CENTENNIAL
19112011
Village of South Jack sonvil le, Il l inois
Above: Fire Chief David Hickox,
paramedics Josh Sorrill & David Bye,
& Mayor Gordon Jumper at
5-6-10 Board Meeting.
Right: Mayor Jumper with 2004
Little Miss Winners.(L-R) Cady
Moore, 2004 Little Miss Emily Haley,
2003 Little Miss Taylor Zoerner, & Adriana DeFrates.
Above: 2003 Court (L-R) Zachary DeWitt, Brooke McEvers, Adriana DeFrates,
Emily Haley, Ashley Olson, 2002 Little Miss Brently Stewart, Elizabeth Graham,
2003 Little Miss Taylor Zoerner, Cady Moore, Megan Dowdy, and Wyatt Smith.
Daisy BrunkPrairie Councilon AgingRepresentative
Ribbon-Cutting at Three Star Diner, 100 Comfort Drive, in 2010
Above: First Asst. Fire Chief Richard Evans (right)
who celebrated 30 years with the volunteer fire
department in May, 2010, is pictured with his son,
Rich Evans, Jr., who joined the SJFD in Sept. 2002.
Fire Station Dedication 7-31-2004 (L-R) Chamber President GinnyFanning, Representative Jim Watson, former Senator DeannaDeMuzio, and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.
2002
2003
2004
Clockw ise from Left: Nancy & CarlHopkins, Trustee Dick & Pam
Samples, Nora & Danny Wynn, andFire Chief David & Crystal Hickox.
Christmas Party 12-11-09.
2007
Jolie & Jerry Chaudoin at Alex Simpson at Play for All ParkVillage Celebration
Above: Ribbon-Cutting at Village Market, located within the Safeco Gas/Convenience
Store, 1802 S. Main.
(L-R) Top Row: Trustee Mike Elliott, Trustee & SJFD Sec./Treas. Steve Waltrip, Mayor Gordon Jumper, Village Clerk Linda Douglass, Trustee Steve
Douglass, Building Inspector Carl Hopkins, Police Chief & 1st Asst. Fire Chief Richard Evans. Second Row: Trustee John Gotschall, Trustee Sonie
Smith, Trustee Dick Samples, Fire Chief David Hickox, 2nd Asst. Fire Chief Mike McEvers, Water, Sewer, Streets, & Parks Supt. John Green. Bottom
Row: Treasurer/Office Mgr. Kathy Simpson, SJPD Admin. Asst. Jill VanGiesen and Admin. Clerk Kathy Culpepper.
Ribbon Cutting on the CIE - 6-21-05
Above (left): Rich Evans, Jr. in center proposes on stage toJennifer Roberts at Family Fun Day 2006. Right: Rich & theirtwins in Sept., 2010.
Gordon D. JumperVillage President
Village of South Jack sonville301 Dew ey Drive
South Jack sonville, Il l inois 62650Phone: 217-245-4803
Fax : 217-245-5641E-mail: admin@southjack sonvi lle.orgWeb site: w w w .southjack sonvi lle.org
Left: Ribbon-Cutting Attendees: Back L-R: Representative JimWatkins, Jim Burke (Hutchison Engineering), Kathy Simpson(Office Mgr.), Linda Douglass (Clerk), Senator Deanna DeMuzio,U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Police Chief/Asst.Fire Chief Richard Evans, Fire Chief David Hickox, (behind him isReg Tribble), Mayor Gordon Jumper, Trustees John Gotschall,Sonie Smith, Steve Douglass, Dick Samples, and Steve Waltrip.Front row: Firemen Steve Crawford, Brian Glascock, Rich Evans,Jr., Jason Hickox & son, Kirk Hoots, David Stilwell and David Bye.7-31-04
Below: New Fire House, 1810 Sequoia
Sheila MeyersCentennial Chairwoman
Above: Mayor Jumper addresses group atGodfrey “Play for All” ParkRibbon-Cutting, 7-19-2007.
Right: New Water Plant dedicatedon January 19, 2004.
Village Hall
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to the visionary individuals who recognized the value of community
to the Village residents, organized as a village for the benefit of its residents. To the many
individuals who have served as Village officers, trustees, employees, and volunteers who
have been continuously committed to providing services to the Village for the benefit of
Village residents—their neighbors. One hundred years of service and commitment to the
betterment of their community.
FOREWORD
This Centennial Book was compiled from information from the Village’s files, excerpts from
Village records and Board Meeting Minutes, and the hundreds of pictures provided by
friends, relatives and others. Our most heartfelt appreciation goes to the Diamond Jubilee
Committee of 1986 for compiling much of the lasting history of the Village which has been
reproduced. Our thanks to the Jacksonville Journal Courier and to Greg Olson for their
efforts and particularly to all the Village employees who have endeavored to make this a
complete compilation. A wonderful history of the Village’s first 100 years with enthusiastic
anticipation of the Village’s future for the next 100 years and beyond.
Gordon D. Jumper
Village President
(1997-present)
2011 CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE:
Sheila Meyers – Chairwoman
Susan Bye – Entertainers’ Food
Amy Deeder – Beer concessions
Richard Evans – Transportation, Security
Dani Glascock – VIP Area
John Green – Grounds
Malea Harney – Publicity
Carl Hopkins - Sanitation
Brittany Jumper – Volunteers
Gordon Jumper – Food Vendors
Renee Jumper – Little Miss Contest
Larry Meece – Tickets & Sponsorships
Sheila Meyers – Entertainment
Dick Samples – Sponsorships
Monica Vignone – Parade
Candy West – Talent Show
Centennial Booklet
Kathy Simpson, Editor
Linda Douglass Helen Evans
Richard Evans Dani Glascock
John Green David Hickox
Carl Hopkins Greg Olson
Greg Simpson Jill VanGiesen
Elected Officials Presently Serving
& Start Date:
Gordon D. Jumper – President 1997
Linda P. Douglass – Clerk 2000
Steven K. Douglass – Trustee 1999
S. Michael Elliott – Trustee 1997
John S. Gotschall – Trustee 1979
Richard L. Samples – Trustee 2002
Sondra S. Smith – Trustee 2002
Steven L. Waltrip–Trustee (87-97) & 1999
Department Heads & Date of Hire:
Richard A. Evans – Police Chief 1974
John W. Green – Water/Sewer/
Streets/Parks Supt. 1997
David A. Hickox – Fire Chief 1978
Carl E. Hopkins – Code
Enforcement Officer 2008
Kathy A. Simpson - Treasurer/
Office Manager 1993
2011 Current Employees
& Date of Hire
Broaddus, Michael 06-18-04
Chaudoin, Jerry 03-01-02
Coad, Martin 03-04-11
Culpepper, Joe 07-11-11
Culpepper, Kathy 01-18-11
Douglass, Linda 09-04-98
Evans, Richard 01-01-74
Green, John 01-27-97
Hallock, Josh 02-04-11
Headen, Rob 04-06-07
Hickox, David 11-01-78
Hopkins, Carl 06-09-08
Lowe, Greg 06-17-10
Mann, Tim 01-05-01
McCarthy, Tom 02-07-01
McEvers, Mike 11-01-04
Pinkerton, Sami 11-01-09
Pulling, Rich 04-05-85
Robinson, Mike 01-10-03
Simpson, Kathy 03-17-93
VanGiesen, Jill 01-09-09
Wilson, Brian 10-24-09
Wynn, Danny 09-08-06
2011 Volunteer Firemen
with SJFD number & start date
F-1 Chief David A. Hickox, November ‘78
F-2 1st
Asst. Chief Richard A. Evans, May ‘80
F-3 2nd
Asst. Chief Mike G. McEvers, Feb.‘88
F-4 Captain Michael J. Meyers, Nov. ‘84
F-5 Captain Kevin S. DeFrates, August ‘88
F-6 Capt. Richard “Brian” Glascock, Nov.‘95
F-7 Capt. David K. Bye, April ‘04
F-8 Lt. William R. Cummings, August ‘88
F-9 Lt. Kirk A. Hoots, Nov. ‘01
F-10 Lt. Rich Evans, September ‘02
F-11 Alan D. McClellan, May ‘99
F-12 Treas/Sec. Steve L. Waltrip, Nov. ‘98
F-13 Edgar Padilla, April ‘11
F-14 Joshua M. Sorrill, March ‘06
F-15 Ryan L. Deeder, March ‘06
F-16 Zach R. Reed, March ‘06
F-17 Rhiane Hoots, February ‘11
F-19 David A. Salcido, October ‘03
F-20 Bob C. Crum, November ‘95
F-22 Josh D. Jennings, May ‘03
F-23 Timothy Baldwin, May ‘04
F-24 James M. Nicholson, May ‘04
It is likely that the fear of an
effort to extend the
Jacksonville City limits so as to
include the territory south of
Michigan Avenue had a great
deal to do with the village
organization movement.
PLAN FOR VILLAGE
(From the South Jacksonville Diamond Jubilee Book)
“TERRITORY BEYOND MICHIGAN AVE. MAY BECOME "SOUTH JACKSONVILLE."
Petition to Submit Question to Vote Has
Been Filed in County Court--Movement is
Counted as "Effort to Prevent Annexation."
"The Twin Cities," Jacksonville and South
Jacksonville, may be the way future
generations will refer to this city and the
territory contiguous on the south--if present
plans carry. Thursday a petition was
presented to Judge Brockhouse providing
for the first steps toward the incorporation
of the Village of South Jacksonville. The
petition which is in proper legal form, asks
that the court submit the question of
organization to a vote of the people within
the territory of the proposed village and
Judge Brockhouse accordingly ordered that
the election be held Friday, June 30, 1911,
between the hours of seven and five o'clock,
the polling place being Harney's Store on
South West Street.
If the majority of the voters in the territory
described declare in favor of organization,
Judge Brockhouse will then set a date for an
election when six trustees will be chosen to
compose the village board. Subsequently
they will select one of their number as
president and he will perform all the duties
which fall to the lot of the mayor of a city.
A MILE SQUARE
The territory which is proposed to include in
South Jacksonville is just a mile square and
has a population of 326 inhabitants. The
north line is Michigan Avenue, the east line
a trifle beyond the Chicago and Alton right-
of-way, the south line is the south of the
Vandalia Road and the west boundary is
over about Diamond Street. If the
organization plan carries the territory
included in these boundaries will be
governed in all things by the village board,
which will make all necessary appointments,
such as commissioner of streets, treasurer,
marshal and police magistrate.
The form for the petition filed with Judge
Brockhouse was prepared by J. P.
Lippincott as attorney and was circulated
and filed by J. H. Hackett. The petition
stated that the legal voters whose names
appear live in the territory described which
does not exceed two miles square and
contains a population of 326 inhabitants and
is not included within the limits of any
incorporated village or town. The
petitioners ask the court to cause the
question to be submitted to the voters to
organize as a village, fire protection for
persons outside the City of Jacksonville
limits had something to do with it. The
Jacksonville Council had the feeling that
there were a good many residents beyond
the city limits who in the past had been
enjoying benefits from their proximity to
Jacksonville without having to pay a fair
share of the
taxes.
Recently the
contractor
who had
been putting
oil on the
road south of
Michigan
Avenue was refused permission to haul a
tank of water from the Jacksonville mains
for use on the road. It was said that this
really brought the city movement to a head.
However, it is likely that the fear of an effort
to extend the Jacksonville City limits so as to
include the territory
south of Michigan
Avenue had a great
deal to do with the
village organization
movement.
George Earnhardt Grocery’s horse-drawn delivery wagon, 1602 S. Main. Daughter Lucille Earnhardt Walton seated inside.
ANNEXATION EFFORT
For years the general understanding of the
legal situation had been that it was not
possible to annex any territory to
Jacksonville unless the matter was brought
about by petition of residents of the territory
to be annexed. About twenty-five years ago
a suit was brought. J. P. Lippincott acting as
the attorney in the
matter, in the way of
mandamus
proceedings against
the county clerk to
compel him to extend
city taxes against the
property south of
Michigan Avenue.
The case was tried in
Circuit Court and
Judge Epler's decision
was against the City of Jacksonville. The
case was not taken to the higher courts.
Since that time nothing had been done in
the way of endeavor along this line. More
recently, however, there had been a general
understanding that the last General
Assembly enacted a law which would make
it possible for the authorities of cities to
compel the annexation of outlying territory.
Nobody seemed to know the details about
the measure and publishing of the sessions
laws had not been comIt is said, however,
that even if such a law was passed and
becomes effective July 1, 1911, that the
residents south of Jacksonville could
forestall any action the Jacksonville City
Council may take by voting favorably on
village organization for it was the
understanding that the new law is not
applicable to territory which is organized
into a village. It looked very much as if the
petitioners had a vision of possible action by
the Jacksonville Council.
AREA & NAMES OF PETITIONERS
The territory is described as follows:
Beginning at the section 29, township 15
and range 10 west in Morgan County thence
east to the northeast corner of the northwest
quarter of the southeast quarter of section
28, thence south to the east line of the right-
of-way of the southeast corner of the
southwest quarter of said section 28, in the
township and range aforesaid, thence west
to the Chicago and Alton Railroad
Company, thence to the south line of the
north half of section 33, thence west to the
center of section 32, all in the township and
range aforesaid, thence north to the place of
beginning.
The following names are signed to the
petition: J. N. Kennedy, S. T. Gorham,
F. W. Sibert, M. A. Devore, Thos. Rudkin,
Lee Weigand, Wm. Heifer, Joseph Kilian,
John Kilian, John Godfrey, L. H. Madon,
Joseph Heinl, J. R. Mawson, Bert E. Taylor,
W. R. Routt, H. J. Routt, E. D. Heinl, W. B.
McIntire, Wm. Young, S. P. Jones, Joseph
Walters, Milton Kelley, G. H. Alberding, R.
W. Palmer, E. E. Beastall, Grant Graff, W. T.
Standish, J. E. Young, J. T. Harney, W.E.
Spencer, Jr. J. H. Reid, J. S. Hackett, C. H.
Weber, B.G. Graff, C.H. Hackett, Wm.
Heinl, and C. R. Taylor.
ORIGIN OF MOVEMENT
Just exactly what started the movement for
the organization of the proposed village at
this time is not known, but it seems likely
that the published attitude of the City
Council of Jacksonville with reference to
furnishing water to the south was in part
responsible, plus the fear that annexation
could be forced on them after July 1, 1911,
(which residents opposed) produced the
movement to forestall any action by the
Jacksonville City Council by voting
favorably on village organization and
establishing their own municipality.
It was the understanding that
the General Assembly enacted a
law which would make it possible for the authorities of
cities to compel the annexation of
outlying territory
“Under present conditions,
Jacksonville could not give us anything if we were annexed. The City is heavily in debt and any money we might pay in the
way of taxation could not be used for
our benefit.”
CITIZEN TELLS PLANS
(JJC) One of the residents in the proposed
village, in talking about the petition and the
purposed plan, said last night: "We propose
to organize a village just as our petition
indicates and it seems to us entirely right
and proper that we should do so. Under
village organization we would tax the
property within the village for the benefit of
the village. We already have a stretch of
roadway oiled and we would extend this
and lay a large amount of concrete walks.
We would make provision for our own
lights and for fire protection and in other
ways would seek to improve and make
attractive the public property of South
Jacksonville. Jacksonville has a heavy
burden of debt. We had nothing to do with
contracting this debt and I can see no
reason why we should want to help pay it
off. To build up South
Jacksonville as a separate
village will not injure
Jacksonville and in fact
will prove of benefit to
Jacksonville and at the
same time residents in the
village will be getting the
benefit of the expenditure
of their own money:
benefits to which they are
justly entitled."
FIRST MEETING AUGUST 10, 1911
Officials of South Jacksonville hold initial
gathering at Heinl's Greenhouse. President
Weber outlines policy of new organization.
Officials of South Jacksonville held their
initial meeting Tuesday evening. No definite
time had been set for the meeting, but
President Weber succeeded after supper in
getting in touch with all the trustees and
upon invitation of Mr. Heinl, the meeting
was held in his greenhouse. President
Weber was in the chair and C. W. Boston
performed the duties of clerk. The meeting
was harmonious in every way and all
trustees were present, including Messrs.
Baxter, Heinl, Spencer, Beastall, McGinnis
and Hembrough.
In an address by President Weber, the
policy of the new government was outlined
and recommendations made. A committee
composed of trustees Heinl, Spencer, and
Baxter was appointed to look into the matter
of providing lights. The committee to look
after the streets was composed of trustees
Baxter, Heinl, and President Weber. A
committee composed of trustees Beastall,
McGinnis, and Clerk Boston was named to
buy the necessary supply of stationery for
the organization.
President Weber's address (Jacksonville, Illinois,
August 8, 1911) was as follows:
“Gentlemen: You are well aware of the
purpose for which we are gathered here this
evening. I will say that it is by the sentiment
of the voters of South Jacksonville. They
have expressed their wishes and desires at
the polls that we should represent them in
the different offices that we now hold.
Perhaps they thought we were capable to fill
these places and perhaps also they believed
we would be fair and honest in all the
transactions that may come before us and
would carry out their wishes and perform
our duties without fear or partiality. It
behooves us therefore to work
harmoniously during our term of office; to
see that we appreciate the voice of the
people; and to set all times honorable and
upright in whatever we may do and
accomplish, so that at the finish of our
labors it may be said of us; "’These men
have done well.’”
Expenditures
It was the sense of the mass meeting that
nominated us for these offices that we
should not enter into debt unless in case of
emergency and necessity. We should be
very careful in this respect and hold
ourselves to the least possible outlay.
There are, however, some preliminary
expenses necessary before this body can be
in a good working order. I refer to the
election expense which is already incurred
and the purchase of such supplies as we
may deem necessary to the transaction of
business. Among the latter I would
recommend the immediate purchase of a
book of records, a seal, a copy of the
statutes and required stationery.
Salaries
The question of salary for the trustees is left
to your decision. I would recommend that
with the exception of the clerk, the
members of this body act without salary
during the term. However, a competent
clerk is of great necessity to a village, and as
the faithful performance of his duties
requires a great deal of time and labor, I am
in favor of paying for that office either as
stated salary for the term or pro-rata for the
amount of work done.
Meetings
It will be your duty to complete
arrangements as to time and place of
regular board meetings and also to adopt an
order of business.
Streets and Alleys
Our streets and alleys as far as I have been
able to learn are in splendid condition. In a
recent interview with road Commissioner
Summers he assured me that they would
receive the same careful attention as
heretofore, until the expiration of his term of
office. The tax payers will no doubt be
gratified to know that they will receive full
value in the upkeep of roads for the money
they have already been assessed and paid to
road District #7.
Sidewalks
I would recommend to you that all concrete
walks laid should be of uniform width and
color and they be laid with a No. 1
foundation and an established grade. An
ordinance to this effect should be passed
before long.
TOWN BOARD MET
(JJC) Officers of South Jacksonville Conferred On Village Interests, Special Committees Named. A meeting of the Village Board of
South Jacksonville was held Tuesday Night
(8-16-1911) at the Heinl Greenhouse with all
officers and members present. William
Hembrough, one of the trustees, was not
able to be present at the first meeting, but
attended the session last night and took the
oath of office. President Weber presided
and the roll was called by Clerk Boston.
Trustee Spencer for the “special committee
on lights” reported that he had held a
conference with the Jacksonville Railway &
Light Company relative to the matter, which
is still under advisement. The committee
was continued. Mr. Boston for a “special
committee on records and seal” made a
report and as the committee's work is not
finished, it was continued.
Chairman Weber for the committee
on “highways” made a partial report as to
the needs of the highways and with
reference to the tools required. Additional
information will be given at the next
meeting. A committee was named on
“ordinances” consisting of Trustees Heinl,
Baxter, and Hembrough. They will at a later
meeting make a general report as to the
laws needed. President Weber, Clerk
Boston, Trustees McGinnis and Beastall
were selected as committee to frame an
appropriation and tax levy ordinance which
will be presented for action at a later
meeting. The report was made that the
village charter has been received from the
Secretary of State.
All these matters and various others
were discussed at length and the board was
in session until after 10:00 o'clock. The next
meeting will be held Tuesday evening,
August 22, 1911.
What Most Concerned
the new Board in 1912?
1912 ORDINANCES OF NOTE, Originally printed Feb. 9, 1912
Relating to Village Officers
Sec. 6. The village clerk shall receive
twenty-five dollars per annum after May
first, 1912.
Sec. 7. The village treasurer shall receive no
salary.
Sec. 8 The village attorney shall receive for
each village case prosecuted by him the
sum of two dollars.
Sec. 9 The village constable shall receive a
salary of one-half the fines and penalties per
annum, collected, as the result of arrests
made by him, and such fees as are or may
be allowed under the laws of Illinois, or
ordinances of said village.
Animals Running at Large
Sec. 1 That every pig, hog, bull, steer, cow,
heifer, calf, goat, jackass, jennet, horse, or
mare, found herded, picketed or running at
large, on any street, lane, avenue, alley, or
other public property within the limits of the
village of South Jacksonville, is here
declared a nuisance, and the owner of each
and such animal, upon conviction, shall
forfeit and pay to the said village of South
Jacksonville, the sum of one dollar a day for
each animal so picketed or permitted to run
at large together with the fees for
impounding and all expenses of sustenance
for such animal while impounded.
Relating to Stallions, etc.
Sec. 1 If any person or persons shall keep
or cause to be kept, in an indecent or
disorderly manner, any stallion, or jackass
within the limits of said village, for the
purpose of being let to mares, the same shall
be considered a nuisance (Provided, That
this section shall not apply when said
animals are kept in a close stable with
blinds, or so as not to be seen by persons
outside of said stable) and such person or
persons shall upon conviction thereof,
forfeit and pay to said village a sum of not
less than five dollars and not more than two
hundred dollars.
Relating to Public Health
Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the village
constable, on complaint of any citizen, to
examine privy or privy vault complained of,
and if, in his opinion, it be offensive to the
neighborhood of any person, he shall notify
the owner, or the person making the use
thereof, to abate the same and if such
owner or occupant neglect to do the same
within three days thereafter, the village
constable shall institute suit against said
offender before any justice of the peace or
police magistrate of said village, and on
conviction of said offender he shall forfeit
and pay to said village of South Jacksonville
not less than five or more than fifty dollars.
Relating to Speed of Locomotives
Sec. 1. No railroad company, or conductor,
engineer or other employee of any railroad
company, or other persons managing or
controlling any locomotive, engine, car or
train, upon any railroad track, shall in the
inhabited part of said village, run or suffer to
be run, or permit to be run any locomotive,
engine, car or train, upon any railroad track,
at a speed exceeding twenty miles per hour.
Relating to Public Morals
and Decency
Sec. 7. If any person shall be guilty of
keeping or maintaining or shall be an
inmate of, or visitor of, or in any way
connected with, or in any way contribute to
the support of any bawdy house or
disorderly house, or house of ill fame, or of
assignation, or place for the practice of
fornication, or knowingly own or be
interested in, as proprietor or landlord of
any such house in said village, such person
shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined in
sum of not less than twenty-five dollars nor
exceeding two hundred dollars, and in the
further sum of one hundred dollars for every
twenty-four hours said house shall be
continued after the first conviction.
Sec. 11. No person shall within the limits of
said village play on Sunday at billiards, ten-
pins, or other games of amusement in any
highway or public place, nor shall, on that
day, sell, or offer to sell any goods or
merchandise, except drugs and medicines,
Running at Large of Female Dogs
Sec. 1. Be it Ordained by the President and
Board of Trustees of the village of South
Jacksonville, if any owner or possessor of
any female dog shall knowingly permit her
to run at large while in heat, he, she or they
shall forfeit and pay to the village of South
Jacksonville the sum of ten dollars and it
shall be the duty of the village constable to
slay, or cause to be slain, any female dog
running at large at such a time, and its body
to be buried.
Regulating Sale of Liquor
by Druggists
Sec. 1. It shall be unlawful for any druggist
or apothecary within the corporate limits of
said village of South Jacksonville to sell, or
give away or to otherwise dispose of any
vinous, spirituous, fermented, malt, or
mixed liquors in any quantity whatever
except for sacramental, or medicinal
purposes, and if for sacramental purposes, a
written order from the pastor requiring the
same was needed; and for medical or
mechanical purposes, then only on the
written prescription of a regular practicing
physician, and any druggist or apothecary
so offending shall be adjudged guilty of a
nuisance and shall forfeit and pay to said
village of South Jacksonville not less than
fifty dollars for every offense.
VILLAGE
PRESIDENTS
Herman Weber J.H. Hackett L.O.Berryman 8/11 – 5/13 5/13 – 5/17 5/17 – 5/23
Sam L. Perry C.R. Caldwell W.E. McCurley 5/23 – 6/30 6/30 – 5/31 5/31 – 5/35 Otis Axe Ray Davidson Leon Stewart 5/35 – 5/41 5/41 – 12/49 12/49 – 5/51 Otis Axe Herbert Simke J.W. Chambers 5/51 – 5/61 5/61 – 11/61 11/61 – 4/63 William Fanning Richard H. Godfrey Glenda Hazelrigg 4/63 – 5/73 5/73 – 4/89 5/89 – 5/97
Gordon D. Jumper 5/97 - present
EXCERPTS FROM
MEETING MINUTES
March 1912 The president, trustee,
and clerk each voted to receive $10.00 per
year. Sidewalks were beginning to be built.
An ordinance was passed covering not
riding bicycles on the sidewalk. A fine was
accessed of $1.00 for this act. Many were
fined. Many walks were requested by
persons living in the village. An ordinance
was posted regarding stock running at large.
May 1913 The President, Trustees
salaries increased to $1.00 per meeting plus
50 cents for extra meeting. Clerk received
$50.00.
February 1915 A diphtheria case
was reported at the Swanson residence on
South West Street.
July 1915 First case of Typhoid
Fever, Ray Hartman.
August 1915 Many persons were
given notices to trim hedges due to over-
hanging on the sidewalks. Complaints from
Village residents concerning the sign boards
on the corner of Hardin Avenue and
Vandalia Road. They wanted them
removed.
Twenty-five policeman's stars made
especially for the village, were purchased.
Several persons were arrested and fined
$3.00 for riding bicycles on the sidewalk.
May 1916 A petition from Frank L.
Smith to the board requesting permission to
stage a Sunday and week day ball games at
the South Side Driving Club.
Automobile of the Rail, used to carry
passengers to and from the Cemetery, was
running beyond the speed limit.
A Miss Martha Landreth, was present at
the village meeting and made quite a
lengthy talk regarding her troubles with her
neighbor and how he had over slipped his
rights. She also brought up the matter of fire
protection.
August, 1916 A concern was given
over oiling streets to keep the cost low.
$1.75 was paid for labor on oiling the roads.
The number of street lights were increased
to twenty-one, which will cost $21/month.
February 1917 Caldwell Engineering
Co. of Jacksonville was paid $80.00 to make
a topographic map of the Village of South
Jacksonville of all streets and agreed to
furnish six blue prints. An ordinance
committee was appointed to handle the
speed of cars, bicycles or any vehicle that
exceeded 15 miles per hour. Waverly Road
was changed to West Vandalia Road. Buffe
Avenue changed to South Clay. Jones
Avenue changed to South East Street. The
first case of Scarlet Fever was reported to be
Clara Fletcher age 13, who lived on East
Pennsylvania. Fifteen Chemical
Extinguishers were purchased at $2.30.
These were placed in businesses.
November 1917 Caldwell
Engineering Co. was called to a meeting to
discuss sewers: regarding construction, the
probable cost, difficulties, etc. This was in
Although it wasn't a national holiday yet, its observance spread throughout the country during this decade.
Mother's Day was first celebrated in a West Virginia church in 1907. It was observed by every state in 1911 and became an official national holiday in 1914. The first Father's Day was celebrated in 1910.
Boys playing marbles - 1915
regard to the proposed sewers for the
village.
December 1917 Thomas Ranson is
the newly appointed Fire Chief for the
village. The Firemen in the village were to
be notified through two telephone
companies. A house-to-house visit is to be
done by the Firemen to ask each household
to telephone the fire alarms in to the phone
company. Also printed notices giving the
names of the Chief and Firemen with their
residence and telephone numbers were left
in every household. Ladders and other
equipment are to be placed about the
village in the most acceptable locations.
February 1919 A proposed ball park
to be located on Vandalia Road near the C
& A Railroad tracks, it is to be 300 feet
square with 8 feet closed board fences, with
a grandstand. The park will be permanent.
This was presented by Frank Smith who
bought the land.
January 1920 The DeVore fire
which occurred was extinguished by
Jacksonville Fire Department (which
volunteered to do so). A note was sent to
the City thanking them.
May 1920 The Clerk reported a case
of measles at the home of J. E. Young,
South Main Street and one case of Scarlet
Fever at the home of H. DeVore. Both
houses had been properly placarded.
August 1920 The Jacksonville
Chautauqua was to be held at Nichols Park,
the Village decided to place street signs
through the village.
April 1921 The matter of stock
grazing on the village streets is becoming a
nuisance. It was agreed to serve notices to
abate the issue.
March 1922 Fire Chief Crabtree
reported a roof fire at the John Lewis
property. The contents of one fire
extinguisher was used and little damage was
done to the building.
April 1922 A discussion was held
concerning laying of a water main on South
Main Street, also the rental of Fire plugs.
May 1922 Salaries: President:
Berryman $6.00, Clerk E. E. Beastall $48.00,
Trustees: W. H. Hembrough $5.00, O. B.
Heinl $6.00, O. H. Buluman $6.00, James
McGinnis $5.00, and no salary for Orville
Coultas or B. Hopmeyer,
Residents East Side South Main stated
they had been neglected in the oiling of
street in front of their side and favors had
been shown to people in other parts of the
village, more oil had been used on the
streets and they wished to register a kick for
that reason. Member McGinnis, who
superintended the oiling, in answer to their
kick, said the type of soil was the cause and
he did not show favors to anyone.
August 1922 Jacksonville agreed to
furnish water. Residents paid for oiling of
streets in front of their property. Mrs.
Charles Stevenson, corner East Michigan
and South Main paid $15.00.
November 1922 Permission is
granted to the board of trustees of the
Village of South Jacksonville to use an 8
inch water main in the south side of East
and West Michigan Avenue in the Said
Village of South Jacksonville and to connect
surface pipes thereto and also to connect
In the 1910-20’s, Halloween was strictly a fun holiday for young people. Some activities were still rather spooky, especially the fortunetellers and parlor games that were a part of every Halloween party.
Trick-or-treating wasn't common yet, but playing pranks certainly was! The outhouse was the subject of most pranks. In the morning, it might be tipped over, or it might be halfway down the street. Soaping windows, removing fence gates and lifting
buggies onto the schoolhouse roof also common.
1935 - Monopoly is introduced with its real estate based on Atlantic
City's street names. During the first year on the market, Monopoly was the America’s best-selling game. An estimated five hundred million
people have played the game.
thereto fire hydrants, said water main
having been laid for and formerly used by
the Jacksonville State Hospital. All in
accordance with plans filled with the
Department of Public Works and Buildings
made a part here of and subject to the
following terms and conditions: "Pay to State
of Illinois as rent $1.00 per annum payable
in advance.
September 1929 Member McGinnis
of the Street and Alley committee, reporting
on the proposed opening of South Clay,
stated that he together with the other
members had been over the grounds and
interviewed about all property owners
which would be involved and they did not
meet with very favorable conditions. Mr.
Halley, a property owner, had nothing to
say. Mr. Culp, another, was opposed by
saying that "If the village wanted it they
would have to get it."
May 1930 President Perry reported
that the matter of opening South Clay and
East Pennsylvania had been closed, it being
agreeable to all parties concerned and the
work would now proceed at once.
July 1930 Mr. Sibley living on East
Vandalia Road was present at the meeting
and registered a complaint of the wild
parsnips growing in abundance on some
vacant lots adjacent to his premises and he
thought that the Board should take up the
matter with the different property owners
upon whose premises they were growing,
requesting them to cut or have them cut
and disposed with.
April 1931 Two young gentlemen
wanting to place a "Teeing off Course" near
the railroad on Mrs. Buffe's land on the
south side of East Vandalia road and they
would like to have a permit from the Village
Board for so doing. Request granted.
April 1932 Mr. Sibley, a mail carrier
of the City of Jacksonville and resident of
the Village, was present and made mention
of the house numbers of the different
residents on East Vandalia Road being
incorrectly numbered and that it was very
confusing to the public that some houses
had the same numbers and they were not
named according to the different blocks.
July 1937 Mr. Wood being present,
said that his company made a conservative
estimate of $20,000, the amount which will
likely be required to complete our own
water system to supply the village.
September 1937 Member Thorne
reported a large hole dug in West
Pennsylvania Avenue back of the Widow
Hartmen House and said that same should
be filled up.
March 1938 It was decided that a
meeting should be held for the Public
benefit, at the School House in the Village,
on March 9th, 1938, the purpose of this
meeting being to explain to the public why
the subject of Sewage and Water was
brought up at this time and also the
necessity and practicability of the
construction at this time when W.P.A. funds
can be utilized to reduce its cost to the
Village to such an extent that the Village can
scarcely afford to put it off to some future
time.
March 1939 Special Attorney
Thomson's bill for expenses of a special trip
to Chicago for $17.20.
September 1939 The Clerk read a
petition by John L. Bader asking the board
to take steps to make it illegal to keep and
feed hogs in the Village.
In 1924 the 16 pack of Crayola Crayons
was introduced – much to the delight of
children and the chagrin of parents who
had to pay more for 8 new colors.
August 1940 Engineers report
sufficient labor due the Village W.P.A.
project to put in sewer laterals for service,
by W.P.A. labor, and suggested tunneling
under the hard road Route #67 and
establishing a manhole on west side of road
south of Vandalia Road so as to be able to
take care of anyone on west side of road in
the future.
March 1941 The Clerk read a
petition which had been circulated and
which requested the board to take steps to
have Vandalia road paved.
August 1941 The Clerk presented a
building permit from Richard Godfrey for
building for Grocery store on N.E. corner of
South East Street and East Greenwood
Avenue.
January 1942 President appoints
Pennell, German, and Ransom as a
committee to investigate the City of
Jacksonville’s Speed Cop coming out in
Village to arrest speeders.
March 1942 Ordinance granting a
franchise, license or permit to Elm City Bus
Lines, Inc., its successors and assigns for the
establishment, maintenance and operation
of a motor Bus Transportation system in the
Village of South Jacksonville.
April 1943 Ordinance that the
president and trustees would receive $3 for
each regular meeting attended and $1.50
for each adjourned or special meeting
attended.
August 1943 Ordinance #149,
prohibiting the keeping of Hogs within the
corporate limits of the Village.
September 1944 Board felt they had
to do something about the outdoor toilet on
South West Street.
February 1945 A letter from War
Production Board, stating for all water utility
operators to cooperate with the War Effort
in using as little copper and lead as possible.
February 1947 Harry Birdsell
addressed meeting in regard to building a
sandwich shop and a residence on South
Main and East Vandalia Road.
March 1947 At present time there
were 236 residences using water; six
businesses and 44 residences not using
water.
August 1947 Motion to purchase a
blinker with 2 red and 2 amber lights at a
cost of $39 to be placed at intersection of
Vandalia Road and South Main.
September 1947 Mrs. Homer Wilson
asked for permission to use Village Hall for
an organization known as “Brownies”.
October 1948 Mr. Casler addressed
meeting in regard to proposed excavation
for new school.
April 1949 Motion passed to rename
following streets: Park St. to Dewey Drive,
Buffe Ave. to S. Clay, Waverly Rd. to West
Vandalia Rd, Jones St. to S. East, Cannon
Place to South East, and street from Park St.
to Waverly to be continuation of South
West St.
November 1949 Mr. Brickman
addressed meeting in regard to a
supermarket store being built on S. Main
south of Adams Super 66 Service Station.
He stated the store would be 60 feet wide,
built on a modern design out of either
brick or glazed tile. It would be as nice a
building of its kind in the mid-west.
November 1950 Fire Bond Election
held for levying tax for fire protection 453 -
yes; 128 – no.
Philco black and white console (bottom center of ad) television, “needs no aerial in most areas, huge 12.5” screen, 3 speed phonograph, and AM/FM Radio” for
only $499.95
December 1950 Reported complaints had
been received against Lonnie Coroar for
hunting in the Village. Clerk instructed to
notify him no more hunting would be
tolerated.
January 1951 Fire Chief Axe
reported Inspector had been around to
inspect Fire Dept. & found everything O.K.
May 1954 A resolution endorsing
City of Jacksonville project of a water
pipeline to the river and pledging
cooperation of the Village was read and
adopted.
November 1954 Orlia Thomas was
appointed Marshall, and L.G. Taylor as
Assistant Marshall. First reading to execute
lease on Fire Truck with option to purchase.
April 1955 Ordinance regulating
emission of dense smoke within limits of
Village was adopted.
July 1955 Wheel Tax is due, stickers
are available.
September 1955 Motion made and
adopted that land for Village Hall and Fire
Department be purchased.
November 1955 Plans for new
Village Hall were discussed. Building
Committee instructed to have plans made.
January 1956 Census report showed
population of 2,202.
February 1956 Motion adopted to
proceed with plans for construction of
Village Hall to be paid from funds other
than general taxes.
Motion made and adopted that all
future Sales Tax and Telephone Franchise
monies be put in Building Construction
Fund until building is paid for.
April 1956 Building Committee
reported footings had been poured for new
Village Hall. Brick would be started the
following Monday, weather permitting.
June 1956 First funds paid out for
building $4,864.04.
May 1957 Ordinance passed
regulating the growing of corn in the Village
of South Jacksonville.
January 16, 1958 Fire Chief W. B.
Slaid presented 1957 annual report: 19
alarms, property loss $150, property
threatened $50,000. Building Committee
asked as many as possible to report to
Dewey Park on January 18 to assist in
moving old Village Hall to lot at pumping
station (on Hardin at Greenwood). The
building was rolled on logs to its new
location by the assembled volunteers.
April 1958 President Simpke
reported on meeting he and two trustees
attended in Springfield. Delegates voted to
form a league to be known as the Power
Users Protest League, a co-operative group
in Illinois, whose main objective would be to
control utility rate increases within the State.
Motion made and carried to have Louis
Taylor proceed with construction of
foundation for shed at Village pumping
station.
June 1958 Civil Defense ordinance
was read and approved. President Axe
appointed Ralph Sullivan director of Civil
Defense in the Village.
June 1958 Ordinance to establish a
local Planning Commission was read and
adopted.
August 1958 A proposal received
from the temporary secretary of the South
Jacksonville Citizens Committee for
annexation of Village of South Jacksonville
Ground Breaking Village Lagoons 10-5-57
to the City of Jacksonville was read and
accepted and placed on file.
February 1959 Mayor DuBois of
Jacksonville informed the Village that a 20%
premium would be charged to all city water
users living outside Jacksonville's city limits,
also that sewer charges would be $3 per
person.
July 1959 Final legal plat of Lake
Lawn subdivision as presented by Lowell
DeLong was approved.
November 1959 Mr. Leo Campbell
stated that Mr. John DuBois had a donkey
that was very noisy at 5:00 A.M., and asked
that it be declared a nuisance and not be
allowed. Mr. Campbell was advised that Mr.
DuBois would be notified about the
complaints against the donkey and must
stop.
December 1961 Twelve trees were
planted with the assistance of the various
Scout Troops of the Village, in celebration
of our Fiftieth Year as a Village.
November 1963 President Fanning
suggested a Christmas tree in Dewey Park
would be a good thing to have "for the good
will of the Village". He would obtain a tree if
the Board would buy bulbs and help
decorate the tree. Also, he would donate a
flag pole to be erected in a suitable location.
The offer was accepted by the Board.
March 1964 The alley, west of S.
Main St., was named Village Lane, running
from W. Michigan to W. Vandalia Road.
March 1966 Attorney was instructed
to write City of Jacksonville, to purchase
raw water from their line at low rate and
unrestricted.
April 1966 Lane Western Co.
reported sufficient source of water for now
and future use of the Village, after drilling
several test holes.
July 1966 Motion carried
unanimously by Ralph Sullivan to proceed
with plans and specifications for complete
water and sewer systems.
November 1966 Election to approve
issue of $865,000 of waterworks and
sewerage revenue bonds: 1095 - yes; 98 -
no.
August 1967 Election to approve
issue of $80,000 waterworks bonds: 716 -
yes; 248 - no. Issuance of $270,000 sewer
improvement bonds: 710 - yes; 251 - no.
October 1967 Board moved to
obtain land on West Vandalia for location of
water tower and treatment plant at cost of
$4,800 from Lowell and Ruth DeLong.
Approved contract for purchase of
land for sewage lagoons from Charles and
Helen Johnson at price of $50,000.
March 1968 Mr. Roach of 1427 S.
Main requested and granted permission to
operate a bait shop at his home.
Wilbert DeLong reported our fire
department is acting as stand by for the City
of Jacksonville until temporary quarters are
established after damage from a storm.
June 1968 Don Caldwell reported
W. Vandalia sewer line almost complete
and work would begin soon on Village Lane
sewer. Reported lagoon was ready for fence
and grass was growing on the banks.
September 1968 Mr. Rhoads
reported that the water would be turned on
in the morning and pumping would
continue until the tank is filled.
October 1968 First test on water
system had been completed and remaining
two would be completed within the week.
January 1969 Report of 6,689,000
gallons of water pumped in 31 days of
operation.
January 1969 Reported all of the
sewer project in operation.
August 1969 Fire Chief W. Hickox
reported on the fire at the Birdsell
Apartments. Total damage was $51,000.
Board commended members of fire
department for doing good job to avoid
more serious disaster.
An 8 inch water line was approved to
run to Hertzberg Bindery.
October 1969 There was lengthy
discussion of flooding conditions in the
Village due to seven-inch rain this past
weekend.
May 1970 Motion passed to approve
the planned development called Laborer's
Homes located on West Vandalia.
September 1970 Chief W. Hickox
announced delivery of new fire truck would
be Sept. 29. Cost of truck is $21,989.
May 1971 A committee from the
Board was looking into a retirement plan for
Village employees.
Plans for sewer extension at Hardin and
East Greenwood were approved.
November 1971 Illinois Power
Company was granted permission to
construct an electrical substation on West
Vandalia.
January 1972 Richard Godfrey
notified Board he was closing his grocery
store on corner of S. East and E.
Greenwood and checked on zoning
ordinance regarding renting the building.
June 1972 Application for a mobile
home on West Greenwood was refused.
State of Illinois requested updating of sewer
lagoons.
July 1972 Phase II of Laborers'
Home Development officially approved by
Village.
August 1972 Control system at
pumping station was damaged by lightning.
December 1972 Plans were
discussed to update the sewage lagoons,
according to new demands from
Environmental Protection Agency.
Approximate cost would be $390,000.
March 1973 Board voted to
purchase new American LaFrance Fire
Truck for $35,407.
Approval granted for construction of
stop light at South Main and Vandalia
intersection.
Mile and a half zoning ordinance was
discussed with regard to new highway to be
built south of town.
April 1973 Final approval given for
improvement of Vandalia Road from Village
Lane east to IC&G Railroad Co. to be
partially paid by special assessment.
Following special election, ordinance
was drafted approving retail sale of
alcoholic liquors.
August 1973 New playground
equipment was ordered for the park in front
of Village Hall. 1954 fire truck was sold to
Village of Palmyra for $3,500.
October 1973 Plans were made to
check sump pumps that may be pumping
into village sewers.
The recently organized Rescue Squad
had begun work.
May 1974 A water meter was
installed between Jacksonville and South
Jacksonville to be used by the Village in
case of an emergency. Cost was $10,500.
November 1974 Plans were made to
build a tennis court in Dewey Park.
February 1975 Property directly
south of AG Mart on South Main was
rezoned to permit building of small
shopping center.
March 1975 Prairieland Heritage
Museum asked for Village support of their
project.
A Parks Board was created to
administer the parks in the Village.
Spring 1975 – Turning on the stop light at Vandalia and South Main. (L-R) Ralph Sullivan, Gene Rickert, Cecil
Ford, Wm. F. Fanning, Paul Laughary, Richard Godfrey.
July 1975 L. Rau said heavy rains
caused 2-3 inches of water in basements.
Harold Odaffer responded EPA involved in
7-11-76 Bicentennial
Celebration held in
conjunction with the
Village's 65th Anniversary.
building new lift station farther south of
present station on West Vandalia.
Ralph Sullivan felt building committee
should get started on Police/ Fire addition to
present Village Hall.
September 1975 Tax Levy
Ordinance 466 adopted for $57,000.
Jerry DeFrates and George Rexroat
were hired as patrolman, salary of
$600/month.
October 1975 Richard Dennis was
appointed police chief.
November 1975 Paul Brant’s hourly
rate was raised to $4/hour upon obtaining
his class C water license.
Don McNeely, Mary Green,
Jean Murz, Bob Moss, and Ed
Hudson were appointed as the
Bicentennial Committee by Mayor
Godfrey.
December 1975 Mayor Godfrey
introduced Harlow R. Brown, new owner of
the Ranch House Restaurant, 1852 S. Main,
as of 1-1-75. Mr. Brown petitioned for a
liquor license.
Approved providing full uniforms and
guns to the four policemen.
January 1976 Businesses are to be
reminded to use SOUTH Jacksonville on
their Sales Tax registration forms.
February 1976 Police Chief Dennis
requested “No Parking” on South Main
between Michigan and Pennsylvania due to
the increased traffic around Earl’s Super
Value and the new Walgreens.
Garry Thomas replaced Michael Drake
effective 2-23-76 at a salary of $130/week.
March 1976 Stop light at Vandalia
and South Main is still not functioning
properly.
Board moved to help finance the
purchase of a Rescue Unit. Fire Department
has 95% of needed equipment and 9 trained
Emergency Medical Technicians.
Attorney Flynn advised all Trustees to
read the conflict of interest ruling. Any
owner of a business is prohibited from
dealing with a municipality on any
transaction which the owner might have to
approve, such as a bill.
Mr. Bob reported that $125,000 had
been spent from Motor Fuel tax funds on
the Vandalia Project.
Joe Winter of Prairie Land Heritage
Museum described a small railroad and
farming done with antique machinery as
part of their development along Michigan.
April 1976 Congressman Paul Finley
sent a letter confirming his attendance at the
Bicentennial Celebration on July 11, 1976.
Complaint from resident of horses
running loose through yard, knocking over
swing set. To be investigated.
May 1976 Ordinance 467 created
the Emergency Services and Disaster
Agency in the Village to replace the Civil
Defense ordinance. Coordinator to be
appointed.
July 1976 Steve Turner, Turner
Insurance made a presentation to the
Board.
September 1976 Tax Levy
Ordinance 476 was approved in the amount
of $78,255 and the Road District resolution
passed at $38,000.
October 1976 Ray Clark & Reg Price
presented a petition containing 639
signatures in opposition to the proposed
wheel tax. Mayor Godfrey also voiced
opposition to the tax.
Tom Honey & Wayne White were
appointed firemen, bringing the fire
department to 17 men.
Board authorized construction of a 5’
sidewalk from corner of Brenda Drive and
Bonnie Lane to extend 180 feet southeast
towards the school. Sidewalk proposed to
benefit school children by Principal Bob
Adams & Mr. & Mrs. Bill Kruzan. Bob Minor
provided labor and the Village purchased
materials. Residents of 14 Bonnie Lane & 1
Brenda Drive signed easements.
November 1976 Annexation was
briefly discussed while talks on sewage
treatment and parks were conducted with
Jacksonville. The majority of trustees
opposed annexation.
The State Hospital has offered cinders
to the Village.
The Board authorized rewiring Village
Hall at a cost not to exceed $750. (increased
to $1,550 on 12-16-76)
March 1977 Resolution to transfer
Sammons Communications, Inc. franchise
agreement to Sammons Communications of
Illinois, Inc.
1457 S. Main rezoned from R-3 to B-1.
New rescue unit made its first run.
May 1977 Property north of the new
expressway and south of the lagoon was
rezoned from B-1 to I-2 for a concrete plant.
Rezoning requested by Kenneth
Vasconcellas and Dwight Moeller.
Ordinance 486
Ordinance 265 adopted – Village
accepts 5,000 therms of gas in lieu of cash
franchise payment.
President Godfrey reported on letters
he had written to our state and federal
representatives and on his visit to the EPA
regarding recent flooding of basements due
to our overloaded sewer system.
He stated the Village provided water to
several Jacksonville customers during their
recent water emergency. He thanked the
Police and Fire departments for their work
during the flooding conditions of May 5th
and 6th.
July 1977 Earl Terwische, Jr. of
Earl’s Super Value Grocery requested
permission to sell packaged liquor on
Sundays.
Sidewalk from Dewey to Bonnie is
completed.
President Godfrey reported a nice
crowd turned out to hear Governor Jim
Thompson at the opening of the new
interchange south of town (Central Ill.
Expressway)
Alley between West Michigan and West
Pennsylvania was permanently vacated.
Jordy Gotschall was appointed
volunteer fireman.
Patrolman Richard Evans was
promoted to Lieutenant at a salary increase
of $200/year.
Motion to sell liquor in Village on
Sundays was defeated.
August 1977 Police Chief Dennis
attended a 911 Emergency Communications
meeting and the system should be
completed in 12 months.
Mr. Downey was thanked for
representing the Village at the ground-
breaking of the Church of Jesus Christ of the
Latter Day Saints.
1950 GMC truck and water tank failed
to sell on bid of $77. (sold on 12-1-77 on a
bid of $78)
Immediate need for a new lift station to
alleviate flooding was discussed.
Appropriations Ordinance 491 in the
amount of $1,004,505 was approved.
September 1977 Tax Levy
Ordinance 493 in the amount of $82,750
was adopted.
13 calls regarding cats & dogs were
answered in August. Mayor Godfrey urged
that tickets be issued to owners.
Engineer Edgar Bobb reported
$250,000 should cover the cost of the new
lift station, and for approximately $100,000
sewer service could be extended to just
north of the drive-in theater. Along with a
booster station, total cost of project is
$375,000. Total cost of expanding
water/sewer facilities to the south is
approximately $800,000.
November 1977 Report of meeting
with Jacksonville Police Chief regarding the
911 communications system. The City would
like the Village to police Nichols Park in
exchange for their paying the Village's share
(approximately $9,600) of the cost of the
911 system. A contract is being drafted to
that effect.
January 1978 The Census Bureau
was contacted regarding a new census at a
cost of about $2,500. There were 114 new
home permits issued since the last census.
David Hickox & Paul Large were
appointed firemen and Clifford Wilkinson
was honored for 27 years with the fire
department.
Travel reimbursement rate increase to
15 cents/mile.
February 1978 Beverly (Bea)
Pahlmann was hired as office manager. She
replaced Irene Duffer who retired 2-23-78.
Also hired was Mary Allee.
$350,000 Bonding company proposal
accepted to grant the Board authority to
levy a tax increase to meet payment of
General Obligation bonds if approved by tax
referendum.
April 1978 Several letters of thanks
were received for the Village’s help with the
3-24-78 ice storm.
May 4, 1978 Clerk reported special
election of April 25 resulted in passage of
authority to issue $300,000 sewage bonds
and $50,000 water improvement bonds for
expansion of water and sewer service south
of town.
Eagle Scout Paul Riegel served as
Village President as part of Scout week.
The Village will no longer fill residents’
swimming pools.
Special Election canvass announced
that both propositions passed. The Board
will issue bonds in the amount of $300,000
for sewer improvements and $50,000 for
water improvements.
June 1978 Special Census will be
June 21-26.
Bids will be taken for a tractor with
backhoe & end loader and for a riding lawn
mower as the Village has no heavy
equipment.
Over the objection of Mayor Godfrey,
the Wheel Tax Ordinance 511 passed, $5 for
automobiles & $2.50 for motorcycles.
Frank Dixon’s property at 303 W.
Michigan was rezoned to B-1 for inside
storage.
Police Chief salary raised to $12,000, Lt.
to $11,200, patrolmen to $10,100.
July 1978 Special Census results
were 3,379.
President Godfrey exercised his power
of veto on Ordinance 511 (Wheel Tax).
Appropriation Ordinance 514 passed in
the amount of $1,025,920.
Floyd Cox received $1,000 for land that
will be the site of the new lift station.
The President’s veto was overridden on
the Wheel Tax. There will be public notice
as soon as stickers are available.
John S. Gotschall was appointed to fill
the trustee position of Dr. Price, who
resigned.
August 1978 Lt. Richard Evans
reported stop light at Vandalia and South
Main is finally working but walk extenders
are not.
Henson Robinson, Lt. with Sangamon
County Rescue, presented certificates to
firemen Steve Morthole, Jim Getz, Jordy
Orlia Thomas & Mayor Richard Godfrey 11-1-78
Gotschall, & Wayne White upon completion
of a 60-hr. rescue course.
A Mutual Aid Agreement between the
Village and Jacksonville Fire Department
was approved.
Tax Levy Ordinance 516 passed in the
amount of $78,320.
September 1978 Gordon Jumper,
member of the South Morgan Jaycees
requested the use of Village Hall for their
meetings.
Illinois Power was requested to provide
four street lights for Pioneer Drive.
Cost of having the water tower
repainted is expected to be $10,000
Routt High School & JHS sophomores
were allowed to use Village garages to build
floats.
October 1978 Dennis Roberts was
appointed fireman.
Ordinance 518 prohibiting keeping
noisy animals that disturb the peace of any
family, individual, or neighborhood was
passed.
Property of Mr. & Mrs. Sterling Elliott at
1428 South Main was rezoned from R-1 to
R-3 for an apartment building.
Firemen have volunteered labor for
installing a new roof on the old fire
department building on Hardin.
November 1978 Police Chief Dennis
said the hookup of the 911 emergency
telephone system had been implemented as
of November 1.
Increases of Fire Department rates
were approved: Calls increased $5 to $7.50
& meetings $2 to $4.
January 1979 Mr. Ted Elder
reported there are currently 19 volunteer
firemen of whom 11 are trained as EMT's
and 4 as Emergency Rescue Technicians.
June 1979 Twenty acres of land
south of the Village owned by Robert Minor
and located west of South Main was
annexed.
October 1979 Liquor Ordinance
amended to allow sale of package liquor
on Sundays between hours of 12 noon and
10 p.m.
December 1979 Mayor urged
everyone to use “South Jacksonville”
December 1980 Unofficial results of
1980 Census: 1,433 housing units; 3,344
persons; representing an increase of 13.3%
in population and 43% in housing over the
1970 census.
May 1983 Up for future
consideration was licensing of electronic
games. July 1983 Village President
Godfrey participated in the opening of
Cottage Cafe at the corner of South Main
and West Michigan.
March 1984 The old 67 Drive-in
Theater donated its playground equipment
to be used at the west end of the Hardin
Avenue lot.
State Representative Tom Ryder reported
plans to widen and resurface U.S. 67 along
South Main to U.S. 36.
May 1984 Approved Aetna
Insurance’s bid of $865.45 per month for the
employees’ health insurance.
August 1984 Village Christmas
Party would be held 12-15-84 at Pegasus
(1847 S. Main) and the Village picnic would
be August 23rd
at Nichols Park.
July 1985 A new business, Allen’s
Furniture, was reported in operation in
South Jacksonville.
Reggie Jordan, a South Jacksonville
School student spoke to the Village Board
about improving the tennis court across the
street from Village Hall by adding a light,
tightening the net, and checking the line
markings.
August 1985 Dick Fanning,
grandson of former Village President
William Fanning, presented the village
several mementoes including photos, a
shovel used in the construction of the sewer
treatment facility, and a board of mounted
gavels all made by Mr. Fanning.
September 1985 The Board
approved the following members of the 75th
Anniversary Committee: Chairman, Paul
Blanchette; Committee Members, Wilbert
DeLong, Mrs. Minor Prather, Don Hazelrigg
and Tom Holliday.
After a recent demonstration of a
computer at Village Hall, Board Member
Leslie Musch stated the price of the
computer, printer, software, and training
would be approximately $20,000.
February 1986 Special thanks
was given to SJFD for their work at the
Empire Gas Fire. Fire Chief Willard Hickox
reported 29 small tanks exploded but the
larger ones containing 85,000 gallons of
propane were saved.
June 1988 1851 S. Main was
rezoned from B-1 to R-1.
July 1988 Resident Edna Houser
requested left turn lanes on East & West
Michigan.
7-23-88 was the 3rd
annual Village
Celebrations. April 1989 Glenda Hazelrigg took
office as Mayor.
Police Department purchased Wang
computer from General Telephone and
added a part-time secretary, Lisa McElfresh.
July 1989 Fourth Annual Village
Celebration with Dick & Diane Rawlings as
co-chairs.
December 1989 Agreement signed
with City of Jacksonville for Wastewater
Treatment Project.
January 1990 Village President
Glenda Hazelrigg reported on her first 8
months in office as follows:
April 20, 1989 was her first day in
office. In Village History she is the first
woman Village President.
Richard Evans was appointed Police
Chief, Willard Hickox was appointed
Fire Chief.
Hours were spent with Bob Benton
discussing the Wastewater Treatment
Plant.
June 1989 Glenda Hazelrigg, Helen
Evans & Ed Heyer attended a
conference for newly elected officials
in Springfield.
July 22, 1989 the 4th annual Village
Celebration was held.
August 1989 the Village and the City of
Jacksonville began negotiations for a
waste water treatment project. After
many meetings, the final agreement
was signed December 29, 1989 and
submitted to the EPA. A resolution for
the construction contract for the
Village with Sewer Inc. of Decatur, IL
was received and construction was
scheduled to begin February 15, 1990.
Mayor Hazelrigg stated that one of her
main goals was to improve economic
development. She will work with
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce,
Corridor 67, Jacksonville Area Visitors
Bureau and the Economic
Development Task Force. In 1989, the Police Department
answered 4,308 to assist the Public.
A new street was opened in Twin Oaks
Subdivision (Willow Drive).
The entrance off 67 South to Minor
Drive was widened with the 67 South
Improvement.
David Watson was appointed Building
Inspector & Tom Honey was
appointed to Fire Inspector in 1989.
Total fire calls in 1989 were 35, rescue
calls, 129.
February 1990 Exeter/Merritt
Water Co-op approached the Village
wishing to purchase untreated water
from the Village.
The deed for Prairieland grounds
was transferred from the State of Illinois
to Prairieland on February 2, 1990.
The City of Jacksonville and the
Village entered into an agreement for the
Landfill.
March 1990 Rezoning of an addition to
Hertzberg New Method from R-1 to I-1 was
presented and approve at the March 1,
1990 Board Meeting.
March 1990 The Village will patrol
Nichols Park and an east section of Vandalia
Road (both belong to Jacksonville) in
exchange for Jacksonville dispatching
services.
The theme of the 1990 Celebration
was “90’s Then & Now”, Carol Roberts
chairman.
May 1990 Tom McKinney & Bill
Sims were appointed to the Park Board for
another 5 year term.
July 1990 Burning ordinance in the
Village was reviewed.
October 1990 Agreement approved
with CMS (Central Management Services) in
Springfield which would allow the Village to
make purchases at a reduced cost.
The first leaf pick up program was
started .
April 1991 Village election held:
Thomas E. Holliday, John S. Gotschall,
Edmund L. Heyer elected.
Mike & Trish Elliott co-chaired the
Village Celebration
December 1991 Major accomplishments
in 1991 were the completion of the sewer
project, street repairs and the addition of
two new subdivisions--Hamilton Drive &
Southern Knolls.
March 1992 Illinois Power
completed street light replacements in the
Village.
Martin Joyce property rezoned from
AR to B-2 for the installation of the MCI
Telecommunications tower.
2nd
phase of Southern Knolls
subdivision is being planned.
May 1992 Celebration Committee
canceled the Village Celebration for 1992.
June 1992 Southern Knolls 2nd
addition was finalized and accepted and 3rd
addition to Southern Knolls was annexed. July 1993 Twin Oaks 3rd Addition
plat was accepted contingent to annexation
to the Village. August 1993 Twin Oaks 3rd
addition was annexed to the Village.
October 1993 Willard Hickox
resigned as Fire Chief.
December 1995 Tax Levy approved
for $203,435. Appropriations for fiscal 1995-
96 were approved of $2,086,400.
February 1996 Board approved 14%
increase in water rates to build funds for the
two new wells.
22 additional acres were annexed on
South Main at the request of the trustee for
the Martha Routt Trust. (11 acres had
already been annexed.)
March 1996 Scouts helping conduct the
meeting were: Nathan Reuck, Dan
Guttmann, and Stephen Ingram.
Conditional approval was granted to
South County Business Park, and pre-
preliminary plat for South County Square by
RMC Builders was approved by Plans
Commission.
April 1996 $200 was donated to the
JHS/RHS after prom party.
Craven & Thornton Law Firm was
retained as legal counsel in Stucker, et al vs.
Village of South Jacksonville.
Some funds were moved to IPTIP to
take advantage of their 5.2% interest rate.
May 1996 LeRoy Jackson was
selected from other local realtors by a coin
toss to assist in purchasing land for the new
wells.
Citizens addressed the Board for the
second month regarding Sundown Ridge
houses built in violation of required
setbacks.
On May 15, 1995, Mayor Hazelrigg
attended the Dist. 117 School Board
Meeting to hear proposals on overcrowding.
IDOT will make the final inspection
of the widening of South Main Project on
May 23, 1995.
Attorney Joe Thornton updated the
Board on recent litigation filed by Mr.
Minor.
August 1996 Two new businesses
are Llaina’s School of Dance and B&R
Variety.
A request was made to the State of
Illinois to change South Main to multi-lane
out to the interstate.
Beth Anderson handled tree
replacement for those residents entitled to
one due to work on South Main. 28
vouchers have been distributed.
Residency was discussed, no action
taken.
October 1996 Gary Maley of Segno
reported an early warning siren system
would cost about $14,000 if purchased in
conjunction with Jacksonville. Two sirens
were subsequently purchased for $13,926.
Ordinance 760 vacated sections of
Magnolia Drive.
December 1996 Tax Levy approved
for $213,618.
Guide to Community Development
adopted.
Greenwood Storm Sewer Project
awarded to K.E. Vas on bid of $68,087.
January 1997 The 1978 series bond
has been retired.
Tim Finch has agreed to farm the
lagoon property on a 50/50% basis.
Volunteer firemen pay increased from
$10 to $12.50/per call.
Ordinance was passed requiring
permit to construct an entrance from
private property to public right-of-way,
eliminating gravel driveway entrances.
February 1997 Don McNeely was
recognized for serving 20 years on the Plan
Commission.
Final Plat of South County Square was
approved subject to the extension of a 20’
sanitary sewer easement on Minor Drive.
Dick Rawlings reported a jurisdictional
transfer
from IDOT to the Village for a section
known as Moeller Road (frontage road).
Variances in compliance with Morgan
County were approved for Timber Creek.
Concern over waterway problems in
Lots 1 & 2 of Lou’s Meadow 1st
Addition
(east of Empire Gas) caused it to be tabled.
The subdivision is not required to have
sanitary sewer.
March 1997 Entrance site for
Brookfield Village Plaza 1st
Addition was
approved.
May 1997 Clerk Celeste Lindsey
swore in incoming officers Gordon Jumper,
Connie Shugart, Mike Underwood, and
Mike Elliott, and Lou Estabrook. Attorney
Larry Flynn and Dale Crocroft resigned.
David Hickox was appointed Fire Chief on
5-1-97, Richard Evans 1st
Asst. Reggie
Tribble 2nd
Asst., and Steve Henson
Secretary/Treasurer to replace Steve
Waltrip, who resigned his position effective
5-1-97. Long-time Fire Chief Sonny Hickox
pinned on son David’s badge at the Board
Meeting.
Computer systems in the office were
upgraded from DOS to Windows 95.
Village started selling yard waste
stickers for Buster Sanitation.
CityScape Internet of Jacksonville
provided free internet to SJPD.
April 1998 New water/sewer billing
program from LOCIS implemented.
April 1999 Village Hall was repainted
and cabinets installed for storage in office.
Board Meetings set to once monthly.
May 1999 Water tower repainting
begins, low bid was $66,440.
September 1999 Ground-breaking of
new Comfort Inn & Suites (below), $2.85
million project located at 200 Comfort Dr.
October 1999 Groundbreaking
of new First
National Bank of
South
Jacksonville (left),
$273,000 project
to be located at 1904 South Main.
November 1999 Village started test
drilling of seven well sites
January 2000 After a national furor
over possible viruses set to attack computers
on 01-01-00, the Village reported no
problems with Y2K issues due to significant
preparation.
Bid of $172,000 was accepted from
Pierce for FL70 Freightliner with 16’ box to
replace the 1974 LaFrance.
May 2000 Purchased Health
Alliance insurance to replace Blue Cross for
employees.
South School 50th
anniversary was
outlined by Elizabeth Ahlquist.
Civic Software purchased for general
ledger and payroll at a cost of $24,000
(installed in July, 2001). July 2000 Appropriations approved
of $5,150,137, with $3.5 million in capital
outlay.
October 2000 20
th
Anniversary of
McGruff the Crime Dog
Reception preceded the
Board Meeting.
November 2000 Volunteer firemen
compensation increased
to $12.50/meeting, $15/call, and overtime
$7.50/hour,
December 2000 Tax Levy approved
for $256,000 and Road District #15 for
$51,500.
Nine properties south of the Village
were annexed.
February 2001 Fire Chief David
Hickox and Asst. Chief Richard Evans
presented a check for $91,163 collected by
the volunteers for the new rescue truck to
the Village. In addition, a $75,000 grant and
about $6,000 from the Village make the
purchase price of $172,163.
Mayor recognized Chief Richard Evans
and Sgt. Paul Large for entering burning
building to rescue tenant inside.
New 2001 Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance and map approved as presented
by Jim Burke.
March 2001 TIF Financing District
approved.
Approved purchase of ESDA sirens at
cost of about $3,000.
New rescue truck arrived 2-24-01 and is
now in service.
April 2001 Ron Walls reported 2000
census count was 3,475.
Approved loan application of
$1,280,000 for additional elevated storage
and transmission line improvements with an
interest rate of 2.9%. July 2001 Accepted donation of five
acres for a new Village Hall south of West
Vandalia by the Coultas family.
August 2001 Accepted bid from
Bobcat for skid loader with sweeper for
$19,170.
Paid additional $2,500 to Helen
Dowson to extend purchase option of
property for water plant to 12-1-01.
September 2001 Authorized
issuance of up to $2,700,000 Waterworks &
Sewerage Bonds.
October 2001 Approved Benton &
Associates for design phase of Water Facility
Plant, not to exceed $165,000.
December 2001 Adopted Tax Levy
of $261,334 and Road District #15
resolution of $54,550.
Adopted new IDOT Urban Boundary
Map which encompasses new TIF District.
Adopted new water rates and
Hotel/Motel Tax at 3%.
February 2002 Newly-acquired
Coultas property rezoned from R-1 to PA.
John Gotschall presented a booklet of
pictures of several fire stations visited to aid
in determining a floor plan for the new
firehouse.
April 2002 Boy Scouts (for
Citizenship Day) stood in for Board
members: Mayor – Brian Adkins, Clerk –
Craig Bucy, Attorney – Jacob Meado,
Trustee Waltrip – Stephen Hubbert, Trustee
Underwood – Eckhart Spaulding, Trustee
Douglass – Willis Stance, Trustee
Lindemann – Brandon Kinsley, Trustee
Elliott – Aaron Fritz, Trustee Gotschall –
Johnny Newman, and audience participants
were Jacob Potty and Chad Kinsley.
Tom Adkins invited everyone to view
the new Latter Day Saints Temple in Navoo
as it will not be open to the public after
dedication.
May 2002 Patrolman Adam Potter
received a plaque from Mayor Jumper for
using CPR to save the life of a motorist.
Speed limit on Southbrooke Road
was set at 30 m.p.h.
July 2002 Appropriations approved
for $4,602,208 ($2.6 million loan from EPA
and $2 million in revenues).
First class postage—from 34¢ to 37¢.
Coultas property was recommended
site of new firehouse & $150,000 was
appropriated to install water and sewer.
August 2002 Accepted water project
low bid Division A (wells & transmission
line) Petersburg Plumbing $843,405, plus
alternative A12A (substitute plastic pipe for
ductile iron) $79,296, alternative M1-M7 for
8” potable water main at $39,996, for a total
of $874,056. Division B (treatment plant)
awarded to Laverdiere Construction on
base bid of $1,395,287.
Ground-breaking for 9.2 miles of new
U.S. 67 (8-7-2002)
Purchase Dowson property for $40,000
for water plant.
Village Addition (official name for land
donated by Coultas) rezoned from R-1 to
PA.
September 2002 The Evans family
tradition of service to the Village continued
as Richard Evans, Jr., (son of 1st
Asst. Chief
Richard Evans & grandson of Helen Evans,
former clerk) was appointed to the Fire
Department effective 9-01-02.
November 2002 David Hickox
received the Federal Express Humanitarian
Award.
Laurel Drive Storm Sewer Project
(approved in October 2002) will be
complete in a week.
South Jacksonville School won 1st
place
in the District 117 2002 Geography Bowl.
Team members were: Jill Jacobs, Erin
Tighe, Emily Ankrom, Caleb Sires, Alex
Thompson, Braxton Stewart, and teacher
Mrs. Gregory.
REID property north of Comfort Inn &
east of Sundown Ridge was rezoned from
B2 to R3. December 2002 Tax Levy passed in
the amount of $271,875, and Road District
#15 passed at $56,975.
Water rate ordinance 862 passed
effective 1-1-2004.
2002 Flooding required Oxville plant be sandbagged. Water only got up to the 1st level of bags.
Ground-Breaking for new $2.5 million water plant 12-6-02 (L-R) Mayor Gordon Jumper, Engineer Reg Benton, Trustee John Gotschall, Water Supt. Rick Hearin, Water Chairman/Trustee Mike Elliott, and Clerk Linda Douglass.
Service Awards for 12-7-02 included
Steve Waltrip and Reg Tribble for
completing 20 years in the fire department.
January 2003 Mediacom announced
a $4/month increase in rates.
FGM Architects were accepted for new
firehouse in the amount of $39,168.
February 2003 For Scout
Citizenship, the Boy Scouts who sat in for
officials were: Trustee Gotschall (former
Eagle Scout and Troopmaster) – Jacob
Meado, Trustee Elliott – Jacob Pahde,
Trustee Samples – Devin Pierson, Clerk
Simpson (pro-tem)– Craig Bucy, Mayor
Jumper – David Mosley, Trustee Waltrip (a
former Eagle Scout) – Josh Dove, Trustee
Smith – Shane Fanning, Trustee Douglass –
Darin Hoots, Attorney Yow – Willis Hance.
Citizens from the floor were Steve Hubert,
Brandon Kinsley, and Chad Kinsley.
Village was disappointed that Casey’s
Convenience Store cancelled their
construction plans for the Village.
March 2003 “2020 Comprehensive
Plan” was adopted.
45 applications were picked up for an
opening in the police department.
April 2003 Donations for troops are
being collected at Village Hall to coordinate
with Representative Jim Watson’s project.
Build-out of the fire house was limited
to $700,000.
Six people passed the police
department’s physical agility and written
tests.
Police department salary cap raised to
$16/hour and residency requirements were
unchanged.
Justin DeWitt chaired the 2003 Village
Celebration.
Water Purchase Contract with
Scott/Morgan/Green Cooperative was
approved.
July 2003 Patrolman Richard Pulling
received an award for pulling unconscious
Howard Smith of Labor Drive, from his
burning apartment on May 15, 2003. Pulling
has been a part-time patrolman with South
Jacksonville for 18 years.
Ground-breaking for new Firehouse
July 26, 2003 at 1810 Sequoia. Present
were: Congressman Ray LaHood, Senator
Vince DeMuzio, Representative Jim
Watson, and Fire Department volunteers
and families.
Appropriations were adopted in the
amount of $4,479,042, with anticipated
revenues expected to be $3,726,241.
Hometown Pride Award Winners on
July 26, 2003 were: BBC Insurance at 1831
S. Main, York Antiques at 1847 S. Main, and
Judy Hill for renovations at 1637-1639 S.
Main.
Jacksonville Journal Courier reported
that Clark/Wareco at 1727 S. Main had been
purchased by Mac’s for $1.5 million.
2003 was “Goodbye” for longtime
Jacksonville businesses: K-Mart and
Blackhawk Restaurant.
Name of Whewell Drive was changed
to Comfort Drive.
August 2003 Fireman Brian
Glascock was promoted to Lieutenant.
December 2003 WalMart donated
$1,500 for the new firehouse.
Tax Levy was approved for $274,832,
and Road District #15 resolution for
$58,203.
January 2004 Police Chief Richard
Evans was recognized for his 30 years
service to the Village. A reception for him
preceded the Board Meeting.
Trustee John Gotschall received an
engraved clock in recognition of his 25
years of service to the Village.
February 2004 Boy Scouts sitting in
for officials for Citizenship Day were: Mayor
Jumper – Dan Selway, Clerk Douglass –
Josh Slater, Attorney Yow – Jacob Meado,
Trustee Gotschall – David Clatterbuck,
Trustee Elliott – Ryan Brannan, Trustee
Waltrip, Jacob Pahde, Trustee Douglass –
Willis Hance, Trustee Smith – Jerod
Charlson, and Trustee Samples – Doug
Jenson.
Construction of the new fire house was
awarded to Laverdiere Construction in the
amount of $476,084.
March 2004 Sequoia Drive extension
of about 500 feet off West Vandalia was
awarded to K.E. Vas in the amount of
$115,519.
April 2004 Patrolman Jason Bryant
received a commendation for bravery for
rescuing an accident victim from a
submerged vehicle in the lake.
West Central Mass Transit began
operations on 4-15-04 offering public
transportation at a cost of $3/round trip
locally or $5/round trip in Morgan County.
Dan Kindred of Don’s Place announced
he will raffle off a Harley Davidson
motorcycle with proceeds going to the
South Jacksonville Fire Department.
May 2004 Open House at the new
Water Treatment Facility in Oxville was held
preceding the May Board Meeting on 5-6-
04.
170 engraved bricks have been sold as
a fundraiser for the new firehouse.
July 2004 Appropriations adopted
for $3,504,145, with anticipated revenues of
$3,057,000.
First Bluegrass Music Festival in
Prairieland was held on July 9-11, 2004.
School District 117 was considering
changing all elementary schools to
“attendance centers” with each building
housing 2-3 grades, regardless of where the
students live. Mayor Jumper and the Board
(along with most residents of the Village) felt
strongly about retaining neighborhood
schools, such as we now have at South. All
students with geographic proximity attend
the “neighborhood” school, with all grades
in the same building. Mayor Jumper spoke
at numerous meetings on this topic, a
special hearing was held and a
proclamation was presented to the District
117 Board. The matter was eventually
settled to retain neighborhood schools.
Birdsell Court Subdivision was granted
approval of the conditional plat and
variance for an Econo-Lodge Hotel.
7-31-04 Ribbon-cutting for the new
8,000 square feet firehouse located at 1810
Sequoia Drive.
August 2004 At the 7-31-04
Celebration, Emily Ann Haley was 2004
Little Miss South Jacksonville, with Adriana
DeFrates as 1st
runner-up and Cady Moore
as 2nd
runner-up.
October 2004 Danny Kindred
presented a check for $4,339 to the Fire
Department, proceeds from the motorcycle
raffle.
The Village’s RICP (Regional Institute of
Community Policing) Emergency
Preparedness Plan became a model for all
communities our size in Illinois and was
featured at the Illinois Municipal League’s
State Conference. Mayor Jumper and
Police Chief Evans attended the IML
Conference in Chicago to present the plan.
November 2004 Linda Drager, RICP
Director, presented the Village with a
$10,000 check for completion of their model
emergency plan.
Michael McEvers was appointed 2nd
Assistant Fire Chief effective 11-1-04,
replacing retiring Asst. Chief Reggie Tribble.
7-31-04 Ribbon-Cutting Attendees: Back L-R: Representative Jim Watkins, Jim Burke, Hutchison Engineering; Kathy Simpson, Office Mgr.; Linda Douglass, Clerk, Senator Deanna DeMuzio, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Police Chief/Asst. Fire Chief Richard Evans, Fire Chief David Hickox, (behind him is Reg Tribble), Mayor Gordon Jumper, Trustees John Gotschall, Sonie Smith, Steve Douglass, Dick Samples, and Steve Waltrip. Front row: Steve Crawford, Brian Glascock, Rich Evans, Jr., Jason Hickox & son, Kirk Hoots, David Stilwell and David Bye.
December 2004 Awards were made
to the following volunteer firemen: Captain
Dennis Roberts, who resigned after 26 years
of service; Assistant Chief Reggie Tribble,
who resigned after 22 years of service; and
Danny Frye, who resigned after 15 years of
service. Captain Mike Meyers received a 20-
year service award.
Tax Levy was adopted in the amount of
$342,000 and Road District #15 resolution
approved for $59,000.
SJFD Captain Mike Meyers presented
to the Village a U.S. Flag that had previously
flown over Tibul Military Base in Iraq, where
his daughter was stationed.
A&N Storage Facility opened in 2004,
and construction began on Birdsell’s Econo-
Lodge Inn & Suites.
Businesses that opened in 2004 in the
Village included: Main Street Salon, Central
Rentals, Jacksonville Landscape Nursery
(under new ownership), On the Cutting
Edge, Berne’s Tires, and Jessie’s Pets.
January 2005 Milnes Plumbing was
awarded the firehouse restroom project on
a bid of $25,400.
February 2005 Troop 113 Boy
Scouts sitting in for officials for Citizenship
Day were: Mayor Jumper – Eagle Scout
Jacob Meado, Clerk Douglass – Eagle Scout
Craig Bucy, Trustee Samples – Phillip
Peredo, Trustees Douglass & Smith – Josh
Pahde, Trustee Waltrip – Thomas
Clatterbuck, and Trustees Elliott & Gotschall
– Life Scout Jacob Pahde.
Citizens Committee composed of Barb
Baker, Jim Burke, Brad Fellhauer, Ella
Skaggs, & Linda Pruett proposed a
renovation of Godfrey Park that would be
accessible to all children, including those
with handicaps. Projected cost is $300,000.
(This became the “Play for All” park).
April 2005 1,150 votes were cast of
2,513 registered voters in the 4-5-05
election. Incumbents reelected were:
Gordon Jumper, Linda Douglass, Mike
Elliott, Dick Samples, and Sonie Smith.
Terms will expire in 2009.
June 2005 Daisy Brunk was
appointed Village representative on the
Prairie Council on Aging.
“Play for All” project at Godfrey Park
made application through the Village to the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources for
a $350,000 project, 50% reimbursed by
State.
July 2005 Appropriations adopted in
the amount of $3,341,000.
2nd
Annual Bluegrass Festival at
Prairieland July 8-10, 2005.
Justin DeWitt, chairman of 2005
Celebration, reported the date will be
8-6-05. 1960’s theme is “Flash Back in the
Village.”
August 2005 The Village is the
recipient of an 80%/20% $765,000 grant to
widen West Vandalia (in the 2007
construction season). The Village will be
responsible for about $150,000 (20%) of the
project.
New Subdivisions Regulations Guide
was adopted.
TIF Redevelopment Agreement
approved with Roy Johnson & Joan Wright
for parking lot improvements.
Documents have been received
concerning a police union request.
September 2005 SJPD received a
$14,613 grant to secure the Village facility
with electronic doors and video monitoring
equipment.
December 2005 Tax Levy approved
at $288,100 and Road District 15 resolution
at $59,500.
1st
Annual Cookie Walk sponsored by
newly-formed SJFD Auxiliary will be
12-10-05 at new firehouse.
New water tanker is ready for viewing,
valued at about $30,000.
Two bays in the old firehouse
were leased to West Central Mass
Transit for six months at $400/month
(term later extended).
February 2006 For Scout
Citizenship, the Boy Scouts who sat in for
officials were: Mayor Jumper – Life
Scout Jacob Pahde (Troop 113),
Clerk Douglass – Dennis Reese
(Troop 155), Trustee Douglass–
Everett Sullivan (Troop 155), Trustee
Smith – Andrew Stout (Troop 155), Trustee
Samples – Thomas Clatterbuck (Troop 113),
Trustee Elliott – Adam Zuparci (Troop 155),
Trustee Gotschall – Phillip Peredo (Troop
113).
Ferguson Insurance 1840 S. Main, held
their ribbon-cutting in January, 2006.
The “Play for All” committee announced
receipt of a $175,000 grant from the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources Open
Space Lands Acquisition & Development
(OSLAD).
March 2006 Joe and Ravella
Kasprzyk of the Jacksonville McDonalds
were instrumental in obtaining $10,000 from
the Ronald McDonald House Charities for
the “Play for All” project.
IDOT will close parts of Route 267 for
about three months to reconstruct Sandy
Creek Bridge.
April 2006 Sheila Meyers
reported Village Celebration will
be July 29, 2006 & SJFD Auxiliary Family
Day will be June 10, 2006 at the firehouse.
Alternate Power Systems was awarded
a generator bid for $51,484.
Ribbon-cutting (right) for new
Clark/Fanco & Quiznos at 103 Comfort
Drive was held on April 17, 2006.
May 2006 Residents have been
notified of a controlled house burn on
5-21-06 on West Greenwood. The street will
be temporarily closed that day. Educational
training includes several fire departments.
Contracted to sell water to Exeter/
Merrit Co-op.
June 2006 Three lots adjacent to
“Play for All” park, belonging to Danle and
Jamie Colclasure, were purchased for a
total of $75,000.
July 2006 The 3rd
Annual Bluegrass
Festival at Prairieland will be July 7-9, 2006.
Appropriations were approved at
$3,616,100.
UPS workers were at Godfrey Park on
7-8-06 along with the Play for All
Committee, to remove old playground
equipment with the assistance of Village
personnel.
2006 Little Miss Contestants
Fanco Ribbon Cutting 4-17-06 (L-R) Paul White, Trustee Steve Waltrip, Trustee John Gotschall (back row), Martha Gunnels, Pastor Robert Foulk (back row), Dick & Janet Fanning (owners), Pat Fay, Jack Cox (back row) Trustee Sonie Smith, Trustee Steve Douglass, Mayor Gordon Jumper, and Chamber representative Laura Marks.
—————————————————————-
August 2006 SJFD Volunteers will
again run the kitchen during Prairieland
Steam Show.
Honda Goldwing Rally at the Econo-
Lodge August 5-6, 2006.
$2,000 annual donation to Sr. Citizens’
Bus approved.
September 2006 Dani Glasock,
SJFD Auxiliary President, presented Fire
Chief David Hickox with a $6,700 Thermal
Imaging Camera purchased by the Auxiliary.
A HUD Grant in the amount of $75,000
was accepted for “Play for All” park.
Base bid & Alternate 2 were accepted
from R.D. Lawrence on a bid of $492,249
for “Play for All” project. Public works
department will install water and sewer.
October 2006 The “Play for All”
Committee transferred $75,000 to the
Village, with another $75,000 expected in
May, 2007 and another $82,000 by the end
of 2007. Those and the grants for
$10,000/$75,000/$175,000 total the cost of
the project. Fundraisers were held by most
of the local organizations to finance this
project.
November 2006 Fraternal Order of
Police (FOP) contract with members of the
police department was ratified for the
period 5-1-06 through 4-30-09.
10-13-2006 Ground-Breaking on $600,000 “Play for All” Project in Godfrey Park on East Greenwood. Play for All Committee and dignitaries below are (L-R): Tom Fredericks, Elm City; Brad Fellhauer & Jeannie Strubbe, Play for All Committee; Village Trustee Sonie Smith (also on Committee); Steve Symons, Play for All Committee; John Godfrey, Godfrey family representative; Mayor Gordon Jumper; Utility Supt. John Green; Marlin Barber, RD Lawrence supervisor; U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood; Mike Ludvigsen, Play for All Committee; Barb Baker, Play for All Chairwoman; Morgan County Commissioner Bill Meyer; Senator Deanna DeMuzio; Stephanie Baptist, Pathway Services; Linda Pruitt, Play for All Secretary; Dusty Douglas, Play for All Committee; Morgan County Commissioner Brad Zoeller; Village Trustee Mike Elliott; and State Representative Jim Watson.
Ground-Breaking for Godfrey “Play for All” Park Project 10-13-06
1828 South Main rezoned from B2/R1
to R3.
December 2006 Tax Levy adopted
for $302,000 and Road District 15 resolution
for $62,000.
Mayor Jumper rode periodically with
snow plow drivers during a serious
snowstorm and commended employees for
their work.
Businesses opened in the Village in
2006 included: Atkins Chiropractic, Fanco,
Quiznos, Fergurson Insurance, Contractor
Supply, and KLC Snack Shack.
January 2007 Preliminary Plat for Halls
Farm 1st
Addition was approved.
February 2007 Boy Scouts who would
sit for officials for Scout Citizenship Day
were: Mayor Jumper – Thomas Clatterbuck,
for Trustees Gotschall, Elliott, and Samples –
Pat Nichols, and for Trustees Waltrip, Smith,
and Douglass – Phil Paredo.
The FCC has been asked to arbitrate
between Sinclair Broadcasting and
Mediacom regarding their cable and
internet prices.
Site plan approved by Plans Committee
for Holiday Inn Express to build a 60+ unit
hotel on the south side of Comfort Drive.
Support was expressed for former
Clerk Helen Evans, Administrative Asst.
Delsie Clancy, and Office Manager Kathy
Simpson, who were all hospitalized.
April 2007 Support was expressed
for Trustee Mike Elliott, who was involved in
a serious workplace accident.
Sherman Oaks 2nd
Addition was
rezoned from R-1 to R-3.
Annual compensation of Fire Chief was
raised to $3,100, 1st
Asst. to $1,775, 2nd
Asst.
to $1,375. Sec/Treasurer remains at $850.
FOP amendment added Sergeant
position to eligible employees.
SJFD Auxiliary presented SJFD with
new Gas/Carbon monoxide sensor.
A flag that had flown over the U.S.
capital was donated by Ray LaHood for the
“Play for All” park, with ribbon-cutting
scheduled for 5-19-07.
Gee Whillikers Banquet Hall, owned by
Rick & Nicole Vaniter, held a ribbon-cutting
on 4-26-07 at 1852 South Main. The
Vaniters also own Central Rentals
Equipment and Sales, 1855 South Main.
May 2007 Clerical cap was raised
from $11 to $16/hour. Discussions were held
regarding moving supervisors from hourly
to salary rates.
Coultas Redevelopment Contract
approved. June 2007 Ground-breaking for new
Holiday Inn Express at 2501 Holiday Lane
was held earlier today, with all Trustees in
attendance (below):
Barb Baker, Brad
Fellhauer, and Jim
Burke of the “Play for
All” Committee
presented the Village with a check for
$50,000.
Final Plat of Hall approved for Hall
Farm 1st
Addition.
Appropriations approved at
$3,683,851, with anticipated revenues of
$3,453,000.
West Vandalia Project - sewer
extension to West is completed and 10”
waterline has been laid across Vandalia to
supply water to Hall Farm Subdivision. This
is a $1,000,000 improvement.
Used FEMA trailer purchased to be
used as Police Command Post.
August 2007 Sheila Meyers,
Celebration Chairman, reported successful
event.
After 3 years notice, the West Vandalia
project faced possible holdups until
Ameren-IP moves their poles out of the
right-of-way.
Water Department maintained perfect
compliance for past 12 months.
Honda Gold Wing convention at
Prairieland on August 4-5, 2007.
Participated in the Jacksonville/South
Jacksonville Day (8-16-07)at the Illinois
State Fair in the Hometown Pride area.
Fire Marshal Grant of $9,500 accepted
to buy boots and helmets for SJFD.
Applied for $90,000 FEMA Grant for
air-packs for the fire department.
September 2007 White Hall
Elementary Summer Program sent a “thank
you” note for the new water park in Godfrey
Park. It was amazing the large number of
summer schools, day cares, church groups,
birthday parties, and special needs groups
utilized the new park during the summer.
Stop signs were approved for streets
adjacent to Vandalia.
Prairieland Steam Show September 28-
30, 2007. Fire volunteers will again operate
the kitchen as a fundraiser.
Annual Christmas Party will be 12-14-07
at Gee Whillikers, 1852 S. Main.
West Central Mass Transit took over the
Senior Citizens’ Bus Program run by Prairie
Council on Aging. WCMT was given $2,500
for coupon rides and $2,800 that was
previously donated annually to Prairie
Council on Aging.
TIF Redevelopment Agreement with
Charlie Birdsell (Econo-Lodge) 237
Southbrooke Road, was approved.
October 2007 Completion of the new
Holiday Inn Express is
expected by mid-November.
John Green and Richard
Evans were thanked for overseeing the
project after the death of Building Inspector
Ron Walls on September 7, 2007. John
Green became temporary Building
Inspector.
November 2007 Greenwood Estates
water loop line is under way, and should
improve water pressure in that area.
Fire Department received new hats
and bunker boots from $9,520 Fire Marshal
Grant, Village’s portion was $788.
December 2007 Tax Levy passed in
the amount of $316,000, and Road
District 15 Resolution for $65,000. Illinois’ Smoking Ban goes into effect
January 1, 2008. The extent to which the
public would protest was uncertain.
West Central Mass Transit terminated
their lease of two fire bays on 2-28-08
due to moving into their new facility on
West Walnut in Jacksonville.
Zoning Ordinance was amended
concerning sign heights and dimensions.
January 2008 Illinois Smoking Ban in
public places went into effect
January 1, 2008.
Checks received from Play
for All Committee totaling
$40,000. They have now
DEVASTATING ICE STORM HITS VILLAGE DECEMBER 8-9, 2007
The freezing rain started slowly on December 8, and over a 24 hour period, changed the landscape and peoples’ lives dramatically. Many residents were without power—in the cold and dark—for varying lengths of time—from hours to days, gas power, cable, and telephone wires were ripped off poles and homes from the weight of ice clinging to them. Ominous crackling broke the quiet as trees lost limb after limb, damaging cars, homes, and property. The ice storm immobilized the entire community while the police, fire, and street departments worked round the clock. Village authorities sprang into action with emergency services responding to wires down everywhere, often intertwined among fallen branches and huge limbs. People were asked to stay inside as limbs continued falling for days. It was soon decided to provide free curb-side storm debris pick-up until March 31, 2008. The Village registered fifteen tree trimming businesses to assist residents. The State of Illinois declared Morgan County a disaster area and sent trucks and drivers for almost two months (2-1-08) to assist with the clean-up, along with boot camp crews. Ameren sent in numerous crews from out of the area to help, and power was restored as quickly as possible. The broken and ruined trees are a reminder of the December, 2007, storm emergency, but residents will remember, too, that their Village met the challenge with all the staff and resources available. Clean-up continued through March, 2008. – Kathy Simpson Kathy Simpson
fulfilled their base commitment of $425,000
to the park.
An additional commitment of $38,000 was
made on alternatives #2 & #7.
February 2008 Troop 107 Boy Scouts serving as Board
members for Citizenship were: Mayor
Jumper - Kendall Pocklington, Clerk
Douglass – Cole Bryant, Trustee Douglass –
Conner
Richardson,
Trustee
Smith –
Ryan Harris,
Trustee
Samples –
Caleb
Elmore,
Trustee
Elliott – Andy Selway, Trustee Gotschall –
Joe Cummings, Trustee Waltrip – Cory
Richardson.
Bid was accepted from Municipal
Emergency Services for $93,140 for 20 Self-
Contained Breathing Apparatus units plus
10 face masks for $1,900, bringing the total
to $95,040.
State of Illinois trucks and drivers have
been released from debris hauling relating
to the ice storm. Clean up continues
through March, 2008.
IDOT trained policemen to file traffic
reports on in-car computers.
April 2008 Asst. Fire Chief Richard
Evans, Rich Evan, Jr., and Josh Sorrill
demonstrated the newly purchased air
packs.
John Green was appointed Water/
Sewer, Streets, and Parks superintendent
effective 4-4-08 after receiving his Class B
Water Operator’s license.
$10,000 was saved in workers’
compensation, liability, property, and fleet
insurance by switching to Illinois Municipal
League Risk Management Assn. (IMLRMA)
insurance.
Trustees moved to a workshop forum
temporarily.
2006 CAT 420E ST backhoe purchased
from Altorfer Caterpillar for $53,000
including trade-in.
June 2008 Carl Hopkins was hired
for the newly formed position of Community
Development/Code Enforcement Officer
effective 6-9-08.
Linda Douglass repainted the
“Welcome” sign on South Main across from
the diner.
Village
ambulance
service was
established.
Gas Franchise agreement with
AmerenIP approved, providing for $7,500
annual payments.
Settlement accepted with R.E.I.D. II in
the amount of $52,370.
July 2008 Sheila Meyers, chairmen,
reported on the 7-26-08 Celebration.
Appropriations approved in the
amount of $2,673,660, with anticipated
revenues of $2,735,172.
Victoria Lane Booster Pump agreement
with 10-year time limit was approved.
1995 Ford Ambulance was purchased
from Winchester EMS for $9,500.
August 2008 Jacksonville/South
Jacksonville Day at Illinois State Fair will be
8-13-08 in Hometown area. This is the third
year we’ve been selected to participate.
Hotel/Motel tax was increased from 3%
to 5%.
September 2008 Godfrey Park
gateway, donated by Gordon Jumper’s
family in memory of their parents, will be
dedicated on 9-7-08.
New carpeting was installed in Village
Hall.
$35,442 (partially paid by outside
funding) in Communications equipment was
purchased for the fire department: a tower
($2,678), communications equipment
($25,702), and labor ($7,062).
Village Clerk’s compensation increased
from $350 to $450/month.
October 2008 Sunrise Rotary
sponsored Kelly Miller Circus at Prairieland
on 10-7-08.
Play for All park restrooms close for the
season on 10-15-08.
Free curbside bagged leaf pickup entire
month of November.
South Jacksonville won 1st
Place in the
Governor’s Hometown Award. Presentation
will be 10-20-08.
November 2008 Joe Roberts of
Buster Sanitation proposed curbside
recycling at a cost of $3/household, $2 of
which would be subsidized by the Village.
AmerenIP street lighting rates increased
about $5,000/annually.
West Central Mass Transit Agreement
approved, removing coupon program for
seniors and increasing Village’s annual
unrestricted contribution to $5,300.
Rees Construction will re-roof Village
Hall for $11,000.
Ingram Electric will install
uninterruptible power supplies at each
intersection at a cost of $7,500 each.
December 2008 SJFD Auxiliary
Cookie Walk at fire department on
12-13-08.
Christmas Party at Gee Whillikers on
12-12-08.
Tax Levy approved in the amount of
$327,420 and road district resolution for
$65,270.
Low bid on HVAC for fire house to
Leach and Remmers for $23,580.
Approved switching from dumpsters to
curbside recycling through Area Disposal
(Busters) at $3/month with Village subsidy
per customer of $2/month.
Service Awards 12-12-08
Mayor Jumper presents 30 year service award for Trustee John
S. Gotschall (left) to Jordy
Gotschall, his son (below).
Left: Mayor Jumper presents 30 year service award to Fire Chief David Hickox, who joined SJFD in Nov., 1978, when his father Willard Hickox was Chief.
Right: Mayor Jumper (left) & Fire Chief
David Hickox (right) present 20 year
SJFD service award to Asst. Chief Mike
McEvers.
Mayor Jumper (above) presents 15 year service award to Kathy Simpson, Office Manager.
Mayor Jumper (left) and Fire Chief David
Hickox present 20 year SJFD service award to Capt. Kevin DeFrates.
Right: Mayor Jumper and Fire Chief David Hickox (right) present 20 year SJFD service award to
Lt. Bill Cummings.
Mayor Jumper (left) & Chief David Hickox present an SJFD service award to Steve Waltrip for 10 years
as Sec/Treas.
Mayor Jumper (above) & John Green present 10 year service award to Linda Douglass of the
Utility Dept.
January 2009 Hotel/Motel Tax payments
to the Jacksonville Area Convention &
Visitors’ Bureau were extended until 2-28-
10.
Police Chief Richard Evans was
recognized for 35 years of service.
February 2009 The firehouse
furnace has been installed.
South Jacksonville Fire Dept. was the
recipient of this year’s Bar-to-Bar Classic,
about $12,000, thanks to the 65 volunteers
who worked on the fundraiser.
Mediacom announced they will stop
carrying KTVI channel 2, KETC channel 9,
KPLR channel 11, and KHQA channel 7.
IMRF rates are expected to rise
dramatically due to the widespread
stock market losses.
A contract was approved to sell water
to Scott County Rural Water Co-Op.
March 2009 The Village was notified
it would receive $105,000 for
improvements to East Vandalia through
the American Recovery & Reinvest-
ment Act (ARRA).
SJPD purchased 5 new rifles.
Health insurance premiums are
expected to raise about 17%.
April 2009 MABAS (Mutual Aid Box
Alarm System) agreement and by-laws
were approved.
Applied for $143,000 COPS Grant
which would fund a full-time officer for
3 years, then the Village would pay for
the 4th
year, making the Village’s share
about $33,000.
Contract approved for Constellation
Energy at Dewey Drive and the lift
stations. We will be paying 4¢-8¢ per
kWh instead of $10¢-12¢ from
AmerenIP.
May 2009 Incumbent election
winners were sworn in: Gordon
Jumper, Linda Douglass, Sonie Smith,
Mike Elliott, and Dick Samples.
Godfrey Park water toy opens for the season
on 5-22-09.
Global Information System (GIS)
agreement with Morgan County approved.
Left: Winner of 2008 Governor’s Award Sign presented on 10-10-08 for display at Godfrey “Play
for All” Park.
Governor’s Hometown Award on October 10, 2008 (L-R): Park Supt. John Green, Senator John Sullivan, Trustee Mike Elliott, Village President Gordon Jumper, Trustee Steve Waltrip, Treasurer & editor of project book Kathy Simpson, “Play for All” Chairman Barb Baker, Trustee Steve Douglass, Senator Deanna DeMuzio, Clerk Linda Douglass, Trustee and Play for All Committee member Sonie Smith, and Ella Skaggs, Play for All Committee.
Purchase was approved of a 1992
Pierce Aerial Platform Fire Truck with 100’
ladder from Missouri Fire Apparatus in
Grovesprings, Missouri. Price is not to
exceed $250,000, one year warranty, pump
and ladder certifications included.
All fire hydrants in the Village have
been added to the Morgan County GIS
mapping.
Committee meetings were reinstated
and the workshop format was abandoned.
Preliminary & Final Plat for First
Christian Church were approved for 80
acres on the east side of South Main. They
plan to divide it into 5 parcels, develop
parcel number 2, and sell the remaining
parcels. An IDOT entrance permit is
required.
1st
Annual “Abe’s Tractor Cruise Across
the Prairie” will be held on 6-13-09.
Simmetry Tower Lease was approved
for the SJFD tower.
Vending machine bid went to Illinois
Dept. of Human Services Business
Enterprise Program.
Regulation of development in the flood
plain areas of the Village was passed.
July 2009 Village received “Storm
Ready Community” status.
16th
annual McGruff Golf Tournament
on 8-10-09 at the Links.
Carson-Barnes Circus at Prairieland on
7-27-09.
FOP contract amendment including
Sgt. position was approved.
Appropriations approved in the
amount of $3,182,500, with anticipated
revenues of $3,202,130.
August 2009 State of Illinois
awarded the East Vandalia resurfacing
contract to K.E. Vas in the amount of
$310,000.
October 2009 Country South
Subdivision was vacated and returned to
farm ground at the request of owners.
November 2009 Buster will suspend
yard waste pickup from 12-1-09 thru 3-1-10.
Antenna tower erection and East
Vandalia project are both progressing.
December 2009 Water issues in
Twin Oaks Subdivision were discussed.
Tax Levy was approved in the amount
of $339,200 and Road District 15 resolution
in the amount of $66,850.
Vitale Subdivision final plat was
approved.
Service Awards 12-11-2009
Left: 12-11-09 Mayor Jumper presents a 35-year service plaque to Police Chief Richard Evans, who joined the police force in January, 1974.
Right: 12-11-09 Mayor Jumper & Fire Chief Hickox present SJFD 25-yr service plaque to Capt. Mike Meyers.
January 2010 Jacksonville Area
Convention & Visitors Bureau grant was
accepted for the fall concert in the amount
of $18,500.
Hotel/Motel taxes will be submitted to
the JCVB until 2-28-11.
Linda Douglass was appointed the
Village’s Freedom of Information Officer,
per new FOI regulations from Lisa
Madigan’s office. Other changes included
the first 50 pages of copies are free, set a
time limit on responses, outlined types of
documents that could be accessed.
Begin annual contribution for 3 years to
City of Jacksonville of $1,500 to defray cost
of fireworks.
Hardin Water Line Agreement
approved.
March 2010 Contract with Variety
Attractions for 9-11-10 music concert
approved.
Census returns are at about 90% for
2010 census.
Sheila Meyers, chairman, announced
that contracted bands are Jason Michael
Carroll as headliner and The Lost Trailers as
openers, not to exceed total of $38,000.
May 2010 Lt. David Bye & Fireman
Josh Sorrill completed paramedic training,
bringing the department to 8 paramedics.
Residents were given 30-day grace
period for complying with ordinance
prohibiting discharging groundwater,
drainage, or storm water into the sanitary
sewer system.
Volunteer firemen purchased a 1994
Chevrolet chassis from Missouri Iron for
$3,000 to replace the 1967 truck chassis
owned by State. Refurbishing is estimated at
$13,000 when completed.
Cap for salaried employees set at
$65,000.
Minor Drive Sanitary Sewer Plans were
approved. This project will be paid through
local funds.
June 2010 Low bid for Minor Drive
Sanitary Sewer from Magnolia to South
Main accepted from Phil Tullis Excavating
for $96,670.
July 2010 New police policy manual
is complete and available for review.
Appropriations were approved in the
amount of $5,013,305, with anticipated
revenues of $2,997.965.
Early pay-off plan for the IEPA water
plant loan of $1.8 million was accepted.
August 2010 Sheila Meyers reported the
7-31-10 Village
Celebration had been a
big success. Sheila (left) is
also Chairman of the
Concert in the Cornfield
on 9-11-10. Tickets are
$10/each.
Sheila and Mike
Meyers have served as
Celebration Chairmen or
Committee Chairmen since 1999.
New Police Procedures Manual was
adopted.
Mediacom Contract approved
stipulating they pay the Village 3% for the
next 5 years as a franchise fee.
Medics First of Springfield was
approved as the billing company for SJFD
ambulance service at $150/month plus 10%
of collections.
October 2010 SJFD will host the
Kelly Miller Circus at Prairieland on 10-5-10.
A fire was being extinguished at the
Village water plant in Oxville during the
10-7-10 Board Meeting. Alarms had called
the Bluffs Fire Department shortly before
the meeting. Damage was later estimated at
about $50,000 from an electrical problem.
Prairieland Steam Show attendance
was estimated at 12,000 for the September
event. SJPD provides police presence
annually.
Prairieland members in 2008 Parade.
VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN VILLAGE’S
FUTURE 11-1-2010
Labor Drive dedicated their $7.5 million
dollar renovations recently.
November 2010 Once construction
of their pipeline is complete, there is an
agreement for Exeter-Merritt Water
Cooperative to purchase water from the
Village.
A letter of support for FutureGen
regarding proposed development of a
carbon dioxide storage facility in Morgan
County near Meredosia was sent to the
FutureGen Consortium.
December 2010 Tax Levy approved
in the amount of $349,000, and Road
District 15 resolution of $68,500.
2010 Service Awards 12-10-10
Elevators installed during renovations.
Left: Trustee Dick Samples presents 30 year SJFD plaque to 1st Asst. Fire Chief Richard
Evans.
Above: Trustee Dick Samples presents 25 year SJPD plaque to Patrolman Rich Pulling.
Left: Trustee Dick Samples presents 15 year SJFD service award to Capt. Brian Glascock.
Above: Fireman Bob Crum earned a 15-year SJFD service award.
Above: Linda Douglass accepts 10-year service award as Village Clerk and Kathy Simpson accepts 10-year service award as Village Treasurer.
Diamond Jubilee Report July 1986
From that first meeting of newly elected
trustees in Mr. Heinl's greenhouse on an
August evening 75 years ago to the present,
the Village Board has worked to provide
streets, lighting, water, sewers, sidewalks,
police and fire protection, animal control,
building standards and recreational facilities.
At present, the Village Board is
comprised of a president, a clerk, and six
trustees organized into standing committees:
Water and Sewer; Finance, Lights and
Insurance, Building; Ordinance and
Personnel; Streets, Alleys and Parks; Police,
Fire and Rescue. Citizen committees, such as
the Park Board, Plan Commission and various
ad hoc committees, serve by appointment.
The Village Board of the 1980's continues
to operate in the tradition of President Weber.
Volunteerism is strongly recorded by Fire and
Rescue reports of an average of 24 volunteer
firemen with 12 trained as emergency medical
technicians and 10 as emergency rescue
technicians. Efforts began in 1983 to retire the
1970 pumper truck and on August 21, 1985,
the Village put a new Pierce fire truck into
service at a cost of $119,443. The Fire
Department currently averages 40 fire calls
and 90 rescue calls each year.
1986 Diamond Jubilee Little Miss Contestants
Police reports document in excess of 3,500
calls for both 1984 and 1985. From 1982 to
1985, the Police Department recorded 1,145
arrests, assisted at 421 accidents, and wrote
1,196 warnings.
In this same period Building, Ordinance
and Personnel issued 371 building and
plumbing permits for projected improvements
approximating $2,208,446. Streets, Alleys and
Parks acquired a new truck and snow plow in
1982 to bolster the Street Department. In
addition to routine snow removal, ditch
cleaning, mowing and maintenance, in 1985
alone, the Street Department used 628 tons of
rock chips, 15,234 gallons of oil and 40 tons of
blacktop.
Water and Sewer also secured a new
truck in 1982. Although the use of television
has simplified sewer inspection, routine
flushing of town and river lines, settling basin
cleaning, upkeep on lagoons and pumping
stations and well cleaning are continually
required. In 1985 the Village water plant
operated 5,125 hours to pump 115,094,000
gallons of water.
Lights, Finance and Insurance
emphasized finance to meet the water and
sewer increases necessitated by
Environmental Protection Agency regulations
in the early 1980's. Still the committee found
time to institute a departmentalized budget
reporting system, streamline reinvestment
procedures, inventory the Village's fixed
assets, propose a five year capital investment
plan and preview computer software for
accounting, payroll and billing.
The work of the Village Board goes on
with a 1985-86 combined budget of $749,258
for the General Fund, Water and Sewer, and
Road District #15—and, reaches into the
future with Bond issues coming due after the
turn of the century.
South Jacksonville began at the polls and
in Heinl's greenhouse in 1911, but the Village
continues to be young on its seventy-fifth
birthday, if one can judge by department
report goals for 1986.
Water and Sewer goal: “Live within
budget and have some left over."
Street Department goal: “Survive."
1986 DIAMOND JUBILEE COMMITTEE
Paul Blanchette Wilbert DeLong
Marge Prather Louise Coop
Don Hazelrigg Glenda Hazelrigg
Tom Holliday Richard Evans
Ralph Sullivan Carol Roberts
Toni Hazelrigg Seal by Tom Adkins
Slogan by Toni Hazelrigg
1986 Village Board & Dept. Heads (L-R): Clerk Helen Evans, Trustee David Passetti, Mayor Richard Godfrey,
Trustee John Gotschall, Attorney Larry Flynn, Office Manager Bea Pahlmann. Standing: Trustee Ralph Sullivan, Trustee Leslie Musch, Fire Chief Willard (Sonny) Hickox, and Police Chief Richard Evans.
Not pictured: Trustees John Waltrip and Larry Pennell. Above: Diamond Jubilee Chairman Paul Blanchette, Mayor Godfrey, and Glenda Hazelrigg.
Bed races at 1986 Celebration
Displaying logo items.
1986 HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
Carol Garner Nedra Green
Irene Duffer Karen Ladd
Nona Ervin Harry Beastall
Truman Reynolds
Above Seated: Clerk Helen Evans, Mayor Richard Godfrey, Trustee
Leslie Musch. Standing: Trustees David Passetti, Gohn Gotschall,
Ralph Sullivan, and Larry Pennell.
PRESIDENTS OF BOARD
Herman Weber 8/11/11-5/7/13
J. H. Hackett 5/7/13-5/2/17
L.0. Berryman 5/2/17-5/2/23
Sam L. Perry 5/2/23-6/4/30
C. R. Caldwell 6/4/30-5/6/31
Wm. E. McCurley 5/6/31-5/1/35
Otis Axe 5/1/35-5/7/41
Raymond Davidson 5/7/41-12/7/49
Leon Stewart 12/7/49-5/2/51
Otis Axe 5/2/51-5/4/61
Herbert Simke 5/4/61-11/10/61
J. W. Chambers 11/10/61-4/18/63
William Fanning 4/18/63-5/3/73
Richard H. Godfrey 5/3/73-4/20/89
Glenda R. Hazelrigg 4/20/89-5/1/97
Gordon D. Jumper 5/1/97-present
CLERKS FOR BOARD
C. W. Boston 8/11/11-5/1/12
John R. Hill 5/1/12-5/6/14
E. E. Beastall 5/6/14-5/1/35
George M. Cunningham 5/1/35-5/7/41
J. C. Kane 5/7/41-5/10/50
W. J. Schildman 5/10/50-4/18/57
C. Virgil Gibbs 4/18/57-4/20/61
Leon Stewart 4/20/61-6/30/68
E. W. Bobb 6/30/68-12/3/70
Irene Duffer 12/3/70-5/6/71
Thomas W. Goodwin 5/6/71-12/18/75
Karen J. Ladd 12/18/75-8/30/81
Barbara J. Henderson 8/30/81-5/24/84
Linda Nichols 5/24/84-4/18/85
Helen M. Evans 4/18/85-5/6/93
Joann Lindemann 5/6/93- 1996
Celeste Lindsey 1997 –4/17/97
Lou Estabrook 1997 – June 1998
Lisa Galloway June/98 – 8/30/00
Linda P. Douglass 9/1/00 - present
VILLAGE TRUSTEES
O. B. Heinl 8/11/11-5/1/35
William Spencer 8/11/11-5/7/13
E. E. Beastall 8/11/11-5/6/14
James Baxter 8/11/11-5/3/16
William Hembrough 8/11/11-5/5/15
James McGinnis 8/11/11-5/1/12
Second term 5/6/14-5/7/30
Loren Cannon 5/1/12-5/6/14
Grant Graff 5/7/13-5/6/14
William Barr 5/6/14-5/3/22
William Helfer 5/6/14-5/7/19
L. O. Berryman 5/5/15-5/2/17
Henry Goebel 5/3/16-5/1/18
W. I. Crabtree 5/2/17-5/7/19
Otto Buhrman 5/1/18-5/7/30
Sam L. Perry 5/7/19-5/4/21
R. D. Megginson 5/7/19-5/4/21
W. H. Hembrough 5/4/21-5/4/27
B. Kopmeyer 5/4/21-5/6/25
Orville Coultas 5/3/22-5/7/30
Thomas Ranson 5/6/25-5/4/27
F. A. Branstiter 5/4/27-5/1/35
George Schildman 5/1/29-5/2/34
J. D. Hembrough 5/7/30-5/4/32
Frank Winters 5/7/30-5/4/32
Arthur H. Scheele 5/6/31-5/3/33
C. R. Caldwell 5/3/33-5/1/35
Albert McCarty 5/4/32-5/3/33
Otis Axe 5/4/32-5/1/35
John T. Hackett 5/3/33-5/2/34
Frank DeSolar 5/2/34-5/1/35
Oather Thorne 5/2/34-5/2/45
Fred German 5/1/35-5/7/47
Leroy Barnhart 5/1/35-5/3/39
Leslie Cox 5/1/35-5/7/41
Russell Thompson 5/1/35-5/5/37
Howard Pennell 5/1/35-4/21/55
Virgil Gibbs 5/5/37-5/7/47
Rex Ransom 5/3/39-5/6/49
Edd Barrows 5/7/41-5/2/45
C. W. Rhodes 5/2/45-5/6/49
Olen Gotschall 5/2/45-5/6/65
Lewis Murgatroyd 5/7/47-4/21/55
Leon Stewart 5/7/47-12/7/49
Earl Walters 5/6/49-5/6/65
Herbert Simke 5/6/49-5/4/61
South Jacksonville’s longitude is 90.228 W, latitude is 39.708 N, has an area of about 1.65
square miles.
Richard Wells 5/2/51-5/5/55
Second term 5/6/59-5/4/61
Cecil Ford 5/5/55-5/6/59
Second term 5/4/61-5/5/77
Manley Birdsong 5/5/55-5/6/59
Harry Beastall 5/5/55-5/6/71
Ralph Sullivan 5/6/59-4/18/63
Second term 5/6/65-5/5/77
Third term 5/7/81- 4/1989
J. Wayne Chambers 5/4/61-11/10/61
Second term 4/18/63-5/6/65
William McKean 11/10/61-5/6/71
Owen R. Church 4/18/63-5/6/71
Leo Campbell 5/6/65-5/3/73
Paul Laughary 5/6/71-5/3/79
Robert Minor 5/6/71-5/1/75
Harold Odaffer 5/6/71-5/5/83
Gene Rickert 5/3/73-5/5/77
Larry Pennell 5/1/75- 4/16/87
Reginald Price 5/5/77-5/3/79
Ted Elder 5/5/77-5/7/81
Ernie Downey 5/5/77-5/7/81
Jesse Pinkerton 5/3/79-5/7/81
John S. Gotschall 5/3/79-present
Larry Martin 5/7/81-4/18/85
Leslie Musch 5/7/81-1/1987
David Passetti 5/5/83-4/16/87
John Waltrip 4/18/85-11/19/87
Don Gustine 11/19/87– 5/1/97
Janice Henderson 1/15/87 – 4/20/89
Larry Moore 5/16/87-12/6/90
Ed Heier 5/16/87-4/1991
Steve Waltrip 5/87 – 5/97
Second term 5/99-present
Gordon Jumper 4/20/89 - 5/15/93
Tom Holliday 4/18/91 – 11/19/98
Brad McElfresh 5/06/93 – 4/30/97
Jack Wankel 5/6/93–1999
Mike Underwood 4/17/97– 4/4/02
Connie Shugart 4/17/97–9/98
Mike Elliott 4/17/97– present
Joann Lindemann 11/98-5-6/30/02
Steve Douglass 1/7/99 - present
Sonie Smith 4/4/02-present
Dick Samples 6/6/02 – present
Building Inspectors
Ken Beaird 7-17-75-1981
Raymond Bourn 1981 – 3/1989
Wm. David Watson 4/20/89 – 3/31/93
Dale Crowcroft 4/5/1993 -4/30/97
Gordon Warrick 5/2/97 – 6/6/98
Ron Walls 11/1/98 – 9/7/07
John Green 12/7/07 – 6/9/08
Carl Hopkins 6/9/08 - present
From “This is Your Life, Mr. Weber” submitted by his great-granddaughter, Barbara McKean
Herman Weber (born 11-12-1854) came to the United States in 1871 as a 16 year old German immigrant. He settled in Jacksonville, Illinois. On November 25, 1886, Herman married Mary E. (Molly) Myers. Shortly after their marriage, Herman and Molly bought a house at 1524 South Main (pictured below). They had six children: Carl, Dorothy, Lewis, Anna, John, and Harry (pictured below). He established General Grocery Store in Jacksonville which provided employment for his entire family. A typical special was “Heebee Brand Beans, 6¢ a can or 12 cans for 70¢” (hard to believe those prices!). In 1911, aged 56, he became the first President of the newly-created Village of South Jacksonville, Illinois, and served for two years. At that time, the population of the one square-mile territory was 326 inhabitants. He was selected as Mayor from the six trustees elected to prevent forced annexation to the City of Jacksonville. Herman died on April 11, 1920 and Molly died in March, 1942. Herman’s oldest son, Carl, was the grandfather of Barbara McKean, who provided this family history and photos.
YOU KNOW WHAT IT COSTS
TODAY - WHAT DID IT COST IN
THE 1940’s and 1950’s?
1940: Car: $800
Gasoline: 18 cents/gal
House: $6,550
Bread: 8 cents/loaf
Milk: 34 cents/gal
Postage Stamp: 3 cents
Stock Market: 131
Average Annual Salary: $1,900
Minimum Wage: 30 cents per hour
1950: Car: $1,750
Gasoline: 27 cents/gal
House: $14,500
Bread: 14 cents/loaf
Milk: 82 cents/gal
Postage Stamp: 3 cents
Stock Market: 235
Average Annual Salary: $3,800
Minimum Wage: 75 cents per hour
1959: Car: $2,200
Gasoline: 30 cents/gal
House: $18,500
Bread: 20 cents/loaf
Milk: $1.01/gal
Postage Stamp: 4 cents
Stock Market: 679
Average Annual Salary: $5,500
Minimum Wage: $1.00 per hour
“Little Miss” Winners Past to Present by Renee Jumper
Michelle Maul 1986 Robyn Samples 1987 Makenzi Gillis 1988 Courtney Hickox 1989
Lindsey Beard 1990 Brynna Brooks 1991
Cassie Carls 1998 Lauren Hurley 1999
Ashley Ketcham 2000
Megan DeWitt 2001
POPULAR TOYS THROUGH THE
DECADES
1900’s Lionel trains, Crayola Crayons, Teddy
Bears
1910’s Model T Ford toy
cars, Erector Set (pictured
right), Tinker toys, Raggedy Ann
1920’s Lincoln Logs, Radio
Flyer Wagon, Yo-Yo
1930’s LEGO Building Sets, Sorry game, View-
Master 3-D Viewer
1940’s Chutes and Ladders, Tonka Trucks,
Scrabble, Candy Land
1950’s Silly Putty, Play-Doh, Matchbox Cars,
Barbie doll
1960’s Etch-A-Sketch, G.I. Joe, Easy Bake
Oven, Twister
1970’s Nerf Balls, Uno, Connect Four, Othello,
Rubik's Cube
1980’s Cabbage Patch Kids, Trivial Pursuit,
Pictionary, Super Soaker, Koosh ball
1990’s Pokemon, Furby, Star Wars Episode I
Figures
Bentley Stewart 2002
Taylor Zoerner 2003 Emily Haley 2004
Zoe Rae Wood – 2005
Ellie Smith 2006 Sarah Miner – 2007 MacKenie Oswald 2008
Abby Olson 2009
Carly Eddy 2010
Gracie McCombs 2011 2011 Centennial “Little Miss” Gracie McCombs in Parade.
Helen Evans Looks Back
Helen Evans, former Village Clerk, has
lived in the same house in the Village since
1964, when she bought it from the original
owners who had it built in 1962. Her house
and the house to the north were the last
houses built on that street.
At the time she moved in, there were
no trees in any of the lawns yet. Her
daughter, Barbara, was about 15 and her
twin sons, Richard and Robert, attended
Jonathan Turner Junior High School.
She said at that time there were a lot of
neighborhood children, and mothers got
together one night a week to socialize. She
didn’t attend because she worked and her
children were older than most of them.
Helen served as elected Village Clerk
from 1985 through 1993, working with both
Mayor Godfrey and Mayor Glenda
Hazelrigg.
Helen remembers that Mayor Godfrey
was upset that no photo could be located
for former Mayor Berriman (1917-1923) so
his spot was left blank in the 1986 Jubilee
Book when it was released. Later at a class
reunion, she spoke with a man from Florida
who lived with his grandfather on East
Vandalia as a boy. Helen later found (to her
amazement) his grandfather was the missing
photo in her book! She called Mayor
Godfrey right away and told him to sit
down, she had a surprise for him. She
relayed the story and told him her classmate
was mailing a photo, which is now displayed
in the Village Board Room. Helen
remembers Mayor Godfrey as “nice to work
with” and that he owned a grocery store at
the corner of East Greenwood and South
Clay (the site is now a beauty shop).
Herb Simke, Mayor from 1949 to 1961
worked with Helen in downtown
Jacksonville. He worked at the Farm
Services and she worked at Farm Bureau in
the building across from the old post office
on East State (now owned by Hamilton’s).
Besides Godfrey Grocery, there was a
grocery store on the north side of 1600
South Main before the location became
Spatz’s Ice Cream. Both businesses are long-
closed. Earl Terwishe, Sr. opened a full-
scale grocery at 1417 S. Main in the late
1960’s. The location is now a Dollar General
Store.
1417 South Main
South Main and North Main grocery stores
both opened in 1949 by three investors
operating as “Jacksonville Foods”. In 1950,
Earl Terwishe, Sr. was hired to manage the
1417 South Main store. He was formerly a
buyer for Kroger stores in St. Louis. The
original investors decided to sell and neither
manager could afford to buy both stores.
Earl, Sr. bought the South Main store. Earl
Terwische, Sr. died in 1984, then his son,
Earl Terwische, Jr. ran the store until 1988.
At that time, the inventory was sold to Jon
Evans and Tom Hayes. Mrs. Earl Terwische,
Sr. retained ownership of the building. In
1989 the inventory was sold to Jim
Cummings and was renamed “Cummings
Red Fox”. Red Fox ceased doing business in
mid-1992 when the grocery store was
permanently closed. The building is
currently a Dollar General Store. This writer,
who wishes to remain anonymous, had the
pleasure to be employed on a part-time
basis by all three owners during that time,
many people came and went through the
doors of the grocery store, and to this day,
many of those people continue to be her
friends.
Above: 2003 Little Miss Court Below: 2009 Little Miss Court
RADIO/TV MEMORY LANE
1926 RCA, General Electric and Westinghouse establish NBC, which operates two national radio networks. 1927 Philo Farnsworth transmits the first all-electronic television image. GE introduces a television set with a 3" × 4" screen. 1943 Radio classic Amos 'n' Andy is canceled after 15 years and more than 4,000 consecutive shows. 1944 The first instance of network censorship occurs. The sound is cut off on the Eddie Cantor and Nora Martin duet, “We're Having a Baby, My Baby and Me.” 1947 The Yankees beat the Dodgers in seven games in the first televised World Series. Meet the Press debuts on NBC. 1950 Saturday morning children's programming begins. 1951 Color television introduced in the U.S. 1952 The Jackie Gleason Show debuts. 1954 NBC broadcasts the World Series in color for the first time. 1955 Gunsmoke debuts on CBS, and will go on to be television's longest-running western. 1956 52% of television households saw 1st Wizard of Oz has its first airing on TV. 1957 Leave It to Beaver premieres on CBS, ushering in an era of television shows that depict the ideal American family. 1962 Johnny Carson takes over hosting duties of The Tonight Show. 1963 NBC viewers witnessed Jack Ruby shoot Lee Harvey Oswald on camera — the first live telecast of a murder. 1964 Color television makes its way into U.S. homes. 1966 The first Star Trek episode, “The Man Trap,” is broadcast on September 8.
1967 Congress creates PBS. 1968 60 Minutes airs on CBS, beginning its reign as the longest-running prime-time news magazine. 1969 Children's Television Workshop introduces Sesame Street. 1971 All in the Family debuts. 1972 Claims that exposure to violence on television fosters aggression in children. M*A*S*H premieres on CBS. 1973 Saturday Night Live premieres on NBC. George Carlin hosts the first show. 1984 The Cosby Show debuts on NBC. The Supreme Court rules that taping television shows at home does not violate copyright law. 1988 Ninety-eight percent of U.S. households have at least one television set. 1989 America's beloved comedienne Lucille Ball dies at age 78. 1990 Ninety-nine percent of U.S. households have at least one radio. The Simpsons debuts on Fox and becomes an instant hit. Seinfeld debuts on NBC. 1991 Johnny Carson hosts The Tonight Show for the last time. 1996 President Bill Clinton signs legislation that significantly deregulates telecommunications, creating almost limitless opportunities for broadcasters and cable. 1997 The controversial television ratings system debuts TV-Y, TV-G, TV-Y7, TV-PG, TV-14 and TV-M, appear for 15 seconds in the upper left-hand corner of the screen at the beginning of each show. 1998 An estimated 76 million viewers watch the last episode of Seinfeld. 2000 Reality TV mania hits the U.S.
L-R: Early television styles to modern
television
Postcard showing “hobble” skirt.
NATIONAL TRENDS THAT AFFECTED
SOUTH JACKSONVILLE
About the Decade: 1910-1919
Social change was brewing in the teens as
our nation became increasingly
industrialized. In the past clothes had been
mostly hand sewn,
but the sewing
machine was
introduced, which
made the mass
production of
clothing possible
and affordable to
the middle and
lower classes It was
becoming
increasingly
acceptable for
women to work
outside the home.
Women wore more practical blouses with
skirts instead of dresses. The hobble skirt
which was popular in the teens often had a
button down vent in the back which could
be left open when walking. Not every
woman cared whether or not she had the
right to vote, and indeed there were women
who thought the idea of women voting was
unseemly, but nevertheless the Suffragette
Movement was in full swing.
About the Decade: 1920-1929
In the 1920’s women got the right to vote,
prohibition made drinking the nation's
favorite pastime, and with the radio hitting
homes across America
everyone was dancing
(“flappers” shown
dancing right). Fortunes were made and
spent recklessly and the
cinema was giving rise
to a whole new kind of
celebrity and glamour.
The automobile finally became affordable
and accessible to most people. Hemlines rose
until they reached just below the knee and
the waistline dropped to mid hip. Women
cut their hair into bobs both for shock value
and for its fresh boyish appeal. Men's fashions
in the early twenties were not all that
different from the previous decades.
About the Decade: 1930-1939
America's economy was smashed to
smithereens by the crash of 1929, leaving
families with no income. The nation was
depressed both financially and morally.
There was a great drought in the Midwest
which caused the exodus of thousands of
people heading west in the hopes of finding a
better life on the glamorous California coast.
Strikes were big news as Unions were
created to help protect laborers, jobs and
pay. Americans turned to radio and film to
boost their flagging spirits. One could listen
to the radio and go to the movies for very
little money. In sharp contrast to reality, the
movies of this period depicted a sense of
glamour unknown to their audiences.
Fashion in the thirties was greatly influenced
by the Hollywood ideal of style.
About the Decade: 1940-1949
With entry of the United States into World
War II in 1942, whether one was on the front
fighting or aiding the great war machine by
keeping the home fires burning, few people
were unaffected by the war. Among the
many commodities that were rationed were
silk and wool. Silk was being used to make
parachutes (and many women donated their
silk stockings to Uncle Sam), and wool was
needed for uniforms and blankets for
soldiers. Women's clothing became more
masculine as women took jobs traditionally
held by men as they went off to war.
In stark contrast to
the war efforts'
conservation, the
Zoot suit (right) was
a reminder that not
everyone supported
the war. Zoot suits
were purposely
made of an
excessive amount of
fabric and were mostly worn by “hepcats”
unwilling or unable to join the military. They
were often seen as being unpatriotic and
some enlisted mens’ objections ended in
violence.
About the Decade: 1950-1959
Above: 50’s fashion in the “Leave It To Beaver” household
With the end of World War II in 1945, the
American entered the inevitable awkward
transition from war to peacetime. Men were
returning from the war and trying to resume
their pre-war lives. Women, who had been
holding jobs traditionally held by men, were
encouraged to return to their posts as wives
and mothers. Some women were reluctant
to give up their newly found sense of
independence, but many were happy to take
up their traditional roles again. America
turned its interest to family life and the big
Baby Boom had its affect on both men and
women. Dancing lost some of its popularity
as a pastime as the cocktail party became the
most suitable entertainment for young
families. Men's suits were two piece rather
than three piece. Casual wear for men was
not entirely new, but in the fifties it changed
from having been clothes for sporting into
clothes for barbecuing on the patio. The
family man might wear khakis (left over from
the war), and polo or Hawaiian shirts.
Wars involving U.S. Troops in the past 100 years:
8-2-1990 Persian Gulf Conflict 2-28-61 thru 5-7-1975 Vietnam War 6-27-50 thru 1-31-55 Korean War 7-7-41 thru 7-31-46 World War II 4-6-17 thru 11-11-18 World War 1 5-1-16 thru 4-5-17 Mexican Border War
About the Decade: 1960-1969
Little shops called “boutiques” opened selling
cheap and colorful clothing for younger
people. During the decade, women started
wearing mini-skirts, leather boots and fake
eyelashes. Men wore Paisley shirts, velvet
trousers and high collared Regency jackets.
Men also began to wear their hair long. One
popular hairstyle was a “beehive”, and
another look during this time was the
“beatnik”. The Vietnam War started in the
60’s. Debate between politicians
and public reaction began as well,
The first hand-held calculator was
invented in 1967 by Texas
Instruments, ($2,500 each). The
first ATM cash dispensing machine
is installed by First Philadelphia
Bank in 1968. Roger Maris hit
homer number 61, setting a record
that wasn't broken until the
September of 1998 by Mark
McGwire. The "Hippie” look (right)
became popular, women wore
long floor length dresses “maxis”. The decade
was crammed with peace, love, war, and
excitement.
Pictured: WWI soldier (top), Vietnam soldier (right) and WWII soldier (bottom)
A STUDENT’S VIEW – 1952
The following report received an “A-“ when submitted on December 14, 1952, by 14-year old English student Harlan Thomas (son of Orlia Thomas, who became the Village’s first marshal two years later, on 11-18-54). It was submitted by Harlan’s sister, Donna Gutekunst:
1950's Chevrolet Bel Air
A History of the Village By Greg Olson
Seventy-three Morgan County citizens filed into John T. Harney’s small grocery store at 1520 South West Street on June 30, 1911, and cast votes on whether to form a new village. Fifty-eight people voted in favor of the proposition and 15 against. This event marked one of the first steps toward the formation of South Jacksonville. About two weeks prior to that special election, James H. Hackett, representing the residents who lived just south of Jacksonville, presented a petition bearing 37 signatures to Morgan County Judge Edward P. Brockhouse for the incorporation of the village of South Jacksonville. Exactly what led residents south of Michigan Avenue, Jacksonville’s southern boundary, to found South Jacksonville is not totally clear. Jacksonville newspaper stories from the summer of 1911 indicate there were several reasons. However, one particular Jacksonville Daily Journal article said residents feared the city of Jacksonville would extend the city limits south of Michigan Avenue. In fact, one unidentified resident of the proposed village told a Journal reporter in mid-June 1911 that the city of Jacksonville, apparently burdened by debt at the time, had nothing to offer those living south of Michigan Avenue and that village residents had the right to form their own government and levy taxes. Therefore, after all legal matters were addressed, the village of South Jacksonville officially came into being on July 7, 1911.
When the village was founded, 326 people lived within its boundaries — Michigan Avenue on the north, Vandalia Road on the south, the east side of the Chicago & Alton Railroad on the east and South Diamond Street on the west. One of the other major orders of business in South Jacksonville during the summer of 1911 was the election of officers. Chosen to serve as the first president of the South Jacksonville Village Board of Trustees was Herman Weber of 1524 South Main Street, a 56-year-old German immigrant and longtime Jacksonville grocer. The village’s first clerk was Charles W. Boston of 1527 South Main Street, a teacher at Maple Grove School on South Main Street, which later became known as South Jacksonville School. The first six trustees were James R. Baxter, a farmer who lived on South Diamond Street; Elmer E. Beastall of 336 West Pennsylvania Avenue, a plumber; Orlando B. Heinl of 302 West Greenwood Avenue, a partner in Joseph Heinl & Sons’ floral business and greenhouse at South Church Street and West Greenwood Avenue; William H. Hembrough, a retired citizen who resided on Vandalia Road; James McGinnis of 1629 South Main Street, a Jacksonville shoe merchant; and William S. Spencer, Jr., of 311 East Michigan Avenue, a plasterer and brick mason. Today, the village Mr. Weber and his fellow officers helped to found and organize a century ago has 10 times more residents than in 1911 and supports about 30 businesses, a wide range of municipal services and has a growing tax base.
Building Inspection Department 1911 – 2011
By Carl Hopkins
The last twenty-five years have shown a steady growth in South Jacksonville.
Some major buildings and additions in the last few years are:
Hertzberg Perma-Bound built a new 40,000 square foot warehouse 2008 and 2009
Affordable Housing (Labor Drive) renovation started on some of their apartments
in 2009. A twelve million dollar project.
Farm Credit Services built a new entrance on their building in 2009.
Prairie Power built a new twelve thousand square foot office building in 2009.
Village Market, a grocery store located inside Safeco Gas/Convenience Store was
started in 2010.
The Village of South Jacksonville had several new subdivisions established in 1996:
Brookfield Condo Addition
Lou’s Meadow
Village Acres were established. Village Acres is the location of The Comfort Inn
and The Holiday Inn Express.
South Jacksonville had more subdivisions started and completed in 1997:
Brookfield Village Place 1st
Addition
Sherman Oaks
Southern Knolls 4th
Addition
Timber Creek
South County Square (the location of Cinema 6 movie theater).
Hall Farm 1st
Addition was started in 2007
PRAIRIE POWER’S NEW OFFICE BUILDING BUILT IN 2009
VILLAGE MAP WITH SUBDIVISIONS MARKED STREET MAP CAN BE LOCATED ON OUR WEBSITE – www.southjacksonville.org
SUBDIVISIONS IN THE VILLAGE
South Jacksonville Fire, Rescue, & Ambulance Departments 1911-2011
By Fire Chief David Hickox
2007 SJFD (L-R) front: 1st Asst. Chief Richard Evans, Fire Chief David Hickox, 2nd Asst. Chief Mike McEvers. Seated: Sec/Treasurer Steve Waltrip, Captain Brian Glascock, Captain Mike Meyers, Lt. David Bye, Lt. Bill Cummings, Lt. Kevin DeFrates. Standing: Josh Mifflin, Tim Nicolson, Rich Evans, Jr., Zach Reed, Ryan Deeder, Steve Crawford, Dave Salcido, Tim Baldwin, Bob Crum, Kirk Hoots, Alan McClellan, Steve Chase, Mike Broaddus, Kerry DeFrates, Steve Chase, Josh Jennings, and Josh Sorrill. New firemen not pictured are Rhiane Hoots and Edgar Padilla.
Fire Chiefs for the Village of South Jacksonville have been:
Ottis Axe 1950 – 1958
Wes Slaid 1958 – 1966
Cilfford Wilkerson 1966 – 1968
Wilbert DeLong 1968 – 1969
Willard Hickox 10/68 – 10/93
Michael Elliott 01/94 – 04/97
David Hickox 05/97 - present
David Hickox became a volunteer fireman in January
1978. He then became 1st
Assistant Fire Chief on May 1,
1993. David was appointed as Fire Chief on May 1, 1997,
and still serves in that position.
A new ladder truck (pictured right) was purchased in
August 2009 for $250,000. With the purchase of this
ladder truck, it helped the Village ISO rating and also
helps with fire fighting at the three hotels within the
Village.
A new fire truck was purchased in 1999 from Pierce for $172,000.
In 2001, a new rescue truck was purchased from Pierce for $174,000. The firemen starting
raising money to purchase the rescue truck by doing fundraisers. A grant in the amount of
$75,000 was also received for the purchase of the rescue truck. In addition, the 1976
Pierce rescue truck was sold to the Morgan County Dive Team for $10,000.
In July 2008, an ambulance (pictured right) was
purchased for $9,500.
South Jacksonville Fire Department currently has
17 EMTs and of these EMTs, seven are paramedics.
We also currently have 22 volunteer firemen.
Fundraising was done in February 2009 with the
Bar to Bar Golf Classic. Funds raised from this fundraiser will be used to build a new
training facility which will be added to the northeast part of the fire station.
A new fire station was dedicated in July of 2004. Village Board members Joann
Lindemann and John Gotschall helped secure five acres from the Coultas Family on West
Vandalia. The new fire station, which was approximately 8,000 square feet, cost $485,000.
The volunteers helped construct the inside of the fire station with donations and
fundraising.
Over the last 25 years, the Fire Department has
seen an increase in call volume. Currently, we
have about 350 calls per year.
Groundbreaking for new firehouse on Sequoia 7-26-2003. (L-R) Fire Chief David Hickox, Senator Vince DeMuzio, Mayor Gordon Jumper, Representative Jim Watson, and Chamber President Ginny Fanning. Auxiliary Family Fun Day (L-R) David Hickox, Richard Evans, Brian
Glascock, Ryan Deeder, David Bye, Rich Evans, Jr., Mike Broaddus, Josh Jennings, Tim Nicholson, Dave Salcido, Mike McEvers, and announced Jim Aggertt.
Left: Asst. Fire Chief Richard Evans, Rich Evans, Jr., Brian Glascock, Josh Jennings, and Fire Chief David Hickox. Right: Mike Meyers & other SJFD volunteers working in Prairieland Kitchen.
2008 SJFD Auxiliary Board (L-R) seated: Carla Bradish, Mary Evans, Linda Tribble. Standing: Sheila Meyers, Sharri Richardson, Dani Glascock, Barb DeOrnellas, and Kristen Hoffman.
SJFD Auxiliary 2005 – 2011
By Dani Glascock
May 2005 – Conversations began with families and friends of the South Jacksonville Fire &
Rescue Department about organizing an Auxiliary to support the SJFD.
August 2005 – The South Jacksonville Fire Department Auxiliary, a/k/a SJFD Auxiliary was
officially incorporated. All monies raised by the SJFD Auxiliary are donated back to SJFD.
Dani Glascock was elected the first President of the SJFD Auxiliary. Board members
included: Dani Glascock (President), Sheila Meyers (Vice President), Mary Evans (Assistant
Vice President), Crystal Hickox (Secretary), Rusti Cummings (Treasurer), Carla Bradish,
Kristen Becker-Hoffman,
Vickie Pennell, Sherri Richardson, and Linda Tribble.
August 2005 – Doris Whitaker was the first paid life member of the SJFD Auxiliary.
December 2005 – SJFD Auxiliary holds its first fundraiser – Christmas Cookie Walk.
June 2006 – SJFD Auxiliary netted $4,000 from their “Family Day” fundraiser, which included
children’s games, food, raffles, bake sale, and lots of firemen entertainment. Eleven
firemen strutted their stuff on stage showing their special talents and wisdom in answering
questions. Those firemen included: David Hickox, Mike McEvers, Mike Meyers, Brian
Glascock, Dave Bye, Rich Evans, Josh Mifflin, Josh Sorrill, Ryan Deeder, Steve Chase, and
Josh Jennings. First Place was awarded to Rich Evans who had a Hawaiian themed
costume and proposed on one knee to his girlfriend (and Auxiliary member) Jennifer
Roberts for his talent. 2nd
Place went to Ryan Deeder who sang a great rendition of
“Summer Time” by Kenny Chesney and helped fellow fireman, Steve Chase out during his
performance of “I’m A Little Teapot”.
September 2006 – SJFD Auxiliary published the Firehouse Favorites cookbook. The
cookbook committee included: Jennifer Roberts (Chair), Barb DeOrnellas, Helen Evans,
Mary Evans, Vicky Fry, Dani Glascock, Michele Konrad, Brenda McEvers, and Sheila
Meyers.
December 2006 - 2nd
Annual Christmas Cookie Walk hosted by the SJFD Auxiliary.
December 2006 – SJFD Auxiliary donated $4,000 to the SJFD to assist in the purchase of a
thermal imaging camera.
January 2007 – SJFD Auxiliary donated $1,200 for a Sensit Gas Detector.
June 2007 – The second “Family Day” fundraiser was held with special guest appearances
during the firefighter’s contest by Sonny (Fireman Dave Bye) and Cher (Fire Chief David
Hickox). The firemen who participated were: Dave Bye, David Hickox, Richard Evans,
Brian Glascock, Rich Evans, Josh Mifflin, Mike Broaddus, and James Nicholson. First Place
went to Dave Bye and Mike Broaddus secured 2nd
Place with his Superman Re-enactment.
December 2007 – 3rd
Annual Christmas Cookie Walk hosted by the SJFD Auxiliary.
February 2008 – Sheila Meyers was elected President of the SJFD Auxiliary. Board members
included: Sheila Meyers (President), Mary Evans (Vice President), Kristan Becker-Hoffman
(Secretary), Barb DeOrnellas (Treasurer), Dani Glascock (Past President), Carla Bradish,
Brenda McEvers, Sherri Richardson, and Linda Tribble.
July 2008 – The SJFD Auxiliary “Family Day” fundraiser joined the South Jacksonville
Celebration in providing the Kids Korner filled with many games and prizes for the
children. The Auxiliary members were also shaking their stuff while mixing lemon shake-
ups.
December 2008 – 4th Annual Christmas Cookie Walk hosted by the SJFD Auxiliary.
December 2008 – SJFD Auxiliary donated $2,000 to the SJFD for purchase of various
equipment, including: hydrant valve, rescue throwline bags and rope, flat head fire axe,
claw hooligan entry tool, two hose nozzles, and double donut strap for hi-rise packs.
September 2009 – SJFD and SJFD Auxiliary manned the concession stand for the JHS
Volleyball Team.
October 2009 - SJFD Auxiliary hosted the first annual Trivia Night.
December 2009 – 5th Annual Christmas Cookie Walk hosted by the SJFD Auxiliary.
December 2009 – SJFD Auxiliary donated funds to assist with equipment for the new ladder
truck.
October 2010 – SJFD Auxiliary hosted its 2nd
annual Trivia Night.
December 2010 – 6th Annual Christmas Cookie Walk hosted by the SJFD Auxiliary.
December 2011 – SJFD Auxiliary donated $1,500 for an equipment “wish list”.
February 2011 – Dani Glascock was elected as President of the SJFD Auxiliary. Other Board
members include: Dani Glascock (President), Mary Evans (Vice President),
Jennifer Evans (Secretary), Barb DeOrnellas (Treasurer), Sheila Meyers (Past
President), Kristen Becker-Hoffman, Brenda McEvers, and Carla Neff.
Planned for Fall 2011
October 2011 – SJFD Auxiliary hosted its 3rd
annual Trivia Night.
December 2011 – 7th Annual Christmas Cookie Walk hosted by the SJFD Auxiliary.
EVERY VILLAGE DEPARTMENT AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION PLAYED A PART IN THE INCEPTION, DESIGN, FUNDING, GRANTS, ETC. TO BRING THIS PLAN TO A REALITY.
Public Works (Water, Sewer, Street & Park) Departments 1911 – 2011
By Superintendent John Green
Over the past 25 years, the Public Works Department has had several major projects take place which has greatly benefited the
Village of South Jacksonville and its residents. Because of these accomplishments, this again has helped to make South
Jacksonville the “go to” place to live, to raise a family, to retire.
Thank you for your support of the Village of South Jacksonville Public Works
Department over these many years. My hopes for the next 25 years will be to see significant growth in our community due to what we have accomplished over the past 25
years. We have put in place a fantastic platform for growth and development for our growing and prosperous community.
Please follow with me through this time line of events throughout the years….Enjoy!
John Green, Superintendent 1985:
• New pump installed at the Hardin Lift Station. • Rebuilt No. 1 high surface pump.
• Facility plan proceeding on schedule. • Water plant painted.
1986 • Helped with the 75th Anniversary Celebration.
• 60% sewers were cleaned.
• Hardin lot fenced.
1987
• Oxville well line was pigged out.
• The settling tanks were cleaned.
1988
• 6” water line was installed from Empire Gas to Vas & Moeller Ready Mix.
1989
• August 1989 the Village and the City of Jacksonville began negotiations for a
water waste treatment project. After many meetings, the final agreement was signed December 29, 1989 and submitted to the EPA. A resolution for the
construction contract for the Village with Sewer Inc. of Decatur, IL was received
and construction was scheduled to begin February 15, 1990.
1989
• A new street was opened in Twin Oaks Subdivision (Willow Drive). The entrance off 67 South to Minor Drive was widened with the 67 South
improvement. • Negotiations between the City of Jacksonville and South Jacksonville continued
throughout the year regarding rates to charge us when our sewer project was
completed. That contract was adopted on December 21, 1989.
1990
• Exeter/Merritt approached the Village wishing to purchase untreated water.
• Sewer Inc. started the mandated sewer project in February with the installation of a hydrant on Hardin.
• New sewer lines were installed on Tendick (which ended with a bore under West Morton, to the parking lot of Ace Hardware, and then across the parking
lot to Hoagland Blvd. • Ice storm in February 1990 caused the Village to pick up limbs at a cost of
$4899.66.
1991
October 1991 Illinois Powers program started which will change street lights over to sodium vapor lights which had a
six month completion date. Hamilton Drive was our newest street added to the Village. It is located just south of West Vandalia in the H.S. Clark
Subdivision which was dedicated in September, 1991. The Park Board hosted another successful Christmas Tree
lighting program.
1992
The Village entered into a state highway safety project
replacing informational signs. The Village entered into a contract with Motorola to furnish
new tone equipment for the wells and high surface tanks at Oxville.
1993
Outside water reader installation program began. New informational signs were installed in various locations of the Village as part of an IDOT grant from the State of Illinois.
Between September 14-23, 1993, there was an estimated 9.7 inches of rain which calculated out at around 217,280,000 gallons of water.
Water plant in South Jacksonville was repainted and the tanks at Oxville were re-
painted.
1994
• The Village hired a firm to video tape 5,850 feet of the sanitary sewer line on South Main.
• The salt pit at the Hardin Shed was rebuilt and blacktopped.
• The hydrants on the transmission line were flushed to provide clear water to
customers on the transmission line. The last time they had been flushed was
in 1978.
• Ben Hannel was appointed Acting Superintendent.
1995
• Purchase of two new trucks for the Public Works Dept.
• New control panel was purchased for the South Main lift station.
1996
• New control panel installed in September at the water plant -first phase, second phase installed in December 1996 at Oxville.
• Richard Dixon retired after 15 years of service.
1997
• Ricky G. Hearin appointed Superintendent on January 17, 1997. • New meter replacement (Read –O-Matic) program started in the Village. • Fire Hydrant maintenance program started in the Village.
• Fire Hydrants on the transmission line were marked and painted. • Water Tower inspected by Liquid Engineering, Inc. diving team.
• New sign at Godfrey Park. • Distribution Valve Maintenance Program started.
1998
• Surge protector installed at Oxville plant for protection against
the damage of electrical surges.
• New utility billing software system installed.
• New control panels were installed at the wells.
• Water plant was painted.
1999
• High surface pump motor replaced for the first time.
• Water tower painting project underway.
• Backhoe purchased for Public Works Dept.
• Well testing started.
2000
• January 2000 we started looking for property to locate a new
treatment plant on. After many options were explored, it was the decided to locate
the plant on property owned by Helen Dawson (10 acres) located at the top of
“Oxville Hill”.
• The Village has been diligently looking for a good water supply. Seven test holes
to date have been drilled at various locations.
• Large storm hit on May 26th that did a lot of damage to trees. Village crews
worked for 3 days with the assistance of the work camp to clean up from the
storm.
• Twin Oaks Subdivision storm sewer project began.
• 3 - ton dump truck was repainted. And purchased a
new 2000 Ford one-ton truck and a used 20 ft. flat bed
trailer.
• A new self - contained salt spreader was purchased and was mounted on the
1982 flatbed truck.
2001
• West Vandalia storm sewer project was completed.
• The Village is still trying to get a new water system built.
• New radio read system started for meter readings on the transmission line.
• Prairie Land Heritage Museum installs new water main.
• Southbrooke Road was widened 3 feet in July 2001.
• Leaf pickup program continues in the Village the month of November.
• Sidewalk Program continues.
2002
• Ground breaking ceremony for new water treatment plant.
• Flooding Spring 2002.
• Bid opening for new water project was held July 11, 2002. Division A - Pipe
lines and wells was awarded to Petersburg Plumbing in the amount of
$874,056.08 and Division B - awarded to Laverdiere Construction in Macomb
in the amount of $1,395,287.
• EPA low interest loan for the water plant was accepted on October 10, 2002
in the amount of $2525,884.
• 2000 ft of sewer line video taping was done.
• East Vandalia repair project .
2003
• Work continues on the new water plant. On September 24, 2003 the new plant
was started on a test run.
• Hydrant flushing and valve exercising programs continue.
• Division A - Wells & Transmission line progress continues.
• August 20, 2003 Supt. Ricky Hearin turns the valve to let the water from the
new well into our system.
2003 - continued
2003 - continued
2004
• In July, Rouland Construction got started on the new road off of Southbrooke Road called Birdsell Court. The sanitary sewer was put in first, then the water pipe, hydrants and valves were next. The storm sewer was last. Birdsell Court is
the new location for the Econolodge and it is expected to open by Spring 2005. • Sequoia Drive had 550 ft south off of West Vandalia. This goes to the new
firehouse.
2005
• Ben Hannel retired after 17 years of service. • Lead & Copper sampling year. This sampling is required by the EPA to be done
every 3 years.
• The Oxville loop line up Hill Crest Lane was completed in October.
• Sewer main was installed along the east side of South Main.
• Sidewalk replacement program continues.
2006
• The Play for All Park was started in October, 2006.
• Culvert & rock bridge was installed for the sidewalk by the cinema on Minor Dr.
2006 - Continued
• New roof at the Hardin Lift Station.
• Relining of manholes.
• Purchase of a new portable generator.
• High surface tanks at Oxville were power washed.
2007
2007 - continued
2007 - continued
2007 - continued
2008
• Water tower pressure washed.
• Fire hydrant flushing continues with
fire hydrant replacement.
• Tree planted in Play for All Park in
memory of Wyatt Crews.
2008 - continued
• Gateway to Godfrey Park dedicated September 7, 2008.
Gate donated by the Jumper Family.
• Work on the parking lot at Godfrey Park continues.
• John Green appointed Public Works Superintendent April 4, 2008.
2009
• The Village along with stimulus money (ARA) and MFT money we were able
to resurface East Vandalia & South Main all the way to the east side of the
railroad tracks at a cost of $350,000.
• The annual Village cleanup was done in June in conjunction with the city of
Jacksonville.
• September 20, 2009 we had 5 inches of rain in 3 hours. This caused a lot of
flooding in the Village.
• November was the annual leaf pickup program.
• Manhole lining program continues.
• Curb & sidewalk replacement programs continue.
2010
• Large snow storms early 2010.
• Minor Drive sanitary sewer extension project.
• Sidewalk & curb replacement program still continues on.
• Heavy, heavy rains in 2010.
• Sidewalk & curb replacement program continues.
• Fire damages water plant October 7, 2010.
• Fire hydrant replacement program continues.
• 1st “Concert in the Cornfield” preparation work continues.
2010 - continued
2010 - continued
2011
• Minor Drive Sanitary Sewer extension finally complete.
• 40 ft x 40 ft section of road replaced on Southland Park Drive.
• Hydrant flushing & valve exercising program continues.
• 2011 MFT (Motor Fuel Tax) maintenance program completed.
• 2nd “Concert in the Cornfield” and Centennial Celebration preparation is
underway. Large crowd expected in the Village…….We will be ready!
Happy 100th Birthday South Jacksonville…It has been an honor and privilege to serve the resi-
dents of this wonderful community.
John Green, Superintendent
Danny Wynn Public Works Department Jerry Chaudoin
Joe Culpepper Linda Douglass Tom McCarthy
Officer/Chief Orlia E. Thomas, 1961
The first uniformed, full-time policeman with a 1959 black and white Plymouth which was the first police car for the Village of South Jacksonville.
Orlia E. Thomas was appointed Village Marshall on February 1, 1967 at a salary of $525 per month. The most remarkable thing about Marshall Thomas is that he also worked in the Street and Water Department as well as serving as Marshall. Later, Thomas was appointed to Chief of Police and eventually retired on October 1, 1975.
Chief Richard A. Evans
Richard Evans was hired by South Jacksonville Police Department as a Patrolman on January 1, 1974. In June 1977, he was promoted to Lieutenant. On January 22, 1981, he was appointed as Chief of Police, and he still serves today.
Chief Richard Dennis
The second Police Chief in the Village was Richard E. Dennis. He was first appointed Deputy Marshall on June 1, 1972 at a salary of $525 per month. On July 1, 1975, his title was changed to Patrolman with a monthly salary of $709. On October 2, 1975, he was appointed Chief of Police at a salary of $725 per month. On January 22, 1981, he resigned his position with the Police Department.
South Jacksonville Police Department
By Police Chief Richard Evans
The Only Three Police Chiefs
In The History Of The Village
South Jacksonville Police Department—1986 (from left to right)
Richard Evans, Chief
Billy Hickox Rich Pulling
Brad McElfresh Bruce Smith
South Jacksonville Police Department 2010
(from left to right)
Barb Deornellas, Data Entry Jill Van Giesen, Administrative Assistant
Greg Lowe, Patrolman Paul Large, Sergeant
Brian Wilson, Patrolman Tim Mann, Patrolman
Rob Headen, Patrolman Richard Evans, Police Chief Mike Broaddus, Patrolman Donnie McIntire, Patrolman Mike Robinson, Patrolman
Rich Pulling, Patrolman Sami Pinkerton, Office Assistant
South Jacksonville Police Department—2000 (from left to right)
Richard Evans, Police Chief
Doug Howard, Patrolman Rick Howard, Patrolman
Kathy Simpson, Administrative Assistant Barb Deornellas—Data Entry
Martin Coad—Patrolman Paul Large—Sergeant
Brandon Retherford—Patrolman Mark Lane—Patrolman Rich Pulling—Patrolman
On April 21, 1987, McGruff made his first appearance in South Jacksonville before an assembly of 400 students at South Jacksonville Elementary School. Television, radio, & newspaper personnel were present to cover this special event which was made possible through a partnership between Laborer’s Home Senior Citizen’s Council and the South Jacksonville Police Department. Money raised from garage and bake sales, raffles, and craft fairs established the South Jacksonville Drug Enforcement fund for McGruff.
The McGruff Program provides numerous appearances of McGruff the Crime Dog at public functions, such as parades, school and scout groups, and day-care centers. Child Safety Programs include promotional materials purchased by the Department for the audiences, such as McGruff coloring books, pencils, and rulers.
Major funding for the McGruff program is provided by the Annual McGruff Golf Tournament. 2011 marked the 18th year for the Annual McGruff Golf Tournament. In the past 18 years, the golf tournaments have raised over $90,000.00 for the McGruff program.
~ McGruff the Crime Dog ~
~ McGruff Golf Tournament ~
The South Jacksonville Police Department assists with several events throughout the year. Each year, the South Jacksonville Police Department provides officers to handle calls during the annual Prairieland Heritage Museum Fall Festival and Steam Show, the 4th of July Celebration at Nichols Park, and the Village Celebration.
~ Special Events ~
Ptl. Tim Mann talks with children as he works at a
special event.
Cindy Beddingfield gets the McGruff booth ready for the
Village Celebration.
Ptl. Donnie McIntire pauses for a picture
while working at the Prairieland Steam
Show.
Ptl. Chris Dawdy & Ptl. Rob Headen work a
detail at the Carson & Barnes Circus.
Ptl. Rich Pulling at the Carson & Barnes Circus.
Ptl. Mike Broaddus dresses up as Superman
for the Village Celebration.
The South Jacksonville Police Department provides the McGruff Impaired Driver Simulator Program at various locations including driver’s education classes at area High Schools, programs at MacMurray College and Illinois College, and various other programs and events.
This program has been ongoing since July 1999 and has been extremely popular with driver’s education classes and the general public. This was first sponsored by Sheriff Jim Robson and the Wild Game Association members, Danny Brooks and Ed Elias.
Officers also teach students wearing the fatal vision goggles on the side-effects of being impaired.
~ DUI Simulator ~
Tasers were introduced as non-lethal weapons to be used by police to subdue fleeing, belligerent, or potentially dangerous subjects, often when what they consider to be a more lethal weapon (such as a firearm) would have otherwise been used. The Taser fires two small dart-like electrodes, which stay connected to the main unit by conductive wire as they are propelled by small compressed nitrogen charges. Tasers also provide a safety benefit to police officers as they have a greater deployment range than batons, pepper spray or empty hand techniques. This allows police to maintain a safe distance.
~ Tasers ~
Chief Richard Evans—Taser Training
Ptl. Tim Mann—Taser Training
Ptl. Brian Wilson—Taser Training
Ptl. Mike Broaddus—Taser Training
Ptl. Rob Headen—Taser Training
South Jacksonville Police Department and the Village purchased a trailer in 2007 which was previously used in New Orleans for people who had lost their homes as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
The trailer is used as an Emergency Operations Trailer at various events where our Department assists.
~ Command Post ~
~ Ice Storm ~ On December 9, 2007, Morgan County experienced a devastating ice storm. This generated numerous calls for assistance from the Police Department.
August 1971—Marshall Thomas’ salary was increased by $50.00 per month.
1971—Accidents in the Village were reported to be good compared with the National figures.
April 1972—An ad was put in the newspaper for a Deputy Marshall.
May 1972—The Police Committee selected Richard Dennis for the position of Deputy Marshall at a salary of $520.00 per month.
August 1972—Marvin McCready was not able to return to the job as crossing guard do to ill health.
August 1972—John Evans, Leo Campbell, and Pat Scroggin were deputized to act as school crossing guards.
November 1972—Orville Mullens was hired as School Crossing Guard at a salary of $140 per month on a 12 month basis.
December 1972—A portable walkie-talkie was purchased for the Deputy Marshall.
March 1973—A Ra-Gun radar unit which could be held in the hand was purchased.
December 1973—The Police Committee recommended to the Board to hire Richard Evans as Patrolman at a salary of $550.00 per month.
January 1, 1974—Richard Evans was hired as Patrolman with the Police Department.
February 1974—The Police Department received new badges.
June 1974—Cameras were purchased for each police car.
October 1974—Riot guns were recently purchased for the Department.
March 1975—The Police Committee is discussing hiring a fourth policeman.
April 1975—The Police Committee selected William Markillie Jr. as a new Patrolman at a salary of $575.00 per month.
1974—The Police Department reported 834 calls.
July 1975—The Village Board approved the purchase of a manual Royal typewriter for the Police Department for $129.95.
October 1, 1975—Orlia Thomas resigned as Police Chief.
November 1975—The Police Department will enforce the new Ordinance that cats must not be loose.
December 1975—The Village Board voted to provide complete uniforms for the Police Department including guns.
1975—The Department reported 713 calls.
April 1976—The Department sponsored its first bicycle safety program where they inspected and registered the bicycles.
July 1976—A bid for a new police car at a cost of $4,262.00 was accepted.
September 1976—The Village Board sold their animal tranquilizer gun since it was no longer needed.
June 1977—Chief Dennis promoted Ptl. Richard Evans to the rank of Lieutenant.
August 1977—The Police Department Committee discussed that the 911 emergency communication system would be installed in the next 12 months.
September 1977—The Village Board directed the Police Department to start writing tickets for dogs and cats running at large.
November 1977—The Police Committee met with the Jacksonville Police Chief to discuss communications and policies of the Village joining their communication system.
March 1978—There was a sign placed on South Main Street indicating that the Police Department was on Dewey Drive.
March 2, 1978—The Police Committee recommended to the Village Board that the South Jacksonville Police Department join communications with the City of Jacksonville and in turn would patrol Nichols Park.
April 1978—The Police Department received approval to wear dark blue shirts instead of light blue.
June 1978—The Village Board authorized the Police Department to put their phone number of their squad cars.
November 1978—Police Chief Richard Dennis reported that the system was hooked up for the 911 emergency telephone system and it was now working.
1978—There were 1,619 reported calls to the Police Department.
September 1979—The Village approved the purchase of two moving radar units.
September 1979—A new traffic flow program was established around South Jacksonville School during opening and closing of school.
April 1980—The Village Board discussed the ongoing problems of cats and dogs running loose in the Village.
May 1980—The Department received approval to distribute brochures on how the 911 system works to each resident in the Village.
July 1980—The Police Committee discussed with the County to form a County-wide animal control.
1980—There were 1,734 reported calls to the Police Department.
January 1981—Police Chief Richard Dennis submitted his resignation to the Village Board.
January 22, 1981—Richard Evans was appointed as Chief of Police.
1981—There were 2,619 reported calls to the Police Department.
February 1982—The Police Committee authorized future police officers to attend 400 hours of training from a local police academy.
April 1982—The Police Committee reported that Mr. Mullens, a 10 year employee as school crossing guard in the Police Department, would be retiring.
April 1982—There was a motion to allow police officers to also be firemen with the Fire Department.
1983—There were 3,034 reported calls to the Police Department.
February 1984—Police Chief Evans met with Warden McGinnis of the Jacksonville Correctional Facility and discussed handing out brochures to Village residents regarding the new prison.
March 1985—The Village Board voted to pay over-time to the Police Department.
April 4, 1985—Ptl. Rich Pulling was hired in the Police Department at a salary of $5.00 per hour and he still remains as a part-time police officer today.
April 1985—The Police Department received a grant from the State of Illinois from a program called I Search that would help fingerprint children in case they were missing.
1985—There were 3,574 reported calls to the Police Department.
March 1986—Chief Evans attends a conference on Missing Children in Chicago which was paid for by the I Search Program.
March 20, 1986—Chief Evans presented an Emergency & Disaster Plan for the Village as required by the State.
May 1987—The Department purchased a new squad car.
June 1987—Work was completed adding additional space to Police Department.
March 1988—MADD purchased two preliminary breath testing devices for the Department.
July 1988—The Department received a donation from the estate of Alta Decker in the amount of $12,775.00
September 1988—Five portable radios were purchased that were compatible with Jacksonville Police Department.
December 1988—The Department purchased seven bullet proof vests.
January 1989—The Department purchased a new police car.
June 1989—The Department purchased a new computer.
December 7, 1989—Chief Evans graduated from the DARE Program. He was the first officer in Morgan County to complete the class with local 6th graders.
1989—A part-time secretary was added to the Police Department.
May 1990—Two portable breath testing devices were donated from MADD.
1990—An in-car video camera was purchased with a donation from MADD.
1990—The Department received a $1,000 donation from the FOP Lodge to buy equipment for the office and squad cars.
1990—The McGruff program sold stuffed dogs, t-shirts, and sweatshirts to raise money to continue the success of the program.
January 1990—The Department purchased a new police car.
March 1990—An agreement was signed with the City of Jacksonville on the 911 system as a requirement of the Illinois Commerce Commission.
April 1990—Chief Evans attended the newly formed 911 committee for the new 911 enhanced system.
August 1990—The Police Department received an award from the Illinois Coalition for Safety Belt Use. A plaque was presented to Chief Evans at a conference in Chicago by the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority.
November 1990—Chief Evans was appointed by Mayor Hazelrigg to the newly formed 911 Board.
1991—The Department contracted with the Law Enforcement Television Network (LETN) to provide video training for its police officers via satellite hooked directly to the Police Department.
October 1991—The Police Department received the Friend of Education Award from the Jacksonville Educational Association for the McGruff Program.
December 1991—Remodeling of the Police Department was completed and has improved the operation of the Department.
January 1992—Chief Evans was elected Vice-President of the Central Illinois Chiefs Association.
April 1992—The Police Department along with Jacksonville hosted the Illinois Chiefs Association meeting.
July 2, 1992—At the Board meeting, George Murphy reported on a recent trip he and Chief Evans had taken to Washington D.C. in recognition of Sobriety Checkpoint Campaign sponsored by MADD and Nationwide Insurance.
July 1992—The Police Department received a new in-car video camera which was donated by MADD.
October 1992—The Police Department received a grant of $400 from the Central Illinois Police Chiefs Association for training.
March 18, 1993—At the Board meeting, Chief Evans recognized individuals for their work with the McGruff program. Those recognized were: Jordy Gotschall, Garry Thomas, Bill Buchanan, Bill Dreher, J.R. Heady, Don Hazelrigg, Lt. Steve Poole, Tom Holliday, John Gotschall, Tim Dresing, Dan Kindred, and Jim Aggertt.
August 1993—The Police Department received two new in-car video cameras which were donated by MADD.
August 1993—The Police Department received approval to purchase the new ALERTS (Area-wide Enforcement Radio Terminal System).
October 1993—Chief Evans has been elected to the position of Chairman of the Crime Prevention Commission Mobile Team Unit #10.
October 21, 1993—Chief Evans was recognized by Village President Hazelrigg for being elected to the position of Chairman of Crime Prevention Commission Mobile Team Unit #10 which covers Cass, Logan, Menard, Morgan, Sangamon, & Scott Counties.
December 1993—The Police Department received a grant to purchase two portable breath testing instruments.
1994—The Police Department purchased a new computer and printer. With this purchase, the Department now has two computer stations which can be used for word processing or accessing databases.
1994—The Police Department acquired a storage room within the Department.
1995—The Department received a three year COPS (Community Oriented Policing Service) Grant for salaries and benefits for a police officer.
On May 22, 1996—The first neighborhood watch group for the Police Department held a formal meeting. The neighborhood watch became a popular program during that year.
1997—Bicycle Patrol was added to the Department. Ptl. Sean Walker was the first officer trained and equipped with a Trek bicycle. The bicycle patrol began routinely in Labor Drive and Nichols Park area and assisted Jacksonville Police Department during Cruise Night.
1997— The Department was enlarged to accommodate small group meetings with an interview and interrogation room. The office was re-painted carpeted and a counter for a new computer workstation was installed.
1997—The Department had its first internet provider and its first webpage with its electronic address at [email protected].
1997—The local MADD chapter purchased a new in-car video camera for the Department.
1997—The Department received a block grant in the amount of $20,000 for upgrading in-car communication with the installation of laptop computers.
July 31, 1997—Village Celebration held at Dewey Park, the temperature reached 100 degrees.
1998—The Police Department added new workstation computers which enabled the Department to run its records management system with the Jacksonville Police Department.
1999—The Department received six laptop computers from a grant from the State of Illinois.
1999—The Department received a grant from the Federal government to buy nine bullet proof vests for our officers.
1999—The Police Department attended a dedication at the new Williamson Funeral Home on Lincoln Avenue where they honored law enforcement with a memorial plaque.
December 2, 1999—The Department officers received a millennium badge.
2000—The Police Department received a grant from Illinois Department of Transportation for a crime prevention trailer to use for the McGruff program and Driving Simulator program.
2000—The Police Department sponsored the seatbelt convincer which is a demonstration of a low impact accident while the seatbelt is in use. This demonstration was co-sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
May 2001— The Police Department utilized the Greene County Boot Camp to clean Department vehicles.
July 2002—Ptl. Adam Potter was presented with the Department’s Special Award during the annual Illinois State Police Awards Ceremony. Ptl. Potter was recognized for assisting ISP District 9 resuscitate a victim who had no pulse and was not breathing.
2002—The Department, along with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department and Morgan County Health Department, received a community safety grant in the amount of $121,300.00. It was a pilot program with the Illinois Department of Transportation to identify special problems in communities and hire back police officers for those tasks.
2003—Ptl. Rich Pulling received special recognition and the credit for saving the life of Howard H. Smith. Ptl. Pulling found Mr. Smith unresponsive in his smoke-filled Labor Drive apartment. Ptl. Pulling removed him from the apartment and immediately began life-saving actions which Mr. Smith received a full-recovery from.
2003—A new webpage was created and maintained by Ptl. Mike Robinson.
2003—Ptl. Tim Mann was trained by the Department of Transportation as a child safety seat officer. This enabled Ptl. Mann to instruct parents on the proper installation of carseats in cars.
2003—The Police Department received second place in the Illinois Traffic Safety Chiefs Challenge award contest for municipalities with 10 or less police officers. This program honored Departments with traffic safety measures above and beyond other departments.
2003—The Department participated in a pilot program with the regional institute for community policing. The program was titled “It’s Your Call”. The officers were given scenarios in police ethics and a detailed narrative was formed for training purposes for small police departments.
2004—Ptl. Jason Bryant was credited with saving the life of John Dundon by jumping into Lake Morgan at Nichols Park after Dundon had driven his pick-up truck off the roadway and into the Lake. Mr. Dundon could not swim and Ptl. Bryant noticed that the pick-up truck was slowly sinking. Ptl. Bryant pulled Mr. Dundon from the water to safety.
2005—The South Jacksonville Police Department received a check for $10,000.00 from the Regional Institute for Community Policing for preparing an Emergency Operations Plan as a model for small communities in Illinois.
2005—The Department received a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to purchase new body armor for all of its officers. The vests that the Department were using were deemed unsafe for officers to be wearing.
September 2005— A Homeland Security Grant was awarded in the amount of $15,000.00 for security updates within the Police Department, such as installing keypad entry systems and video cameras (inside and outside the building).
2006—The Police Department discovered the remains of its first meth lab in the Village of South Jacksonville.
March 2006—The Department received a grant from Homeland Security for security equipment at Village Hall.
2006—The first year the Village recognized the FOP as a collective bargaining unit for the Police Department.
November 2, 2006—The contract with FOP was ratified.
2006—The Village became a partner with the Morgan County Animal Control.
2007—The Police Department discovered a portable meth lab in the Village.
2007—The Department purchased a new golf cart to be used for DUI Simulator demonstrations.
2007—The Department presented a program and staged a fake bank robbery at the Bank of South Jacksonville.
2008—Ptl. Tyler Mansfield completed his Taser training and certification.
November 2008—The Department purchased two new in-car video cameras.
January 1, 2009—Chief Evans celebrated his 25th year with the South Jacksonville Police Department
September 2009—The Police Department provided officers to handle calls during Prairieland’s 40th Annual Steam Show & Fall Festival.
September 2009—After heavy rainfall, numerous areas were flooded especially the southwest portion of the Village.
May 2009—Ptl. Chris McClenning attends Mobile Field Force training in Springfield.
August 2009—Ptl. Chris McClenning attends the Commemoration of Flight 93 ceremony at the Jacksonville Municipal Building.
October 29, 2009—A biological contamination drill was held with the Police and Fire Departments.
September 11, 2010—The Police Department provided security for the Concert in the Cornfield which was held in the Village.
April 1, 2010—Ptl. Mike Broaddus was honored for his work with the “Help Sophie Smile” fundraiser.
April 4, 2010—An active meth lab was discovered in the 1700 block of South East.
October 2010—The Police Department provided assistance with the Kelly Miller Circus which was held at Prairieland hosted by the South Jacksonville Fire Department.
September 2010—The Police Department received a grant from the University Of Illinois Center for Public Safety and Justice, Institute of Government and Public Affairs for $6,000 to put together a meth awareness program for small communities. A committee which was formed for the education and awareness of methamphetamine in small municipalities was funded by this grant along with a video which was produced.
We saw our nation in utter distress.
We saw our nation in utter turmoil.
We saw our nation abruptly attacked
on our very own soil.
How could we be so trusting
and still fight the ongoing terror?
How can we ever trust again
without the smallest margin of error?
Mourning has blanketed our countryside
from coast to coast.
And it is the innocent lives lost
that touches our hearts most.
This is the time for the ultimate test
of our courage, strength, and pride.
This is the time to open the windows
and take a deep look at humankind.
We cannot forget those
who have battled for our freedom in the past.
And we must make a stand now
to assure our freedom will continue to last.
~ September 11, 2001 ~
History of South Jacksonville School
by Jane W. Murgatroyd
(Article believed to have been completed in the early 1950’s)
Fourth graders who entered the new school when it
was opened in September, 1949, will not remember
the old sprawling building that has now been
converted into the Ranch House Restaurant.
Mr. George Harney was a first grader there in 1878,
where he remained for the next eight years. The
original school had burned sometime before he
entered first grade. He doesn’t remember when it
burned, but he does remember that until the new
one-room school house was built, classes were held
in the old Story house. The original school was a
block north of Mr. Harney’s “new” school.
Prominent families in the village were the Hacketts
and Joneses, who lived on South Main; the
Dresbachs, who built the old Masters house (where
the Secrist Drive-In now stands) and ran a clothing
store on the Jacksonville Square. The Masons ran a
jewelry store on South Main and lived on the
corner of Greenwood east of West Street. The
Heinls, built a home on West Greenwood and a
greenhouse just west of their home in 1870. The
John Goltra family lived in a big house which is
today the third house south of Greenwood. It
should be understood that at this time the streets
now known as Greenwood and Pennsylvania were
still farm land, owned by Mr. Goltra.
The new one-room school opened in 1875, taught
by Professor Anderson. In 1879 a primary room was
added on the south side and a married couple,
Professor and Mrs. J. S. Hake, became the teachers.
In 1881, Miss Mary Lane became a teacher and
resided in the old Sibert place on West Vandalia
Road.
In the early 1890’s, the school was taught by
Professor Gilbert and Professor Sheehan. In 1893,
Chauncey Carter, who 54 years later became a
director of the Community Consolidated School in
South Jacksonville, entered as a first-grader. During
his eight years there, he was taught by Professor
Higgins, Minnie Anderson, Hattie Seibert, and Anna
McCullough.
The oldest living teacher in the Village, Mr. Henry
Reid, taught from 1910 to 1914. Preceding him, he
says Charlie Boson was head of the school from
1905-1910.
Teaching requirements in the late 1800's were
much different from what they are today. A person
who had completed the eighth grade, or what was
then called "common school education" was eligible
for a second-grade certificate and could teach.
However, in order to continue teaching, the
teacher had to renew his certificate each year by
taking an annual examination. Mr. Reid, not content
with a second-grade certificate, enrolled at Whipple
Academy, where he took courses in zoology,
physiology, botany, and physics. Thus he became
the possessor of a first-grade certificate, which was
good without renewal for two years. In 1902 Mr.
Reid built a home on west Greenwood Avenue,
where he has lived ever since.
Following Mr. Reid, Burley Jones became head of
the school in 1914 and served until 1922. With him,
Miss Ethel Sooy (now Mrs. Carpenter) taught the
primary room. This room had not been used
consistently through the years, as the fluctuating
enrollment of the school made a primary extension
necessary only at times. Frank Trusdale followed
Burley Jones, serving for one year, 1922-1923. Miss
Laura Young, a native of the village, took Miss
Sooy's place in the primary room and taught until
the spring of 1926.
In the summer of 1923 a third room for
intermediate grades was added to the schoolhouse.
Miss Conlee became teacher of this room, and Miss
Lela Ash became teacher of the upper grades, sixth,
seventh, and eighth. So it may be observed that for
a period of fifty years many teachers figured in the
history or the village school. A few are still well
remembered, but most of these are only names
today, without further identity.
Then a new era began for South Jacksonville. It
should be explained here that though we have been
using the name South Jacksonville School, it was
familiarly known as the Maple Grove School.
However, because it was frequently confused with
another Maple Grove School located south of
Jacksonville, the term South Jacksonville School
became increasingly widespread, until today few
people remember that the school ever went by
another name.
In 1925 the writer of this article, Jane Wright (now
Mrs. Lewis Murgatroyd) became head of the school.
To facilitate writing, I shall hereafter tell my story in
first person.
To me, the Maple Grove School was just another
school in the county. Then in the spring of 1925 Mr.
Herbert Vasconcellos, the county superintendent,
came to see me at Sherman School, north of
Jacksonville, where I was teaching. He asked me to
take the Maple Grove school the coming year and
was very frank to tell me it had acquired a
considerable reputation not only for roughness and
disorder among the students but also for constant
rivalry among the adults. Feeling that this offer was
a challenge, I accepted the contract from the
directors. They were Mr. A. J. Barber, Charlie
Caldwell, end Ralph Crabtree.
As soon as I began my teaching, in the fall, I
discovered what I thought were the sources of the
trouble, namely, that there was nothing for the
children to do to amuse themselves and that the
parents were divided into factions, the east and the
west, each faction wanting to control the village. I
saw that my problem was twofold: to provide
constructive recreational outlets for the pupils and
to unite their parents so that all of them would work
toward the same worthwhile goals. With these aims
before me, I began my long-range program.
The most immediate need of the school was
discipline. I made a point of participating in the
pupils' activities on the playground. We played
together out there and continued our cooperation
in the classroom. For the most part, that was all that
was needed. When an occasional disciplinary
problem arose, I dealt with it individually, and
thereby incurred the displeasure of some of the
parents, as a matter of fact, some of the very parents
who had been instrumental in bringing me there to
make the pupils mind. Because I continued to insist
on good discipline, a very small group of parents
became so highly offended that they decided to get
rid of me.
Their strategy was meant to be subtle. At this time
the directors had $10,000 in the bank with which
we had planned to build a gymnasium. Unwilling to
admit their real reason for wanting to dismiss me,
they argued that if I were retained, South
Jacksonville would have to build not only a new
gymnasium, but also a new school. Meanwhile I
went about my business of doing what I could for
the children.
Public opinion did not favor using any of the
district's money to provide something for the
children to play with. So we decided to make our
own money. First, I organized the P.T.A. in order to
get the backing of the parents. With parents and
children all helping, we put on a carnival, which
netted us about $100. Several hundred dollars more
were earned for our program when the P.T.A.,
under the presidency of Mrs. Ben Lurton, sponsored
a burgoo and athletic meet which became an
annual affair. With our funds we made an outside
basketball court and baseball diamond and
purchased the necessary athletic equipment. Also,
we bought playground equipment for the small
children and a piano for the school.
Several results were the outcome of all these
activities. For one thing, the common interests of
the P.T.A. brought the two factions of east and west
together, so that by the time the school election
rolled around, the great majority of parents
indicated at the polls their belief, which I had
always held, that children who can play successfully
together on the playground can work constructively
together in the schoolroom. From that time on, my
discipline problem was negligible.
The pupils profited in many ways from their athletic
program. It was so set up that everyone had a
chance to participate in the athletic activities, both
boys and girls. Our curriculum included tennis,
volleyball, basketball, track, baseball, later soft ball
and even croquet. The enthusiasm of the children
carried over to their families, to the extent that
shortly I had more offers of assistance in our athletic
program than I could use. Children, parents, and
even outsiders came to help and encourage us.
We began to participate in county, district, and
state athletic meets. Competition among the pupils
for a place on the varsity teams ran high. The
children knew that if they were the best, they would
be selected to represent their school, and that if
they were not the best, no matter who they were or
how influential their parents were in the village,
they would not be chosen for the varsity. By best
was meant not only athletic skill but also good be-
havior and a standard of school work that measured
up to the best of their individual capacities.
South Jacksonville School has an athletic record to
be proud of. We have won numerous blue ribbons
in local and state competitions. People of the
Jacksonville community shared our pride in the
records of many boys who began their athletic
training at the village school. Jerry Barber, who was
captain of our basketball team in 1930, is today a
nationally known golf pro. Johnny Orr, who was
captain of the winning Taylorville team when it
went to the state tournament in his senior year,
credits South Jacksonville School with his later
success in athletics. Following graduation from high
school, Johnny went into professional basketball,
and for several years has played with the St. Louis
Bombers. Ron Kemp, who helped us win many
trophies, started his basketball and track training at
South Jacksonville and went on to become one of
the outstanding all-time athletes at J. H. S. Dickie
Barnes, Bob Reeve, Charley Johnson, Russel Cole,
Frank Reeve, and Darrell Fry were all great track
men.
These names are readily recognized by the local
public and many of them by a much wider public. If
time permitted, I could name many others from the
school who have made good athletically. But I shall
mention only one more boy, not because his name
is famous, nor because he commercialized in
athletics, but because he, above all the others I
have known and worked with, represents the
highest values of an athletic school program. Briefly,
let me tell you his story.
On the first day of February, 1933, a frail, timid
unhappy little boy entered the sixth grade of our
school. A victim of polio depending upon a heavy
brace and a crutch to support his crippled leg, the
child took his place in the classroom with diffidence
and apprehension. His desire to be one of the gang
was obvious from the beginning, but he was afraid
to play with the other children, and his parents,
fearful that any sort of physical activity might he
injurious to him, did their best to guard against play
activities.
To get his mind off himself, I put him into a corner
of the playground with a basketball. Whenever I
had time, I would go out there, and we would
practice pitching the ball back and forth and
bouncing it to each other. By fall, he had overcome
his fear of playing with other children, and before
the year was over he had actually done some play-
ing on the team. In the eighth grade, he made an
incredible performance. He won a place on the
varsity basketball team, which played games that
season throughout central Illinois. At the state
sectional basketball tournament, he was picked as a
guard on the all-star team.
Two years ago (1946), I visited this boy, Harold
Ballard, who owns and manages a promising
upholstery shop in Pomona, California. In addition
to his business, he acts as instructor in night classes
in adult education. The evening I was there, Harold
and his wife entertained me overnight in their
attractive mountain home As I looked at this
delightful family, I felt a satisfaction beyond anything
else I have ever known. Mentally, I could not help
comparing this healthy, happy young husband with
the shy, sensitive little crippled boy who only
eighteen years before had felt that there was
nothing much ahead for him in life.
In the late 1930's we began our hot lunch program
on a simple scale. Because so many of the children
were undernourished, our P.T.A. decided to
provide a warm lunch every noon. At this time
there was no outside financial assistance for such a
program. The mothers took turns bringing food,
cooking it, and helping serve it. gradually, the
general health of the children improved, and gains
in weight were noticeable. In 1941, the W. P. A.
provided us with two cooks, and in 1943 we
benefited from the federal and state legislation
granting a school-lunch subsidy to public schools.
In my teaching, I have always endeavored to
correlate all academic subjects and all
extracurricular activities. Therefore, our hot-lunch
program became as important in our educational
program as athletics, arithmetic, and other subjects.
In health, we planned a balanced meal; in art, we
drew pictures illustrating proper foods and good
table manners, and we planned appropriate de-
corations for special occasions; in arithmetic, we
studied practical problems of expenses, and the
children had some experience in shopping and
paying bills; in conservation, we organized the
"clean plate" club. To belong, a child had to clean
up his plate. Names of members were posted and
were checked off whenever a child failed to eat all
the food on his plate. There was no rule compelling
any child to belong to the club, and I must say that I
was constantly amazed at the number of those who
worked to stay on the club roll. Even today former
students still come back to thank me for the clean-
plate club, which taught them to eat voluntarily,
and to like, whatever was put on their plates. In
1939 Boy Scout Troop 113 moved their meetings
from the State Hospital Grounds to South
Jacksonville School.
Among other activities of the P.T.A. were the Scout
organizations. In 1942 the P.T.A. began sponsoring
the Boy Scouts. This was followed by sponsorship of
the Girl Scouts and later of the Cub Scouts. Some of
the community leaders in scouting were Mrs. Manly
Birdsong, president of the P.T.A. in 1942, who
worked so faithfully to win the support of the P.T.A.
Others who were leaders in the scouting program
were John Heggarty, Les Steelman, Russell
Rawlings and many others.
For years I, along with many others in the village,
had become increasingly aware of the need of an
adequate, modern school building for South
Jacksonville. But because a new school would sub-
stantially increase the tax rate, there was much
opposition. To those of us supporting the idea of a
new school, the cause seemed hopeless. Then the
state passed a law abolishing all rural schools below
a certain minimum enrollment. The result of this
legislation was that in 1947 four districts--Strawn's
Grove, Buckhorn, Routt, and Narrows--consolidated
with South Jacksonville. In 1948 Hickory Grove,
Mound, and Prairie College were added to the
consolidation. In 1948-1949 school units continued
to be conducted at Mound and Prairie College.
Pupils from all the other schools came to South
Jacksonville School, which was more than
overcrowded. But by dividing two of our classrooms
and by making a small classroom in the basement,
we were able to struggle through the year. The
thing that buoyed us up was the fact that at last our
dream of a new school was about to become a
reality.
One of the most unforgettable moments of my life
occurred when on November 23rd
of 1948, I stuck
a spade in the ground and turned over the first
shovelful of dirt in the excavation of the new school.
In the fall of 1949, community Consolidated grade
School District #2 was officially opened in South
Jacksonville.
As far back as the beginning of our consolidation I
had reported to the Board of Directors that I did not
want to head the new school. I had seen the old
Maple Grove of 1925 change into a well-known,
progressive school. I was proud of our school, but I
felt that the time had come for me to turn over its
administration to someone else. I had decided that
from now on, I could render the greatest service in
the classroom. In 1949, J. Merle Wade became the
new superintendent.
The credit for making South Jacksonville School
what it is today belongs to many people: to the
pupils and their parents, who through the years
gave the school
their devoted
support; to the
P.T.A., which
was always
willing and
ready to do
whatever it
could to help; to
the loyal,
overworked
teachers, who
contributed so
much of their
1948 Jane Murgatroyd turning over the first spade of dirt for the new
South Jacksonville School.
time and effort to the school program; to the Boards
of Directors, who have shouldered so much
responsibility; and to the innumerable other friends,
who have given assistance in countless other ways.
On July 1, 1953, another new era commences for
South Jacksonville School. At that time it will
become a part of the Jacksonville school system.
This merger comes about as a result of the
considered approval of a majority of residents of the
consolidated school district.
7-26-76 Jacksonville Journal Courier. Larger wagon: Eliza Turner and Jane Wright Murgatroyd, standing are Ruth Cox Hoagland and Dorothy L. Cox. Children are Ann Marie Deen, Tammy Garner, and Pam Deen. Below are Village Cyclery entries for parade being
held by Wayne White and Lance Gardner.
Undated picture of South
teachers & students.
These students of South Jacksonville Elementary School posed for their picture about 1920. The picture was loaned to the
Jacksonville Journal Courier by Earl Walters. Students include front row left to right: Roberta Jones, Paul Burch, Harry Beastall,
—, Henry Clark, —-, Beatrice Smith, Harry Summers, Nelson Crozier, Keith Godfrey, Harry Henderson, —-, Truman Reynolds,
Paul Carter, George Taylor, Hazel Thompson, Vernon Stocker, Orville Massey, —-, Evelyn Sutton, Ruth Reynolds, —-. Kneeling
left to right: —-, Martha Curtis, Virginia Godfrey, Lambert Beastall, Russell Curtis, John Curtis, Henry Arenze, Jess Carter,
Raymond Virgin, Robert Taylor, Eula Caldwell, Violet Crozier, Lucille Barnhardt, —-. Second row seated: Beatrice Sutton, Irene
Crozier, Stella Massey, —-, Martha Jones, Thelma Arenze, Lucile Melton, Verna Stocker, Mary Clark, —-, Wayne Jarrett, Robert
Taylor, Gerald Crabtree, Jan Parks, Ralph Beastall, —-, —-, Earl Crabtree, Lloyd Massey, Bruce Thomson, Margaritte Sutton,
Bernice Virgin, Curtis Stocker, Robert Coultas, George Miller. Back Row: Teachers Laura Young and Mrs. Conlee Helen
Thomson, Ruth Lumsden, —-, Helen Massey, —-, Freida Lewis, Adelia Morton, Mary Ellen Walters, Hazel Massey, Elizabeth
Lewis, Katherine Lewis, —-, Blanche Jarret, Fred Massey, Earl Walters, Maurice Reid, Frank Walters, Walter Massey, Burleigh
Jones, principal. Ray Taylor, Orville Dalton, Ralph Crozier, and Forest Devore.
POPULAR SONGS - REMEMBER THESE? Some Hit Songs from 1946-1956 The Gypsy-- Ink Spots (also Dinah Shore) Heartaches-- Ted Weems Buttons and Bows-- Dinah Shore (RIGHT) Riders In the Sky-- Vaughn Monroe The Tennessee Waltz-- Patti Page Goodnight, Irene-- Weavers Vaya Con Dios-- Les Paul & Mary Ford Little Things Mean a Lot-- Kitty Kallen Rock Around the Clock-- Bill Haley & His Comets Sixteen Tons-- Tennessee Ernie Ford Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing-- Four Aces The Yellow Rose of Texas-- Mitch Miller Don’t Be Cruel/Hound Dog-- Elvis Presley Heartbreak Hotel-- Elvis Presley Some Hit Songs 1957 - 1967 All Shook Up-- Elvis Presley Love Letters In the Sand-- Pat Boone
Jailhouse Rock-- Elvis Presley (LEFT) Elvis had 140 top 40 hits and 18 #1 songs. He recorded from 1954-1977. Nicknamed “the King”, his gyrations while singing caused many teenagers to scream and their parents to object.
At the Hop-- Danny & the Juniors The Purple People Eater-- Sheb Wooley Mack the Knife-- Bobby Darin The Battle of New Orleans-- Johnny Horton Big Bad John-- Jimmy Dean I Can’t Stop Loving You-- Ray Charles Big Girls Don’t Cry-- Four Seasons Sugar Shack-- Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs He’s So Fine—Chiffons Satisfaction-- Rolling Stones I Want to Hold Your Hand & Yesterday—Beatles I’m a Believer-- Monkees The Ballad of the Green Berets-- S/Sgt. B. Sadler The Twist – Chubby Checker Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – Rolling Stones Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Some Hit Songs from 1968 - 1978 Hey Jude-- Beatles (RIGHT) The Beatles had 15 #1 hits in their 1,278 weeks on the top 40 charts. They recorded from 1962 until their last album “Let It Be” in 1970. I Heard It Through the Grapevine-- Marvin Gaye Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In-- Fifth Dimension In the Year 2525-- Zager & Evans Bridge Over Troubled Water—Simon/Garfunkel Joy to the World-- Three Dog Night Maggie May-- Rod Stewart The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face—R. Flack Alone Again (Naturally)-- Gilbert O’Sullivan Killing Me Softly with His Song-- Roberta Flack You Light Up My Life-- Debby Boone Some Hit Songs from 1979-1989 My Sharona-- The Knack Lady-- Kenny Rogers Physical-- Olivia Newton-John (RIGHT) Bette Davis Eyes-- Kim Carnes I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll-- Joan Jett & the Blackhearts Eye of the Tiger—Survivor Every Breath You Take-- Police Billie Jean-- Michael Jackson We Are The World-- USA for Africa That’s What Friends Are For-- Dionne & Friends Walk Like an Egyptian—Bangles Livin’ On a Prayer-- Bon Jovi Every Rose Has Its Thorn—Poison Some Hit Songs from 1990 – 2000 Nothing Compares 2 U-- Sinead O’Connor End of the Road-- Boyz II Men Livin' La Vida Loca-Ricky Martin Dreamlover-- Mariah Carey That’s the Way Love Goes-- Janet Jackson Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)-- Los Del Rio One Sweet Day-- Mariah Carey Candle in the Wind-Elton John The Boy Is Mine--Brandy & Monica You're Still the One-- Shania Twain (RIGHT) Jump-- Kris Kross I Do It for You-- Bryan Adams Breathe-- Faith Hill
In 1969, a group interested in preserving antique farm machinery and steam engines met in Jacksonville, Illinois, to discuss presenting to the public a show of long forgotten machinery. An antique farm machinery museum was established at the Morgan County Fairgrounds From 1970-75 the first Prairie Land Steam Show was held at the fairgrounds during the Morgan County Fair. In 1973 Prairie Land Heritage Museum Institute was chartered by the State of Illinois. The first officers were Pat Kenny, president; William Rees, first vice president; Arthur Kent, second vice president; Clifford Upchurch, third vice president; Elva McMahan, secretary; and Russell Winter, treasurer. By 1974, due to lack of space, the ninety-six members talked with state officials to obtain Illinois-owned property for expansion. In 1975 Prairie Land Heritage Museum secured a lease on 180 acres from the State for 17 acres of this land is located at the corner of Lincoln and West Michigan Avenues. Also in 1975 a real steam locomotive driven train was purchased from New Salem State Park near Petersburg. It consisted of an engine, passenger cars, depot, water tower and about one mile of track. The Steam Show was held at the former State Hospital property at Main and Michigan in 1976. The 1978 show had an added attractions, the miniature steam engine driven train actually ran for the first time. The addition of the train rides became one of the main attractions for the young and the young at heart. From 1978 to 1980 many major projects were completed, including 3 buildings totaling 13,600 square feet of space and new water lines were installed. In 1987 and 1988, the west end of the barn was remodeled into a hamburger stand. Like the bean kitchen, this is a project of the Ladies Auxiliary. In 1987 another 120 by 40 foot building was built to house the stationary engines. In 1989 electricity was buried through the center of the flea market area to accommodate the ever-expanding village of sales people. The steam cooked ham and beans are still the best around and the sorghum made from cane grown right on the grounds is still the sweetest around. In 1984. George Waters stated, "When you can stick your finger in it without getting burned, it's done." He was referring to the sorghum. The largest flea market in downstate Illinois keeps growing. Items available range from tractor parts, handcrafted furnishings, antiques, to pure junk. A tour of the grounds will show you threshing, plowing, baling, log sawing, sorghum making, blacksmithing, quilting, rug weaving and many other varieties of crafts and demonstrations.
HERTZBERG NEW METHOD
Hertzberg-New Method Bindery opened at 617 East
Vandalia, South Jacksonville, Illinois on June 17th,
1954. In the mid 1960's Hertzberg-New Method
began a new division of reinforced paperback
books that would become known as Perma-Bound
Books, and thus started the line of products that
schools and libraries nationwide view as, "the
strongest books you can buy." Perma-Bound, a
division of Hertzberg-New Method Inc. has been a
leader in the book rebinding industry for over 46
years. With about 500 employees, Hertzberg is the
third largest employer in the Jacksonville area.
Hertzberg Perma-Bound won the 2009 Hometown
Pride Award. Pictured below are front of building
and addition to their building.
Village Flag was designed by Kathy Simpson for opening of Godfrey “Play for All” park in 2007.
PRAIRIELAND
HERITAGE
MUSEUM
by Linda Berry
Left: McGruff & Chief Evans present $1,000 donation to “Play for All” representatives Barb Baker & Jim Burke.
My Memories of South Jacksonville . . .
Please share your “Memories” with us! Memories can be mailed to Village Hall, 301 Dewey, South
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 or emailed to [email protected] – they will be put on our
website for everyone to enjoy!
My Memories of South Jacksonville . . .
Please share your “Memories” with us! Memories can be mailed to Village Hall, 301 Dewey, South
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 or emailed to [email protected] – they will be put on our
website for everyone to enjoy!
My Memories of South Jacksonville . . .
Please share your “Memories” with us! Memories can be mailed to Village Hall, 301 Dewey, South
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 or emailed to [email protected] – they will be put on our
website for everyone to enjoy!