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Macon County Historical Society Museum
5580 North Fork Road
Decatur, Illinois
Phone: 217-422-4919 --
TTY:
Statement of Purpose:
History museum dedicated to preservation of Macon County history. Exhibits
and historic buildings on ground.
The mission of the Macon County Historical Society is to advance the study
of history by providing a forum for public knowledge through the operation
of its museum, library/archives, and outdoor facilities; and to collect,
preserve, study, interpret and exhibit significant historic materials to
Macon County.
Highlights & Collections:
The Macon County Historical Society holds the original log county courthouse
built in 1830 along with an 1860s log home, school house, print shop and
blacksmith shop. The museum also offers indoor exhibits about the changing
landscape and communities of Macon County and Central Illinois.
The Macon County Historical Society contains the largest textile collections
in the Central Illinois area with clothing, coverlets, quilts, fabrics and
more.
Exhibits:
"Prairie Years"
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In 1673 when Frenchmen Jacques Marquette, a Catholic missionary, and Louis
Joliette, a Canadian merchant, explored the river systems of the future state
of Illinois and the prairies were inhabited by the Illini, Kickapoo, Potowatomi
and Algonquins, Macon County was covered with a combination of prairie and
woodlands. By late summer, prairie grasses and wildflowers would grow to
six or eight feet in height. Buffalo, once found throughout Illinois, cut
trails through the tall grass while feeding and migrating. The coyote, often
called the "prairie wolf," would hunt for rabbits, mice and quail. Turkeys
were also abundant in the early times. This exhibit will take the visitors
through this journey of the early years of Illinois.
"Michl's Cigar Store"
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The three story brick building, which was located at 120 North Water Street,
Decatur, Illinois, opened in 1858 and combined a tobacco shop in the oak
paneled ground floor showroom with a cigar factory in the remaining two stories.
By 1880, Illinois ranked fourth in the production of cigars in the United
States and by the turn of the century, twenty-two cigar manufactories were
located in Decatur producing five million cigars annually. A section of this
popular store has been recreated in the museum's permanent exhibit areas.
"Victorian Farm House"
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Welcome to our Victorian Farm House of the 1890s that has been re-created
inside the museum's permanent exhibit area. If we could see the outside of
this middle class house we would note the two stories, freshly painted milled
lumber and highly decorative cornices, eaves, gables, windows, railings and
pillars. Inside we notice how much more comfortable this home is compared
to the first homes of the early settlers. These floors are covered with factory
made rugs. Everywhere we look we see an abundance of manufactured goods and
items brought from abroad. Also, note the nearly overwhelming amount of
decoration. Victorian houses stressed the idea of special rooms for special
purposes. With that in mind, come and tour this home room by room starting
with the parlor.
"1830s Courtdays"
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May 15th & 16th, 1999
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This special event is centered around the original 1830 Macon County Courthouse
and offers court case re-enactments, local 1830 militia and drill, blacksmiths,
nineteenth century artisans and live music.
"Yesteryear Fair"
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Labor Day Weekend, 1999
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This event offers a combination of modern arts and crafts, food, live
entertainment and nineteenth century artisans.
2000 Calendar of Events:
"1830s Courtdays"
-
To be held during May
-
This special event is centered around the original 1830 Macon County Courthouse
and offers court case re-enactments, local 1830 militia and drill, blacksmiths,
nineteenth century artisans and live music.
"Yesteryear Fair"
-
Labor Day Weekend, 1999
-
This event offers a combination of modern arts and crafts, food, live
entertainment and nineteenth century artisans
Hours:
Museum hours are 1pm - 4pm, Tuesday - Sunday
Admission & Directions:
Suggested Donation:
Directions to the museum from Interstate 72
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-Get off the interstate on Route 36 East.
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-Continue East on Route 36 , El Dorado, which will take you all the way through
Decatur.
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-After passing through Decatur turn left, North, on Airport Road which is
just south of the Decatur Airport.
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-Continue North on Airport Road to the first stop.
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-Go right, East, at this stop which places you on North Fork Road.
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-The museum is on the end of this road on the corner of North Fork and Excelsior.
Directions to the Museum coming North on Highway 121.
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-Take highway 121 through Mt. Zion.
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-Highway 121 crosses Route 36 and passes the Decatur Airport.
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-After passing the Decatur take a right, East, at the first stop.
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-Turning right will put you on North Fork Road.
-
-The museum is located at the end of this road on the corner of North Fork
and Excelsior.
Directions to the Museum coming South on Highway 121.
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-Highway 121 turns into Pershing Road upon arriving in Decatur.
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-Continue on Pershing Road until you reach Williams Street and Route 48.
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-Take a right at this "Y".
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-Follow Williams street and take a left on Route 105.
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-Follow Route 105 until you reach the second Stop Light.
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-Turn right at this Stop Light which places you on Airport Road.
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-Continue on Airport Road until you reach the first stop.
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-Turn left, East, at this stop which places you on North Fork Road.
-
-The museum is located at the end of this road on the corner of North Fork
and Excelsior
Images.
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Key Personnel:
Chris Gordy, Executive Director
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