HISTORICAI SURVEY, Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://archive.org/details/100thanniversary00shan 977.3345 Shl9o SHANNON ILLINOIS... CENTENNIAL y- CELEBRATION ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEY ^rn^cc> h£+Ju4+<*xjL- XII "B lOOtk ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF SHANNON, ILLINOIS 1860-1960 i r k , * ■ 11 •;•. !] 1 1 -' 11* ; fee. I 1 fir. m "THE SHANNON PLACE" ^^H^TPT'Nr Tr.g*^^ Residence Property SHANNON, CARROLL CO., ILLINOIS, — i FOR SALE N The property known as the "SHANNON PLACE," A correct representation of which is given above, Fronting on Market Street, in the thriving town of Shannon, on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, is now offered for sale at a low price, pn very favorable terms, and at a low rate of interest. Title perfect. The grounds are spacious (being 302 ftet square), handsome, well laid out, with fruit trees, evergreens, grapery, flowering plants, etc. The modern frame dwelling of two stories, is thoroughly built, on good stone foundation, and conveniently arranged. The barn and outbuildings are well built, and the premises very attractive and inviting. A good chance for parties wishing to secure a very desirable homestead property for a little money. The premises will be sold for $5,000. The improvements alone cost nearly $10,000. Terms are, one-third cash on delivery of deed, and the balance may run, if desired, five years, with annual payments, interest at 6 per cent, per annum. Applications for purchase, or for any other information regarding the property, may be maae to MATTHEW KEENAN, MILWAUKEE, WIS. Or to R. M. COOK, Esq., of Shannon, Ills. ■I- £j2JL. i^kaJ- M H H ► H ► H 9d If you walk through the City Cemetery at Free- port, Illinois, you will find a modest stone facing Lincoln Boulevard which reads, William Shannon, Born April 19, 1819 — Died, July 26, 1877. William Shannon was born in the town of Sun- bury, Pennsylvania. Mr. Shannon lived in Ken- tucky and Louisiana before coming to Illinois. His zeal as a promoter probably brought him to our vicinity, as he and a fellow townsman, Elijah Northey, were instrumental in bringing the railroad to our town. He passed away of a heart attack while traveling home from inspecting some land near Emporia, Kansas. William Shannon will live in the hearts of future generations as the Founder of our Town! IN THE BEGINNING When Illinois was admitted to the Union in 1818, the entire northern part of the state was a trackless prairie. But gradually the settlements ex- tended northward. The first settlement in Carroll County was Savanna in 1828. The first part of northern Illinois to be permanently occupied by white men, so far as records can be found, seems to have been La Pointe (now Galena). As to who made the first settlement, the authorities differ, but all agree as to the time — the summer of 1824. These men, it is fair to assume, were all mining ad- venturers. In 1827, Jo Daviess County was organ- ized. It embraced what are now the counties of Lee, Ogle, Carroll and Whiteside and some other territory yet unorganized. In 1836, Ogle was carved off from Jo Daviess, and afterward divided into two counties, Ogle and Lee. Meanwhile, Carroll remained a part of Jo Daviess, and its first settlement, its first county gov- ernment, and its first resident Justices of the Peace appear while it was yet a part of Jo Daviess County, and Galena was the county seat. It was not until 1839, that a separate county organization was ap- proved by the Legislature, and Savanna became the county seat. The name of the county was first suggested by Israel Chambers. He being the oldest citizen, and as a compliment to him, he was given the honor of selecting a name for the county;- he named it Car- roll, after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. As settlements spread over the county, the county seat was moved to a more central location — Mt. Carroll. The first term of circuit court was held in October, 1844. Israel Jones was selected to serve on the grand jury. In April, 1850, the township organization law went into effect. Lost Grove township (Shannon) was added to Cherry Grove. Lost Grove continued a part of Cherry Grove (named for the many wild cherry trees found there) until September, 1864, when it was erected into the present township, named from the Village of Shannon, within its limits. Shannon township is situated in the northeast corner of the county, and in pioneer days was a beautiful prairie. Consequently, it was not settled as early as .the groves, and prior to 1850, there were few settlers. It is the highest measured land in the county, being over 1100 feet above the level of the sea. The early settlers located in favorite spots where they could procure wood for fuel and build- ing and fencing their crops, and water for them- selves and their stock. Prairie Castle - Home of Elijah Northey In the spring of 1830, Thomas Crane came to Cherry Grove, made a squatter's claim, and became the first settler. Others came in quick succession. About 1840, Cherry Grove was the only stopping place of any importance in this part of the county. A heavy line of stage coaches traveled through this settlement, between Peoria and Galena. Due regard must be given to the first settler on the prairie about Shannon. Israel Jones came on horseback to Illinois from Orange County, Virginia, 1838. He settled at Big Springs, near Lost Grove (Shannon), venturing further than any other settler had ever attempted before. The sweep of the winter winds, it was thought by some, would render the prairie practically uninhabitable. Others could not bear the idea of removing so far away 'from the timber. When he took his claim, the land was not surveyed, and claims were made by ploughing around the land desired. Other pioneers came along and saw the beauty of the prairies and decided to locate and build their homes. BADGER SPRING FARM BADGER SPRINGS "Badger Springs" is one of the many springs in this community. It was named by a party, consisting of H. M. Hitt, Nathaniel Swingley, John Wagner and David Mumma (early settlers in Carroll county). Swingley and Hitt were two of the owners of the original mill company (1840), on which Mt. Carroll now stands. These gentlemen were traveling from Cherry Grove to where George W. Harris was staying in Ogle County. They stopped at the springs to eat their lunch; while there Swingley killed a large bad- ger, and thereupon, Mumma suggested that they name the springs "Badger Springs." PRING OLD SWIMMING HOLE "OUR TOWN" Shannon was commenced in the spring of 1860 by William Shannon, and the village was given the name of its founder. Chancellor Martin, a pioneer doctor, entered the land as a grant from the govern- ment, subject to sale at Dixon, Illinois, in 1852. He secured a patent for this land about a year later. Dr. Martin conveyed the same land to William Shannon in 1857. Evidently, when Mr. Shannon laid out the town on his farm land, the railroad from Racine to the Mississippi was sure to be built, as the original plat drawn by William Shannon himself, shows where fifty feet was left on each side of the proposed track. Mr. Shannon, Richard Irvine, George Thompson and Elijah Northey were directors of the Western Union and Northern Illinois Railroads, be- fore their consolidation. However, the town was not surveyed until the fall of 1861, by Elijah Funk, county surveyor, at the request of William Shannon and Richard Irvine, proprietors. After the town was surveyed, the railroad was built through town. Immigration was rapid and gave the town a decided boom. The railroad reached the lumber regions and made lumber cheap in the new towns along the line. This enabled the farmers to build houses and barns, and brought trade from the surrounding country. An upsurge in building both homes and business buildings made expansion neces- sary. Sub-divisions were added. William Shannon remarked to a visiting gentleman that "the society was of the best, the lower classes were moving on west." No records are available how the town was governed up to this time, but on March 12, 1866, a meeting was held in the Pennsylvania House in Free- port, for the purpose of voting on the question of incorporating the Village of Shannon. There were 37 votes in favor and none against. This was signed by J. S. La Shell, President, and E. Hullhorst, Clerk. The original poll list for the election of trustees, held at the postoffice, shows seventy-seven persons voting. The first meeting of the elected trustees was held at the office of Jethro Mastin, on April 10, 1866. William Shannon was nominated for President of the Board and elected unanimously. Other officers were Jethro Mastin, Clerk; R. C. Young, street com- missioner, and N. W. Afflebach, constable. The committee on sidewalks was appointed. At the second meeting on April 14, 1866, twenty-four Rules and Order of Business were adopted. At a third meeting on April 17, a treasurer was chosen. Thomas Dugard bought the first retail liquor license, and Peter Dry, the second. The growth of the town posed many problems for the first "City Fathers", most pressing of which was an adequate water supply and sidewalks. Public wells were dug and wooden sidewalks built. In 1867, the first calaboose was erected. The public square needed improvement. In January, 1869, a charter for the town of Shannon was presented, read and approved by the board, and ordered that it be forwarded to the state legislature at Springfield (it being in session) for their action. After the most serious fire in 1892, when a com- plete block burned, the citizens realized the need of a new water system. The contract was awarded to Fairbanks, Morse and Co. in 1894. A three inch cypress tank was erected on a brick substructure into which the water was forced by a windmill. Later the gasoline engine and pump were installed, then finally replaced by electric pumps. In the the 1950's a second well was drilled in order to furnish a greater volume of water, when needed. The old well was equipped with a new pump and gasoline power unit, to be used as a stand-by water supply in case of failure. , In 1874, the town purchased a hook and ladder truck. Motion was made to select a lot for the "Fire Extinguisher", with the result that a lot for the "engine house" was purchased from William Shan- non. A building two stories high was built. The second story was used as a meeting place for the town board. In 1873, Market Street was macadamized, gut- tered and curbed with rock. In 1877, the town bell was taken from the tower, and placed on the engine house. Business houses increased in number as the country around developed. By 1878, Shannon had a population of one thousand people, with five churches, a union grade school, one hotel, five dry goods stores, three hardware stores, two drug stores, three meat markets, four restaurants, one bakery, two boot and shoe stores, one steam flouring mill, two implement houses, one cooper shop, two wagon and blacksmith shops, one bank, one barbershop, one millinery shop, three physicians, two lumber and coal dealers, three saloons, one furniture store, one jewelry store, two harness shops, two newspapers, and several other business enterprises. It would require more space than available to chronicle the many modernizations and improve- ments undertaken. The wooden sidewalks were re- placed by tar and then cement. The first telephone was put in the village in 1899. Kerosene street lamps were replaced by gas in 1902. Rural mail service started about 1903. A new town hall was built in 1915. Electric power be- came available in 1918. The highway came through the town in 1927. The sewers and sewage plant was ready for use in 1954. Telephone conversion to dial came in 1959. Shannon is proud of its past, its founders and its people. The future of our community is promising with many fine homes, good churches, modern school system, and one of the most productive agri- cultural regions in the nation. BUNKER HILL The first school was built about one-half mile east of the edge of town, on the north side of the road (now the Christ Wirtjes farm), in the south- west corner of Section 17. Mr. Oliver Brewer, owner of the land, gave about an acre of this ground in 1863, for use of a school. The first trustees of this school (District 4) were Samuel H. Shelley, Thomas Ewing and D. Hoover. The school was known as "Bunker Hill," and is still standing, although it has been moved across the road, and brought nearer to town. It is now the residence of Russell Lower. This school house was the scene of the Memorial Services held for Abraham Lincoln. A Mr. De Groff, a local preacher and school teacher, preached the sermon. The following poem was written in 1917 by James William Mastin, M.D., (a former editor of the Shannon Gazette 1874-1875) of Denver, Colorado, to commemorate the passing of the old school house. WHEN THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE WAS NEW How many now recall the past, of that time so long ago, Who remember Shannon's sad struggle, with its growth both slim and slow; Who can vision the time when old "Bunker Hill" was the goal of a scanty few, And there was talk of building a new school house, or when the old school house WAS new? Old "Bunker Hill" was some busy place, when everything was "all set," The McMurry boys and a few others I knew started things going, don't fret. A teacher deposed every once in a while, to make room for a brand new face, It was hardly in style to engage board for a while, 'til sure one could hold down the place. But I started to tell of the proposed new house and readily recollect, A majority favored the project but there was also a few to object, On the ground that the walk of a mile or so was good for us kids while we grew, And there was PLENTY OF ROOJVI at old "Bunker Hill," so why spend the cash for a new? I recall with glowing pleasure that FIRST DAY in the grand new brick; Two rooms were finished and furnished and we con- sidered the equipment slick; Miss Eichholtz had charge of the "high school" while to the east, just beyond the wall, Miss Hood taught about thirty scholars, all of them rather small. Very little time was wasted over questions of curriculum, And as for text books — mercy me — there was rarely more than one Of any author's making, let alone enough to go 'round But our rudimentary training, was safe as well as sound. There were no Freshmen classes or Sophomores, nor Juniors or Seniors good, But the "A" class or the "B" class showed exactly where you stood; There was neither hygiene or san'tation, of ologies but a few, But our health was good, we were a husky brood, when the old school house was new. But all this dear friends, like the old brick walls, is a thing of the pathetic past For many of us, who, when the old was new, were certain we would last. So to those of you who are taking your fling, let me whisper a word or two: 'Twill not be long 'til you'll recall with a sigh, when YOUR new building was new. And you'll tell your children, with pardonable pride, how you stood in the Senior class; Of your mighty prowess in basket ball, with NEVER A FAILURE to pass In ANY STUDY, NO MATTER HOW HARD, and your deportment 100 plus, But you'd best keep under your^hat SOME things that occurred, or you'll get into a pretty muss. For your wife, may be, was in the same class with you, so when your chest starts to expand, And that horrible feeling steals over you, take your- self kindly but firmly in hand, Before you unbosom too much of this stuff of which romance is always made, Just tell a few stunts that the wife pulled off, THEN get busy, nor be afraid. But go to it and give the kids, an ear full of "when I was young," For you'll have but few chances at this indoor sport, so wade in and have your fun. Just remember: the children to come will take their cue from the stories they're told, And THEIR kids will delight in "what grandpa did," when this new school house is old. Some day, in Heaven I hope, there'll be a class reunion grand, In which boys and girls of old "Bunker Hill" will have a hearty hand; And those who christened the OLD school house as well as you of the new, Will answer to roll call, "present, dear Lord," and absentees be few. Etta Ge-nmill. MalHe Lashell. Frank Underwood. Harry R.Puterbaugh.. Lillian Lutz Adelbert Humbert. JM *m% THTJRSDAT AFTEJR- IsTOOlSr A.2ST3D? .EVElMTirsrQ, JUNE 14, '83. "^t^T^-^V^- <^^' /^&syi/£] aSE ^Sp pi l ijiii jWBj 1867 Old Bunker Hill was soon found to.be inade- quate to accommodate the increasing enrollment. The little children were being taught over a shop in a building in town. Plans were made to build a new building, which at first met with opposition, but was later carried out and in 1867, on a block of property given by William Shannon, a two story brick build- ing was erected at a cost of $7,000. A more beauti- ful site could not have been chosen, as it was the highest elevation around here. The building in its newness consisted of two rooms on the first floor. Later the room above was partitioned and the east side was used as the Grammar room, and the west side for the High School. As compared to other schools in the county at the time, Shannon ranked high. J. E. Millard was the first superintendent, and later became County Superintendent, as did George C. Mastin — who had the first class in Latin — and John Grossman. Mr. Grossman had charge of the first graduating class in 1883. About 1907, a small addition was built to the southeast, which contained a new stairway and halls to the upper rooms. In 1912, the old building was considered unsafe, but an election to bond the village failed to carry. Orders to either close the building or build a new one resulted in an election to bond the village for $30,000 and the work immediately began on the building for occupancy in April, 1916. 1959 - 1960 SCHOOL BAND lE3 sub; i i Mm SHANNON GRADE SCHOOL DORA A. BAUM 1868 - 1951 Dora A. Baum, who taught a greater number of the population than any other one teacher in the history of the school. She devoted 34 years to teach- ing in the Shannon community. From the children to whom she taught the "3 R's" have come success- ful and well known teachers, ministers, lawyers, farmers and businessmen, many of whom have de- voted their efforts to the cultural, spiritual and ma- terial development of Shannon and the surrounding region. SHANNON HIGH SCHOOL NORMAN YACKLE In 1917, the Shannon School organized under the new community high school law. In 1929, a gymnasium was built on a block of ground pur- chased south of the school. In 1951, at a cost of $220,000, the present high school classroom build- ing was dedicated. In 1955, the Grade School Board of Education purchased the block west of the high school for play ground use. In 1958, the grade school was remodeled and a new addition built, at a cost of $145,000, and at the same time the $205,000 High School gymnasium was completed. In 1959, the Community Unit District was formed. Present board members are: President, Lawrence Woessner; Secretary and Treasurer, Stan- ley Bishop; Kenneth Moll, Kenneth Winters, Leon- ard Flack, Floyd Weigle and Howard Griffith. Shannon schools have come a long way in the past one hundred years! ROBERT HARTMAN — PASTOR THE EVANGELICAL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH The Evangelical Church in Shannon originated in the early 1850's with the expansion of the Brook- ville Circuit, which consisted of Chambers Grove, Black Oak Grove, Schreiner and West Grove. Shannon was constantly being shifted among half a dozen circuits up to 1890, when the Shannon Circuit was narrowed to Shannon and Maple Grove. As early as 1864, the St. John's Society of the Evangelical Association was organized in Shannon. This group procured the ground on which the pre- sent parsonage now stands and built a church, St. John's Evangelical. A house on the corner property, now Ray M. Truckenmiller's was the parsonage. Dissension arose in the Association, especially, in Illinois. On June 14, 1893, the one group separ- ated and reorganized. A week later, they accepted Rev. D. Kreamer's donation of a lot, the present church property. Plans and work progressed so well that on September 17, 1893, the cornerstone was laid with services held in the Shannon Park. The church was dedicated as Bethel on Thanksgiving Day of 1893, a day of more than special gratitude, as the organization was free of the opera hall, now the Fox Garage, where they had taken refuge for services. The pastor, D. B. Byers, and the trustees H. L. Kuter, Eli Bolinger, B. F. Shiley, J. C. Moyer and Amos Yordy, were in charge of the impressive services. In 1898, under the pastorate of H. Moser, the Bethel Church was enlarged; in 1915, during J. W. Davis' term, the building was remodeled, the base- ment was excavated and equipped. In October, 1922, the two different Evangelical groups re-united. In 1946, we merged with the United Brethren in Christ Church. Bethel Evangelical United Brethren Church con- tinued to grow. On February 24, 1952, a new church was dedicated^ Dr. Paul V. Church and Rev. T. R. Moritz and the trustees, Oltman Janssen, Pearl Miller, Max Cheeseman, Earl Meier, Herman Henning, C. T. Wilhelms and Alfred Kampen and the congregation were happy and proud to present a beautiful building, debt free, to the glory of God. At the present time, June, 1960, the church member- ship is 547; the Sunday School is 500. Bethel Church and Parsonajje,*Shfft»nori, III Bethel Church through 'the years has been a spiritual leader to its congregation and community. The Freeport District camp meetings were held in the Shannon Park from 1891 to 1894, inclusive, until the tract of land known as Oakdale Pack was acquired in 1895. Annual conference was enter- tained here in 1902, 1915, 1924 and 1952. One local young man, W. H. Fouke, was recommended for the ministry by the congregation. He later be- came a Bishop. May we continue to serve and praise God, from whom all blessings flow. ST. WENDELIN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1884 During the years preceding 1870, the Catholic pioneers of this vicinity used to assemble at the home of Dionysius Bear to assist at mass, whenever a missionary came along. Father Ignatius Balluff, pastor of St. Joseph's church, Freeport, was the first priest, whose visits are recorded. In 1870, the Catholic community at Shannon bought a no-longer used Presbyterian church build- ing. Father Francis Nigh, who had charge of Fulton and Morrison, previously, and spent some time in Savanna, came to Shannon, one Sunday afternoon, and arranged for the Catholics, to hold services for them. Father Adrian von Steinberg was the first resident pastor, who stayed from 1876 to 1879. Father Anthony Bueter came in 1881, and remained thirty-two years. The old church was be- coming inadequate, and in 1884, Father Bueter erected a larger church, which was solemnly dedi- cated later that year, by Archbishop Feehan. Twenty years later, it was destroyed by fire; a new frame church, the present one, was built in 1906, and dedicated to St. Wendelin. Father Bueter also bought a rectory, and land for a cemetery, west of town. FATHER ANTHONY BIUETER Many priests followed, among them being Father John Clifford. He served the parish from 1917, until failing health forced him to retire in 1929. He died in St. Joseph's Home, Freeport, September 5, 1947, and is buried in St. Wendelin's cemetery, Shannon. For several years, the parish was a mission, being served from Polo and Freeport. Among those pastors, Father Joseph Blitsch, stayed for nine years. In 1948, Bishop Boylan put Father Peter Watgen, chaplain at St. Francis Hospital, Freeport, in charge. In 1953, St. Wendelin's was restored to the status of FATHER PETER WATGEN a parish, and Father Watgen has been its pastor ever since. Its membership is increasing, and many improvements have been made. Shannon families, who have been prominent in church activities through the years, include the names of Reddington, Schauer, Spengler, Kraker, Stevens, Gabriel, Bear, Thometz, Wicke, Roche, Barron, etc. St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society is the church's only active organization. ^ijn i lit i PRESENT CHURCH 1906 THE METHODIST CHURCH WBBBBm MEN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS — 1912 The Methodist Church is the oldest church building in Shannon. They had religious services here before starting a church. These services were rendered by circuit riders — a circuit extending over a large territory served from the Galena station. Later, Presiding Elders looked after the interests of the church in this territory. As the society grew, the workers felt the need for a place of worship, and in 1864, the Methodist Episcopal Church in Shan- non was organized. For several years they wor- shipped in St. John's Evangelical Church. The first pastor was Moses G. Sheldon (1867-1869). At this time, a lot was bought to be used as a place of worship, subject to the laws of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Early trustees of the church were: David C. Wagner, William Gemmill, John T. De Groft, Jethro Mastin, William Shannon and Jonathan Shore. In 1872, the trustees of the M. E. Church issued a deed to the trustees of the Presbyterian church. Ten years later, in 1882, the undivided half was deeded to the trustees of the M. E. Church by the trustees of the Presbyterian Church. Finally, a quit claim deed was given in 1896, by Andrew Dodds, the last surviving trustee of the Presbyterian church. The Ladies Aid was formed during the pastor- ship of Rev. F. R. Smith in 1887. The officers elected were: Mrs. J. I. Smith, President; Mrs. C. Hines, Vice President; Mrs. Jethro Mastin, Trea- surer; and Mrs. Anna Booth, Secretary. The present parsonage lot was purchased about 1899. The parsonage' was built by John Leonard, father of one of the long-time Sunday School teachers, Mrs. Dora Baum. Starting about 1892 and continuing until about 1911, when it was closed, the Spring Valley M. E. Church, four miles west of town, and the Shannon church were served by the same pastor. No records are available, as to the exact dates. The interior and exterior of the church were re- modeled under the supervision of Rev. G. E. Whit- ten (1911-1914). It was during his pastorate that a Ladies Guild was organized, and a Men's Class, with forty members was formed. The church supported a minister until 1931, when the Lanark and Shannon charges were com- bined, with Rev. H. J. Collins (1931-1935) preach- ing at both places. This continued until 1943 when the affiliation with the Van Brocklin charge began. In 1939, the three largest bodies of Methodists came together, and united to form The Methodist Church. The Woman's Society of Christian Service was organized in 1940. In 1956, the basement was excavated, and the space now has rest rooms, a furnace room, and addi- tional area for the Sunday School which is active in all departments. We cherish the memory of those who have so faithfully labored and served this church. May God grant us the determination to be true to our heritage of the past, and may our devotion never cease. JETHRO MASTIN e * THE PRESENT METHODIST CHURCH PASTOR GLENN QUAM THE PRAIRIE DELL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH The Prairie Dell Presbyterian Church was or- ganized August 17, 1871 at the Prairie Dell school. Four months later, the house of worship was com- pleted, and in the following year, a manse was built. In 1921, the original building was torn down, and the building used for worship today was erected. The Presbyterian church in the U.S.A. merged in 1958 with the United Presbyterian church, and at that time the German speaking Synod of the West was dissolved. In 1959, the ground was broken for an educational unit, which will be dedicated this year. Only a small part of a church's history can be written on paper; the largest portion is written in the lives of the men and women, who have partici- pated in the work of the church. There is no written record of the ways in which God has remolded our lives, of the comfort and guidance we have found, of ihe peace that results from keeping contact with God, and the courage to meet the changes and dis- appointments in life with squared shoulders. Our church does not exist to call attention to itself, but to proclaim Christ as Lord and Master of all areas of life. OLD CHURCH PRAIRIE DELL — 1960 ROBERT HART — PASTOR CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN — BUILT 1875 ct5^2> Q^Sd -** MY OLD HOME TOWN by Joy E. Willey, Dixon, Illinois Oft' times I like to sit and dream Of days that used to be. Of rolling prairies and trickling streams Of each bird and budding tree. Of my old home town in olden days When it was young and new. Of the old bandstand where village boys Played concerts not a few. Of the old drug store, so tall and straight and the railroad station near. Of the livery stable, where a rented teani Brought many an hour of cheer. Of the blacksmith shop just down the street Where horses were shod each day. Of dressmaking shops and millinery stores and dresses and hats so gay. Of the grocery store with its cracker barrel And its shelves so full and neat. Of the old hotel where weary travelers Could stop and sleep and eat. Of the old schoolhouse and its clanging bell And the teacher's patient smile. Of the village park and its shady trees And homecomers from many a mile. Yes, oft I like to sit and dream Of Shannon, my old home town, For in my book of memories it holds A place of great renown. . This poem was written especially for this oc- casion at the request of the historian. Miss Willey is an alumna of the Shannon schools. ~f TOBSZHI Tl .V\^K rw ~**T SHaVNNON community FIRE DEPARTMENT 1960 With the additional trucks a new fire station was needed. In 1954, the Spengler lot, one half block north of Main street was purchased, and a cement block and brick building, 36 x 100 feet was built. This modern fire station is adequate for 4 pieces of equipment, has a meeting room, toilets, automatic heat and a modern kitchen. In addition to its use as a fire station, it is used by the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts for meetings and also for some other com- munity events. The Volunteer Firemen maintain a resuscitator and a regular trained crew to operate it. They spon- sor the annual Fourth of July Fireworks, are spon- sors of Cub Scout Pack 253, conduct an annual Muscular Dystrophy Fund Drive, sponsor a boy to Boy's State each year, plus helping in other com- munity projects and charitable drives. Shannon suffered its share of costly fires in the past. The first serious fire was in 1892, when the complete block on Main street from what is now Shore's Hardware east, burned to the ground. In 1906, the Catholic church burned. In 1917, the building which is now Shore's Hardware, burned again, in a spectacular fire, preceded by an explo- sion. In 1928, the restaurant and dry goods build- ings, where the present Mobil Service station is, were burned down. The Schauer and Turk building, now owned by H. Scharman and Son Furniture Store, was also a fire victim about this time. Since then, Shannon has been fortunate in not having any serious fire losses. Shannon in the past, as well as today, was proud of its fire department. The early Shannon Volunteer Firemen were known as a hook and ladder company, and acquired its first piece of equipment in 1874 at a cost of $975. The hook and ladder truck with its leather buckets and shiny brass bell, was pulled to the fire by the men of the department. Two fire bells were Used to sound the alarm. — one on top of the Town Hall, and the other at the pump house at the water tower. Both these bells have been retired and are replaced by a siren, installed on top of the Town Hall. In the early days of Shannon, its fire department took part in all the contests that were held, and at one time, came within one point of winning the state championship at the Monmouth Firemen's Tournament. After Shannon's water system was installed, two hand drawn hose carts were acquired, carrying 500 feet of 2Vi inch fire hose to be attached to the hy- drants. One of these original hose carts has been retained as a relic, and is kept by the firemen in the station. The hook and ladder truck was sold as an antique. In 1946, the citizens of the community recog- nized the need of modern equipment, and purchased by subscription, a large pumper, which is still the main piece of equipment used. Willard Byers be- came chief, and Howard Griffith assistant chief, and a regular organized volunteer fire department of 12 men was set up. Both of these men hold their original position today. In 1950, a Shannon Fire Protection District was set up and voted in by the community. This district embraces about 100 square miles, with the village as its center. An 800 gallon tank truck was pur- chased, and a few years later, a third truck, a pumper, was added. The number of firemen was soon increased to 1 8 men and currently to a 26 man department. The Red Wagon Auxiliary co-operates with the firemen by furnishing hot coffee and sandwiches when needed. FIRE DEPARTMENT Willard Byers, Chief; Howard Griffith, Ass't Chief; Wayne Carbaugh, Captain; Emerson Byers, Cap- tain; Martin D. Baum, Secretary-Treasurer. BOYLE -HOY POST 379 AMERICAN LEGION Frank Leslie Boyle Post 379, American Legion, received its charter June 11, 1924. The Legion had its hall in the rooms over the hatchery, which is to- day the Telephone building. All the records and equipment of the post were destroyed when the building burned in 1931. Following this the post took up quarters over the old post office. After the return of the veterans of World War II, the post was rechartered on February 20, 1950, as Boyle-Hoy Post 379, in memory of Frank Leslie Boyle and Donald Hoy, first casualties of World War I and World War II. In the summer of 1951, the post purchased its present quarters. Extensive remodeling was done. It is considered one of the finest halls in Carroll County. CUB SCOUTS Cub-Scouting is a home-centered program of boy-action, boy achievement, boy-health and boy helpfulness, developed through much scientific re- search and testing by the Boy Scouts of America. The program has been developed especially for parents of eight, nine and ten year old boys to use with and for their sons. The first Cub Scout Pack in Shannon was organ- ized under the guidance of Rev. A. Ihne and was sponsored by the Methodist church in 1948. The first Cubmaster was Carl Terpening and the Den Mother was Mrs. Lewis Wainwright. At present, the Cub Scouts are sponsored by the Shannon Fire Department. There are two dens in the pack. The Cubmaster is Carl Terpening, and the Den Mothers are Doris Baum and Evelyn Gar- man. AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY The Auxiliary to Boyle Post was organized in 1924. The first president was Nellie Kennedy, and among the charter members are the names of Mary Bear, Clara Reddington and Pearl Hartman. Records were lost in the fire that destroyed the Legion Hall in 1931. The Auxiliary relinquished their charter a few years later, but due to the efforts of Myrle Meyers and Commander Walter Alexander, it was re-organized in 1947, and a new charter issued to Boyle-Hoy Unit. The first president under re- organization was Louise Dole. The outgoing presi- dent during the Centennial year is Pearl Hartman, and the incoming president is Mabel Alexander. At present, there are thirty-eight members who are ac- tive in the work providing medical care, comfort and the extras for the disabled veteran, and who ac- tively participate in social service, rehabilitation, Americanism and community service*. Left to right: Mrs. Irvin Hartman, President; Mrs. Elmer Groen, Secretary; Mrs. Morrell Earnest, Trea- surer; Mrs. Alice Shirk, Chaplain. PRISCILLA 4-H CLUB The Priscilla 4-H Home Economics Club was organized in 1931 with Miss Katie Dieterman (Mrs. John Julius) as leader and there were fourteen mem- bers. The present club has thirty-three members with Mrs. Edgar Schoonhoven and Mrs. Walter Kent as leaders. The officers are: Ardath Flack, President; Janice Kent, Vice President; Judy Kent, Secretary; Karen Krum, Treasurer; Marilyn Janssen, Reporter; Val- eria Schoonhoven, Historian. Junior Leaders: Val- eria Schoonhoven, Ardath Flack, Charlene Flack, Judy Kent and Karen Krum. THE WOMAN'S CLUB Motto: Our only greatness is that we aspire. Purpose: Self Culture, Social and Community Service. The Woman's Community Club was organized in 1920. Mrs. Ina Frederick, Mrs. Myrena Moyer, Mrs. Elizabeth Kersey and Miss Marie Kersey spent an afternoon discussing the possibility of such an organization, after which the ladies were invited to the country home of Mrs. Frederick. On account of the muddy condition of the road, Mrs. Frederick provided transportation for the ladies with a wagon drawn by a team of mules. Officers elected were: President, Ina Frederick; Vice President, Beulah Boyle; Recording Secretary, Elnora Cunningham and Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Martha Truax. The Woman's Club maintained a library in Shannon for thirty-five years, but lack of interest on the part of the reading public, and the inability of the club to buy all the current reading material forced its discontinuance in 1956. As always, the club assists in any community projects that need at- tention. At present, they are one of the co-sponsors of this Centennial celebration, with Miss Marie Kersey as General Chairman. Four of the thirty-seven charter members are members today, namely: Mrs. Lou Hoy, Mrs. Neenah Osborne, Mrs. Vera Hoy and Miss Marie Kersey. Woman's Club officers left to right: Mrs. Carl Terpening, Treasurer; Mrs. August Elseman, Presi- dent; Mrs. Wilbur Wilhelms, Vice President; Mrs. Dudley Winters, Secretary. GIRL SCOUTS Today's troops, No. 53 and No. 144, are under the guidance of Mrs. Max Garman. Members are: Kay Schneider, Ellen Terpening, Nancy Ramsdell, Barbara Nesemeier, Linda Winters, Karen Wagner, Kay Buss, Lyz Erdmier, Verna Linker, Susan Rams- dell, Barbara Rausch, Pamela Rinderman, Roxanne Rugland, Sandra Shields, Rhonda Timmer and Sandra Weigle. The first Girl Scout Troop was organized in 1934, under the leadership of Misses Iva Woessner and Marion Shore. This troop participated in the 1935 Girl Scout summer camp held at a Wisconsin lake. In 1953, the Shannon Girl Scouts were registered in the newly organized "Jane Addams Council of Girl Scouts, Inc." The new program required a local civic organization to sponsor the troop. The Shan- non Woman's Club accepted this sponsorship of the Girl Scouts and Brownie troops, as it does today. For a time, the Red Wagon Auxiliary sponsored one of the Brownie troops. T Lions Club Officers: Front row — Robert Wubbena, Carl Terpening, Wilbur Nicol, Stanley Nesemeier, Douglas Baum, Stanley Bishop. Back row — Ben Wirtjes, Harvey Downing, Jr., Robert Erdmier, Dr. R. P. Swingley, Fred Slick, Kenneth Winters, Em- erson Byers. FIRST STATE BANK Over 75 years ago R. M. Cook started a private bank in Shannon, with George G. Sherwood as man- ager. In May, 1908 this bank became a State Bank, known as the State Bank of Shannon. In 1930 the State Bank of Shannon and the Peoples Bank merged, and the name changed to First State Bank. The directors and officers: D. S. Hoy, President; C. T. Wilhelms, Vice President; H. N. Griffith, Vice President; F. E. Woessner, Cashier and W. H. Barron, E. C. Franks, J. H. Miles, R. A. (Continued) Kersey, F. C. Nesemeier, A. S. Babb, H. H. Hoy, Frank Schauer and Christian Wilhelms, directors. All directors of both banks were kept on the board, but by 1934 the board was reduced to five members. The only director serving from the original group is C. T. Wilhelms. Deposits in 1930 were $540,000.00. Deposits today are nearly $4,000,000.00. Capital and Sur- plus and Reserves $82,000.00. Today, the Capital, Surplus and Reserves are $500,000.00. The employees of the bank are: C. T. Wilhelms, President; O. C. Wilhelms, Vice President; F. J. Ewing, Cashier; C. N. Weigle, Ass't Cashier; Mary Ann Johnson and Beatrice Swalve, Bookkeepers. This bank does a large amount of cattle financ- ing, on which the management has never lost a single dollar. SHANNON BOY SCOUT TROOP NO. 53 The current leaders of Shannon Boy Scout Troop 53, which is sponsored by the E.U.B. Church are Willard Byers, Scoutmaster and Willard Crichton, Assistant Scoutmaster. They maintain a camp along Yellow Creek. The Shannon troop attended the Jubilee Camp- oree at Canyon Camp in July. Steve Byers, Eagle Scout, accompanied by Scoutmaster Byers attended the National Jamboree at Colorado Springs in 1960. Boy Scouts in Shannon are: Bob Hartman, Steve Byers, Jim Warner, Kelley Meyers, Randy Buss, Nick Truckenmiller, Gene Kerr, Bob Swingley, Max Garman, Doran Timmer, Mike Hartman, Bill Van Matre, Raymond Giedd, Rick Crichton, Chuck Crichton, Billy Cherry and Bob Colbert. SHANNON SHAMROCKS 4-H CLUB In 1948, Wilbur Spring organized the first 4-H Agricultural Club. Mr. and Mrs. Le Roy Krum led the club of 60 members for eight years. An exchange with the Valentine, Nebraska club was a project undertaken successfully. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Nesemeier assumed the leadership in 1957. At present there are forty-six members. The officers are: Rhett Byington, Presi- dent; Paul Krum, Vice President; Judy Kent, Secre- tary; James Kent, Treasurer and Wayne Wilhelm, Reporter. The Shannon Shamrocks 4-H Club is truly a club of opportunities, with a chance to learn and use many skills, including serving the community as good citizens. SHANNON LIONS CLUB The Shannon Lions Club was organized in Sep- tember, 1955, with thirty charter members, Willard Byers, serving as first president of the club. Suc- ceeding presidents have been: Lawrence Woessner, Norman Weigle, James Scharman, Robert Swingley, with Robert Wubbena currently serving as president. Membership has increased steadily and currently stands at fifty-eight members. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in the Village Hall, with a program or speaker engaged for each meeting.' Once each year, the Lions and their wives are enter- tained at dinner and a program at the High School Gym to commemorate the Club Charter Night. The Shannon Lions Club has taken an active part in civic activities and improvements in the com- munity. Major projects undertaken by the club have been improvement to the City Park with the addition of tennis courts and an ice skating pond, street decorations and treats for the children and shut-ins during the Christmas season, sponsorship of the Little League Ball Program in Shannon and co-sponsorship of Shannon Homecoming. The most recent project undertaken by the Club has been a public Athletic Banquet honoring all High School students who have taken part in the school athletic program. Major fund raising projects for the Shannon Lions Club which have become a part of community activities are the Annual Pancake Supper, Fourth-of- July Tractor Pull, and the sale of cut roses once each year. The Lions of Shannon will continue to strive for community betterment by taking an active interest in the civic, commercial, social and moral welfare of the community. TOWN BOARD Front row: President, Jennings Erdmier; Aldermen: Roy Moll, Randall Schneider, Kenneth Winters. Back row: Milford Baum, Leo Byers, Fred Nese- meier, Francis Ewing. St, QUEEN CANDIDATES Sandra Wirtjes, Sharon Ludwig, Mary Kay Griffith, Verniece Schultz, Phyllis Ruter. WOMEN'S ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE Front row: Mrs. R. P. Swingley, Mrs. Stanley Nese- meier, Mrs. Earl Woessner, Miss Marie Kersey, Mrs. Robert Hartman, Mrs. Fred Nesemeier. Back row: Mrs. August Elseman, Mrs. Dudley Winters, Mrs. Walter Stevens, Mrs. Duane Winters, Mrs. Don Fisher, Mrs. Laura Wirtjes. The Centennial Tea, sponsored by the Sisters of the Swish, was held in the Bethel Church Parlors, June 21, afternoon and evening. Mrs. Fred Nese- meier was the chairman. GENERAL COMMITTEE Front row: Reynold Swalve, Keith Martin, Marie Kersey, Dr. R. P. Swingley, Robert Wubbena. Back row: James Scharman, Richard Stevens, Emerson Byers. The first observance of the Centennial took place April 22 and 23 at the high school gymnasium, when a Pioneer Style Show and Antique Show was sponsored by the P.T.A. Mrs. Fred Nesemeier and Mrs. Hesper Ruter were co-chairmen of the event. CENTENNIAL TEA P.T.A. ANTIQUE SHOW COMMITTEES Co-Sponsors: American Legion - Lions Club - Woman's Club American Legion Keith Martin Reynold Swalve Richard Stevens Emerson Byers Lions Club Dr. Robert P. Swingley Robert Wubbena James Scharman Woman's Club Marie Kersey, Chairman Mrs. August Elseman Publicity - Press Mrs. Walter Stevens, Chairman Mrs. Theron Winters Mrs. Ralph Scharman Mrs. Catherine Truckenmiller Centennial Book Mrs. Dudley Winters Mrs. Walter Stevens Downtown Window Displays Mrs. Earl Woessner Mrs. Duane Winters Historian Mrs. Dudley Winters Pageant Mrs. Don Fisher, Co-Chairman Mrs. Laura Wirtjes, Co-Chairman Ron Smith Donald Rodermel Beard Contest Howard Griffith Souvenir Sales Mrs. Robert Swingley Mrs. Stanley Nesemeier Photo Albums Mrs. Fred Nesemeier Sisters of the Swish Mrs. Robert Hartman Antique Exhibit and Style Show Parent-Teachers Association Centennial Tea Sisters of the Swish Costume Contest Mrs. Russell Stoner, Chairman Mrs. Don Ramsdell Mrs. C. T. Wilhelms Community Sing Rev. Glenn Quam Thank you — We wish to thank all those who cooperated by furnishing information or pictures or both to make the centennial book a success. Mrs. Dudley Winters Mrs. Walter Stevens SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Sunday, August 28 8:00 P.M. — Community Sing — High School Grounds Friday, September 2 9:00 P.M. — Centennial Ball Crowning of Queen Saturday, September 3 8:00 P.M. — Pageant "Pioneer Days" — Gymnasium Sunday, September 4 Sunday Morning — Special Church Services Attend the Church of your choice 2:00 P.M. — Pageant "Pioneer Days" — Gymnasium 7:30 P.M. — Band Concert — Shannon Band 8 : 30 P.M. — Freeport Barbershop Chorus 9:00 P.M. — Pioneer Style Revue Costume Contest Monday, September 5 10:00 A.M.— Parade 1 :00 P.M.— Band Concert— Park 2:00 P.M. — Reunion Program — Park 3:30 P.M. — Free Street Entertainment 7:30 P.M. — Band Concert — Freeport Concert Band 8 : 30 P.M. — Free Street Entertainment 9:30 P.M.— Final Beard Judging 10:00 P.M.— Award of Prizes "PIONEER DAYS" Parti Scene I — Early Beginnings Scene II — Early Settlers and Introduction of Descendants Scene III — Romance Scene IV — A. The Railroad B. The Village Blacksmith Scene V — A. Early Home Life B. Singing School Scene VI — Schools Scene VII — Churches INTERMISSION Part II A Pictorial Review of Landmarks Part III Scene VIII — The Gay Nineties Scene IX — Merchants Scene X — Campmeeting Scene XI — Enterprises Scene XII — Chautauqua Scene XIII — Grand Finale A. Recognition of War Veterans B. Officials and Workers of Tomorrow C. Centennial Queen and Her Court "America, the Beautiful" DO YOU REMEMBER ? OOOOOCXXXXXXXXX>DOOO^^ Col. H. J. Osterman, Shannon, - Illinois. -PRACTICAL- Auctioneer. Am prepared to cry Public Sales in country and town at reasonable prices. " My long experience is my guarantee of satisfaction. I speak both German and English. List your sale dates with me. Q ODODOOOOOOOOOCOOCXX^ Notice! We continue to handle the best of meats at the very lowest prices, as follows: Beef Steak per lb. Roasts per lb. Picnic Hams per lb. W. H. GOOD, Prop, SHANNON. MILLINERY. From now until the close of the season we will make surpris- ing reductions on our already low prices on Trimmed and Untrimed Hats. DELLA R. COOK'S. Faultlessly Attired* Perfect Fitting Every Corset virtue. Corsets. For sale by. Mrs. Dora Baum, Shannon, Ills. Wm. Northey - Frank Stevens QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ&Q&QQQQ& o o o Special attention given to 8 Horse Shoeing and o o o o o o o o o o Sleigh Repairing, § o o o KUT&R BROS. QOOQQOO&QQQQQQSQQOQQOQOQOQ DR. OSBORNE'S SANITARIUM, SHANNON, ILLINOIS. Spring Is Here! Purify your System. Cleanse your Blood. KALAMAZOO Celery Nerveand Blood Tonic Is the best medicine on earth to take at this season of the year and hundreds of families are using it. Original Celery Medicine Guaranteed. Acts directly on the nervous system. Restores health to the stom- ach, liver and kidneys. Will cure sleeplessness, nervous prostra- tion, neuralgia, rheumatism, dyspepsia and sick, bilious or nervous headache. Try it. For sale by H. S. COOK, Druggist on the Corner. TOM THUMB WEDDING THE MOLCHOIR BRASS CORNET BAND IN THE 1880's V> 4LJ*A t I SWEET SIXTEEN — 1902 TURK and SCHAUER — GENERAL MERCHANDISE LUMBER YARD — 1904 OLD DOC SMITH ■ ■ y (1 2~ HENRY SCHARMAN FURNITURE STORE RALPH WICKE HARNESS SHOP Charles Shore is our oldest business man; the name, "Shore's Hardware" being well and favorably known in this area. He began his hardware career in 1903. Grace Diehl Cheeseman, Ruth Bocker Folgate, Esther Erdmier Nese- meier, Iva Shirk Woessner, Miss Rilla Frazer, Lorraine Prutzman Laughran, Vera Lehman Scharman. Front row: Vade Boyle, Jennings Erdmier, Charles Cheeseman. Back row: Allen Miller, Walter Stevens, Harry Ewing, Ralph Scharman. The Finish of A Carriage «•»* AlOMT. is as important as its strength and running qualities. The carriages we sell are built rightly and well— conse- quently run easily and stand wear. For perfection of finish they are un- surpassed. CHEESEMAN and ROCHE. SHANNON, ILLINOIS — JULY, 1960 EPILOGUE Whatever the future may bring forth, the people of this community today feel that they have been blessed in being part of a neighborhood, richly endowed by God; and it is because of thankfulness for these blessings, rather than complacency, that they feel envy toward no other community, nor to- ward those who will follow us in the work of further upbuilding of this beautiful land.