Heritage Network of Decatur and Macon County:member profiles

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Birks Museum
Gorin Hall, Millikin University
1184 West Main Street, Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 424-6337

A decorative arts museum with a strong emphasis on porcelain and glass, including paperweights, from Europe, China and the United States. Also included are furniture, textiles, and pottery. The collection dates from the 14th through the 20th century.

Open seven days a week, 1-4 pm when the university is in session (September - April). Call for summer and holiday hours.

http://www.millikin.edu/Birks/

05-June 30/kb

Gorin Hall was constructed in 1931 to house the Orville B. Gorin Library. Birks Museum is housed in what was the tall-ceilinged reading room on the 2d floor.

Children's Museum building

Children's Museum of Illinois
55 South Country Club Road, Decatur IL 62521
(217) 423-KIDS (423-5437)

The Museum, where children play to learn and adults learn to play, was opened in 1995. The museum offers over 10,000 square feet of exhibit space for children and families to discover.

For hours, see http://www.cmofil.com/geninfo.html

http://www.cmofil.com

04- Feb.16

Decatur Area Arts Council
145 North Main Street, Decatur, IL 62523
(217) 423- 3189

The Arts Council is a facilitator and catalyst for the arts, with the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in the community through education, classes, a gallery, & outreach activities. The Decatur Area Arts Council was formed in 1967 by a group of local artists, teachers, and Millikin University staff. On July 5, 2004, the Arts Council moved into the Madden Arts Center, a massively renovated 14,000 sq. ft. 100-year-old building in downtown Decatur. The Arts Council sponsors Arts in Central Park and other Decatur cultural events.

Open Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sat 10 am - 2 pm.

http://www.decaturarts.org/

05-June 30/kb

Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
202 East North Street, Decatur, IL 62523
(217) 423- 7000; decatur@midwest.net

The purpose of the Convention and Visitors Bureau is to increase hotel/motel occupancy through conventions, meetings, motor coach tours, festivals and events. Free guides, maps & information are available.

Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

http://www.decaturcvb.com/

Decatur Civil War Round Table
3 Sixth Drive, Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 423-4642

The Civil War Round Table meets for a dinner discussions monthly, to generate interest in American History with a focus on the Civil War era. The discussions examine the cause and lasting effects of that war. A different outside speaker/discussion leader with particular topical expertise is invited each month.

http://www.angelfire.com/il3/decaturcwroundtable/

05-July 11

Civil War cannon

Dinners: the second Thursday of the month (except January and September) at the Maverick Steak House,
3010 N. MLK Jr. Drive, Decatur, at 6 p.m..

Decatur Genealogical Society
1255 W. South Side Dr, Decatur, IL 62523
(217) 429-0135

The Decatur Genealogical Society, one of the oldest such societies in Illinois, maintains its own library which is the largest genealogical library in central Illinois.

Open: Mon. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Wed & Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m..

http://www.rootsweb.com/~ildecgs/

05-Aug.30

Decatur Park District
620 East Riverside, Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 422-5911

Established in 1924, the Park District manages and maintains a vast amount of property, including 46 parks, 15 nature areas, 63 baseball diamonds, 5 golf courses, 2 swimming pools, a tennis complex, bike trails, the Scovill Zoo, and the Decatur Airport.

http://www.decatur-parks.org/

05-July 11

Decatur Park District

Fourth home for the congregation of the First United
Methodist Church since its founding in 1834,
This is the northeast face of the building.

First United Methodist Church
201 W. North Street Decatur Illinois 62522
(217) 423-9711 fax: (217)423-5025

Construction of the current First United Methodist Church building was begun in 1904, and the building was dedicated on September 9, 1906. The architectural style is modernized Gothic with a modified Byzantine dome. Several of the memorial windows are dedicated to names still recognizable in the Decatur community, such as Imboden, Ewing and Gorin. The total cost of the building was $103,000. Extensive renovations to the building were recently (2004) concluded, including cleaning and stabilizing the stained glass windows in the sanctuary, construction of a new and more stable bell tower for the chimes (unusable for some years), creation of a new front entrance on the north side of the building, and many smaller remodelings, repairs and extensions.

Home to the 1910 Conklin Memorial Chimes consisting of 11 bells from the McShane Foundry. The chimes have been moved to the new entrance tower and are again being rung to mark.the hours and, via the electronic keyboard, (installed 1960), for Sunday hymns.

05- June 29/kb

Gallery 510 Arts Guild, Ltd.
510 West Decatur Street, Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 422-1509

A cooperative gallery established in 1991 to nourish an interest in the visual fine arts as a public service, to act as a source of cultural and historical enrichment to the community, and to offer art for sale by local artists. The Guild continues to enhance its neighborhood with restorations and remodeling. Gallery 510 is the newest (August 2001) member of the Heritage Network.

Open Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 4 PM, with an opening reception the first Friday of each month from 5 to 7 PM.

http://www.gallery510.org

04- Jan.28

Public Library interior

The Gallery 510 house was built in 1884 by John K. Warren, at age 33 Decatur's youngest mayor ever. The David Shellabarger family (of Decatur's Shellabarger Mills) purchased the house in 1895 and it remained in their family until 1953.

Oglesby Mansion

Governor Oglesby Mansion
421 West William Street, Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 429-9422

The Italianate-style mansion, built in 1874, was the Decatur home of the family of Governor Richard J. Oglesby, three time governor of Illinois ( elected 1865, 1872, and 1885). This beautifully restored Victorian home, furnished with many Oglesby family pieces, appears as it was during Gov. Oglesby's residence. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Open March - November, the last Sunday of the month, 2 - 4 p.m.

http://www.maconcountyconservation.org/Governor%20Oglesby%20Mansion.html

05-July 11

Greek Orthodox Church
570 North Union Street, Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 423-2740

Named for the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, the Greek Orthodox Church is located in the Historic Downtown Area. A city-wide May festival and a Fall festival feature a live Greek band, Greek food & pastries, and Greek dancing.

Contact person: Christine Kareotes.

http://decaturgreeks.com/

Herald & Review
601 East William Street, Decatur, IL 62523
(217) 429-5151

Serving Central Illinois since 1873, the Herald & Review brings its readers the latest news, information and sports each day. The Herald & Review has an extensive library collection of historical photos and stories. Library services are available for a fee (421-6974).

Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

http://www.herald-review.com/

Hieronymus Mueller Museum
New location: 420 W. Eldorado Street, 62522
(217) 423-6161

You cannot turn on your water faucet, go roller skating, get a drink at a public fountain, or drive your car without thinking about Hieronymus Mueller. In 1857, Mueller opened a gun repair shop on Decatur's West Main Street, and this grew into a national company that still makes fire hydrants (by now, about half of all fire hydrants in the US have been made by the Mueller company) and related "flow control" equipment. The Museum celebrates the company's products and its energetic founder, the man who in 1896 drove the first automobile ever seen in Decatur.

Hours year-round:

Thurs, Fri & Sat. 1 - 4:00 p.m.

http://www.cityofdecatur.com/mueller.htm

06-01

Hieronymus Muller Museum

Historic Decatur Foundation (HDF)
447 West Main Street, Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 421-9000

The Historic Decatur Foundation strives to preserve the unique architectural heritage of Decatur by encouraging the preservation of historically or architecturally significant sites and structures, and increasing public awareness of their value to the community. Preservation of the Culver House is a current HDF project. Miniature wooden figurines of the Carnegie Public Library, the Wabash Train Depot, Stephen Decatur High School, and the Transfer House are offered through the web site.

http://jupiter.millikin.edu/~cbronke/historicdecatur/

05-July 11

Carnegie Public Library, Decatur
(emblematic of the not preserved)

James Millikin Homestead

James Millikin Homestead
125 North Pine Street, Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 422-9003

The Homestead was built in 1876 for banker and philanthropist James Millikin, founder of Millikin University. The Italianate mansion, restored to resemble its appearance when occupied by the Millikins, includes numerous original furnishings.

Open March - October, last Sunday of the month, 2 - 4 p.m.

http://www.millikin.edu/millikinhomestead/

05-July 11

Local History Club -- Decatur, Illinois and Environs
(217) 428-0673
Decatur, IL

The Local History Club -- Decatur, Illinois and Environs consists of individuals who either have published books on local subjects, volunteered service hours to the Shilling Local History Room at the Decatur Public Library, or have an insatiable curiosity of local legends and history. The group first met on May 18, 2000.

Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of every month, from 7 to 9 pm, in the A.E.Staley Room in the Decatur Public Library.

05-July 11

Macon County Conservation District 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL 62521 (217) 423-7708, Fax (217) 423-2837
The Macon County Conservation District encompasses 3,000 acres containing trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, as well as picnic, playgrounds and fishing areas. The 1,300 acre Rock Springs Center for Environmental Discovery offers programs and museum exhibits on the natural & cultural heritage of the area. The 1860's Homestead Prairie Farm is located within the Rock Springs Center.
Hours for Rock Springs Center:	Mon - Fri: 8am to 5pm Sat: 8:30am to 4:30pm; Sun: 1pm to 4:30pm Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
Hours for Homestead Prairie Farm:	June - Oct: Sat & Sun 1 - 4 p.m.; also by appointment
http://www.maconcountyconservation.org/

05- June 29

marshland photo

Trails open 7am to dusk.

Macon County Historical Society

Lincoln in Decatur

Macon County Historical Society 5580 North Fork Road, Decatur IL 62521 (217) 422-4919
The Macon County Historical Society and Museum complex offers indoor and outdoor exhibits highlighting the history of Macon County and central Illinois. The exhibits include a Victorian home, the Lincoln County Courthouse built in 1830, a one room school house, and an 1860's home. Also worth a visit are the Lincoln Library and the gift shop. "Where past accomplishments become the dreams for tomorrow."
Open Tues - Sat. 1-4 p.m. every week; and 1-4 pm on the fourth Sunday of every month
http://www.mchsdecatur.org/

05- July 11

Macon/Piatt Regional Office of Education

Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education
1690 Houston Drive, Decatur IL 62526
(217) 872-3721 Fax (217) 872-0239

The Regional Office of Education oversees the educational programs of the two counties. Programs include annual safety inspections, teacher certification, a truancy prevention center, and alternative education programs. The mission of the Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education is to provide excellent service and programming with the improvement of education as the ultimate goal.

http://www.roe39.k12.il.us/

05- June 29

Mari-Mann Herb Farm St. Louis Bridge Road, Decatur IL (217) 429-1404
Mari-Mann Herb Farm is one of the largest herb farms in the midwest. Walk among the herb beds, everlasting flowerbeds, formal garden and the new fairy garden. The Gingerbread House gift shop offers a wide variety of herb products such as their own Spoon Herbal Sauce, Mari-Dilly Dip Mix, herbal jellies and teas made right on the farm. Classes offered on homeopathy, gardening, crafting, basket weaving, healthy and gourmet cooking. Special events such as High Teas are some of the many "enlightening Thymes" to enjoy at Mari-Mann.
Open Mon. -Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. noon to 5 p.m. For more schedule information, see http://www.marimann.com/happenings.html.
http://www.marimann.com

05-June 29

Baldwin locomotive

Wabash #1189 locomotive

Monticello Railway Museum P.O. Box 401, Monticello, IL 61856 Exit 166 Off I-72 (877) 762-9011 (Sat & Sun); (800) 962-3396 (weekdays)
The Railway Museum offers 50 minute round-trip rides using vintage diesels, coaches and cabooses. The mission of the museum is to collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit materials and artifacts relating to railroading, with emphasis on Central Illinois, and to operate a demonstration railroad for the education and enjoyment of the public.
When: May - October, Sat & Sun. Call for departure schedule.
http://www.mrym.org/

05-July 11

Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum
129 South Main Street, Moweaqua, IL 62550
20 miles south of Decatur on Rt. 51
(217) 768-3019 or (217) 768-3475

Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum, founded in May 1986, is dedicated to the 54 miners lost in the December 24, 1932 disaster. The Museum houses coal mining artifacts from the Moweaqua Coal Mine which ceased operations in 1935.

Open Sat & Sun 1 - 4 p.m. beginning in October.
Summer hours are from 1 - 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

http://www.kentlaw.edu/ilhs/moweaqua.htm

05-July 11

Picture of the memorial site

Near West Restoration and Preservation Society (NWRAPS)
234 South College Street, Decatur IL 62522
(217) 424-9147

Centered in the west end of Decatur, NWRAPS seeks to help that area maintain its diverse character as a residential neighborhood, to promote efforts to maintain, beautify and preserve the neighborhood, and to promote the preservation of historic buildings within the area. Its garden graces the corner of Wood and Monroe streets.

Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of every month, at 7 pm, at the First Presbyterian Church.

04- Feb.13

Scovill Zoo (part of Decatur Park District )
71 South Country Club Road, Decatur IL 62521
(217) 421-7435 Fax 422-7330

From timber wolves to spider monkeys to camels: see and discover Scovill Zoo. Ride the Endangered Species Carousel and the Z.O. & O. Express train, see the two cheetahs named Jafari and Runako, feed the goats in the petting area, visit the gift shop, and much more. Meet animals close up during special presentations.

For hours, see web site below.

http://www.decatur-parks.org/zoo/index.htm

05- July 11

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This page was created (on June 14, 2000) and is maintained by Karin Borei, Vice President of the Network
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Most recent update: July 11, 2005 (links all up to date May 3, 2005)

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