Villa Grove
Illinois
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City of Villa Grove
History
Early 1840's
The earliest recorded settlers begin to trickle into the area surrounding what is now known as Villa Grove.
1852
Settlement begins near the "Villa in the Grove" itself, with the first home being built by George Warren Henson.
1887
"Old Town" is plotted when a branch line of the railroad is laid from Tuscola to Danville. The first depot is built on the south side of Front Street near Henson Road, which later burned in 1903.
1888
George Henson sells land to the railroad, and the original 2½ block lots of "Old Town" were plotted the following year.
1890's
A two-room school house was erected on North Henson Road as the first school of Villa Grove. Modern conveniences are enjoyed by residents—namely electricity, running water and telephones.
1900's
1903
Managers of the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad observe that Villa Grove is exactly half-way between Chicago and St. Louis, an ideal location for steam engine repair. Plans begin for "New Town" Villa Grove, which includes the present-day business district, near the planned new depot and roundhouse.
1904
Based on growing need for organization, an election of the village is conducted with J. A. Richman elected as the first Village President. Six trustees are also selected, the same number of local representatives serving to this day.
1905-12
Growth begins to pick up speed, with plans for a village hall, sidewalks, fire trucks and new subdivision. New churches are dedicated, a new grade school begins and the first newpaper begins. The Odd Fellows, Rebekahs and Order of the Eastern Star are established.
1913
An election is held concerning the incorporation of Villa Grove as a city. One of the earliest floods on record is recorded, creating a two-mile lake.
1913-19
Work begins on a city water works system through the issuance of bonds (after a rather nasty case of dysentery throughout town). Storm sewers are also constructed. The Farmer's Elevator is organized. Plans are made for the construction of a new high school on the north bank of the Embarras River. The first boy scout troop is established.
1920's
The high school basketball team wins a State Championship. Work begins on a city water works system through the issuance of bonds. Storm sewers are also constructed.
1930's
The local V.F.W. post is named after a local serviceman, Walter Jones, killed during WWI. The city's filter plant is erected, removing the high sulfur ("rotting eggs") scent from the water. Route 130 towards Camargo is started, as well as the current Community Building, then built and owned by the school. The first preschool convenes.
1940's
The Villa Grove Lions and Rotary Clubs are chartered. The City's famous "Pancake Fesitvals" begin each year, with attendance growing to over 10,000. Residents follow news of WWII, and contribute to anti-Polio campaigns. The largest flood to date creates three days of havoc. The "Meadowlark", a steamliner passenger train, started service. Broom corn is a widespread crop in the area.
1950's
The worst flood to happen for the next forty years leaves one-third of the homes surrounded by water and without heat in January '50. Most businesses closed and cold weather hampered rescuers. The Pancake Festivals continue a few more years, and then are stopped due to rising costs. Both park and fire district votes fail. A new bridge on Sycamore Street is built over the river to the north. Another flood in '59 closed the Front Street bridge.
1960's
Waste water sewers are constructed throughout the city. An FX tornado travels from Decatur to Indianapolis, leaving major destruction in it's wake. The new post office on Main Street is dedicated.
1970's
Another serious flood in '74 closes all links to the outside area for days; '79 also had a mentionable flood. The historic C&EI depot is demolished, resulting in repayment by the railroad for compensation of a lost historical landmark. "Ag Days" is begun by the local Jaycees. The Playtime Cooperative Nursery School is started, as well as the Senior Citizens Peace Meal program. The annual "Loyalty Day" parade is begun.
1980's
The high school dedicates "Russell S. Ghere Field", after which the former coach is inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. The "Friends of the Library" group is created, who created the "Villa Grove Area History Book". Water service is extended to Deer Lake, a rural subdivision south of town.
1990's
In an eventful decade, Villa Grove is hit by a tornado in '90. The worst flood ever to hit occurred in May of '94, again cutting the City off and endangering the water supply. Both '96 and '97 brought floods of lesser severity. Three of the four weather storms were declared state and/or federal disasters. Major projects are undertaken by the City to prevent future flooding. A new water tower is constructed, and a major upgrade to the waste water treatment systems is started in phases. The City assists the Illinois EPA in the closing of the Multi-County Landfill, a risk to the water supply of the city. The Villa Grove United Methodist Church constructs a community xxxxxxxxxxxxx. A new Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district is created to promote residential and economic growth.
2000's
The City purchases a brand new fire truck, for approximately $250,000. A new subdivision, the first in over 15 years, begins development. Plans for the construction of the Richman Sports Complex, an outdoor recreation facility, are underway with hopes of adding a new Community Building in the foreseeable future.
Early 1840's
The earliest recorded settlers begin to trickle into the area surrounding what is now known as Villa Grove.
1852
Settlement begins near the "Villa in the Grove" itself, with the first home being built by George Warren Henson.
1887
"Old Town" is plotted when a branch line of the railroad is laid from Tuscola to Danville. The first depot is built on the south side of Front Street near Henson Road, which later burned in 1903.
1888
George Henson sells land to the railroad, and the original 2½ block lots of "Old Town" were plotted the following year.
1890's
A two-room school house was erected on North Henson Road as the first school of Villa Grove. Modern conveniences are enjoyed by residents—namely electricity, running water and telephones.
1900's
1903
Managers of the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad observe that Villa Grove is exactly half-way between Chicago and St. Louis, an ideal location for steam engine repair. Plans begin for "New Town" Villa Grove, which includes the present-day business district, near the planned new depot and roundhouse.
1904
Based on growing need for organization, an election of the village is conducted with J. A. Richman elected as the first Village President. Six trustees are also selected, the same number of local representatives serving to this day.
1905-12
Growth begins to pick up speed, with plans for a village hall, sidewalks, fire trucks and new subdivision. New churches are dedicated, a new grade school begins and the first newpaper begins. The Odd Fellows, Rebekahs and Order of the Eastern Star are established.
1913
An election is held concerning the incorporation of Villa Grove as a city. One of the earliest floods on record is recorded, creating a two-mile lake.
1913-19
Work begins on a city water works system through the issuance of bonds (after a rather nasty case of dysentery throughout town). Storm sewers are also constructed. The Farmer's Elevator is organized. Plans are made for the construction of a new high school on the north bank of the Embarras River. The first boy scout troop is established.
1920's
The high school basketball team wins a State Championship. Work begins on a city water works system through the issuance of bonds. Storm sewers are also constructed.
1930's
The local V.F.W. post is named after a local serviceman, Walter Jones, killed during WWI. The city's filter plant is erected, removing the high sulfur ("rotting eggs") scent from the water. Route 130 towards Camargo is started, as well as the current Community Building, then built and owned by the school. The first preschool convenes.
1940's
The Villa Grove Lions and Rotary Clubs are chartered. The City's famous "Pancake Fesitvals" begin each year, with attendance growing to over 10,000. Residents follow news of WWII, and contribute to anti-Polio campaigns. The largest flood to date creates three days of havoc. The "Meadowlark", a steamliner passenger train, started service. Broom corn is a widespread crop in the area.
1950's
The worst flood to happen for the next forty years leaves one-third of the homes surrounded by water and without heat in January '50. Most businesses closed and cold weather hampered rescuers. The Pancake Festivals continue a few more years, and then are stopped due to rising costs. Both park and fire district votes fail. A new bridge on Sycamore Street is built over the river to the north. Another flood in '59 closed the Front Street bridge.
1960's
Waste water sewers are constructed throughout the city. An FX tornado travels from Decatur to Indianapolis, leaving major destruction in it's wake. The new post office on Main Street is dedicated.
1970's
Another serious flood in '74 closes all links to the outside area for days; '79 also had a mentionable flood. The historic C&EI depot is demolished, resulting in repayment by the railroad for compensation of a lost historical landmark. "Ag Days" is begun by the local Jaycees. The Playtime Cooperative Nursery School is started, as well as the Senior Citizens Peace Meal program. The annual "Loyalty Day" parade is begun.
1980's
The high school dedicates "Russell S. Ghere Field", after which the former coach is inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. The "Friends of the Library" group is created, who created the "Villa Grove Area History Book". Water service is extended to Deer Lake, a rural subdivision south of town.
1990's
In an eventful decade, Villa Grove is hit by a tornado in '90. The worst flood ever to hit occurred in May of '94, again cutting the City off and endangering the water supply. Both '96 and '97 brought floods of lesser severity. Three of the four weather storms were declared state and/or federal disasters. Major projects are undertaken by the City to prevent future flooding. A new water tower is constructed, and a major upgrade to the waste water treatment systems is started in phases. The City assists the Illinois EPA in the closing of the Multi-County Landfill, a risk to the water supply of the city. The Villa Grove United Methodist Church constructs a community xxxxxxxxxxxxx. A new Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district is created to promote residential and economic growth.
2000's
The City purchases a brand new fire truck, for approximately $250,000. A new subdivision, the first in over 15 years, begins development. Plans for the construction of the Richman Sports Complex, an outdoor recreation facility, are underway with hopes of adding a new Community Building in the foreseeable future.