UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URCAlMA-CHAMPAIGN ILL HIST. SURVEY Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://archive.org/details/newhistoryofmtcaOOhodg A NEW HISTORY OP NT. CARROLL, ILLINOIS By the English IV class of Mount Carroll High School P R E F A C E Someone once said that doing a new history vaa like moving bones from one graveyard to another. Though we haven't a complete skeleton here we hope that we have gathered a few elusive bones that may have slipped through the fingers of preceding parties. This history of Mt. Carroll was begun as an alternative to doing the conventional research or term paper expected of senior high school students in their class in English IV. We hoped here to follow the usual procedures of research, but combine it with something more tangible than was usually found in books — our own town. We have not only done research in the few existing books of Mt. Carroll history , but have made new acquaintances in our town and have felt the stimulus of working with local residents who have a vital interest in our past and future. Their help has been invaluable. The students too have learned how to get the most from an interview, a letter, or a book. As we go to press we see numerous loop holes in our work, and not a few historical guesses, together with some very probable grammatical errors. Our sole aim has been to write a less con- ventional history by picking up some bones left along the way by previous historians - i.e. lists of mayors and other public officials; amusements in Mt. Carroll; the article on the dalles of the Waukarusha, et cetera; some of which we hope will be sup- plementary at least to the more complete histories of Mt. Carroll. Robert Hodges, Instructor The English IV Class of 1949 Norma Ashby (Editor) Gerald Bausman Jean Byera Bette Crist Larry Decker Lois Dittmar Florence Gillespie Marilyn Gothard (Editor) Annette Hinebaugh Don Hook Geneva Imel Doris Keim Darleen Spencer Gene Timm Robert Hodges (instructor) -1- EARLY HISTORY OF MOUNT CARROLL AND NORTHERN ILLINOIS The first adventurous explorers to come to Illinois and make a claim for their Mother-Country were the French. They claimed Illinois and a large part of the Mississippi River Valley for approximately a century. This claim became known as New France and the surrounding towns acquired French names which are still in evidence today. Jean Nicolet, a bold Frenchman, with a small group of men journeyed from some colony in Canada to Lake Michigan in the year 1634. It was a long tedious trek overland until they reached the Great Lakes. After visiting the Green Bay Indian Tribes, who were apparently quite friendly, they explored the region to a small extent. They chose a French name for this territory and it was "Lac des Illinois". The next group of people to venture to this wild unexplored country was a group of Missionaries who came in the year of 164% In the year of 1657 some explorers penetrated as far into the woodland as n La Pointe", which is on Lake Superior, In the vicinity of Ashland and Bayfield, Wisconsin, they built a winter camp. From this small camp, which probably consisted of about three or four small log cabins, they carried on fur trading with the Sioux Indians. This was the beginning of growth in a different section of the New World. During the following years several missions were established some places along the southern shore of Lake Superior. The Chip- pewa Indians were camped at a point not too far distant and two -2- of the Fathers from the mission nade visits to them. Another early explorer was Radisson, who reached the upper section of the Mississippi River Valley sometime between 1648 and 1659. Then came a man, Perrot, who left written records which he kept during his travels through the country around the Great Lakes and the Fox River. His explorations were greater than those before and continued from 1670 to 1690. In June of 1671 he held a large conference with all the Indian Tribes from the surrounding terri- tories. This massed meeting must have been some sort of a Peace Conference between all the Indians and the White men. This great congregation of Indian and white men was held at Saulte St. Marie. Later in his exploration Perrot and his men discovered that there were lead mines in this section of the country. Then came the better known group, Joliet and Marquette. This small group consisting of seven men arrived on May 17, 1673. Joliet had previously visited this region in search of copper mines and was consequently familiar with the country. He had also prepared the group for trade with the natives by bringing along trinkets for barter in exchange for food. The small company set out in two small birch bark canoes to travel southward from St. Ignace. They had reached the Des Moines River before they came in contact with any Indian, but to their immense relief they found the Indians were of a friendly nature. Their journey extended as far as the Arkansas River. Charlevoix wrote an account of his visit to the Illinois Country which took place in 1721. His writings described the first buildings. -3- after the forts, as being fur-trading posts. He also reported the missionary settlements were quite numerous through-out the territory. La Salle reached Illinois through Lake Michigan and the Chicago Portage. In the year of 1680 he made, in the name of King Louis XIV, a formal possession of this vast territory* During the following years he made two more trips to Illinois, the last of which was in 1 681 • Tonty, in the fall of 1682. proceeded to carry out the plans of La Salle to fortify "The Rock", or what is known as "Starred Rock". The buildings which went up included stone houses and small general stores of different types. This village or trading post, which was called Fort St. Louis, was inhabited by Indian Tribes . During the next period the people still continued to move westward to settle and claim the land for their own. '^heir life was similar to that of all pioneers, in that it was a very simple and limited existence in many ways. They did not have much social life unless they provided it for themselves. They often had a rather gay day when they helped someone to build their new home. They made it a family gathering, the men went to work on the house, the women to do the cooking and to catch up on the news, and last of all, the children to see someone other than their own brothers and sisters. Sometimes the women had sewing bees. Finally, February 2, 1818, the territory became a legal state and part of the United States of America. It had grown in many ways since the French had first explored its many great wonders -4- of nature until the time when it became a state. It was now more heavily populated even if it was still quite sparse. There were now small villages and farming districts where once only the vast timber lands had stood* The people now were of various ancestral backgrounds while before they were the true American Indians, who roamed about quite peacefully. The government was organized by appointment of Ninian Edwards, Governor; Nathaniel Pope. Secretary; and Alexander Stuart, Obediah Jones and Jesse Thomas, Territorial Judges • Slowly the settlers began to drift westward and finally a few of the more courageous ones reached the State of Illinois. The presence of people necessitated the building of homes, churches, schools, a Court House and other buildings which had been a part of their former environment. One of the first homes to be built, near the present site of Mount Carroll, was a small one-story log house, which was located in Preston Prairie. The interior of the cabin was equipped in the usual way, with a fireplace for heating and cooking, and a floor of dirt. Along the walls at a convenient height were pegs upon which candles were placed. This house wouldn't prove very satisfactory in our estimation but was the best home that Samuel Preston could provide with the resources he had nearby. Another early home was the one built by David Emmert on Stag Point. A second house, built by Harriet Harmon, was connected to the Emmert home by a covered passage-way. Disaster struck these homes, however, and both families contracted a fever. The women were able to help one another, though. With the aid of Miss Caroline Wade these two women fed the workmen who were building the mill. Hiss Hanoon later became very wealthy and after founding the Caroline Mark Home endowed it with one-half million dollars. First settlement of Mount Carroll was in Cherry Grove, by Thomas Crane. He built a house which became known as Crane's Fort. In the following years this fort Berved as a shelter for many families. In 1837 the George W. Harris family, in 1840 the David Emmert family and the father and family of W. A. J. Pierce in 1841 were some of the people sheltered by the fort. Early industry was provided by the Mill. Nathaniel Halderman, David Emmert, John Irvin, and John Halderman, purchased from Samuel Hilt, George Swaggert and Daniel Christian and N. Swingley the site of the mill in 1841. Mr. Hurley was contracted to build the mill and was given a tract of land east of the city limits in payment for his work. The new company was called Emmert, Halderman, and Company. The mill, during the years 1844 and 1847 not only ground wheat for the Carroll County patrons but for those of Stevenson, and others from far away. It was a familiar sight to see a line of teams waiting to haul flour to Savanna. This flour would be shipped to St. Louis from there. During this time the mill ran both day and night. The first general store or trading post opened here was owned by the mill Company. The building was a three tiered log house on Stag Point. The building which probably took the shortest time to construct was the saloon. "This rum mill was built in a hurry. The material was gotten out at Arnold's Grove in the morning and by sundown it was completed!" -6- The first Court House was constructed December 2, 1843* Col. Beers Tomlinson had a contract to erect the building. This building feat was to be completed by October when the circuit court of 1844 was to convene. The first stone house used for a hotel was erected in 1844* About this time several other buildings were being put up. The First Methodist Church was one of these structures* The first school building was built in 1844 and was known as Bluffville School. By the years of 1845 and 1855 the community was showing rapid progress and it was becoming a settled area with ideas on education, religion, law and industry! These feelings were shown in the manner in which they proceeded to build their town. In 1828 the first settlement was made in Savanna by George and Vance L. Davidson, Aaron Pierce and William Blundel. They came by ox team to Savanna from the lead mines of Galena. One of the families moved to the Indian Settlement at Council Bluffs. The Fierce family lived there with the Indians, who traded with them. By Marilyn Gothard -7- FA33ING COMMENTS Carroll County was nAmed in honor of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The city of Mount Carroll was named by the commissioners who located the county seat in 1843. Ten acres of land was donated by George W. Christian. Mount Carroll is a small town of 1 ,800 at the last census. The County seat was first in Savanna. In August of 1843 they voted upon the question of removal. After the Black Hawk War in 1832, emigrants from the eas- tern states pushed toward the Mississippi River. As tales of the rich country drifted back to the eastern states more and more people wanted to try new fields. The building of the mill was followed by the erection of homes. Completion of the mill made quite a demand for wheat* During the years of 1844 and 1845 the wheat market flourished. In 1837 the original mill company bought out Otis and Mathews who had located a large claim covering the mill site and land where Mount Carroll now stands. In 1840 David Emmert and family landed in Savanna. They lived for a time in Cherry Grove. In 1840 N. Halderman came to Savanna and he too settled in Cherry Grove. He and Mr. Emmert tried to purchase the Bower mill at Savanna but did not suoceed. They finally deoided on the Mount Carroll site. They were to pay $3,000 for the site and land adjoining, thiB new mill was called Emmert, Halderman and Company. John Rhinewal was also a member. In 1845 Emmert retired and his place was taken by John Irwin, Sr. for a short time Jessie and Thomas Rapp had an interest in it also. The job of building the dam and digging the mill race was left to Hurley. When he got his job completed they were unable to pay him in gold and he took as his pay a traot of land just east of the city limits. In 1840 Mount Carroll's population was 1,023. Florence Gillespie and Lois Dittmar -9- MODNT CARRULL - MIDDLE DEVELOPMENT From 1860 to 1900 many changes took place in Mt. Carroll. The businoas district grew and many new stores were opened. The town now boasted of a creamery, two papers (one of which now remains under the name of "Mirror Democrat"), electrio light plant, (now located in Savanna, 111.), two hotels, grocery store, dry goods, opera house, garage, lumber yards, cement factory, mill, two banks, drug store, clothing, hardware (now operated by L. L. Peterson), millinery, jewelry, music and furniture stores, two restaurants, blacksmith and harness shops, and an ice factory. In 1858 the court house was built to replace the one built in 1844 by the Old Mill Company. To take care of the overflow of offices, a new building was added in 1895. The mayors who held office during this period were: 1878 - John L. Tomlinson 1879 - Henry Bitner 1880 - P. B. Cole 1881 - Henry Bitner 1882 - John Coleman 1883 - Janes C. Strong 1884 - B. Lepman 1885 - George Haufman 1886 - George Haufman 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1887 - John Miller 1868 - John Killer 1889 - Otto Jenson 1890 -> Frank Freeman 1891 - N. H. Melendy 1892 - N. H. Melendy 1893 - John Coleman 1894 - George Haufman 1895 - Goerge Haufman George M. Wherrit George F. Busher Amasha T. Dunshee Thomas B. Rhodes Charles Kinney -10- Churches were also finding their way into the oommunity. In 1839 the Methodist Episcopal with Rev. Cottermel came to this town, and started the first traces of the Methodist Churoh in Mt. Carroll. Following him were: Churoh of God Rev. Primrose in 1849 First Baptist Rev. Peacock in 1853 First Lutheran — — Rev. Collier in 1858 Dunkard — Rev. Cripe no date United Brethern Rev. Oberheim no date Social organizations were as follows t Rebekah Lodge 1891 Cyrus Lodge 1846 Long Commandry 1891 Knights of Pythias 1899 Odd Fellows 1894 Eastern Star 1848 Modern Woodsmen 1883 Nose Post 1880 Some of these organizations remain, but in a more modern form. July 1 , 1896, Frances Shimer Junior College for Women was started with the aid of the former Mt. Carroll Seminary with William P. McKee as dean. It was built on the present-day campus. - Bette Crist -11- MOUNT CARROLL - MODERN DEVELOPMENT Whan we think of modern times, we usually think of tall sky- scrapers, zooming dynaflow oars, and rockets to the moon. But like everything else, the modern period had its beginning. City government was becoming better organized. More complex systems of justice and the offices that they required had their place in Mt. Carroll society. The following held offices during 1911 and 1912s County Judge John D. Turnbaugh County Clerk A. B. Adams Sheriff David B. Doty Supt. of Schools. John Hay Coroner Dr. J . B . Schreiter Public Administrator... Mark S. Forbes States Attorney... F. J. Stransky Circuit Clerk Valentine Boomer Probation Officer...... J. P. Hostetter Treasurer William H. Stiteley Master in Chancery Charles E. Stuart Public Guardian D. C. Smith Supt. County Farm Theodore Bundy The value of a city hall was realized in 1 91 1 » when the present City Hall was completed, bringing the location of the edifice directly across from the court house. Market Street became the business district, with a fine variety of stores. A photographer set hia studio up in Norm Smith's building where Peterson's Hardware store now stands. The flood of 1911 tore a hole in the mill dam so that the original source of power was no longer in use. The Mt. Carroll Public Township Library, a gift of Andrew Carnegie, was erected in 1907. The present day grade school was completed in 1908, with the erection of the gymnasium being started in 1911. During this period the new post office was built, as was the new white bridge connecting Mt. Carroll proper and Lowden, part -12- of which ia now called "Canada". The Chicago Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad served the towns transportation needs, until the Scenic Bus Lines included Mount Carroll in their route. Farming is still the main occupation, and the town is known to some as Mt. Carroll, "the retired farmers haven". No industry has been admitted, and many of the younger people rely on Savanna for an occupation. Point Rock Park is the center of summer amusement, with fine picnicking facilities available. The summer house is kept in repair by the Supt. of Parks. Smiths Park, located west of the business district was, up until a few years ago, the soene of many dances and picnics. New owners are now making plans for the repair and reopening of this site. - Bette Crist -13- CITT GOVERNMENT Mt. Carroll was incorporated in February, 1867 and set up a Council-Mayor type of city government, Thia replaced the old type of management by the Board of Trustees. Due to the fact that records cannot be found there is little known about the Board of Trustees, except that they functioned like a Council- Mayor type by making ordinances, laws, and the management in general. In 1867, there was one ward in Mt. Carroll and six aldermen were elected from the one ward. The Mayor, who then served for one year, made up the city council. About the only change in our city government is that the mayors and aldermen now serve two year terms. This change took place in 1914, and there is now three wards instead of one. MAYORS 1867 Nathaniel Haldennan 1868 Orlando S. Beards ley 1869 James Shaw 1870 Jesse Rapp 1871 Jesse Rapp 1872 Ansel Bailey 1873 H. A. Mills 1874 J. F. Chapman 1875 John L. Tomlinson 1876 Volney Armour 1877 Charles Phillips 1878 John L. Tomlinson 1879 Henry Bitner 1880 P. B. Cole 1881 Henry Bitner 1882 John Coleman 1883 James C. Strong 1884 B. Lepman 1885 George L. Hoffman 1886 George L. Hoffman 1887 John W. Miller 1888 John W. Miller 1895 George M. Wherritt 1896 George M. Wherritt 1897 George F. Bercher 1898 Amasa T. Dunshee 1899 Thomas B. Rhodes 1900 Charles L. Dinney 1901 Charles E. Beaver 1902 Amasa T. Dunshee 1903 William R. Tipton 1904 Josephus B. Smith 1905 Charles E. Beaver 1906 Charles E. Beaver 1907 Charles E. Beaver 1908 John A. Bender 1909 Jason B. Paul 1910 George W. Ivey 1911 T. A. Wachtel 1912 Jason B. Paul 1913 I. A. Petty 1914 James W. Cormany 1915 James W. Cormany 1916 James W. Cormany -14- 1889 Otto Jessen 1917 James W . Cormany 1890 Frank D. Freeman 1918 D. H. Paul 1891 N. H. Melendy 1919 D. H. Paul 1892 N. H. Melendy 1920 D. B. Paul 1893 John Coleman 1921 D. H. Paul 1894 George L. Hoffman 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1922 Coleman Miles Coleman Miles Coleman Miles Coleman Miles W. W. Hartman W, W. Hartman W. W. Hartman W. W. Hartman Robert M. Browning Robert M. Browning Ray H. Petty Ray H. Petty W. W. Hartman W. W. Hartman W. W. Hartman W. W. Hartman W. W. Hartman W. V. Hartman Leo H. Robbe Leo H. Robbe Leo H. Robbe Leo H. Robbe Leo H. Robbe Leo H. Robbe Leo II. Robbe Leo H. Robbe Leo H. Robbe Leo H. Robbe W. M. Keira Taken from city records. - Jerry Bausman -15- "The History of the First Court House" The building of the First Court House in Mount Carroll woe started in 1843 by Beers Tomilson. It was thirty feet by forty feet on the ground. There was a stone basement above the surface of the earth. The basement was two feet thick. The first story was eight feet nine inches high, and was divided into four rooms. The second story was eleven feet high. The walls above the base- ment were of brick and there was a door to each room. They had six panels, and were one and a quarter inches thick. The floors were of oak and were one and a half inches thick. This building was supposed to have been completed on or by October before the circuit Court met in 1844« The first gathering in the court house was held on July 4, 1844, a fourth of July celebration. It was held before the building was completed. Thomas Hayes of Galena made an oration* In those days revival meetings, preachings and other meetings were held there. - Florence Gillespie -16- The first white child born in the Mt. Carroll settlement was a daughter to Nathan Downing, born in the Spring of 1837. When this daughter grew to womanhood, she was given in marriage to Gideon Carr. This same Spring, Rezin Everts took up the land now known as the Trail Farm; and Samuel S. Day less claimed a part of section 12, at the present fair grounds. He laid off a town there, which, in honor of the capital of his native state, Virginia, he called Richmond. He made liberal offers of lots to settlers and two houses were built, but the financial troubles of 1837 killed Richmond and blasted the hopes and expectations of its founder* Otis and Mathews, like a great many other claimtakers were greedy and tried to "slide" their claim over on to Day less', but he 'didn't scare worth a cent' and wisely held on to his claim. In 1839, a post offioe was established at Richmond and was entered on the post office records at Washington under that name. When the Whigs came into power under Harrison, in 1841* the •Richmond, Carroll County, Illinois' post office was stricken from the list of U.S.P.O.'s, and has never since been known by that name. A little circumstance in connection with the appoint- ment of the first postmaster at Richmond is worthy of preservation. A part of the settlers wanted old Squire Charles G. Hawley for postmaster, and another part of them wanted Heman Downing. Doth were Whigs. The appointing power (van Duron's) was Democratic so Downing' s friends ventured to assert in their petition that he was a Jeffersonian Democrat, thinking that would be an lrresis table and unanswerable argument in his favor, and sure to settle the question - and it did. Doth parties handed their petitions to Luther H. Downe, postmaster at Savanna, who was a Democrat. He -17- looked over the petitions and made this simple endorsement on Downing' s i "He is a Whig." He said nothing about Hawley's politics, but Hawley got the post office. The post office was established in 1844, and John Wilson was the first postmaster. The mail was supplied from Cherry Grove by carrier until the Fall of 1846, when the tri-weekly stage coach, which had plied between Galena and Dixon via Cherry Grove for a number of years, was taken from the old route and a new one established through Mt. Carroll. When the first "stage coach and four" made its appearance in Mt. Carroll, it was made an occasion of general rejoicing. The people went wild with enthusiasm, and the old "Concord" was received with as much glee and good feeling as the first train of cars that put in an appearance on the Western Union Railroad, some thirty or more years later. In 1847, George Harris moved to Mt. Carroll, where he was postmaster from 1853 to 1861 - eight years. In 1853 Jacob P. Emmert obtained the contract for delivering daily mail by way of Savanna in Freeport. This remained until the railroad was constructed by the old Racine and Mississippi railroad. In 1867 the present city charter was obtained from the legislature and affirmed by a vote of the people adopting it. The first rural route was started in 1902 and town delivery in 1925. The post office was first located in the Sparbo building, and later moved to the eastern part of what is now the bank, then to the building of Frank's Funeral Home, and to its present location. -18- PARTIAL LIST OF POSTMASTERS Henry Tomkins William M. Nipe George F. Booker Fred Smith Frank Nohe Charles Hartmen Charles I. Smith Kenneth Wilkerson Sam Eartman Mrs. Sam Hartman -19- The Fire Department of Mount Carroll The first hose team was organized in the 1890*s. In 1895» 1896, and 1897» they were state champions. Before water mains were put in Mount Carroll, they had a bucket brigade. After that they used a hose cart. The fire department has always been volunteer. The first fire truck was bought in 1922 or 1923. i he following is a list of the present volunteer firemen of Mount Carroll: Theodore Colehour (Chief) Carlos Robbe (former chief) Russell Taylor Glenn Beyer Robert Sievert Harry Hartman Charles Holman Robert Davis Harry Adams William R. Tipton James MoCray Theodore Robbe Arthur Robbe Don Hoak Fred Rhodes - Florence Gillespie -20- THE WT. CARROLL TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY The Mt. Carroll Township Public Library la looated at the corner of Main and Rapp Streets. The structure Is of brick and stone under a tile roof. The library is one of the many libraries in the county built by Andrew Carnegie. Mr. Carnegie gave ten thouaand dollars to build the library, but he doubted if a two story library could be built for ten thousand dollars. The Mt. Carroll committee of citizens assured him they had secured a site for the library. The library was started in 1907 and was completed" in May 1908, within the ten thousand dollar budget. Mr. Carnegie was so pleased that he sent an additional thousand dollars for the purchase of desks, chairs, tables, and book stacks. After the completion of the library, Miss Hass of Savanna and Mrs. Luverta Emmert classified and catalogued the one thousand two hundred and fifty books with whioh the library started oper- ating. The cataloguing and classifying was finished in August, 1908, and it was during this month that the library was opened to the public. Prior to the building of the City Hall, City Council meetings were held in the basement room of the library. The first floor consists of books for general use and some of the daily and weekly newspapers as well as current magazines. The second floor has a legal library which at intervals is used by members of the legal professions. The law books of the late Judge Shaw are on these shelves. Upon the death of his two daughters, Udise and Effie, sufficient funds were left to the library with which to purchase new law books from tiae to ♦It* ALbc or. -21- second floor is a reference room with numerous reference books which are used frequently by students and others. The library has increased from one thousand two hundred fifty to nine thousand nine hundred forty seven volumes. These include a selection of fictional, biographical, autobiographical, his- torical, geographical, and scientific books. Also there are magazines and newspapers which the library has taken for the benefit of the users of the library. The back issues of the magazines have been kept for reference material. The library has been used by organizations for different purposes. Among these organizations are the Red Cross, County Medical Association, Girl Scouts, Christian Science Croup, and it was the U.S.O. during the second World War. The first board of directors were Ralph Eaton, Senior Pres- ident; William Nipe, Vice President) Norman C. Smith and T. A. Wachtel, members; George D. Campbell, Treasurer; and Charles Schalle, Secretary. The present directors are Norman C. Smith, president; Mrs. S.J. Campbell and Mrs. Ward Weidman, board members; Ralph Eaton, Vice President; Francis Weidman, Treasurer; and Mrs. Luverta Emmert, Secretary. Mrs. Luverta Emmert has been a member of the library board since it first began and served as the first librarian. Mrs. Emmert has never missed a board meeting. The present librarian is Roberta Williamson. Whenever librarians and those interested in education would visit the Mt. Carroll Township Public Library they would always comment about it being well equipped and up to date. It is maintained by the township tax. -22- The following is a list of all librarians: Luverta Emmert Grace Wright Grace u berheim Esther Clark Floy Orr Ruth Buxton Alice Clark Roberta Williamson Lucille Miller Vera L. Fetterolf Dorothy Caldwell 1908-1 9H 1914-1915 1915-1918 1918-1920 1 920-1 922 1 922-1 924 1 924-1 928 1 928-1 959 1959-1961 1961-1972 1972- Lois Dittmar -23- Law in Carroll County and Mt. Carroll There are no records of law In Mt. Carroll or Carroll County until the year 1910. Listed below is a list of lawyers of Carroll County from the year 1910 until the year 1936. Turnbaugh R. E. Eaton F. J. Straneky Brearton Wingert Middle Kauf Cornell Squire Smith Mackay Grove Wolford Gray Keioh Walter Jones Gridley Hoffman Kelly Sterling Whitman Kent Riordon Pratt Forbes Conicluan Harding Bates Elmer Hutchins Williams Knight Kerch Shaw Ludens Ryan Kent Hos tetter Dowell Bracken Zink Bladgett Patterson Emerson Hall Magill Sheenan Knight P.M. Eaton Hides Bates Jayne Hunter Gehart Luny Goodman Sheldon Zipf Karf Ward Morris Nash Warner Dixon Cantlin Wimm Ryan Andrews Easington S tuart Hoffman Deft Stocking Rainey Carnaham Brackew Manierre Patterson Mahon Lucy Tiffany Bell Reinhold Brand Gridley Folonie Brand flames Thompson Devine Besse There are eight lawyers practicing law at the present time in Mt. Carroll. These men are as follows: Fred S. Smith Charles F. Kinney Charles E. Stuart Robert Weissmiller H. P. Hostetter O.M. Grove R. M. Eaton Melvin Finer The circuit judges for Carroll County are Leon Zink of Oregon, Illinois, Harry F. Wheat of Freeport, Illinois, and George Dixon from Dixon, Illinois. -24- HISTORY OP SCHOOLS IN HP. CARROLL The first school taught in Mt. Carroll was in 1844 by Levi Kent in the Bluff ville school house. The pupils were mainly full grown and rude. In a slab house on the Hillis Cummings farm, which was located west of Mt. Carroll, by the old fairgrounds, school was conducted by Sarah Hawley. For one dollar a week Miss Hawley preferred to cook and wash dishes for someone for five and one-half days out of a week, six hours a day, than teach school, the following summer. The west Carroll school house, now occupied by Henry Beckenkeller, was taught by Aaron Smith. He held his position for a number of years. Mr. Smith was troubled with asthma and smoked a pipe during school hours to help this disorder. "The States and Capitals", sung to Yankee Doodle, was a weekly exercise conducted by Mr. Smith. A friend of Mr. Smith's, who sold baking powder to Mt. Carroll grocers, gave an educational talk one day at this school. He performed several different brilliant games. In 1862 a school was kept in the lower room of the court house by James Irvine. A private school, conducted by Mrs. Calvin Gray, wife of Reverend Gray, was held in her home. In 1856 or 58 Miss Witt originated the graded school system. Some of the first common-school teachers were Anderson, Paul, Turner, and J. P. Emmert. H. Bitner was the last common-school teacher before the free school system was adopted. It has been supported by subscriptions at a definite rate per scholar. John Fink was hired as teacher in the West Carroll school following Aaron Smith. Mr. Fink, studying to be a lawyer, frequently practiced pleading at school. -25- Pupils were transferred to the city school, known as the "Union School", after they had advanced enough at the West Carroll school. The "Union School" was divided into five rooms. The fourth room was eighth grade. There was no classification of grades then. They were referred to as rooms instead of grades. Some of the teachers in the Union Sohool were Lizzie Moffat, S. C. Cotton, Superintendent, Hattie Irvine, and Mamie Irvine. Teachers of the Union Sohool in 1902 were Mary Weeks, Prinoipal, Stella Boyd, Hattie Wilson, Nellie Wrigley, Alice Turnbaugh, Mattie Ashby, Maud Blough and Mattie Shilling. In 1903 W. L. Flower was principal, Mary Pritchard, Gertrude Lobdell, Erylin Hammond and three of the former teachers remained in their positions. Mabelle Mershon entered the faculty as the Music and Art teacher in 1903* In 1906 Helen Ferris was prinoipal and E. G. Mason, Annie Webb, Margaret Hirshmiller, Lillian Folk, Mabel Grossman and Mrs. Auk were on the faculty. Two new teachers came in 1906, Alta Kinney and W. D. Shepherd* The following people served as Superintendents from the year 1897 until the present: 1897-1899 J*M. McCallie 1899-1902 Ada M. Greggs 1902-1904 J. F. Casebeer 1904-1909 C. J. Brosman 1909-1916 B. V. Clump 1916-1922 J. J. Hagan 1922-1947 P. F. Grove 1947-1958 M. J. Siebert 1958-1974 Harold Graham 1974- Dennis B. Healy The present grade school building, which was erected on the old foundation, was built in 1908 at a cost of $30,000. The library occupied the second floor and consisted of 1 ,200 volumes when the -26- building was new. Superintendent C. J. Brosman organized the "Toast mast era Club" for the purpose of broadening the pupils* social, musical and literary interests. The present high school building was completed in 1937 at a cost of $100,000. Geneva Intel -27- JOURNALISM The first newspaper in Mt. Carroll was the Mt. Carroll Tribune, which was edited by J. L. Hostetter. This was in the year 1851. It was thought by the community that it was published in Mt. Carroll , although it was actually printed in Freeport, Illinois. In 1852 the Mt. Carroll Republican was edited by J. P. Emmert who sold out to Mr. Cratton. In the next five years the newspaper changed hands four times* It was sold to D. H. Wheeler in 1855* Then it was sold to D. B. Emmert in 1857, and then to Dr. J. L. Hostetter. Mr. Hostetter, in turn, sold it to Mrs. Henry Shimer and Mies Cinderella Gregory. A teacher named Silvernail and a student, Mr. Ladd, edited and published the paper for Mrs. Shimer and Mies Gregory. After this the Mt. Carroll Republican ceased to exist. In the year 1858 the Carroll County Mirror was published by Windle and I. V. Hollinger. From the year 1858 to 1871 there is no record of the Carroll County Mirror, although it was still existing and going strong in 1871. In 1871 it was published by W. D. Hughes. This paper existed until 1899. Several changes in ownership were made in the twenty- eight years before it ceased operation. During this time William Puterbaugh owned and published the paper. He sold the entire plant to Frank Hurless, who published a semi-weekly and daily Mirror for approximately ten or twelve years. The Carroll County Democrat was founded in 1876 by Cal M. Feezer who operated the paper up to the time when Kurt Schmidt bought into the paper- The name of the paper had been merged -28- into the Mirror- Democrat in the year 1919» previous to Scmidt's arrival. Our present editor, Kurt Schmidt, has published the Hirror- Demoorat for eighteen years. The paper at the present time is a weekly and is published on Thursday. Norma Ashby -29- CHURCHES Churoh of God The Churoh of God was organized in the year 1648. The minister was Reverend G. V. Hara. There was a bethel built in 1860. Later it was moved to its present location on Main Street. The first pastor after the churoh was organized was Elder J. M. Klein. Reverend H. L. Soule was the pastor in 1867 and following is a list of the pastors after that year: J. M. Klein J. C. Forncrook D. Werts John fleaver D. Kepfor E. R. Corneleius G. Sandoe Charles Manchester A. J. Fenton C. F. McKee J. E. Boyers C. F. Rogers D. Kyle E. M. Lutz H. L. Soule I* S. Richmand M. S. Newcomer G. E. Clark F. F. Kiners Lewis Frederick E. Bryan M. S. Newoomer A. Gregory W. R. Johnson J. E. Boyers T. M. Funk V. I. Berks tresser W. W. Richmond Mary Berkstresser George Downy J. Bernard J. W. Primrose A. S. Sheuy B. D. Edeas For a few years this church was without a pastor and services. In September, 1920, the Reverend B. H. Rogers became the pastor and under him, the church was re-organized. In 1935 Reverend Rogers retired after fifteen years of active service. After his retirement five ministers preceded the present one. They were Reverend Burris Moore, N. C. Anderson, N. H. Batchler, Cyrus Pollard, and L. Sohiwek. In September, 1945t Reverend Binkley became the minister and is to the present day. -30- Lu the ran Church The Lutheran Church was built in 1860. Its present location is on Clay street. Following is a list of pastors. John M. Lingle D. Becker Charles Anderson J. F. Probst C. Baird Charles Finger This record is not complete and the present minister is Reverend Olafson. First Baptist Church The Baptist Church was organized in 1853* The first pastor of the church was J. V. Allison, who remained until 1859* The list of pastors follows: T. P. Campbell C. K. Colver C. Y. Tucker H. B. Waterman W. George Wessenlives J. H. Sampson Again the list is not complete. Reverend Hut chins is the present pastor. The Methodist Church The Methodist Church was organized in 1839» the first minister being Philo Judson. The first Methodist building was ereoted in 1851 • The present church was rebuilt in 1867. The record of pastors of this church is not complete and so is omitted. Reverend Joseph Burrows is the present minister and he succeeded Frank Countryman* The Catholic Church There is also a Catholio Church in Mt. Carroll. Father Ryan -31- is the priest at the present time. This churoh is located on Jackson Street. FRANCES SHIMER JUNIOR COLLEGE In 1852, Frances Wood, a woman of 25, came to Mt. Carroll from New York. With the help of her friend , Cinderella Gregory , they started the first seminary in Mt. Carroll. Classes were first started on May 11, 1853 in the basement of the Presbyterian Church. But by the next autumn, land was purchased from Messers. Halderman and Rinewalt, on the south edge of town. The first building was erected where Metcalf Tower stands today. The ministers were very helpful to the school. Mr. Grimes, the Methodist minister, and David Earner t, the Duncard minister, w were on the board of trustees. J. V. Allison, the Baptist minister, was teacher of languages. After the first building was erected and the board of trustees elected, twenty-five boarding students, both boys and girls, were admitted. Miss Wood had quite a difficult time in acquiring the land where Shimer College now stands. Her backers believed the price of land too high. With good intentions and ideas in her head she went to Savanna and purchased a piece of land. Then she let everyone know that she was moving to Savanna. The backers very suddenly decided that maybe the price was not too much for the land, so it was bought and building began at once. In five years the Seminary was given five acres of land adjoining the rest of the grounds. Miss Wood also acquired a husband, Dr. Henry Shimer. Then, a few years later, Mrs. Shimer bought twenty acres of land for two thousand dollars. By the end of the Civil War the student body was so large it had outgrown the few buildings and it was difficult to decide who should be admitted. Mrs. Shimer decided to turn the school exclusively -32- over to the education of girls. And so It has remained a girls sohool. On the night of 1907 the whole campus went up in flames , but with the forceful leadership of Mr. McKee, who had filled Mrs. Shimer's position, the school was rebuilt and improved until it i included the buildings we see today I Dearborn Hall— 1903. In memory of Mrs. Isabel Dearborn Hazzen, Department of Music for twenty years. Hathaway Hall— 1905* In memory of Mrs, Mary L. Hathaway Corbett. First floor lounge refurnished in 1937» through the generosity of Miss Zella Corbett in memory of her sister, Miss Bertha Corbett. West Hall— 1906. Metcalf Hall — 1908. In memory of Mrs. Sarah Metcalf. It was built from a donation of $10,000 by Andrew Carnegie . Power plant and laundry — 1 91 1 • Infirmary— 1913. Science Hall— 1914. William Parker McKee Hall — 1922. In memory of William Parker McKee who was president for twenty-five years. Campbell Library— 1 925 • In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Robt. Campbell. Winona Branch Sawyer House— 1926. In memory of Mrs, Winona Branch Sawyer. The president's home. Gym and swimming pool— 1929. Bennett Hall — 1937. It was known as College Hall be^re it was reconditioned and refurnished through a gift of the children of Myrtle Stevens Bennett, Class of 1880. The first class from the Junior College graduated in 1909» and in 1931 the school received its authorized name of Frances Shimer Junior College. Dr. Albin Bro oame in 1939 and is still in the office of President. Mr. Bro is the fifth president of Francis Shimer College. He succeeded the following: Mrs. Frances Wood Shimer (1853-1896) Rev. William Parker McKee (1896-1929) -33- Rev. William Parker McKee (President Emeritua, 1930-1933) Floyd Cleveland Wilcox (1933-1935) Raymond B. Culver (1936-1938) Albin C. Bro (1939- 1949 ^ A. Beth Hostetter served as president between the time of Mr. Wilcox's and Dr. Culver's incumbency and between Dr. Culver's and Mr. Bro' s appointment. She was formerly Dean and is now Vice- President of Shimer College. John H. Russell ( 1949-1950) Acting President Aaron J. Brumbaugh (1950-1954) F. Joseph Mullin (1954-1968) Milburn P. Akers (1968-1970) Robert S. Long (1970-1975) Dr. Ralph Conant (1975- -34- TRANSPORTATION EARLY STAGE COACHES The first post office was established in 1844, and John Wilson was the first post master. At first the mail was supplied from Cherry Grove by carrier until 1846, when the tri-weekly stage coach which had traveled between Galena and Dixon by way of Cherry Grove* was taken from the old route and a new one was established through Mt. Carroll, the people going wild with enthusiasm. Garners, Sample Journey's near Elkhorn Grove, and Mitchell's on Plum River, were the stopping places for the conches in this country. The line was afterwards established on what was later called the old telegraph road. This road got its name from the fact that the first telegraph line built in this county was built on this road from Dixon through Mt. Carroll to Galena. The stations were usually about 20 miles apart. The drivers changed horses at stages. When the teams were fresh, they were put on the longer stations and when they were worn and tired they were put on the shorter routes. They got behind in crossing sloughs and sometimes were delayed until it got dark and the drivers would get lost and could not find the places where the sloughs were passable and would not get into the stations until the second day. The people of these stations, and perhaps travelers, listened for the sound of the horn with which the drivers took pleasure in awakening the echoes of the surrounding countrydide. HIGHWAYS 52, 64, 78, and 80 U.S. Route 52 west of Mt. Carroll was constructed in two sections as State Bond Issues Route 27. The first section west of the fair grounds was graded in 1923 and paved in 1924. The section along the Frances Shimer Academy was graded in 1928 and paved in 1930. U.S. Route 52 east of Mt. Carroll was graded in 1924 and paved in 1925. Illinois Route 68 east of Route 78 was graded in 1928 and the first half mile was paved in 1 930. East and south of there it was paved in 1925. Illinois Route 78 north of Mt. Carroll was constructed as State Bond Issue Route 40 and was graded in 1925 and paved in 1928. The sharp curves in Mt. Carroll were graded in 1928 and the bridge over -35- Carroll Creek was built the same year. These sharp curves were paved in 1930, Two short sections were built in 1926 on Clay Street with seven inch pavements and with 32 feet width back to back curves. Route 78 south of Mt. Carroll was graded in 1928 and paved in 1930. The C. M. St. P. A P.R.R. underpass was constructed in 1931 and paved the same year. The ten foot pavement running east from the southeast corner of Mt. Carroll was constructed by the county in 1915* This piece of pavement was the first laid in Mt. Carroll. It is now part of Route 88. The sixteen foot pavement along the north and west sides of the fair grounds was built by the county in 1919* Except for the County pavements and the City pavements, these pavements were usually 18 feet in width and six inches in thickness at the center, thickening in the last two feet on each side to a nine inch thickness at the edges. -36- THE MILWAUKEE ROAD IN CARROLL COUNTY The line entered the northwest corner of Carroll County in 1861 and was built by the Northern Illinois Railroad Company, which had been incorporated on February 24, 1859. This early Company built their line through Mt. Carroll in 1862. Before entering Carroll County, this line of railroad had its inception at Racine, Wisconsin, and was built from that point in stages. In 1 055 * the Racine and Mississippi Railroad Company was formed by a consolidation of the Racine, Janesville, and Miss- issippi Railroad Company which was incorporated in April, 1852, and consolidated February 23, 1854, with the Rockton and Freeport Railroad Company. This Company was incorporated February 10, 1853 and consolidated March 29, 1856, with the Savanna Branch Railroad Company which was incorporated February 21, 1851, to form the Racine and Mississippi Railroad Company. The latter, in 1856, was formed by a consolidation of the Racine and Mississippi Railroad Company, a consolidation of the Rockton and Freeport Railroad Company and the Savanna Branch Railroad Company. The Wisconsin division/deeded to the Western Union Railroad Company June 5, 1867, and the Illinois division was deeded to the Western Union Railroad Company August 25, 1868. The Western Union Railroad Company, to which the constructing lines were predecessors, was sold to the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad Company on September 1, 1901. This latter com- pany was deeded on December 31 i 1927, to the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Company, which is now known as "The Milwaukee Road". Many people invested money in some of these early railroads and the people of Carroll County and especially Mt. Carroll, lost heavily by investing in the stock. - Gene Timm -37- "Dalles of the Waukarusa" The beautiful scenery in Point Rook Park was there long before Ht. Carroll was settled. Some places along the creek have perpendicular rook formations almost one hundred feet at a number of places. In earlier days great tall pines towered above the creek bottom. Rocks extending very close in places along the oreek bottom make a very cool and restful place during the summer, shutting out the suhlight completely in some areas. In winter the scenery is as beautiful as in summer with the snow covering the brush and small trees along the hillsides. In earlier days horse back riding parties were formed to go "down to the cave". The "cave" was, and still is, a great crevice in the wall of the rook. It was at first about a hundred feet back and the entrance rather small, but this was enlarged and extended by miners digging for lead. The cave entrance was so placed that a boat was necessary, or swimming, to get to it. It is along the south side of the creek, but is down at such an angle of slope that you have to cross the creek below or above, then go across from it and cross the creek again. In later years the gulleys were improved so people could drive to almost one quarter of a mile from the cave and than closer until you were up above the cave on the southwest side of the creek. Then people either had to lower themselves down to it with a rope, which wasn't very often done, or cross the creek below and come back up on the other side. What is now known as Point Rock was once known as Poet's Rock to the younger people. It is the entrance to the Dalles. This rock was the Mecca of many lovers who didn't want to wander in the park, but wanted to be at some secluded spot. Some of the scenery of the Dalles was onoe ruined by a dam which was built for water power service to the village. A twenty foot fall of water was formed. This formed a clear, beautiful lake which was a wonderful place for fish. It was used for boating and bathing and skating in winter. So, although some scenery of the Dalles was ruined, a much more beautiful lake was formed* As we turn to some of the beauties of the upper Dalles, which -38- are about two miles upstream from the city, we find a number of different kinds of trees, some of which are still there today, preserved by the people. An ancient oak, which was probably growing when Columbus came over to America, has a heart girth of ten feet at its smallest or longest. It spreads about seventy feet wide and extends to the sky about sixty feet. This oak overlooks a high bluff where a wall of rock, some fifty feet in height has a crevice at the upper end, making a cave. This place was used by Indians many years ago to corral large herds of buffalo that roamed the plains. It was a fins plaoe to drive them and keep them penned for slaughter. Donald Hook -39- THE MARK FAMILY AND THE CAROLINE MARK HOME Caroline Wade Mark was born of poor Scottish parentage in 1820 in the state of Virginia. Her early advantages were meager. Real- izing that her opportunities would be limited in her native state, she came West in 1836, stopping at Mt. Carroll, Illinois. It was here that she met James Mark who had oome from his native home in Scotland. James Mark was poor in purse but rich in courage, energy, and shrewd common sense* They were married on May 11, 1043, and together worked for the development of the natural resources of Carroll County and built their fortunes. James Mark bought a tract of land with the small amount of money he hdd. By the time of his death in 1869, their small pos- sessions had increased to hundreds of broad acres of the best farm land in Carroll County and the Marks were recognized as among the most wealthy citizens of the County. James Mark died worth eighty thousand dollars and Caroline Mark died worth half a million* Mrs. Mark had not only the entire charge of the household duties, but also assisted with the practical management of the farm and livestock, in which they dealt extensively, and contributed her full share to the upbuilding of their fortunes* James Mark was the founder of the first bank in Mt. Carroll and at the time of. his death was the president of what is now the Mt. Carroll National Bank. After her husband's death, Caroline bought the interests of the collateral heirs in the estate and continued the management and control of her extensive farming operations and business affairs until the day of her death on April 27, 1900. This occurred in the city of Mt. Carroll, where she had resided after her husband's death. Around 1683 milk was sold for five cents a quart in town. To save money, Caroline Mark had her hired man bring milk to her from the farm. At one time during her girlhood she hired out as a hired girl for fifty cents a week. She was a very practical woman and never spent money foolishly. Her own early hardship and appreciation of the helplessness of her sex who have no home of their own, caused her to think and speak frequently of making some suitable provision for the aged women in the community who were left alone in the world. She determined to -40- devote the larger portion of her life to building a suitable home for the widow women of Northwestern Illinois, and in the Spring of 1894, she executed her Last Will and Testament. After making generous provisions for relatives and friends, she left the remainder of the estate "for the founding, erection, maintenance, and endowment of a Home for the aged women of Carroll and adjoining counties who are homeless or dependent upon the town or county where they reside, or have no means for comfortable support". Prolonged litigation followed Mrs. Mark's death, over the settlement of the estate that the trustees of the Caroline Mark Home did not wish to recognize the adopted daughter, Carrie, the late Mrs. Lewis Brown- ing, and another daughter they took to raise, Gertrude, the late Mrs. Annie Tipton. Mrs. Mark left 400 acres to Carrie and 160 acres to Gertrude. Due to this litigation the building of the home was not started until the fall of 1906. It was finished in the winter of 1907. The building is a two story structure, about one hundred thirty feet long and thirty feet wide. It is constructed almost entirely of iron, stone, brick, and cement, making it as fireproof as possible. It is located on an elevated knoll in the Northeast suburb of Mt. Carroll, facing the southwest. The grounds of the home are of several acres, resting upon the north banks of the Waukarusa Creek. The lands along the creek are covered with natural timber and form a park for the enjoyment of the members of the home. No woman with a considerable amount of money can enter the home. If a member of the Home inherits wealth, she must leave the Home, as it is an entirely charitable organization. The w©®eo must be in fairly good health. No mentally deranged persons will be admitted to the Home. All women entering the Home are given an examination. The first trustees of the Board were Frederick S. Smith, George D. Campbell, and Alva Wingert. They were appointed in 1900. Mr. Smith is the only living member of the first Board of Trustees, and he is otill a trustee along with Mr* Nathaniel Miles. - Lois Dittmar -41- 113 TEARS OF FUN Today the Carroll Theater and Grimms Dairy Bar echo the mood of the modern teen crowd and also of those of youthful spirit, but back of these popular places walk many ghosts of frivolity and recreation of the past. With the settlement of 1836 came settlers who not only wanted their material and spiritual needs but also some means of recreation. The leaders of the small community held "open house" from time to time and these affairs were bright with music and dancing. Of course there was no "swing" music and no "rug cutting" but some of the more daring songs and dances compared very favorably. The winters were long and the snow in November stayed with the pioneers until early spring. The sale of sleds was good, for sliding was a popular recreation for the younger set. The Mill dam furnished a large area for skating time and the skaters could go as far as the Hos tetter's. Party sleigh riding was an ideal occasion for the bud and bloom of romance* Hunting and fishing, like today, were popular sports for the men folks. In 1872 wild pigeons, quail, prairie chickens, and pheasants were plentiful in this territory, and since there were no game laws, a hunter could shoot all that he could carry. The Waukarusa provided wonderful fishing and another great sport was coon hunting and trap- ping. In the fall of the year, corn-husking contests were held in which a great many young men took part. In the summer months base- ball was an amusement that has been carried on to the present day. Before 1870, the popular hobby was playing croquet and many croquet clubs were formed. How many exciting tournaments were played on the Court House Square of Shikar Campus! Charades and Euohre also helped to pass the time away during the long winter months. Weddings were a social event for which everyone turned out. Mrs. Anna McKinney used to tell about seeing the carpet that the bride and groom walked on which was spread on the sidewalk from the Church door to the carriage "stoop". With the advent of the Mt. Carroll Seminary came culture of another type. Professor Hazen and others of his day saw that young and old had opportunity to see Shakespeare's plays along with other famous dramas. -42- Of course with the introduction of drama came the need for a play house, or opera house as they were known. The first opera house was the old Union Hall which was located where the Masonic Hall is today. It was owned by S. J. Campbell. One of the most popular plays held there was "Uncle Tom's Cabin". Mr. Norman Smith says he can remember very well the trouble they had taking the donkeys and the blood hounds up the steps to the third floor for the play. Most of the novels that were presented as plays were by Mary Jane Holmes and Bertha M. Clay. One of their famous plays was "Lena Rivers". The opera "Makado" by Gilbert and Sullivan was given here several times. Jud Miles was the leading tenor. They had complete Chinese costumes and it was said to be one of the most successful operas ever given here. Another opera that played here was "H.M.S. Pinafore". The Passion Plays were also presented. Mr. Beal (brother-in-law of Mrs. Briggs) saw the original play at Oberammergau, Germany and then came back to Mt. Carroll and helped them to present it. In 1831 the Methodists built a building in the vacant lot by Vernon Acker-man' s home, at the corner of Main and Washington. The upper floor was used as the Church and the lower was used for extra classes from the Union School. P. B. Cole bought this building from the Methodists and rebuilt it into the Coles Opera House. All the social events were held there . Circuit theaters , which had one week stands, performed in this opera house. This was also a convenient place for the graduating exercises of the school. At this time, roller skating was very popular and the opera house was also used as a roller rink. The lot where the Standard Oil station is now located, at the corner of Main and Rapp, and extending back to the old U. B. ChuJPPh was once a complete wilderness. Sitting back in these woods was an old log house. This property was owned by Denesin Holmes. Because it looked so dreary the little log cabin was believed to be haunted! About 1890, V. Freemont Patterson purchased this property and built the Patterson Opera House. It was a huge building and is said to be very beautiful. The gallery extended the whole length of it and there was a large stage and several wings. There were four dress- ing rooms and the lighting was by kerosene lamps. Because of the popularity of roller skating, in this opera house -43- prizes were awarded to the best skaters* They skated to band music. Band festivals, fireman tournaments, fairs, traveling theaters, home talent shows, and minstrel shows were given in this opera house. Because the little town of Mt. Carroll was growing up, the Churches couldn't hold everyone and so the graduating exercises of both the High School and the Frances Shimer Seminary were held in this building. Some of the vocal and piano recitals of Frances Shimer were also given here. The Patterson opera house was also a political meeting place. Montaville Flower, one of America's greatest readers, was one of the men who appeared on this stage. The opera house was a social gathering place for county contests and basketball games. The Standard Oil Company bought the property and tore the building down, which ended the era of opera houses. The Community C,lub played an enormous part in the amusement of the people of Mt. Carroll. They were first organized in 1916 and the first president was Mrs. S.J. Campbell. They established the first municipal Christmas tree. It was located on east Market Street. The Christmas scene of carol singing and gay holiday costumes was said to be very beautiful and colorful. They put on carnivals and circuses to make money. In one of their circuses, Crace Squires was the snake charmer. She used a hose for a snake. Reports were that it was very effective! There was also a side show "For men only". The inquisitive men paid 100 to get in but were very disillusioned to find a pair of men's trousers. They sponsored many speakers to come and lecture. One of them, a native of Mt. Carroll, Major John L. Griffith, who was the commissioner of the midwestem football teams. Another was Preston Bradley. The Club gave home talent plays to make money for the Red Cross during the first World War. They also brought the Don Cossak singers to Mt. Carroll. The lyseum was the early chataqua. It had speakers, players, singers, and other interesting programs. One of its players was Montaville Flower. The chataqua, which was held in the school yard, and by the American Legion Hall, drew crowds of several thousand people. The name 'chataqua' was named from the town of Chataqua, New York, in which these shows originated. Some of its speakers were: William Jennings Bryan, Preston Bradley, and many current politicians. The fire-fighting contests also took part in the early amusements. Firemen from many different towns were trained to see how fast they could -44- couple the hoses and races were held to see which was the fastest team to the hydrant. The Mt. Carroll team won state and national honors. They held fairs to pay the expenses to the big meetings of the firemen. The Mt. Carroll band also aided in entertaining the Mt. Carroll- ites. They played for the roller skating, held band concerts, and entered in contests. They also gave fairs to earn money. In 1952 Mt. Carroll held a great home-coming celebration, spon- sored by the Commercial Club and other civic organizations. The highlight of the day was Colonel Robert McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune, as main speaker. The speaker's platform was located on Market Street between the present Farm Bureau Building and Fay Christian's store. A string of lights was strung directly over the speaker and as a result Colonel McCormick spent most of his time fighting the army of insects. Everyone seemed quite amused with this except the speaker. The concessions were leased to various groups or individuals. The Methodist Church Ladies had a large concession on Kraft's corner. A carnival company from Sterling had merry-go- rounds, ferris wheels and all that goes with it. The one concession that drew much attention was run by the late William Isenhart who made and pulled various colored taffy. He said that he had a "secret formula" for his taffy and no other tasted like it. On Thursday, a street dance was held. Many home-coming celebrations have been held since then, but none can compare with that of 1932. One year Jim Poole of Chicago was the main speaker* Another of the highlights of the year were the annual County Fairs. Scott Stitely ran the first motor bus in Mt. Carroll from the city to the fairgrounds with C. 0. Bennett as the driver. They had to go by way of the depot as the bus did not have power enough to make the hill by the water works. The people could walk as fast as the bus ran but it was a novelty and so they patronised it. There was much talent in Mt. Carroll and it surely was not wasted. A very popular orchestra was organized. It consisted of Mrs. Fred Leigh (piano), Mrs. Ray Margileth (banjo), Mrs. Henry Richter (violin), and Mrs. Harriet Connell (drums). They played at many of the dances and at the home talent plays. Many of the young fellows caught a new girl at the basket festivals -45- The girls filled a basket lunch and they were sold to the highest bidder. The lucky, and sometimes unlucky, man sat with the girl who filled his basket. In 1913 there was a bowling alley under the Mirror-Demoorat office. It consisted of two alleys. It was owned and operated by Beggy Risley, who was from Lanark, Illinois. There were no automatic pin setters, so the school children took over the job. This bowling alley operated for approximately five or six years. In 1929 Louis Streoker from Paris, Illinois, rented the land owned by Cap Hoover and established a roller rink. It was in operation for just one summer. The floor was rather small and it had a canva sroof • Mr. and Mrs. Donald Dickinson also rented land owned by Mr. Hoover and established a miniature golf course in 1930. This course was called the ABC GOLF COURSE. It was called this because each hole represented a letter of the alphabet and consisted of nine holes. Because most of the playing was done at night, a lighting sustem was established. As golf playing was only a fad it soon did not attract too many customers and was only in use for one summer. Another roller rink was located on South-East Street. This was about 1940 and also lasted just one season. It was an outdoor rink and was eaulpped with an organ. Since this was out of the city limits, there is no record as to the traveling company who ran it. ' In 1945 there was a duck pin alley where the Western Auto store is now located. In 1928 Mr. Floyd Albert took over the management of the Majestic Theater in the Old Weinlander building from Mr. Schreiner. In 1929, he introduced the first talking pictures to Mt. Carroll, with what was known as "Sound on Disc". This type of equipment was soon out-dated as it was impossible to keep the sound and picture synchronized at all times, and so a year later he replaced this with Sound on Film machines. This method is still in use today. Most of our movies we saw fourteen after they played in Savanna, but after two years Mr. Albert built a reputation for being the first in the territory to play the pictures. In 1930 Sunday shows were first permitted in Mt. Carroll, which was a step forward, as on Sunday nights hundreds of people were obliged to drive to Savanna, Freeport, Rockford and Dixon for their entertainment. -46- In the spring of 1940, Mr. Albert sold to the Marchesl Brothers, who olosed the theater upon opening their new theater in the Hartman Garage building whioh we know now as the Carroll Theater. Over a period of one hundred years the town of Mt. Carroll has sought and found recreation and the Joy of living. Many of the same activities are enjoyed now as in years gone by, with perhaps a few changes. This review of the amusements of Mt. Carroll shows that wherever men establish a new community, a social program becomes a necessary part of it. Annette Hinebaugh -47- H1S £E ItLANE A letters and interviews -48- Davenport, Iowa February 2, 1949 Miss Lois Dittmar Mount Carroll, Illinois Dear Miss: I am in receipt of a letter from my neice, Annette Hinebaugh, wherein she tells me that you are writing a paper about the Caroline Mark Home and are having some difficulty in finding information* Annette asked me to help you out so here is what I know about the Home. Or course you know that Caroline Mark, who endowed the Home, was my grandmother so I have the advantage of knowing some things about the set-up that many other people around Mount Carroll at the present time know little about. Caroline Wade Mark was born in the state of Virginia in the year 1820 and came to Mount Carroll in 1836. It was here that she met my grandfather, James Mark, and they were married May 11, 1843* James Mark came from Scotland and when they were married their worldly possessions were few and their advantages were very meager. They soon homesteaded a small traot of land and fromthis their possessions grew until at the time of my grandfather's death in 1869, they owned hundreds of acres of the best farm land in Carroll County. Following my grandfather's death, my grandmother moved to Mount Carroll and continued to manage the farming activities and business affairs to the day of her death on the 27th day of April, 1900. She died Just 33 days before I was born. Caroline Mark and her husband James were strong in their convic- tions and were recognized as shrewd, hard business people. James Mark was the founder of the first bank in Mount Carroll and at the time of his death was president of what is now known as the Mount Carroll National Bank at the same location. Their hardships and privations were many when they started to b a ild their fortune and no doubt this influenced my grandmother to set up an estate for the care of aged women in need. In the year 1895* Caroline Mark executed her last will and tes- tament, a part of which I quote: "that all the remainder of my estate shall be applied by my Trustees as soon as conveniently can be done for the founding, erection, maintenance and endowment of a -49- Home for aged women of Carroll County and the counties adjoining thereto who are homeless or poor, meaning by the use of the term "poor" to include not merely those women who are dependent for support on the county or town in which they reside, but also all other aged women in said counties as may not have sufficient means for comfortable support • " Prolonged litigation following Mrs. Mark's death delayed the building of the Home until 1906. It was finally completed in 1907. The Home is controlled by rules and regulations and directed by a Board of Trustees. Attorney Fred Smith of Mount Carroll is the only one living of the original first Trustees and is acting in that capacity at the present time. I believe Nat Miles is now one of the Trustees, My mother lived with my grandmother in Mount Carroll until the time of her marriage in 1893 and I could write a volume on the many interesting events surrounding my grandparents life as told to me by my mother. I trust that I have given you some little information that will assist you in completing your paper on the Caroline Mark Home. Sincerely yours, Robert Browning -50- I received some information from Mr. Ready about churches and the following is quoted from the interview. "Mount Carroll was often called, the city of churches. All of them, it is said, used to take turns in the early days having meeting in the old stone court house which stood on the corner whero the soldiers' monument now stands. "Churches were built in the early days. The Methodist church was located on the southeast corner, or northeast of the Baptist church which is now a vacant lot. They later built the church (which is now the Lutheran) about five years later. "As near as I can remember the Baptist church was built just prior to the Civil War. The Lutheran church at the time of organ- ization was built about 1857 or 1858." The Bethel (opposite the school building) was built in 1849 or 1850. The original Lutheran church was sold to the Dunkard Bretheran who in turn sold it to the City Community House. The United Bretheran built a church on Rapp Street, but it was closed for want of mem- bership and was sold for residence to the Noel Erdmier family. In the 1890's the Catholic church was built and is at present in the charge of a Priest from Savanna. Jean Byars -51- Lois Dittmar: Letter from Robert Browning to Lois Dittmar written on February 27, 1949 Dear Miss Dittmar i I came across your letter of February 8th and am sorry that I did not reply at an earlier date. As a matter of information all three of the Mark children, my mother, the late Mrs. Lewis Browning, and Mrs. Annie Tipton were adopted by my grandmother, Mrs. James Mark. Mrs. Mark had no children of her own. Our daughter, Betsy, has as her bedroom set one that belonged to Mrs. Mark as wellas picture frames, etc. We have several other items from my grandmother that might be classified as antiques but we treasure them in memory of grandmother. I believe for certain reasons that originated in litigation over settlement of the estate that the trustees do not wish to recognize the Mark children. Trusting that this information may be of value to you. Sincerely, Robert M. Browning -52- Interview with Mr. Norman Smith To Mr. Smith's knowledge thw worst flood was in the year of 1884* in the spring. The spring rains caused ioe cakes and many gallons of water to cover the lowlands along the Waukarusa. The water falls used for water power on the mill were still present at this time. The mill, which was down below the bank across from the present "Davis Garage", was run by steam when the water was insufficient. Down by the bottom where the Kipnia Sales Barn is now located there were quite a few industries carried on. I. P. Sheldon ran a bar and made whiskey from his own recipe. It was called "40 rod whiskey" and Mr. Smith said that anybody that could stand up for a few shots of this was really a man* There was a Mr* Gilbert who ran a tannery* There was a place where tubs and barrels were made. Stoves were also made down by the creek* Mr. Smith, who is 83 years old now, was eleven before his father moved to Mt. Carroll form Lowden, Pennsylvania. They crossed the creek down by "Stags Point" where the bridge is now and settled on theother side Adding a bit of humor to the interview, Mr. Smith said a woman called Lucy Price, who raised wheat across the creek and up where Cemetry Hill is now, hauled her wheat to town every year in a buokboard and she was about 65 years ahead of fashion in the clothes she wore. He remarked that she wore practically the same type of clothing that the girls wear now. - Donald Hook -53- ARTICLE WRITTEN FOR THIS HISTORT by George Reedy Amusements today are much unlike the early days* Ve call to mind what they were in the 70 'e and 80' s. In the early days hunting and fishing were much thought of. In 1872 wild pigeons, quail, prairie chickens, pheasants, and so forth were plentiful. At that time there were no game laws and a hunter could shoot all he could carry. Fishing was good as there was a good big creek flowing through Ht. Carroll. Our winters were long. Snow in November stayed with us until the spring and the sale of sleds for the kids was good. Ve had the Hill dam to furnish a big body of water. When skating time came, we could skate as far as Hostetter's (the Vilderberf farms). Party sleigh riding was another great amusement. Coon hunting and trapping was another great sport. Ve hardly ever passed a week without a theater of some kind. In the early days what we called Union Hall was our playhouse. The place is now the Masonic Hall. Later P. B. Cole disposed of his wagon and blacksmith business and converted the building into an Opera House. This was located on Main Street on the corner northeast of the Baptist Church. It was used for theaters and finally used for a roller skating rink and dance hall. Later Patterson Opera House was built on the Clay Street corner where the Standard filling station is now. A circus or two came here every summer. The fourth of July was always a great day of amusement. Programs were gotten up by the business men and everybody helped. Nowadays it is impossible to get anyone interested in good he lathy amusement of any kind. Chataquas were in later years a first class amusement. They were educational and furnished high olass entertainment. You couldn't entertain people that way now on a bet. County Fairs were also a time of great amusement, which everybody lo oked forward to. Ve used to have corn husking contests in which a great many young men took part. Baseball was a sport and amysement that has been carried on to the present day. Political rally was great amusement times. Many things of the amusement nature have been carried on. The above are only a few. -54- BIBLIOGRAPHT Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Carroll County . Hos tetter, Charles L.; 1913* The Mirror's Souvenir Edition . Hurless, F. H.; Hay 25, 1911, vol. 52 pp. 50-51. Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Carroll Comity . Hostetter, Charles; 1912, vol. II page 715. Newspaper - History of Carroll County , by Samuel Preston; published in June 5, 1930. Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Carroll County . Hostetter, Charles; vol. I, Newton Bateman (Ld. D. ) Typed pamphlet, Public Library. No author given. The History of Carroll County , by H. F. Kett and Co., Times Building; published in 1878, pp. 223-245. We wish to thank the following people for their help in compiling this history: Mr. Floyd Albert Mr. Robert M. Browning Mr. Donald Dickinson Mr. Loomer Downing Sir. A. J. Dupuis Mrs. Luverta Emmert Mr. R. H. FerguBon Mr. Edward Grimm Kr. Lee Banes Kp. & Mrs. Oliver Herman Kr. Cap Hoover Mrs. Dora Hughes Mrs. Izetta B. Robbe Mrs. Lutle Watson Miss Mary Hunter (deceased) Mr. Robert Johnson Miss Mary Miles Mrs. Delia Petty Mr. George Reedy Kr. Leo Robbe Mr. Kurt Schmidt Mr. Fred Smith Miss Augusta Stenquist Mr. C. Sword Mr. Tom Watson Mrs. Adam Williamson Mr. M. J. Siebert Miss Margaret Handlin BOKtumKKsanaxBBiasBsafStiistOM