Western Illinois Magazine
A look inside Bartonville Asylum’s haunted history Photo by: Steve Lutz
Boiling, Brewing and Bottling with the Beer Buffs of Macomb
Giving towns in Western Illinois their 15 minutes of fame
Spring 2013
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Western Illinois Magazine Vol. 1 No. 8
The only magazine in the world that gives a damn about Western Illinois
STAFF Editor: James Needham
Managing Editor: Jennifer Wilson
Art Director: Steve Lutz
Staff Writers/Photographers: Kathryn Brostowitz Ryan Brushaber Nicole Capone Erika Davis Elana Katz Alison Philips Hannah Schrodt Sarah Tomkinson
Business Manager: Danielle Balbach
Assistant Business Manager: Lauren Barrett
Production Manager: Kellie Julius
Distribution: Brandon Rusciolelli Brooke Pappas Roger Connelly.
Advisor: Richard Moreno
Secretary: Kellie Arnold 2
Letter from the Editor While Western Illinois Magazine has always had the motto: “The only magazine in the world that gives a damn about western Illinois,” there’s a different motto at the publication — an unspoken one. It goes a little something like this… “No matter how big, how small, how old or how weird — if it happened here, it matters to us.” After serving on the editorial board for three issues, my only regret is that I have to leave the publication behind when I graduate in May of 2013. It’s been a blast serving you — the readers — and I wish it didn’t have to end. But, alas, the only thing constant in life is change and we at WI Mag are no strangers to change. We’ve changed staff. We’ve changed editors. We’ve changed logos, fonts and format. We’ve been in print with staples, without staples. Our pages have been in color, in black and white, half-color, half black and white. But all the while one thing has stayed the same: we continue to try and produce something we’re proud to see you pick up and something that makes people proud to live in the region. This issue is no different. Our staff has been working hard to find re-
markable tales in unexpected places and put them into the pages between your thumbs. So, read on. You might find a chuckle, or a fun fact or a quick gasp. We’d settle for a smile. Bare in mind that I hate when someone yammers on about himself or herself when I didn’t ask. It’s like getting the wrong dish at a restaurant but eating it anyway just because you don’t want to make a fuss. But my parting words, my friends, are about me. I don’t know where I’m going to end up in the next couple of years. I don’t know what city, what state, what publication or occupation, for that matter. But lately I’ve been living by the motto of “if you want it, go after it.” But there’s a different motto I developed while living in the region — an unspoken one. It’s one I’ll take with me no matter where I go. It goes a little something like this… “No matter how big, how small, how old or how weird — if it happened here, it matters to me.” Thank you, James Needham Editor Contact Info: A Western Illinois Publication 1 University Circle Macomb, IL 61455 309-298-1876 ext. 7 Westernillinoismagazine@yahoo.com
Table of Contents A haunting experience at Bartonville Asylum
4 Galesburg’s Comic Book Crackdown
8 Robert Wadlow: the walking wonder of Western Illinois
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Building brew for booze. The beer buffs of Macomb
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Carthage Jail: pinnacle of Western Illinois’ Mormon past 22 There and back again, a woodworkers tale
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The Western Writing brothers from Western Illinois
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From banking to boutique: Sara Platt’s round trip to London 14
In print, on foot, in rhyme: the story of Vachel Lindsay
Haeger Pottery, the full history of an empty factory
World Capitals, Mottos and Claims to fame
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A Haunting experience at bartonville asylum
By: Kathryn Brostowitz Staff Photo
Front entrance of the Bartonville Asylum
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he mid-afternoon sun was high in the sky as I drove with two friends slowly up the hill on West
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to work at the hospital – as well as the famous as a pioneer for the gentle - treatment for the Unlike
other -
ture dropped low enough to suddenly see - mentally ill should “The types of patients that were housed - lieve his patients - “treated like anithey had grandma that you didn’t want to
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- up until his death imprisoned instead of sent to hospitals for -
front of our flashlights as we made our way up the
Photo by: Kathryn Brostowitz
Door to the Chapel inside Bartonville Asylum 5
“The reason I stress to you guys that the majority of what happened here was they want to get your attention or talk to -
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- the paranormal investigators on the hit one of the several tours given throughout
night ghost hunt from mid-
the light shining through the -
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Photo by: Kathryn Brostowitz
promised my friend we would let her out have seen or heard them on her way to the
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and Weiss for the great things they are
Travelers heading west of Roseville on Illinois State Route 116 will encounter an unusual sight standing adjacent to the road—the Hay Dudes. This pair of giant rolled hay figures with smiley faces made of hubcaps and rubber hoses are sure to bring a smile to the face of passing motorists. Staff Photo
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Photo by: Steve Lutz
Courtesy Photo: Galesburg Public Library
Drug store owner Harry Weiner (left) watches as Dr. Edwin Nash and Gene Tribbey review a Superman comic book for objectionable content during the Galesburg Comic Cleanup of 1955.
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Courtesy Photo: Galesburg Public Library
Galesburg News Agency owner Dave Feldman (middle) meets with Rod Howell (left) and Dale Ruedig (right). The agency distributed comic books and magazines to Galesburg businesses.
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Havana, Illinois Water Tower
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or more than 124 years, the historic Havana Water Tower has provided fresh water to the people of the Havana, Illinois Erected in 1889, the tower holds 50,000 gallons and is a designated American Water Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo by: Steve Lutz
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Robert Wadlow
The walking wonder of Western Illinois
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By Sarah Tomkinson
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Fadner said that in order for is parents to make Wadlow’s life as normal 12
Staff Photo
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ity and the media when he made a stop -
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Courtesy Photo: Alton Telegraph
Robert Wadlow with his mother in 1939.
The world’s tallest man traveled to
people say that Wadlow’s mom used to frame his grave with flowers every day
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From banking to boutique: Sara Platt’s round trip to London
Story By: Elana Katz Photos by: Jennifer Wilson
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he interior of Sweet Apricot Shop is not unlike its owner. The boutique, located in Qu-
Sara Platt, who opened the store in 2011, could easily be described in those words. Upon meeting her, Platt quickly comes across as poised and her years of experience and travel sink in. Platt possesses the kind of work ethic and accomplishments expected of someone in her 40s, yet at 28 years old, she manages to exceed expectations cast on those her age. While starting a small business soon after college is considered a feat for most, what happened in between those two events was even more unexpected. 14 After graduating from Western
Illinois University in 2008 with a degree in business administration, Platt decided that she wanted to explore life outside of the Midwest. “I had done a program at WIU called Learning to Lead and they put me in an internship in DC for a summer and lived outside of the Midwest,” she said. “I realized that I just loved the idea of experiencing a different culture and so when I was out there, I started looking for different programs and I found one that was called Mountbatten, and I was later accepted and moved to London.” Once in London, the boutique owner found work in a slightly less currently in — banking. Platt started working at Lehman Brothers where
she was placed in an unusually stressful environment. “It was actually a really, really fascinating time even though, for the most part, anything dealing with banks and “But I moved out there in April 2008, cial meltdown. So it was kind of fascinating because Lehman Brothers — not good for me — was ultimately Her job, which she held for nine months, involved manually moving money when transactions were made. “So when a trader moved money from one bank in Euros to another bank in Yen, I was the one who was manually moving the money, which was very, very stressful because it
was about 25 alphanumeric key codes for every bank and every transaction had several of them and it was very easy to make a mistake,” Platt said. “And when you did, it cost the bank a lot of money because moving money to a different bank costs money. So that was an interesting experience because it was so high stress. “The volume of trades that were hapbecause people were panicking in this ing their money out and into different banks and different currencies.” While Platt was only at the bank temporarily, she had the unfortunate experience of witnessing employees of the bank lose their jobs one by one as it became clear that Lehman Brothers was on its way out.
and opened up Sweet Apricot Shop. Nestled in a quiet corner of downtown Quincy, the shop is home to a
few days a week because everybody said. “People were doing just about anything to keep their jobs. But everyday, you still saw a few people get that tap on the shoulder, taken into the of-
clothing and accessories. Brands such as Free People, BB Dakota, Hudson, House of Harlow and others line the silver racks and white walls of the store. Since its opening, the store has grown fast. Platt now has three employees and an intern working for her, and plans to expand are not far off.
their belongings into a big brown box. ally cover it.” It was only a few weeks after Lehman Brothers went bankrupt that Platt found herself taking a position at Deutsche Bank as an analyst. The work was rewarding, but much less stressful than her previous job.
to sort of fast track that,” Platt said.
like being a college student,” she percent more merchandise.” In addition to the expansion, Platt plans to hold more events to help promote Sweet Apricot Shop while working with the local community.
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nice because it was a much more relaxing environment.” Despite the 9 to 5 jobs in banking she held, Platt found time to discover a different kind professional goal. In fact, London was the place that inspired her to open up her own shop. “I feel like Europe does it right because they have all small shops,” Platt said. “And London still has what they call High Street, which would be the equivalent of Michigan Avenue in Chi-
with small shops. I loved going to my neighborhood shops. And everyone
ways to connect with your customer that I had never even seen before and it was bizarre. Some of the stuff was crazy, but it was fantastic. So it was really inspiring there.” Platt stayed at her job at Deutsche for about nine months until she decided it was time to head back to the States. She moved to Chicago, where she took a position with the National
Owner Sara Platt at the register of The Sweet Apricot Shop Council for State Boards of Nursing. She stayed there for two years and saved money until she was able to open her boutique. While in Chicago, Platt took the necessary steps to prepare for her business venture. “London was really a lot of inspiration, but Chicago, like I said, it was saving money. It was meeting with score counselors, which is the small business administration,” she said. “Kind of like an outreach program, they put
it in Quincy came from a few different factors. Mostly though, it had to do with her boyfriend at the time, David Coorigan, whom she later married in June 2012. “I had been dating (Coorigan) for a really long time. We actually had met years older than me and, you know, we had been dating for seven years. So I think it was, we were both kind of ready to get our lives started. I never really imagined that I would be
that I met with at least every couple of weeks to talk about my business plan They just kind of helped me prepare for opening up a small business.” When it came time to decide where to open the store, the decision to do
town to start a business in and my husband really wanted to stay here. Things kind of just fell into place.”
that each brought in 100-200 people to the shop, Platt has a show in the works for each summer and holiday season. While her time in London contributed greatly to her current success, Platt still owes much of it to years at Western, particularly her involvement with the Student Alumni Association. She mentioned that she hopes to work closely with the university to hire interns. “That was an organization that introduced me to a lot of people and a lot of groups that basically took me grateful to that organization because I felt like they were just the biggest door opener for me at WIU.” The door that it opened was no doubt a wide one. With unmatched experience gained in her time abroad, not to mention drive to spare, Sweet Apricot Shop seems to be just the beginning of a lifetime of success for Platt. 15
Haeger Pottery: The Full History Of An Empty Factory
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undreds of people pass by the former Haeger Pottery building on Calhoun Street in Macomb every day. Now abandoned, the building Illinois culture. Haeger Pottery originated in 1871 as a manufacturer of bricks using clay from the banks of the Fox River, just 45 miles northwest of Chicago. German immigrant David H. Haeger originally called
the company the “Dundee Brickyard,� but over a period of 130 years, the company evolved from a tiny brick-maker to the oldest and largest pottery business in the country. ger were used to rebuild Chicago after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Millions of bricks later, Haeger found that brick-making was a lucrative business that assisted in rebuilding an entire city.
By: Nicole Capone Photos by: Steve Lutz
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The founding Haeger died in 1900, leaving behind the beginning of a legacy. His son, Edmund H. Haeger, followed his father’s vision and expanded the company from brick-making to forming artisan pieces of clay. Starting with red clay flower pots for florists, the company began its transformation. Edmund had a vision of becoming Haeger Pottery, something he accomplished in 1912 upon the
a price range of anywhere from $6 to $300. The pieces that were manufactured in Macomb have a blue ink stamp on the bottom that says “Macomb USA.” Many of the pieces also have serial numbers stamped on the bottom. Haeger pottery pieces are considered collectibles and are
glazed art ware. The entire time, Macomb was producing pottery of its own. The building that currently stands deserted was originally home to Buckeye Pottery, which was founded in Macomb in 1882. Haeger Pottery bought the building in 1939 to expand its vision, and it remained in use until it was shut down in 2004. The Macomb factory started producing Haeger Pottery pieces on December 15, 1940. There is
currently only one plant producing Haeger Pottery in Illinois — at the East Dundee plant. However, this plant was not the only one Haeger operated in Macomb. He expanded in 1961 by purchasing another ceramics plant located at 1300 W. Piper. In 1969, this plant became the Royal Haeger Lamp Company factory. It is currently closed and is being demolished. Macomb has a lengthy history of being a large-scale producer
of ceramics. In the late 1800s, many pottery companies set up shop in Macomb, including Buckeye Pottery, Eagle Pottery, Macomb Pottery — which later became Western Stoneworks — Stoffer and Sons Pottery and Macomb Stoneworks. For 64 years, Haeger Pottery in Macomb produced tons of pieces such as vases, planters and lamps. While they are a rare
cherished by many locals. New pieces of Haeger pottery made at the other facility can be purchased at department stores, such as Boston Interiors, Dillards, JC Penney, Lamp Plus and Macy’s. Even though the Haeger plant is closed, it still sees some ac-
tion from time to time. In the past, police have responded to several attempted break-ins. Vandalism used to be a problem inside the factory but crime involving the abandoned building has settled down and the property now sits quietly on a busy
currently for sale. There have been few plans to renovate the property. The most recent one was a proposed condominium development. But it fell through just like the others. Nevertheless, the Haeger building still stands with a legacy set in stone. 17
purchased on eBay. They sell at
Building brews for booze The beer buffs of Macomb
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hile it may seem odd to most stu-
lies and things to do other than
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Western
Illinois
University ger is part of a group known as group of men and many of their wives meet every month to dis-
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By: Alison Philips 18
Photos by: Mary Friday
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“I was always interested in drinking non-
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- A brew kettle is used to boil the wort with the hops. The wort is a sugar rich liquid created by steeping the barley so enzymes can convert starch to sugar. -
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that you may not have from a friend to use
“I usually plan ahead and wake up extra -
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outsiders some insight and more hands to
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way to learn what the group is up to and to
Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse Hannibal, Mo.
Photo by: Steve Lutz
It’s not surprising that plenty of things are named in honor of iconic American writer Mark Twain in his hometown of Hannibal, Mo., including a lighthouse. In 1935, the community erected the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse atop Cardiff Hill in Hannibal to commemorate his 100th birthday. It remains a popular local landmark. 21
Carthage Jail:
pinnacle of Western Illinois’ Mormon past By: Hannah Schrodt and Ryan Brushaber
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aving a rich history centered on politics, controversy and murder, the story of the Carthage Jail in Carthage, Illinois is one that locals and Mormons will always remember. Though occurring over 100 years ago, the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith remains an event that holds an important place in west central Illinois history. 22
Staff Photo
The Start of a New Religion
Joseph Smith, founder and
Saints or Mormon religion, was raised during a time of religious revivals, which took place dur1800s — also known as the Second Great Awakening — in New York. In 1820, at the height of the
form of gold tablets from the indigable to see the tablets, which were said to contain the actual truth of the Gospels and revealed records ets in the biblical Old Testament. lating the plates with the help of scribes, The Book of Mormon was produced and a religion was born.
Conflicts between Mormons/non-Mormons
this visit, God instructed Smith not
Mormons tried to establish themselves in several locations across the
it had visions concerning messages from God.
cause political and social turmoil. In states such as Ohio, Missouri and New York, Smith and the Mormons made locals uncomfortable
their sparse farming income, the
digging. Later on, having learned the areas. In April 1839, Smith reunited with the growing Mormon comganized gold-digging expeditions, which, to the surprise of the people ter being incarcerated in Missouri - under the charge of treason to the spite the use of seer stones placed state. After Smith purchased a large in a top hat, which was believed to amount of land on both sides of the be a magical device that granted Mississippi River, Mormons from all over the world were soon surgtreasures, his digging crew found no gold. cals soon grew hostile to the Mormons. The old citizens were fearful was arrested in 1826 and was tried that the newcomers would politiin a Bainbridge, N.Y. court as “a - citizens, and the fear was slowter.” The details surrounding the Mormons came to be a factor in - state politics. ing to the case still exist, although ship between Mormons and nonMormons deteriorated further. Anti-Mormons were upset over was discharged. - the amount of power Smith had ber, Smith said he had found, with the guidance of an angel called of Nauvoo. “Moroni,” a religious record in the
Photo by: Hannah Schrodt
The holding cell inside Carthage Jail, where prisoners were held. tween the two sides escalated to the point where a newspaper was published to publicize the controversial activities of the Mormons. The “Nauvoo Expositor” accused Smith of abominations such as lurpretense of religion. Soon after, the newspaper a public nuisance and
in Nauvoo, at which he was found demanded that the Mormons either set themselves apart from Smith or Nauvoo is located.
plicated when Smith was asked to appear before a judge in Carthage to discuss the charges of the June 12 writ. Though worried that he would be at-
press equipment. The destruction of the press didn’t go unnoticed. Anti-Mor- also asked Illinois Governor Thomas of power, and it lead to the deterioration of relations between Mormons and non-Mormons.
The Arrest of a Founder
in Nauvoo. The brothers traveled to Carwere arrested on a charge of riot-
An arrest warrant was issued on June 16, 1844 for Smith on the charge were charged again with treason for declaring a marital law earExpositor’s press. Not wanting to go beas corpus for the Municipal Court Carthage jail. 23
coming after Smith and his brother. However, no amount of warning could have prepared to face.
The Murder of a Prophet
On June 27, 1844, after spending
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the general of the Nauvoo Legion, a ers, prepared for a last stand in the semi-independent Mormon militia, to dispatch the group to Carthage bedroom. Upon reaching the bedThe assumption was that the order would be followed and both he and his brother would be protected, should it be carried out. Howof a mob of 200 men closing in, it became clear that help would not arrive in time. and pistols, Smith and his brother, along with several other prison-
ing to get in, while Smith and the
members. The defense was con-
the door’s crevice. Within moments of the initial gunshot, several of the prisoners had been shot
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mob rushed into the room as Smith
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three mob members. He then tried to escape out of a window but was shot twice in the back and once in
prosecution for his case failed to the judge dropped the case.
wounded, Smith fell through the Mormons in the Aftermath window and came crashing to The death of Joseph Smith rethe ground below. He was dead sulted in a disagreement over upon landing. who succeed him as leader of the
The Murder Trial of a Leader
After the murders of the Smith Brigham Young told his followers that it was time to leave Nauvoo chaos. Afraid of violent retaliation, church went with him on what beagainst those who murdered their leaders. It wasn’t until August that progress was made in the murder Independence, Mo. were involved in the deaths. Smith are buried in Nauvoo. The of 450 men came to Hancock Coun-
Photo by: Hannah Schrodt
Door to second story bedroom where Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Willard Richards, John Taylor and John Solomon Fullmer were held awating trial on the charge of treason against the state of Illinois. Bullet hole still remains from the events of that day. 24
Joseph Smith had been building there at the time of his death has been reconstructed (it was burned
27, warrants were issued for the arrests of well-known anti-Mormons the historic houses and businesses Levi Williams, Thomas Sharp and Joseph Jackson. Other people ar- have been rebuilt. Some are open for tours or historic demonstrawith the murder included Mark tions. Much of Nauvoo, in fact, has been transformed into a kind of “Mormon Williamsburg” as the the defense and prosecution agreed to postpone the trial for the murder
Snapshot of Western Illinois Abingdon, Illinois Totem Pole In addition to being the town where the mousetrap was invented, Abingdon, Illinois is also home of a giant totem pole. Described as the tallest totem pole “East of the Rockies,” the 83-foot-high wooden monument commemorates the region’s Native American heritage—in spite of the fact that totem poles are not native to Illinois.
Photo by: Steve Lutz
Editor’s note: While WI Mag is aware that we ran a photo of this oddity in our last issue, we felt that the close-up picture didn;t do it justice. Here are some wider shots for your viewing pleasure. 25
There and back again, a woodworker's tale
Story and Photos by: James Needham Lon Simpson’s workshop in Nauvoo, Illinois
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t started with a saw 130 years ago in Keokuk, Ia, just across the river from Nauvoo, Illinois It was brand new and shiny with bold acid etching on its side. But when it left the factory, little is known about where it went or what it was used for. A local merchant may have picked it up and sold it to a carpenter in town. One of the factory workers may have decided he liked it and taken it home. It may have even been sent down the river on a barge to St. Louis for a massive construction project. For now, all we know is that C.J. Becker & Company of Keokuk, Ia. made it in 1883. But we’ll 26 come back to that.
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Lon Simpson working on a table leg.
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lege and majored at Western in industrial eduhe’s learned while only using tools and materi27
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ow a popular Western Illinois fishing and boating spot, 93-acre Lake Argyle is a manmade reservoir that covers the former site of Argyle Hollow, once a stop on the stage route between Beardstown and Galena.
Photo by: Steve Lutz
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The Western writing brothers from Western Illinois By: Sarah Tomkinson
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born less than two years apart in a town that had little to no traces of the Western lifestyle. Both writers started creating their literary works for completely different reasons — one to attempt to make a full-fledged career, and the other as a side project his brother insisted he try. To the world at large, they were Peter Dawson and Luke Short, two popular writers of the ‘40s and ‘50s. But to the people back in Kewanee, they were Jonathan and Fredrick Glidden, the sons of Wallace and Fannie Glidden.
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Photo by:Sarah Tomkinson
LUKE SHORT
Courtesy Photo: Aspen Historical Society
Fredrick Glidden with his family in Aspen Co. -
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It was a formula that worked well for him and soon
PETER DAWSON
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In print, on foot, in rhyme: the story of Vachel Lindsay By: Erika Davis Staff Photo
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or a time in the early 20th century, Springfield’s Vachel Lindsay was one of America’s most famous poets, whose poems and artwork captivated the world. He was known for his dramatic style of reading that led to him being described as “the father of singing poetry.” The title referred to his unique way of chanting his poems. While his poetry was powerful enough to inspire other poets during his lifetime, Lindsay’s quirky oratorical style eventually fell of out favor with the public. Following his suicide in 1931, his poetry, which had depended so much on his live performances, gradually faded into obscurity — as did he. 32
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Lindsay made very little money during his last tour and had even more
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is now a museum filled with his historCourtesy Photo: Library of Congress
he wrote during his selling trek from Illi-
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and imagery that it soon earned him -
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World Capitals, Mottos and Claims to Fame
By: Steve Lutz
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hile driving through Western Illinois, it’s easy to experience highway hypnosis. Miles of flat blacktop, endless white and yellow lines and countless rows of corn stretch on for miles, making anyone in the car lose track of time and direction. Glancing off to the side of the
road, passersby see the signs at the edge of town. The Rotary Club, local churches and high school athletes welcome them in. Every town has its story, and most have some claim to fame, with nicknames and mottos claiming that it is the “Something Capital of the World,” “World Leader of This” or “Home of the That.”
But where do the nicknames come from? Are they steeped in proud traditions and facts? Or are they the work of some tourism board that is just trying to make a town stand out? That’s where this story begins — a sampling of the cities and towns in Western Illinois and the history behind their nicknames and mottos.
Photos by: Steve Lutz
Kewanee — “Hog Capital of the World”
The name “Kewanee” is actually the Winnebago tribe’s word for prairie chickens, which have been known to mate in the area. However, Kewanee isn’t known for birds. It’s the “Hog Capital of the World.” While this one might seem as though it was created by the city to brag about its pork-producing industry, the title is based on fact. In 1947, Henry County was the number one producer of hogs in the United States according to the Department of Agriculture. In 1949, the city of Kewanee, the largest city in Henry County, had the Illinois House of Representatives pass a resolution naming Kewanee the “Hog Capital of the World.” Henry County also started the tradition of “Hog Day” by celebrating with a cookout and a swine show. In 1954, the “Hog Days” became a big tradition when combined with the centennial of Kewanee’s founding; they hosted a massive free cookout. An estimated 50,000 people showed up for the event, which amounted to 75 tons pro-
cessed fresh pork. The cookout was a success but because of the high cost, it was deemed a “onceevery-100-years” occurrence. Not deterred, the city still puts on a “Hog Days” festival every year on Labor Day weekend, keeping the first tradition, a swine show, alive as the main event. There’s also an outdoor pork barbeque. While the city still keeps the title alive, a number of other counties in the country have passed Henry up as the number one hog producer. But none of them have taken on the official title of “Hog Capital.”
Griggsville — “Purple Martin Capital of the World”
In the 1960’s the citizens of Griggsville were concerned about the growing mosquito population. In an effort to avoid pesticides and their potential side effects, they decided that the Purple Martin was the solution they were looking for. The Purple Martin is the largest North American Swallow, and according to the Nature Society News, it can consume 2,000
mosquitos a day. Spending its winters in South America, the Purple Martin heads north and spends the mosquito season in North America. A local businessman converted his antenna factory in to a birdhouse factory, and soon the city had installed hundreds of birdhouses in the area, including a famous 70-foot-tall high-rise with more than 500 bird “apartments.” The townspeople embraced the birds, calling the town the “Purple Martin Capital of the World.” They named the Purple Martin “America’s Most Wanted Bird” because of its mosquito-eating abilities. Despite the success, Nature House Inc. — which made the birdhouses in Griggsville — moved its manufacturing to Chicago in 2011. In October 2012, the bad news for Griggsville continued as the showroom and store were closed down and the Nature Society News, which had published the Purple Martin Newsletter since 1966, stopped publishing. However, the birdhouses still line the streets of Griggsville. Between March and October, the birds still live in the town, keeping the mosquito population at bay. 35
The seasonal Melon Market in Beardstown, Illinois is located on U.S. 67 on the south side of town.
Beardstown — “Watermelon Capital of the World”
Located in Cass County, Beardstown holds several claims to fame in its 194year history. Abraham Lincoln spent time there practicing law in the courthouse. For those willing to believe local legend, he contracted syphilis from a prostitute in Beardstown. However, the one thing that Beardstown wants to be known for is watermelons. While the title “Watermelon Capital” is more on the unofficial side, there are six watermelon farms in the greater Beardstown area. The watermelons, labeled as “Beardstown watermelon,” make their way to every major town in the county. Those wanting to try the watermelons first hand should note Beardstown has a farmers market featuring local goods, including watermelons, 36 every Tuesday from June through Oc-
tober between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Pekin — “Celestial City” “Marigold Capital”
Pekin has the distinction of being the only city on this list with two nicknames. First, it is the “Celestial City.” This name comes from the fact that “Pekin” was an acceptable spelling of the Chinese capital Peking, or as its now known, Beijing. What is known about the name is that it was picked by an early settler by the name of Ann Eliza Cromwell. But the question is why. There are a number of theories. The first is that Cromwell believed that this new town was on the antipode, or direct opposite side of the world, as Peking, China. This theory isn’t completely absurd, as there is less than a full degree of latitude separation, but Buenos Aires, Argentina is the technical antipode of Beijing. An-
other popular theory is that Cromwell looked at Pekin as the future and named the new city after the large, successful celestial city of Peking. The second nickname that Pekin holds is the “Marigold Capital of the World.” In January 1896, Everett Dirksen was born in Pekin and went on to have a long, successful political career. Dirksen started as a member of the Pekin City Council and continued his career with 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and 18 years in the U.S. Senate. When he wasn’t in Washington, Dirksen was an avid gardener and a big fan of the common marigold. In 1965, Dirksen even introduced a resolution to make the marigold the national flower. But unfortunately, it never took off. As a tribute to Dirksen after he passed away, the city began to have a marigold festival in his honor.
The Festival continues every September during the weekend after Labor Day with a Miss Marigold Festival contest, marigold planting displays and even a marigold museum.
Collinsville — “Horseradish Capital of the World”
On the southern end of Western Illinois, just a few miles outside of St. Louis, sits Collinsville, or as it prefers to be known, the “Horseradish Capital of the World.” While the “Gem City” doesn’t hold any gems, Collinsville lives up to its name. 60 percent of the world’s horseradish is grown in the Collinsville area. A total of 80 percent of the world’s supply is grown in Southern Illinois. The town embraces its title with the International Horseradish Festival every year. The free event takes place during
the first weekend of June and features horseradish-related food vendors and a horseradish recipe contest. Some of the other events also follow the theme, such as root-tossing, root-golf and a root-sacking contest.
Canton — “We Do That Here”
Just four years before Pekin was supposedly named after Peking, China, Canton was named after Canton, China, or Guangzhou as it is now known. Settler Isaac Swan thought that his new settlement was the antipode of Canton, China, a renowned shipping point at that time. The motto “We Do That Here” is confusing. What exactly is “that?” In 2010, Canton’s marketing and tourism coordinator, Dana Smith, was tasked with creating a commercial showing Canton as the thriving, vibrant community it was. Attempting to overcome the stereotype of being a small Midwestern town with nothing to offer, the slogan “We Do That Here” was developed. The slogan was used to advertise education, healthcare and shopping, arguing that Canton could compete with other towns in any area. One new event Canton has to offer is its inaugural Art on Main Fine Arts Festival, happening June 1 and 2, featuring monetary awards for the best works of art. All art featured will be on sale during the event.
Pana — “The Rose City”
This years International Horseradish Festival will be held May 31-June 2 and will feature news root themed games
The small town of Pana is barely inside what would be considered Western Illinois. But like many of the other nicknames, “The Rose City” has its roots in the agriculture business. According to the city, Pana is a weather anomaly, featuring a low number of hailstorms — making it an ideal place for greenhouses. At its peak in the early 20th century, there were 109 different greenhouses producing an estimated 18 million roses a year. The flowers made their way as far north as Chicago and as far south as New Orleans. The nickname was actually given to the
city by the Jordan brothers, who were editors of the local paper, The Pana Palladium, for more than 30 years. The brothers saw value in the greenhouse industry and thought attaching a nickname to the town would help bolster business. Ultimately, the greenhouse industry closed down in Pana. While weather was one of the major factors driving the greenhouses, the real advantage Pana had was the coal mining industry. However, by 1960 all of the major coal mines had been closed and sealed.
Quincy — “The Gem City”
Many town nicknames are based in some sort of truth. With a nickname like “The Gem City,” it sounds like gems were found in the limestone mines that run under Quincy. Instead, Quincy is simply the self-proclaimed “Gem of the Midwest.” Local businesses have firmly embedded themselves in this nickname, and it’s hard to drive a few blocks in Quincy without seeing a “Gem City Ford,” “Gem City Chiropractic” or “Gem City Pizzeria.” Even though the name is not based on actual precious stones, Quincy is still full of history, museums and parks that are worth a visit.
Morton — “Pumpkin Capital of the World”
Just outside of Peoria sits Morton, also known as the “Pumpkin Capital of the World.” Morton is not known for growing pumpkins as much as it’s known for the Nestlé plant located in the town, which processes an estimated 85 percent of the world’s canned pumpkin under the Libby’s name. To celebrate this achievement, Morton and Libby’s host the Pumpkin Festival every September. There are more than 30 different events every year at the festival including a craft fair, parades and a carnival. The most notable event, which frequently gains attention from the Guinness Book of World Records, is the “Punkin Chuckin’” contest. The contest features a hand-tossing portion and a mechanical portion. 37
The mechanical part is what brings in the world records. Pumpkins are regularly chucked more than 3,000 feet with machines. The previous world record, set in Morton, stands at 4,680 feet.
known as “Whiskeytown.” Prior to prohibition, Peoria was home to 24 breweries and 73 distilleries, including the Great Western Distillery, the largest in the world at the time. The distilleries then lead to the Whiskey Barons, Peoria — “Whiskeytown” Peoria is the quintessential Middle who built numerous mansions for themAmerican town. The phrase “Will it play selves and contributed theaters, parks, in Peoria?” gained its popularity from the artwork and statues to the city of Peoria. fact that Peoria has been used for years The town proudly embraced its title and as a test market for countless companies. even named the minor league baseball Advertisers, politicians and focus groups team “The Distillers” in the 1890s. Peoria mostly owes the title of “Whislove to test the water for any new endeavor in the town. But before people were keytown” to the federal government. At asking if it would play there, Peoria was its peak — in between the 1860s and 1919
— Peoria was the number one payee of alcohol taxes to the federal government, surpassing Chicago and Cleveland. It is estimated that in some years, the taxes collected from Peoria’s distilleries made up half of the federal government’s entire revenue. Unfortunately for Peoria, the alcohol business never returned after Prohibition was repealed. Almost all of the breweries and distilleries were torn down with only one brewery left in the city today. Those looking to experience the “Whiskeytown” phenomenon can still visit and tour several of the Whiskey Baron mansions.
Hiram Walker and Sons distillery on the banks of the Illinois river, was the largest in the world for more than 50 years after it’s 1881 opening
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Photo by: Steve Lutz