feathers or ribbon according to the season, id then wait for it to be made. Next year the hat or bonnet might be 3turned to be remodeled. In I860 J. N. Bird started a drug store on the corner of First Cross id Main. This corner was known as the Thompson corner. It is now the roperty of Norman Smith Farm Supplies. In 1864 F. H. Weber had a harness shop in the Cyrus Correll building; '7 this was a most important, industry for the machinery age was not even thought about as yet. In 1872 the Pickrell Cemetery Association was organized and the grounds northeast of town were plotted and sold to several families. There are at least five generations of the Pickrell family laid to rest~ with William Pickrell the founder of Mechanicsburg and his brother Jesse, the grandfather of the late Harry Pickrell, among them. About 1873 Allen Hall and Andrew Freeto had a grocery store in the Elkin building. Mr. J. N. Bullard, contractor and builder, opened a shop about 1882 which he operated until his death. Mr. Bullard built most of the larger homes of Mechanicsburg and several in Sangamon County. His daughter, Mrs. Leonard (Alice) Belt, now is living in the J. N. Bullard home place on Main St. and Second Cross St. In 1881 R. A. Farmer, who formerly conducted a shoe shop, went into grocery business with Feter Gore in the McNeill building. Later Mr. Farmer sold his interest to Simon Rogers and opened his own store where he continued until he retired. In 1884 or '85 Mr. Stooky started a brick and tile factory in the southwest part of town which he later sold to Edward Bennett and James Barbre, who operated it for a number of years. In 1895 a creamery was built by the farmers of the community who delivered their milk there each morning to be seperated and made into butter. After a few years, the creamery was burned and never replaced. Samuel Farmer came to our town in 1897 and went into business with Jacob Ebenger, in now what is the Legion Hall. In 1906 some of the citizens organized the Mechanicsburg Coal Co. and sunk a shaft on the John Garvey land north of town. After a few years this had to be discontinued for difficulty within the jnine which would 'have incurred more money than could have been secured, or it would have taken too many years to- have realized the returns of such an investment. About 1907 J. T. Fullenwider and J. Leslie Hall sold their store building to Logan Hall who added hardware. This store was built about 1902 by Fullenwider and J. Leslie Hall, adjoining the Bank building, where they too sold farm implements. In 1912 the store just mentioned above was purchased by George Freeto and Ernest Darnell. This partnership was continued until 19 17 when Darnell sold his interest to Harry Townsend. Then in 1918 G. L. Freeto bought Harry Townsend 1 s interest of the hardware store. In 1919 G. L. Freeto sold the store to Jacob F.(Jake) Hall & Sons and moved his shop to the building on First Cross St. between Main and Railroad Sts., on the west side, and here he continued business until he died. In 1917 many of the local boys responded to the call to arms of our country in World War I. Some were sent over to take part in the con- flict, and others to the training camps. For several years we had a three day Chaautauqua in the park and heard some very fine programs. In 1904-11 John Diet el Sr. operated a harness and shoe shop in the wooden frame buildings owned by J. T. Fullenwider (burned 1929). Then in 1911 Mr. Dietel died and his son, John C. Dietel, managed the busi- ness, but for his age could not carry on. N. R. Freeto (Neale) who had been in business as a partner of the S. T. Fullenwider & Company, opened a grocery store in 1916 in the J.H. Freeto building. This is located next to Guy Beck's store and is now owned by *him. Mr. Freeto conducted a store here until 1921 when he moved into the K. P. building (now owned by the Masonic Lodge) and continued for a period of time after his death in December, 1956. In 1911 Jesse and Carl Farmer opened a grocery store in the K. P. building where they conducted business until 1921. In 1928 the hard road was built from Route #10 into town, and soon- after, the block on Main St. between the stores was paved. In 1932, the .time when most of this earliest history was written by Miss Ida Freeto, she stated that the following were the functioning businesses at that time: The postmistress was Miss Pauline Gragg. Ellis Schultz and Pearl Garren owned the two barbershops. Harry Smith was the propietor of the restaurant on the south side of Main St. William Regan and Joel Stewart operated the two filling stations. Most of the old homes have been replaced by modern ones til there are very few of the old homes left to tell the story of the early settlers . The fraternal orders were Globe Lodge #323-1 .O.O.F., Carlock Lodge #904— -A. F. & A.M., Hawthorne Lodge #569— K. of P., Buckthorn Camp #570 M., W. A. Helena Chapter #221— Rebeccas, Crystal Camp #128 —Royal Neighbors, Lockwood Chapter #844— Order of the Eastern Star. The social clubs were the Half Century, The Just Us, and the Aracline; the Civic Club— The Me chanics burg Woman T s Club with Mrs. John E. Fullenwider, President. The members of the town board were Mayor John Ostermeier, Council Sam Farmer, Everett Dragoo, Desire Hourez, Elvin and Earl Coe, Clerk - Donald Wilson, Police Magistrate - Ellis Schultz, Justice of Peace - J. F. Hall, and Marshal - Clark Semple. jHHHBHHHHBHHHHBHBHBHfr SLEET STORM 1924 The worst sleet storm since 1833 came December 18-19, 1924, breaking down many trees, light wires, telephone wires, and shutting off the means of travel for^days. Telephone wires were down for months; letters were written for daily communication just from the village out and in from the country for almost a year. Candles or the "coal-oil" lamps had their honored places in the homes for quite a spell. This was just the beginning of an era of heating by oil furnaces; those that did really suffered; for it was even hard to keep warm without the furnaces being controlled by electricity. THE THREE R's EARLY SCHOOLS & TEACHERS In 1836 the first school house in the village was built on land given for that purpose by William Pickrell. It was only 18 ■ square and stood where the M. E. Church now stands. Abraham Bird was the first teacher with hardly enough pupils to fill two or three benches. In July of 1838 Rev. Matthew Dutton and wife, Elizabeth Carpenter Dutton arrived in Mechanics burg, both being teachers and in the absence of any school house and system,, built a school house, and lived and taught in it for about twelve years. It was a frame building plastered inside and out and was almost snow white. In 1849 the old Seminary was built in the southwest part of town. It was a brick building 30 f x 60' and was used for school purposes un- til about the close of the Civil War. Mrs. Dutton was one of the first teachers and Mr. Morthcott was one of the last teachers. The Seminary was located on the south side of Seminary St., and for many years, the impression could be noticed for a long time on the land where it was built. For several years our town was quite an educational center. Sever- al times in its history, the town has entertained hopes of being lifted out of its monotonous existence and "growing to some importance" as was expected in the early days. Once in 1854, the citizens raised the money and built the Academy, a two story brick building located where the present school house stands. School opened with four teachers and pupils came from all parts of the country to attend. For some reason the school went down, and in 1862 was sold at auc- tion to the District for a public school; this was the first free school for Mechanicsburg. In 1887 a three-year high school course was added to the grade school. Then to obtain the fourth year, the pupils must finish either by going to Illiopolis or Springfield High, which many did. This three year course continued until 1937-33. In 1899 the old Academy was torn down and the present school house built . TRI-CITY HIGH SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION The Tri-City High School District #215 consolidated High Schools of the towns of Buffalo, Dawson, and belongs to Buffalo-Hart and Lanesville as well as Mechanicsburg, but derives its name Tri-City for the three mainly named towns. It was formed in 1937-38 school years, but the first year ail three high schools met each in their own towns until such time that Tri-City was ready for occupancy. On September 12, 1938 The Tri-City High School of theory has become a Tri-City in realisation. Later the same month the school xvas dedicated with approximately 850 people attending. The first Principal was Mr. John K. Cox with Mr. William P. (Abe) Sullivan as Assistant. These men have served willingly and efficiently, as. the, first board for Tri-City High School: President - Mr. Eugene Morris; Secretary - Mr. Fred Hall, Mr. Floyd Bricker, Mr. Ernest Sauers, Mr: Stanley Roberts Mr. Harry Pickrell, and Mr. Harry Pheffer. Mr. A. Estrop was elected to first board but resigned to accept the maintenance job of the school. He has since passed away. Mr. Eugene Morris served continuously for 17 years before retiring from the board and Mr. Stanley Roberts for 20 years. In memoriam to those who served on the board so faithfully who have gone to their final rest— Mr. Fred Hall and Mr. Harry Pickrell. In 1948 the Tri-City Unit Community School District #1 was formed; this included all grade school districts which consolidated with approximately the former high school district. This-was when the country school houses were left deserted, vacant and void, and finally sold; some to be remodeled into a home or com- munity club. But progress means, for most things, those stepping stones to com- forts and conveniences such as the children do have to enjoy today as they who lived m the past could only have dreamed as fairy tales would be; not to carry a "dinner bucket" or some might say "lunch pail" and ride in one of those big yellow busses instead of walking or riding a horse or progressing a little and have a bicycle. Reality is wonder- ful not only for the school children, but for parents as well. The well heated school houses with their water systems, the warm lunches, the big yellow buses that pass for most in front of their houses to carry them direct to the school building and after school hours back home, yet, progress will be more wonderous in the future. Mr. A. Louis Oder became principal of Tri-City and Superintendent over the new Tri-City Community School Unit District #1 and continued this huge responsibility until this year ending his services in re- tirement as of August V1957." It is with pride that Mr. Oder leaves the school system, knowing that it is fully accredited with the State Department of Public Instructions and a Member of The North Central Association. Tri- City is one of the five admitted to this in 1956. The present School Board just newly elected in 1957 are President - John Pickrell, Secretary - James Cravens, Henry Pheffer, George T. Bell, George Lester, Harvey Davis, and Henry Shutt. In fall of 1955 the new addition to the present building was ready and moved into for use as a Junior High School to accommodate the overflow of pupils in the three grade schools of the villages. n K X tf KX S B BHBBS ftft K i f ftSBBE VILLAGE BOARD After the incorporation of 1867 of the village of Mechanic sburg, a form of village government was set up to be run by elective officers and known as a "Town Board" with the President of the Board to act as "Mayor" of the town. Records of this organization were either not kept in file or have been lost; and what a lost link in history and to posterity, as the earliest records in the files of the village start with minutes of board meetings in 1890 until the close of 1920, with a lapse between this date until some given time in the 1930' s. However, there have been improvements to preserve some of the rec- cords as memory can recall-the removal of the sidewalks crossing the intersections were made after 1932. All streets have shown improvements as to repairs by either of oiling or black-topping. The park, the orig- inal spot that Mr. William Pickrell gave to the town in 1832, is being kept in an attractive manner, neat, andcwell trimmed. The signs of speed limits have been placed at all three entrances to the village. In the Spring of 1957 an election of the following board members was held: President - Gordon Wake; Trustees - P. A. Garren Garvey Coe, Stanley Ketchup Horace Watkins, Norman Smith, John Prior, Cleric - Danny Land, Village Treasurer - Robert Phelan. The Board meets first Monday of each month. The current Project, being -undertaken by the village board with hopes that the goal will be attained by the close of 1957, is a WATER SYSTEM for the village. A test has been made and water is found at a depth of 43' with a 32' bed gravel without mineral, located south of Mechanic sburg on the John E. George farm, close to the Sangamon River. The water system committee is P. A. Garren, Garvey Coe, and Norman E. Smith. The Mayor of the village is Gordon Wake. %-!BB;-4HaM«-:HHHHH:-!:--i;-M--!H;- EARLY PHYSICIANS PRESENT The first account given as to the first doctor in Mechanicsburg is concerning Dr. Peter Leeds building a sanitarium in the village in 1836. It was a long row of buildings, two stories high, built close to the side walk, and stood where the Leonard Belt's home is now, formerly owned by Mrs. Belte family, the J. N. Bullarda, Here he had his residence until 1859 when he moved to Buffalo, and -the buildings were rented to several families. But while he was in the town, he con- ducted his drug store and his office within this row of buildings. In 1872 Dr. Robert McNeill built a brick building on the north side of Main St., where he and Benjamin Giger conducted a drug store. During a research, it was found that Dr. Robert J. McNeill was born in Mechanicsburg, December 23, 1840, the son of William McNeill, who had studied medicine and graduated from college in Philadelphia and came first to Petersburg in the Spring of 1939, and then moved to Mechanicsburg in Fail; but the article makes no mention of his prac- ticing here. Dr. R. J. McNeill studied and was graduated February, 1863 at the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. He came' back to Mechanicsburg, and as stated, had started into business, but in 1873 married Eliza Taft of near Rochester and eventually moved to Rochester. There was once a Dr.Josiah Brown who once lived in the village, but the only data that could be had about him was that he built a typical Kentucky mansion with wide hall running through it and had a red brick building office on his property that was used by his brother-in-law by the name of Dr. Foster to live in, who was once a fine physican but had mental trouble. This house became the property of the Clark Semple family, and from them Mrs. Anna Mendenhall became the owner, and is located on the north side of Main St. and Fourth St. across from the "Sparrow House". Dr. Brown preceded Dr. Riddle and his travels were by horse back. In 1873 Dr. H. R. Riddle, located in the village, became "The )untry Doctor", everyone 1 s friend and comforter in distress; and as Like the previous doctor, his travels were miles and miles riding Ln a gig, a sleigh, a buggy, or astride old "Brant" through the fields vhen the roads were impassable witn no thought of weather. Dr. liddle graduated from Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois in L873 and practiced almost all of his life after he was married. His office was located and is still standing the first house east of :he MECHANICSBURG BffLEMENT COMPANY. His family lived in two loca- tions; the first house north of the creek south of town known as r,he Elkin property; the other was the house in which the S. D. Caruso family occupy. His widow and daughter, Grace, lived here many years after he passed on. Dr. J. Hill came to our village in 1397 and located before he was married, living for a while with the J . N. Bullard family. Then after he was married, the office was first built— -a small two rooms— but here was where they lived until the big home on the south side of the park, on the corner of South St. and Third Cross St., southwest corner, was erected and here Dr. and Mrs. Hill lived their life time. The other doctors who preceded him had it no worse than he. Many living now in and around Mechanicsburg owe their entrances into this world to Dr. Hill. He was one of the five brothers who became doctors, following their father's profession. He had as his hobby flowers in the entire flowering season; his yard was one of beauty. In the fall of 1949 Dr. Frank B. VanWormer and wife acquired the property of the Maynard McKinnie family that had been formerly owned by E. P. Hall faiaily. The residence was remodeled for doctor's of- fice accommodations. Dr. VanWormer is a former Springfield physician who moved out into a smaller town in order to enjoy a less strenuous practice, as his health, too, is on the decline. It is to be hoped that Mechanicsburg may see him about for a long time to come. THE TWO OLDEST RESIDENTS Mrs. Celeste Ellen Hallam Crane was born March 2, 1870, came to the vicinity of Mechanicsburg when about 18 years of age from Edwards County near Albion, Illinois, She came to work for the Hiram Watson family, who at that time li/ed west of Mechanicsburg on the farm just formerly owned by Doctor Sturm of Illiopolis . She has woven many a rag rug for her own uses and too for people miles around Mechanicsburg until about five years ago. Doing this work for the public and her Christian Church bazaars. Then too, she pieced quilt tops, thirty-two in all, enough for all her children and grand-children . Until recent years, she was very devoted to her Bible School of the Christian Church and Missionary work in the C hur ch. She still is a devoted reader of the Bible at home. Mrs. Crane recalls her wedding dress with all its frills and ruf- fles upon it. It was made by Miss Hattie Kaup who ran a dress making shop in her home and who lived in what is known as the "Bruce Brown" i home on the north side of Main St., now owned by Harry Pfeiffer family of near Dawson. Miss Kaup, who married Sam Follis of Springfield, passed away just last year. She was a cousin of Mrs. Raymond (Florence) Kent living south of Mechanicsburg on the black-top road about three miles. Until a recent interview with Mrs. Harry Green, a daughter of Mrs Crane »s, living next door just west of her mother's home on Railroad St., the details of this knowledge was not known to these families. Mrs. Sam Follis 's family in Springfield were very close friends of Mrs. Cranes granddaughter's family, the Kenneth Louchbaums. X-tWc Mr. William (Bill) Ealey, age 86, came to Mechanicsburg from Farmingdale, Illinois in 1837. He married Miss Martha Hancock. Mr. Ealey, called by most every one as "Uncle Bill", is the oldest man residing in Mechanicsburg at this time. In 1938 he had as a partner Mr. William (Bill or Cotton-eye) Ross, who is now deceased. They ran a pool room in the Carl Farmer Garage' building, which at that time was located first door east of the old Cyrus Correll building, formerly owned by R. A. Farmer, and now is the property of the Mechanicsburg Implement Company. CHRISTIAN CHURCH The history of the Mechanicsburg Christian Church had its begin- ning between the years of 1842-1846. A group of forty to fifty people gathered at the home of Willoughby Churchill and organized the Church Df Christ. Mr. William Pickrell donated the ground for the church and parsonage; he also personally supervised making the brick in his own kiln. The building was started in 1854. It was the largest build- ing in the town at that time and was dedicated in 1857 by Alexander ' Campbell, the founder of the Christian Church of America. Among the leaders were the Pickrells, Hamptons, Garveys, Elkins, Churchills, Mrs,- Langston, and others. In 1872 the vestibule and belfry were added to the front part of the church. In 1889 the parsonage was built. In 1900 during the pastorate of Rev. 0. P. Wright, the church was remodeled inside— the balcony at the back of the auditorium with two rooms below. In August, 1932 the new basement was begun. This was made by endow- ments from Mrs. John Garvey and Mrs. Ella Reed and generous labor of the men of the church. In 1946 when Rev. Glen Blankenship was minister, the church celebrate! its one-hundredth anniversary. In 1951 the funds for memorial doors were started in memory of Leon Hall. Active organizations in the church today include Women's Christian Missionary Society, Christian Fellowship, and several organized Sunday School classes— many of which are active in financing projects for the church. The present minister is Rev. John Andrae and Superintendent of. Bible School is Kenneth Guernsey. Dates and history down to 1957. Mrs. Harry (Gertrude) Hagaman' THE METHODIST CHURCH In 1837 the Fullenwider, Bulla rd, Morgan, Hall, Constant, Correll, and Bird families, who were Methodist from Kentucky, organized a society and built their first church. This was used until the pre- sent church was dedicated in 1863; then it was made into a dwelling by Stephen Short, *+***6 In 1861 the building of the present Methodist church was started The architect and builders were Jcsiah Smith,his brother William, and John Carman. During the construction, it was used for a recruiting station for Civil War Soldiers, and in August, 1862 many of the mem- bers of Company A 73rd Illinois Infantry enlisted there. William Smith, the contractor, was Captain, Edward Bennett - First Lieuten- ant, Thomas J. Underwood - Second Lieutenant, and Oliver McDaniel - Sergeant. Others in the Company were Emanuel Cross, Thomas Fortune William Hazelrigg, p. H. Riser, Jack Hesser, D. C. Fletcher, John > Carman, John North, James Northcott, John Churchill, Richard and Thomas Baker, W. S. Bullard, and W. H. Bullard. The church was fin- ished in 1863 when J. Montgomery was pastor. The interior of the church was remodeled in 1912. The two stair- ways from each side were removed and replaced with one in the center. I balcony was built and two classrooms made underneath. New seats Here installed in the sanctuary; Arthur Fullenwider, grandson of Jacob Fullenwider, was the architect. John N. Bullard was the con- tractor and Rev. George V. Metzel was pastor. At the Centennial Celebration in 1932 for the parade the float of .he church had on it a replica of the church made by Harvey Derry and \ E. Jacobs; also an old organ, that had been used in the past, was xLayed by Mrs. E.P. Hall. A number of other ladies in old fashioned jostumes rode on the float. The horses drawing the float were Iriven by Garnett Wilburn. In June, 1937 the Methodist Episcopal Church celebrated the 100th ear of its organization at a homecoming and a one day program. lev. S. W. Beggs was pastor. A number of former pastors returned to -ake part in the program. In 1939 by a decision of the General Conference , three branches >f the church united under the name of Methodist Church and the ivord Episcopal" was dropped and this church is nw called the First [ethodist Church. The church kitchen was remodeled and modernized in 1949. An electric organ was installed in the sanctuary of 1957. The organizations of the church are the Woman's Society of Christian Service, the Methodist Men ! s Club, and Youth Fellowship. There are organized classes in the Church School. Lewis Marshall is the present Church School Superintendent; Roy W, Trueblood is pastor at the present time. Mrs. Truman Fullenwider. MECHANICSBURG CEMETERY ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHED 1837 INCORPORATED 18?6 Tradition relates that, at the time of the first few white settlers in the vicinity of Mechanicsburg, the present cemetery location was that of a Methodist Camp Meeting Grounds. At the time of one of the meetings a death occured, and the body was buried on the Camp Meeting Grounds, and from that time on the location was known as a Grave Yard. Ten of the present enlarged acreages of what is now known as Mechanicsburg Cemeterv was on August 10, 1376 deeded by the trustees of the Mechanicsburg Methodist Church to Trustees of an organization known as the Mechanicsburg Cemetery Association. The purpose was its continuance as a cemetery, and the sale of lots or funds received from any other sources were to be maintained for the benefits of the Cemetery. From the time of the organization, local citizens of a broad area had developed this Cemetery into a strong organization. The beauty of the grounds and its restful setting is one of the more beautiful in the state of Illinois. There are very few country cemeteries that can be found within their acreages as complete for conveniences, not only for the Superintendent but for the public. There is a modernized house of frame and stucco structure, built some time before 1891 and was raised, enlarged upon and modernized sometime before 1920, for the Superintendent's home. Then there to the north of it is the brick Chapel, having been used since its building in 1913, for the public's conveniences for funerals Since about 19 48, the Pickrell Cemetery Association became affili- ated with the Mechanicsburg Cemetery Association, giving its endow- ment into this Association, to be maintained from that time on by this Association. The continued co-operation by the present generation in t he inter- est of their parents and forefathers, friends, and future generations is necessary that the present Directorate may serve as well as did the ones of the past. Past and present Board members of the Mechanicsburg Cemetery Association and the years of service: James H. McDaniel (1876-1884), Isom Enlow (1876-1876), Samuel Pheasant (1876-1877), W. Frank Herrin (1876-1894), Oliver P. Hall (1876-1891), Jacob N. Fullenwider (1876- 1884), J. W. Houston, Warden (1876-1887), Nicholas Dunnuck (1877- 1881), John M. Carpenter (1881-1913), David S. Kail (1884-1894), F. W. Bracken (1884-1885), Frederick Rentschler (1886-1922), Thomas Whitefoot, Warden (1887-1891), Ruben Benedict, Supt. (1891-1931), Samuel T. Fullenwider (1891-1917), David Correll (1894-1898), J. Logan Hall (1894-1904), Sam W. Constant (1898-1916), W. S. Bullard (1904-1910), W. Aivey Cooper (1910-1939), Oscar E. Hall (1913-1915), Lewis E. Bird (1915-1947, Fred C. Hall (1916-1946), B. Frank Darnail (1917-1942), Harold Kruzan, Supt. (1931-1946), Albert W. Fosnaugh ,(1922-1942), Robert Gantt (1942-1948), Harry S. Pickrell (1946-1949), John Hardbarger, Supt. (1946-1957). These following men are now currently serving: Eugene T. Morris (1940 ), C. Russell Carpenter (1942—), Floyd Faulkner Ass't Supt. (1946—), J. Patton Fullenwider, (1948— ), Lloyd W. Young (1948—), J. H. Pickrell (1949— ). Mr. Ruben Benedict, Superintendent for about forty years, deserves special mention for his untiring efforts and personal pride that he gave to the maintenance of the Mechanicsburg Cemetery. HISTORY OF THE ELEVATORS The Mechanicsburg Farmer's Grain Co. was organized September 15, 191S. The meeting was held at the Red Cross Room in Mechanicsburg. Those 'present at this meeting were J. Frank Moomey, Owen Moomey, E. J. Bell E. H. Coe, Alvey Mendenhall, Charles Howell, Joe McCann, Samuel Blakeman, L. E. Bird, William Heiss, Fred Bell, F. A. Bricker, William Lockbaum, Oscar Lemon, Lewis Lemon, Lyman Blair, and E. Roderick. The object of this meeting was to organize the company by the election of the officers to act until the adoption of the code of by- laws by the stockholders, and the election of directors thereunder as required by law. Mr. Frank Moomey was elected to serve as the Company's: first President and F. A. Bricker was elected to serve as secretary. William Heiss, Fred Bell, F. A. Bricker, and E. H. Coe were appoint- ed by the president to act as commissioners of said company and to go before the Secretary of State to secure a license for the company. The first meeting of the stockholders was held on May 2, 1919. The purpose of this meeting was to adopt a code of by-laws and elect a Board of Directors. John Ross, J. Frank Moomey, and E. H. Coe were elected for three years; James Hampton, and F. A. Bricker were elected for two years; E.J. Eell and Alvey Mendenhall were elected for one year. On May 5, 1919 the Board of Directors held their first meeting. At this meeting committees were appointed to secure a tract of land; also to contact a contractor to draw a set of blueprints to build a new elevator. On May 13, 1919 the Board of Directors met with a Mr. Temple of Decatur and accepted his bid to build an elevator for them, having a capacity of 15,000 bushels. Also a tract of land was pur- chased f rom Abraham Troxell to build the elevator on. At this same meeting Alvey Yeamons was hired to be the Manager. The construction of the new elevator was completed in October of 1919 and readied to^ handle its first grain; thus the firm of Mechanicsburg Farmer's Gram Company was under way. The first annual meetine of the stockholders was held in the K. P. Hall on April 24, 1920. In February, 1921 Alvey _Yeanions resigned as Manager and Harry Hagaman was hired to succeed him. In April, 19^-L Harry Hagaman resigned as Manager, and Mr. J. C. Pennington was hired to replace him. Mr. Pennington carried on as manager until December of 1923, at which time he tendered his resignation for acceptance by the Board of Directors. The resignation was accepted, and F. A Bricker was hired to replace him. In March, 1927 J. Roy Hampton was elected to serve as President of the Company. In 1927 the Homer Fullenwider elevator which stood adjacent to the Farmer t s Grain Com- pany was offered for sale. The firm of Bivin & Sinclair purchased the property and operated it until April, 1928; again this property was offered for sale, and the Farmer's Grain Co. purchased it this time. In the Spring of 1929 the Fullenwider elevator was torn down. The Farmer's Grain Co. was organized under the Co-Operative Act of 1934- In 1941 two concrete tanks adjacentto the wood elevator were constructed, having a capacity of 37,000 bushels. In 1950 a contract was let to the Eikenberry Construction to build I a concrete elevator, the capacity was 40,000 bushels. This brought the firm's storage capacity to 92,000. In May, 1952 after serving as manager for 31 years, F. A. Bricker resigned. E. 17. Briscoe was named to replace him and do so until December of 1955, at which time I he resigned, and John Prior was named to replace him as manager. In June of 1955 a metal bin was constructed for more grain storage, hav- ing a capacity of 50,000 bushels. At this writing (May, 1957) the company is in the process of constructing two concrete tanks adjacent to the concrete elevator, which will hold 72,000 bushels of grain. This will bring the total capacity of the firm's storage to 214,000 bushels . John Prior EARLY TRANSPORTATION A history would not be complete without mentioning the hack that was driven by Mr. 0. C. Bradley in 1875, gathering his passengers all over town before the break of day, winter or summer, long before the advent of the mule drawn car which he also had the honor to drive. None but the older generation remembers the days before the Mechanicsburg & Buffalo mule car-line laid its rails and began oper- ation, sometime in the 80 f s. Being the only access to the neighbor- ing village of Buffalo was by horse-drawn vehicle over dirt roads, ^passable at some seasons. The old car-line carried passengers and Sight, and for many years furnished the only rail connectxons between the two villages. The passing of this era was commemorated by H. C. Garvey in an original- poem, "Ode To The Mules". "ODE TO THE MULES" We have concluded to stay and we will say That we have been here many and many a day; We will plod along in the same old way With no other pay than corn, oats, and hay. We have no other whistle except our bray As we approach the old town at the close of day. So we will take you over and bring you back. Back and forth over the same old track. But not the same driver, for he is long ago dead; He was frozen in winter driving the sled. We were born in eighteen and eighty-two; Our days have been long, our sins have been few, So we will plod along in the same old way, With nothing to eat but corn, oats, and hay. We are the same old mules, the bay, and the gray. toother prospect of a boom to the village was when the Wabash Rail- road was projected. The first survey was made through the town bat some of the citizens fought it and it was built three miles north of town in Buffalo. The Illinois Traction System had just built their line from Spring- field to Decatur in about 1904 or '05, and they built a spur to Mechanicsburg to accommodate the Coal Company with Cnautauqua Associ- ation receiving $20,000 for the accommodations . "Interurban" passenger service started in 1905 and discontinued in 1928. But the freight is still in operation. Mr. Harry Hagaman started with the "Interurban" in March 24, 1905 and is in his 51st year of service. The following item was in a Springfield, Illinois state Journal- Register of Sunday, June 12, 1955, by C. C. Burford. "This writer who has ridden "last run trains or cars", was not on the last car out of Champaign yesterday. He considers the glamorous interurban ex- cursion May 29, 1955, which he rode with 150 railroad "fans", coming from many states, as the final interurban trip. This gala trip was made from Champaign to Ogden, on the remnant of the Danville divis- ion, to Decatur, a detour on the stub of the once-was Bloomington line, into Mechanicsburg which had not seen an interurban since 1928, then into Springfield, and the return to Champaign. This item will be used as an "Ode To The Interurban Service" to Mechanicsburg . " The automobiles and "hard roads" are the doom of the electric trains ?nd -rking it hard for the railroads. NORMAN E. SMITH FARM SUPPLIES In the Fall of 1945 Norman E. Smith, having acquired the Interna- tional Harvester dealership for this area, rented the building ad- joining the Bank building, now the present Post Office on the north side of Main St. Since the building has not been used for several years except for storage of hay, etc., much work was required to pre- pare the building ready for occupancy. The old excavation just east of the building, left there as a result of the fire of 1916 when the Thompson building — then occupied by S. T. Fullenwider (father of the late John E.) & Company— was burned. This site was purchased by Mr. Smith in 1946 from Guy Beck, and the excavation was then filled. In 1947 Mr. Smith purchased the west half of the building from George Edward Lochbaum, and soon afterwards purchased the east half of the building from E. T. Morris, after which extensive remodeling was done on the building, including a new plate glass front and later the addition of a new 24 f x 55 f building, erected on the east, where the filling of the excavation spot had been. In 1950 Mr. Smith purchased the old Post Office building and the adjoining lots on the east from L, E. Bird, Also in 1950, he built the new 40' x 100 ! concrete block implement warehouse north of the store on lots purchased from William Prior and wife, Marie. In the Fall of 1955, Mr. Smith accepted the Ford Automobile dealer- ship for this area and conducts this business along with the Interna- tional line at the same location. MECHAIMICSBURG IMPLEMENT COMPANY The Mechanicsburg Implement Company was incorporated August 16, 1948 with a capital stock of $25,000, and the officers and members of the board were President - Floyd H. Grubb, Vice President - R. J. Richards, Secretary-Treasurer - 0. T. Booker, William Booker (deceased), Kathryn Booker, Garnett Wilbourn, Ford Moomey. The building was torn down to make room for the present building. This building was reported to be one-hundred years old and was built by Cyrus Correll in 1345, who sold the first corn planters ever sold in the town; later owned by Robert A. Farmer. The construction for building as of now was started on a 46' x 85 f concrete block building in September, 1948 and completed in December of the same year. In 1951 a 40' x 80' pole and metal building was added to the rear of the block building to serve as a warehouse. The Company has been officially in business since September 1, 1948 selling and serviceirjg- Oliver line of farm equipment. In 1954 the handling of Agricultural Fertilizers was added to the business. The Capital Stock was increased to $35,000 after the business was started. This company has enjoyed doing business in this community for the past years and hope to continue to do so for years to come. The present officers and board members as of June, 1957 are President - 0. T. Booker, Vice President - R. J. Richards, Secretary- Treasurer - Claude Blakley, C. B. Townsend, Ford Moomey, Kathryn Booker, Cleat is Clements, and Charles Thompson. GLENN H. COE PLUMBING AND HEATING Mr, Coe began business in the Post Office building July, 1946, located on the north side of Main St. between First Cross and Second 3ts., property now acquired by Norman Smith Farm Supplies Company. He moved business in February, 1953 to a new large concrete block building with large display windows, located on First Cross St. be- tween Main and Railroad Sts on the east side, next to their residence /vhich was known as the Jacob Ebenger home, or in more recent years tfhere the Frank Grieme's lived. ' In July, 1953 there was an addition of L. P. Gas Bottle Service, llong with the Plumbing and Heating Appliance Service, it is just mother much appreciated addition to our Business District. COE SERVICE Standard Oil Products L. Garvey Coe and the late Henry Bell, as partners, started in usiness in the Spring of 1935, dealing in International Harvester [achinery, under the name of L. Garvey Coe & Company in the old Farmer's Garage Building 1 ', that is now occupied by the Mechanics- »urg Implement Company. In 1937 this partnership was dissolved. Then a new company was ormed with E. H. Coe as partner and under the name of E. H. Coe & ompany; continued in txhis location for over a year and then moved o the building now occupied by Norman E. Smith Farm Supply. In the late 1938 or early 1939 this partnership dissolved. The ame was changed to "COE IMPLEMENT COMPANY" with- the servicing of lie I. H. Machinery and carrying of parts through the Kull Implement ompany, Springfield, Illinois. In 1940, after discontinuing the I. H. Machinery and parts, Mr. oe started the service station business in the station located on te east corner of the lot— Joe Stewart built and operated it — but as since been removed and the property belongs to the Norman Smith arm Supplies. During this time he sold National Refining Products tiEnarcd' supplied by the Mechanicsburg Farmer's Grain Company. Sometime in 1942, the present site was purchased from Earl L. Semple (son of Clark Semple) and wife. This was the site of the William Hall, one story brick building occupied by S. T. Fullenwider & Company and the Telephone Company, and in 1911 both of these businesses were burned. In 1943 and 1944 on this newly acquired property was an old building —a one story frame with a small front porch attached—a building that was moved in from the "old Assembly Grounds". To this or those build- ings that were on the lot, an addition was made as well as a change of entrance: as in the beginning, it faced on Main St.; as of now, it has a comer" entrance on both Main and First Cross Sts. After remodeling, it eventually ended up with the present building, and since the business is now mostly service station and garage the name was changed to "Coe-Service" . In 1945 it became affiliated with the Standard Oil Products. Over a period of time, many young men have been employed by Mr. Coe. namelv John Prior, Earl Prior, Charles Prior, Bob and Bill Elliott, James" Brown, Dan Van Pelt, Lawrence Prior, Kelvin Wake Richard Coe, (son of L. Garvey Coe), and Robert E. Coe (brother of Garvey), who will have fifteen years service in this fall. CHAMPIOM SERVICE STATION In January or February of 1950 Jesse Werner of Springfield bought tt property of the Mrs. R. A. (Alice Weber) Farmer Estate through tne realtor, P. A. Garren, which is located between First Cross and Second Cross Sts. on South St. on the south side of the street. This house which was razed in the process of the construction of Werner's new building was a four room cottage which was the first ana original home of the R. A. Farmer family. The Champion Service Station was started in May, 1950 and was finis in August, 1950— a wood frame building 30' x 70 1 with frontage to the north. Mr. Werner is sole owner and manager with Ed Calloway as operator. He is the dealer for Champion Petroleum Products servicing wholesale* and retail gasoline, motor oil, fuel and propane gas, and has a bulk plant storage of a capacity of 60,000 gallons. Mechanicsburg is proud and fortunate to have a business so attrac- tively maintained as well as conveniently near for all these services, GENERAL STORE GUY BECK In 1915 Franke Billbe and Guy Beck purchased the George Armstrong store in the Elkin building. Mr. Armstrong had conducted the busi- ness for a number of years, and being postmaster, he also had the Post Office in the building. In 1927 Mr. Billbe sold his interest to Guy Beck, who still con- ducts the business, with a span of 42 years in one location, in a . building built in 1367 by John Elkin who had been in business for a number of years and built the first brick store in town on the south- east corner of First Cross and Main Sts. Mr. Elkin died before the building was finished, and J. W. Alvey conducted the business. Today (June, 1957), Mr. Beck operates the only General Store in Mechanicsburg. He also owns the building next to him that was built by J. H. Freeto, being now used as a supply room for hardwares and jfeeds or possibly articles bought in earlier days that time has out- "lived its uses. Mr. Beck was born and raised here and is, perhaps, the oldest man in town that can have this honor. He was born October 14, 1879, son of John Beck, who was a carpenter, and Mrs. Beck was noted for her creations of variegated patterns on her loom. The house where he was born has been destroyed by fire since his family moved, but was located on the southeast corner of Third Cross land South Sts., now owned by the L. Garvey Coe family. The Beck family moved to their present home in 1890 which was already built. Mr. Beck isn't sure, but believes it was built by one of the Elkin's family. It is constructed of brick and is located on the corner of South and First Cross Sts. Mr. Beck's life has been, and still is, spent handling merchandise of one sort or another. He started to clerk in the Sam Richardson store about 1912. While in Rochester, he also managed a restaurant 'for Harry Baker. Then about 1913 and 1914, he clerked in the Company Mining Store in Dawson. Mr. Beck, with the help of his nephew Clarence (Red or Strawberry) Short, son of Henry B. Short (still living), is still serving the public and is in exceptionally good health. His hobbies are checkers and croquet. RECREATION CROQUET One of the most popular recreational spots for some of the commun- ity's menfolk is the sanded croquet court at the home of Guy Beck. This court was built there in 1928, and some of the same players have played at this court all these years. Some played on courts at the homes of Charles Burcham and D. J. Hourez previous to this. Mrs. Truman Fullenwider BARBER SHOP INSURANCE AGENCY & REALESTATE & BONDS P. A. Garren, who has lived most of his life in or about Mechanics- burg, started in business of barbering in 1925 after passing the State Board Examiners. After moving to Mechanicsburg, he built a small frame building just north of his residence on property bought from Mr. Burt in 1926. Here he ran a one chair barbershop in a one room building. About this time he also engaged in the painting and papering busi- nessi He made an addition to this one room building by adding another room on.the west, having this as .his paint store show room and supplies for sale. ^ After deciding to retire from the paint and papering business and bo enlarge upon his barbering trade, he established a two chair bar- bershop with the shop occupying the west room and customer's waiting room in the east room and hired another barber to work with him. The Last one here was Robert Gable, Greenfield, Illinois. They (P. A. and Bob) moved downtown into the location of the build- ing that had housed all previous barbershops that had been in Mechanicsburg April 1, 1949. In the Fall of 1949 the property that he now occupys and owns was Durchased from his brother-in-law and wife, (Earl T. Sample, Mechanics- burg RR#1) . Here he has had erected a two room concrete block build- ing to house his modern barbershop and an office for his Insurance Agency, Real Estate, Bond, & Brokerage business. The building was opened for business November 3, 1949. Robert jable left in 1951 or '52. The present barber is Louis Jackson (jack) Jreen of Buffalo, who has been serving the public since February 1952. le is a local lad, son of Clyde Green, both born and reared near fechanicsburg. At this date this is the only barber shop in Mechanicsburg and has >een since Ellis Shultz left Mechanicsburg. The building is on the site of the Robert E. Alvey Drug Store that ras destroyed by fire in about 1915. FUNERAL DIRECTOR J. PATTON FULLENWIDER The first established furneral business in Mechanicsburg that can established by records was started in 1916 by Jacob T. Fullenwider nd his nephew John E. Fullenwider. The "Undertaking" business as it as known then was located on First Cross and Main Sts. This was a rame building and divided into four seperate buildings; three facing the east on First Cross St. and one on the corner of Main St. with the entrance on the south. The "Undertaker's" place was situated on the first door north from the corner of Main in front, on the west side of the street. This "row" of buildings was burned in the winter of Decem- ber, 1929. As funerals were mostly conducted from the family home of the deceas ed or from the churches; there were very few established funeral homes anywhere— even the bodies were prepared within the family home. The first licensed embalmer was John Rogers. Jake Smith drove the horse drawn hearse until the death of J. T. Fullenwider. After the fire, the next place was in what was known then as the "old Dunwav's house", now the home of Mrs. Hattie Coe, with the display room for caskets in the old R. A. Farmer building, where the Mechanics- burg Implement place is now. Then they moved from downtown into the "old Burcham home", east on Main St. between Fourth and Third Sts. About 1943, the Fullenwider Funeral Home was permanently established in their dwelling. Mr. John E. Fullenwider passed away July 4, 1955. The business is being continued in the Fullenwider family just as it was started, with the son of the late John E assuming the business with the help of John A. Constant from Buffalo as the licensed embalmer and John Patton as Funeral Director. THE MECHANICSSURG WOMAN'S CLUB The Mechanicsburg Woman 1 s Club was organized in August, 1921. Mrs. Lewis Bird got the group together and served as the first president. Mrs. Bird now lives in Taylorville and has been made a life member of the club. There were 47 names on the charter membership— Me sdames William Armstrong, Lewis Benedict, Ernest Bell, Fred Bell, William Bradley, Lewis Bird, Reuben Benedict, W. S. Bullard, Miss Marguerite Bullard, Floyd Bricker, John Crane, Charles Darnell, John Eigenmann, R. A. Farmer, Miss Ann Farmer, Carl Farmer, Irvin Fullenwider, 0. H. Fullenwider, H. T. Fullenwider, John Fullenwider, Miss Ida Freeto, Miss Corine Hall, Miss Helen Hall, E. P. Hall, Miss Edwina Hall, Miss Dovie Hall, Miss LueJla Hampton, Roy Hampton, Harry Hagaman, !S J> T fT ' Xlll9m HelSS ' M1SS Goldie Heiss > Da Has Langley Sff^' J* V \f Daniel > C ' »- Morgan, Samuel Wh^i^eSWe Frank North, Russell North, Mike Pfeiffer, John Ross, George Ross Jacob smith, Nannie Townsend, Oliver Smith, Miss Lorinne wfther! and SerLTlSr* Th6re ^ 23 StiU UVing - d 9 Sti11 * «* ^ub • The Mechanicsbux^g Club joined the General Federation of Woman's Club in 1947. Each year the club has supported several projects oTthe Federation ° n ° f W ° men ' S Clubs as lve11 a s some of the General A number of local projects have been sponsored by the Club. A com- munity Cnnstmas tree was planted in the park in 1926. It has been ' lighted during the entire holiday season each year since. A George Washington bi-centenial and a Mechanicsburg centennial tree were planted m April, 1932.. For the centennial celebration in 1932 the history of the town was edited by Miss Ida Freeto and sold by the Woman's Club during the Dne day program. e During 1934, the Club landscaped the local park and the school grounds with shrubbery and flowers. In 1943 the Club sponsored the Red Cross dressings nrogram and ■or.-red twice a week until the end of the war. The group met first in ■he Legion Hall, then at the Grade School. In March, 1945 an insurance program with the Northern Illinois Hos- atal Service, Inc., having the "Blue Cross Plan" and along with this, he, "Blue Banner", and later "Blue Shield" covering hospital and medi- al-surgical plans, was started, and many of the members who subscribed ave received benefits. The Chairman for the first two vears was Mrs. .Arthur Alsbury. Since then, Mrs. Ralph Worley has been the chairman, hich has grown to be much responsibility. The Club started the Sodium Fluoride program for the grade school nildren in 1951. They enlisted the help of other clubs to finance nd continue this each year- Members who have served as Presidents are Mesdames Lewis Bird, C. W. Morgan, W. H. Armstrong, Roy Hampton, Thomas Semple, Floyd Bncker, W. S Bullard, John E. Fullenwider, Harry Hagaman, Ernest (Frances Hampton Dunkett, Henry Bell, J. P. Fullenwider, Ralph Worley, Garvey Coe, Earl Sample, Leonard Belt, Bernice Garvey, Thomas Tryon, Lewis Oder, Truman Fullenwider. The present officers are President - Mrs. Harry Townsend, Vice Pres- ident - Mrs. Theodore Morf, Rec. Secretary - Mrs. Lowell Bivin,_Cor. Secretary - Mrs. George T. Bell, Treasurer - Mrs. Harry Schnirrmg. Mrs. Leonard Belt ^hhbbbhhhhhbhhbhhbhbs- MECHANICSBURG JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB The i'echanicsburg Junior Woman's Club was organized on October 26, 1950. The initial meeting was held in the home of Mrs. Leonard Belt, who, 'with Mrs. Thomas Tryon, were sponsors and advisers. The charter members present were Mesdames Wayne Mendenhall, Robert Lord, Harold Smith, Russell Byerline, Donald Dickey, Kenneth Mendenhall, Rooert Gable, John demons, Charles Pheffer, George Coe, and Misses Jean Cravens, Jo Ann Simmons, Mary Alice Wilborn, who later married Homer Smith of Chatam. The Club was approved and accepted into membership of the General and The Illinois Federation of Women's Club January 9, 1951. The first officers were President - Mrs. Wayne Mendenhall, Vice- President - Mrs. Donald Dickey, Secretary - Miss Mary Alice Wilborn, Treasurer - Mrs. Robert Gable. During 1951, President Mrs. Wayne Mendenhall left for California to be near her husband until time of his departure for Korea, in service for his country. Mrs. Donald Dickey advanced as President and Miss Je Cravens was appointed Vice-President. This same year Mrs. Wayne Marvu was appointed Treasurer to finish Mrs. Robert Gable's unexpired term, as she moved from Mechanicsburg. Since organization, the club has done much in this co.nmunity ' through promotion of social, education, health, and civic betterment with personal efforts, financial aids, and co-operation with other organizations. Donations are made to the General, State, District, and County projects. During 1955-57, the Junior Woman's Club and the Woman's Club of Mechanic sburg combined their donations with food showers to the Mary Bryant Home of Springfield, a home for blind women. Donations are made to Tri-City School dental project. Each year a Christmas basket is given to a needy family in the community. The club conducted the Cancer Drive in the village, have a bake sale each year for Polio, gave to "Lincoln Memorial Shelter" in the Lincoln Memorial Gardens at Lake Springfield, which is a State Federation oro- ject, and have Scholarship Funds for teachers of exceptional children and Indians. Community projects that have been accomplished are 1951 A carnival in grade school which netted well over $400 to apply towards a movie projector. 1952 After other money raising projects, a movie projector was pur- chased for grade school educational needs of children in community 1953 Purchased heating system for the new fire house in the village. Christmas treats for children of community, ' because of inclement* weather, were given in the fire house, complete with Santa and tree. "Community Day" idea was created and co-operated with the firemen to make a successful dedication of the new firehouse; the day was named "The Fire Man's Day". Since then "Community Day" has been observed annually. 1954 Purchased 20 metal folding chairs for firehouse. Held the first annual Hallowe'en party in firehouse. 1955 Purchased TV set for ward at the State Hospital of Jacksonville. Purchased American flags and sold them in community to promote better patriotism. 1956 Purchased two folding steel tables for the firehouse for com- munity use. 1957 At this time planning for the coming celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Mechanics purg. The Junior Women's Club and The Fireman's Club are co-sponsors with other organizations partic- ipating. Also sponsoring a new Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troop. These members, who have served or are serving the Junior District as officers, are Mrs. Wayne Mendenhall, txhe first Junior Director of the 21st District, Mrs. Robert Richardson as Secretary, Mrs. Kenneth Taft (during term of 1956-58 and Mrs. Robert McDaniel (during term of 1957- 59} as Vice-Directors, and Mrs. Harold Barnes will serve as Treasurer of the Sangamon County Federation of Women's Clubs during 1957-59. The current presiding officers are President - Mrs. Kenneth Taft, Vice President - Mrs. Martha Gordon, Secretary - Mrs. Harold Barnes, Treasurer - Mrs. Russell Byerline, Corresponding Secretary - Miss Donna Mrs. Herbert Matthews THE AMERICAN LEGION The American Legion — Bullard Post #812 was organized in November, 1937, named for two local World War I Veterans. Carl Fheffefer of Springfield attended the organizational meeting to advise, organize, and install the first officer Commander P. A. Garren whose efforts, interest, and desire were to see a patriotic organization in the community. The charter members were P. A. Garren, Henry Hancock, Ronald Pope, Ernest Veatch, Thomas Tryon, Frank Grieme, Cletus Adams, George Lane, Delbert Green, Charles Cottrell, Raymond Kent, Harry Townsend, Ellis Shultz, Calvin Smith, Stanley Ketchum Sr., H. D. Ross, and William Green. When first organized, the meetings were held in the Mechanicsburg School building until the American Legion Post bought the building that now houses the Legion Post and The American Legion Auxiliary. It was purchased May 23, 1939 from Mrs. Flora M. Sparrow, widow of Edward Sparrow, who was the son of J. N. Sparrow the builder. This is the original brick building and the site of the J. N. Sparrow blacksmith shop for many years. The second story was built in 1870 and was the site of the I.O.O.F. Lodge. This part of the building had not been in use for some time; therefore, to make it inviting as a lodge or club for meetings and socials, much work had to be done. The Legion Post members, with the aid of the Auxiliary Unit, remodeled, redecor- ated, and furnished separate meetings rooms for each group as well as improvised a kitchen. They now had a place for social events, such as pot -luck suppers and card games or parties for the members » uses. For financial reasons of the organization from purchasing the property, affairs were opened for the public's contributions which added much social life to the community — pinocle games with their prizes to the winners and, after a seige of several hands played, lunches that were always prepared by the Auxiliary. To responsible persons, they have rented the Hall. During the Second War, the Legion generously and without charge allowed the Mechanicsburg Woman's Club to use the hall until they moved into the school building to make surgical dressings for the Red Cross. After the increase of membership from World War II veterans, a move was made to utilize the lower floor that had been used as blacksmith shop for many years until Mr. R. A. Farmer retired. This incurred more work and labor; first, a concrete floor, then painting, electrical work, more furnishings, and a division on the back suitable for a kitchen as it is now. Most of the labors were either by the Post or Auxiliary members. Since this has been accomplished, there have been public suppers, card parties, and public dances. With all of these efforts of labors and well managed business, the Legion Post has long since been out of debt; however, not without physical and financial aid of the American Legion Auxiliary, always ready and willing to give. For several years, the Legion and Auxiliary Posts has sponsored once a year during the summer a day set aside as "A Home Coming" in carnival style which always brought an overflowing crowd. However, for the last few years has been managed by other organizations and is known as "Community Day". Since the Legion Post #812 has been formed, they have had charge of Memorial Services for "Decoration Day" at the Mechanicsburg Cemetery having a full program of band music, speakers, and giving military honors by firing a salute over one Veteran's grave each year to honor all war Veterans who have served their country and have passed on. The Legion Post follows a nine point program from the Department of Illinois for service to the veterans as well as community service and Child Welfare. During 1957, Clarence Short is Post Commander and John Prior of the local Legion is County Commander. Mrs. William Prior ■JHHHHHHHHHHHHWHHHHNH^ THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY The American Legion Auxiliary was formed in November, 1937, being chartered the same time as the American Legion Post #812 and receiving the charter in February, 1938. The organizational meeting was held in the Mechanicsburg School building with Lucella Milner from Post #32, Springfield, as adviser to organize; fifteen were present to form the unit. Lucella Milner installed the new officers with Edna Lane as t he first President. The charter ratembers were Edna Lane, Mary Hancock, Elsie Garren, Mayme Ketchum, Mona Veatch, Fannie Rogers, Josephine Tryon, Ollie Derry, Cora Adams, Cieo Green, Anna Holmes, Violet Townsend, Ethel Grieme, Alice Farmer, and Lillie Bullard. Until the purchase of the Legion Home, the meetings were held in the Mechanicsburg School building, always meeting the same nights that the Legion Post meets. The nine point program from the Department of Illinois for service to the Veterans as well as Community Service and Child Welfare programs are followed. P°PPy D a y is observed yearly and veterans at Jacksonville State Hospital have been remembered with gifts. Auxiliary projects of the State, District, and County are contributed to. The Auxiliary members have worked faithfully with the Legion mem- bers with many home projects-to better either the organization or the community's welfare. 1U " or x,ne The membership is fifty and two of them are Gold Star Mothers who MarsS S fw ?-" nB ; t0 tiffie throughout- the year-Mrs. Margaref Marshall mother of Ora A. Marshall, and Mrs. Stanley Ketchum Sr. mother of Loren Ketchum. ' a , ^ P^amble is "For God and Country", and the meetings are opened and closed with a prayer for peace. p«"«u Mrs. Stanley (Mayme) Ketchum Sr. is the unit President of 1957. Mrs. William Prior MEMORIAL IN PARK HONORING WORLD WAR II DEAD A memorial was erected in the park facing MainSt. near the north- east corner of First Cross St. and Main St. It is constructed of a concrete base with the Memorial itself made of yellow brick, and upon fit, a plaque made of bronze with these names of the World War IT Vet- sran as follows: C.H. Johnson Jr., Roland F. Pope, Paul Hamrick- Detter known as Edwin or Eddie Hamrick— , Ora A. Marshall, William ieinnck Jr., and Loren Ketchum. Approximate date of erection is about 1948, and Mr. Peebles, the contractor from Illiopolis, had much to do with the construction, •loyd Grubb did the promotional and publicity work to get it started vith collection of the funds, which came from business men of the n-llage and community as well as The American Legion Post. ■jhh;-x-;hhh:-:b:-;:-->((-!hh. < --!b:-«-x- CARLOCK LODGE #904 A. F. & A. M. V second lodge of the Masonic Order was formed December 19 1907 inder the petitions of Robert Edwin Alvey, in the K. p. Lodge Building This petition was signed by Jacob T. Fullenwider, Homer E. Fullenwider, Joseph E. Pugh, Asam G. Semple, Thomas Sheperdson, John N. Bullard, Robert A. Farmer, 0. C. Bradley, Elmer E. Farmer, Hamilton R. Riddle, Homer W. Alvey, and George D. Ellington in the authority and jurisdic- tion and laws of Grand Lodge of the state. The charter was granted October 8, 1908. Alexander Bell of Carlin- ville who was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State installed; • the officers: First Master - Elmer E. Farmer, First Sr. Warden - Hamil- ton R Riddle, First Jr. Warden - John N. Bullard, Treasurer - Jacob T. Fullenwider, Secretary - Homer E. Fullenwider, Sr. Deacon - Adam C. Semple, Jr. Deacon - Joseph E. Pugh, Sr. Stewart - Robert E. Alvey, Jr. Stewart - Thomas Sheperdson, Tyler - 0. C. Bradley. The Carlock Masonic Lodge held their meetings in the K. P. Lodge room until 1939 when they purchased this building from the K. P. Lodge with the understanding that as long as the K. P. Lodge was in Mechamcs- burg they would have the privilege to continue the uses of the nail. They, however, disbanded as a lodge about 1940. In 1876 Benjamin Giger built this store building using brick from their hone which had been torn down on the farm. He then rented to J. N. Bird for a drag store, who conducted the business until his death in 1885 when his son Carl took charge until 1896 and then sold to R. E. Alvey. The first site of the Masonic' s first lodge was the brick building that Cyrus Correll built, which was located south of the frame building torn down in 1948 to build the Oliver Implement Company. This frame building was known as the R. A. Farmer's Corner. The brick building was built about 1848 and Mr. Correll rented the second floor to the Masonic Lodge and the store to Stephen Short for a grocery store, and later to A. H. Martin for a meat market. The Masons later bought the building. It is said that during the Civil War it was used for re- cruiting station for soldiers. The building faced west opposite the park. It became so crumbly and unsafe to allow it to stand, so was dismantled sometime after 1940. Since the store had been vacated due to the demise of M. R. Freeto in December, 1956, the Masons have remodeled the entire lower story- poured a concrete floor, removed a partition in the back making one room, have installed water system, redecorated with paint— is ready to rent. The Lodge hopes to encourage a grocery or meat market business. The present officers are Master - Harold Barnes, Sr. Warden - Wayne Mendenhall, Jr. Warden - Kenneth Mendenhall, Sr. Deacon - Joseph Shears, Jr. Deacon - D. Forrest Morris, Secretary - Garvey Coe Treasurer - Danny Lane, Tyler - Robert Richardson, Chaplin - Delmar * Uhl, Sr. Stewart - James Worley, Jr. Stewart - Wayne Rommies, Marshal - Robert N. Lord. GLOBE LODGE #323 The Globe Lodge #323 was instituted February 10, 1866 by Special Deputy Samuel Williard on petition dated October 13, 1865 and signed by petitioners Jacob A. Page, John W. North, Peter Vlerebome, Peter Love and Joseph Moomey. Charter members were Watson S. Boward, Thomas S. Butts, John Correll, A. R. Derry, J. G. Dodson, E. Dunnuck, William Hall, William McNeill, I. M. Short, James Sparrow, F. A. Puts, F. H. Weber, S. P. Williams, and S. P. Fullenwider. Peter Love was the first Noble Grand and I. If • Short was the first Secretary of the Lodge. The Lodge filed its last report on June 30, 1935 before surrender- its charter. The last officers were Noble Grand - D. G. Hourez, Vice- Srand - Guy A. Beck, Rec. Secretary - Homer W. McDaniel, Financial Secretary - A. C. Sample, and Treasurer - J. E. Fullenwider. The Lodge was officially closed on May 11, 1937. It was located in the present American Legion Hall. William Wilson MECHANICSBURG COMMUNITY CLUB The Mechanicsburg Community Club was organized October 4, 1950 after Mr. A. Louis Oder, superintendent of Tri-City Schools, called a meeting to discuss serving hot lunches in the schools. The first Officers were President - Mrs. Erma Met calf , Vice-President - Mrs. Edward Hupp, Secretary - Mrs. Elsie Requarth, Treasurer - Mrs. Earl Armstrong; the first cook was Mrs. Alvin McAllister with the assist- ance of mothers taking turns each day. Dues were set for 50$ per year with membership open to any inter- ested persons in the community. The club has transformed a dingy basement into a fairly adequate kitchen and dining room, supplying nearly all materials, labor, and equipment. Plans for future improvements are anticipated as funds are available. The club sponsors such activities as the Red Cross swimming pro- gram, fluoride dental treatments, immunization of the school children and an annual school picnic, besides the hot lunches. BOY SCOUTS The Scout movement was started in 1924-27 by the efforts of volun- teer workers with P. A. Garren as organizer and Scoutmaster. They^ felt their time was well spent in promoting the ideals of better living and better citizenship. Among this group were Garvey Coe, Truman Semple, Pat Fullenwider, John Prior, and others that memory cannot recall; and as no record can be found to supply the full list of names, we apologize for at this time the boys became so busy with other activ- ities that it seemed unnecessary to continue the work and was concluded until a later date. In the Spring of 1943 Boy Scout Troop #41 Tri-City Unit was established for boys from the Tri-City School District, ranging in ages from twelve years old and over, under the sponsorship of the Mechanics- burg Legion Post #812 with Ernest Veatch as Scoutmaster, Frank Grieme, Virgil Hawk, Lincoln Guernsey, P. A. Garren, Pat Fullenwider, and Rev. LeSSiiaS! tman 38 tHe tr °° P COffimittee - Meeti *S s ^re held in the v ^l?^ 6 SC ° UtS ° f this tro °P were ^hn Belt, Lewis Short Kenneth White, Jay Ekis, Murl Tryon, Ernest Grieae, Wesley Veatch Gordon Cottrell, Paul Cottrell, Charles Griffith, Jaaes Brom! Howard Rogers Ray Rogers Bill Elliott , Charles Byerline, Wayne BySline Wayne Homines Wilbern Homines, Wayne Green, Lewis Smith, Roy toss and Harlan Holmes. This troop disbanded in 1947. Preparations were started in February, 1957 for organizing of an other Boy Scout troop. The Junior WomanX Sub sponsored this move! ^ p? n ° W JS* + sponsors of th ^ troop. After three organiza- tionax meetings, the troop committee and Scout leaders were chosen namely: Chairman - Arnold Westerhold, Secretary - Harlan Boston Treasurer - Gordon Wake, Advancement'- Robert Lord, Property - John Van Pelt, Transportation - D. L. Westerfield, Scoutmaster /Howard Rogers, and Ass't Scoutmaster - Ray Rogers. The troop_ was chartered in May, 1957 with twelve charter members, namely: Dennis Dicky, James Lord, John Ross, Johnie Meisner, Lee ' lZJ ™ ?' ^ le n Langl F' Cecil Van Pelt, Dennis Leach, Cary Bales, Morris Westerhold, George Lambert, Michael Boston. The troop meetings are on Thursday evenings at the grade school. Howard Rogers ■SBHC-* CUB SCOUTS Cub Scouts, with three Dens organized in February, 1957, are being sponsored by Junior Woman's Club of Mechanicsburg. Merle Perry Jr of the Abraham Lincoln Council of Boy Scouts from Springfield came to three organizational meetings to instruct for organizing such groups with boys ranging from eight to eleven. The three Dens meet separately once each week, then as a Pack #203 once each month as a family affair with each den furnishing a portion of the program. The projects are crafts, health, and hobbies, and the dues are 10* per capita. The officers of the organization as selected are William Gustafson - Cubmaster, Adam Kluzek - Ass't Cubmaster, Earl Armstrong - Secretary, William Johnson - Instutional Representative, Robert Ross - Chairman of Pack Committee, Paul Leach - Treasurer, Robert Salmon - Advancement, and Amos W. Marvin - Outings. The three Dens have as their Den Mothers Mrs. Robert (Virginia) Meisner with Mrs. Ray (Marge) Rogers assisting, Mrs. William (Virginia) Johnson with Mrs. Carl (June) Constant assisting, and Mrs. Richard (Ruth) Schafer. The organization was chartered in May, 1957 with the following mem- bers: Tommy Ackerson, Biiiie Armstrong, Kenneth Gustafson, Carl Johnson William Johnson, Dorm Klor, Michael Kluzek, Richard Matthews, William Meisner, Robert Rogers, Phillip Ross, Odell Salmon, Richard Schafer, and Michael Schafer. Mrs. Earl (Hazel) Armstrong MECHAN1CSBURG ATHLETE BALL CLUB The Mechanicsburg Ball Club was organized in 1950. Earl Armstrong, whose farm joins the town just on the west edge, south side of road, donated about four acres rent free in the Fall of 1950. The ball dia- mond was laid out, bleachers and backstops constructed by team members. The blue and gold suits for the team were donated by local merchants at a cost of $12.60 per suit or a total of $151.20 for 12 suits. The flood lights were purchased from Donald Dickey, electrical con- tractor three miles south of Mechanicsburg, at a cost of $545.00. The first manager of the team was James Jarrett Sr., and the first president was Wayne (Whitey) Marvin. Expenses and reimbursements for the treasure came from the club members and their wives, having suppers, selling pop at the games, dances, scrap and paper drives, and free will offerings by the public. Team disbanded in 1955 from lack of public interest. In the future plans are being discussed concerning forming a junior league. MECHANICSBURG GIRLS SOFT BALL TEAM The girls' soft ball team was organized about 1951 or 52 and adopted the name "Pearl's Girls" as Mrs. Pearl Rogers, mother of two of the girls on the team, acted as their manager and escort to games out of town. ■ Officers for the team were President - Ruby Rogers, Vice President - Barbara Rogers, Secretary - Cecelia Fleck, Treasurer - Mary AnnStewart. Members names of the team were pitcher Barbara Rogers (now Van Pelt), catcher Ruby Rogers, Amilla, Irene, Delores, and Ceceila Fleck Mary Ann, Louise, and Willa Stewart, Carol Ann Coe, Kathryn Jarrett ' Patricia Marshall, Jane Armstrong, and Teresa Fuyten. The team was sponsored by the Community Club, who bought the team's shirts with their names "Pearl's Girls"inscribed on the back. They won most of their games and proved to be quite popular and an outstanding team of their sport in the county. They shared the ball diamond with the men's baseball team, so they likewise shared their part of expense. In order to meet these expend- itures, they held socials, suppers, and sold pop at the games. After the manager of The Fix-It Shop in Springfield engaged Barbara Rogers as pitcher to play on his team he sponsored in Springfield, the team disbanded. MECHANICSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT In the summer of 1953 several citizens and the village board, with Andy Garren as Mayor, purchased- a used fire truck. Fire Protection District was voted in September, 1953, and a board of officers were elected with the following members: President - Carl Brooks, Secretary - Russell Parks, Treasurer - Lincoln Guernsey, Fire Chief - Norman Smith, Captain - Danny Lane, and Robert F. Scott, Attorney at Law, Springfield. The boundary linesLfor.the.. district, run east about, six miles, west of James Kent farm on the blacktop road to Illiopolis, north boundary to cross the gravel roads about lj miles north of Mechanicsburg, west boundary to Sangamon River as far as to the long wooden bridge, south boundary to the Sangamon River as far as the Roby bridge. In the Fall of 1953 a lot was purchased from Donald Dickey. Then a 40 f x 40 f concrete block building was erected and was completed in the Spring of 1954. The dedication was June 26, 1954, honoring the volun- teer firemen by naming it "Fireman's Day" on the regular annual Community Day, presided by the newly appointed Mayor Gordon Wake (to fill the unexpired term of Andy Garren) and Fire Chief Norman Smith. This building was erected on the site of "The Tavern" that is men- tioned in a previous article of the early history of Mechanicsburg. The present board members of the Mechanicsburg Volunteer Fire Dept. for the District are President - Russell Park, Secretary - Earl Requarth, Treasurer - John P. Fullenwider, Fire Chief - Norman Smith, Ass't Chief - Garvey Coe, and William Gustafson and Horace Watkins - Captains for each fire truck. A second fire truck was purchased new by the district in November, 1956. FIREMEN'S CLUB Firemen's Club was organized July, 1953 and composed of those men who have volunteered to their community their services free to combat the hazards of fire fighting and to act as a maintenance crew for the machinery. They meet occasionally to study the subject of fire fighting and to exchange ideas with other groups of volunteer firemen: and, too they enjoy the social occasions as well. ' At the present time there are twenty-five regular volunteer fire men for duty, subject to call at any time. The officers, when organized, were President - Lincoln Guernsey, Vice-President - Russell (Perry) Crain, Secretary - Gordon Wake, Treasurer - George T. Bell, fifth man on board - John Van Pelt. The present officers are President - Virgil Prior, Vice President Wayne Marvin, Secretary - Horace Watkins, Treasurer - Howard Rogers fifth man on board - Robert Pierski. ' HOME BUREAU The Mechanicsburg Home Bureau unit has been organized twice. The first time was in 1947 as a charter unit when Sangamon County organized. Mrs. Truman Fullenwider was the leader for the two years the unit \ms intact. Mrs. Maynard (Margaret) McKinnie and Mrs. Earl T. (Irene) Sample gave the first local leader lesson in the home of Mrs. Byron Langley. In 1956 Mrs. Glenn Matthews urged reorganization after a 4-H Club had been formed and needed local support. A Mechanicsburg unit was again formed on October 22, 1956 with these elected officers: President - Mrs.. Floyd Matthews, Vice President - Mrs. Theodore Sauls, Secretary-Treasurer - Mrs. Robert McDaniel. The new unit has set aside one day each month other than the regu- lar meeting day for a special craft day for members . Mrs. Glenn Matthews 4-H The fourth girls 4-H Club was organized in Mechanicsburg March 6, 1956 and sponsored by the Clear Lake Home Bureau Unit. The leaders were Mrs. Donald Dickey and the co-leader was Mrs. Glenn Matthews. The girls took sewing, cooking, and flower arranging the first year. The name given to this club was The Mechanicsburg Beavers, and the charter members were as follows: Kathy Amrhein, Winnie Bales, Linda Cope, Gaila DeWeis, Patty Disney, Patricia Goldstein, Peggy Goldstein, Connie Hawk, Mary Ellen Kluzek, Rita Kluzek, Dorothy Krebs, Glenna Matthews, Sharon Matthews, Lois Spradlin, Nancy Spradlin, Linda Watkins, Diana Barnes, Carlene Barnes, Yolanda Bell, Anna Mae Powers. Meetings were held once a month at the grade school. A new club had to be organized the following year because of too many members. This other group was named Mechanicsburg Hustlers. The leaders of this club were Mrs. Wayne Marvin and Mrs. Herbert Matthews. Mrs. Ruth Skaggs was present at this meeting and made the division accordingly with the names of this new group. Fourteen members remained with the old group and nine formed the new unit. Since then these have joined: Patty Hawk, Gloria Miller, Kay Miller, Bruce Matthews, Dennis Dickey, Carey Bales, Robert Rogers, Tommy Rogers, Virginia Batten, Lela Westerfield, Doris Guernsey, Connie Watkins, and Linda Coe. The first 4-H unit was formed in the early 40' s with Mrs. George (Edna) Lane as leader and her assistant was Mrs. Haldean McMurray. Then about 1946-48 another unit was formed again by Mrs . Lane, and this time with no assistant. The third attempt to have a 4-H group was with Mrs. Earl Armstrong as leader was about 1950. Mrs. Donald Dickey POST OFFICE MAIL SERVICE Previous items are the only facts of the early postal service as well as can be learned. Miss Pauline Gragg was postmistress before 1932 and continued for several years in the old interurban building (still standing), now the property of Ho man Smith. Here Orpheus Elliott started as postmaster, and so did Lincoln Guernsey until about 1950 when moved into the present location— the Bank building built in 1902 and closed as a bank in early 30' s. The present postmaster is Mr. Guernsey and his wife, Irma, is his assistant. They also handle the payments for the Illinois Bell Tele- phone bills and the Illinois Power Company electric bills since N R Freeto business closed after his death. The earlier rural service was either by horse-back, walking or horse and buggies, depending on condition of the roads. First 'there were Route #1 and #2, having two mail carriers. The only history or data that was given was about Harvey Gragg (father of Pauline Gragg and Mrs. Harry Hagaman) and William Heiss, who carried mail at the same time. Mr. Gragg started around 1907 and continued until 1920 when he was killed by a horse kicking him. Then sometime later the mail route was made all in one, calling it Route #1. The last two carriers were Merle Withrow and Ernest Veatch, and his sub was P. A. Garren. The present carrier is Orpheus Elliot and his sub is Mr. Thomas Tryon. RESTAURANT BUSINESS In trying to collect data on this subject, we ran into elaspe of time and memories, but obtained a few to make an interesting subject. Mr. Henry B. Short, who came to Mechanicsburg in 1901, started in restaurant business in 1907 in a little brick building that is now a part of the kitchen of the now present business; here he made chilli, and by that name his business was known as the "Chilli Parlor". He conducted business here four years, and then sold to Andy Marshall. He then acquired the restaurant in the building that it is now located in 1917, and account of ill health, sold to Al Martin in 1918. In 1916 Willie Herman and his sister, Emma (Saul) Elliott had a business in the J. H. Freeto building until about 191B. In 1928 Everett Dragoo and wife had an establishment in the place as of now and continued until about 1933. John Pippin had a restaurant in the old Bank building (now the Post Office) starting in the Spring of 1934, and then sold to Ralph Burtle in 1936, who ran a beer tavern and then sold to the Robbins sisters; they also had a beer tavern. Then several changes occured in the restaurant affairs that is too sudden to remember, but in the year of 1947 or 48 Earl Armstrong had the business soon after they moved to the farm from Springfield. During the war period, Anne Mendenhall opened a restaurant but had to close because of rationing of coffee, sugar, candy bars, and syrup. Guy Beck bought what staple goods she had on hand, and then she went to work in the Nelson f s Cafeteria in the war plant. The Gillettes from Dawson bought the business from Ann Holmes about 1948 and did a thriving business, but had to cease operation because of Rose Gillette's serious accident by a horse. The present owner, Mr. Claude Bell, has been in business since May 14, 1955 and has enlarged the space to include the building that adjoins the restaurant building. Up to now, it includes three build- ings. Others that have operated in the more recent years, previous to Claude Bell were John Griffith, Bill Prior, William Ross (Cotton-eye), Bert Beecrafts, Shirley Spindel and Edna Lovejoy operated during 1939, Jake Powers and wife — residing in the building on the west that is now a part of the restaurant. Back in the 1920 *e -Thomas Alsbury and son Arthur operated a restaurant on the north side of Main St. in the building now occupied by Norman Smith. Sometime in the late 20 f s Don Wilson, now of Illiopolis, had the restaurant in the present location. This location is owned by 0. T. Booker. Florence (Marshall) Goodpasture, in the 30 f s had a fresh orange juice drinking establishment, in the west front part of the new addi- tion of the present restaurant. BLANCHE'S BEAUTY SHOPPE In 1939 Mrs. Blanche Semple started a shop in her residence which at that time was within the home of her father-in-law, Clark Semple (now the residence of Ann Mendenhall) . Here she operated for one year Then she moved into an apartment of W. H. Nichols on Main St. and operated for three years in this location; from here she moved, having purchased the property known as the "old Snelling house", and operated here for another three years . Then she sold this property and moved to Buffalo and continued business within her home there for several years . MARKETS OTHER BUSINESSES In 1918-21 Willie Herman operated a meat market in t he wooden frame buildings on First Cross and Main Sts. Then from 1921-31 he operated another grocery store and meat market in the J. H. Freeto building next to Guy Beck's store. In the late 30 's he moved to the Bank building (now the Post Office) and was in business here until time of his death July 9, 1942. After Mr. Herman's death, James Dietel (Mrs. Herman's brother) carried on with the business and had as clerk to help him Hugh (ennedy, who lives south of the village (who is a cousin of Mrs. Herman and Mr. Dietel). There have been several gas stations in operation in the village, but it has been difficult to obtain data on only a few since 1932. Joel Stewart built a station on the corner of Main and First Cross Sts. but has been dismantled to make room for Norman Smith's Implement grounds. Glen (Merry) Marshall had a station before 1949 and also operated the ice house business; then he sold to Andy Garren in 1949, who also carried candies, pop, ice cream, cigarettes, and a few novelties. This was located on Main and First Cross Sts. The late Homer McDaniel and his mother were in business for several years also in this little building (J. N. Bullard's property). They carried a line of candies, ice cream, etc., and occasionally "Mrs. Mac", as she is affectionally known, had one of her lucious pies or cakes for sale. About 1937 Henry and Daisy Bell operated a grocery store in the R. A. Farmer location. At one time or another Thelma (Kent) Dickey, Lena (Turner) Coe, and Glen Coe worked here. From January, 1946 to March, 1947 Hopkins and Grubb Grocery and General Store was operated on Main St., one door east of where Fullen- wider's had their undertaking show room. The late Orville Hall was a partner with Cooney Burt as poultry dealers for several years. When Mr. Burt died, Mr. Hall carried on th< business for more than fifty years until his death January 1, 1957 ♦ Mr. William H. Lord (father of Harvey Lord living on Main St.) had been a cattle buyer from 1880 to 1920. In 1910 Perce Hall became his partner which lasted until Mr. Lord f s death. NEW HOMES SINCE 1932 57 Mechanicsburg's downtown district has shown a change since many new businesses have had a "face-lifting". The newness of the dwellings has been noted with a number of new homes built since 1932: among them are the homes of Charles Pfeiffer, Kenneth White, Norman Smith, Robert Van Pelt, Ralph Worley, Horace Watkins, Lincoln Guernsey, the Union School building which has been moved to Main St. and is being remodel- ed, Nathan Brown, Jose Beecraft, Bert Beecraft, Harlan Holmes, Leslie Holmes and another one he built, Russell Byerline, Gene Byerlin, Tim White, George Bilbe, Robert Lee Marshall, Robert Pierski, Charles Byerline, and Melvin Wake whose home is under construction. Mrs. Harry Green THE CENTRAL ILLINOIS ASSEMBLY The Central Illinois Assembly was organized in 1897 by citizens of Buffalo and Mechanics burg. The camping grounds were located northeast of town. For many years we had the pleasure of hearing some of the best orators and musicians of the country. A camp meeting was held for years by the Methodist of the commun- ity; first on the site of the present Mechanicsburg Cemetery, then on the land of Aaron Morgan east of the old Correll School house (now the home of Mrs. Graham), then in the David S. Hall timber (father of the late E. P. and Jake Hall), and later on land given by Jacob N. Fullenwider (grandfather of Truman Fullenwider) . The Assembly was controlled by officers, Board of Directors, and various committees such as for the concessions, admission, grounds athletics, pianist, sanitation, vocal music, and a large reception* committee. The accommodations were such that people had their cottages; those that didn f t, could rent tents for a certain fee. Transportation facilities for getting to and from the grounds could hardly have been better for the interurban ran between Springfield and Decatur. Cars left every hour for the grounds with no delay enroute. Time and the elements have erased any spot where a building may have stood. Many were moved and put to further uses and the taber- nacle dismantled. Only the older ones remember those "Old Assembly Ground Days" for two weeks of culture. REMINISCENCES Mrs. F. A. Bricker ^recalls she came to town when a girl about 1900 and went skating at "The Rink" that was above the J. H. Freeto store, now owned by Guy Beck, with the front painted green. She laughingly said, "Why I can tell them what was behind that green doort" Mrs. Bricker was formerly Jessie Rogers. Mrs. Ralph (Mildred) Worley mentioned that she was the first woman to drive team and wagon into the new Mechanicsburg Farmer's Grain Elevator and dump the grain herself; this was about 1919. The dwelling that was made back in 1840 by the Methodist for their first church and converted into a house by Stephen Short has had very few families to live there. After Mrs. Anna Kenney, it remained vacant for some time until William Brownfield remodeled it again with a new, lower roof and changed the entrance to the south. After living there a while, he sold to William Truaire. It was resold to the present occupants Russel Crain family. Mrs. P. A. (Elsie Sample) Garren has in her possession a jar of well .preserved wild grapes, canned in 1878 by Mrs. Eli ({Catherine) Pumphrey (mother of Mrs. Carrie Derry, now a resident of the Kings Daughter's Home in Springfield). This item appeared in the Illinois State Journal in detailed account on December 6, 1950 and with permission of Mrs. Garren a part of it is being used in this item. Being in the era of the "deepfreeze refriger- ation", this should be of interest to the modern brides. !f When Mrs. Derry retired from housekeeping, she gave this one jar of fruit to Mrs. Garren, out of sentiment of her mother, to be stored in their fruit cave. It is a quart jar and cut in the glass are these words: Marion Jar, Mason Patent, November, 1858. It was sealed as any jar of today would be, however, with a narrow black rubber band. The contents have shrunk about 2" from the top; there is no mold and the grapes have held their marble shape. This was among the first fruits that Mrs. Pumphery canned when a bride." The Pumphrey family lived many years in the residence now occupied by the Glen Coes. In April 21, 1939 the first test oil well was started in the criti- cal St. Peter sand of central Illinois, known as the Millar-Sample #1, Sangamon County's third field venture. June 11, 1939 was a day of much disappointment in the local oil circles when the abandonment was necessary after reaching the depth of 2,732' due to not being able to recover the drill stem. This well was located on the Earl T. Sample farm three miles south of Mechanicsburg on RR#1. Several attempts have been launched since on other farms — John Tafts had a small suc- cess after several trys; others are the Cooper, Morris, Richardson, Godlsteins, and Withrow farms. But the first one will well be remembered for the attraction to the people of Sangamon County who came by the hundreds to see its operations. in December, 1936 Edwin Preston Hall, nationally known livestock exhibitor, passed away. He was known as "The Grand Old Man of Inter- national" by setting the record of winning eleven grand championships and exhibited for 35 years Aberdeen Angus stock. His father David S. Hall, was a feeder and breeder of commercial cattle and was one of the first to drive cattle on foot from Illinois to New York to market Mrs. E. P. Hall and daughter, Edwina Hall Kilbride, remained in the ' residence (now the home of Dr. Van Homer) for several years before selling to the Maynard McKinnie family of Springfield. In 1940 W. H. Nichols, who at that time lived on East Main St - where John Prior family now resides, had an inventive mind and devel- oped a garment producing it for a time in his home using no fasteners. It was a one piece garment. His wife Rita designed it from his " insturctions. It was used by farmers and garage men and would have been made success if a manufacturer could have been interested. Mechanicsburg in the middle 1800 's was noted for its political rmu 1168 "" " 6 being related b y Mrs - Orpheus (Alice Farmer) Elliott- •The Robert Meisner residence on Simpson St. between Church and First Cross Sts. was formerly owned by R. A. Farmer; this site about 1864 was a house known as the "Bee-Hive", because it housed four families- here was to be a basket dinner and a speech made by Abraham Lincoln who had been invited by the community to eat with them at this basket dinner, but upon the invitation of the F. .H. Webers, grand- parents of Mrs. Elliott, he dined with them. The Webers were neigh- bors at one time with the Lincolns, and as Mrs. Weber knew he was :' fond of biscuits, she made them for him. The old Weber residence was destroyed by fire in 1926. In March, 1951 there was a community Church Sale held in the park, with donations of various articles and the donation of several auctioneers' services. The sale netted $2,087.70, which was divided equally between the Christian and Methodist Churches. ##*#-JHHfr*###*-###* THE YEARS OF THE BIG FIRES — SITES OF THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGES The Creamery, built by farmers of the community in the northwest part of town in 1895, burned a few years later and never rebuilt. In 1902 all the brick buildings on the north side of Main St. were destroyed^ This included the Dr* McNeill building, Thompson Bros, store, and the A. T. Thompson Bank building. Buildings were replaced, however, some under other managements. In 1911 the William (Billie) Hall building, occupied by S. T. Fullenwider & Company and the Telephone Exchange, was burned (now the site of L. Garvey Coe Service) . At this time Miss Pauline Gragg and her sister, Gertrude (Gragg) Hagaman, were clerks in the Fullenwider store and acted as telephone exchange operators. As the telephones were not too numerous, the exchange was in the back of the store and could be easily reached when a call came through. As the store hours were later than now, the clerks were still at work when the fire occurred • The Gragg sisters were the day operators and John Rogers (father of of Marie (Rogers) Prior who also worked as an extra) was the night operator. After the fire, the telephone exchange was temporarily . housed in the Armstrong store (now Guy Beck's) until other accommodate, tions were made. a About 1915 the R. E* Alvey Store building was burned. This was one story brick building housing a meat market and a drug store and was on the corner opposite the William Hall store. The site of the Alvey store is now the property of P. A. Garren. In 1916 the E. P. Thompson building, occupied by the S. T. Fullen- wider & Co. and Telephone Exchange, was burned. The Telephone Co. occupied the second story. Mrs. Orville Hall (then Miss Pearl Smith) was on duty at that time. She stayed with the switch board until it was necessary to rescue her. Mrs. Harvey Lord (then Miss Geneva Smith) also worked as an operator. About the same time the old land mark of the Morris Bird home, used as a Post Office, was burned; David Isaacs was postmaster. In ^e latter part of December, 1 9 2 9 the frame buildings owned by J, T. Fullenwider located on Main St. opposite Guy Beck's store and P. A. Garren's barbershop, burned during the night; so far it is be- lieved there were no witnesses. It consumed the Jewelry shop owned by Ed Lochbaum (still living), Fullenwider's Undertaking Establish- ment (known as the Morgue), Herbert Hazelrigg's Shoe Repair Shoo and Sam Matthew's Meat Market. ^ OTOp » After the 1916 fire, the Telephone Co. was located in the building owned by J. N. Bullard on the corner of Main and First Cross Sts where so many filling stations have since been, and which was former- ly Dr. j. H . Hill's first office until his office on South St. was built, now owned and occupied by the Ray Watkins family. In this location Homer Crain, now of Buffalo, started as mainten- ance man for the Telephone Co.; his wife Irma became manager of the office. They lived on Railroad St. in the house now owned and occupied by the Glen Marshall*. Mr. , Crain has told he traveled bv horse and buggy to repair line, then later by model T Ford. The operators who served under the management of Mrs. Crain were Pearl (Smith) Hall, Katie (Rankins) Blankenship, Pamela (Noel) Green. Edna (Noel) Lane, Zoe (Smith) Marshall, Lillie "(Woodcock) Veatch, Lo"d (Crain) Metcalf > Bert na (Woodcock) Kennedy, and Geneva(Smith) In 1927 the telephone switchboard was moved to Buffalo. Mrs Crain helped with cut -over in 1926-27 at which time Mr. & Mrs. Liddy took over; however, only for a short time, for the Crains moved to ' Buffalo into the house that served as switchboard office and home. Mrs. Crain managed until the dial system went into effect 1938 at which time her position as manager terminated. Mr. Crain continued with the company until retirement of December 31, 1954. CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF MECHANICSBURG Celebrated Sat., Oct. 22, 1932 Mechanicsburg community of less than 500 people were host to thousands of visitors throughout Illinois and a few from out of state; many who had a "home-coming" at this time. The Centennial celebration was sponsored by the Mechanicsburg Woman's Club of which Mrs. John E. Fullenwider was president ;• other organizations and individuals vied with each other to produce a note- worthy effect to commemorate' the' founder, William Pickrell, and the founding of this town. Truman Fullenwider was general chairman with the following commit- tees and their members: Centennial celebration committee: Mesdames Helen Hall, 0. D. Gabel, Harry Hagaman, Fred Farmer, E. J. Bell, Thomas Semple, D. J. Langley, K. 0. Derry, J. E. Fullenwider, and Miss Hampton. Floats and parade: F. A. Bricker, Stanley Ketchum, Donald Wilson Earl Coe, Lewis Bell, Clarence Short, Desne Hourez, Claude Foster, Lowell Bivins, J. E. Davis, Albert Lord. Relics: Mesdames F. A. Bricker, Thomas Semple, D. J. Hourez, Fred Bell, Sam Farmer, Roy Hampton, George Lane, Misses Lena Freeto and Katie Beck. Quilts: Mesdames W. S. Bullard, E. P. Hall, E. J. Bell, Truman Fullenwider, C. W. Morgan, Donald Ostermeier, Charles Garren, and Scott Marshall. Meals: Mesdames Sam Matthews, P. W. McDaniel, Charles Sparrow, Leon Hall, Anna Kenney, Nannie Townsend. Finance and concessions: Homer McDanield, John Ostermeier, Guy Beck, Ellis Schultz, N. R. Freeto, Fred Bell, C. B. Townsend,W. E. Jacobs. Invitations: Misses Corrine Hall, Loraine Waters, Lois Bell. History: Misses Ida Freeto and Goldie Heiss. Dance: Earl Coe, D. J. Hourez, Robert Ross, Leonard Morris, and Lewis Bell. The forenoon program started at 10 o'clock with the dedication of the flag pole by the George Reed Circle of Ladies of G.A.R. This was erected in the park by money raised through efforts of Miss Marguerite Bullard. The community band of Buffalo and Mechanicsburg, conducted by John B. Edwards, led the parade of Pageant of Progress in which Eugene Morris and the late E. P. Hall rode two black horses and were^n f ull dress and high silk hats. Each float depicted a period of Satorror an era of the mode of living such as the covered wagon, the Snow Birds, Home SweetHome, village blacksmith, the cooking of aople butter, the Pilgrims, Indian scenes, log cabin, spinning wheels and loom, replica of the Methodist brick church, Martha an2 George Wash- ington carriage with footman, ancient car, with the schools of !££ ?i! f I ' ^T ! llle and Mt * Vernon represented, Amos and Andy all fraternal clubs as well as social ones and the Sangamon County Farm Bureau. "The Legion Tank" was the only patrtotjffjoat entered by P. A. Garren mounted on Earl T. Sample's track. The Woman's Club staged a style show with dresses dated as fa- back as 1837 with the "Merry Widow" period of 1006 and a few of 1000 era were the "latest" styles. y The early circuit riding preacher, Floyd Grubb, traveled along in front of a group of local women: Misses Emily Fullenwider, Lois ' • (Bell) Uhl, and others. *u T ^^ orseless carriage added to the parade, but a baby buggy of the 1885 period offset this. After a cafeteria luncheon was served at noon, the afternoon pro- gram began with an invocation by Rev. Carman of Atlanta, pastor of the Christian Church here, followed by an address of welcome by Rev. Clapper of the M.E. Church, then the Pawnee Four Quartette, a saxo- phone duet by Paul Hagaman and Earl Archer, Mechanicsburg School music under direction of Miss Dorothy Adams, Ross Shannon gave a singing and whistling solo, Pearl Garren and Fred Oliver played and Faye Yeaman of Springfield tapped danced. H. E. Fullenwider, States Attorney and former resident, gave early history of Mechanicsburg, its people and. their ideals. The evening speaker was former Congressman James M. Graham, after- which a grand ball ended the First Centennial celebration of MECHANICSBURG. •SHC-» 1HHHHHHt-)H&HHHHHHl X YOUNG ~ RUSSELL — SHANNON — HOPKINS (Negro . citizens) Mr. Linza Young, born July 13, 1882 son of Jameson Young, one of 13 children, came from Calloway County, Missouri with his parents to Buffalo about 1901. He married Maria Martin also from Calloway County near Fulton, Missouri. Mr. Young has been in and about Mechanicsburg for 36 years working as a laborer for the Frank Garveys, most all of the Hall families, Thomas Fullenwider, Pete and Homer McDaniel. The Youngs had nine children, seven of which are living— three ^ girls and four boys. At the present time he lives alone as his wife is in St. John's Hospital. He related about his parents having been slaves in Missouri and how his father and father's brother and sister were sold from a stump of a tree as slaves; the brother was never heard from; he located his sister who came north and became a minister of the gospel. John Henry Russell came to Mechanicsburg in 1911 from Lanesville, Illinois but was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He worked as a laborer all his life in and about the community. At the present time Mrs .Glen Young and Mildred Russell work for both Pickrell families and are the only ones of this family living in the village. Mildred is a graduate licensed practical nurse and works in Decatur on private cases in either St. Mary's or Macon County Hospitals. Harriett is married to Carl Spencer and lives in Springfield. Mrs. Pearl Smith lives in Gary, Indiana with her son. Narcissa Joefrau lives in Chicago and is a beautician; her husband is a waiter on the Santa Fe. Welbie Russell has been employed by the Ford Motors of Detroit for 16 years. Mr, John Russel passed away in September, 1950 at the age of 84 and his wife passed away March, 1951 at the age of 73. The Russell children all attended and graduated from the Mechanics- burg school • 4HHHt h„t T ^ W J lliara . Sh ™n family have long ago moved from Mechanicsburg to this HTnfM br ° + ther K °J the d — * Mrs. Shannon, 35 12* However, some of the Shannon family live in Springfield and are doing well George is working for the Fire Dept, Howard for the State, and Ross lives in Chicago. **K* The Moses Hopkins family came from Kentucky; however none of this family now reside here. But Allie Hopkins and her sister Mildred Obryant work for the State and live in Springfield. Chester and Mary are deceased. ^x-x->h^->bh<-x^^ CO I O CO £ -P vO O cm o, to a> jr^J**°0*°2) CO O -C -P CO u CT3 c 1 r CD CD E-i CO O £ .r] O ttH b M -p Pu*d •HCOH CO = O o o o -p CO w CD -C g O CO *■♦ •H ^ U O XJ-H o a* *&£. ~.!k Z ZLZ§£££ Z. CO o •H -P :. o -C o -P r-\ -P cd •* SCO cm 3 s IN APPRECIATION In preparing this booklet for the One-Hundreth and Twenty-Five Years of the history of Mechanicsburg, we have used the history that was compiled by Miss Ida Freeto in 1932 with a few variations of data and have made additions in data of historical facts. We have resorted to records, data, and heresay. Heresay differs. Besides the committees f efforts, the community as a whole has been involved, and one may say the community has been a history committee. Without this co-operation, the Woman's Club committee would have accomplished little. Our intentions were not to omit any individual or family, if how- ever, it has been the case of an omission, please do not take offense and forgive, as a period of a few weeks is a short time to correspond, telephone, motor and make personal contacts for information and data, prepare, and publish. The committee is grateful to those who have contributed in any way to make this .history booklet as nearly brought down to date as we could accomplish. The committee wishes, to" ir THMK YOU. Mrs, Truman Fullenwider Mrs, Leonard Belt Mrs. William Bradley Mrs. William Prior Mrs. F. A. Bricker Mrs. Harry Hagaman "A dream is history with the facts left out . If it be a good dream, get up and put the facts in." Mrs. Earl T. (Irene) Sample Chairman Mimeographed by Patricia Fettis, 3406 Clearlake, Springfield, 111, \ )■ * t I . UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 977.356W842M C 0D1 MECHANICSBURG 125TH ANNIVERSARY MECHANI 3 0112 025393577 ill