Welcome to Decatur Guide 2022

RECREATION

ENTERTAINMENT

EDUCATION

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Y O U R G U I D E TO L I V I N G I N D E C AT U R I L L I N O I S

It’s no secret that we know what it means to “roll up your sleeves and get to work.” A strong work ethic and well-trained workforce are the foundation as we grow products that feed and fuel the world. Top notch advanced training and continuing education facilities enhance job opportunities and career development in Decatur.

We play hard, too. With over 2000 acres of parks and recreational facilities, we enjoy playing outside, boating on Lake Decatur or listening to great live music. Home to over 130 festivals and special events every year, Decatur offers plenty of opportunities for a good time.

welcome to decatur!

Decatur, Illinois is a unique place. Geographically, we're located smack dab in the middle of things. With our acres of farm fields and prairie, we typify the nation's heartland. New products and innovative technologies are developed here, and a vast network of roads and rails efficiently link our products to global destinations that feed and fuel the world.

But there's a softer side to our city, too, and it's defined by the spirit of the people who live and work here. Their energy, optimism, talent, vision, and just plain hard work form the true heart of Decatur, and guide our city's future.

Browse these pages for a compelling snapshot of our community that creates a visual portrait of who we are and where we're going. Much like the uplifted gaze captured on Commodore Stephen Decatur's statue, we look forward to the future, too, and want to welcome you to our wonderful city.

YOUR FRIEND, THE CHAMBER It has been said that moving day can be one of those times that make or break friendships. A true friend will help. The Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce is here for you, too. The chamber's complete Relocation Packet includes all the tools you need to make your move a little easier. To learn more, call 217-422-2200 or go to www.decaturchamber.com.

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Mirinda Rothrock Chamber President David Schrock Director of Membership & Marketing Tia Blakeman Director of Finance & Administration Jennifer Oberheim Director of Communications & Member Engagement Emma Roark Communications & Membership Coordinator Lee Nailer Administrative Assistant

M A G A Z I N E

Welcome to Decatur is published annually by Decatur Magazine and is distributed through the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

With more than 130 years serving as the “Voice of Business” for the Decatur community, the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to promote opportunity and prosperity in local commerce. The Chamber advocates on behalf of members for business-friendly legislation while connecting members to programs, services, and networking opportunities which help make local business thrive and grow. We champion initiatives to further strengthen our Chamber members.

Investing in your local chamber means investing in community growth, as the Chamber strives to grow and retain locally operated businesses and partners with area organizations on community initiatives. Be an active part of the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce and take advantage of resources, incentives and professional networking available exclusively for chamber members.

Learn more at decaturchamber.com

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For advertising inquiries or to direct questions and comments about the magazine contact Decatur Magazine at 217-423-0422 or email publisher@decaturmagazine.com.

For more information about the Decatur area community contact the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce at 217-422-2200 or visit their website at www.decaturchamber.com.

Copyright 2022 Decatur Magazine, PO Box 498, Decatur IL 62525. 217-423-0422. Contents may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission from the publisher.

Proud member of the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce.

DIGITAL EDITION Easily browse the pages of this guide with shared links to popular local websites at decaturmagazine.com

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14 Creative Climate

48 Down Home Cooking

Miles of Lake Decatur shoreline and waves of water recreation; acres of parks and green space; and sports scenes played out on soccer fields, golf courses, tennis courts and ball fields – make Decatur the center for fun.

The entire city is our stage, where art galleries host rare exhibits right along with the bright splashes of student watercolors; curtains rise on internationally-known performers and local thespians; and cultural heritage is celebrated in song, dance, and sculpture.

There are definite advantages to life on the prairie. For the Noland family, an experimental landscape project turned their farm into a culinary paradise.

18 Preserving Our Past We walk the same blocks tread by Abraham Lincoln, and surround ourselves with the successes of Decatur's founding families. Experience history through our eyes, and you'll see homesteads restored to their original grandeur and museums brimming with yesteryear treasures.

22 Walk Through Time Experiencing part of Decatur's past can be as simple as a walk around the block. The stately homes in Millikin Place take a bow to historic architecture that is beautifully preserved.

36 Calling All Kids Learn to play is our motto. Whether your children want to take up a musical instrument, dance on stage, master a sport, or discover the world around them, after-school programs offer them the chance to grow.

44 Good Neighbors Look at a map of the Decatur area and you'll see a patchwork quilt of communities – neighborhoods with a history, a personality, and a story to tell.

Home to historic bungalows, stately mansions, lakeside retreats and new suburban expansion, they weave the fabric of an appealing place to live.

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Freestyle SCAN, CONNECT & ENJOY! Explore Macon County with self-guided walking and driving tours using brochures, audio CD’s and digital mapping – interactive tools you can use to navigate safely on your own.

Scan the codes with your mobile device to get started on your journey.

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DECATUR AT A GLANCE PARKS & RECREATION ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY & MUSEUMS AREA MAP - CENTER SPREAD EVENTS, FAIRS & FESTIVALS EDUCATION HEALTH & WELLNESS HOMES & GARDENS SHOPPING DINING

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OPEN FOR BUSINESS IN

DOWNTOWN

D E C AT U R EXPERIENCE

DINING

DOWNTOWN DECATUR,

Anna Thai Exotic cuisine 253 N. Main

the site of an extensive $14 million redevelopment project imagined as the next step in growth of the city’s Central Business District. The threephased plan added new sidewalks, landscaping, lighting and recreational opportunities that signaled a return to prominence of the city’s core in the form of business and job creation and entertainment options that create an appealing destination for both local residents and visitors alike.

Napoli's Italian Food 134 E. Main

Blue Connection Art Gallery & Gift Shop 125 N. Water

Linenwood Boutique Womenswear & accessories 117 N Main

R Bar & Grill A La Carte Menu 157 W. Main

Brass Horn Men’s Clothier 108 E. Prairie

Madden Arts Center First Friday Entertainment 125 N. Water

River Coffee Company Coffeehouse & Café 101 N. Main

Brass Horn Too Women’s Clothier 112 E. Prairie

Murphy Co. Kitchen & Home Decor 163 N. Water

Coney McKanes All-American Eatery 104 E. Prairie

Robbies Grille Unique relaxed atmosphere 122 Merchant Street

Dali Bliss Salon & Boutique 159 W. Main

Novel Ideas Bookstore & Gifts 480 E. Main

Doherty's Pub & Pins Irish Food & Spirits 242 E. William

Sloan’s Calzones Pizza, subs & more 190 Merchant Street

Decatur Coin & Jewelry Coin Collections and Vintage Jewelry 104 N. Main

One Twisted Sister Women's Clothing & Accessories 124 Merchant Street

Downtown Café Down home delicious 217 N. Main

TapRoot American Cuisine 170 Merchant Street

Del’s Popcorn, Popcorn & Sweets 142 Merchant Street

Penelope Boutique Women's Clothing 135 E. Prairie

The Establishment Downtown Speakeasy 259 N. Main

Wildflour Bakery & Coffee Shop 256 W. Main

Flora Gems Custom Designs & Estate Jewelry 101 N. Water

Raupp's Shoes Men, Women & Children 139 N. Water

The Gin Mill Prime steaks & cocktails 124 E. Prairie

SHOPPING

Gallery 510 Art gallery/frame shop 160 E. Main

Bobbi Lane's BBQ and more!

101 S. Main Caddy Shack Golf & Grub 231 N. Main

Jimmy John's Freaky Fast 154 Merchant Street Lincoln Lounge It’s All Greek 121 N. Main

All Things Beautiful Collectibles & Gifts 225 N. Main The ArtFarm Handmade Gifts & Home Goods 252 N. Park

Giggles Fun and games card shop 112 Merchant Street

Shop on Main Women’s Clothier 407 N. Main Tournesol Gifts inspired by nature 134 Merchant Street

All merchants will follow IDPH health guidelines for wearing masks, social distancing and capacity limits and may have limited hours of operation. Guidelines are subject to change. To learn more call 217-423-7000.

decatur at a glance POPULATION (2020 US CENSUS) 103,998 Macon County 70,552 Decatur 3,734 Forsyth 6,019 Mt. Zion

HOUSING Households Macon County Median Home Value Average Apartment Rent Median HH Income Cost of Living Index

44,588 $98,400 $669/month $50,967 82.8 (low, US avg. 100)

TOP EMPLOYERS Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Caterpillar (CAT) Decatur Memorial Hospital Decatur Public Schools HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Millikin University The Kelly Group Akorn Inc. Tate & Lyle Ameren Illinois Norfolk & Southern Mueller Company

LOCATION Located at the junction of Interstate 72 and Route 51, Decatur offers convenient access to major metropolitan areas and other central Illinois communities within easy driving distance.

TRAVEL Distance from Decatur in miles Bloomington-Normal 45 Champaign-Urbana 42 Springfield 36 Chicago 179 Indianapolis 165 St. Louis 120 Kansas City 344

CLIMATE Average Temperature

Winter 31.17 F Summer 74.67 F

Average Annual Precipitation

Rainfall 37 inches Snowfall 23 inches

Comfort Index 7.2/10

Sunny Days 200

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES (IDPH 2021 DATA) Hospitals Decatur Memorial Hospital St. Mary's Hospital 530 Total Beds

COMMUNITY FACILITIES Art Galleries Museums Performance Venues City Parks Conservation Areas Public Gardens Bike Trail Dog Park Disc Golf Course Golf Courses Miniature Golf Course Climbing Wall/Ropes Course Water Park Children’s Museum Zoo Tennis Courts Bowling Facilities Skateboarding Pickleball Courts Ice Skating Football/Soccer Fields Ball Diamonds Lighted Ball Diamonds Sports Complex Water Access

7 7 8 48 (2,000 acres) 5 (3,600 acres) 5 16 miles 2 2 2 public/2 private 2 2 1 1 1 25 public/2 private 1 1 skate park 10 public, 2 private 1 indoor rink 18 34 20 3 outdoor/1 indoor Lake Decatur Sangamon River Lake Shelbyville Clinton Lake

Average commute time in Decatur is 16 minutes.

For more information contact the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce at 217-422-2200 or decaturchamber.com.

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FUN CENTRAL Acres of parks and nature trails; miles of Lake Decatur shoreline and waves of water recreation; and sports scenes from youth hockey to tennis and golf — make Decatur the center for fun.

Lake Decatur Much of Decatur's story links to our lake.

Created in 1922, Lake Decatur established itself as the state's largest artificial body of water with a total of 2,800 acres and a 30mile shoreline.

Today, roles as the city's primary water source, recreational hub, and wildlife haven reflect a unique partnership between the City of Decatur, which owns the Lake, and the Decatur Park District, principal owner of its 2,000-acre shoreline. Generous public access affords plenty of boating and fishing, parks, wildlife vistas, and flyway observation decks.

Boating is a popular pastime on Lake Decatur for sailing, cruising or fishing. Home to over twenty fishing tournaments each year, the lake draws visitors from across the country. The Commodore Decatur Yacht Club and a host of other boat clubs provide private boat slips and organized events for members. continued on next page

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The community shares a vested interest in this vital and historic resource, and plans for continued development include a proposed $35 million lake enhancement project that includes a rejuvenated new lakefront with retailers, restaurants, amphitheater and condominiums.

The first phase, completed in summer 2011, includes a dog park, adventure trail, disk golf and other fitness amenities in Nelson Park.

The Beach House promenade and new marina on the lakefront are complete. Overlook Adventure Park includes the mini-golf complex, ropes course, batting cages and new aquatic center.

Great Outdoors Decatur presents a panorama of “green space:” Over 5,000 acres fit for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, sledding, golfing, horseback riding, camping, birding, picnicking — or simply relaxing. And with two dog parks, there's even ample play space for man's best friend!

Six community and 30 neighborhood parks — a total of 2,000 green acres — comprise the Decatur Park District's outdoor recreation system. Friendly neighborhood “pocket parks” sport sandboxes and swings, while longtime favorites like Fairview Park, where nostalgia is among nature's gifts, have charmed residents for decades. Restored to its 1950's glory, Fairview's Dreamland Lake transports many Decaturites to summer days spent fishing with Grandpa and feeding the ducks or winter afternoons ice-skating with a sweetheart. New memories are made here every day, too, as the “rolls” from Fairview's most recent addition — a Skate Park built to spec for local skateboarders with banked wedges, pipes and ramps — and the shouts of wintertime sledders on Cannonball hill attest.

Sixteen miles of trail way connect nature's landscapes and beckon outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Park paths follow terrain ranging from abundant woodlands and rolling meadows to unspoiled prairie and lush greenways bordering the Sangamon River and Stevens Creek. A ten-foot wide, handicapped accessible bikeway spans 3.2 miles and connects Fairview and Kiwanis parks and the Rock Springs nature area. A new bikeway extension was completed in the fall that extends north from the Fairview Park trail and will eventually connect to Forsyth.

Protecting nature's bounty is a priority for our community as well, and much of its guardianship lies with the Macon County Conservation District, whose mission to acquire, maintain, and restore natural areas and cultural sites embraces 3,200 acres of nature, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.

Five tracts — each with unique geography, habitat, history, and recreational opportunities — fall under the District's auspices including Rock Spring Nature Center, and Friends Creek, Sand Creek, Fort Daniel and Griswold Conservation Areas.

Sporting Life Complementing this relatively spontaneous side of the great outdoors is the community's invigorating array of organized athletic activities — a range well suited to participants or spectators. In addition to one of the nation's premiere park systems, the Decatur Park District also manages 58 baseball diamonds, dozens of tennis and basketball courts, fourteen soccer fields, and two public golf courses.

Decatur's complexes and sports facilities host competitive events ranging from swim, hockey, and gymnastics, to cheerleading, cross country, soccer, and martial arts.

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Golf Rated 18th in the nation by Golf Digest Magazine for accessibility and affordability, Decatur is right on par with two award-winning public golf courses. The flat, wide fairways of Hickory Point Golf Course, situated on Decatur's north side, challenge both beginner and experienced golfers. Designed by Roger Packard, Hickory Point features a lighted driving range and a special, six-hole short course.

The newest star in our golf galaxy is Red Tail Run, designed by the legendary Raymond Floyd. With large, undulating greens, wide rolling fairways, and native prairie grasses and plants, and serving as Decatur's Audubon-sanctioned golf course, Red Tail Run is in synch with the environment — and with enthusiastic golfers.

Two private clubs in Decatur, the Country Club of Decatur and South Side Country Club, offer championship golf for members on their manicured 18-hole courses managed by PGA professionals.

Play Ball With five lighted softball/baseball diamonds and four illuminated volleyball courts, Rotary Park, the city's premier sports complex, sees its fair share of competitors, too. Ideal for large tournaments, Rotary Park hosts teams from throughout the region and state, as well as just for fun leagues for locals during the summer.

Take it indoors Take a look at recreation from the inside out, and you'll find spaces as expansive as our great outdoors. Decatur's Civic Center, host to meetings and expositions by day, gets “cool” on evenings and weekends, when families and friends take to its indoor ice arena. The rink also is headquarters for the Decatur Flames, a competitive hockey league comprised of more than 200 area youth ages four through high school, and part of the Decatur Youth Hockey Association.

With 87,000 square feet of space, the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) has indoor recreation covered under one impressive roof — from two gymnasiums, a four-lane competitive grade track, dance studios, and batting/pitching cages to a climbing wall, indoor golf center and weight room.

On the city's north side is the recently expanded Greater Decatur YMCA, with racquetball courts, indoor swimming, Wellness Center, personalized training programs, a wide array of fitness classes, and on-site childcare.

College and Prep Sports Spectators find action, too, with Decatur-area teams providing plenty to watch. At the college level, we cheer on the Big Blue of Millikin University, whose men's and women's teams compete in football, basketball, baseball, softball, cross-country, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling as part of the CCIW (College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin.) Cheers echoed throughout our city in 2006, when the Millikin University Women's Basketball team snagged the NCAA Division II National Championship.

And whether it's decades-old high school bragging rights between the Eisenhower Panthers and the MacArthur Generals, or the Illinois High School Association Class 2A Football State Champion MaroaForsyth Trojans versus St. Teresa's Bulldogs, bleachers are packed and loyalties run deep.

More Places to Play Take a walk on the wild side at Scovill Zoo, home to wild and domestic animals from around the world. The Z.O. & O. Express Train winds through the 15-acre site and no visit is complete without a ride on the Endangered Species Carousel. The Zoo hosts special family events (like Boo at the Zoo in October) and educational programs at the Shilling Environmental Center year round. Annual family memberships are available.

Another long-time favorite, the Children's Museum of Illinois, bills itself as a place where “children play to learn, and adults learn to play.”

Ranked among the top 25 children's museums in the country by Child magazine, the facility spans two floors of interactive exhibits and 10,000 square feet of exhibit space. Where else can you dare yourself to ascend “Luckey's Climber,” or make a life-size bubble? Situated throughout the Museum, interactive stations encourage youngsters to be whoever they imagine — pilot, builder, banker, or scientist. Ten permanent exhibits complement traveling exhibits and special projects.

Windows to other worlds also open at Rock Springs Nature Center, a 1,350-acre site situated in the midst of Rock Springs Conservation Area.

The Children's Awareness Room acquaints youngsters with residents of prairie, forest, and aquatic environments, and encourages them to “spy” on new friends through the Room's expansive window. Interpretive staff members are always on hand to help translate local critter dialogue.

At Overlook Adventure Park, you’ll find a new 36-hole miniature golf complex designed for all skill levels, along with a ropes course and batting cages. Splash Cove, the new family aquatic center includes slides, zip lines and lazy river.

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CREATIVE CLIMATE Our venues are a lively mix, where art galleries host rare exhibits right alongside bright splashes of local students' watercolors; curtains rise on internationally-known performers and local thespians; and cultural heritage is celebrated in song, dance, and sculpture. Throughout the Decatur area, talent radiates and spotlights shine on artists and performers of all ages.

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First Friday Art Walk Downtown Decatur is home to four art galleries, all within easy walking distance of each other. This close proximity inspired gallery walks on the First Friday of every month where you'll find displays of original art, entertaining musicians, and culinary delights year round. Take a stroll through the ArtFarm, Gallery 510, Blue Connection and the Madden Art Center where creativity takes center stage.

Sounds of Music If you love music the way we do, tune in. From small intimate recitals to music halls filled to capacity, Decatur's nine performance venues offer everything from opera to rock and roll.

One of the region's most cherished annual traditions is Vespers, where 300 Millikin University student voices and instrumentalists come together in song to celebrate the sounds of the holiday season. Browse the pages of The Season guide for music, theatre and dance performances presented throughout the year.

Take A Tour Take to the streets for a creative spin on history. Go on a walking tour of Decatur's historic architecture or drive past stunning displays of public art, like the original sculpture created by Preston Jackson as a tribute to African American Civil War soldiers, or the downtown painted wall murals depicting significant moments in Decatur’s history. Contact the Chamber for Self-Guided Tour brochures.

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Curtain Calls Thousands of patrons are drawn to the annual Kirkland Performing Arts series, which typically includes music, comedy, and dance performances with appeal for the entire family. Nationally acclaimed musical tours have included Rent, Grease, Evita, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, and many others. Located on the Millikin University campus, Kirkland Fine Arts Center is joined by Albert Taylor Theatre and Pipe Dreams Studio as the perfect venues for University student performances ranging from comedy to drama, and musicals to dance.

Another talented troupe are the Decatur Community Dancers, whose performance “home” is Richland’s Shilling Auditorium. In addition to theatre productions, this 325-seat venue also hosts lectures, film series, annual business meetings, and community stage productions. Theatre 7, Decatur's all-volunteer community theater troupe, performs in the Decatur Civic Center theater. More than 150 Theatre 7 members perform on-stage and assist behind the scenes, and are supported by hosts of local businesses — and enthusiastic audiences.

Perfect Harmony Ours is a musically gifted community, where the local composite of talent — ranging from Millikin University instrumental faculty to high school jazz bands — is literally music to our ears. Hitting a particularly high note within this musical range is the Decatur Municipal Band — formed in 1857 and believed to be the nation’s oldest non-military band in continuous service.

Residents count on the sounds of their Municipal Band at parades, special events, and summertime concerts in Central Park. Another rewarding experience for musicians and audiences alike is the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra (MDSO), an ensemble comprised of Millikin University instrumental faculty, students, and freelance musicians.

Opening receptions unveiling new exhibits.

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PRESERVING THE PAST It's no stretch to say history surrounds us, and the legacy of those who came before is easy to find. It's carved in building facades, and etched on street signs. We invest, visit, volunteer, and support museums and restorations to honor, remember, and learn from those early pioneers.

We walk the same blocks tread by Abraham Lincoln, and surround ourselves with the successes of Decatur's founding families.

Experience history through our eyes, and you'll see homesteads restored to their original grandeur; museums brimming with yesteryear treasures; and monuments built to pay tribute to fallen heroes. continued on next page

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Lincoln in Decatur At age 21, our nation's 16th president first laid eyes on Decatur in March 1830, his first home in Illinois. Through the next three decades, the fledgling attorney – and the young city – would continue to intersect, with Decatur ultimately playing a pivotal role in Lincoln's political destiny. Today, you can trek “Honest Abe's” path at 15 Wayside Exhibits throughout the community that tell the story of his journey to the White House. Ten of the exhibits are located in downtown Decatur for a convenient selfguided walking tour.

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Explore & Learn Our region has a culturally rich heritage of thinkers, dreamers, inventors and leaders, and you can understand why when you come here. You, too, can experience the influence of our forefathers by visiting lovingly restored mansions, museums and antique centers brimming with treasures that preserve the past for future generations. The James Millikin Homestead and Richard Oglesby Mansion offer monthly tours and open houses. The Macon County Museum Complex is home to a prairie village, Lincoln Courthouse and historical artifacts and the Homestead Prairie Village at Rock Springs Nature Center tell the story of the region's early settlers.

When Hieronymus Mueller emigrated to the U.S. from Germany, his brothers who lived in Freeport, Illinois, advised him to “pick a good town with a railroad and grow with it. Decatur, a town south of here, is at the junction of two railroads. Go there and grow up with the town.”

A gunsmith and machinist, Mueller became an inventor — answering practical needs of a world entering the industrial age. Mueller Company retained its family ownership until 1986, and the company remains a thriving enterprise today. Located on the Mueller Company grounds along Eldorado Street is the Hieronymus Mueller Museum, just the place to meet Decatur’s “unsung genius” and holder of over 500 patents. This eclectic spot shows how Mueller and his descendents invented and manufactured everything from the first sanitary drinking fountain to fire hydrants. There’s even an example of one of the first Mueller-Benz automobiles.

The restored mansion at 361 N. College Street is home to the Staley Museum that preserve the history of the A. E. Staley Family, The Staley Historic Home and the A. E. Staley Mfg. Co., especially as it pertains to the history of the city of Decatur and the larger agricultural community. The Museum serves as a repository of information, historical documentation and memorabilia, as well as a cultural and educational contributor to the community of Decatur.

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by jan mathew photography by curt knapp & gary sebens

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Developed and built from around 1909 to 1921 and anchored by the Millikin Homestead, this small but spacious seven-lot residential area was home to families that walked its street and shaped our city: The Millikins, Muellers, Gradys.

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But within the broad context of local history, #5 Millikin Place — surrounded by lush greenery and tucked along the street's cul-de-sac — tells its own sweet circle-of-life story.

Splash a bit of water on the front walkway cement, and you'll see “1934” and the hint of an infant handprint belonging to artist and sculptor Lucien Kapp, who has lived at #5 for 80 of his 86 years.

Considerably more visible are the small handprints of Kapp's grandchildren, Lilly and Oliver, dated 2009 and preserved in cement near the side door.

“This house told me what it wanted,” says Kapp of the intricate restoration process that returned the family home to its 1920's roots.

When his parents moved out in 1971, they gifted the house to Kapp and his wife, Brigitta. “At first I thought living here would be transient,” Kapp admits. “But I grew into a creature of sentiment.”

Memories best describe his deep feelings for Millikin Place. An only child whose mother died when he was two, Kapp had plenty of playmates and was considered a Millikin Place “mascot” of sorts. He learned to play Monopoly in the library of #2 with friends Bill and Betty Funk, the grandchildren of original owners Edward and Florence Irving. Perhaps a predictor of his celebrated artistic career, Kapp intuitively appreciated “something very different” about this house compared to its neighbors.

“It was theatrical by design,” he recalls. “The entryway was shallow and opened into a vast, open space. I also remember the pleasant aroma of fumed oak, which permeated everything.”

Boyish escapades occasionally resulted in being “escorted” off by homes' groundskeepers: Rippling the water and disturbing the fish in Mrs. Adolph Mueller's goldfish pond; trying to squeeze as many boys as possible into the birdbath of the Homestead's sunken gardens; playing basketball at #4 and taking shots that “destroyed” the stained glass lanterns on the side of the garage.

Another chapter opened in Kapp's circle of life story when his daughter and son-in-law moved into #4. Throughout their nine years on Millikin Place, Kapp assisted the couple with dozens of restoration projects. Most unique, he recalls, was the yard's ten-foot bat house, constructed from brick and roofed with a 1,500-pound limestone slab.

It was installed by Adolph Mueller as an ill-fated “insect zapper,” circa 1920s. “Tiny cubicles were partitioned with slate,” Kapp says, “and when we removed the top, it was obvious that the bats had completely ignored it for decades!”

A passionate preservationist, Kapp, who also taught in Millikin University's Department of Art for three years in the 1960s, grew from neighborhood mascot to its champion. He salvaged bricks from pillars that originally marked the Homestead drive entry on West Main Street to construct the planter in Millikin Place's circle. And in the early '70s, when #7 was acquired by a real estate firm through an estate settlement and plans were announced to convert the structure into a duplex residence — allowable at the time under R-6 zoning — Kapp led the “ransom” charge. Residents united to buy the home and, ultimately, successfully down-zoned Millikin Place to R-2, or single residence only. With local restrictions in place, along with designations on the National Register of Historic Places and Decatur's historic district, Kapp is optimistic about the future of his “past.”

“It's been a battle at times,” he admits. “But I see Millikin Place as a valuable island — one that is valuable to the history and beauty of Decatur.

“In 50 years, I hope it looks exactly as it does today.”

Founding Fathers Millikin Place traces its history to the 1880s, when two commanding Italianate mansions — one owned by James and Anna B. Millikin (the present-day Millikin Homestead), the second by Hugh W. Hill — stood on the west side of Pine Street between William and Main Streets. In 1909, the 4.3-acre Hill estate was sold for just under $12,000 and subdivided into large lots to create a high-end residential enclave.

The estate's new owners, Edward and Florence Irving, were backed by some of Decatur's wealthiest businessmen, including William J. Grady, Robert and Philip Mueller, William M. Wood and Frank Cruikshank. Each owner was required to hire a residential architect.

According to Kapp, Frank Lloyd Wright's segue to the scene is “somewhat of a mystery.” It's not recorded how the Irvings knew of Wright or why they selected him for #2. And, without realizing that Wright had left for a year-long European jaunt and turned his practice over to Marion Mahony, the Irvings also had recommended him to the Mueller and Wood families — a fortuitous word-of-mouth that gave Millikin Place Wright's indelible footprint.

Source credit: “Marion Mahony and Millikin Place: Creating A Prairie School Masterpiece,” by Paul Kruty and Paul E. Sprague.

Contributor Jan Mathew enjoyed several springtime strolls through Decatur's Millikin Place.

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golf

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727 Weaver Rd., Forsyth, IL • 217-421-7444 Host of the IHSA Class AA Girls’ State Tournament Yardage: 6848 | Par: 72 | Slope: 127 | Course Rating: 72.3 • Larry Packard design • Certied footgolf course • Traditional parkland style

520 W. Grove Rd., Decatur, IL • 217-422-2211 Host of IHSA Class A Girls’ State Tournament Yardage: 6713 | Par: 72 | Slope: 125 | Course Rating: 72.0 • Designed by Raymond Floyd • Prairie-style, Scottish links

HOMEWOOD SUITES

by Hilton 333 West Marion Ave. • Forsyth, IL 62535 217-877-0887 www.decaturforsyth.homewoodsuites.com Golf Package Rate: $125.00 per day

RAMADA 355 Hickory Point Rd • Decatur, IL 62526 217-876-8011 • www.ramada.com Golf Package Rate: $80.00 per day (per person - double occupancy)

(per person - single occupancy)

RESIDENCE INN 230 Lucile Ave • Forsyth, IL 62535 217-872-6600 • www.marriott.com Golf Package Rate: $120.00 per day (per person - single occupancy)

FAIRFIELD INN 1417 Hickory Point Dr. • Forsyth, IL 62535 217-875-3337 • www.faireldinn.com Golf Package Rate: $84.00 per day (per person - double occupancy)

DECATUR CONFERENCE CENTER & HOTEL

4855 E. Evergreen Court Decatur, IL 62521 217-864-3297 www.hampton.com Golf Package Rate: $105.00 per day (per person - double occupancy)

4191 US Highway 36 • Decatur, IL 62522 217-422-8800 www.hoteldecatur.com Golf Package Rate: $80.00 per day (per person - double occupancy)

HAMPTON INN

by HIlton

HAMPTON INN

by HIlton (Forsyth) 1429 Hickory Point Dr. Forsyth, IL 62535 217-877-5577 www.hampton.com Golf Package Rate: $79.00 per day (per person - double occupancy)

Rates effective through December 2022.

QUALITY INN 134 Barnett Ave. Forsyth, IL 62535 217-875-1166 www.qualityinn.com Golf Package Rate: $75.00 per day (per person - double occupancy)

HAWTHORN SUITES

by WYNDHAM 2370 Mt. Zion Rd. Decatur, IL 62521 217-864-9311 www.wyndhamhotels.com Golf Package Rate: $99.00 per day (per person - double occupancy)

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Downtown Decatur (see inset above) Fairview Park Plaza South Shores Center Oakwood Brettwood Village Mound Plaza Hickory Point Mall

1. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel 2. America’s Best Value Inn 3. Homewood Suites 4. Fairfield Inn 5. Hampton Inn 6. Quality Inn 7. Residence Inn 8. Country Inn & Suites 9. Baymont Inn 10. Ramada Limited 11. Welcome Hotel & Suites

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Holiday Inn & Suites Sleep Inn Tri-Manor Motel Sandy’s Motel Decatur Inn Country Hearth Inn Younker House B & B Intown Motel Soy City Motel Lakeview Motel Hawthorn Suites Hampton Inn

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Progress City, USA Richland Community College / Shilling Macon County History Museum Children’s Museum of Illinois Scovill Zoo Hieronymus Mueller Museum Mari Mann Herb Farm Rock Springs Conservation Area Millikin University / Kirkland James Millikin Homestead Gallery 510 Madden Arts Center Macon County Fairgrounds African American Cultural Museum Oglesby Mansion Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum Staley Museum

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Fairview Park Fairview Tennis Complex Decatur Skate Park Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) Greater Decatur YMCA Hickory Point Golf Course Forsyth Village Park Red Tail Run Golf Club Nelson Park Sportsmans Park, Schaub Center Rotary Park Sand Creek Conservation Area Decatur Soccer Complex Lake Decatur Borg Warner Sports Complex Sunnyside Park Overlook Adventure Park Devon Amphitheater

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Due to changing Covid-19 restrictions, events may be changed or canceled. Please confirm details before attending.

January - December 2022

July 4 Independence Day Celebration

September 16 - 18 Arts in Central Park

December 3 - 4 Vespers

Nelson Park, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Community celebration on the lakefront with live music, food and fireworks display at dusk, free, 217-422-5911.

Central Park, Downtown Decatur.

Art festival featuring the works of over 60 artists, live music, sponsored by Decatur Area Arts Council and Gallery 510, $ for food and beverage, Friday night Preview Party with musical entertainment, F 57pm, Sa 10am-5pm, Su 10am-4pm, free admission, 217-423-3189.

Kirkland Fine Arts Center Cherished annual tradition brings the sounds of Millikin University students together in song as they present “evening prayers” to adoring audiences. 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. both days. For tickets call 217424-6318.

August 26 - 27 Decatur Craft Beer Festival VIP event downtown on Friday at The Madden with premier craft beers and new product launches. Saturday event on Lake Decatur includes food and craft beers from across the country and live music at The Devon. Tickets, 217-423-3189.

September 5 Labor Day POPS on the Lake Devon Amphitheater Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra performs their annual end of the summer concert on the shores of Lake Decatur. Boats anchor offshore. 6:00 pm. For tickets go to devonamphitheater.com

September 18 Annual Shoreline Classic Nelson Park Premier road race draws thousands of runners and spectators from across the country. The 5K and 15K races are run along the shores of scenic Lake Decatur in a colorful fall setting. To register to shorelineclassic.com

November 26 Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa's Arrival Decatur Civic Center and Central Park.

Christmas in downtown Decatur officially kicks off with the tree lighting in the circle drive of the civic center at 6:00 pm.

Santa takes up residence in the historic Transfer House in Central Park. For hours, 217-423-7000.

December 3 Lights of Christmas Parade Downtown Decatur parade route. The annual Lighted Christmas Parade celebrates the season with festive floats, 4:30pm, Santa in the Transfer House, free, 217423-7000.

December 7 Christmas Walk Downtown Decatur. Festive trolley rides, music and carolers, delicious goodies, and Santa's House in Central Park, extended retail hours and art galleries open, 5-8pm, free, 217-423-3189.

For details on other events in the Decatur area, go to decaturmagazine.com/calendar.

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EDUCATION: the foundation of progress

Teach your children well has always been a song to celebrate in Decatur.

From the early beginnings of one-room country schools to the present day computerized classrooms, our community has deemed education the foundation of progress. Going to school isn't merely a destination in Decatur — it's a life-long process of improvement. Our citizens have opportunities to learn at every life stage, with programs available for those taking their first tentative baby steps to adults long past retirement.

Excellent Choices Primary and secondary education is synonymous with choice. Families can select from public, private, and religious schools based on individual needs. Area school districts such as Maroa-Forsyth, Mt. Zion, WarrensburgLatham, and Meridian offer a small town atmosphere for students, while fostering academic excellence.

Decatur Public School System — better known as DPS No. 61 — has reinvented itself several times in the 140 years since the first school bell rang. The district continues to offer the most varied and enriched programs in the region, including a wide range of music and professional development courses.

Five district schools are classified as “magnets.” These schools present a full curriculum, but also focus on specific topics or styles of teaching. For example, Garfield Montessori Magnet School is one of only five public Montessori schools in the state and the first public Montessori middle school in Illinois. This hands-on teaching method mixes ages in the classroom, focuses on learning by doing, and emphasizes respect for others. Decatur is fortunate to have two Montessori schools – Prairie Flower Montessori is a private school offering classes for pre-school through primary grades.

Christian education in our community encompasses Catholic, Lutheran, and non-denominational schools. These options provide a well-rounded education that centers on development of the whole child, combining religious doctrine with high academic standards and an attitude of service to others. Some 17 private schools add to the choices in our educational community, and names such as

Holy Family, Saint Patrick Elementary, Our Lady of Lourdes School, and Northwest Christian Campus reflect curricula that combine teaching the mind and reaching the heart. continued on next page

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The history of St. Teresa High School — known to locals as “St. T.” — stretches over a century to 1866. What was once strictly a girls' boarding school now has a co-ed enrollment of over 370 students that draws largely from three local Catholic schools.

In 2000, the Lutheran School Association expanded its facilities to include a high school. And, under one roof at Decatur Christian School are about 300 K-12 students, an enrollment which represents about 80 area churches.

With three dedicated homeschooling organizations — Decatur Area Homeschool Network, Greenhouse, and Greater Decatur Area Catholic Home Schoolers — it's estimated about 450 children from 150 to 200 families in our community are home educated. Besides an active co-op teaching math, drama, art, Spanish, music, science, and sign language, many local organizations such as the YMCA, Decatur Area Arts Council, and Rock Springs Nature Center provide programs specifically designed for home educated students.

A Rich Environment Decatur is surrounded by higher learning opportunities.

Over 76,000 students are served each year by Richland Community College (RCC), located amid some of the richest farmland in the nation on the city's northeast corner. The college serves residents of Macon County and parts of Christian, DeWitt, Logan, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, and Shelby counties. RCC's open door policy allows admittance to anyone within the district that would benefit from a higher education.

More than 30 areas of concentration are available for students, and those earning degrees in any of these areas can transfer to a four-year college or university. Lifelong learning programs and non-credit classes span topics from computers, investments, and fine arts, to auto mechanics and dance.

The regional Heartland Technical Academy, teaches practical and work-related skills to high school students in subjects such as agriculture, childcare, criminal justice, and fire-fighting — often partnering with business and industry to get on-the-job training that will prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

Big Blue James Millikin would be proud. He dreamed of a four-year university that would embrace the “practical” side of learning along with the “literary and classical.” With a combination of community support and private philanthropy Millikin built one of the nation's first small, comprehensive universities. Over a century later, the college continues to thrive — with three professional schools and one liberal

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arts and sciences school serving a diverse student body of about 2,400 and offering over 50 undergraduate majors. Within six months of commencement, 99 percent of Millikin's graduates are employed or pursuing additional studies.

Business played an early role in MU's history. Now, highly motivated professionals have the option of pursuing MU's Masters of Business Administration degree within the Tabor School of Business.

Designed as a unified curriculum rather than a collection of courses, the program is meant to prepare students for leadership in today's complex business world.

Millikin's Professional Adult Comprehensive Education (PACE) program is designed for working adults — students at least 24 years old with three years of work experience and 45 credit hours under their belts. Majors are available in Organizational Leadership, Criminal Justice, and Accounting. A nursing program is offered for those with an RN degree who wish to complete their BSN by going to night school.

COME TOUR PRAIRIE FLOWER'S BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS A MONTESSORI PARENT-INFANT COMMUNITY (4 mo- 18 mo) Learn how to observe and support your infanttoddler's concentration and independence while meeting their needs for healthy attachment.

This 6 Friday morning program (9:30-11:00), takes place in an environment that will help you to create a Montessori-inspired home for your child.

A MONTESSORI TODDLER COMMUNITY (18 mo-36 mo) When children are walking steadily and ready emotionally to separate, they enter our Toddler Community for 4 mornings. (Mon- Thurs, 8:3011:30). This program acts as a bridge between home and the outside world in a nurturing homelike space.

A PRIMARY CLASSROOM 3 years-Kindergarten Around the age of three, children are ready to move into the more complex, structured world with a scientically designed curriculum that will take them three years or more to complete.

3 & 4-year-olds may stay half-days (8:30-11:30) or full days.

Kindergarten-aged children stay for the full school day 8:30-3:00.

Before and after care are available, 7:30- 8:30 and 3:00-5:30.

Our classical Montessori hands-on materials lay a concrete foundation for future learning.

Younger children learn from older ones, and the older children learn how to help the younger ones, thus laying the foundation for social and emotional development.

Our Faculty is trained and certied by the Association Montessori Internationale.

prairieowermontessorishcool.org

For more information and to schedule a tour, e-mail us at: prairieowermontessorischool@comcast.net Register by April 21 as spaces are limited.

Prairie Flower Montessori School

3130 TURPIN RD, DECATUR, IL 62521 217.423.5200

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CALLING ALL KIDS Learn to play is our motto. Whether your children want to take up a musical instrument, dance on stage, master a sport, or discover the world around them, after-school programs offer them the chance to grow. continued on next page

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Explore the World of Music Early experiences in music can have a dramatic impact on a child's potential. For over 100 years, Millikin University's School of Music has provided quality music lessons for students of all ages from Decatur and surrounding communities.

Today, that tradition continues with the programs and private lessions offered by the Millikin University Preparatory Department.

Summer Camp Our public education trend is right in line with a national movement towards experiential and exploratory learning. Summer School at District 61 took a new approach in 2011 – planners invited families to enroll their kids in a camp-like setting utilizing Decatur Park District facilities. Fewer desks for chalkboard lessons translated to more interactive and engaged kids. Traditional on-site schools were used primarily for accessing technology, such as Promethean Boards and computer labs.

“Our intent was to create an atmosphere where the community becomes the classroom,” says Director of Special Programs Bobbi Williams. “We continue to encourage students to become good digital citizens in an increasingly technology-based culture.”

Excursions to different “continents” at Park District sites prompted kids to recognize academic principles applied to the world around them.

The response to this paradigm shift? More than 1,000 applications for roughly 800 spots. Students in need of catch-up time worked alongside higher-achieving peers in a collaborative format. Earlysummer evenings were marked by frequent sightings of the orange camp tee-shirts. To register, call Decatur Public Schools at 217-4243000.

In Step Hundreds of local dancers take the stage during the year in Decatur to adoring audiences – and showcase the results of their hard work during classes offered across the community.

Studio B has been home to dozens of young dancers since 1988.

Offering a variety of days & times in their class schedules, each class size is monitored closely. Most classes are benefited by both a teacher and an assistant to better give your child the attention they deserve.

With over 27 years of experience teaching dance, The Dance Centre specializes in a unique dance program for pre-school age students and offers a variety of classes for ages two through adult.

Debbie's Dance Studio has 34 years of experience teaching young dancers and offers classes beginning with the Wiggles and Giggles class for ages 18 months to four years to specialized classes for boys and girls through adult.

After School Sports Golf Nearly on par with the professionals are their protégés —more than 350 junior golfers, ages four to 21, who compete in Decatur's Junior Open, the Midwest's top-ranked junior tournament. Beginning at an early age, young golfers in Decatur learn the skills of the game during junior golf programs offered at all our golf facilities.

Soccer Youth soccer has found a home in Decatur as well, hosting indoor soccer leagues at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) and games for all ages on manicured fields scattered throughout the city. The Midstate Soccer Club, a developmental program administered by the Decatur Park District, provides league and tournament play for youth ages 5-18 at the Decatur Soccer Complex on the city's north side.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

For more than a century, advanced healthcare has had a home — and a heart — in Decatur. Through the decades, the focus of local healthcare has shifted from treating diseases to prevention and wellness, and from hospital stays spanning weeks to hosts of procedures performed on an outpatient basis.

Decatur's role and reputation as a regional healthcare hub has evolved as well, with its facilities, programs, services, and technologies building on the commitment and foresight of our community's medical pioneers. continued on next page

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In the course of its 103-year history, Decatur Memorial Hospital (DMH) has grown from a humble facility serving a handful of patients to an extensive medical complex offering the latest in healthcare diagnosis and treatment techniques to the people of central Illinois.

A not-for-profit, private hospital, Decatur Memorial Hospital's mission — to improve the health of the people and communities we serve — is made possible thanks to the hospital's more than 2,300 caring, dedicated employees. With more than 300 physicians representing a large variety of medical and surgical professions, DMH's care extends throughout Macon County and into neighboring counties.

In October 2019, DMH became an affiliate of Springfield-based Memorial Health System, enabling patients to benefit from the strength of a regional healthcare organization.

DMH is a licensed and fully accredited 300-bed facility that offers a wide range of general and specialized diagnostic, surgical and treatment services. DMH encompasses 12 state-of-the-art Centers of Excellence which focus on proven, quality healthcare and include a Level II trauma center, orthopaedics, molecular medicine, cardiopulmonary and vascular care, gastroenterology, neurosciences and oncology.

DMH is committed to making it easy for the community to access health and wellness services. Two DMH Express Care locations offer convenient care for illnesses that are urgent, but not life-threatening.

Those locations also provide required school physicals year-round.

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DMH Health and Wellness is a venture of Decatur Memorial Hospital designed to improve the health and fitness of the Decatur community and DMH employees. The facility utilizes an integrated approach involving nutrition and fitness coaching to help patients and members adopt healthy behaviors and make lasting lifestyle changes.

DMH Health and Wellness offers a wide range of services, from gym memberships and personal training to sports enhancement, weight management, nutrition and diabetes education.

Situated on a 21-acre campus near Lake Decatur, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital is a 370-bed, fully accredited, state-of-the-art health care center, and serves as Macon County's only comprehensive mental health services provider. Additional patient services include behavioral health; cardiovascular; radiology; laboratory; Lifeline; maternal/childcare; pain medicine; pastoral; rehabilitative; sleep medicine; and surgery. Throughout decades of change, however, St. Mary's remains grounded by the mission of its founding Hospital Sisters: To serve the needs of the sick and poor with dignity, respect, compassion, and joy, and to participate in the healthcare ministry of the Catholic church.

Radiating from Decatur's hospitals is a system focused on community health — from wellness centers designed to maintain fitness and prevent disease, to facilities targeted to active seniors or those needing rehabilitative care. The result? Decatur residents are never more than a few miles from the services — or the facility — they need.

Find your balance with relaxing and therapeutic massage.

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Schedule your appointment and purchase gift cards at bebalancedmassage.co Payments Accepted: Cash, Venmo, Zelle and Credit/Debit Card

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GOOD NEIGHBORS We lend a hand to each other in times of need — sharing a warm hearth during snowstorms and hanging out with youngsters needing help with homework.

Look at a map of the Decatur area and you'll see a patchwork quilt of communities. About 75 individual neighborhoods make up our town — a number capable of expanding exponentially as we embrace new growth.

Each pocket has a history, a personality, and a story to tell. Together, they weave the fabric that is Decatur.

Within our city limits are cottages, condominiums, and colossal lakeside mansions. We host authentic Frank Lloyd Wright gems, quaint Victorian-era cottages, and brand-new Colonials. Our residents live in country settings and climb to city lofts.

Neighbors may be a mile away or close enough to chat over the backyard fence.

We're developing housing to meet the interests and needs of aging baby boomers, and building our first new downtown urban neighborhood in 50 years.

Almost two-thirds of our residents live in single-family dwellings, but we love to gather. You'll find us closing off streets for block parties and choosing up sides to shoot hoops. We celebrate by walking in our own parades. We lend a hand to each other in times of need — sharing a warm hearth during snowstorms and hanging out with youngsters needing help with homework. Our hammers and hearts come together to build for Habitat for Humanity. Togetherness has a history here. continued on next page

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DOWNTOWN'S DOMESTIC SIDE

SUBURBAN LIFE

Although the downtown business map has changed a bit over the years, local life still revolves around the original city boundaries.

Brick streets that hearken to yesteryear tie the city's historic west side to the downtown district. Improvements along this West Main Street corridor also include a new multipurpose, paved hiking and biking trail that passes through the Millikin University campus and connects to our popular bike trail through Fairview Park and beyond.

Our revitalization drive connects to quality of life, too. Residents want to live affordably and still be within minutes of work, school, shopping, and restaurants. To this end, Decatur is determined to create a mixed-use, 24-hour living environment in its downtown.

Reinvestment is enticing homeowners to our city's core, with increasing numbers of young professionals and empty nesters moving on up to the upper floors of downtown buildings converted to “soft lofts.” With open floor plans and exposed brick and duct work, these renovated spaces exude a quintessential urban feeling.

Southeast to Mt. Zion The southern boundaries of Decatur are home to established neighborhoods in South Shores where you'll find an eclectic mix of grand homes ranging from those nestled among stately trees on Allen Bend to the Wildwood subdivision that borders the famed Red Tail Run Golf Club designed by legendary golfer Raymond Floyd.

Heading southeast on Lost Bridge Road you'll arrive at the Home of the Braves - prep sports is a popular pastime in Mt. Zion. You'll discover the focus is on family with sprawling new subdivisions and country homes in this bedroom community just minutes from Decatur.

The Estates at Ashland, Silver Leaf, Parkside East and Carrington offer new construction convenient to schools and village amenities.

Buck Head lies to the east offering new building lots with sweeping views of the rolling prairie. In the planning stages is Summerfield, a new development of affordable homes in the Long Creek area. And, Brighton Park offers a development of new two-story townhomes located close to shopping and restaurants.

These neighborhoods border Fletcher Park, a recent village recreation area development, offering a covered amphitheater, park pavilion, and wide open spaces perfect for family fun and entertainment. And, Spitler Woods State Park, a 202-acre state natural area with hiking trails, picnic areas and camping.

WEST END HISTORIC DISTRICT .

Exploring our many neighborhoods is easy. Most of Decatur's historic gems reside just west of downtown — roughly bounded by Hayward, Eldorado, Church, and Lincoln Park Drive. Street lights have replaced the hitching posts in the historic district, but many of these stately dwellings stand today restored to their former glory.

You'll find homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and other architectural marvels located next door to renovated Victorian mansions built by Decatur's founding families including Millikin, Oglesby, and Powers.

Just west of Millikin University in the West End neighborhood, the cozy 1920's and 1930's-era homes are so popular they often trade by word of mouth alone. Street strolling is a daily constitutional in this neighborhood, a fact made even more popular by the area's network of paved trails through nearby parks. On July 4, Cobb Avenue residents stage their very own parade — an event that enjoys a 50-year plus neighborhood history.

LAKEFRONT LIVING The south and east sides of Decatur enjoy close proximity to the shores of Lake Decatur. Stately homes offering panoramic lake views in Southmoreland, Bayshore, Lake Pointe and The Reserve mingle with lakefront cottage and bungalow neighborhoods in Homewood Fishing Club and Lake Grove Club, all designed for life on the water.

Follow Country Club Road north to Airport Road where you'll find new homes in Country Club Estates mingling with sprawling lakefront property on both sides.

Currently in the planning and development stages, the Chandler Park condominiums and apartments will offer lake views and convenient access to the future Decatur Park District lakefront enhancement project offering trails, fitness amenities, and a promenade of restaurants and shops on the shores of Lake Decatur.

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North to Forsyth Built in the 60's and 70's, the northern boundaries of Decatur include Shadow Lane and Cresthaven subdivisions boasting large treed lots and walkable neighborhoods with easy access to shopping and entertainment. Added in the 90's, new subdivisions were built with sweeping views of Hickory Point Golf Course, an award winning public course that's home to the annual Futures Player's Championship, part of the developmental tour of the LPGA. The Village of Forsyth offers small town living in the country.

Stevens Creek and other new subdivisions have grown out of the surrounding prairie with new homes in Grayhawk and Shadow Ridge Estates. The Forsyth Village Park hosts family picnics, reunions, annual festivals and league sports, and a trail system offers hiking and biking opportunities that will connect to Decatur's bike trails in a future 20-mile loop.

Room To Grow While lofty apartments and new subdivisions attract young professionals and families, assisted living centers are being constructed in every corner of the city. Our older residents now have the advantages of assistance with everyday needs while enjoying the company of friends and family in a home-like setting. Other developments throughout our community are planned subdivisions targeted to “active seniors.”

There's a home for everyone in Decatur, and the spirit of “togetherness” that initially characterized our neighborhoods still defines these areas today. New housing developments, along with renovations of historic homes, are our welcome mats to a city known for hospitality.

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by meredith jackson photography by kathy locke

DOWN HOME COOKING “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. Nobody can be more devoted to home than I am.”

Though Jane Austen's “Emma” spoke those words more than 200 years ago, the sentiment has never proven more true than it is today. Modern families have had to discover the joy in working, schooling, entertaining and providing for themselves at home. Backyard chicken coops and vegetable gardens are becoming more commonplace, and many families have transformed areas of their homes into offices, classrooms or both. continued on next page

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But not all of the changes to our homes have been born of necessity.

Many people have used the extra time spent housebound to create a more peaceful and pleasant place to be, not only for themselves, but for friends and loved ones who visit.

Duane and Tina Noland came up with an idea to create a unique space for their friends and family to enjoy at their Blue Mound farm.

Their adult children and spouses along with seven young grandchildren have long frequented the pool at the farm, but since last fall, their times together have been even more enjoyable with the addition of an outdoor kitchen. “All my kids are in Macon County, so we get to see them almost daily,” Duane says. “We are very blessed to have children and grandchildren close by.”

This charming outdoor kitchen has become a cozy space for the family to get together. The distinctive structure is perfectly suited to its location on a farm, Duane explains. “It all started after harvest 2019,” he says. “The inspiration came from my wife. I was telling her one day that we were going to be removing these vintage metal grain bins from one of the farms, and she says, 'I want one! We could put it by the pool and it could be our outdoor kitchen.' I admit, I really wasn't seeing the vision, but she told me how it could be perfect. So my brother Dennis and I dismantled the roof, hauled it down to our farm and set it on the north end of the pool.”

Duane says that to him, grain bins are generally meant to be utilitarian, not recreational. He had planned to simply haul away the vintage bins, as they were too small for any practical purpose on a modern farm. But thanks to his wife's vision, he has completely reversed his opinion. “It's a quaint, 1950s version of a bin, smaller than bins today, and it's turned out to be a unique and fun design that goes well with an older two-story farmhouse,” he says. “Along with our barn, it just fits beautifully with that aesthetic.”

The bin is 16 feet in diameter, the ideal size for the kitchen Tina had in mind. The interior features a gas/charcoal grill, meat smoker, refrigerator and sink, along with concrete countertops. Several windows offer the cook various views of the farm setting, including the nearby pool

and firepit. A large opening with a bar top and stools allows the Noland grandchildren to sit and snack in comfort.

While Tina made practical design choices for this exposed, threeseason kitchen, she also maintained the charm and vintage feel of the old grain bin, using string lights, creating wide-painted horizontal stripes on the interior and selecting a red metal awning for the exterior.

Duane also credits his construction and landscaping teams with the success and appeal of the kitchen space. Trimble Construction Inc. and From the Ground Up Landscapes worked together to bring power, water and gas to the kitchen. They also created the hardscape surrounding it, all while working the new area into the existing pool deck.

In recent years, Kevin McSherry of From the Ground Up Landscapes, along with his son Ryan, have worked on a number of outdoor kitchens, including the Nolands'. “It's very easy to understand how the demand for these types of projects has taken off, with more and more people still working from home,” Kevin says. “We can't even take on all the requests that are coming in.”

While Trimble Construction Inc. took care of the main concrete work, the structure of the kitchen, and the plumbing and electrical work, Kevin and his team poured the concrete countertops, built the bar, laid the brickwork and more. Though they have worked with the Nolands on landscaping projects in the past, the kitchen project involved no new plantings. “Tina made our job much easier, because she provided us with quite a few pictures of grain bin kitchens she saw on Pinterest,” Kevin says. “But I've never seen another one in Macon County.”

Since their outdoor kitchen was completed in autumn 2020, the Nolands have celebrated birthdays and hosted many get-togethers there.

“Tina and I socialize quite a bit, so it's a perfect evening venue as well.

We do lots of entertaining and family functions, and the kids can bring their friends to use the pool and kitchen area without constantly going into the house,” Duane says. “We are so fortunate to have this fun outdoor kitchen in this beautiful setting to add to our living space. It's worked out perfectly.”

An avid fan of home design and decorating ideas, contributor Meredith Jackson thoroughly enjoyed talking with the Nolands about their creative outdoor project.

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Local Family Owned and Operated (217)428-3483 1744 N. 22nd Street | Decatur IL 62526

ALL STOCK FURNITURE IS 20% OFF

POOL & SPA

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SHOPPING The Decatur area is known for its eclectic neighborhoods and entrepreneurial spirit, and that translates into a unique shopping experience, too. Sure, we have national chain stores, but we also have boutiques and specialty shops scattered throughout the community where the owners greet you at the door to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Merchants offer something for every taste – from gourmet novelties to regional wines – and for every style – from traditional to retro. You’ll find apparel and accessories, home décor and toys, some even handmade by local artisans.

So, whether you prefer quaint door-to-door shopping downtown, or the Forsyth mall scene, it’s all in the right spot for shopping. continued on page 67

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WELCOME TO DECATUR 2022

Hickory Point Mall Home to more than 70 retailers, one mall packs it all. Located at the crossroads of I-72 and Rt. 51 north of Decatur in Forsyth you'll find what you're shopping for at Hickory Point Mall. Established in 1974, the mall serves as a regional retail hub, anchored by Von Maur, Kohl's, along with an array of specialty shops and eateries.

Bordering the mall complex, you'll find Coziahr Harley Davidson and several restaurants that offer indoor or patio seating.

Brettwood Village Located on Route 51 North and Pershing Road, Brettwood Village is packed with shopping choices and free convenient parking.

Anchored by Kroger, you'll also find party supplies, jewelry and plenty of services.

Mound Center When residents listed Target, Olive Garden and Starbucks on their community “wish lists”, the City of Decatur answered in the form of Mound Center, a retail/restaurant hub on the city's north side at the intersection of Route 51 and Mound Road.

Downtown Decatur Take a ride on the free trolley in downtown Decatur, with fourteen convenient stops that take you to boutique and specialty shops around every corner. Historic Merchant Street is home to locallyowned shops and restaurants, and the stores on Main, Prairie and Water Streets offer everything from apparel and home décor to gourmet novelties and toys.

West Main Village borders the historic district downtown and offers a collection of specialty shops and services.

Oakwood Just to the west of downtown Decatur, the Oakwood Business District, aka “Campustown,” is an easy walk from the Millikin University campus. With an eclectic tone all its own, the mix of specialty shops at the intersection of West Main, Wood Street and Oakland Avenue is made for multi-tasking. Where else can you check out bikes and gear, order flowers, get a haircut, shop for fresh organic meat and groceries or homemade bread and pastries?

Antiques Whether you view tracking down antiques, collectibles and vintage items as a pleasurable pastime or a compulsive obsession, the hunting grounds are fertile in this area. There are ten antique malls and vintage shops located in or near Decatur offering thousands of square feet to explore.

If your quest is for a Decatur original – such as a Hi-Flier kite form or Mueller Company china – the search often begins at the Wabash Depot Antique Centre, longtime headquarters for the Wabash Railroad and located on the edge of downtown. Recently restored to its early 1900's grandeur and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the same 10,000 square foot Depot that once welcomed Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower now greets antique enthusiasts from around the world.

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2022

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FOOD - FUN - GAMES AND THE BEST GYROS! CHECK FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES

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WELCOME TO DECATUR 2022

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