With an official proclamation read and signed by Mayor Julie Moore-Wolfe on May 3rd, Historic Preservation Week in Decatur will be celebrated May 16th- 22nd with a full week’s worth of activities beginning Sunday.
The annual event is sponsored by History of the Heartland. Members of the committee have reached out to numerous organizations involved in historic preservation and beautification to offer opportunities to participate during the activities of the week and beyond. The goal of the organization is to promote local history and historic preservation & beautification, become a clearinghouse of information to assist with future community efforts, and shine the spotlight on projects and success stories. The vision includes enhanced community awareness and engagement to assist in preserving our rich history and beautification of the community.
Beginning May 16th, numerous community and social media events will highlight both the continued need for historic preservation, and opportunities to enjoy historic venues already preserved(event list attached). These will be augmented by stories of historic structures and people of Macon County. All events are planned to allow the appropriate social distancing as provided by the Illinois pandemic guidelines. The History of the Heartland facebook page will spotlight organizations, stories of our people or projects each day that provide historic preservation and beautification for Decatur.
Historic Preservation Week Official Schedule, May 16-22 (All Events Rain or Shine)
These events are ongoing for the week-
*Architectural Scavenger Hunt forms available at the Wabash Depot (780 East Cerro Gordo)
*On the History of the Heartland page (Events) West Main & Park Place Walking Tours self-guided—just follow the scripts about each home (Includes current photos of the homes)
*Vintage Recipes daily on our Facebook Page
*MOO-velous Makeovers Tour-Cow -Beautification Project self-guided tour by Happy Hearts Creations by Sheryl–Story of the Decatur Cow Statues In 2000 Joann Swansen had a balloon and concrete statue business on Oakland. She started the cow project for northside businesses. Each cow cost $350 and came with an artist who helped to design and then paint it. I think 20 businesses bought a cow and they were mainly seen along Pershing and Oakland. It became popular to have a cow and Joann sold 60 cows for the Decatur surrounding area. Sadly, some cows were mutilated, which is a felony. Why destroy what brings simple joy to others? I think 10 have survived. The original designer and artist for the 525 pound cows is Peggy Ankrom Baity. She now owns The Art Farm in downtown Decatur where local artist sell their creations. Beautify Decatur saw the need to restore the cows and Sheryl Polley is the artist for 2021 who gets to repaint the cows. There have been many messages from people who remember “cow hunting ” with their families 21 years ago! They are excited to see them being brought back to life. Painted or in process are: 1) THE GLASS HOUSE 2895 N Oakland 2) PERKINS 2999 N Monroe 3) GOODS FLOORING 1705 E Pershing
*Continuous historical stories daily on the History of the Heartland facebook page
May 16- 1pm-3pm
Church Street Church Stroll (begins at St. John’s Episcopal corner of 130 West Eldorado) hosted by Jan Akins. Information for all of the Churches available at St John’s. Open houses at St John’s, House of Miracles (441 North Church) and First United Methodist Church (201 West North), also info on the architecture of First Presbyterian Church (Corner of Church & Prairie) & the stone Church on Eldorado & Church by St. John’s
May 17- 5pm-7pm
IT Terminal Open House (1065 N. Van Dyke)—Recently added to the most endangered structures list in Illinois. See the original ticket window inside and other interesting features.
May 18- 4pm-6pm
African American Museum Open House (local legends) Hosted by Evelyn Hood and will include copies of local legend’s stories. (235 West Eldorado)
May 19- 6pm-7:30pm
Masonic Temple (224 West William) Open House with Tours of the Majestic Hall.
Inside the Masonic Temple there will be a Meet & Greet with legendary Decatur restauranteurs Dick Cain (Tom’s Grill) & Jim & Kathy Gresham (LSB). Stop in and recall eating & socializing in these legendary locations.
May 20-
10:30-1:30—Paul’s Confectionary (999 North Water) Burger Basket Special includes a soft drink $8. Paul’s is one of the oldest restaurants in Decatur. They make their own ice cream for their legendary milk shakes & their legendary homemade chili.
6pm–Tentative Movie at the Avon Theatre
May 22-
Historical (self-guided) Downtown Walk begins at the Lincoln Theatre (141 North Main) Open House 12pm-3pm. Information about prominent locations (from history of the heartland) will be available at the Lincoln Theatre.
James Millikin Homestead Open House (1pm-4pm, donations accepted) (125 North Pine St)
Staley Museum reopening (1pm-4pm) (361 North College)
Mueller Museum (1pm-4pm) (420 West Eldorado)
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