May 10, 2021 – The History of the Heartland committee had a proclamation read and signed by Mayor Julie Moore-Wolfe on May 3rd that proclaimed Historic Preservation Week in Decatur as May 16th- 22nd.
The annual event is sponsored by History of the Heartland. Members of the committee have reached out to numerous organizations involved in historic preservation and beautification to offer opportunities to participate during the activities of the week and beyond. The goal of the organization is to promote local history and historic preservation & beautification, become a clearinghouse of information to assist with future community efforts, and shine the spotlight on projects and success stories. The vision includes enhanced community awareness and engagement to assist in preserving our rich history and beautification of the community.
Beginning May 16th, numerous community and social media events will highlight both the continued need for historic preservation and opportunities to enjoy historic venues already preserved. These will be augmented by stories of historic structures and people of Macon County.
Below is a list of scheduled events for Historic Preservation Week
May 16- 1 pm-3 pm
Church Street Church Stroll (begins at St. John’s Episcopal corner of 130 West Eldorado) hosted by Jan Akins. Information for all of the Churches available at St John’s. Open houses at St John’s, House of Miracles (441 North Church) and First United Methodist Church (201 West North), also info on the architecture of First Presbyterian Church (Corner of Church & Prairie) & the stone Church on Eldorado & Church by St. John’s
May 17- 5 pm-7 pm
IT Terminal Open House (1065 N. Van Dyke)—Recently added to the most endangered structures list in Illinois. See the original ticket window inside and other interesting features.
May 18- 4 pm-6 pm
African American Museum Open House (local legends) Hosted by Evelyn Hood and will include copies of local legend’s stories. (235 West Eldorado)
May 19- 6 pm-7:30 pm
Masonic Temple (224 West William) Open House with Tours of the Majestic Hall.
Inside the Masonic Temple there will be a Meet & Greet with legendary Decatur restauranteurs Dick Cain (Tom’s Grill) & Jim & Kathy Gresham (LSB). Stop in and recall eating & socializing in these legendary locations.
May 20-
10:30 am-1:30 pm—Paul’s Confectionary (999 North Water) Burger Basket Special includes a soft drink $8. Paul’s is one of the oldest restaurants in Decatur. They make their own ice cream for their legendary milkshakes & their legendary homemade chili.
6 pm–Tentative Movie at the Avon Theatre
May 22-
Historical (self-guided) Downtown Walk begins at the Lincoln Theatre (141 North Main) Open House 12 pm-3 pm. Information about prominent locations (from history of the heartland) will be available at the Lincoln Theatre.
James Millikin Homestead Open House (1 pm-4 pm, donations accepted) (125 North Pine St)
Staley Museum reopening (1 pm-4 pm) (361 North College)
Mueller Museum (1 pm-4 pm) (420 West Eldorado)
All events are planned to allow the appropriate social distancing as provided by the Illinois pandemic guidelines. The History of the Heartland Facebook page will spotlight organizations, stories of our people, or projects each day that provide historic preservation and beautification for Decatur. For more information call217-791-1385 or message the Facebook page.
