Cass Morgan, IL-2019 Overlay

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Cass Morgan, IL is published annually by Cass Telephone Company

CASS–MORGAN REGIONAL DIRECTORY JANUARY 2019 Area Codes 217 & 309 021874 Ashland, Chandlerville, Easton & Virginia CASS TELEPHONE COMPANY’S CASS-MORGAN REGIONAL DIRECTORY www.casscomm.com 1-800-252-1799

Arenzville, Ashland, Bader, Beardstown, Biggs, Bluff Springs, Browning, Camden, Chandlerville, Chapin, Concord, Easton, Frederick, Jacksonville, Literberry, Philadelphia, Pleasant Plains, Poplar City, Prentice, Ray, Ripley, Rushville, South Jacksonville, Virginia

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FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

Be Prepared to Give the Problem and the Exact Location

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

DOCTOR

VETERINARIAN

Ofc. ______________________ Res. ______________________

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FATHER’S WORK NO. ___________________

ALTERNATE DOCTOR

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ELECTRIC CO.

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OIL CO.

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WARNING FROM JULIE

JULIE Effective January 1st 1991, it is a state law that you must contact Julie before you dig.

When Do I Call JULIE? Call at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays) before you dig (digging, driving of posts or any activity that otherwise disturbs the earth). This assists locator scheduling. Sometime during this time period a representative from the appropriate JULIE Member Company(s) will respond and mark the location(s) of any underground facilities that are there. Planning to Dig? You’ll know what’s below by the different flags, stakes or paint.

WHY? So that the appropriate JULIE member utility can mark the location of its buried facility. Calling JULIE can save you: TIME, PROBLEMS AND MONEY! Avoid service interruptions – call JULIE before you dig. How Do I Use The JULIE System? When you call, be prepared to give a JULIE operator the following information: (A) Your telephone number, name, address, and fax number and/or pager number where you can be reached (B) County and City Or County and Township and Tier and range, section number and quarter section number (if possible) (C) Address, including nearest cross street/ road, and description of the project (D) The date and time work will begin

Electric Gas, Oil or Petroleum Communications Potable Water Reclaimed Water, Irrigation Sewer Proposed Excavation Temporary Survey

The Service is Free Operates 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week Now you have TWO easy ways to contact JULIE! 1) Simply call 811 or 1-800-892-0123 or 2) Log on to illinois1call.com and enter your own locate request online with E-request. If you’re a homeowner/renter, contractor or excavator planning to dig anytime this year, e.g., putting up a fence or clothesline, planting a garden or shrubbery, building a home addition, etc. – CALL JULIE FIRST!

BEFORE YOU DIG, CALL 811 or 1-800-892-0123

CUSTOMER INFORMATION

Cass Telephone Company 100 Redbud Rd. Virginia, IL 217-452-3022

Statement of Nondiscrimination “Cass Telephone Company has filed with the Federal Government a Compliance Assurance in which it assures the Rural Electrification Administration that it will comply fully with all requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rules and Regulations of the Department of Agriculture issued thereunder, to the end that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in the conduct of its program and the operation of its facilities. Under this Assurance, this organization is committed not to discriminate against any person on the ground of race, color or national origin in its policies and practices relating to treatment of beneficiaries and participants or the exercise of any rights of such beneficiaries and participants in the conduct of the operations of this organization.” “Any person who believes himself, or any specific class of individuals, to be subjected

by this organization to discrimination prohibited by Title VI of the Act and the Rules and Regulations issued thereunder may, by himself or a representative, file with the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, or the Rural Electrification Administration, Washington, DC 20250, or this organization, or all, a written complaint. Such complaint must be filed not later than 180 days after the alleged discrimination, or by such later date to which the Secretary of Agriculture or the Rural Electrification Administration extends the time for filing. Identity of complainants will be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purposes of the Rules and Regulations.”

COMMUNITY PAGES TABLE OF CONTENTS

2019-2020 Calendars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Area Codes and Time Zones . . . . . . . .21-23

Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-13

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-18

Community Service Numbers . . . . . . .19-20

County Chronicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7

Jacksonville’s Underground Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9 Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-16

These Community Information Pages are filled with information and phone numbers from the Cass/Morgan area. They are designed for your convenience to find frequently used sources of public service, education, recreation and entertainment. You can use them to keep up to date with schedules and special events as well.

COUNTY CHRONICLES Morgan County Morgan County was formally organized in 1823. Jacksonville was laid out on a 40-acre tract in 1825 and chosen as the county seat. Named for General Andrew Jackson, the city was incorporated in 1867.

B. Turner, professor at Illinois College, originated the Osage Orange Hedge, which became the first effective method of fencing the North American grasslands. Turner is also recognized as the father of the land-grant college idea. Jacksonville also contributed three governors to Illinois – Joseph Duncan (served 1834-1838), Richard Yates (served during the Civil War, 1861-1865), and Richard Yates, Jr. (1901-1905). During the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant camped his Illinois Division (21st Illinois Infantry) on what is now the Morgan County fairgrounds. In 1864, Dr. Greene Vardiman Black, the “father of modern dentistry,” began the Jacksonville practice, which he

Morgan County was named for Daniel Morgan (1736-1802), a soldier who served with the Colonial forces during the French and Indian War, Pontiac’s War (1764) and Dunmore’s War (1774). During the Revolutionary War,

would continue for 34 years. His office has been reconstructed as an exhibit in the Smith- sonian Institute.

Morgan was colonel of a Virginia regiment, then became a Brigadier General in the Conti- nental Army. In 1794, by order of President Wash- ington, he commanded the Virginia Militia to suppress the Whisky Insurrection in Pennsylvania. He was elected as a Federalist to the Fifth Congress (1797-1799). John Ellis and a group of missionaries called the “Yale Band,” founded Illinois College in 1829. Erected in 1829, Beecher Hall was the first college building in Illinois. Named for Edward Beecher, the first president of the college and brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, “Old Beecher” still stands. The Illinois Female Academy, now MacMurray College, was founded in 1846 by Methodist clergy, including Peter Cartwright. In 1931, the school adopted the current name in honor of Senator James E. MacMurray. Because of strong humanitarian and political influences in Jacksonville, three state institutions for the care of the handicapped were located here. The Illinois School for the Deaf was chartered in 1839 and began classes in 1845. The Illinois School for the Visually Impaired began as a private school in 1847, becoming a public institution in 1848. The Jacksonville Mental Health and Developmental Center was authorized a charter in March 1847. Morgan County has contributed a number of leaders and innovators to the state and the nation. In 1833, Jonathan

A bandstand built around 1979 on the grounds of the Jacksonville Men- tal Health and

Developmental Center has been restored to its original state and moved to the Smithsonian Insti- tute for display.

In 1900, William E. Sullivan began manufacturing Ferris wheels in Jackson- ville and set his first model in operation on the public square. Sullivan’s organization, the Eli Bridge Company, is the oldest firm in the country making Ferris wheels, and is one of the few such firms in the world. Big Eli Wheel No. 17 stands in the community park on the corner of Morton and Main Streets. It is operated by the Jacksonville Rotary Club.

COUNTY CHRONICLES

Cass County

Mason County Established in 1841, the area was originally part of Tazewell County, which was formed in 1827. The name was chosen by the influence of immigrants from the Blue Grass State. Formed in 1789, Mason County, Kentucky lies along the Ohio River in northeast Kentucky. The Kentucky County was named for George Mason (1725-1792), a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, who also became a member of the Virginia Convention of 1775 and the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Mason wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which was adopted in June 1776. With its fertile soil, Mason County has long been one of the leading agricultural areas in the state, earning the title, “The Imperial Valley of the Midwest.” Five barge terminals line the

Cass County was formed out of the northern part of Morgan County in 1837, and an additional three-mile strip was added to Cass from Morgan in 1845. The county was named for Lewis Cass (1782-1866) who achieved a remarkable career in public service. Cass was born in New Hampshire, where he attended Exeter Academy. He moved to Wilmington, Delaware in 1799 and there taught school. In 1801, he settled on a farm near Zanesville, Ohio. He studied

banks of the Illinois River to facilitate the movement of agricultural products. The county’s transportation needs are further served by seven major highways, the Chicago and North Wes- tern Railroad and the Illinois Midland Railway. Mason County is also home to the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery, Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, Sand Ridge State Forest, Mason State Tree Nur- sery, and the Sanganois Conservation Area. Abraham Lincoln and

law and was admitted to the bar in 1802, then became a member of the Ohio State House of Representatives. He was serving as United States Marshal for the District of Ohio 1807- 1812, when he resigned to enlist in the Army. He served in the U.S. Army from 1813-1814, attaining the rank of brigadier general. Next came services as military and civil Governor of the Michigan Territory, 1813-1831, Secretary of War under President Andrew Jackson from 1831 to 1836 and Envoy to France, 1836-1842. Cass was elected to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1845, until May 29, 1848, when he resigned, having been nominated to run for President of the United States on the Democratic ticket in 1848. He was again elected to the United States Senate on January 20, 1849, to fill the vacancy caused by his own resignation, was reelected, and served from March 4, 1849, to March 3, 1857, serving as President pro tempore during the 33rd Congress. Appointed Secretary of State by President James Buchanan, Cass served from 1857 until 1860, at which time he returned to Detroit, Michigan to engage in literary pursuits. He died in Detroit on June 17, 1866. Counties in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas are also named for him.

Stephen Douglas both spoke in Rockwell Park on separate days in August 1858 during their senatorial campaigns before their famous debates began. Rockwell Mound, in Rockwell Park, is the second-largest Indian mound in the Midwest, dating back 2,000 years.

COUNTY CHRONICLES

Schuyler County The county of Schuyler “Where the Latch String is Always Out,” was organized in 1825 from the counties of Pike and Fulton. The county was named for General Phillip Schuyler, a Revolutionary soldier and delegate to the Continental Congress. Rushville was selected as the county seat in February 1826 after 20 voting sessions. The original courthouse, built of logs in the fall of 1826, was replaced in the summer of 1882. The new courthouse occupies what was called “Beatty corner” on the southwest corner of the public square where the old courthouse stood. The old jailhouse, one block south of the courthouse, is now the Schuyler County Jail Museum and Historical Society. It’s a wonderful and exciting place to research genealogy and the history of Schuyler County. Marquette and Joliet traversed the area now occupied by Schuyler County during their voyage of exploration in 1673. For centuries, this region was Indian Territory. As late as 1826 the Indians occupied territory within the county boundaries, but the coming of the settlers forced the Indians to move northward and westward to the remaining frontier.

Schuyler County Court House on the 4th of July, 2003. photo courtesy of Nancy J. Stephens, daughter of Harold and Donna Stephens

JACKSONVILLE’S UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

The Underground Railroad in Jacksonville, IL began around 1833. The city became one of the first stations of its kind in the area and served as a busy hub until 1858 when the Civil War got underway. Today, the following local historic homes can be seen on the Underground Railroad Walking Tour.

Dr. Bezallel Gillett House Bed & Breakfast

1005 Grove Street

Photo courtesy of the Jacksonville Area Visitors & Conventions Bureau

Dr. Gillett, one of Jacksonville’s early physicians, was also an abolitionist who supported the Underground Railroad operations. Slaves were hidden in a large shack just south of the house, but it has since been demolished. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also recognized for its architecture. At night, a wagon carrying slaves would pull up in front of the Gillett House. They would hide in the shack until morning, when another abolitionist would guide them to the train depot and travel with them to their final destination of freedom in Canada. Dr. Gillett was one of the founders of the Trinity Church in 1832. He was an original trustee of the Jacksonville Female Academy founded in 1830, which merged with Illinois College in 1903. He served on the first board of trustees for the Illinois State Hospital for the Insane. Dr. Gillett was recognized as a hero for his tireless efforts helping people during the cholera epidemic of 1833.

JACKSONVILLE’S UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Asa Talcott Home

Asa Talcott was a bricklayer who was known for his par- ticipation in the Underground Railroad and devotion to the anti-slavery movement through- out Jacksonville. One night in February 1844, Illinois College students helped a slave fleeing from his pursuers. They found him hiding in a small sub-com- munity of Jacksonville called Africa, where former slaves and free Negroes peacefully existed. As news of the search spread, he was quickly hustled out of the Negro houses across a ropewalk to a hiding place in the hay of Asa Talcott’s barn.

859 Grove Street

Photo courtesy of the Jacksonville Area Visitors & Conventions Bureau

Woodlawn Farm

Michael Huffaker established Woodlawn Farm in 1824. Huffaker was a cattle farmer who employed freed Negro laborers. They lived in cab- ins on the farm. The state- ly structure is located about five miles east of Jacksonville along the Mauvaisterre Creek, and it was known as one of the safest stations along the Underground Railroad. Runaway slaves traveled along the creek and were hidden in the basement of the home or in cabins with the Negro laborers. When the Civil War ended, the identity of the farm as a station along the Underground Railroad remained a secret.

Photo courtesy of the Jacksonville Area Visitors & Conventions Bureau

Want to Learn More? Please contact the Jacksonville Area Visitors & Conventions Bureau at 217-243-5678 or 1-800-593-5678. Their website address is www.jacksonvilleil.org .

ATTRACTIONS

If you’re looking for something to do, the attractions listed on these pages give you plenty of options from which to choose. From hunting and fishing in the great outdoors to learning about our history in one of our museums, you can plan on finding something to do anytime of the year in any season. This list is a mere introduction of the fun our region offers. For more information, please call one of the numbers listed at the end of this section.

Museums Old City Hall & Historic Lincoln Courtroom Southwest Corner of the City Square Beardstown, IL 62618

This city hall was originally built in 1844 to serve as the Cass County Courthouse. The building itself is an important part of history because it contains the only courtroom where Abraham Lincoln once practiced law that is still in use today. In this very courtroom, Lincoln tried many cases, including the famous Almanac Trial in 1858, when he successfully defended William “Duff” Armstrong against murder charges. Rudy A. Black Collection This museum houses a fine collection of Civil War guns, Indian artifacts, and other memorabilia. One display features dishes that belonged to Nancy Beard, the wife of the town’s founder. Located on the Southwest corner of the city square, behind the Lincoln Courtroom in the Beardstown Courthouse. Open Monday through Friday, noon – 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Grand Opera House This 1872 opera house is currently being restored. Inside, it features frescoed ceilings, a large stage and dressing rooms, with an interior boasting electric lights that were unique in 1893.

River Museum Southwest Corner of City Square Beardstown, IL 62618 217-323-3271

Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area 10149 County Highway 11 Chandlerville, IL 62627 217-452-7741 Wal-Mart Super Center 100 Lincoln Ave. Beardstown, IL 62618 217-323-1340 S & R Marine & Equipment 815 E. 15th Beardstown, IL 62618 217-323-2730 Hunting & Fishing Licenses

Golf Four Willows Golf Course 34323 E CR 1000N Mason City, IL 62664 217-482-3349 Rail Golf 1400 S Club House Dr Springfield, IL 62707 217-525-0365 Scripps Golf Course 120 Ellen Scripps Dr. Rushville, IL 62681 217-322-4444 Shambolee Golf Course 442 S Shore Dr Petersburg, IL 62675 217-632-2140

This educational museum also serves as a visitor’s center and is housed in the Chamber of Commerce office. Inside, visitors will find items relating to the Illinois River and the river’s importance in the development of the city and surrounding region. There are handcrafted models of riverboats, modern and antique equipment such as ice cutting saws, hunting and fishing tackle and boat and barge gear. The visitor’s center offers plenty of information on the area along with several displays relating to the Beardstown Ladies. You may also purchase their autographed books and other products here. Open Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

ATTRACTIONS Parks

Ashland Memorial Park Franklin & Washington Streets Basketball courts, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, playground equipment, and picnic areas.

Elmwood Park Located on the square in Chandlerville, this park is the site of the annual Chandlerville Burgoo. Park amenities include picnic areas and a pavilion.

Arenzville Village Park West Main This park is the site of the “World Famous Burgoo” held annually in September. J. Sam Bates Park Located at the west edge of town. Park features include a baseball field and tennis courts. An annual tractor pull is held in this park. Beardstown Beardstown Park District & Schewe Community Center The Beardstown Park District includes five parks, a marina, airport and the Schewe Community Center. The parks feature playgrounds, lighted baseball diamonds, lighted tennis courts, lighted picnic sites and lighted shelters. National Guard Armory 6 Armory Ln. 217-323-2555 Weight room, gymnasium, racquetball court, meeting rooms with kitchenette, exercise programs and more. Schmoldt Park At this park, you can stand on the site where Abraham Lincoln took his oath as Captain of his militia company during the Black Hawk War of 1832.

Virginia Virginia Park System

700 S. Morgan 217-452-3004

The Virginia Park System hosts a variety of activities throughout the year, including swimming, softball, baseball, tennis, volleyball, basketball and an open gym.

Jennie Marr Dunaway Park 700 S. Morgan Swimming Pool: 217-452-3004 Other park features include two baseball diamonds, three tennis courts, a pavilion, basketball court, playground area, and walking path. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rexroat Log Cabin & Prairie S. Main Street Authentic log cabins and walking trail through prairie.

Chandlerville Franken Park This park offers natural vegetation and relaxation. It is located uptown in Chandlerville.

ATTRACTIONS

State Fish & Wildlife Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area Office: 10149 County Highway 11 Chandlerville, IL 62627 217-452-7741 Sanganois State

Fish & Wildlife Area Office: 3594 CR 200N Chandlerville, IL 62627 309-546-2628

This is one of the few state-owned refuges and public hunting areas along the Illinois River. Before the state acquired it, the lands and waters within Sanganois were owned and operated as private duck clubs. The largest was the Sanganois Gun Club, for which the area was named. This club contained 2,700 acres and was purchased in 1948. Other purchases were made in later years, adding to the total acreage. Both the Illinois and Sangamon Rivers contribute to the ecology of the area. Swimming Pools The Almanac Trial If you visit Beardstown, you can see the actual courtroom where Abraham Lincoln won the famous Almanac Trial. Lincoln came to Beardstown back in 1833 when he volunteered for service in the Black Hawk War. He marched from New Salem to Beardstown. In what is known today as Schmoldt Park, Lincoln was sworn in as captain of his company. The approximate site is marked in the park. After his military service, Lincoln became a lawyer. The courthouse building where the case was tried was built in 1844 by the city’s founder, Thomas Beard. The courtroom is upstairs, and it is the only courtroom where Lincoln once practiced law that is still in use today. In this very courtroom, Lincoln tried many cases, but his most noteworthy case was the Almanac Trial.

Virginia Swimming Pool 701 South Morgan Street Virginia, IL 62691 217-452-3004 For More Information Beardstown Chamber of Commerce 217-323-3271 Cass County Economic Development Office 217-452-3226 Jacksonville Area Visitors & Conventions Bureau

The 24-year-old defendant was facing murder charges stemming from a nighttime brawl. Lincoln used an 1857 almanac to support his defense. He argued that it was impossible for the state’s witness to see Armstrong kill the victim because, according to the almanac, there was no moonlight on that night. Furthermore, the witness was too far away from Armstrong when the alleged crime occurred, making it impossible for the witness to see that far in the dark. Lincoln’s defense proved successful, and Armstrong was acquitted of the charges on May 7, 1858. On August 12, 1858, Lincoln appeared in Beardstown’s city park to speak as the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. His opponent, Stephen Douglas, spoke the following day. A plaque across from the courthouse marks the site. Later that month, the famous Lincoln- Douglas debates officially began.

1-800-593-5678 or 217-243-5678

ATTRACTIONS

Central Park Plaza Monument Downtown Jacksonville

All other tours, including presentations for deaf or blind visitors, may be scheduled by calling the Jacksonville Area Visitors & Conventions Bureau. Groups are welcome. The Center is open Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. June through August, Wednesday and Saturday only, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. September through May, and other times by special arrangement.

The sculpture grouping, designed by Leonard Brunelle, was dedicated on November 8, 1920 as a tribute to the men who fought in the Civil War and the families they left behind. The figure of the youth with drawn sword on the east side symbolizes the Call to Arms. The mother and child on the west side symbolizes the Sacrifice of War.

David Strawn Art Gallery 331 West College Built in 1880 for Phebe Gates Strawn, widow of Jacob Strawn, one of Jacksonville’s wealthiest and most prominent families. The home was given to the Jacksonville Art Association in 1915 by Dr. David Strawn, Phebe & Jacob’s fifth son. It houses rotating exhibits of locally and nationally known artists on the main floor. Permanent collections include the Miriam Cowgur Allen Collection of antique and collectible

Governor Duncan Home #4 Duncan Place Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 This 3-story, 17-room Mansion was built in 1834 for Illinois Governor Joseph Duncan, his wife Elizabeth and their growing family. It served as the official Governor’s Mansion during his term of office, 1834-38, and is the only structure left in the state that served in that capacity outside Springfield. The Mansion is owned and operated

dolls and a collection of Early Mississippian Indian Pottery. The second floor has been renovated and furnished in keeping with the period of the late 1880s.

by the Rev. James Caldwell Chapter NSDAR. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, has been fully restored, and houses many of the original Duncan family furnishings. Guided tours are available during regular hours. All other tours may be scheduled by calling the Jacksonville Area Visitors & Conventions Bureau. Group tours are welcome. Regular hours are Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day.

“Four Churches” Corner West State and Church Streets

With the completion of Trinity Episcopal Church in 1918, a total of four churches stood at the intersection of West State Street and Church Street. Two of the original churches remain, Grace United Methodist, built in 1910 on the southwest, and Trinity Episcopal Church located on the southeast. First Baptist Church was located on the northwest where the WARECO building now stands. It was destroyed by fire in 1966. State Street Presbyterian was on the northeast corner where we find Grojean Insurance and Realty today. State Street Presbyterian, or Westminster Presbyterian as it was later called, was destroyed in 1967.

Morgan County Courthouse 300 West State Street

The Morgan County Courthouse, located at 300 W. State Street, was built in 1869 at a cost of $204,000.00. It is the third such building used for this purpose since Jacksonville became the county seat of Morgan County in 1825. The Morgan County Courthouse was placed on the National Historic Register in January 1987.

The Octagon House 222 Park Street

Heritage Cultural Center 125 North Webster Main Building, 2nd Floor

Rufus C. Crampton, professor of mathematics and astronomy at IC from 1853-1888, built this house from a design developed by Orson Squire Fowler, the nation’s leading phrenologist. Octagonal houses may well be the first truly American architecture.

This Center features an ever-changing atmosphere showing the history of Jacksonville, from 1800 through the mid-1900s. Guided tours are available during regular museum hours.

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JIM EDGAR PANTHER CREEK STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA

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Give on-site location information * For additional information, please contact the site office: 10149 County Highway 11, Chandlerville, IL 62627 217-452-7741 Rules:

* Groups of 25 or more must register at site office * One responsible adult must

accompany each group of 15 minors * All pets must be on a leash Thank you for visiting.

Park Information Emergency:

* Phone site office: 217-452-7741

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1.South Horseman Road Dovefield 2.Pleasant View Dovefield 3.Creek Road Dovefield

4.Philadelphia Road Dovefield 5.Newmansville Road Dovefield 6.Degroot Lane Dovefield

7.Cox Creek Hill Prairie Natural Area 8.Sustainable Agriculture Cropland 9.Check Station and Service Area

Park Use Areas

10.Westlake Day Use Area Boat Access 11.Painter Pond Day Use Area

12.Gridley Lake Day Use Area and Boat Access 13.Jake's Pond Overlook

14.Drake Lake Day Use Area and Boat Access 15.Governor's Trail Parking and Trailhead 16.Herrmann Pond Fishing Area

17.Gurney Pond Fishing Area (Trout Pond) 18.Questin Hills Equestrian Campground 19.Westlake Family Campground

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JIM EDGAR PANTHER CREEK STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA

Formerly Known as “Site M” Why “Site M”? The story most accepted is that the “M” stood for Menard County, where the Edison Company had purchased several hundred coal-bearing acres as a fuel source for the proposed electric plant. ComEd’s land office was also in Menard County and it was assumed the new facility would also be in Menard County. Though the company ultimately bought Cass County land for the plant, the complex had already been carrying the “Station M” designation for some time. Many names were suggested for the site, but when Jim Edgar was Governor, Site M became more than just a piece of land. Edgar often toured the area, recognized its inherent beauty and had the vision to make “M” a conservation as well as a recreation area. It was during his term as governor that the land was purchased and the plans were made. Governor Edgar made sure the state would invest to preserve the site for future generations. This Breathtaking Setting

Recreation and Activities JEPC provides a wonderful recreation area for all types of outdoor activities. Many visitors come just to enjoy the beautiful natural setting. JEPC has camping and picnicking areas to accommodate these people. Gridley, Drake and Prairie Lakes, along with Painter and Geiss Ponds, are equipped with restrooms and picnic facilities making them pleasant places to spend the day. These areas also have shelters that can be reserved or used on a first come, first serve basis. The campground at JEPC features nine rental cabins on the shoreline of Prairie Lake and 18 class AA sites with sewer and water hookups. There are also 64 class A sites along with a primitive camping area. For the more active visitor, twenty-four miles of mountain bike trail form a 17-mile loop, a 5-mile loop and two miles of connecting trail. From April 16th – May 15th the trails are open from noon to dusk. From May 16th – October 31st they remain open from sunrise to sunset. From November 1st – April 15th the trail is closed to mountain bikers and becomes available to hikers. A three-mile hiking and jogging trail also loops around Gridley Lake. JEPC also accommodates hunters, fishers, boaters and horseback riders. Hunting for white-tail deer, wild turkey, mourning dove, upland species, furbearers and squirrels is permitted during the appropriate season. Gridley Lake, Prairie Lake and Drake Lake offer opportunities for sport fishing, as do streams throughout the wildlife area. Boats with trolling motors and canoes are welcomed on Gridley and Drake Lakes. Prairie Lake has a 10 h.p. limit and also allows sail boats. A 26-mile equestrian trail is situated in the northwest corner of the wildlife area. It is open from April 16th – May 15th from noon until dusk, and from sunrise to sunset May 16th – October 31st.

The rolling countryside, mature timber and grassland, prime agricultural land and rare hill prairie of the site provide a bounty of plants and wildlife. The setting is enhanced by the natural meanders of Cox and Panther Creeks, as well as improvements including new lakes, trails, roads and campgrounds. The 16,550-acre site is one of the Department of Natural Resources’ largest public access areas.

Several rare species of plants found in Illinois grow in the wildlife area, which consist of the lady’s-slipper orchid, the savanna blazing star, the pale false foxglove, large-seeded mercury and Hill’s thistle. Eighty-seven species of breeding birds have been identified at JEPC including, most notably, the eastern bluebird, orchard oriole and lark sparrow. Conservation efforts at JEPC are ongoing. The Department of Natural Resources is currently working to enhance its forest wildlife habitat. Two man-made wetlands were constructed in 1999 and hundreds of acres of native grasses have been restored to the area.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Something for Everyone The Jacksonville area plays host to several exciting events throughout the year. Look through the following list and mark your calendar so you don’t miss out on any of the fun. January Eagles on the Illinois River

Antique Auto Show Antique and classic automobiles from a three-state area compete for 50 trophies. Related activities throughout the day, concessions, free parking and admission. Central Park Plaza. Historic Homes Tour Tour four of Jacksonville’s beautiful historic homes. Lecturers discuss history, architecture and furnishings of each home. Co-sponsored by the Art Association of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission. Free Parking. Luncheon included in the admission price. July 4th of July Celebration This Beardstown celebration includes ball games, entertainment and a grand display of fireworks. 217-323-3271 Cass County Fair This wonderful county fair, held in the city of Virginia, means fun for the entire family. Events include daily livestock shows, 4-H horse shows, Western horse show, talent show, kids’ night, queen contest, entertainment and demolition derby. 217-452-3226 Ashland Summer Days Community festival with music, food, entertainment, crafts, flea market, parade, tractor pull, talent show, games, rides, blue grass bands and more! July 4th Fair A full day of fun and games for the entire family in Community Park, ending with a fabulous fireworks display. Free parking. Donations accepted. South Jacksonville Celebration This event is held near South Jacksonville School and features a parade, Little Miss contest, cake walk, dance, craft fair and flea market. 1-800-593-5678 Morgan County Fair Features entertainment, concessions, a carnival for kids and prize- winning produce and livestock. Free parking. River Country Quilt Show Quilters throughout the area exhibit an impressive number of quilts, wall hangings, antique quilts, and much more. Location is Jacksonville High School, admission is free.

Get a closer look at the Bald Eagles in Meredosia, IL. This is one of the best places to see the eagles and is a self-guided tour January through the winter months. For more information, call the Jacksonville Area Visitors & Conventions Bureau at 1-800-593-5678 . February River Rats Golf Tournament Beardstown Crawl is a miniature golf event held at the local pubs. April Rotary Bass Tournament

The local Rotary Club present this annual event at Lake Jacksonville. Cash prizes awarded for the best catches. 1-800-593-5678. Beaux Arts Ball This event features the crowning of the Beaux Arts Ball Queen and is the major fundraiser for the Art Association of Jacksonville. Money raised helps to support the monthly Arts Shows and Gallery upkeep. May Virginia City Wide Spring Garage Sales Families and organizations throughout the city of Virginia hold yard or garage sales on the same day. Downtown Celebration Enjoy a festive day of music, food, and fun for the whole family in Jacksonville’s newly renovated Historic Central Business District. Central Park Plaza, free parking, and admission. Cinco De Mayo Traditional Mexican Celebration. June Brown Bag Lunch in the Park Art Zeek Park in Beardstown every Wednesday in June, local More than 114 teams from several states compete in 300 games at this annual event. It is the largest basketball tournament in the state and it takes place at Bruner Gymnasium on the campus of Illinois College. Virginia Bar-B-Que Hosted by the city of Virginia, this event offers barbecue pork and beef, live entertainment, square dancing, car show, children’s games, queen contest and carnival. entertainment, free dessert and a drink. Jacksonville Pepsi Passavant Shoot-Out

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