The Courthouse Square: A History in the Making

Upcoming Exhibitions

 


A Legacy of Learning: A History of Our Local Schools

June- September 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Courthouse Square: A History in the Making

May 15 - September 11, 2010


McDonough County's Courthouse Square, built in the center of the county, has long been the focal point for area residents and visitors. The Western Illinois Museum's new exhibit, TheCourthouse Square: A History in the Making, showcases the over 175 yearsof our regions unique history as it was lived on the square. The exhibit includesphotographs that trace changes in the physical features of the square, oral historiesfrom seven long time residents, and a number of artifacts from the museum's collectionand on loan from the community.

 

Since the first business opened on the square in 1833 it has been the place where the history and culture of our region has been created. Artifacts like an 1867 legal ledger from the law firm Tunnicliff and Matteson provides a record of how early settlers established McDonough County as a vibrant community and built the physical place we call the square.

 

The exhibit offers visitors a number of ways to delve into the history of the Courthouse Square. On display are photographs and artifacts, newspaper accounts of events and important dates, stories of families, along with explanation of business practices and social concerns on the square. For the first time at the Western Illinois Museum, visitors can listen to recently collected oral histories about life on the square. Recording stations through out the exhibit have short recollection from local residents Suzie Melton, Tweed Mummert, Harold Morrow, Chris Strong, Leona Waller, and George Wannamaker.

 

Listen to a brief sample of Tweed Mummert's recollection of working on the square.

 

Examining the history of a location, like the Courthouse Square, reveals what a community chooses to value. The current exhibit at the Western Illinois Museum is an entryway into the unique past of the region and offers a chance to appreciate what we have today while informing what could be preserved for tomorrow.

 

Research assistance for the exhibit has been provided by Sally Adams, Dustin Hinrichs, Heather Munro, Lottie Phillips and Miriam Rauschert. Members of the Historic Preservation Commission have acted as advisor for exhibit, and installation assistance was provided by Gil Belles, Elaine Goldfarb, and Lowell and Lois Lueck. The oral history project was made possible with support from the Friends of the Museum and Walmart.

 

The opening reception for the exhibit was Friday, June 4 at the Western Illinois Museum.