Thursday Oct. 8, 2015 Vol. 3, No. 31
The Weekly Post
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Williamsfield’s past lives on in historic Caldwell Cottage By BILL KNIGHT
WILLIAMSFIELD – On the northwest corner of the intersection of Gale and Olive Streets here, one wonders: “If these walls could talk.” The Caldwell Cottage was the first house built in Williamsfield, constructed in 1888 south of the train tracks for the Santa Fe station agent. It was moved to its current location and had a bedroom added when the railroad built a depot, and Harry H. Caldwell bought the home. Next weekend (Oct. 17), the cottage will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in connection with homecoming and alumni weekend. “We hope it’ll be informative and fun,” says Judy Johnson, Regent for the Spoon River Chapter of the Daughters of the For The Weekly Post
American Revolution, which maintains the house, “... especially for younger people who’ll probably wonder how the Caldwells could raise six children here – with no television or even electricity.” If these walls could talk, they might whisper of kerosene lamps, family games of jacks, horses and wagons, and living with outdoor “plumbing” and other turnof-the-20th century standards. “We’d like people to just stop in and look around,” Johnson says. “It’s all free, and we’ll have some refreshments. It’s also a way we’ll mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ralph Norman, a real leader here. And – he used to run the popcorn machine when we’d have free movies outdoors here – we’ll have popcorn.” Since first opening during Williams-
Brimfield board OK’s gas deal
field’s Centennial Celebration in 1988, the Caldwell Cottage has become a community asset – and a shared responsibility. After the last surviving member of
PRINCEVILLE HOMECOMING
Judy Johnson stands on the porch of Caldwell Cottage, the first house built in Williamsfield. It will be open to the public on Saturday (Oct. 17). Photo by Bill Knight.
Caldwell’s family passed away in 1982 – Alma, who taught in Washington, Ill., but spent many weekends and summers here Continued on Page 10
ECF banquet focuses on local center
By TERRY BIBO
By JEFF LAMPE
BRIMFIELD – Despite inviting and actively considering advice from the audience, the Brimfield Village Board dispatched with business in 16 minutes flat Monday. Bills were paid. The minutes and treasurer’s report were approved. A new Ameren gas agreement was inked. “It used to be free utilities for the Village Hall. Now it’s a flat rate,” said President Dan Fishel. “Twenty years, and they pay you $2,530,” said the village’s attorney, Rick Johnson. “If the population goes up 3 percent or more, then you can renegotiate the amount.” After a 6-0 vote to approve the Ameren agreement, trustees quickly signed off on closing Galena Avenue to accommodate an Oct. 17 benefit for the late Donnie Dickerson. Since Dickerson was a Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiast, more than
ELMWOOD – The idea of a new multi-use community center has long been a hot topic for the Elmwood Community Foundation. Beyond discussion, members of the non-profit group have visited centers in neighboring communities for ideas and feedback. Most recently, the ECF commissioned a survey of residents to gauge interest in such a facility in the Elmwood area. The results of that survey and feedback from two nearby community center directors are the focus of this year’s ECF banquet on Saturday (Oct. 10). Scheduled for 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. at Elmwood Presbyterian Church, the annual dinner is a chance to raise money for the foundation and to bring into focus community-related issues. The topic of community centers is an interesting one, said Elmwood Economic Development Director Dick Taylor, who along with other ECF members has taken trips to Weekly Post Staff Writer
For The Weekly Post
Continued on Page 4
The Class of 2018 float (above) was voted best in the Princeville Homecoming Parade last Saturday. Also honored during Homecoming were Marshall Martin (Mr. Football) and Bridget Talley (Homecoming Queen) at right. Photos by Collin Fairfield.
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