m «2S. 1977.365 R73c cop. 3 Souvenir Bo)k of Rossville, Illinois eaitennial, 1859- 1959. wimmfmimmii'mKi-'". [ I 977.365 R73C cop. 3 NTEMNIE Souvenir Book I mfffr EOSSVILLE, ILLIKOIS The Rossville Canning Co. 1895 1924 The Rossville Packing Co. 1924 I9v9 Visit With Us During the Centennial AUG. 6, 7, 8 Sincerely Louis H. Schlecht Richard E. Schlecht L Eugene Schlecht This Book is Dedicated to The Memory of the Pioneers of This Area, Whose Foresight, Bravery And Dreams of the Future Made Possible Our Community of Today, We, the people of the Rossville corriTnunity , ivish to extend our warmest welcome to all the visitors ivho are. here to help us celebrate our lOQth birihday. May your visit be a pleasant and memorable one. The former Rossville residents who have returned for this celebration will notice many changes in our village. As they view the town, they will see our new modern schools, our recently built postoffice, the many improvements to both exteriors and interiors of the business houses and our newly added fire fighting equipment. As they visit our residential area, they will be pleased to see the well kept lawns and houses of the past generations are now complemented by the many newly built homes of this generation. As they stroll down the tree lined streets, many a memory of childhood will reappear. To the visitors ivho are seeing Rossville for the first time, please feel free to wander throughout the entire town. We are very proud of our town and ivill make every effort to make your insit a pleasant one. After visiting our town, we hope you enjoyed it enough to return again. If you like a friendly, attractive community , lee are sure to see you again. ROSSVILLE COMMERCIAL CLUB Harley C. Leaver, President John Gothberg, Vice President Ross Songer, Sec.-Treas. C^ 3 One of the most important of all tasks in connection with the Rossville Centennial fell upon our shoulders, that of making the decisions regarding what events ivould take place and ivho ivould be appointed to make each event a suc- cessful one. A million thanks to all of those who accepted committee appointments and ivorked so untiringly; and to those who have contributed time, material or money. It is our hope and prayer that this centennial will serve to rekindle a neiv love and appreciation for the spirit that builds communities such as ours. We wish to express our thanks for the privilege of working luiih all the wonderfid people in this community in the preparation and success of this event. Without the help and encouragement of all, our task would have been an imposs- ible one. THE STEERING COMMITTEE Jack Gray A. R. Whistler Erma Cronkhite L. A. Harris ALVAN GILBERT (From cut of 1875) An early settler, a 'prominent Public Official, instrumental in the organization of the community and Village. A good businessman and a respected citizen. STREET SCENE ON NORTH CHICAGO Preface. In 1778 the GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA passed an act declaring "that all citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia who are already settled or hereafter settle west of the Ohio River shall be included in a distinct County which shall be called Illinois County". In 1787 as part of the newly born United States the territory extending northwest of the Ohio river to the Miss- issippi river became known as the "NORTHWEST TERRITORY". In 1800 this territory was divided and the eastern part was set off as OHIO, and the remainder was called Indiana Territory. In 1809 Indiana was set a- part and Illinois became an individual territory, and Counties were established by Gov. Nathaniel Pope. What is now Vermilion County was then a part of St. Clair County, and Cahokia was the County Seat. The counties were very few and very large and soon divisions were made. In 1816 Crawford County was formed, and it included the present Clark, Edgar and Vermilion Counties with the County Seat at Palestine. In 1819 Clark Countv was formed from the north part of Crawford, with the County Seat, at Aurora on the Wabash north of Palestine. Illinois was admitted to the Union December 3, 1818, and Vermilion Coun- ty was established by act of the Legis- lature January 18, 1826, with its size a- bout the width of Vermilion and Cham- paign Counties, and extending north to the south end of Lake Michigan. As set- tlers came and communities sprang up with the increasing population new counties were formed, with Cook Coun- ty taken off in 1831, (Chicago popula- tion then between 900 and 1000) Cham- paign and Iroquois in 1833. Livingston in 1837 and Ford about the same time, Vermilion reached its permanent bound- aries as at present. Its size is about 22 miles east and west, and 42 miles north and south, containing 579,840 acres. The first land entered in the county was October 11, 1822 on the Little Ver- milion River. The Government Land Office was then at Palestine. The name "VERMILION" is derived from the Indian name of the color of the clay and muddy water of the river; the FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF ROSSVILLE Member of Federal Reserve System Member of Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. It has been our pleasure to serve the financial needs of this com- munity since 1 900. PHONE Rl 8-201 1 color resulting from the burning of the outcropping veins of coal. The same name appears on a river in Livingston and LaSalle Counties where the same conditions exist. PIONEERS Among the first pioneers to push northward from Danville were Andrew Davison, James Davison, Joseph Gundy, Thomas Gundy, Joseph Kerr and Peter Chrisman who chose home sites near Myersville, just west of Bismarck about 1826. Chrisman had a mill there. Some of these men also had lands in Rossville environs. Others came, mov- ing on northward, — Daniel Liggett and John Bean at Rossville, Thomas Mc- Kibben, three miles east of Mann's Chapel. Robert Horr at Mann's Chapel, George and Wilham Bicknell in 1834, two miles north of Rossville, Abraham Mann in 1835, three miles south of Rossville. Dr. Brickwell in 1836, in Rossville, Clark Green in 1835, east of Mann's Chapel, and A. Corn- stock in 1837, north of Rossville. Alvin Gilbert was born in Ontario County, N. Y. July 11, 1810, son of Samuel and Mary Gilbert. He had two brothers, James H. and Elias M. Samuel Gilbert and family came to Illinois in 1825, and after one year in Crawford County, came to Vermilion County and settled two miles south of Danville. Samuel's brothers Solomon and Jesse also came west, and in 1831 Solomon built a hotel (log cabin) at the west end of Main Street in Dan- ville. Jesse built another hotel in 1833. Samuel Gilbert established the first fer- ry across the Vermilion river in 1828. Alvan worked on the ferry and also in his uncle's mill. Col. Othniel Gil- bert is mentioned several times in the history but is not identified as to re- lationships. Samuel Gilbert moved to Ross town- ship in 1839 , settling near Mann's Chapel, and was the first Justice of the Peace serving 10 years, and the first Postmaster, serving till his death in 1855. Alvan Gilbert married in 1831, mov- ing into Ross Township in 1832, buying a small farm near Mann's Chapel, later selling it to his father Samuel and pur- chasing another from his uncle Solomon in what is now the northwest part of Rossville. He lived on this about three years, then sold it and bought the Dan- iel Liggett farm, which is the south half of Rossville. The government land office was es- tablished in Danville in 1831, and set- tlers increased rapidly. LOOKING EAST ON ATTICA STREET ROSSVILLE BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION Chartered July 25, 1881. ASSETS $330,000.00 1959 DIRECTORS. A. R. Whistler. J. C. Culbert, F. C. Reinbold. Secy, Glenn Seymour, Vice Pres. C. M. Ross S. Q. Smith, Pres. George F. Thomas. E. A. Peter- son. Jess Young. Attny. ii:r45??^iSS.':;¥>^w:;:':::^.::::;^:^:;::::::t:;:^.yE ■yyy:<-yy?^'y:-'y}'}i'^'^':-: LOOKING SOUTH ON CHICAGO STREET. One reference book gives the follow- ing statistics: — 1822, Only 8 white families in the county. 1830, Danville less than 100 popula- tion, 3 stores. 1840, Danville population 503, 3 stores. 1845, Danville population 600, 8 stores. 1850, Danville population 736, grow- ing. 1860, Danville population 1632, grow- ing fast. 1827, Chicago, about 6 or 7 white families plus Indians. Gurdon S. Hubbard ran the first flat boat out of Danville, via the Vermilion, Wabash, Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans in 1829. Col. Othniel Gil- bert ran the last one in 1852. Gurdon S. Hubbard and Norman D. Palmer, his partner had the first store in Danville, in the first frame building in the county, which was located where the Palmer American National Bank now stands. The earlier inhabitants of this area of course were the Indians, of the Pottawatamie and Kickapoo nations Also other Indian nations visited the territorv from time to time. The salt mines were known and visited by peo- ple from many miles away in every direction, and the settlement at what is now Danville was located on the line of Indian travel from Ohio to the Mis- sissippi river. Other trails led in the main directions to the neighboring tribes. The first white people were Indian Traders, who dealt kindly and lived peaceably and on friendly relations with the red men. The best known of these was Gurdon Saltonstall Hubbard, of whom we shall write more later. As the salt miles attracted the In- dians, so they were the great factor that brought white explorers and settlers into this vicinity. They came up the Wabash and Vermilion rivers to discov- er the salt mines of which they had heard, about 2^/^ miles north and west of Catlin. (Sec. 16, T19N, R12W) . The atlas of 1875 shows a subdivision of many small plots which would indicate that there was quite a settlement — somewhat permanent — there. THE SALT MINES (from Beckwith's History) No doubt the knowledge of the salt springs on the Vermilion River had strong influence for making the treat- ies with the Pottawatomies in July 1819, and with the Kickapoos in August NEM 16 OZ. Royal Crown COLA Complimen+s of Danville Concrete Products Co. Ralph E. Durnell Future Farm Tile Today 802 Catlin Road DANVILLE. ILLINOIS Compliments of Riley & Foreman Shell Service HICKORY 2-9321 101 W. 5TH STREET Tilton, Illinois DODD & YORK SHELL PRODUCTS SHELL OIL DISTRIBUTORS 809 Catlin Road Danville, Illinois Compliments to you on your Centennial O'NEIL BROTHERS Construction Company EXCAVATING AND DRAINAGE P. O. BOX 793 DANVILLE. ILLINOIS COMPLIMENTS OF NEFF CONCRETE PRODUCTS CO. 7! I Section St. MATERIALS OF PERMANENCE Danville, Illinois Ph.-Hi-6-IOI6 1819. (Joseph Barron was the aide and interpreter for General Harrison, and was able to understand and speak all the Indian languages, so he had access to all information in official hands.) Almost immediately after the comple- tion of the treaties with the Indian tribes, Barron and some friends plan- ned an expedition to explore the Ver- milion river in search of salt springs. His party consisted of four while men and four Shawnee Indians. Two of the white men, Lambert Bona and Zacha- riah Schecott (probably Cicott) were French and possibly Indian traders and acquainted with the territory and the presence of salt. Barron chose Truman Blackman — unfortunately — for the fourth in the party. They traveled up stream via the Wabash and Vermilion rivers, and found the Salt Springs Sept. 22, 1819. They returned to Ft. Harri- son (Terre Haute) to make necessary reports and for further planning. Bar- ron would have been credited with the first discovery and settlement had he not chosen Truman Blackman. For Blackman immediately betrayed Bar- ron, and with a party consisting of his brother Remember Blackman, Seymour Treat, Peter Allen, Francis Whitcomb, and probably Dan Beckwith and George Beckwith who joined them after they left Ft. Harrison, hurried overland and returned to the salt springs October 21, 1819, and made claim of first discov- ery. It is thought that Seymour Treat was the first permanent white settler in the county, coming in October 1819. They were 40 miles from their nearest neighbor. Not long after their arrival they were joined by Francis Whitcomb, George Beckwith and Capt. Truman Blackman, and a company was orga- nized for the production of salt. Tests proved the easy access and availability, and a well was bored to a considerable depth. It produced very briney water which produced a bushel of salt from 170 gallons of brine. (One writer states 100 gallons of brine) . Large kettles were brought up river and 80 were in use boiling down the brine with an output reaching 120 bushels weekly according to some reports, and selling for $1.50 per bushel. Customers came long distances to buy. Early settlement began in the south- ern part of the County and spread northward as newcomers arrived. James Butler at Catlin, in 1820, Henry John- ston soon after on the Little Vermil- ion River, H. Luddington in 1822 at Catlin, (he had passed through this land about 1816 and there were no set- tlements between the Wabash river and Fort Clark (Peoria) and only two French families there.) Gurdon S. Hub- LOOKING WEST ON EAST ATTICA STREET Zorns Standard Service Washing Lubrication Wheel Balancing Atlas Tires & Batteries Phone Rl 8-285! Rossville Compliments from MAXINE'S BEAUTY SHOP ROSSVILLE. ILLINOIS Compliments of LESTER CUMBOW BARBER SHOP 1 12 E.ATTICA ROSSVILLE. ILLINOIS Congratulations from Rossville Food Lockers Custom Butchering Lockers - Frozen Foods 105 W. Attica Rossville. Illinois Compliments from Young Funeral Home Rossville, Illinois Compliments from CY and JOHN'S Cy Tuggle John Smock BARBER SHOP 102 S. Chicago Rossville. Illinois Compliments from COX CABINET SHOP Cabinets — Millwork Counter Tops — Carpenter Work Ph. Rl 8-543 1 Maple St. Rossville, Illinois Compliments PRATHER GARAGE International Trucks 24 Hour Wrecker Service Phone Rl 8-2101 - Rl 8-4541 Rossville, Illinois £u» ^/-S?" iS^S' LOOKING SOUTH ON CHICAGO STREET bard, agent for the American Fur Com- pany, and Dan Beckwith also an In- dian trader in 1823, Danville. One reference lists the following fam- ilies residing in the present territory of Vermilion County in 1823 — Seymour Treat, Achilles Morgan, Henry Johnston, George Beckwith, Alex Mc- Conald, James Butler, Asa Elliott, and possibly two brothers-in-law of John- ston, Barnett and Absalom Starr may have been here then. At this date the center of population and settlement was near Catlin, and the meetings for public action of every kind were held there. ROSS TOWNSHIP Vermilion County was established by Act of the Legislature January 18, 1826. and the act provided for appointment of Commissioners to select the location for the seat of County Government. The Commissioners reported March 25, 1827, having chosen the present site of Danville. In the original division of the Coun- ty, this Township included all lands north of the northern boundaries of Newell and Blount Townships, (which is % mile north of the center of Bis- marck.) to the Iroquois County line, and twelve miles wide. Among the earliest settlers we find these who pushed northward into the new country: — Jacob T. Ross, Sec. 9-21-11, li/i> miles south of Alvin; An- drew Davison, 1828, 1 mile north of Moore's Corner; Joseph Gundy, 1828, and Jacob Gundy 1830, north of Bis- marck; John Demorest, 1828. 1 mile west of Alvin; Daniel Liggett, 1829, Rossville; Alvan Gilbert, 1832, Mann's Chapel; Thomas McKibben, 1830, south of Bethel Cemetery; Willard Brown, 1835, southeast of Alvin; A. J. Miller, 1834, three miles east of Rossville; O. Pritchett, 1832, just north of Rossville. The mill just west of Alvin was built in 1838 by a Mr. Clawson. Many of the timbers and much other help were furnished by Jacob T. Ross. The mill was operated by Clawson for a time, then purchased by Chrisman, (who sold his mill at Myersville because his brother had been accidentally killed in building work) , who sold to Hoobler in 1848. He operated it until he sold to Jacob T. Ross in 1851. Mr. Ross Danville, 111. Paul Foxworthy Tel. 185 Reliable Abstract & Title Co. Abstracts - Title Insurance Blue Prints - Photostats 5 So. Vermilion Danville, Illinois "At The Southeast Corner of Square" Compliments of Perry Furniture Company A Complete Line of HOME FURNISHINGS Phone 3263 435 E. Main Street DANVILLE, ILLINOIS Congratulations MARTY K. 1220 E. Main St. Danville, 111. COMPLIMENTS FROM CORK PLAZA DINING ROOM & COFFEE SHOP Danville, Illinois on the Square COMPLIMENTS OF NATIONAL LIQUOR STORE 117 East Main Street Danville, Illinois Telephone 5353 ROSSVILLE PACKING COMPANY HISTORY OF THE CANNING INDUSTRY IN ROSSVILLE. ILLINOIS According to an article in "The Can- ning Trade" magazine published in 1914 entitled "A Brief History of the Can- ning Business in the Central West" written by Mr. William Moore of Hoop- eston, Illinois, that industry was com- menced in the Village of Rossville in the year 1895 when C. A. Allen of Hoop- eston, Perry Stufflebeam, and Phillip Cadle of Rossville organized the Ross- ville Canning Company as a co-partner- ship. Scant information is available concerning this original venture ; however, the factory burned in 1900, and activity was at a standstill for the next two or three years. About 1904 the property was purchased by John H. Leslie and Company of Chicago which firm rebuilt the plant and operated it until 1924 with J. F. Rutter of Rossville as manager. During these twenty years several different vegetables, including sauerkraut, and some fruits were processed, however, the principal product was, and still is, sweet corn. J. F. Rutter is remembered, not only as a machinery engineer (hav- ing designed the early "Rutter Kettle" or horizontal retort for processing can- ned products) but also, as a colorful personality and a one-man-band! In 1924 interests from Hoopeston, Illinois in the persons of Richard Zook, William Miskimen, and Edward Trego purchased the plant, incorporating un- der the name of "The Rossville Packing Company". These men, from the two large canneries at Hoopeston, must have visualized the expanding markets for canned foods which were rapidly de- veloping at that time. In 1925 "^ they selected Louis H. Schlecht, who had been active for some years with the Hoopeston Canning Company, to man- age the Rossville operation. Under this organization from 1924 to 1934, the Rossville plant made further improve- ments and experimented with additional products for the plants at Hoopeston; beets and tomatoes were canned, but did not prove profitable. Then in 1929 all-green asparagus was introduced to the east-central Illinois canners with the first production at Rossville; from that original field on the old "Maier Farm" south of Rossville, asparagus acreage in north Vermilion County has now in 1959 reached well over 4000 acres. It should be noted that during this period the Rossville plant was more or less of an experimental and feeder operation; supplying the well-established plants at Hoopeston with additional production for their expanding sales, and with re- search for future products. In 1935 under the pressures of the Depression Years, the Rossville cannery was offered for sale under sealed bids, and was purchased by Louis Schlecht, the acting manager, who then operated the plant as an individual proprietor- ship until 1947. These twelve years saw the fading-away of the colorful (but laborious) mule-teams and hand-jerk- ers and the advent of the mechanical pickers, the disappearance of line-shafts and remote drives, and of huge case- stacking crews in the warehouse — the COMPLIMENTS GIBSON 5c TO $1.00 STORE "Variety Merchandise" Rossville, Illinois C. L Gibson M. F. Gibson WHISTLER ^fim'f FARM SUPPLY ..^ TMtMOPfKHrufL PHONE Rl 8-2351 - ROSSVILLE. ILL. Feeding Equipment Gas Appliances Culbert the Florist Growers and Designers of Quality Flowers Since 1897 Rossville, Illinois Paulson Plumbing and Heating 50 years IN ROSSVILLE Phone Rl 8-2442 1909 1959 Gravel Limestone BLACH BROTHERS Rossville, Illinois ph-RI 8-3861 Crushed Rock Construction Road & Bridge Tree Removal in numbers and in extent of distribu- tion and Ross Township was divided east to west by the section line which is the north boundary of the present incorporated limits of the Village of Rossville. The north Township took the name "LYON" but when they sent it in to the Secretary of States it was returned, because there was already a township in Cook County with that name. So the good citizens readily agreed to honor the popular military man from Illinois, U. S. Grant, by choosing his name for the new Town- ship. It is reliably, reported that for quite some time the Attica Road was observ- ed as the township dividing line, but the error finally noted and corrected. (The election records in 1872, on the proposition to incorporate the Village of Rossville read " - -election was held in the Rossville House in the Town of Grant - - -") which was doubtless the hotel which stood at 107-109 N. Chicago Street. Coffeen's history of 1870 lists statis- tics of Ross Township as follows: Area. 57,600 acres; In cultivation 11,892 acres; Population 1,738; 15 schools; 3 church- es; 6 Sunday Schools; 2 Post Offices. Rossville, and Jordan (location not found.) On June 13, 1927, action was com- pleted dividing the townships with the south half taking the name "SOUTH ROSS." SURVEY part of Ross Township Records show that survey of Town- ships 21, 22 and 23, North Range 11, West was made December 3, 1822, and Townships 21, 22 and 23, North Range 12, West was made November 18, 1822. This is that territory from about 4 miles south of Bismarck north to the County line, and 12 miles wide, from the State line west to two miles east of East Lynn. ELEVATION The elevation of some of the towns in Vermilion County taken on the Rail- road tracks — Grape Creek. 538, Dan- ville downtown 597, Danville Junction 611, Alvin 662, East Lynn 693, Hen- ning 695, Rankin 716, Hoopeston 716, Cheneyville 722, Rossville 702, highest point in the County in the Section ad- joining Reilly on southeast 770. SOME ROSSVILLE INDUSTRIES Grist Mill, about 1875, Ezra Werner the miller, followed by A. H. Gernand and others, where present Canning Co. is located. First Canning Co. Stufflebeam, Redden, Cadle and Allen, used old Mill build- ing, which burned. Rossville Electric Light Co. built on the mill site. Rossville Canning Co. established 1904. Spring Lake Ice Co. F. L. Stewart, 406 N. Chicago St. Blueing Factory, Mr, Wm. Thomas, Father of Mrs. Jack Cosby. Brewery, Mr. Miklethum, where Christ- man Park is located. Brewery, James Cornell, near 124 W. Attica St. Cigar Factory, Kadison Brothers, over 102 E. Attica St. Creamery, Rossville Creamery Co. 127 W. Attica St. 1909 to Cement Blocks, The Young Younguns" Jess & Homer, 1905 Wagon Factory, Byron Cronkhite, 315- 321 E. Attica St. Building used also for Threshers & Wagons, L. T. Austin Ironing Boards, C. W. Meneley Corn Shredders, Fowler, Stufflebeam; Building burned 3/1/1906 Bakery Wholesale & Retail, J. E. McCarty Brick & Tile Plant, Habel Bros, 1889 Brick & Tile Plant Postlewait & Red- den, 1905 Incubator Factory, A. Schafer, G. Maury, P. Warner, 1908 Laundry, Stifler — Kelley — Sparrow — German — McGranahan — W. Maury. Tinsware & Utensils, Adam Hoover Tinware & Art Novelties, H. Cain Poultry Dressing & Shipping, Lyons & Marko Cabinet Shop, James Atwood. Shoe Factory, 1894-1901 Broom Factory. Zack Norton. Rossville Greenhouse, Villars, 1897, J. Culbert — Baw Industries, (Cob processing,) Joe Ashbrook Harness & Buggies, E. J. Davis The Williamson Hotel, 109 N. Chicago Street. The first hotel at this address was built in 1859, it was improved, changed ownership and was enlarged to become a well known landmark for travelers. It was burned in 1911. DR. JOHN C. MASON SINCE 1930 ROSSVILLE. ILL RESIDENT DOCTORS OF ROSSVILLE Richard Brickwell, J. J. McElroy, S. D. Lewis, R. D. Purviance, J. Frank Heritage, M. T Livingood, T. E. De- maree, J. R. Livingood, S. R. Wilson, J. O. Palmer, C. E. Brown, E. E. Howard, F. M. Mason, Bossart, R. P. Donovan, J. C. Mason, W. R. Waschick, E. M. Bush, D. D. S., D. W. Fithian, D. D. S., A. K. Bush, D. D. S. ■iyS"? THE OLD JOHN R. SMITH GENERAL STORE VILLAGE OF ROSSVILLE Daniel Liggett and his family were of pioneering tendencies and came to Illinois and Vermilion County in 18^29, and chose this for their home, which was a cabin located at 304 South Chi- cago St. (The Stufflebeam-Bracken home) . They decided to make a perma- nent home and on January 29, 1833 he entered with the government the SEV4 Sec. 11-22-12, (which is the Village south of Attica St. and west of Church St. On January 2, 1936 he entered the 80 acres just east of Church St. and south of Attica St. Mr. Lig- gett died in 1838, and the estate was cut up and divided among his heirs, and the pieces were sold and traded time after time until by the early 1850's Alvan Gilbert owned the whole tract. The 40 acres just north of Attica St. and west of Church St. was entered by Alvan Gilbert on February 15, 1836, and the 40 acres just north of that was entered November 1, 1839, also by Mr. Gilbert. Probably the first permanent settlers here were the Daniel Liggetts in 1829, John Bean 1830, and William and George Bicknell not long after. The crossing of the Chicago-Danville trail and the Attica-Paxton road, together with the nearness of the Northfork riv- er and the plentiful timber and fertile prairie made it the natural choice for newcomers to stop and a little commu- nity to grow. And it was equally nat- ural for it to be given the name of Lig- gett's Grove. Somewhere and for some unknown reason the little village gain- ed a decriptive name (we know not why) of "Henpeck" which appears to have been very widely used. But it was probably more or less customary for the first village or Township to he given the same name, hence with the platting of the Original Town, "ROSSVILLE" was born. (In some of the histories the writers have confused the Bicknell House — built at the river crossing two miles north of Rossville with the first settlement here.) From Coffen's Handbook of Vermilion County, 1870 The town of Rossville is beautifully located in the northern part of Ver- milion County, on the line of the Chi- cago, Danville and Vincennes Railroad, in the edge of the timber on the North Fork of the Big Vermilion River, twenty miles north of Danville. PRUITT'S STORE 1 1 8 S. Chicago St. Rossville, Illinois Our Thanks to Those Pioneers of 100 years ago Greetings to you people of today, Most sincere wishes for the success and happiness of those that carry on in the next century. A Friendly Store Where You Are Always Welcome Hardware Gifts Toys Kurfees Paints THE ROSSVILLE TELEPHONE COMPANY Serving the connnnunity nnore than sixty years CELEBRATING OUR BIRTHDAYS ROSSVILLE'S - 1 00th AMERICAN LEGION'S 40th SPEARS -DUKES POST 733 FOR COMMUNITY. STATE and NATION The village contains nearly three hun- dred inhabitants, about twenty dwell- ing-houses having been erected here within the last year. The public school building and the excellent schools therein, under the management of Pro- fessor S. Q. Davison, assisted by the Misses Laurie Grant, Gracie Groves, and Eva Groves, is an institution which stands ahead, perhaps, of any other similar school in the county. The Meth- odist Episcopal Church lately complet- ed, is worth over $5,000.00. A Presby- terian Church is in process of erection. Business, although, perhaps, not numer- ously represented, is well represented by the excellent dry-goods store of Hen- derson; Lee & Co.; the Drug Store by I. B. Werner; the Agricultural house under charge of Mr. Deamude; and a few other stores. C. Tuttle, Esq., will soon add another dry-goods establish- ment. The prospects of Rossville, are for the future, of the most encouraging character. The "ORIGINAL TOWN OF ROSS- VILLE," was platted August 6, 1859, and included less than the present busi- ness district just around the cross- ing of Chicago and Attica streets, the southwest, northwest and northeast cor- ners only. The southeast corner was not platted until April 3, 1862. All on the south of Attica St. was by Alvan Gilbert, and on the north of Attica St. by Joseph Satterthwaite and Alvan Gilbert. The village grew and Gilbert's First Addition was platted in August 1869; Gilbert's Second Addition in Oc- tober 1871; Livingood's Addition (north side) in October 1871; and Gilbert's Third x\ddition in September 1873. Sev- eral others have followed these. Rossville has grown to maturity and fulfilled the prediction of Mr. Coffeen. It is a village of such beauty that it attracts the attention of travelers and visitors. It is one of the nicest and best small towns in the county. On crossed paved highways; with good streets, well maintained: municipal water system that supplies plenty of water that is "tops"; natural gas, which became a reality in 1957; good churches with ac- tive congregations; fine schools which are up to date in facilities and curricu- lum, and staffed by well trained and qualified teachers; citizens who take pride in their homes and home town; public officials who take their respon- sibilities seriously and have an outlook toward an even better future; many other desirable attributes and the spir- it of friendliness and helpfulness of all its people, it is only natural that to hundreds and hundreds near and far "Rossville" means "Home Sweet Home." 1959 VILLAGE OFFICIALS President of Board — Harry M. Beck- ley. Trustees, Francis D. Borror, Stanley W. Paulson, Robert L. Lusk, Lewis Hathaway, Willard Hughes, Russell Young. Village Clerk, Janice Yeoman Small; Treasurer, John R. Paulson; Police Mag- istrate, Otto Judd Funk; Police Chief, Robert L. Brake. ■ MM' HI ^'-^•%ii:T s^*^ ROSSVILLE FIRE STATION Compliments of PLA - MOR BOWLING ALLEYS phone 010 502 W. Orange St. Hoopeston, Illinois Compliments of Harland R. Cade CITIES SERVICE OIL CO. Consignee Plione-766 Hoopeston, Illinois Compliments of JOHN DEERE VERMILION WORKS of Deere And Company Hoopeston, Illinois Compliments of HARVEY GOODRUM BUILDING CONTRACTOR GENERAL MASONRY ph. 526 704 W. Penn. St. Hoopeston, Illinois "Here's to another 100" Save Miles and Money at the new ^A/ARDS if MONTGOMERY WARD & CO. In Hoopeston, Illinois SEE US FOR YOUR FERTILIZER NEEDS DALPH - RAY - EARL Hoopeston Fertilizer Co. Smith - Douglass Fertilizer Hoopeston, III. - Phone 203 Compliments of LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE 1227 Hoopeston, Illinois ROSSVILLE INCORPORATED The Illinois legislature passed an Act setting the plan for incorporating Vill- ages, which act was approved April 10, 1872. On July 1, 1872, thirty three resi- dents signed a petition to the County Judge, Hon. R. W. Hanford, to call an election to vote on that question, spec- ifying the territory involved as the East Half of Section 12, and the West Half of Section 11 in T22N, R12W and representing that it contained more than three hundred inhabitants. The Judge ordered the election for July 27, 1872. The election was held as ordered, with 68 voters listed and 53 for Incorporation and 15 against. The Judge then ordered an election on August 24, 1872 to elect six trustees for the Village of Rossville, which election was held. The POLL BOOK lists the following voters; — 1. Henry Bonnett, 2. Peter Treon, 3. J. A. M. Kokendefer, 4. George Haines, 5. J. B. Haas, 6, Thomas M Elliott, 7. J. V. Anderson, 8. W. W. Little, 9. Christopher Weingand, 10, Henry Pur- tell, 11. Wm. D. Foulke, 12. John Ross, 13. E. A. Dingle, 14, Fred Makenthum, 15. Mike Welch, 16. William Iva, 17. Alvan Gilbert, 18. S. D. Lewis, 19. John B. Lee. 20. B. A. Wait, 21. Abner Warn- er, 22, Wm. Greathouse, 23, Wm. Holden, 24. Henry Ebling, 25. George Bourne, 26. Wm. 'H. Harrison, 27. P. A. Savage, 28. John B. Warner, 29 .Allen Scott, 30. J. H. Lloyd, 31. Wm. R. Harker, 32. Ezra B. Warner, 33. Elwood Agnew, 34. J. S. Tursher, 35. John McGee, 36. John W. , 37. W. S. Head, 38. Wm. C. Bissell, 39. S. C. Baker, 40. J. S. Stout, 41. Joseph Allen, 42. A. B. Snider, 43. J. Grant, 44. Fred Groom, 45. Calvin Gwinnup, 46. I. T. Meneley, 47. Ira Green, 48. J. R. Baldwin, 49. E. E. Cooper, 50. J. A. Goudy, 51. Wm. I. Evans, 52. E. Birch, 53. T. D. Biddle, 54, D. C. Deamude, 55. W. J. Hender- son, 56. M. T. Livingood, 57. Wm. Ross, 58 Patrick Rosater (?), 59. I. B. Warner, 60. I. W. Shilling, 61. W. I. Allen, 62. W. C. Tuttle, 63. Scott McNeil, 64. H. A. Allen, 65. A. Boyd, 66. Austin Clark, 67. Lewis Tuttle, 68. R. D. Purviance, 69. Thomas Wilson, 70. John S. Lee, 71. Milton Lee. 72. E. M. Gilbert, 73. John Shumate, 74. Wm. M. Phillips, 75. James Cornell, 76. Mike Graham, 77. John Britton, 78. John F. Tuttle, 79. Wm. M. Tennery, 80. E. H. Grant, 81. Benj. Z. Duley, 82. Wm. Phillips. The election results were, Trusteees elected; R. D. Purviance, 77, I. B. Warner, 50, W. Laidlow, 48, W. C. Tuttle, 47, Wm. LeFever, 45, and Ira Green, 45. Others, S. D. Lewis 33, John B. Lee 33, B. A. Wait 33, Deamude 33, W. W. Phillips 31, Al Gilbert 1, Ander- son 2, M. Lee 1, Grant 1. Other men who signed the original petition to the court or voted in the first election and not listed among the above poll were — George Bowen, W.N.Steel, Wm. S. LeFever, J. E. Hutchins, E. C. Gass, H. H. Horr, J. R. Lotbie (?), J. R. Smith, W. W. Littell, Charles Allen, C. Gwinn- up, Wm. Laidlow, Richard Groves, Robert Biddle. Laurels to present business people for the longest records of continuous activ- ity seem to belong to Samuel Q. Smith, Clark Carter, and Jess Young, who through the years have been always on the job, dependable in their services and interested in community welfare. y^ Sam Q. Smith has operated his own business over 50 years and Is still active. Mrs. Bert (Axie) Smith was active over 50 years but is now retired. They are not related. COMPLIMENTS OF Complir nents of SMITH ALSOP PAINT & VARNISH CO DARB LUNCH 50 Years of Paint Making Sandwiches Refreshnnents 1 909 1 959 "Earl" "John" Danville Paint & WP Co. (991) 151 N. Vermilion Danville 310 E. Main St. Hoopeston, III. Comp innents of Compliments of liar son's Clothes Shop WEBER'S DRUG STORE Clothing, Shoes, Furnishings Pau E. Weber. R. Ph. Hoopeston, Illinois Carl W. Weber, R. Ph. 223 Main Phone 110 The Rexall Store Hoopeston, 1 linois The Ritz Restaurant "Where Quality Reigns Supreme Home Made Candies" Breakfast — Lunches — Suppers 215 E. Main St. Hoopeston, Illinois Compliments of THRASHERS SHOE STORE Hoopeston, Illinois Hoopeston Standard Parts Co., Inc. — Automotive Parts And Supplies — 109 N. Market St. Hoopeston, III. PHONE 825 Your NAPA Jobber is a Good Man to Know! Machine Shop Service COMPLIMENTS OF Frank F. Dornf eld & Co, The Store For Men & Boys Hoopeston, Illinois 205 East Main St. Phone 133 THE BICKNELL HOUSE George and William Bicknell home- steaded land about two miles north of Liggett's Grove on the Northfork stream about 1835. As traffic on the "trail" increased rapidly they erected the Bicknell Inn in 1845 at the crossing of the stream, and it was well pa- tronized — it is said A. Lincoln was a patron, — and the place has been a land mark for over a century. The house was occupied by William Bicknell, who never married, and his brother George and wife Millie Bicknell, who were parents of three children, Timothy, (born in 1835, the first white child born in Grant Township) Solomon and Clara. Millie Bicknell was a chart- er member of the Rossville Presbyterian Church. William Bicknell died in 1849 and Mr. and Mrs. George Bicknell died in 1857, and the daughter Clara kept house for her brothers until her mar- riage to Samuel Thomas in 1865. In that year they purchased for $2000.00 eighty acres in Sec. 7, T22N RllW, (the pres- ent home of Charles Thomas) which is still in the Thomas family. Samuel and Clara Thomas had nine children, Millie, Oscar, Frank, William, Richard, Edward, all deceased, and Charles, George, and Mary (Mrs. Ross Fetters) residing just east of Rossville. There are also six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. This is one of the few first settlers with descendants still in this community. The Inn continued under new owners for many years, and was occupied as a dwelling until 1950 when it was moved to make way for a modern home. Disastrous Fires Dec. 9, 1879— School Building, N. Chi- cago St. 1886, — All buildings surrounding 2 brick stores at 106-108 and 110 S. Chicago St. 1888 — School Building, (Grade and High) N. Chicago St. July 10, 1894— All stores east of Chi- cago and south of Attica Streets. 1900 — Canning Factory Mar. 1, 1906— The Red Wagon Factory, East Attica St. 1908— Livery Barn, 106 E. Maple 1911— Williamson Hotel, 109 N. cago St. 1917_Garage, 113 W. Attica St. 1942_Garage, 106 W. Attica St. 1945 — High School, Corner of Harrison and Benton. Chi- BICKNELL HOUSE, ROSSVILLE BEST WISHES President and Board of Trustees, Village of Rossville H. M. Beckley, President F. D. BORROR ROBERT LUSK L F. HATHAWAY S. W. PAULSON WILLARD HUGHES RUSSELL YOUNG JOHN PAULSON. TREASURER JANICE SMALL. VILLAGE CLERK-COLLECTOR O. J. FUNK. POLICE MAGISTRATE ESTON N. CASE, SUPERINTENDENT OF UTILITIES ROBERT BRAKE. POLICE CHIEF WILLIAM H. COX. ASSISTANT TO SUPERINTENDENT Rice Turkey Farm 1913 1959 SERVING THE HOTEL AND RESTAURANT TRADE WITH A QUALITY PRODUCT Martin & Ruth Rice PHONE Rl 8-4713 Rossville, Illinois Fred A. Smith Lbr. Co. SERVING THIS COMMUNITY SINCE 1909 311-313 East Attica Street Rossville, Illinois Phone Rl 8-2061 POST OFFICE The first regular mail service through this County began in 1832, from Chi- cago to Danville to Vincennes, Indiana. In 1836 another route was established to Decatur and Springfield, and another to Ottawa, and soon a third to the east through Newport, Rockville, Danville, Ind., and Indianapolis, and still another to Lafayette, Ind. The first postal service for this vicin- ity was instituted at "NORTH FORK," (Mann's Chapel) in 1839, with Samuel Gilbert as Postmaster. The Post Office remained there until 1853, by which time "Liggett's Grove" or "Henpeck" had grown to a size demanding recogni- tion and so it became the new location, but the name remained "NORTH FORK." When in 1859 the Village was platted and officially named "ROSS- VILLE" from the Township name, the Post Office name was changed to "Ross- ville" also. The office was located at times in the old Livingood home, 404 N. Chicago St: in the building that first stood at 122 S. Chicago St; the first dwelling at 509 N. Chicago St; in some stores, and at 113 E. Attica St. for nearly thirty years, moving in 1923 to 105 N. Chicago. In 1958 a new building was occupied at 106 E. Maple Street with modern quarters and adequate room for the expanded business. (Before Rossville had a postoffice one called "Rio" was located on Sec. 22, just south of Hoopeston — near where the open air theatre is — and Allen Lewis was postmaster about four years with income of $5.00 to $6.00 per year. That was about 1838 to 1842) . Listed Postmasters include Alvan Gilbert, James Stewart, Joseph Satter- thwaite, W. J. Henderson, J. W. Mc- Taggert, Harry Shannon, Addie Shan- non, Addison Davis, Theodore Habel, Joseph Braden, Leo J. Byrne, Russell Young, Edward Hathaway, Ross Prather, Joseph Brown. , sSt . A-^aJLitCOOKlMftcur ■_ ^^*">'^^ j^m^Im- , ROSSVILLE HARDWARE H. M. Beckley OWNER 115-117 E. Attica St. Telephone Rl 8-2391 A Hardware store for 86 years, in the same location. WELCOME TO ROSSVILLE Help us celebrate our Centennial, And have a good time. Standard Oil Co. SERVING ROSSVILLE AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITY R. H. Weber, Local Agent Rossville, III. Phone RI 8-2461 COURSON'S 406 W. Fairchild Street DANVILLE, ILLINOIS Open Every Day To Serve You Until I I P.M. Complete Line of Food Confections AMBIA BOTTLE GAS AMBIA. INDIANA An Old Timer With A New Service BOTH BULK & BOTTLE GAS <^Kilg^^ THI All-PURPOSE FUll ROSSVILLE BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION The Illinois law authorizing the in- corporation of Building and Loan Asso- ciations became effective July 1, 1879. On May 13, 1881, a committee of Ross- villc citizens presented a petition for in- corporation to the Secretary of State. They were given a permit to proceed with organization, and within ten days had applications for 255 shares of Capi- tal Stock from 4 J; subscribers. Call for an organization meeting was issued and on June 6, 1881 the meeting was held in the old "ODD FELLOWS HALL" (the upstairs of a frame build- ing at 102 South Chicago St.) . The y chose a board of 12 Directors, and adopted their by-laws, and the Directors organized and selected the officers. This action was dulv reported and approved and the ROSSVILLE BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION was in- corporated July 25, 1881. The officers were: President, R. W. Weld, Vice-Pres., W. S. Demaree, Sec- retary, W. D. Eoulke, Treasurer. D. Watson. Directors, (for 1 year) O. G. Crane,.W. D. Foulke, Scott Crouch. John Milligan. (For 2 years) Wm. H. Harri- son, F. J. Pastor, George Stamp, Allen Grant. (For 3 vears) W. R. Weld, Emil H. Langhans, W. Watson, W. S. De- maree. Other member-subscribers: — R. L. Dengler, John Westfall. John Ruth. C. C. McAllister, John Keller. J. S. Stout, J. M. Stafford, E. B. Werner, Harrv Shannon, W. W. Dale, Maurice W^alsh, Emma Westfall. John B. Wern- er, Charles M. Ross, Henry Hughes, Peter Treon, Mike Graham, Ezra Hack- man, Jacob Pirl, Carl Funk, Minna Funk, W. Vining, W. T. Vining, C. D. Smith, D. Holenbeck, Edward P. Langhans, Abraham Mann, C. W. Miller, G. Maury, John J. McElroy, W. R. Harker, H. C. Troupe. Each of these 44 members subscribed for from 1 to 25 shares of Installment Stock upon which they paid 15 cents per week per share, and as soon as funds permitted loans on improved real estate were made. Operations have con- tinued without interruption, serving both investors and borrowers, and mak- ing a valuable contribution to the growth and improvement of our fine community. We know of no other busi- ness in Rossville which can pass this record of 77 years. This Association has always been well managed, and directed by men who were prominent in the bus- iness activities of the community, and if we could list them all they would be remembered for their public interest and civil pride. In the begining the Board of Direc- tors met every Saturday evening and the members were expected to appear and make their weekly payments of dues. As years passed the Association grew with the community, and it has kept pace with the times in adopting modern methods, and maintained the highest standard of service '^o its cus- tomers, both investors and borrowers. This service has been so well received that the volume of business has more than quadrupled in the last ten years. Present Assets. $330,000.00 I A TYPICAL STREET SCENE OF ROSSVILLE Compliments of VAN ZANDT TRUCKING CO. George Van Zandt, Jr. Ph.-Hl-6-6848 HI-2-3860 1441 Warrington Ave. Danville, III. Into the Wonderful World of Autodynamics At KOEHN MOTORS, INC. Telephone 936 319 N. Vermilion DANVILLE. ILLINOIS DESOTO — DODGE PLYMOUTH — DODGE TRUCKS TELEPHONE HI 2-1421 814 Warrington Avenue Danville, Illinois DICK DAMERY DANVILLE SCALE CO. Howe Scales Service On All Makes Motor Truck, Farm and Automatic Scales Contractors for Scale Pits Compliments of L. L. LENOVER SALES & SERVICE Air Compressors 806 Warrington Ave. Danville, Ph. HI-2-0204 HICKORY 0800 Danville Tent & Awning Co. Awnings Ornamental Iron Tents Canvas Products "Just a Shade Better" 219-223 West Main Street Danville, Illinois Compliments of LEVERENZ AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE W. Main St. Danville, VERMILION COUNTY ABSTRACT COMPANY Abstracts "Only Complete Abstract Plant in Vermilion County" Title Insurance Representative for: Chicago Title and Trust Company 23 W. Main St. Danville, III. Telephone HI-2-0510 ^^ QUARANTESD FURS 20 W. Main Danville, Illinois ALVAN GILBERT The Gilbert family was of English origin, and were early settlers in the Colony of Massachusetts. Alvan Gilbert was born in Ontario County New York, July 11, 1810, the son of Samuel and Mary Morse Gilbert. He had two bro- thers, James H. and Elias M. The fam- ily came west by boat to Crawford County Ohio in the spring of 1825. The next year they came west and settled about two miles south of Danville. Solomon and Jesse Gilbert, uncles of Alvan. came to Danville. Solomon building a mill on the north fork of the Vermilion river, and Jesse starting a ferry. Alvan worked for both in their businesses. Alvan Gilbert married Matilda Horr April 18, 1831, and they moved into Ross Township in 1832, buying a small farm from his father-in-law, on the west side of the state road at Mann's Chapel. To this he added by entry and purchase until he owned about 240 acres. Later he sold this farm to his father and pur- chased another, the north part of Ross- ville, from his uncle Solomon. He lived there for some time then sold it, and by purchase, and trades became the owner of the original Daniel Liggett farm which was the south part of Rossville. He traded extensively and probably owned about 900 acres in Ross and Grant Townships. The Gilberts had two daughters, Sarah E. who married George C. Dickson, and Nancy J. the wife of Frederick Grooms. Mrs. Gilbert died in 1849 and Mr. Gilbert later mar- ried Nancy Horr, the widow of Samuel Elzy. When Mr. Gilbert made his perman- ent home in Liggett's Grove it was but natural that the dwelling was at the spot where Liggett originally built his cabin, — now 306 South Chicago St. His acquisition of this land was not a single transaction, but many, over several years as he bought the various parcels into which the Liggett estate had been divided and allotted to the widow and other heirs. By the mid 1850s he had probably procured all of the quarter section south of Attica St. and west of Church St. And as an active commun- ity was developing Mr. Gilbert had foresight and faith in the future and in the summer of 1859 the ORIGINAL TOWN was platted and given the name ROSSVILLE, after the Township name, and this was officially dated August 6, 1859. Mr. Gilbert was one of the Commis- sioners appointed by the Legislature to divide Vermilion County into Town- ships. He was chosen the first Assessor for the Township, and was an official for many years, serving as Supervisor for 18 years, and as Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors for most of thai time. In 1876 he was elected to the Illinois General Assembly. It has been reported that he secured passage of a special bill which permitted the routing of South Chicago St. with a sharp curve east at Perry St. leaving his property with a spacious front lawn. (The street was straightened in 1940 when the new highway was improved.) ma. ■ '•Kf Original Milestone marking Hubbard Trail, State Highway near Mann's Chapel. Thomas Bennett, another English- man, came to America in 1851, living first in Danville and Covington, Indiana and in 1866 selecting his home site south of Rossville. He farmed exten- sively, and had a wide trade in fine livestock. He was interested in com- munity affairs, very generous and a leader in the religious life of the com- munity. i I ROSSVILLE AMERICAN LEGION HOME SPEARS-DUKES POST #733 AMERICAN LEGION Application for a charter for the Rossville American Legion was received in the Department of Illinois June 22, 1921, with the name of Lloyd K. Spears Post #706. Seventeen veterans signed the application: F. Grant Williamson, Thomas E. Maury, Percy B. Potts, Dean E. Reece, Roy S. O'Laughlin, Otto F. Yeoman, Harold C. Grays, Gharles D. Borror. Otto N. Siewert, Alva Gronk- hite, Fred L. Ervin, Offie Sloan, W. Earl Wright, Joseph A. Grimier, Glar- ence Morgan, Robert Bivans, Arista Trough. Post #706 was in existence in 1921 with 36 members; in 1922, 17 members in 1923 there were no members and the Post was cancelled. Then on December 14, 1927, application for charter for Lloyd K. Spears Post #733 was filed with fifteen veterans' signatures: Har- old G. Grays, Thomas C. Stifler, Glar- ence E. Morgan. Russell Young, Alva Gronkhite, Leo G. Smith. Ivan F. Bond, Eric O. Ryberg, Fern F. Goon, John Davidson, Dean E. Reece, Francis D. Borror, James E. Blake, Made H. Seals, Raymond H. Poland. On January 22, 1947 the name of the Post was changed to Spears-Dukes Post #733. Thus an infantry soldier and an air force veteran, who died a war apart are memorialized by Rossville's American Legion Post. Pvt. Lloyd K. Spears was the only Rossville man to lose his life in World War I, and T. Sgt. William Dukes, the first to lose his life in the second World War. Pvt. Spears was born in Kentucky and moved with his family to Ross- ville in 1905 when he was 18. He was drafted in 1917 into the Infantry, and died in 1918 in France, a victim of a German air raid. Sgt. Dukes was a native of Gollison, 111., and graduated from Rossville High School in 1940 and enlisted in 1942 in the Air Force. He was a veteran radio-operator and gun- ner in a B-17 bomber, and lost his life in an airplane crash over Reedham, England. February 21, 1944. Ten boys who called Rossville "home," who gave their lives in W..W. II are: Harold Gasner, Kenneth Huff- man, Richard McLain, James Ghittick, Wilbur Hughes, Harold Poland, Her- shel Mullins, William Dukes, Harold Lackey, Harlan Steele. Eugene Lewis lost his life on a Ijuinl)- ing mission over Korea during the Ko- rean conflict. Legion meetings were held in the rooms above 102 S. Chicago St. until 1934, when the Post purchased the Depler home at 105 Gilbert St. In 1952 this was sold to start the erection of the new Legion Home just completed on Thompson Ave. Volunteer labor is pri- marily responsible for this handsome Post edifice. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the American Legion, formed in Paris, France, March 15-17, 1919, with a purpose to "safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy", for which they had lately fought. This determin- ation was incorporated in the preamble to the Legion constitution, which reads: "To preserve the memories and inci- dents of our associations in the great war, To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness". The American Legion plays an im- portant role in veterans affairs. Vol- unteer service officers promate the Le- gion's vast rehabilitation programs. They initiate most of the claims for Veterans and their dependents. It's rehabilitation program is of service for the welfare of all Veterans, particularly the disabled, their dependents, the war widows and orphans. This involves the Gifts to Yanks and the distribution of the Poppy (the memorial flower of the dead) . One of the greatest peacetime con- tributions the Legion has made has been in helping youngsters, in child welfare and youth work. The local Post spon- sors a Little League Baseball Team. Other programs under Americanism in- clude Boys State and Boys Nation. Post ^733 annually gives American Legion School Awards which is maintained on a national level, thru the Americanism commission of the American Legion. 1958-1959 OFFICERS Commander George F. Perkins; Vice Comm. John C. Carter; Vice Comm. Clark Funk; Adjutant Joe P. Barragree Jr.; Finance Officer James C. Davis; Chaplain Leon Lloyd; Sgt. At-Arms Richard Hughes; Historian Curtis Ger- man. PAST COMMANDERS F. Grant Williamson, Carl W. Smith, Russell Young, C. E. Morgan, Alva Cronkhite, Francis Borror, Wade H. Seals, Harry M. Seals, Otto F. Yeoman, Raymond H. Poland, Walter Ernst, W'. L. Freese, Lawrence Mclntyre, Ray- mond Green, John Falconer, Jay Prilla- man, Robert L, Lusk, Russell L. In- gram, Dallas Denison, Otto Judd Funk, Curtis German, Vernon LaMar, Clark Baker, Arlyn Dain, James C. Davis, Leland Lewis, George F. Perkins. AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT #733 The American Legion Auxiliary Unit to Post #733 was organized in Febru- ary 1929, by Katherine Best the 18th District Director, with fourteen char- ter members: Gertrude Stifler, Wanda B. Davidson, Edna Boardman, Pansy M. Poland, Verna T. Strickler, Hetty M. Young, Mabel E. Blary, Lucille Morgan, Dorothy Ann Morgan, Esther Stifler, Bertha R. Cronkhite, Marjorie Young, Rachel R. Reece, Mary C. Spears. Seven of the Charter members still belong to the Unit. The first President was Gertrude (Mrs. Thomas) Stifler. There have been 23 Presidents, seven serving more than once; they are: Ger- trude Stifler, Verna T. Strickler, Lucille Morgan, Marjorie Young, Pansy Po- land, Eunice Fitzwater, Blanche Bor- ror, Rachael Reece, Elizabeth Paulson, Effie Huffman, Maude Ernst, Esther Crawford, Mary Gladden, Claire Funk, Leola Queen, Winifred Yeoman, Marie Henak. Hazel King, Sue Funk, Ida Schaffer, Louise Foster, Betty Jackson, Evelyn Dain. Prior to World War II a high of 58 members was reached, in 1958 the Unit reached an all time high of 205. In 1934. the Junior Auxiliarx^ was formed with sixteen daughters of Le- gionnaires enrolled. Present enrollment is 44. The Auxiliary also assisted the same year in the formation of Squadron #733 "Sons of The American Legion", enrolling 21 boys. In the number one program, for which both Legion and Auxiliary were orga- THE "300" ROOM Perfect Food - Perfect Service THE BOWLING BALL Danville, Illinois Your Host— Bill Bolick Perfect Food - Perfect Service Your Host — Bill Bolick THE Crest Air-Conditioned PERFECT FOOD On U. S. Routes I and 136 N. - Danville, Illinois A PROGRESSIVE STORE GRAY CLOTHING CO SERVING A PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY. Jack Gray L. A. HARRIS — INSURANCE HERE TO SERVE ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS 107 Maple St. Rossville, Illinois nized, :^733 has more than carried its share of the load. Participating in a financial way to all phases at a Nation- al and Departmental level, the Unit has maintained a corps of Volunteer work- ers (Gold Ladies) contributing thous- ands of hours and huge sums of ma- terial value to Danville V.A. Hospital as well as other Veteran Hospitals throughout the state. Auxiliary Ser- vice Motto: "It is so easy to forget, so blessed to remember." Other programs carried out exten- sively are: Child Welfare, Americanism, including "Girl Good Citizen" selec- tions, Girl's State, Veterans' Craft Ex- change, National Security, Civil De- fense, Legislation. Pan-American, Gold Star, Education of War Orphans, Com- munity Service, and Music. Since its organization, the Unit has had representation continously on the District Board, including two District Directors, as well as one Fourth Divi- sion President, one Department Chap- lain, one Veterans Administration Hos- pital Chairman, and numerous Depart- ment chairmanships and services. Unit #733 has won many awards for service. In the new Post Home, the Auxiliary has answered the Legion's request to furnish the kitchen, ladies lounge, and any such other furnishing projects as can be accomplished. 1958-1959 OFFICERS President Mary Gladden; 1st Vice- Pres. Gertrude Green; 2nd Vice-Pres. Gladys Laursen; Secretary Alice Cour- son; Treasurer Pansy Poland; His- torian Marjorie Tweedy; Chaplain Gol- die Pruitt; Sgt. At-Arms Betty Gad- dis; Asst. Sgt.-At-Arms Louise Barra- gree. Herbert Smith Jr., Rossville letter carrier FRED A. SMITH LUMBER CO. Observes BOtfi Anniversary This vear has been a "Golden" one for the Fred A. Smith Lumber Com- pany in Rossville, observing its 50th anniversary January 9th. The firm pur- chased the business from John E. Swift on January 9th and the actual deed was signed by Mr. Swift and his wife Nellie H. on March 11th 1909. The lumber yard was originally founded in 1888 by the late L. K. Yeo- man who was a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, and moved to Jasper County Indiana at the age of three and left the farm for Kansas in 1885. Three years later he came to Illinois and settled in Rossville and founded the Lumber yard. Mr. Yeoman was killed on January 13, 1901 in a tragic accident as he was returning to Rossville after attending a horse and mule sale. Following his death the lumber yard was sold to John and Nellie Swift, who operated it until it was sold to the present owner. Records indicate that the present lumber shed was built in April 1912 at a cost of $2,357.31. This included the office of the company and was used until late in 1948 when work was started on remodeling the office. That task was completed in early 1949 and the com- pany now has one of the finest yards in Illinois. A list of managers from 1909 includes Lee Ireland; Clark C. Carter; Dick Miller; Ivan Bond; Merle Clem and Cecil Green who has been in charge since early in 1935. Through the years the company has had only two field man- agers; they are Leo Ireland and the pres- ent manager Irvin L. Weller. The com- pany president is F. F. Bailey who has offices in Rockford, 111. In recent years many new homes have been built in Rossville, from small neat and attractive cottages to elaborate and ornate residences, and during the same time many existing homes have been remodeled and modernized into late style dwellings. If space permitted us to picture them you would see that every street is lined with well kept cheerfully inviting places, whose attractiveness could not be surpassed anywhere. ILLINOIS LUMBER, GRAIN & COAL CO. At Your Service 1875 Building Industry Headquarters Hoopeston, Illinois PHONE 9 SILVER BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO. Washington Street At C. & E. I. Railroad HOOPESTON. ILLINOIS William Silver Harry Silver Phone 1251 Phone 476 LEE & TWEEDY LIVESTOCK HAULING — GENERAL TRUCKING Phone - 485 or 140 "Chuck" Lee Hoopeston, Illinois "Don" Tweedy HAROLD E. COX HOOPESTON INSURANCE AGENCY ALL TYPES OF INSURANCE 1 05 5. Market Hoopeston, Illinois PHONE 54 Jones Implement Co. N. Market St. Hoopeston, III. NEW IDEA — A-C FARM EQUIPMENT Phone 219 "We Service All Makes of Radio and Television" HOOPESTON RADIO & TV SERVICE 106 N. Market St. Hoopeston, III. CULBERT THE FLORIST One of the few family businesses operated tor more than 60 years and now in the third generation, which has become a Rossville "Institution" through its long and high quality service. James Culbert was born at John's Haven, Kincardenshire, Scotland August 31, ]846. He grew to manhood and learned the horticulture trade on a large estate. In 1869 he came west to St. Catherines, Canada, where he lived ten yea'"^ following his trade. He then came '.^ St. Louis, Mo., where he met and married Antoinette Johnson who had cmie to the United States from Prague. It was there that their son John was born. In 1896 the family moved to Ross- ville, purchiisi'ig a small greenhouse from James Villars. It was located on the south side of McKibben St. and was later moved to its present location and enlarged. In the early years Mr. Culbert maintained the business here and also sold plants and flowers from a horse drawn wagon, visiting the neighboring towns, from where manv children and grandchildren of former customers now come in their fine modern cars to take advantage of the fine Culbert service. Mr. Culbert was ably assisted by his wife who always greeted friends and customers in a very gracious manner. He was joined by his son John in 1908, at which time they added more glass. In 1913 John was married to Mabel Case, who was an able partner in the business. They have two sons John Robert, and James. Both saw service in W. W. II, and upon their return to civilian life followed the "family line" and John Robert Culbert has advanced in the profession to be Professor in Floriculture at the University of Illinois. James worked with his father until 1957, when he took over the business. The business has a new modern shop, with greatly expanded facilities. And Wholesaling has been added. They grow fifteen acres of summer and early fall flowers at their place at 512 N. Chicago St. and instead of a horse drawn wagon, they send out daily a large refrigerated truck which supplies many of the retail florists located within a 60 mile radius from Rossville. James is assisted by his wife Molly, and their three children. Jimmy. Bruce and Laura, the fourth generation of Culberts who may become the future florists of Rossville. i^ttSM ROSSVILLE CEMETERY CHECK WARDS LOV/ PRICES power-froc TRACTOR TIRES • Long-angled tread bars give greater traction . . . extra pull • Husky, tough body stands up to constant poundings, shocks • Self-cleaning tread design DRIVE NOW... PAY LATER on Wards convenient terms WARDS \n Danville, Illinois Compliments of Custom Kitchen Shop Phone 67111 Custom Cabinets And Formica Counter Tops .... Mlllwork 3180 N. Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois BERRY'S Farm & Home Store 2807 N. Vermilion Danville, Illinois Complete line of Gro-Coated field & Garden Seeds Compliments of GOODLOE E. MOORE INC. 2811 N.Vermilion Danville, III. Compliments of HILL LUMBER COMPANY Hickory 6-8007 Danville, Illinois Compliments of Elton A. Wagner Co. 505 North Gilbert Street DANVILLE. ILLINOIS Hickory 6-0203 GURDON SALTONSTALL HUBBARD (From his autobiography published 1888 (% Mrs. D. W. Fithian and other histories) Giirdon Hubbard was born August 22 1802, in Windsor, Vermont, — the son of Elizur Hubbard, and Abigail Sage, Hub- bard. His father was a lawyer, who in 1812 lost everything through bad in- vestments. Gurdon was sent to live with an aunt where he could attend school. He returned home and in 1815, the family went to Canada, but Mr. Hub- bard being an American citizen could not practice law there, and they were in very distressed circumstances. Gurdon, though young, was active in business, buying and peddling produce, starting with a capital of 25 cents. In 1816 he secured employment in a hardware store, working as clerk and handyman for nearly two years. Then he signed up to work for the American Fur Co. as a clerk, and in Mid May 1818 the outfit left for the west. Many weeks of trying travel conditions brought the outfit to Mackinaw Island, where the fur tradeil gathered and brought their furs in the spring for shipment east; then in the fall would return to their posts for the winter hunting seasons. Hubbard's first assignment was clerk with an outfit picked to go to Fond-du-Lac (Lake Superior. But through friends he suc- ceeded in getting a transfer and was sent to the Illinois river territory and St. Louis. While they were at Mac- kinaw he he came a close friend of John H. Kinzie, who later became a business associate, and was a very im- portant citizen of Chicago. Hubbard's first arrival in Illinois territory was at Calumet river Septem- ber, 30, 1818. The next day the party continued around the lake shore and reached Fort Dearborn and Chicago. His second trip in 1819 brought him a- gain to Illinois. His business and travels took him to St. Louis, Starved Rock, a- long the Des Plaines river. Ft. Clark (Peoria) , Blue Island, The Fox river, Kalamazoo river, Muskegon and other points in Michigan. He continued in north Illinois, until 1823 when he was assigned to the Iroquois country — which included the Kankakee river, and the Iroquois river to a point just south of Watseka, and a wide hunting area. It was natural for him to reach out, and by 1824 he had picked out a good route from Iroquois to Chicago, and then extended it on to Danville. It ex- tended through what is now Blue Is- land, Homewood, Bloom, Crete, Grant, Momence, Beaverville, Iroquois, Hoop- eston, Myersville, and Danville, then further southwest to the salt works, Be- ment and Blue Point in Effingham County. His choice of route evidently was good, for in 1833-34 the Illinois General Assembly ordered a State Road to be located from Vincennes to Chicago and milestones be placed from Danville to Chicago, and the Commission adopt- ed this trail most of the way. Hubbard established headquarters in Danville about 1824 for his fur business reaching out to stations on the Em- barrass and Little Wabash rivers. About 1827 this business slumped and he abondoned those stations and built the first frame building in Vermilion County, a store room, at the SE corner of Vermilion and Main streets, where the Palmer American National Bank now stands. His partner in the enter- prize was Norman D. Palmer. The Ind- ians came from many miles around to trade, bringing their families and camp- ing on the bluffs for days at a time, trading their furs for the available merchandise. This business continued to shrink and about 1832 Hubbard con- verted his business to stock more suited to the needs of white settlers. Being de- sirous of returning to Chicago and his land interests there he sold his store and business to Dr. William Fithian, who continued it for some time. Dr. Fithian came to Danville in 1832 from Ohio, was a very civic minded man, and acquired extensive land holdings around the village of Fithian. In earlier years Hubbard had an Indian wife, Watseka, by name, and she is remembered by the town (probably) named in her honor. However it is said that she could not become accustomed to civilized ways and returned to her tribe. Later in 1831 Hubbard married Miss Elenora Berry, whose sister mar- ried Dr. Fithian. Campbell's Pharmacy Walgreen Agency Hoopeston, Illinois Reliable Prescriptions BLOYD'S SUPER MARKET "Your Food Store of Friendly Service" 226 E. Main Street Hoopeston, Illinois Complinnents of MAIN STREET INN Beer — Liquor — Wine 206 E. Main St. Hoopeston, Illinois PHONE: 127 Hoopeston Implement Co. Hoopeston, Illinois SYMBOL OF SERVICE Complinnents of C. J'S PUMP DIXIE HIGHWAY HOOPESTON ILLINOIS KINGS KASTLES DRIVE-IN Specializing In Fine Food Where Quality Has No Substitute Dixie Highway Hoopeston, Illinois Complinnents of UPTOWN LOUNGE PHONE 04 E. MAIN ST. HOOPESTON. ILL. Connpliments of DALE & JERRY'S BARBER SHOP 108 E. Main St. Hoopeston, Illinois Hubbard was the builder of the first Court House in Vermilion County, and active in many other improvements. Hubbard had endeavored to interest some Danville people in investing in lands around Lake Michigan, but with- out success. When he left Danville a- bout 1834, he became a very active booster in everything for improving Chicago. He built the first brick building in Chicago. He was the first meat packer in Chi- cago. He was the first Insurance Underwriter in Chicago. He helped organize the first Episcopal Church (St. James) He represented Vermilion Co. in the General Assembly 1932-1833. He encouraged the building of the Illi- nois & Michigan Canal, and was on the first board of commissioners. He took the first flat boat from Dan- ville via the Wabash, Ohio and Miss- issippi rivers to New Orleans, 1829. He was one of the first trustees of the "Town of Chicago" when incorpor- ated in 1835. And countless other important under- takings. He was a man of great physical stam- ina, moral courage, and upright char- acter which brought him the respect of all who knew him. Hubbard Woods at Chicago was named in his honor. He died. Sept. 14, 1886, after an ill- ness of three years, suffering with blood poison, losing one eye in 1883 and the other in 1885. He was buried in Grace- land Cemetery. For many years the Hubbard Trail monument in the Bracken yard has at- tracted the attention of local residents and visitors. The following story was told this writer: — Some years after Mr, Hubbard had left these parts he return- ed and came to Rossville for a visit and to hunt deer. While visiting with his host with stories of his experiences on the trail, his host asked him just where the trail ran through Rossville for he would like to put up a marker. Mr. Hubbard located the place exactly and offered to send a marker if his host would have it set up. ROSSVILLE. NOVEMBER 1863 By Charles W. Warner (Rossville Press 1 2-1 -1 92 1) Mr. Warners list of the buildings in Rossville in November 1863 is given with present street addresses and occu- pants. George Dickson, Res. 707 S. Chicago St. (Noble Taylor's res.) Fred Groom, Res. 505 E. Attica, (J. W. Ashbrook.) Alvan Gilbert, Res. 304 S. Chicago, (Mrs. Marcia Brackin.) Hotel, 109 N. Chicago, (Dr. Mason's dwelling) Store. 102 N. Chicago, (Grab-It-Here Store) W. J. Henderson, Res. 403 N. Chicago, (Mae Hathaway Res.) James R. Stewart, Res. 509 N. Chicago, (Minnie Thomas Res. East half.) James Byrne. Res. 110 N. Chicago, (Texaco Gas Station) Joseph Satterthwaite. Res. & Post Office, 402 N. Chicago st. (North part of H. S. Grounds) Wm. Laidlow, Res. 108 W. Attica, (Township Building) George Bourne, Res. 112 W. Attica, (Barthel Baker Res.) Store, 102 S. Chicago St. (Cy's Barber Shop.) The 1st store built in town. Dr. Richard Brickwell, Res, 111 W. Attica, (Emery Beckley Res.) School House, 117 W. Attica, (Still a part of Ross Songer's house.) W. J. Henderson Store — frame — 106- 108 S. Chicago (Grays Clothing) Christopher Weingand, Res & Shoe, 112 S. Chicago. (Self Help Groc.) An apple orchard surrounded by a rail fence, with tall flag pole in corner, occupied the lot where the First Na- tional Bank stands and on eastward. All east of Chicago St. and south of Attica St. was meadow and farm land. By 1871 there were about twenty to twenty-five houses here and among the businessmen were James Cornell, J.R. Smith. W. J. Henderson. D. C. Deamude and Van Haas. This report states that Alvan Gilbert's home was the first brick building in the county outside of Danville. ^*""i iif 1 1.. -- T. I]- a ' mM,mtmafm ' Mf f' "" ' - u, Mm ,, Hh ,, m , m * f i!> f. oMi- ■Jr i i i ii i wum f " "<%- ROSSVILLE TELEPHONE CO. The Rossville Telephone Co., received its franchise from the Village about 1896 or 1897, and began construction of its plant and lines. These grew and in a few years connected Rossville with Alvin. Bismarck, Henning, Jamesburg and Pence, Indiana. After a few years Pence was detached and became a part of the system then expanding in Warren County. The first central office was in the rooms above the First National Bank, but about 1904 or 1905 the Company purchased a dwelling at 110 N. Chicago St., where they had rooms for the switchboard, sleeping room for night operators, a business office and a work shop with adequate outside space. This was headquarters until April 1927, when thev bought and occupied the building at 104 E. Attica St. The first Directory of September 1958 listed 38 subscribers. Charles Brown, (Alvin), Cunning- ham, W. T., Citizens Bank, C.&. E. I. R. R., Citv Engine House, Cadle, Philip, Demaree, Dr. T. E., Dwyer. O. E., Evans House, Habel Bros, Hoover. A, Res., Hoover, A. Store, Hale, O. E.. In- dependent Office, James, W. H., Judy & Landon. Kellev, J. (Alvin). Lee, Mrs. Kate, Mason, Dr. F. M.. Maury, G. E., McGuire, R. G., Putnam, Ed, Prilla- man, W. ]M., Press Office, Palmer, Dr. J. A.. Reed, J. W., Stewart. F. L.. Swift, J. E., Stifler. J. K., Stufflebeam, O. P., Smith, George S., Shumate, Chas., AVilliamson Hotel, Wilson & Umbarger, AVarner, P. M.. Wilson, Dr. S. R., Williams, D., Yeoman, L. K. Present subscribers, 1275. The Rossville Telephone Co. was in- corporated January 7, 191.3, by Perry M. Warner, Charles Warner, and Fred Draper, with 400 shares of stock. From time to time there were changes in offi- cers and transfers of stock, nntil Janu- ary 1934 when the Central West Utili- ties Corporation became the princii)al owner. Mr. Warner continned as man- ager being succeeded by Mrs. INIary Strickler Jan. 1, 1943, to July 1. 195'2. Edward Summerill served for a year when Henry Thompson of Petersburg. Indiana became general manager with Edward Hirsch in charge locally, suc- ceeded by C. Lowell Woodruff May 1. 1959. The Company has endeavored to meet the needs of the territory and to keep abreast of the times. It is now fully modern having installed dial service in Alvin, July 1. 1950, Henning, April 3. 1953. Rossville January 15. 1956. and Bismarck June 15, 1956. The office building is fully modernized, and as a result of recent ice and sleet storms almost all lines have been completely rebuilt. March 16, 194^2, noon — a severe cyclone destroyed almost two-thirds of all buildings in Alvin. leaving destruc- tion, six dead and many injured. With the back part of the telephone office building blown off, windows out, and only one out line working, the coura- geous operator, Mrs. Jennie Crouse, worked steadily for more than fourteen hours, calling aid, sending and receiving messages,; directing the injured and the workers; and turning one room of the office into a first aid station. For her alertness and heroic unselfish service she was awarded the Theodore N. Vail silver medal and $500.00. List of employees of the Rossville Telephone Company should include: — Operators: — Naomi Davis, Lillian Stif- ler. Estella Bogart, Georgia Kinney, Earl Miller, Anna Williamson, Mary Long, Cleo Williamson. Josephine Sant- myre. Elizabeth Hazel, Anna May Nichols. Pearl Cline, Lola Seals, Eva Bogart. Myrtle Watson. Bernice Sey- mour, Rebecca Bray, Pearl Hann, Mrs. Hogue, Juanita Seals, Etta Mack, Mary Gladden; Bookkeepers and linemen; Flora Pre- voe. Bessie Cornell, Bernice Young, Rachael Reece. Marv Strickler, Frank Reinbold. G. Will Miller, Herbert Wil- liamson, H. M. Seals, L. Mclntyre, Me. Hogue, John Falconer. Jack Smock. *<>'*^Sf<» VIEW IN ROSSVILLE CEMETERY Queen Candidates and Sponsors ^cs^W "« -~„ Doris Beckner Bonnie Bowles Bonnie Butzow r V r, ^Jn" Patricia Courson Norah Gernand Ann Harris DORIS BECKNER Rossville Home Bureau BONNIE BOWLES Rossville High School (Student Council) BONNIE BUTZOW Rossville Saddle Club PATRICIA COURSON American Legion Auxiliary (Post 733) NORAH GERNAND First Presbyterian Church ANN HARRIS American Legion (Spears-Dukes Post 733) .' ,«»^ *** Mary Lou Hathaway ^r"^ Joet+a Hughes Theda Lou Piatt Sara Prillaman Roberta Queen Marilyn Weinard Diana Widan^an MARY LOU HATHAWAY First Methodist Church JOETTA HUGHES Rossville Boy Scout Troop THEDA LOU PLATT Rossville Woman's Club SARA PRILLAMAN Rossville Commercial Club ROBERTA QUEEN Order of Eastern Star (Rossville Chapter) MARILYN WEINARD Antioch Pixies 4-H Club DIANA WIDAMAN Rossville Civic Woman's Cxub SUNBEAM Bread With A Bonus Congratulations SNIDERS •■COTTON SHOP" Vermilion At North — Danville, DANVILLE CAR SALES 102 South Street DANVILLE. ILLINOIS Authorized Rannbler Dealer Hickory 2-0580 Vermilion Lumber Co. 615 North Jackson St., Phones 324 and 325 DANVILLE. ILLINOIS THE HOUR GLASS 410 N. Vermilion Danville, Illinois The Finest In Charcoal Steaks — Sea Foods Ph. 8242 123 N. Ver. Danville KELLY WILBERT BURIAL VAULT CO. Urbana. Illinois Danville. Illinois ^PUR FUNE^RAt DIRf CTQR '|S&<: K NO WS BEST ih*S|. r- . George B. Satterwhite Co. Kraft System Recapping V/heel Balancing Radio & Batteries 12-14-16 N. V/alnut Street Phone 993 DANVILLE, ILL. U. S. ARMY RADAR SITE The Rossville Radar Site, situated one mile north and one mile east of the Village, was constructed early in 1958 and was activated in May with a com- plement of fourteen men. The site com- mander is Master Sergeant James L. Wooten, who is assisted by Sergeant First Class Leonard I.. Christensen. The Army personnel assigned here are well aware that they are playing a vital role in the defense of our nation. Their primary purpose is to provide an early warning for the Chicago-Milwaukee de- fense area in the event that enemy planes should attempt to get through to those heavy industrial concentrations. The site is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A large antenna is constantly scanning the skies for uni- dentified planes. Three men are on duty at all times to record and plot infor- mation received on the radar's screen. Three structures make up the instal- lation; they are a generator hut, the radar antenna, and the radar control and administration building. Sleeping and eating billets for the unmarried personnel are provided in Hoopeston, while families have been provided with dwelling places. The Rossville installation is one of 10 sites in and around Chicago that work in conjunction with the Nike Missile Site in Chicago. It is a part of the Radar Detachment (Provisional), 45th Artillery Brigade (Air Defense), Ft. Sheridan, 111., which commands the Chicago-Gary anti-aircraft defenses, and is commanded by Brig. General Peter Schmick. Another man, a native of Ireland, who came in 1862 was W. J. Henderson. He was very energetic in promoting and building up die town. He started his first store in 1862, and in 1864 built a good frame building at 106-108 S. Chi- cago St. This was replaced in 1875 by the brick building still there, and which was very advanced in style and quality and attracted attention throughout the County. (The second story room was the "Opera House" for many years.) Mr. Henderson engaged in merchandis- ing, farming, hotel keeping, grain buy- ing and general trading, for about thirty years. He was the father of five daugh- ters, Jennie, Mary E. (Mrs. Charles Ellis), Fanny (Mrs. Dan Maury), Elizabeth E. (Mrs. Dan Watson) , all deceased and Anna (Mrs. Frank Davis.) Davis) . U. S. ARMY RADAR STATION 1824 EAST MAIN STREET DANVILLE. ILLINOIS PHONE 2595 LUXOR MOTEL LUXOR EGYPTIAN DINING ROOM 1827 East Main Street Danville. Illinois Phone 951 I Congratulations to the Citizens of Rossville. Illinois on their 100 years of success THE BORDEN CO. Milk Div. 1024 E. Fairchild Danville. III. Ph. 3294 TIRES For Farm-Factory-Truck-Car SEE NOBLE MOTOR COMPANY GOODYEAR on WEST MAIN STREET Danville, Illinois "More People Ride on Goodyear Tires Than on Any Other Kind" COMPLIMENTS OF PALMER DISTRIBUTING CO. 422 S. BOWMAN AVE. DANVILLE. ILL. CARLING BLACK LABEL BEER ROSSVILLE METHODIST CHURCH As settlements spread northward in the county, the first permanent homes in Ross Township were at what is now Mann's Chapel. The little settlement welcomed the occasional visits of itiner- ant preachers, and about 1837 the first Methodist class was formed, and be- came known as Bennett Class, being named for the leader and teacher Thomas Bennett, Sr. The population grew slowly, and the class continued to grow until it organized as a church and the Brick Church Building (stiil stand- ing and being restored as a historical shrine) was erected and dedicated in 1857. By this time "Liggett's Grove", "Henpeck" or "Rossville" as it was later named, had begun to thrive as a com- munity about three miles north and church services were held there from time to time. Interest was good and the Rossville Methodist Church was or- ganized during the winter of 1868 in the school building, where Sunday School and Church meetings were held until the erection of their first building which was dedicated July 17. 1870. The build- ing was of brick, 34x56 feet, and cost $5,500.00. Among the first members of the church were: Dr. & ]\Irs. M. T. I-ivin- good; Mr. and Mrs. Noah Messick; Mr. and Mrs. S. Q. Oavidson; Mrs. Hannah Brickwell; Mr. and Mrs. Milton Lee; Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Dingle; Mrs. P. Pendergrast; Mr. and Mrs. Henry D. Campbell; Mrs. John E. Little. The church grew and soon needed more room so an addition or Chapel was built to the east side of the building. This was during the pastorate of Rev. W. T. Beadles, 1886-1890. Many pres- ent old-timers remember this building well. After a decade of growth, the con- gregation again felt the need of more adequate modern quarters, and in the winter of 1902-03 it was decided to erect a new" building, and a committee of eight was chosen to direct the work; F. L. Stewart, Chairman; D. W. Fithian, Secretary; D. Watson. Treasurer; Philip Cadle; George S. Smith; William Bar- cus; O. P. Stufflebeam; and Charles Umbarger. They met first April 6, 1903, proceeded with plans, and in the late summer the cornerstone was laid, dur- ing the pastorate of Rev. E. A. Hamil- ton. Rev. T. L. Hancock came to serve the charge that fall and carried the project on to completion with dedi- cation February 28, 1904. The overall cost of this project was $16,000.00. The Ladies Aid Society worked diligently to furnish the carpeting, pulpit furniture and other items, the members con- Jim Allen Chevrolet Company Telephone 400 212 West Main Street Hoopeston, Illinois YOUR CHEVROLET HEADQUARTERS THE BODY SHOP Roy Biedenkopf, Owner Wheel Alignment - Auto Glass Radiator Repairs 221-223 First Avenue Telephone 186 Hoopeston, Illinois Harris Bottling Co. "Our Beverages Will Always Satisfy" Hoopeston Illinois Phone 792 Stokely-Van Camp, Inc. General Of-fices: Stokelys Finest Foods Indianapolis 6, Indiana Van Camps Beans Hoopeston, Illinois PIZZA KING ■HAVE PIZZA - WILL TRAVEL" 109 E. Main Street Hoopeston Illinois tributed liberally and on the day of dedication the entire amount was over- subscribed by $1300.00. The building was very new in archi- tectural style, decorated most beauti- fully, and fitted with furniture of equal beauty and elegance. It supplied ade- quate room for the needs of that day, and was an accomplishment which gave satisfaction and pride to the congrega- tion and to the community as a whole. In 1915 Philip Cadle presented the fine Austin pipe organ, which has add- ed much to the services through the years. Though not a large organ, it is classed among the very best to be hr,d. In 1947 Mrs. George Merritt, with the assistance of the Co-Workers Class and other individuals, presented the am- plifying system by which music is broadcast through loud speakers on the outside of the church. This part of the program brings church services much closer to the aged and sick who are shut in. Growing membership and increasing church activities gave the officials con- cern and our lack of space was a matter of discusison for many years but with- out positive action until early in 1948 the will to meet the need took hold, and a general meeting resulted in a decision to proceed with plans, and a committee was appointed, with Rev. J. Henry Cox and Wayne Pruitt as chairmen; F. C. Reinbold, Treasurer; Charles Mason; Sidney Adams; Delmar James; Richard Schlecht; Clarence Morgan; and Her- man Starr. Architect Harvey Skadden was contacted, and he submitted a plan which contained all the features we de- sired and matched perfectly vrith the original building. It was approved and put up for bids, and contract let to Dahlquist & Sons, of Milford, for $16,- 000.00. Earth was turned August 9th, and work moved steadily to completion in early spring, with dedication May 14, 1949. The addition was named "FELLOWSHIP HALL", and the ad- dress was by Dr. Thomas Bransford Lugg, son of a former pastor, and now Executive Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Missions of the Methodist Church, on the subject, "FOR CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH". With the extra interior equipment, lighting, new heating system, etc., the total of this project reached $30,000.00 which was readily met by the generous giving of our members and friends, by the Women's Society of Christian Ser- vice, and special gifts. The Church is fully organized and ac- tive in every department, education, evangelism, missions, and supporting the work of Benevolences, World Ser- vice, Colleges, Seminaries, Hospitals, Orphan Homes, etc, etc,. Membership is 404, and Sunday School enrollment, 260. Though this was organized as a METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, with the unification of sev- eral Methodist bodies in 1939 it became a part of that large worldwide organi- zation now known as THE METHOD- IST CHURCH. Probably the first Methodist minis- ters to visit this community were Rev. Hiram Buck and Rev. W. H. W^ebster. Both came as circuit riders, but after- ward became Presiding elders. Pastors serving Rossville have been: — 1868-70 J. A. Kumler, 1871 D. D. Alkire, 1871-72 B. F. Hyde, 1873-75 James Miller, 1876-78 James Shaw, 1879-81 Robert Stephens, 1882-84 Job Ingram, 1885 M. M. Davidson, 1886-90 W. T. Beadles, 1891-93 J. Win- terbottom. 1894-97 M. Auer, 1898-00 W. S. Phillips, 1900 J. M. Morton, 1901- 02 E. A. Hamilton, 1903-05 T. L. Han- cock, 1906-13 E. H. Lugg, 1914, M. M. Want, 1915-19 J. F. Wohlfarth, 1920- 22 J. A. Biddle, 1923-24 J. S. Tharpe, 1925 O H. Meyers, 1926 J. A. Betcher, 1927-29 J. E. Reynolds, 1930-34 P. P. Carson. 1935-39 A. H. Flagge, 1940-45 E. A. Houldridge, 1946-49 J. Henry Cox, 1950 James H. Puzey, 1951-52 Elmer M. Ditch, 1953-56 F. C. Stelzreide, 1957- Arthur J. Scott. Dr. W. W. Wohlfarth, present Dis- trict Superintendent, is a grandson of our former pastor. This Church was the recipient of a most generous gift in 1956 when Mrs. Marcia Brackin gave it a bea utiful modern dwelling at 216 E. Maple St., for a parsonage, and later, funds to en- large and make it adequate to the needs of the average parsonage family. Among our rural neighbors there are many farms which have been in one family for more than a hundred years. Since our list is far from complete, we will not include it, but we congratulate all who have attained this distinction and wish them continued success and progress. Best Wishes For A Successful Centennial DARR SCOTT INC. 317 N. Vermilion St. DANVILLE. ILLINOIS YOUR MERCURY — EDSEL — LINCOLN DEALER Quality Products & Service ALSO DARR SCOTT INC. 6 W. FAIRCHILD ST. YOUR AUTHORIZED STUDEBAKER DEALER HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSSVILLE MAURICE LEIGH AND SONS SONGER ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL Plumbing — Heating — Hot Water Your G. E. Dealer CONTRACTORS 215-219 SO. MARKET ST. PHONE 75 Hoopeston, Illinois Phone 350 HOOPESTON, ILLINOIS Hoopeston Loan Company "Ask For Fred Ward" 209 S. Market St. Phone 295 HOOPESTON. ILLINOIS The Logical Place To Get Your Loan Hott's Lumber & Coal Co. Building Material And Coal 105 East Penn St. Telephone 129 Hoopeston, Illinois Lewis R. Hott C. E. Hott Harry L Hott THE ROSSVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH In its beginnings the Rossville Pres- byterian Church was interwoven with the First Presbyterian Church of Dan- ville. Solomon Gilbert and his brother iivere Danville pioneers. He became a charter member of that church in 1829. He was largely responsible for bringing ""Father" Enoch Kingsbury there in 1831. His nephew Alvan moved to North Fork in the early 1830s, and helped organize the byterian Church in helped move the The I.O.O.F. Hall Fork Pres- and later church to Rossville. became its meeting North 1850, place, along with other religious and community groups. A union Sunday School was held there for several years, before there were any church buildings in Rossville. "Father" Kingsbury, first pastor of the Danville church (1831-52, and stated supply 1861-68) , Avas the organ- izer and first pastor of the Rossville church, serving from 1850 until his death in 1868. He paved the way for the first building of the Rossville church, but did not live to see his dream con- summated. On June 23, 1867 he presid- ed at a sacramental service dedicating a communion set donated by the Olivet Presbyterian Church of Chicago. This gift was thankfully received, as evi- dence "that we should go for- ward and build a house, where these may be safely deposited, and God be honorably worshipped, not only by us, but by oncoming generations." The first sanctuary was "a neat frame building", 32 by 54 feet, and costing $3000, with $1060 for furnishings, and $600 for the manse, built next door. The dedication service was held in October of 1870. The building committee was: Alvan Gilbert, Thomas Armstrong, Abram Gernand, E. S. Townsend. The pastor, Rev. W. N. Steele, organized the Presbyterian Church at Hoopeston in 1872, and became its pastor. Until about 1900 there was no Park Place, or West Maple Street. With its opening the present manse was built, and soon after, the present church building. Its corner-stone was laid July 3, 1902, and the building dedicated April 26, 1903. One account reads: "The Church cost $11,500, including all BEST WISHES FROM JULES STRAUS 115-117 N. Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois Ladies Fashions as new as Tomorrow Phones: 7959 - 4030 Frank J. Strahl & Sons Industrial - Commercial - Residential Plumbing & Heating Contractors Frank J. Strahl Sr. 801 W. Williams St. Danville. Illinois Hickory 2-3245 WYNN MARINE SALES AND SERVICE MERCURY MOTORS Crown Line and Cherokee Boats Service All Makes of Motors 601 N. Fairchild Danville. III. SHOES FOR THE FAMILY Accent - Queen Quality - Trim Tread For Women Florsheim - Winthrop - Rand For Men Poll Parott - Scamperoos - Randcraft For Child 43 North Vermilion St. Danville, linois William Davies's Co. Inc. Ph. 5500 Danville, Illinois furnishings, and is a marvel of beauty and wise planning for that amount of money." Rev. Adam Schafer was pastor. The building committee was: A. H. Gernand, J. R. Barnes, J. W. Fagner, Ed Putnam, George Maury. The Church was organized on Octo- ber 12. 1850, in the North Fork School, with six charter members: Jesse Harris, Mrs. Millie Bicknell, Mrs. Eliza Kings- bury, David and Elizabeth Strean, Mrs. Nancy Gilbert. Mrs. Bicknell was the only charter member having descend- ants now in the church. Sue, with her husband George, operated Bicknell Inn until their death in 1857. Mrs. Mary Thomas Fetters is her granddaughter. Her great-granddaughter. Miss Mabel Fetters, is Sunday School Superintend- ent. John A. Maury is church treasurer and custodian. The elders are: George Gernand. Fred Dodrill, John Junkens, Dr. A. K. Bush, Mrs. Burns Lund, Mrs. J. W. Ashbrook. The trustees are: Harold Gernand. Gerald Carlson, Harold Smock. Rev. Roger C. Brown is the pastor. A roster has been prepared of the 651 members who have been received into the church in the past 109 years. Re- pairs and improvements to the building are under way. Donors to the Memorial F'und. which is for this purpose, may have the names of loved ones who have passed away inscribed on a Book of Re- membrance. The names and dates of the pastors who have served this church are as follows: Enoch Kingsbury 1850-68, W. N. Steele 1868-74, John H. Dillingham 1874-80. W. C. Magner 1880-85, William McGaughey 1886-89, J. A. Smvth 1889-90. J. W. Mann 1890-85, Robert Carson 1897-98, R. S. Weinland 1899-01, Adam Schafer 1901-07. Albert Day 1907-11, W. J. Caldwell 1911-15, Spen- cer Baker 1915-18. Frank A. Campbell 1919-20. George M. Jordan 1921-23. C. H. Heller 1924-28. Bert Baker 1929-30, Norris C. Dickey 1935-38, C. H. Bryan 1940-42, Claude Shaver 1942-44, Walter Baker 1947-49. Lawrence Marshburn 1950-51, Sheridan Robbins 1951-53, Roger C. Brown 1953-. MANN'S CHAPEL NEAR ROSSVILLE o 3 (B -n -o ~' Oi wt M o -D 3 (B w> _, o- -♦- -< -♦• 0/ fl) -1 ifl Qi 3 Q. (D a. o 3- o C IV •1 (> a 3- Q- 3 3 /O o o W1 O tA -+- o ZZl D- m *t, I— El CO li- > " ?:^^ R ^3 ^ =-oo "^ = a X: ™ vQ 3 c_~E;. O" -(- 3 (0 N - - a< Perc G. Cia -1 o •^ a, ^y coO.= 3 2. (D C 51? -- 3 » c ^ rro- Cox. harle OWE Orvi = ;o'" Qi (S '^ O O -^ o S 73 O ^ -• w Ql < o 5. ^ o 3 E= o' fl) rr o 3 ;? " -• — • o *^ t/^ ° S <* 5- <" « O" „ S " o s, Q. ro o o Q. "1 2 S <» <- T3 c m *" — ■ ;o (B o • .; Mrs. Elva Gagnon and Mrs. Roy Goin Mrs. Dorothy Donovan, Mrs. May Stephenson, Mrs. Leota Deck, Mrs. Ruth Barcus, Mrs. Anna Sheffield The Centennial Spirit expressed by this group in front of Mann's Chapel. jy.vt.iijiS'i.uJ Mrs. Waneta Stickrod Mrs. Nellie Bivans ^j^v7^^ ^^r"i^ Rossville Grain Co. Grain - Coal - Seeds - Fertilizers Service to the Rossville Community since 1924 We are proud to have had the opportunity to share in pai't of the 100 years existence of the town of Rossvile. C. C. Carter C. E. Morgan Jay R. Priilaman Joan of An Set Potato^ Fancy Canned Foods THE FLAVOR FAVORITE SINCE 1878 KAWNEER STORE FRONT SPECIALIST Phone Hickory 3270 Ph. Hickory 327 JENNINGS GLASS CO. 130 N. Walnut St. Danville, III. Mfg. of Aluminum Products, Combination doors and windows Marquees and awnings Table Tops Curved Windshields Plate Glass Glass For Any Purpose Glass Wall Tile Mirrors Made To Qrder Cathedral Glass ROSS ELECTRIC CO. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING Since 1928 IKE. Attica St. Rossville, Illinois Phone Rl 8-3161