977.359 L591 LEXINGTON-G EMT 1855-1 955; I i lAL "LI b R.ARY OF THE iilisols iiistorical imt}l m0mi mmi mm- »m LEXINGTON yjBntennial /855 /055 LEXINGTON., ON YOUR FIRST lOO YEARS We expect to he around helping you grow for the next hundred! TOMAHAWK HYBRID CORN CO. DISTRIBUTOR OF TOMAHAWK AND lOWEALTH HYBRIDS • ROYAL"TOBY"WHITMAN STATE SALES MANAGER TOMAHAWK SEED CO. PRODUCER OF TOMAHAWK AN D lOWEALTH HYBRIDS W. R."WALLY" EGGLESTON PRODUCTION SUPERINTENDENT VOUR SAFEGUARD TO CROP SUCCESS ^^5°^1 V\. vVi,t Lexington Centennia July 10 -- July 17 1955 This celebrafion is staged by the citizens of Lexington in honor of the early pioneers who settled on the prairie of Illinois and created this community. We Welcome You HAUSHALTER'S Food Store '^ where The Wise Economize" An Old Fashioned Saying That's Still True Today "A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned" A Complete Self Service Meat Department Coming In Lexington's 101st Year Our First Step In Helping Lexington's Second Century To Be Even Better DIRECTORS T. M. Patton Chairman Wallace Musselman Co-Chairman Glenn Watt Co-Chairnnan Mrs. Miles Ward A. P. Schantz EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Roland Maas Chairman Mrs. Emora Hefner Mrs. Ralph Lanzer OIlie Myers Gilbert Peine DIVISION CHAIRMEN Bernard Jacobs Secretary R. E. Sparks Treasurer Earl Thomas Parade Chairman Albert Hoopes Legal Adviser Since space in a book of this type is limited, much interesting history will be left un-recorded. We regret very much if any names were left out of the programs lists or committees through some unintentional oversight. L?4'f~ ^ /ht^ejU^t^j ^/^Sl_ y^L^c^ /ly^^l^ y^ -?fe CL^i^L. c?-€i^tl c?^ ^:h^^€£ 6i-cf /iyugc>t<.^(^u4. '-'^^^ ^ ■//i^^t /^W^ /^^ rii^t^?.^<^A^Cuct. ay' di^A^Ji. '^(/Zyyt^^ S/x^^l (Uyx^ytiy i\ -e /Si^ /^^^ ^^~ p-'^y-^''r^ //^ E. Atkins S. Golliday '•»UI MAYOR AND ALDERMEN - 1955 MAYOR WATT The committees wish to thank everyone in the community who has in any way helped with material for this book. A special thanks to the editors of the Unit-Journal. HANK'S GARAGE Phone 66R2 Sales FORD Service LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS Publishers THE LEXINGTON UNIT-JOURNAL Commercial Printers • LEXINGTON. ILLINOIS Gleeson's Mobil Service MOBIL PRODUCTS Automatic Car Washing and Greasing TANK WAGON SERVICE Phone 187 Lexington, Illinois Hudson's Tavern Burwell & Bernice Hutson Va Mile West of Lexington Beer Liquors Wines Compliments of Lehman's Men's Store and Lehman's Boy's Shop PONTIAC. ILLINOIS COMPLIMENTS OF D.S. MAHAN Lexington, Illinois Swanson's Archway Home Style Cookies "TRY 'EM — THEY'RE GOOD" Buy Them at Your Grocer's Congratulations From YOUR Clothing Store This Last 50 Years Aloberlif ana Kleniier BLOOMINGTON, ILL. Congratulations! W. B. Read 8k Co. 109 N. Main St., Bloomington, III. For more than fifty years your headquarters for the best in Books - School Supplies - Toys Sporting Goods - Office Supplies CONGRATULATIONS LEXINGTON on your CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION from "WHIZ-Z-Z. BEST CANDY BAR THERE IZ-Z-Z" Paul F. Beich Company Bloomington, Illinois Over 100 Years of Fine Candy Making Old Grade School — Built 1896 Day By Day Events SUNDAY, JULY 10 "Back to Church Rally" — Church Service Commemorating our Cen- tennial. MONDAY, JULY 11 8:30 P. M. — Pageant — "Our Hundred Years" "Crowning of the Queen" TUESDAY, JULY 12 8:30 P. M. — Pageant — "Our Hundred Years" WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 8:30 P. M. — Pageant — "Our Hundred Years" Drawing of Mexican Burro — Donated by W. J. Musselman THURSDAY, JULY 14 Agriculture Show — 8:00 A. M. Swine Judging 1:00 P. M. — - Sheep Judging Flower Show — 1:00 P. M. to 9 P. M. FRIDAY. JULY 15 Agriculture Show Continued — 10.00 A. M. Judging of Beef 1 :00 P. M. — Judging of Rabbits and Poultry 6 :00 P. M. Little League Ball Game — Gridley All Stars vs. Lexington All Stars 7:30 P. M. Girls Softball Game — Gary, Ind. Chix vs. Gophers 9 :30 P. M. — Kewanee Ball Hawks vs. Peoria Kolettes SATURDAY. JULY 16 1:30 P. M. — Kiddie Parade 2:30 P. M. — Sheriff Syd 7 :30 P. M. — Sheriff Syd 8 :00 P. M. — Style Show of Centennial Costumes 9:00 P. M. — Beard Judging Contest — Shaving Exhibition Remington Rand DeLuxe Electric Shavers will be prizes SUNDAY, JULY 17 2:00 P. M. — Parade ATHLETIC FIELD 4:30 P. M. — Antique Auto Show 7:30 P. M. — Exhibition by Kankakee National Champion Drill Team 8 :00 P. M. — Drum and Bugle Corps Competition Drawing of Mexican Burro — Donated by W. J. Musselman 10:00 P. M. — Free Fireworks Our thanks to everyone who furnished prizes and helped in any way to make the centennial a suc- cess. — Cenfennial Committee AUTO PARKING SUPER SERVICE AUTO HOTEL Phone 2017-0 GOODRICH TIRES — EXIDE BATTERIES East and Jefferson Bloomington, III. 6 a.m. 'til Midnight Compliments of Everett M. Bailey & Sons Pontiac, Illinois Phone 5269 AMERICAN SEATING CO. School Furniture Distributor for Central Illinois ONEIDA PRODUCTS CORPORATION Safety School Bus Bodies - Sales & Service Distributor for Illinois Dlller Tile Company Manufacturers of HIGH GRADE DRAIN TILE Retailers of Brick and Corrugated Culverts PHONE 81 CHATSWORTH, ILL. Be sure to see your local dealer for our tile Compliments of CHET'S Skelley Service Station COMPLETE CAR SERVICE "We Never Close" Chester E. Roseman Phone 98 Lexington, Illinois COMPLIMENTS OF General Telephone Co. Bloomington Livestock Sales Pavilion Harold Kindred - Auct. & Owner 2 MILES SOUTH OF BLOOMINGTON, ILL. SOUTH ON U. S. ROUTE 51 SALE EVERY WEDNESDAY Phone 9-0936 Compliments of LEXINGTON DAIRY BAR CONGRATULATIONS ON 100 YEARS OF PROGRESS We're happy for the part we've played in past years and look forward to the future with you. Berenz and Son ASPHALT COMPANY Est. 1899 BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS Compliments Hyneman Auto Body Shop Complete Auto Body Rebuilders Phone 196 10 COMPLIMENTS OF TILLIES BARBER SHOP AND RUTH'S BEAUTY SHOP LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS Jack Musselman Agency LIFE - CASUALTY - FIRE Lexington, Illinois TURNIPSEED'S 5 c ■ $ 1.00 STORE Where you will always find something new. Stationery Novelties Notions Glassware Hosiery Gifts Toys Household Specialties BILL CHEEVER AGENT STANDARD OIL CO. LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS HARMON'S MACHINE SHOP COMPLETE WELDING SERVICE Lexington, Illinois 'There's No Substitute for Experience" Helbling Garage WM. WHALEY, Proprietor CHEVROLET and BUICK LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS 11 Cotnp/hnents of McLEAN COUNTY SERVICE COMPANY R. D. WARD Insurance & Real Estate OFFICE & RESIDENCE PHONE 68 LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS (JOHN) (ALMA) STFWART Sweet Shop LKXINGTON, ILLINOIS It's Polk Cleaners For Twenty Three Years In A Hundred Year Old City Lexington, Illinois 12 HISTORY OF BAPTIST CHURCH The Centennial for the Baptist Church will be celebrated in 1956, as it was organized Aug. 23, 1856, just one year after Lexington was incorporated. There were nine charter members, who as- sembled at the home of L. P. Scrogin and selected David Fitzgerald as the first Deacon, and Henderson Peek as the first Clerk. After they were thoroughly organized they extended a call to the Rev. Wm. Branch to be their pastor. He accepted. They held their first services in a school house, which at that time was on the north- east corner of the park. Later they made ar- rangements with the Christian Church and used their building until they decided to build their own Church Home. The first members to be converted and bap- tized were Geo. Morris, Jennie Morris, Carrie Scrogin and Jennie Evans. Other members were added until 1874, the congregation decided to build a church on the lots donated by L. P. Scrogin. This building was dedicated July 12th, 1874, and still re- mains, but with considerable remodeling in 1902. The Sunday School was organized in 1871 with W. W. Randolph as Superintendent. Since then there have been many pa.stors and superintendents. The present Pastor is the Rev. Arthur Charsky and the present Sunday School Superintendent is Wilma Lee Woolard. CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY Disciples of Christ Church of Lexington was organized in 1860 by B. H. Smith. Bible School was started in 1887, northeast corner of Pine and Locust Streets. L G. Campbell and James Robeson were the two pioneer preachers of the Church of Christ who visited Lexington previous to 1859. In November of that year, Benjamin Franklin held a public debate there with John Luccoch of the M. E. Church. The organization of this church was one of the results of this discus- sion. The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Long, Mr. and Mrs. John Franklin, and Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Dement. A frame building was erected the following year. The first pastor was Theodore Brooks, who was followed by Joseph Lowe, Samuel Lowe, J. F. Ghormley, M. F. Ingram, and W. D. Pol- lard, who entered the ministry from this church. In the early seventies the church lost spiritual life and the house was closed for seventeen years. Some good women opened it again in 1887, starting a Sunday School. Meet- ings were held by Evangelists T. A. Boyer and 0. W. Stewart, which brought to it new life and large numbers. The pastors who followed were Rev's J. H. Reece, W. H. Cannon (during whose ministry a brick building costing $8,000 was erected), E. A. Gilliland, A. A. Wilson, 0. L. Smith, George H. Brown, B. H. Sealock, and J. P. Givins, W. H. Storm, John Moore, Rev. Hohn, William Askew, George Moore, Harold Wiltz, C. H. Hougham, Charles Day, E. E. Higdon, Claude Adams, J. H. Sharda, H. W. Talley, Luther Stone, and the present minister. Rev. C. A. McGinnis. 4. i. 13 Skelly Super LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS 1855 ig55 LEXINGTON '^Our Hundred Years" All praise to those before us who made America great — May she endure forever. Lexington, we are proud of you. Your churches, your schools, and our entire community The A. P. Schantz Co. A. P. and Bess Compliments ^04^ Qo^ee Sltof, Lexington, Illinois Compliments of DR. P. A. LING LEXINGTON. ILLINOIS Serving the Community Since 1922 Musselman Funeral Home Lexington, Illinois CONGRATULATIONS! MESA CAfE LEXINGTON. ILLINOIS Compliments of Ladies' And Children's Apparel Zelda Worth, Prop. LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS 14 HISTORY OF ST. MARYS CHURCH Four railroad hand-car trips to Chenoa every Sunday, rain or shine, hot or cold, were made by early Catholics to bring the resident Chenoa pastor to say Mass in Lexington. Services have been held continuously since Father Sheuren said the first Mass in 1882. These took place in the homes of church members until the pres- ent edifice was erected in 1898. This building which was remodeled in 1944 was dedicated to and named for Mary, Mother of God. St. Mary's is an out-mission of Chenoa and is served by Father Tom Muleady. Church or- ganizations now active include the Altar & Rosary Society made up of the women of the church and a branch of the International Cath- olic Youth Organization. EVANGELICAL UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH The Lexington Class was first organized in a private home in October, 1838 by the Rev. Stephen Prezz. In 1841 the charter member- ship was 41. The first Church was built in 1842 in the south part of Lexington. The land and ma- terial were donated by Rev. & Mrs. Cornell Flesher. The first church was a frame struc- ture, built near the Log Cabin in which the first Class was formed. This was the Cabin of Uncle Conrad Flesher. In 1855 the old church was sold and a new building was erected on the east end of the lot that is the pi'esent location. In 1877 the church was moved a few feet west on the lot and a Sunday School room added to the build- ing. In 1899 the building was again moved farther west to the corner where it now stands and, a Parsonage was built on the lot east of the Church. In 1919 the church was raised and a modern basement was dug and finished in addition to stairs and a new entry way. 15 HARDMAN IMPLEMENT LEXINGTON. ILLINOIS C.W. NICHOLSON I.A.A. INSURANCE SERVICE Country Life Insurance Co. Country Mutual Fire Co. Country Mutual Casualty Co. Ph. 62R2 Lexington. III. Lutheran Brotherhood IS A LEGAL RESERVE LIFE INSURANCE ORGANIZATION OF LUTHERANS OPER- ATED BY LUTHERANS, FOR SERVICE TO ALL LUTHERANS. MAYNARD W. PETERSON PHONE 22 Lexington, Illinois Compliments of MILES L.WARD Postmaster Brooks Garage And Station LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS Anderson's Service Station GROCERIES LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS BILL ADDEMS CORN SHELLING AND GENERAL TRUCKING 108R4 Neal's Garage and Service Station Francis Neal, Prop. General Automobile - Tractor Repairing CONOCO GAS & OILS Auto Lite Batteries — Firestone Tires Phone 37 R 2 Lexington, III. 16 METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH LUTHERAN CHURCH HISTORY As Lexington celebrates its Centennial, the Lutheran Church in our community has had but one birthday. In April, 1954, the Rev. Cecil H. Skibbe, pastor of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran congregation in Yates Township, Chenoa, con- ducted the first Lutheran service. Sunday School and Bible classes were begun at the same time. Through the wonderful interest and co-operation of the people of the com- munity' - this venture has proven a wonderful success. Average attendance at the Sunday morning worship services is nearing the 100 mark and the average Sunday school and Bible class attendance is 74. Mindful of the need, grateful of the intere-st, and convinced that it could be of some service to the Lexington community, St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran congregation decided to expand its parish to include our community. Three lots have been purchased at the corner of Cherry and Chatham Streets. At present services are being conducted at the school. At this writing I^lans for a Chapel-Fellowship building are be- ing prepared and St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Parish of Chenoa-Lexington hopes to begin construction of its building in this Centennial year. The Lexington Methodist Chui'ch was organ- ized in 1840 with the Rev. Pinckard serving as the first Pastor. Meetings were held in homes, barns, schools, and very often in groves, until the l)uilding of the first frame church in 1856 which stood on the site of the present location. The old frame building was occupied by this society for a quarter of a century. In 1881 the brick church now standing was built at a cost of .$6000. Later in 1885, the par.sonage adjoin- ing the church on the north was built at an ad- ditional co.st of $3000. A few of the early pio- neers deserve mention in the History of this church. Jacob Spawr, one of the founders of the church and the first Centenarian of this community died in 1902. Patrick Hopkins was active in the early formation of the church. Emily Smith Van Dolah was ever faithful to the church and the present Pipe Organ was a gift from her. Her husband, the late Sheridan Van Dolah, augmented her gift by donating the beautiful chandelier that lights the auditorium today. On March 1, 1856, the church was in- corporated as the "First Society in Lexington, McLean Co., 111. of the M. E. Church of the U.S.A. The first duly elected trustees were J. B. Ambro.se, L. C. Blake, J. ;\I. Hyre, Henry Hef- ner, F. A. Goddard, Thos. Fell, Wm. Smith, Wm. Probst, and Geo. McNaught. In 1864 it became affiliated with the Central 111. Con- ference. During the Pastorate of the Rev. Wooley classrooms were added as well as other improvements. The parsonage today is apart from the church on another street. The W.S.- C.S. is the Women's Organization of the church ever active for church needs and interests. The Men as well are organized and assist with fund raising. Rev. Fred Buchholz is the present Pastor and Mi's. Buchholz is an able assistant. 17 Thornton - Anderson Inc. Your Lincoln - Mercury Dealer Bloomington Phone 76019 The Shield Jewelry Co. 401 N. Main St. Bloomington, Phone 3417-0 COLFAX - CHEESE CO. Telephone 1 25 COLFAX. ILLINOIS Clay Dooley 'THE TIRE MAN' HANGER'S BOOT SHOP East Side Square Phone 4-7365 BLOOMINGTON, ILL OK APPLIANCE CO. 106 S. Center — Bloomington, I RCA - Zenith - General Electric TELEVISION Hot Point Appliances WATKINS JEWELRY NORMAL ILLINOIS Compliments of Roof Mfg. Co. TAKES THE WORK OUT OF WEEDS -* «»*»t-ite>y« PONTIAC, ILLINOIS TERMS TRADE STOP 'N' SWAP HUTSON'S USED CARS Clean Cars Are Better Buys 1601 S. Main St. — Bloomington KENNY HUTSON SHERMAN HUTSON MILLER MUSIC CO. 417 North Main Street BLOOMINGTON, ILL. 18 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HISTORY August 1, 1852 the first Presbyterian service was held in Lexington — a communion service held in a school house which stood where the city park is now. October, 1856, the First Presbyterian Church of Lexington was organized with eleven char- ter members by Rev. E. T. Ewing and Rev. Luther Dodd, who came from the Peoria Pres- bytery. Rev. Dodd served the church as "stated supply." He was followed by Rev. James C. Mahan, Rev. John Elliott and Rev. Robert Conover. They were followed by Rev. David R. Love, who was the first regular pastor. Rev. Conover organized a church at Prairie Hall which later joined the Salem Church. When the Salem Church disbanded its mem- bers joined the Presbyterian Church in Lex- ington. In 1867 under the leadership of Rev. Love, the Presbyterians built a brick building, the first brick church in Lexington, at a cost of $5500. In 1954 a large addition and extensive remodeling was completed. The longest pastorate was that of Dr. WU- liam Torrence who served the church for twelve years. He and his wife were laid to rest in the Lexington cemetery. LEXINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY The project of a Public Reading Room for Lexington took tangible form in November 1895. An executive committee was elected and a canvass for funds inaugurated. These peo- ple served on this committee: A. J. Scrogin, President ; Mrs. L. S. Van Dolah, Vice Presi- dent; Jesse L. Smith, Secretarv; L. P. Scrogin. W. H. Claggett, Charles Richardson, Buell Stevens, Harmon Hefner, R. S. Grier, W. R. Mahan. The first Reading Room was upstairs in the Smith building on Main street. Later it was moved to a building on the corner of South and Cedar Streets. The first installation of books for general circulation was an important event of 1898. Ernest Scrogin and Bert Franklin were instrumental in securing funds for the support of the Library. The opening of the Smith Public Library on Dec. 22, 1913 was made possible by the late Emily Smith Van Dolah. who made provision jn her will for the building and maintenance of this much needed public institution. The second floor of the building is devoted to an auditoi-ium and club rooms. In the adult reading room hangs a portrait of Mrs. Emily S. Van Dolah, painted by Clar- ence Best, a Lexington boy who achieved fame as a portrait artist. Librarians who have served in Lexington are: Miss Mary V. Gray, Miss Lela Goddard, Mrs. Ella Doonan, Miss Angle Mahan, Miss Nellie Brown, Miss Beulah Haushalter, Miss Frances Hanson, Miss Anna Pierson, Mrs. Daisy Bishop, Mrs. Hazel Claggett, and Miss Bessie Smith, the present Librarian. In 1951 a library district was formed and the name was changed from Smith Library to Lexington Public Library. The present administration of the building is under the guidance of Emmett Douglass, Edward Finfgeld and Dr. L. M. Magill. The Library Board consi.sts of William E. Simpsen, Mrs. Glenn Kemp, Mrs. Richard Payne, Mrs. James Killian, and Gordon Dawson. 19 QdL&^t Mi444€. 6a. -- Records — Sheet Music Record Players — Radios Best wishes 1 108 S. Center Bloomington on your second Phone 4-4090 lOO Years GENERAL^ ELECTRIC PORTRAITS ♦ HAWKINS ♦ STUDIO and CAMERA SHOP "Where Babies Smile and Big Folks Too" Developing and Printing * Greeting Cards Portraits That Almost Speak 214 W. Washington St. Phone 49780 BLOOMINGTON, ILL Leave Films at Young's Drug Store General Electric General Purpose Control Department Moore's Luggage Congratulations on your 100 years And Book Shop of success 214 W. Jefferson St. — Bloomington SKYWAY LUGGAGE • BOOKS Lewis W. Jones GREETING CARDS Established 1851 Insurance Agency BUCK AND BILL Your Clothes Friend 111 E. Monroe St. CTAMM'C ^ 114 N. Center ^ BLOOMINGTON Phone 66435 Bloomington, III. STYLE — QUALITY 20 Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Spawr Grandparents of N. E. Franklin N. E. Franklin Home N. E. Franklin, Sr. Mrs. N. E. Franklin, Sr. 21 One of Lexington's oldest buildings, the "Beehive," built in 1850, was razed in 1949 to make room for a modern farm shop. Compliments of liM lake, (load 9h^ BEER WINES LIQUORS "Where Friends Meet" COMPLIMENTS OF CLARK'S CLOTHING LADIES' AND MEN'S WEAR Colfax, Illinois Phone 26 Custom Hay & Straw Baling Tiiden L. Seegmlller H. Leroy Seegmiller Lexington, Illinois WM. KAUTH BLACKSMITH LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS Barcus, Kindred & Co. Municipal Honas 231 South La Salle Street CHICAGO 4, ILLINOIS 22 Compliments of Colfax Block Co. LIGHT WEIGHT & CONCRETE BLOCKS Septic Tanks Manufactured & installed COLFAX, ILL. — PHONE 90 Peoples State Bank of Colfax COLFAX, ILLINOIS Member of Federal Reserve System and Member of F. D. I. C. Miss Mary Bradford, daughter of Pleasant Hill pioneers George and Martha Bradford, was edu- cated at Wesleyan University and then the best medical schools, for her life work as a medical missionary. She was located at Tabriz, Persia for many years. Cougraiitlatious To A. Fine Coutmiiuity ONE BUSHEL 3^NET WT 56 I.BS^*1 {???< AND PROCtSSt^T^ \ ^^0 n??.^9SAND Pgy Mt- y ■t> DEVELOPED prcs '^'''STER HYBRID COR'* El pa^o ILLINOIS _, JOHN KILLIAN Authorized Dealer TOWANDA, ILLINOIS Phone Lexington 330 F 13 23 PAGEANT COMMITTEES SCRIPT WRITER Mary Barnard HISTORIAN Helen Patton DIRECTORS .... Dorothy Cheever, William Haushalter MUSIC DIRECTORS .... Helen Brown, Joan Seegmiller DANCES Rae Peine ORGANIST Helen Brown SCENERY Orville Shaffer, George Arnold ELECTRICIAN Ivan Claudon MAKE-UP . . Forest Watt, Martha Lee Brady, Amy Mool PROPERTIES COMMITTEE .... Margaret Franklin, Anne Dawson, lone VanDolah, Ruth Lindsay, Mary Lindsay, Margaret Young, Agnes Pick, Dorothy Allison, Lillian Kauth, Gwen Claudon, Dorothy Haushalter, Rena Jones COSTUMES Fern Musselman, Kathryn Lindsay, Carrie Dawson, Doris Payne, Violet Hefner, Louise Carnahan, Laura Nicholson, Leta Claudon, Helen Chris- tian, Margaret Neal, Ivy Botkin, Frances Schuth, Audrey Lanzer SUNBONNETS . Monica Beery, Bertha Burlingmair, Helen Peterson USHERS AND TICKET TAKERS Berdean Freed, Dorothy Boyd, Mary Lindsay, Grace Bourgerie, Keitha Van Dolah, Marjorie Worth, Virginia Ling, Orabelle Hardman, Billie Hyneman, Thelma Watt, Ethel Killian, Myra Price, Agnes Axtell, Elizabeth Murphy, Juanita Mahan, Juanita Sparks TICKET SELLERS Claire Beach, Viola Rediger, Bess Schantz, Bernice Kinsella CENTENNIAL PAGEANT PRESENTATION OF COLORS American Legion Post 291 THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER Chorus and Band TRUMPET FANFARE PRINCESS ESCORT CORONATION CEREMONY FIRST NIGHT ROYAL PROCESSION EACH NIGHT TO THRONE 24 OaiA cMM4iJ/ved yeoAi Readers — Rev. Clifford Croxford Rev. Cecil H. Skibbe Mr. Roland Maas PROLOGUE READER: Welcome to all — we are glad you are here To help us celebrate our one-hundredth year. Our history is colorful, — sturdy and strong, And we are proud that we belong. Our heritage is rich — from beginning to end And we're happy to share it with you — our friends. Close by the Mackinaw River, and a hundred years ago, Lived two small tribes of Indians, whose names you will surely know. For the Kickapoos and the Delawares (about three hundred in each band) Had settled down to livelihood on this — our own fair land. Then white man came to settle — our story began to grow, And tonight, we are proud to tell it, for we want you all to know. Privations were many and the work days long — And we owe much to our settlers whose faith was strong. And, because of our forefather's early yearning, First came the churches, then schools for learning. Industrial Growth — our railroad too — Each of these we review for you. For the pioneer's desire, as he turned prairie sod Was for growth and learning and need of God. So bear with us, on each history page. As we portray facts that belong to each age. 'This is My Country' Chorus EPISODE I 1820 JOHN PATTON AND HIS FAMILY ARRIVE ALONG THE BANKS OF THE MACKINAW RIVER READER: It was 1820 when John Patton, vi^ith his wife, Margaret and their twelve children came, in a covered wagon, across the plains from Indiana, and, driving along the fertile banks of the Mackinaw River, suddenly came upon what seemed to be a deserted Indian village. Only a few squaws were seen tending a little patch of corn and beans, for the tribes- men were away on a hunting trip. Organ READER: And so . . . John Patton, the first white settler in Lex- ington Township, moved into the seemingly deserted wig- wams. Before long, however, the Indians returned from their hunt and were greatly displeased to find white man oc- cupyini; their homes. So great was their displeasure that a "scalping" seemed in order, but Patton was kind and because he shared his mechanical genius, his life was spared and he made friends with the Indians. Later on they helped John Patton to build his cabin, a part of which still sturdily stands near the little ghost town of Pleasant Hill, as a silent memorial to the first white settler in Lexington Township. John Patton T. M. Patton, a great grandson Margaret Patton, his wife Mrs. T. M. Patton Their twelve children all Patton descendents Sarah (Foster) Esther Wagoner Cassandra (Wiley) Marie Boyd Susanna (Messer) Mary Messer Stichter John John Wiley William Franklin Hutson Margaret (Henline) Kathryn Messer Wissmiller Benjamin Johnny Messer Jemima (Adams) Dee Ann Douglass Aaron and Moses (twins) David and Dennis Boyd Josephine Marcia Bounds Constantine, the baby A Doll Indians Chief of the Delawares George Moore Chief of the Kickapoos Dick Payne Medicine Man Ronnie Winterland Warriors John Hefner Humbert Vespasian David Peterson Donald Blakney Kenneth Blakney Raymond Jackson Eddy Haushalter Donald Cole Darrel Luster Robert Nehrt Robert Satterfield Paul Claudon Bill Axtell Joe Palmer Garey Wick Bill Kauth David Cole Squaws Yvonne Moore Arlene Winterland Sharon Buzard Doris Killian La Verne Cole Payne Marilyn Purcell Milly Bornder Indian Children Rodney Worth Steve Perry Charles Claudon Ronnie Thomas EPISODE 2 1826 — 1835 ARRIVAL OF CONRAD FLESHER, JOHN HANER, AND THE BRUMHEAD FAMILIES Indian Dancers READER: Soon the forest was ringing with the pioneer's axe and great was the rejoicing whenever a new family arrived at the settlement. Among those were the Conrad Flcshers, the John Haners, and the Brumhead family. Isaac Smalley who 25 also came to the Patton settlement, later on laid out the little town of Pleasant Hill. Jacob Spawr, prominent in Lexington history, arrived in the Money Creek area in 1826; Peter Hefner and Melmon Barnard in 1830, Croghan Dawson in 1832, and Jessie Trimmer in 1835. D. H. Van Dolah also settled in the Money Creek timber in 1835 and later became an importer of French draft horses, making seventeen importations. Noah Franklin was also an early comer and one of the principal cattle feeders, shipping 25,000 head of cattle in his seventy-eight years of experience. George Caldwell also settled in Lexington Township, arriving here in 1860. Charles Becker Sr. came to Lexington in 1858. Albert Dawson settled at Money Creek in 1835 and Shelton Smith was an early arrival in the Lawndale area. From these little settlements, many of these families moved on to Lexington when the town was laid out in 1836 and became the pioneers of our Home Town. Organ Arrival of Settlers READER: Both the Kickapoos and the Delawares were now, for the most part, friendly and even willing to help fight against Chief Black Hawk. Nevertheless, the settlers were constantly on the alert for a lurking Indian whose intentions might not be so friendly. A group of rangers was organized to scout the area for unfriendly Indians and forts were built up and down the Mackinaw, one being located south of Lexington. Such was life in this area one hundred years ago and the settlers were often entertained by the weird songs and dances of the friendly Indians. Indian Dances Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Flesher .... Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Botkin Their children Ella Marie Whiteman, Judy Whiteman, Janet Whiteman, Greg Whiteman Mr. and Mrs. John Haner Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Clark Their children Linda Ling, Glenna Ling, Gregory Peine, Douglas Peine Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brumhead Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Hefner Their children Margaret Cheever, John Cheever, Suzanne Axtell, Kathy Axtell Indian Dancers Scout Post 51, Lexington EPISODE 3 1830 OUR FIRST ELECTION READER: In the spring of 1830, the Patton settlement held its first election at the cabin home of John Patton. The judges were John Patton, Conrad Flesher, and John Henline. John B. Thompson was elected Justice of the Peace and Henry Flesher was elected constable. Thus began a noble venture to maintain law and order in Lexington Township. Organ John Patton T. M. Patton Conrad Flesher Forrest Botkin John Henline A. P. Schantz John B. Thompson R. D. Ward Henry Flesher Clifford Garrett John Haner Lyle Clark Joseph Brumhead Harmon Hefner Other settlers at the election G. Hyle Stichter, Elmo Winterland, Evyn Barnard, Ben Grimsley, Richard Wick EPISODE 4 1886 LEXINGTON IS BORN READER: In 1835, '36 and '37, five hundred new towns were laid out in our State, and about twelve of them were in what is now McLean County, Lexington being one of those. On January 14, 1836, Ashael Gridley and James Brown laid out the little town and named it Lexington. Ashael Gridley's father had fought with the Minutemen at Lex- ington, Massachusetts, and James Brown had come from Lexington, Kentucky, hence the decision for the name of our settlement. The original beginning of Lexington proper was the public square, only twenty rods each way, which was grazing ground for family cows and livestock. A few years later, William Lindsay donated, planted, and personally tended the trees that now form our city park. This all took place during the great "town lot speculation" era, and our twelve families were all anxious to claim property. Organ James Brown Robert Haushalter Ashael Gridley Glenn Watt William Lindsay .... William Lindsay, Jr., (a great grandson) Indians — (from Episode 1) Settlers (from Episodes 1 and 2) EPISODE 5 1837 SQUIRE JACOB SPAWR, our first postmaster, delivers the mail, and ABRAHAM LINCOLN pays a visit to the Spawr Cabin READER: Squire Spawr, as he was known, was Justice of the Peace, road viewer (or Road Commissioner) a school trustee and the postmaster. Since he was such a busy person, the post- office was often located just wherever his duties called him, and it was no uncommon thing for him to carry the mail in the crown of his hat and deliver it to people just as he met them. Mail was received here (at that time) only once or twice a month. When Abraham Lincoln, as a young lawyer, was riding the circuit, he used Lexington as one of his favorite stopping places and spent many nights at the home of Squire and Mrs. Spawr and their five daughters. The Spawr home was a sturdily built house across the street north from the Pres- byterian church — later moved east of the United Brethren church and remained standing until recent years. It was about this time that an anti-slavery society was formed here, and developed one of the best organized under- ground railways in our state, helping more than a hundred slaves to escape into Canada. L. P. Scrogin was instrumental in aiding the underground, and Mr. Jackson Myers (grand- father of Mrs. Ann Elder) was a conductor, often hiding runaway slaves in his own home. Organ 26 Squire and Mrs. Jacob Spawr Mr. and Mrs. Miles Wai-d Their five daughters Gloria Maas, Wilma Ralston, Karen Haushalter, Carol Claudon, Janet Haushalter Abraham Lincoln William Cheever READER: When the death of Abraham Lincoln occurred, the late Cynthia Lawrence, who was fifteen years old at the time, went with her father, Isaac Smalley to attend the funeral services in Springfield. EPISODE 6 1837 — 1859 OUR EARLY STORES READER: A Mr. Carpenter built our first general store which was of great benefit to the early settlers and merchandise for this store was hauled in by wagon from St. Louis. The financial crash of 1837 put Mr. Carpenter out of business and he was succeeded by Henry Apple who brought his entire stock to Lexington in a barrel. However, he showed a tendency to sell "wet goods" and since the people would not tolerate such, he v/as driven out of town, which was Lexington's first expression of the Temperance sentiment. Among other early merchants were Jacob C. Mahan, who set up in busi- ness in 1851, William Lindsay in 1859, S. R. Claggett in 1865 and John Dawson in 1882, the latter being a son of Albert and Pernielia Bartholomew Dawson. Also in 1882, George Hiser opened a hardware store, and in 1880, Philip and Emi! Haushalter opened a meat market, the former being a grandfather of Bertram and Robert Haushalter. Organ William Lindsay, an early store keeper William Lindsay, Sr. Settlers at early store Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Botkin, Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Hefner, Mrs. Loretta Smith, Mrs. Inah Hanks, Mrs. Ida Becker, Mrs. Fern Musselman EPISODE 7 I860 PIONEER FUNERAL READER: Life was hard in those early days and a struggle for mere existance was a daily battle. With the many privations and lack of real needs, it was no wonder that so many of our early comers died young and with little or no way of com- bating disease they were helpless to save their loved ones. No wonder our furniture store was advertising so many hand-made coffins of oak, walnut and cherry, although many a worthy old settler was laid away in a crude log coffin. Around 1860 there was a great wave of smallpox and many a sad funeral procession was seen wending its way through the settlement. Organ — Funeral Music Undertaker Jack Musselman Driver of early hearse Franklin Hutson Mourners (on foot) Hugh Freed, Paul Golliday, Margaret Lauhcr, Karen Beery, Mary Sue Kinsclla, Ruric Hefner. John Hefner, Mrs. Audrey Lanzer, Linda and John EPISODE 8 1854 OUR RAILROAD AND THE FRANKLIN WEDDING PARTY READER: Lexington was now growing, more and more settlers were arriving and our need for better transportation was evi- dent. It was therefore, both pride and gratitude that wel- comed the laying of the rails and many hours of hai'd work were required to complete the task. The Laying of the Rails Chorus "I've Been Working On the Railroad" READER: It was finally on July 4, 1854, when the Chicago and Alton began its operations through Lexington and the first train had come up from Blooniington, bringing Noah Franklin and his bride. The train had taken Mr. Franklin down — but there was no way to turn it around, and at that time, the track only came this far, so the train was backed up from Bloomington to bring Noah Franklin and his bride, Sarah Spawr Franklin. One of the wedding guests attempted to raise her parasol and when the wind whipped it from her hands, the obliging engineer stopped the train, that she might recover it. Organ Workmen laying the Rails George Arnold, Bernard Worth, Leo Bornder, Orville Tracy, Hugh Freed, Ronnie Botkin, Roger Paul, Richard Peden Water boy, Oliver Tilbury Larry Hutson Noah Franklin, the groom .. Elmo Franklin, Jr., (a grandson) Sarah Spawr Franklin, the bride .... Mrs. Elmo Franklin, Jr. Wedding Guests Mr. and Mrs. Ehiio Franklin, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carnahan, Mrs. lone Van Dolah, Mr. and Mrs. David Van Dolah, Mr. and Mrs. Emora Hefner, Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Hefner. Squire and Mrs. Spawr Mr. and Mrs. Miles Ward Lady Who Loses Her Parasol Mrs. Charles Carnahan Settlers at "station" to receive wedding guests Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Seegmiller, Marcia Dawson, Tilden Seegmiller, Barbara Whitman, Judi Erps EPISODE 9 1854 AN EARLY SETTLEMENT SCENE READER: In spite of their hardships and many privations, our early settlers had a good wholesome life, and many pleasant evenings were spent together. Anyone within a radius of twenty miles was a neighbor and all joined in the fun. There were spelling bees and husking bees, the latter proving necessary, as it was a means of getting the corn shucked and providing entertainment at the same time. Following the corn husking, usually came some lively dances which the early settlers, both old and young, seemed to enjoy. 'Shuckin' of the Corn" Chorus Square Dancers Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Feit, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Brucker, Mr. and Mrs. OUie Myers, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Freed, Judy Fell, Ronnie PuUiam, Phyllis Neal, Loren Powell, Tom Vincent, Connie Pul- liam. Bill Killian, Laurel Christian Caller Roy Powell 27 EPISODE 10 July 12, 1855 LEXINGTON BECOMES AN INCORPORATED VILLAGE READER: Our forefathers were ambitious for growth and organiza- tion of our little settlement, and the seven members of the village board met many times during the summer of 1855. However, it was at the meeting of July 12, when the final decisions were made and Lexington actually became an Incorporated village. Excitement ran high that day, as thirty votes were cast. This act was to stand as a guiding principle of what we would like our town to be and tonight we are proud to cele- brate our achievement and growth in "Our Hundred Years." John Fulwiler Louis Neldner Jacob Mahan Douglas Mahan Malcom Magill Dr. L. M. Magill G. T. Dement William Simpsen Croghan Dawson Fred Dawson Thomas Tipton, clerk Ralph Lanzer G. W. Knotts, Treasurer Charles Nicholson EPISODE I I 1857 — 1865 HARD TIMES AND THE CIVIL WAR READER: Then came 1857 with hard times and its privations — fol- lowed by cruel war and its heartaches, and sturdier souls could not be found than those living within our borders. With the firing on Fort Sumpter, came the Civil War which was to take many lives and when President Abraham Lincoln issued the call to arms, Lexington responded. "When Johnnie Comes Marching Home" Chorus Civil War Soldiers :. Don Cole, John Hefner, Jim Lindsay, Ronnie Winterland, Ronnie Botkin, Roger Paul, Dennis Bourgerie, Richard Peden, Thomas Kinsella Men, Women and Children of the Civil War Brenda Downes, Margaret Lauher, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Payne, Mr. and Mrs. Maynard Peterson and family, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Perry and Phillip, Mr. Ellis Garrett, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Ralston, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Gleeson and Anne, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Price, Mrs. Kay Bourgerie INTERMISSION LEXINGTON SONG (Tune; "Maryland, My Maryland") Oh Lexington, Dear Lexington, You fill our hearts with courage. The early settler's faith was strong. And we are proud that we belong To Lexington, Dear Lexington Forever true your color. Oh Lexington, Dear Lexington, Gives us the strength to follow In footsteps of your noble past. May we achieve our goal at last And mindful of your steadfast faith You point the way to courage. EPISODE 12 1890 — 1900 "The GAY NINETIES" READER: Eighteen hundred ninety was ushered in all over our country with a flourish and the citizens of Lexington also were en- joying the new era. We were now fairly well established and doing a thriving business. The early hardships and privations were passing and there was more time for laughter and pleasures. The race track at the east edge of town provided much entertainment and was always a popular place with many from far and near who came to attend the Lexington horse races. It was also an era of the "bicycle built for two," the medicine shows and those lovely, but daring can-can girls. Truly the nineties were gay. Tandem Riders Mr. and Mrs. Levin Hyneman Medicine Show Barker Ralph Stevenson Crowd of the Gay Nineties .... Mrs. Helen Kiersey (and baby) Mr. and Mrs. Max Creek and Max Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Orval Shaffer and Sharol, Mrs. Eugene Allison and Rozanne, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Freed and family, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Worth and Rodney, Ilene Beach, Betty Ralston, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Palmer and Sons, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Swartz, JoAnn Hinthorn, Shirley Kinsella, John Brown The Can-can Girls Kathryn Freed, Shirley Hinthorn, Sharon Sutter, Judy Hallstein, Marlene Perkins, Carolyn Maas, Delores Prehm, Lucile Hyneman, Nancy Jones, Carol Palmer, Miriam Young, Rozanne Allison, Sharon Bornder, LaVonne Dunn, Judy Fell, Marilyn Hutson, Patricia Killian Barber Shop Quartet Gordon Dawson, Miles Ward, Warren Stephey, Louis Neldner "Bicycle Built for Two" Can-can Dancers Chorus 'French Can-can Polka" 28 EPISODE 13 1907 FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION- READER: Many a Fourth of July Celebration took place in the City. Park with speakers of importance on the platform. One memoi'able such occasion was concluded with a grand dis- play of moving pictures on Main Street which was free to all and peoi)le came from miles around to view them. It was said that Mr. C. W, Shade had the best moving picture machine in this part of the state, and for a long time, the only one in McLean County. Fourth of July Orator Henry Hallstein Merritt Dawson, on horse Fred Dawson Crowd at Celebration Same as Gay Nineties Crowd Showing of silent movie In listing those who have meant much to our town throughout the years, the name of Dr. Abbott Goddard should also be mentioned, since he was Lexington's first j)hysician and came here in 1836. His practice e.vtended from Fort Clark (which is now Peoria) on the west, to Ottawa on the north, and east to the state line. Dr. Goddard was a great lilessing to our pioneers of Lex- ington and rendered a much needed service. We are also proud to list the following citizens, each jirominent in their own field of interests. Frank Hyneman Knight, who is now a Doctor of Economics at the University of Chicago and also listed in Who's Who. Milton Hcnline and Ed Kinsella who were associated with National Baseball Leagues. Gilbert Elson who served as the Grand Master of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Illinois. Elmo Franklin, Sr., an ex-Senator of the State of Illinois. A. P. Schantz, .Arbitrator of the Illinois Industrial Com- mission. Llora Withers Biggs, former soprano of the concert stage, whom we now proudly present. "God Bless .America' Llora Withers Biggs EPISODE 14 THE ROARING TWENTIES READER: Then came the Roaring Twenties, which bring many mem- ories to our minds. Our soldier boys had just returned fiom "Over There" and World War I, and the college boys were swallowing gold fish for sport. Raccoon coats were all the rage and women wore ridiculous styles as they danced the ever-popular "Charleston." Charleston Dancers Same as Can-can Dancers EPISODE 15 PARADE OF LEXINGTON FAME READER: We have here in Lexington, many of whom we are .justly proud - - many native sons and daughters who have made for themselves a name on history's page. In memoriam we proudly mention the following: Nettie B. Dement, a long-time teacher in the Lexington schools, a former County Superintendent of Schools and listed in Who's Who among history making women of Illinois. Dr. W. H. Welch, also listed in Who's Who as a prominent veterinarian. Dr. Mary Bradford, a well-known medical missionary to Africa. W. M. Smith, 2Kth Speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois. Hugh Cassidy and A. J. Scrogin, both members of the House of Representatives. Austin H. Scrogin, Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge of Illinois. Joseph McNaught, General Councelor for Northern Pacific Railroad. Two County Treasurers, Denison and Smith. EPISODE 16 LEXINGTON'S CONTRIBUTION TO OUR COUNTRY Organ READER: First of all, may we never forget our pioneers who fought so bravely against the Indians and who so courageously stood their ground to hold our settlement together. May we always remember the courage of our forefathers and ever keep in mind the ones who blazed those early trails for us. General Jo.seph Bartholomew was an intimate friend of George Rogers Clark and named our neighboring Clarks- ville in his honor. General Bartholomew was a scout in the Revolutionary War, and a hero at Tippecanoe — twice a General. He died in 1840, twenty years after our first white settlers came, and is buried in the Clarksville Cemetery. During the Black Hawk war, many of our settlers served as rangers to scout the unfriendly Indians, and nine of Lex- ington settlement lost their lives in this service. The annexation of Texas and the consequent war with Mexico again called upon oiir settlers and General Ashael Gridley (who had also served in the Black Hawk war) was again in command. Then came the Civil war and history books tell us that two hundred and seventy-five citizens of Lexington area answered the call to the Colors, many of whom died while serving their country. In 1898, Lexington again responded to the call for military duty and tonight we i)roudly present our only living Spanish- American War veteran, William H. Goddard, Introduction of William II. Goddard READER: Many of our native sons went away to World War I, World War II and again to the Korean conflict. We can never do enough to lepa.v all of our brave lads for their services and we especially mention those who gave their lives while in the service of their country. 29 World War I Elmo F. Hill (and for whom our Legion Post is named) Clyde Allison John Jenkins Earl Brown Roy Mitchell William Golliday Clarence Weakley World War II Ormond K. Siron William Ervin Elmer Hastings, Jr. Raymond Kendall Raymond Leake Myron Ricketts Warren Warmouth Bernie Underwood Simon Wonderlin " Morse Campbell Royal Stivers Eugene Lightfoot Edwin Carter Let us pause in silent tribute to the memory of Lexington's war dead. Taps Laurel Christian Our Lutheran Church which was founded in 1864 is also growing and at the present time is preparing to build a fine new church across the street north from this field. We have come a long way from that first church of our pioneer days. Our faith has carried us far and we are proud to present the ministers of Lexington's seven churches. Evangelical United Brethren Church .. Reverend Loren Miller Methodist Church Reverend Fred Buchholz Baptist Church Rev. Arthur Charsky Presbyterian Church Reverend Clifford Croxford Christian Church Revei'end C. A. McGinnis St. Mary's Catholic Church .... Reverend Fr. Thomas Muleady Lutheran Church Reverend Cecil H. Skibbe READER: We are also pleased to present a native son, whose voice is often heard today in the sanctuary. "The Lord's Prayer" .... Dayle Garrett EPISODE 17 OUR CHURCHES READER: Determination to win and courage to face early hardships, were closely linked with religious ideals and that there might be no ungodly men and women, the early pioneers were quick to see the need for religious groups. The first such group in Lexington Township was a Methodist class in the cabin home of John Patton. However, within the settlement itself, the United Brethren people were the first to organize a group and for a number of years, church services were held in private homes, in barns or in groves attended by both Methodists and United Brethren. Ten years after white man came, the United Brethren people built a church. We wish to dedicate the early church scene to the high ideals fostered by the religious pioneers of Lexington. Early Church Scene "Faith of Our Fathers" Early Congregation An early Minister Reverend Loren Miller Congregation of early church taken from Chorus — Song leader — Nina McCully Pictures of Present-day Churches taken by Ralph Woolard "God of Our Fathers" Chorus READER: The Methodists continued meeting in homes until 1855, when they erected their first church under the guidance of Rev- erend Gregg. They, too, are celebrating their one hundredth year. The Baptists organized in 1856 with Reverend William Branch as their first pastor and so they, too, will be celebrat- ing a centennial next year. The Pi-esbyterian Church was founded in 1856 and will also be one hundred years old next year. The new brick church was built in 1867, to which extensive alterations and additions have been made from time to time. Three years later in 1859, the Christian Church became a leality and the new brick building was erected at the turn of the century. Our St. Mary's Catholic Church was built in 1898 during the time of Father O'Callaghan. Mass was held before that time in the homes of the members. EPISODE 18 OUR SCHOOLS READER: Lexington's first school was a little log shanty in the woods south of town. Mr. Sheldon was the first teacher and Delaware Indian children sat on the crude log benches beside the children of our white settlers. The teacher himself was barely able to give instruction and the only equipment was a bundle of birch switches. And yet, some of our competent business men, judges, and legis- lators received their early education in this type of school. Early School Scene Mr. Sheldon, the early teacher Fred S. Rabe Delaware Indian children Rodney Worth, a late comer, Steve Perry; Ronnie Thomas, Vicky Tracy, Charles Claudon White children Janet Whiteman, Judy Whiteman, Glenna Ling, Linda Ling, Gregory Peine, Margaret Cheever, John Cheever READER: In the 1840's school was held in a little building near the park and other classes were taught over Rowley's Tin Shop. In 1850 our first public school house was built in the public square. Up to this time, schools had been managed on the subscription plan, but when the railroad came through in 1854 our school system began to grow and was maintained by public taxation from then on. We had the West Primary, the East Primary, and an early High School upstairs in the Kent building, long since torn down. The tall, old brick building at the south-east edge of town, built in 1865, was again outgrown and replaced in 1896 by the building which burned on April 1, 1914. At that time we had the present High School building which was built in 1912. Then came the new Lincoln Grade School. Later on, a new, modern industrial arts and agriculture building and more recently the fine new building to join the grade school and high school buildings. 30 A large modern gymnasium furthers our athletic needs and the work of our physical education department. Art, literature, languages, commerce, industrial arts, and many fields of progress are now the privileges of our schools. Music is no longer a luxury, but a great necessity in the lives of our school children, "Booster March" ...... Klein "Trombrero" ....... Coficid Trombone Trio Jim Lindsay. Ronnie Winterland, Dale Ralston Redwood Overture ...... Coficid Lexington Unit School Band READER: Ours is fundamentally an agricultural community and we have made much progress since those early days. We proudly present our Future Farmers and our Future Home Makers. Ronnie Winterland Ronald Pulliam Richard Peden Al Killian James Mohr George Fell Ronnie Klein Richard Corbin Parade of Animals Ronnie Botkin Charles Berry Don Perkins Tommy Vincent James Morrison Larry Hutson Eddie Feit Loren Powell Bill Killian Hershel Wahls Richard Wahls James Payne Jim Lindsay Don Pei'kins Ronnie Bays Parade of Styles Lucille Hyneman Marilyn Purcell Barbara Ringenberg Linda Wilson Diane Sutter Brenda Downes Patricia Killian Juanita Wilson Mary Sue Kinsella Florence Slown READER: Now with the consolidation of our country schools, curs has become a well-organized unit and again, we have come a long way from that first log house in the woods south of town. We are proud of our school system, our teachers, our children, and our modern school transportation. Parade of School Busses Bill Add.jms Allen Gleeson Wallace Muoselman Robert Ralston George Eads Jack Musselman Elmo Page Bernard Worth EPISODE 19 INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS READER: Our first farmers raised corn and beans and like their Red neighbors depended largely upon wild game for food. Early farm implements were crude, but with the coming of the railroad, came better plows and better means of har- vesting the grain. Before the railroad, our grain was hauled by wagon to Peoria and Chicago. And so -- down through the years, we have seen much progress in farm machinery and methods of farming. Parade of Farm Implements "Where in the World But in America" Chorus Our early transportation was slow, but that, too, has seen many changes and improvements with each passing year and from that first covered wagon to the 1955 streamlined car, Lexington has always kept in pace with the times. Parade of Vehicles EPISODE 20 THE SPIRIT OF LEXINGTON "America Our Heritage" ..... Chorus First White Settler in Lexington Township John Patton (T. M. Patton) Youth of Tomorrow Johnny Brown READER: Lexington is the oldest town in McLean County in its original position and with its original name. Ours has been a rich heritage with years of struggle and hardship, but noble years of which we are justly proud. As we celebrate our one hundredth anniversary, we turn our faces to the second century and look forward with faith in our youth of Today, who will be our leaders of Tomorrow. We look back with great pride in our hearts for those who founded Lexington. Now in 1955, in all sincerity and humility, we feel that there are unlimited possibilities for noble deeds and worthy actions which could well rival the deeds and actions of our early settlers. Let us all look forward to a bright future of achievement, service, and progress for Lexington, for America, and for the world. "Battle Hymn of the Republic" THE END Chorus and Band In Appreciation The pageant committee wishes to express sincere appreciation to all who have so kindly given of their time, their talents, properties, and costumes in the production of our Centennial Pageant. Any omissions or errors are unintentional and sincerely regretted. 31 MEMBERS OF THE CHORUS Alice Wick Vancell Waters S'monne Elder Janice Elder Alice Miller Sharon Mangle Mary Kinsella Sandra Stone Margaret Lauher Patricia Larkin Gloria Maas Linda Wilson Carolyn Tracy Carolyn Maas Genie Blakeney Phyllis Tracy Arlene Winterland Amelia Gleeson Wilnia L. Woolard Dallas Myers Chris Poppe Hampton Botkin Soprano Virginia Steen- bei'gen Mary Bounds Norma Ingle Nina McCully Christena William; Mary Dunlap Mabelle Pample Clara Bruninga Yvonne McKeown Alto Virginia Hardt Adelheid Poppe Ella Wright Audrey Lanzer Harriett Wiley Evelyn Gleeson Erma Ward Amy Mool Elizabeth Worth Tenor Royal Whitman Albert Thomas Gene Wright Bass Edwin Sparks Miles Ward Dr. L. M. Magill Rev. C. Croxford W. C. Lindsay, Jr. John Brown Benny Klein Blanche Van Dolah Minerva Adreon Betty Ralston Ilene Beach Shirley Swartz Alice Stephey Pauline Arnold Betsy Nicholson Esther Maas Dorothy J. Lindsay Miriam Young Shirley Kinsella Betty Ralston Dorothy Bose Mary Lindenbaum Frances Schuth Gordon Dawson Rev. Loren Miller John Wiley Warren Stephey George Malcom David Van Dolah 32 MARBEN'S MEN'S AND BOYS' STORE Front and Center BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS Compliments of Reea Atlas Sales Inc. Bloomington, 111. H. E. REED, Pres. Flick's KO-Z Island Grill Across from Union Station BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS KenneH Murray and Co. HARRY HENNESSY Hogs Bought Every Day Except Saturday PHONE 4-3055 WEST MILLER STREET — BLOOMINGTON, ILL. "Sell Where They Nef More" Phone 3-7010 Prompt Delivery Prairie Feed and Grain Co. Purina Chows — Feed Ingredients 907 E. Grove St. BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS Henry Klafke Ralph Westfall DIAMONDS WATCHES Hoxworth's Jewelry 205 W. Washington St. BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS Expert Watch Repairing Costume Jewelry SIX POINTS IMPLEMENT CO. Ford Tractors — Dearborn Equipment South Morris Avenue at 66 BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS Air Conditioned Phone 2803-0 Q^ieen Milt Gcuj^ CENTRAL ILLINOIS MOST BEAUTIFUL DINING ROOM 212 W. Washington Bloomington, III. 33 Meiners Soil Service, Inc. "A Complete Service" Soil Testing - Limestone - Phosphate Anhydrous Ammonia - Mixing and Blending Fertilizers in Bulk or Bag - Liquid Fertilizers Phone 73 COLFAX, ILLINOIS Compliments of FUNK'S G. HYBRID FIELD SEEDS SOYBEAN PRODUCTS FUNK BROS. SEED CO. Bloomington, Illinois HAROLD SIRON Authorized Dealer Lyle Holloway Prop. B, eer wi nes Liq uors 34 PONTIAC LIVESTOCK SALES TRAINOR BROS. - OWNERS PONTIAC, ILLINOIS Phone 6724 BARN LOCATED ON ROUTE 116 Sale! Every Monday 12:30 P.M. Up to 20"^^' More Horsepower For Your Tractor With M & W ADD-POW'R PISTONS • Larger Diameter • Compression For Today's Fuels • Chrome Top & Oil Rings • 30% Longer Trouble Free Service Mfgrs. of 9-Speed Transmissions Live Pow'r P.T.O. Clutches Live Hydraulic Systems Quick Action Governors SEE YOUR LOCAL TRACTOR DEALER "Where Engineering Science Serves You' M 6- W Gear Co. Inc. ANCHOR, ILLINOIS JACK AND JILL of Bloomington INFANTS' AND CHILDREN'S WEAR 111-113 N. Center St. Phone 6425-0 3164-0 Wholesale and Retail 4149-5 Electric Motor Repair Co. Electric Motors — Sales and Service Eugene C. Struck 223 E. Front Street Bloomington, III. Congratulations Lexington For Fine Offset Printing . . . McKnight & McKnight PUBLISHERS • LITHOGRAPHERS BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS . . . Pfione 7-6075 -::^. Dr. Charles T. Gray, first dentist in Lexington Settled here from Virginia in 1 855 35 Compliments of Bloomington Tobacco Co. 109 West Grove BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS Wholesale Tobacco Products, Candy and Sundries Compliments of HICKSGAS BOTTLE AND BULK SERVICE Location of Plants: Colfax, Bloomington, and Pontiac For Lake Frontage LOTS See (J la ire Reece 214 E. Front St. Phone 5-8315 BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS Call Us See Us For Drapes — Blinds — Shades Carpets — Aluminum Awnings Knighi's Window Shoppe 218 E. Front St., Bloomington, III. Best Wishes! Paxton Typewriter Co. BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS Compliments of AUCTIONEER 36 LITTLE LEAGUE — PONY LEAGUE BASEBALL EQUIPMENT Bats — Gloves — Balls Uniforms, Lettered T-Shirts & Caps Bailey & Himes, Inc. "Home o-f Great Names in Sports" Manufacturer & Distributor AT WHOLESALE PRICES Phone 6-1341 606 E. Green CHAMPAIGN Best Wishes for a Successful Anniversary FORBES Sound Service Phone 9-4535 Electronic Engi}jeers 124 E. Beaufort St. NORMAL, ILL. PeapJed fianh Where You re Always Welcome OUR 86TH YEAR Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Producers Stockyards LaFayette Street and I. C. R. R. Phone 2013-0 BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS Master Mix Feeds Compliments of WALTONS Livingston County's Most Complete Department Store FAIRBURY. ILLINOIS 37 Meiners Grain & Seed Co. Arcady Feeds Fertilizer Fencing Swift Feeds Custom Grinding & Mixing Growers and Processors for the Wholesale Trade Phones 31 or 11 ANCHOR - ILLINOIS COMPLIMENTS OF GENE ALLISON Compliments of 312 N. MAIN BLOOMINGTON. ILL Compliments Little Boss Dairy NORMAL ILLINOIS CAMERA CRAFT STUDIO 117 North Street NORMAL, ILLINOIS ROWE Construction Company GENERAL CONTRACTORS 1523 West Market Street BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS Since 1925 Producers of Road Gravel - Sand and Gravel Contractors - General Road Construction - Bulldozer Work - Farm Drainage - Earth Moving Farm Tiling - Concrete Excavation - Back Fill Sewer-Water - Farm Ponds 38 When in Hloominjiton or Normal — Visit LUTZ MARKETS Modahl& Scott, Inc. READY-MIXED CONCRETE ERUIT MARKET 1409 So. Main, Bloomington An Open Air Fruit and Vegetable Market With All the Seasonal Items! BUILDING MATERIALS SUPER MARKET 1203 So. Main, Normal Hloomin^ton, III. Phone 52255 Buy the Certified Way and Save! A Complete Grocery and Market We Specialize in Melons, Berries, Apples, Peaches, Tomatoes, Potatoes, and Christmas Trees in Season GRADE A MILK AND DAIRY Best Wishes PRODUCTS Normal Sanitary Towancia Grain Co, Dairy Cooperative Delicious Ice Cream TASTE THE DIFFERENCE TOW AN DA, ILLINOIS 39 B anner Bread AT HAUSHALTER'S FRESH DAILY Regardless of the occasion, you're sure to find the perfect fashion for you from our wonderful collections. You always have twice as many to choose from at Roland's. ^oi^Mc(A A STORE OF FASHION LEXINGTON CENTENNIAL LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS July 10 through 17, 1955 — 'Our Hundred Years' With pride, we salute the community of Lexington at this time of cele- bration, recognizing your one hundred years . . . and wishing, as you embark on the second hundred, that the future holds all of fhose things that you plan for it. At Bloomington Federal, we can't match your years, but with a certain amount of pride, we too like to point to the record we have made over the years. At this time we particularly wish to invite you to get acquainted with the friendly services we offer. We encourage you just to drop by and say hello. Bloomington Feaeral Savings ana Loan Association Conveniently Located at 105 N. Center Street, Bloomington, III. 40 Mr. Peter Jenkins was 93 years old May 1, 1955. He came to Lexington in 1832 from Virginia. He was the father of 2 children. His son Elza Jenkins lives south of Lexington. Mrs. Belle Brown, wife of Newton Brown (now deceased) was born Dec. 31, 1864 at Arrowswith, III. and has lived all her life in McLean County and has spent 67 years in Lexington Township. She now resides with her daughter Leta in North side town. At age of 90 years she is very active about her home and flower garden. Mrs. Jennie Paul, wife of late Frances Asbury Paul was born Southeast of Lexington on a farm March 17, 1863 and moved to town when 4 years old. She was mother of 4 children. She has 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She lives in East end of town alone in her home with her son John Paul and family next door who care for her. The Governor and wife of Illinois sent her congratulations on her 92nd birthday this year. Mr. Louis Hampton Botkin was born at McDowell, Vir- ginia, Jan. 22, 1868. He come to Lexington, III. Feb. 24, 1886. He has lived and farmed within four miles of Lexington all these years. Mr. Botkin has been a member of the Lex- ington Methodist Church for 61 years and a member of the church choir for 32 years. He is the oldest living male mem- ber of the church today. 41 Comp/ttnenis oj EUREKA WILLIAMS COMPANY (DIVISION OF HENNEY MOTOR COMPANY, INC.) BLOOMINGTON. ILLINOIS j04t AfOuA .p/ui iOO AfeCiA4. May we serve you during your next 100 years with our complete Hue of clothing and sportswear for both men and women r=^ Open Friday Nites Free Parking Lot NORMAL, ILLINOIS 42 Compliments of Chenoo Milling Co. "MORRIS' BEST FEEDS" Phone 38 Chenoa, III. Wagner Stone Co. Agricultural Limestone and Road Rock CONCRETE MATERIAL 7 Miles South of Pon+iac — U. S. Route 66 Eppards Point Phone 2L42 R. R. No. 5 PONTIAC, ILLINOIS STOLLER FARM SUPPLY NATIONAL BANK OF CHENOA CHENOA, ILLINOIS COMPLETE BANKING SERVICE FOR THIS COMMUNITY CHENOA, ILLINOIS Congratulations to the Community of Lexington CW. Parry & Son GRAIN — COAL FUEL OIL — SEED — FERTILIZER Chen oa, Phone 24 43 People Who Always Want the Best in Everything Always Get It Here — Dewai Hotel & Tavern CHENOA. ILL. VODER'S LOCKER PLANT Complete Slaughtering Service Chenoa, III. Phone 2 J Glen Kauth Repair Shop BLACKSMITH — WELDING Trailers, Tanks, & Hog Baths Chenoa, 111. Phone 184 CHENOA FLOWER SHOP Invites you to visit our new Flower Shop Flowers, Plants, Shrubs, Trees Corsages Made to Order CHENOA, ILLINOIS Boles-Hoover Motor Co. Dodge & Plymouth Cars Dodge Trucks Chenoa, III. — Phone 1 50J Tinges Sales & Service Complete Overhaul and Tune-up on All Makes CHENOA. ILL. — PHONE 34 Pontiac Cars — G.M.C. Trucks ELVIB O. COOPER INSURANCE — SURETY BONDS REAL ESTATE CHENOA, ILL PHONE 94-W Compliments of NOE MOTOR CO. "Your Friendly Ford Dealer" Chenoa Phone 22R2 BOLES HARDWARE Dri-Gas Home Heating Appliances CHENOA PHONE 6 Ike Ho. jo. KAPPA, ILLINOIS Open on Sundays Bliss Farm Service Complete Fertilizer Service Corn Moving Phone 46 13 Cooksville, 111. THf. FROLICS Fresh Shrimp Cocktails Sandwiches COLD BEER LIQUORS KAPPA, ILLINOIS Home Cooking — Home Made Pies COFFEE 5c AIR CONDITIONED On Highway 24 GRIDLEY, ILL. 44 Chenoa Grain Company S'lKVFS CASH GRAIN BUYERS GRAIN STORAGE CAFE U. S. Bonded Warehouses CHENOA — BALLARD INTERSECTION CITY 66 & 24 CHENOA. ILL. Phone 21 R UNION ROOFING COMPANY THE FINEST STEAKS BETWEEN CHICAGO & ST. LOUIS CHENOA, ILLINOIS Roofing of All Kinds, Insulation, Wall, Floor Tile Plumbing, Heating, Guttering, Siding, Appliances, also Sales and Service of all TVs and Radio's We sell Parts, Philco. Crosley, Emerson, General Electric Phone Collect for Free Estimation or Information C. T. HOSELTON. Mgr. Harms Radio Service Frigidaire Appliances Authorized Service Chenoo Stone Co. R.C.A. RADIO and TV Gifts and Housewares CHENOA, ILLINOIS Chenoa, III. Phone 10 3 Miles North of Chenoa and Va Mile East On Route 66 Concrete Aggregates Road Rock — All Sizes Agricultural Limestone Phone Ocoya 43 Compliments of RICH'S TAP CHENOA, ILL. We Feature Michelob on Tap We Have Air Conditioning and Television 4 5 The Birlingmair family came from Chillicofhe, III. fo Lex- ington, having purchased 100 acres 3'/2 miles North of Lexington which has been in the family since 1868, and 160 acres have been added in recent years. The parents had 5 children: Joseph, wrho died at age 93; Henry, 91; Anna, 91; and Leonard, 81 . One sister Christine lives in Lexington. Mrs. Minnie Claggett, aged 92, was born Jan. 31, 1863 in Money Creek Township. Daughter of Josiah and Lucy Biggs, early settlers of McLean County. She married R. T. Claggett January 24, 1884. Mrs. Grace Riggs, 93, was a daughter of General Franklin and Clara Dement Franklin. Her living descendants are two grandchildren, Frances Baldwin and George Riggs. She was always an active member of the Christian Church. She now resides in Meadows. Miss Eleanor Pierson was born January 16, 1865 on the Pierson farm east of Pleasant Hill. She moved with her mother to Lexington in 1901. She made her home here until 1919 when she went to the home of her sister, Mrs. M. L. Douglas four miles southwest of Colfax. She returned to Lexington in the summer of 1927 buying the property which was her home until September 1 952 when she went to reside in the Meadows Mennonite Home 46 Benjamin and Mary Ann Patton Aaron Patton -Til'' Patton Blockhouse and Cabin in 1832 The first house in Lexington township was erected in the summer of 182'J by John Patton, a native of Kentucky. He had spent the previous winter at John Dawson's in Old Town. In the spring some fur traders from Ft. Clark, now Peoria, told him of a fine location at a Kickapoo town near the Mackinaw river and Patton immediately packed up and started for the place which he found deserted. There were two or three dozen pole cabins and he took possession of the best of them and proceeded to make himself at home. In a few days however he saw coming over a southern trail a long string of 150 Indians; they wei'e coming single file and were just getting home from their winter's hunt. They were not at all pleased when they saw a stranger in possession of their best cabin but decided to tol- erate him when they found he could mend their guns and later he won their friendship. When the heavy timbers for the Patton log house were ready to be put in place the Indians helped ))Ut them in position. The house when completed was a double log cabin a story and a half high. There were two rooms below 20 feet square with a hallway between 10 by 20 feet. A wide porch ran along the entire south side of the build- ing. Each room was supplied with a fireplace with deep cupboards of walnut placed on either side. It was considered a most comfortable and commodious home when completed. From this start came Selma or Pleasant Hill. This log cabin is still standing on the James Pierson estate at the southeast corner of Selma. Several descendents of John Patton live in Lexington. Descendents of his granddaughter, Mrs. Sarah Bishop and her son George Bishop and family reside here. Tilden Patton, prominent Lexington business man, is a great grandson of the earliest pioneer. 47 Comphments of Kemp Grain Co, & Feed Mill Ph. 45 Texington, III. Qo4fi/piUii^e4^ 4 OUUuoii Pawe^ GoM/pXUU^ 48 HISTORY OF PLEASANT HILL The development of this community sprang from the coming, in 1829, of John Patton, who chose a spot about one-half mile east of Pleasant Hill for his log cabin home. Isaac Smalley, pioneer teacher, preacher and farmer who came to the community in 1838 had a surveyor, Mr. R. Bullock, make a plat of Pleasant Hill in 1840. The name of the village was suggested by Mrs. Milton Smith and chosen by Mr. Smalley. Because a town in Southern Illinois had previously adopted this name, government authorities pre- vailed on the inhabitants to have their post office called "Selma." By 1847 Pleasant Hill was the largest town in McLean County, outside of Bloomington. The first grist mill was built in 1831 by John Patton and John Haner, Sr. on land later known as the Stephen Finley farm. This was a horse-power mill. The first saw mill was built by John Patton in 1836 on the North bank of the Mackinaw, Section 21, and was run by water power. In 1851 a steam mill was built and known as the Goddard Mill. A cabinet shop was built by Joseph Patton, about V2 mile east of the village on land later owned by the Windle Sisters. A wagon shop was conducted by Job Denning. Early black- smith shops were operated by Cornelius Palmer, Jacob Brown and others a little later by John Palmer, Patton Wilson, etc. In 1830 a Methodist class was organized at the home of John Patton, John Brumhead being the class leader. The M. E. Church was erected in 1847. Rev. Stephen R. Begg was the first located Methodist minister in town. In 1837 a United Brethren church was built. The first school house was built in 1832 on the N. W. quarter of Sec. 21. First teachers were Mrs. Delilah Den- ham and A. J. Flesher. Children of school age numbered 82 in 1842 — and 210 by 1852. The log school house was discarded and a frame house moved from Lexington to Pleasant Hill and converted into a school building, about 1843. It had seats, desks, and a large box stove. Then in 1847 a two-story building was erected and called an Academy. Pleasant Hill organized a Library Association in 1858 — the first in the county outside of Bloomington. During the Civil war period this town was noted for being one of the stations of the famous Underground Railroad, where many slaves were conducted, hidden and transported on to other places. Among the other early settlers and merchants not mentioned above were William Bratton, Enoch and Foster, George Webster, H. W. Underbill, Claggett and Mahan, G. M. Fox, W. D. Johnson, George Bradford, Rant Jenkins, Absalom Bills, Newton Denning, Samuel Paul, H. Foster, Joseph Enoch, Scott Arnold, and G. H. Edwards; also Matthew Adams, Moses Cochran, Dr. J. W. Waters, Dr. Dooley, and Dr. D. T. Douglass. Cynthia Smalley Lawrence Girls' Seminary. Pleasant Hill 49 Old block house that stood west of Lexington. Built in 1S33 for protection against Indians. Fort Bartholomew was built in I 832 by Gen. Joseph Bartholomew, a distinguished Indian fighter, and was located five miles northwest of Pleasant Hill, in section 13, Money Creek Township, on land later owned by Mrs. J. B. Dawson, just six rods southeast of the residence. Nothing remains to mark this historic spot. The fort was built of green logs from the timber nearby, size 20 x 30, the upper story projected so shots could be fired from the top should the enemy try to scale the walls or kindle a fire. The fort, as a means of defense, was never made use of. Sen. Bartholomew was a man of means and Influence, owning large tracts of land here, and to him we are indebted for blazing the way in the com- munity. Hero of Tippecanoe, fought in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Blackhawk War, he lies buried in the Clarksville cemetery. 50 Malcolm Magill, father of Dr. L. M. Maqiil came to Lexington from Pennsylvania before the Civil War. He went into partnership with A. G. Woodard and together they built wagons, plows and buggies. He was on the first town council and a member of the first school board. His death occurred in 1873. Mary Jenkins Weakley was born in Virginia June 2, 1864. Come to Lexington when around 16 years of age. Married to John Hutcheson in Lexington Nov. 16th, 1884. To this union was born 3 children. A boy, John Jr., and a daughter Carrie passed away at the age of 3. A son Alex makes his home with his mother. Mr. Hutcheson passed away July 18, 1912. Viola Flesher Murphy was born in Money Creek Township in 1864, a daughter of John and Catharine Flesher. She married Edward Murphy in 1883. They were the parents of two children, one deceased. A son, Eldon Murphy (Pot) is with the State Highway Patrol. There are two grand- children and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Murphy passed away in 1934. Mrs. Murphy lived on a farm all her life until 1 890 when she moved to Lexington where she still lives. Landmark, built in 1899 by D. H. Van Dolah 51 Main Street — 1893 Main Street — 1955 52 Louis Smith It shaves bristles off a hairbrush tougher than any whiskers. It shoves the fuzz off peach without irritation. Our Tnanks To REMINGTON ELECTRIC SHAVERS For Tne Prizes Tney Have Uouaiea COMPLIMENTS OF J. A. MURRAY 53 WATT & PIRKEY STORE Merchandise sold by merchants in 1847 cost the consumer as follows: '/2 bu. meal l2'/2 cents Deer skins $1.50 Venison 4 cents a pound Bacon 02 a lb. Potatoes 25 per bushel Hind ground beef 02'/2 lb. Pair boots $1.00 Flour 01 lb. Butter 10 lb. Eggs 05 dozen New wagon $80.00 I doz. prairie hens .52 Calico 121/2 yd. Side combs 05 Labor worked for 25c per day. Board was $8 per month. Corn l2'/2 bushel Cows sold for $7. In 1849 I yoke oxen sold for $50. Lexington Restaurant in Days Gone By 54 r--- Fernwood Fells Fernwood Fells Log Cabin Livery Stable — 1892 55 Burroughs Gibson's Sporting Goods Plumbing & Heating Co. MERCURY MOTORS, BOATS LENNOX GENERAL ELECTRIC BICYCLES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Phone 7292-0 1307 So. Main NORMAL. ILLINOIS Normal, III. Cooks ville Grain Co. Grain, Coal & Fertilizer PHONE 252 COOKSVILLE, ILL. 56 YOUNG'S DRUG STORE Orville J. Young, R. Ph. Lexington, Illinois Compliments of Lexington, Illinois Jio4ue^ R,ec/ueati04€ r///'fK/rrv iiwi- Villi tlir tinp>l aiildinalic DISTRIBUTOR OF ROPER Ranges and Clothes Dryers PENFIELD Hot Water Heaters SERVEL Refrigerators BRYANT Furnaces Dunlap Repair Service Lexington, Illinois Phone 142 66 First Graduating Class of Lexington High School — 1879 Mary V. (Grey) Bertels S. B. L. Merrill Fanny (Okeson) Stiles George B. M. Shilling Millie M. (Stevenson) Buterbaugh Ideal Lodge No. 338 Knights oj Pytliias Instituted 1893 in Lexington Compliments of WM. CRUM DE KALB CORN & CHICKS Lexington, Illinois. Compliments of Jenkins Paint Service 401 North Pine Street LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS Compliments of Myers Incorporofed COMPLETE CROP SEKViCE Lexington, Illinois Compliments of Bill's Sealtest Dairy Your Local SEALTEST Milk Distributor Compliments of Glen Ingle Television Service GUARANTEED WORK Phone 258 LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS 67 Old Lindsay Store — 1891 LINDSAY'S The Store Dependable Since 185Q 68 Bornder's Standard Service Lexington, ATLAS TIRES GREASING -Phone 287 TIRE REPAIRING BATTERY SERVICE Hope's Repair Service Electric and Acetylene Welding Tractor & Farm Machinery Repairing LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS Captain William Goddard Only Spanish War Veteran living In Lexington Claucie KinsGlla Local and Long Distance Hauling Livestock Hauling a Specialty Office Phone 11 — Res. Phone 145 Since 1928 at Lexington The Very Best in Food Locker Service One-Half Mile South of Lexington on 66 SERVING CHICKEN AND STEAKS ALSO COCKTAILS Wilma and Toby Davidson 410 Wesi Main Street LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS Lockers for Rent Phone K) 69 Introducing Staleys Feeds Complete Feeds and Concenfrates for your Livestock and Poultry Manufactured by The A. E. Staley Mfg. Co. Peine Grain & Lumber Co LEXINGTON, ILLINOIS Compliments of PURITY BAKING COMPANY BAKERS OF SUNBEAM BREAD BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS CONGRATULATIONS ON lOOTH ANNIVERSARY PONTIAC MUSIC CO. Jerry Aussieker — Owner PONTIAC, ILLINOIS Phone 4239 70 AUTOGRAPHS 71 HELEN AND T. M. PATTON Community of Lexington 129 Years Old Settled in 1826 A A Incorporated 1851 COMPLETE LINE OF BUILDING MATERIALS I PAMPHLET BINDER -~ '~ Syracuse, N. Y, — Stockton, Calif. i F UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 977.359LS91 CD01 LEXINGTON CENTENNIAL. 1855-19SS. LEXINGT 3 0112 025394427 II