Tuesday, October 3, 2023

The House That Keeps on Giving

 

Watercolor Painting by Mort Greene

Some houses are destined for history because they are architectural standouts. Some are memorable because of the famous people who have lived in them. That is not the case for a humble dwelling in Peoria’s North Side at 711 North Monroe. In 1912, it was sold by John and Annie Reber of Tremont to the Apostolic Christian Church to be used as a shelter for elderly maiden ladies who had no place to call home. Many of these women were first or second-generation Germans who came to the Peoria area because of friends or relatives affiliated with the Apostolic Christian Church. They primarily worked as domestics, living with the wealthy families who employed them.  But when they became too old to do this work, they found themselves having no place to call home.

 

Before the Apostolic Church was built on Sheridan Road, it was housed in a plain two-story red brick building on Green Street, in stark contrast to the soaring St. Mary’s Cathedral which stood next to it. When the church elders realized a need to house the elderly “sisters”, as female members were called, they chose the house at 711 N. Monroe. Less than a block from Green Street Church, it seemed the perfect place. The purchase price was $3500.

 

The home was an unadorned building in a working-class neighborhood. Upon purchase, a cement block addition back and to the back, and updating of the original house commenced. A new heating system and modernized plumbing were first on the list. Then followed cement walks, porches, a cellar, screens, china, linens, and furniture. These enhancements came to a total of $8,964.31, all paid for by church members.

 

Women with no funds were given preference for residency, but those who had some money were asked to contribute $3 per week. No men were allowed to reside at the home. There were rules. In the rule book, written in German, it was stated that when God created mankind he gave him a sound mind and that whisperings, turmoil, disputing, and strife would not be tolerated.

 

The first floor consisted of a sitting room, a dining room, and a kitchen. The bedrooms and the one bathroom were on the second floor. Laundry was in the cellar. The ladies took their meals upstairs, carried by two superintendents. Later a dumb waiter was installed. The dining room was used on Sundays when members from outlying churches came to visit and stayed for a roast beef dinner which was cooked by volunteers.

 

Carrie Steigle was the first superintendent in 1912, overseeing two residents.  In 1940 Leah and Lillie Hohulin were appointed. These ladies cared for the residents, cooked, cleaned, baked, gardened, mowed the lawn, and changed the storm and screen windows. The latter they did by carrying the extremely large and heavy storm windows up a ladder to the second story. There was no car so they either walked or stayed home. They grew much of their own food, although a nearby grocery store also delivered supplies. Apple slices were dried on the roof.  A resident of Princeville whom I interviewed for this story remembers coming into town with her mother in the early 1950s, bringing their abundant garden produce and homemade noodles to share. (This family had eight children, yet they still had food to share.) 

                                                                                                                                               

Guests used the back stairs to visit the ladies upstairs. In summer the laundry was hung outside. In winter it was hung in the attic. The doors to the attic were lined with felt to keep the bats out. If a resident needed to go downstairs, and couldn’t do it on her own, Leah and Lillie would put her in a chair and they would carry her down, Leah in back and Lillie in front. Leah went to church in the morning and Lillie went in the afternoon. That way the residents were never left alone.

 

After 1954, the state required that people in charge of home management have a grade school diploma. So, Leah and Lillie studied and got the required GED. Several years later a high school diploma was required.  Again, the ladies studied and met the requirements.

 

On September 23, 1962, the home celebrated its fiftieth anniversary attended by 208 people from the churches of Princeville, Eureka, Goodfield, Gridley, Fairbury, Morton, Roanoke, and Peoria. Sandwiches, fruit, cookies, and a three-tiered cake were served. Flowers from the members’ gardens adorned the tables.

 

In 1965 Lillie left the home and was married at age 57. She moved to Morris, Minnesota, and lived to be 105. Leah retired at the same time, returned to her birthplace in Fairbury, Illinois, and lived to be 88. She never married.

 

 In 1966 a new home for the elderly had been built on Skyline Drive, so it was time to close up the home at 711, a place that had comforted and sheltered so many. Again, church members stepped forward to help with the move. Because the stairs were too narrow to easily carry things down, it was decided that they would be thrown out the windows where someone was standing in a pickup truck below to catch them. Furniture was lowered down with a rope. Inasmuch as possessions were few, it only took two pickup loads to move the eight remaining ladies and their belongings.

 

Following the departure of the ladies, the home changed hands a few times. From 2008 to 2012 it housed the Human Service Center. It is now owned by the South Side Office of Concern. Called Veterans’ Haven, it is a place for homeless veterans to reside.

 

For over 111 years the building at 711 North Monroe has given refuge to many who have appreciated and loved the old brick place in return. How many mansions can boast of such a legacy?

 

Written and researched by Sue Swanson, 2023

Sources:

Coming Together for 100 Years:  A History with Memories of Apostolic Christian Skylines 1912-2012

Interview with Ricky and Sid Stahl in 2023

 

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Museums of the Diocese of Peoria, The Princeville Connection

One of our favorite jobs here at the Princeville Heritage Museum is helping people with research. We receive many requests by phone, email and in person for help with not only genealogy research questions but also for help researching local events, buildings, land ownership, etc.  Not long ago, on a quiet afternoon, the phone rang and it was Sister Lea Stefancova, FSJB from the Museums of the Diocese of Peoria.

Sister Lea was researching the story of a priest, Father Edward Schuetz, who died in a car accident in rural Princeville in 1916.  Father Schuetz and Father Shannon were accompanying Bishop Dunne on a trip to Princeville.  Bishop Dunne was on his way to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary of the Woods Parish.

The Diocesan Museum in Peoria has a special exhibit featuring Father Schuetz's story on display through the end of the year.  Last week, we visited the museum to see the exhibit and meet Sister Lea.  Sister Lea shared with us the graphics displayed at the museum regarding the accident so we could share it with you on this blog.  A big thank you to the warm reception we received and we hope to visit again soon!

Small museums like the Princeville Heritage Museum and the Museums of the Diocese of Peoria are real gems with a wealth of history and information.  In your travels, I urge you to make time and stop at small, local museums.  Furthermore, please bring your family and friends to the Princeville Heritage Museum when they are in town visiting.

The Diocesan Museum is located at 419 NE Madison, Peoria, (309)671-1550.  You can also visit their Facebook page (click for link).

Below are the graphics and a few photos from our visit.




Funeral Bill for Fr. Schuetz


Part of the display about Fr. Schuetz's accident.  His family has donated his sick call box which is on display along with other items.


Thursday, March 26, 2015

Spring Open House on April 11, 2015

Mark your calendars, the Princeville Heritage Museum is hosting a Spring Open House.  See the flyer below for all the details.  As always, no fee for parking or admission, but donations are always welcome!  Bring your whole family to the open house and see antique tractors and farm equipment and demonstrations.




Saturday, November 22, 2014

2014 Akron Townhouse School Luncheon

This weekend was the annual fundraiser for the Akron Townhouse School.  Each year they host a luncheon with entertainment.  The highlight of the luncheon is the table decorations.  Each table is decorated by a volunteer. The tables are always spectacular and this year was not a disappointment. Click here to see photos of last year's tables.  For those of you who couldn't make it to this sold out event, here are photos of each table. 

The Akron Townhouse School committee would like to thank all the volunteers who decorate tables, help with cooking, serving and cleaning up the meal.  Next year's luncheon will be on November 21, 2015.  If you are interested in volunteering to decorate a table, please call the museum at 385-1916. 

This first table has a Disney princess theme and was decorated by Kathy Hill.  The tall castle and princess balloon add a lot of height to the table that is accented with treat bags and beautiful china.


Kathy Messersmith and Kay German's table has a Frozen them complete with a hand-painted backdrop.  The snowflake china and centerpiece add to the theme.


 A tall centerpiece of birch branches accents Joy Baurer's fall themed table. 



 This Christmas themed table was designed by Caryl D'Hondt.  Her Christmas tree china and miniature Christmas tree in the middle look really good with the red and green placemats.



This table has a beautiful evergreen wreath and pillar candle with treats for each guest.  The Christmas china is placed on a festive red charger.  This table was designed by Becky Webster.


Judy Sutherland has planned a festive table with square plates and multi-colored mugs.  The colorful floral arrangement in the center really ties it all together.

 
 Red and white gingham accented with red bandanas work together on this table designed by Janet Rasmussen.


 A vintage stagecoach-shaped whiskey bottle is the centerpiece of this table designed by Susie Streitmatter.


 Mary Knobloch planned out this table for Ann Cordis.  I love the mix of animal print balls with the gold accents.


Julie Delbridge and Suzy Gill put together this fall-themed table with gourds, cattails and pine cones.  You can't miss the "chandelier" of burlap and bittersweet hanging from the ceiling.


The centerpiece of this table uses a wreath of evergreens accented with feathers and cranberries.  The gold chargers and red plates combine well with the poinsettia tablecloth.  Linda Walters did a fabulous job decorating this table.


This table was decorated by Kathy German.  Her centerpiece is an antique punch bowl filled with gold accents.  Very simple, yet very elegant.


The Akron Townhouse school committee table is decorated with a schoolteacher, coal stove, school books and the school bell.


It is a Mexican fiesta at this table designed by Mary Knobloch.  The bright colors are keeping it warm inside in spite of the cold and dreary weather outside.


After we enjoyed a homemade lunch of Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes, local artist Kelly Jenkins demonstrated how to decorate a tree and make a centerpiece in less than 30 minutes.  This centerpiece was made from evergreen branches, cranberry accents and burlap bows.  One of the lucky guests took this home with them as a door prize.

 
 In less than 20 minutes, Kelly and her elves had this tree decorated with lights, ornaments and a fancy arrangement at the top.  We all learned how to fill the tree with accent pieces that add depth, height and reflect light which make for stunning holiday tree.





Monday, September 29, 2014

1888-1924: Missionaries to China from Princeville



It has been a few months since I posted a blog.  The absence of blogging is not because there isn’t anything to report, just the opposite.  In the past few months, the museum staff and volunteers have been resetting museum displays in all the buildings, leading school groups for field trips, renting out the museum meeting room and successfully hosting Heritage Harvest.  We are not slowing down, there are some exciting programs booked this fall in addition to the monthly community coffees, tractor group meetings and our evening work groups.


 
On Tuesday, October 14, Art Allen will be here to promote the book “Zeal to Educate Women” which was written by his wife, Nancy.  Many of you may recall Art and Nancy’s visit in 2010 years ago which was featured in the local newspaper (see photo above).  Nancy had been researching her relatives, the Peters sisters who were missionaries to China from 1888 to the 1924.  Alice, Mary and Sarah Peters were all Princeville residents who championed change in China via the Methodist Episcopal Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society (WFMS). 



Nancy’s extensive research resulted in her authoring the book “Zeal to Educate Women” which was published in 2013 by Tingley Road Publishing.  Please join us for the program on Tuesday, October 14, at 6:30 pm in the meeting room at the Princeville Heritage Museum.  Reverend Art Allen will here to share the legacy of these remarkable women.  This is a public event and you need not be a member of the museum to attend.  The books are available for purchase in the museum’s gift center.


Thursday, May 22, 2014

1924 Maroon and White

May is the month for graduations.  This weekend, the Princeville High School Class of 2014 graduates.  These students have put in a lot of work in their four years at PHS.  Many of the memories have been captured and published in The Maroon yearbook.  According to our records, the first yearbook was published in 1914, 100 years ago.  See this post with pictures from the 1914 yearbook.  We also posted the advertisements in the 1914 yearbook in this post.  The yearbook was published for a few years, but during the 1920s, the yearbook was replaced by a booklet titled "The Maroon and White".  We have been told a yearbook wasn't published during those years because it was too expensive.  If you know more about the history of The Maroon, please call or stop in.

To celebrate this year's graduates, let's take a step back in time to 1924.  Ninety years ago, our high school students were busy with baseball, track, tennis, basketball, plays and class parties.  The 1924 graduating class had 22 students.



The 1924 Maroon and White was 8 pages of photos and commentary.  In 1924, Mr. J.A. Stewart was superintendent. He is pictured here on page 1 with the class of 1924.  Front row (left to right): Clement Weber (Webber?), Robert Acheson, Luther Mansfield, Vesta (Buck) Mason, Lucille (McGinnis) Montgomery, Faye (Nelson) Stargle.  Middle Row (left to right): Sarah (Routh) Webber, Leila (Williams) Stewart, Rosene (Hough) Van Sandt, Ruth (Noonen) Hardgrove, Marie (Weber or Webber) Dempsey, Gladys (Byrnes) Harmon, Marion (Rose) Inwood, Lucile (Carman) Camp.  Back Row (left to right): Supt. J.A. Stewart, Raymond Oertley, Louis Bouton, Elmer Byrnes, Joseph Ricketts, Louie Murnan, Harold Bouton, Walter Smith, Caroline (Friedman) Camp. The married names of the female students were added to this list from the 1955 alumni list that is published here.


Page 2 included a description of all the social events of the high school classes starting with the September PTA parent and student gathering.   During the year, each class held parties and picnics at various locations in the area.


During the school year the junior and senior classes each hosted a play. In addition to the plays, the glee clubs performed an operetta in February.  At the bottom of page 3, the tennis team is pictured.  Standing (left to right): Richard Auten, Harold Webber, Robert Hyde, Earl Best, Gerald Stewart.  Seated (left to right): Marion (Rose) Inwood, Raymond Searl, Marie (Webber) Dempsey.




The baseball team and a written account of the County Track and Literary meet are on page 4 of the newsletter.  Standing (left to right): Louie Murnan, George Smith, Clement Webber, Robert Weaver, Coach Bickford, George Young, Robert Hyde, Luther Mansfield.  Seated (left to right): Raymond Oertley, Earl Best, Captain P. Burgess.  The county meet which was held in Princeville included tennis, track, declamation, vocal and music contests.  The tennis was played on courts at the Presbyterian Church.  According to the article, the declamation/vocal/music contests was so well attended that both the Methodist and Presbyterian churches were used.  Since this was before internet and computer technology, the contestants had to perform twice, once at each church.  


The fifth page featured the track team and continued with the results of the county meet.  Princeville won the athletic meet and placed second overall, behind Chillicothe.  The track team is pictured with their javelins and discus.  Clement Webber broke the county record by throwing the javelin 167 feet, 16 inches at the county meet.  Standing in the photo (left to right): Franklin Gingrich, Robert Acheson, F. Timmons, Gerald Stewart, Coach Bickford, Robert Weaver, George Young. Seated (left to right): Louie Murnan, Captain Luther Mansfield, Earl Best.


The basketball team's season record and photo is on page 6.  Standing in the photo (left to right): George Smith, Robert Weaver, Gerald Stewart, Theodore West, Clement Webber, Coach Bickford.  Seated (left to right): Luther Mansfield, Robert Hyde, Captain George Young, Harold Webber, Earl Best.

Page 7 includes a description of the graduation events as well as the year in review.  Graduation was held on June 3.  Reverend Cecil Carpenter of Peoria gave the commencement address.

Jingles and jokes are the last page of the newsletter which was printed by the Princeville Telephone of Princeville, Illinois. Does this bring back memories of your high school years?  Are you related to any of these students?  We do maintain a library of books, scrapbooks, maps and more to help with local genealogy research.  Let us help you research your family tree.

This newsletter was a donation from the estate of James Montgomery.  If you have any items you would like to donate to the museum, please send us an email or call to make arrangements.