USA > Illinois > McLean County > Heritage of the prairie : a history of LeRoy and of Empire and West townships, McLean County, Illinois > Part 2
USA > Illinois > McLean County > Le Roy > Heritage of the prairie : a history of LeRoy and of Empire and West townships, McLean County, Illinois > Part 2
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On May 1, 1870 after years of legal tangling with the state and other difficulties, the Danville, Urbana and Bloomington and Peoria R.R. sent its first train through LeRoy. J.M. Myers was the engineer who ran the first engine that ever came into this city over the Big Four route. LeRoy citizens were very proud and happy for they had invested $75,000 toward its construction. However, they were not quite satisfied for they felt the freight rates were too high. considering the amount they had subscribed toward its construction. So they immediately started a movement for a narrow gauge railroad between LeRoy and Rantoul. Mrs. J.V. Smith in her article on Pioneer Transportation states;
"The building of the section of road from LeRoy to Fisher is, I believe, wholly a LeRoy enterprise, and no history of our little city is complete without its mention." In March, 1876 a company was formed to build this narrow gauge road to Fisher with James Bishop, president ; C.A. Barley, sec., and Joseph Keenan, treasurer. Practically all the right-of-way was donated and in 10 months the road was mostly built and in running order. It is commonly called the "Pumpkin Vine."
Soon after LeRoy had been laid out it was circled by a half-mile race track. Horse owners came from Bloomington and other nearby towns. There was lively betting and much excitement. Some people felt these races brought in an element unwholesome to the best interests of LeRoy.
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1. C. Depot in 1975
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Ed Beckham sprinkles down dust in streets
Town and City Hall 1903
From 1835 to 1874 the town of LeRoy was governed by a president and board of trustees. However, the town prospered from the date of its founding so in August, 1874 an election was held adopting a city charter and electing a mayor, 6 aldermen, treasurer and city clerk.
The elected officials were as follows :
M. S. Stout Mayor Salary $50 per year
John Kline Alderman
$2 per meeting
A. B. Johnson Alderman
J. W. Wright Alderman
A. T. Bishop Alderman
D. L. Buckworth Alderman
J. M. Stevens Alderman
J. W. Brown City Clerk $75 per year
Peter VanAtta Treasurer
$25 per year
John F. Alsup was appointed marshal and superintendent of streets at a salary of $50 per month.
The first meeting was spent in passing ordinances per- taining to the duties of the various elected officials. However, in subsequent meetings a large portion of the time was spent in passing ordinances pertaining to the building or repair of plank sidewalks. The building or repair being one of the duties of the city marshal.
An appropriation ordinance was passed in the amount of $525 to finance the operation of the city for the year. This is in great contrast to the appropriation ordinance levied by the city in 1975 which was $142,000.
Apparently Mayor Stout was not too popular as a mayor for at the second election J. W. Wright was elected mayor with a vote of 104 to Stout's 4 votes.
A saw mill was located on Cedar Street where the Minor Rees property now stands. An open slough was in this locality following where our present sewer crosses. A contract was let to furnish all material and labor to build a wagon bridge at this location, contract sum being $37.50. The city marshal got 50c per head for burying dead hogs.
There being no law against animals running at large many complaints were received from residents. An ordinance was passed requiring all hogs to have a ring in their nose. Also an ordinance was passed that cows and heifers could run at large but bulls had to be penned up. However, women's lib didn't last very long as the city dads rescinded the ordinance after two months. An ordinance passed in 1883 decreed animals could not run at large in the city.
In 1882 an ordinance was passed for a corporation to lease and mine coal under the streets of LeRoy.
J. W. Brown and A. J. Keenan built a skating rink on the north side of Center Street where Stensel Funeral Home previously was.
In 1889 an ordinance was passed requiring all businesses to close on Sunday.
It seems that in the past ball playing on the city square had been allowed. However, at the council meeting of September 17, 1891 an ordinance was passed declaring ball playing on public square to be a nuisance.
At the meeting of May 8, 1893 W. H. Dooley headed a Township Committee on the question of building a Town Hall jointly with the city. A committee was appointed to investigate this.
The first ordinance creating the office of City Attorney was adopted on February 10, 1896. Prior to this legal council had to be obtained from some attorney in Bloomington. At the regular city election of April, 1896 John Mott was elected to fill this position. However, he only served a short time as William Owen was appointed to fill out his term of office at no salary.
A special meeting was called April 25, 1898 for the purpose of passing an ordinance to improve the city square and make it into a park. This was done by redesigning the streets around it and installing hitching racks. The park was designed by Sherman Smith and was an octagon shape with street on north and south side to be 80 feet wide and on east and west side to be 75 feet wide with concrete walk running both ways through the park. R. J. Lamont was hired to do all the concrete walk work. His price for labor was $3 per day.
An ordinance was passed July 11, 1898 making it unlawful to carry a concealed weapon in LeRoy.
At the regular meeting of February, 1902 a proposition was presented to the council that a cannon could be procured from the U.S. government to be placed in city. Offer was accepted. This presumably is the present cannon in the park.
In 1902 a committee was formed to consider building a Town and City Hall. After several meetings it was agreed to build on the lots on the Southeast corner of square on lots owned by the city, the city and township to jointly supervise the building. Agreed by township and city at meeting of July 3, 1903 to build, city to pay $750, and building to be jointly owned.
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A petition was presented to the council in 1904 by the Bloomington Canning Company to obtain water from the city in the operation of canning factory, apparently start of LeRoy plant.
Barley and Pfitzenmeyer subdivision known as the East Park Addition was accepted into the city in 1904.
McConnell Brothers Subdivision on South Chestnut Street was accepted into city in 1906.
On March 1, 1910 an epidemic of Scarlet Fever broke out in LeRoy. A special meeting was called and a proclamation was issued that no children under the age of 15 years could be on the streets unless accompanied by parents or adults, this to be in effect until epidemic had subsided.
At a meeting of July 8, 1910 C. D. Jones and A. H. Morris were given permission to put gasoline tanks in the streets or alleys for the purpose of storage and sale of gasoline. This
apparently was the beginning of the filling stations in LeRoy. In 1910 an ordinance was passed making it unlawful to kill squirrels in city limits.
In 1926 State Route 39 which is now U.S. 150 was completed through LeRoy and in 1933 State Route 136 was completed giving LeRoy and area residents good access roads. Today LeRoy is located on busy U.S. Interstate 74.
In July, 1949 the city council adopted a new numbering system for LeRoy business places and residences. The old numbering system had become almost non-existent.
The city is divided into four sections with Center Street and Main Street the dividing lines. Lots are numbered from 100 up from the starting streets, the first block the 100 block, the second 200, etc. As a person starts from the dividing line, the lot numbers are odd on the right hand side of the street and even on the left side.
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Machine Used in Putting in LeRoy's Sewer System
LeRoy's first city sewer was laid in 1881 running from city square to East St. It was six-inch in size and was laid by John G. Kelly. Cost for material and labor was 90c per rod.
In 1898 some difficulty was being had with the cesspool at the school (former old Washington School). It was agreed by the city and school board to share the cost of a 15-inch vitrified tile to be laid as far as the I.C.R.R. Due to this a committee was appointed to investigate the feasibility of installing a proper sewage system for the city.
In August, 1900 the sewer on E. Center St. was continued from the corner of Center and East Streets to the open ditch at the corner of Center and Mill.
In 1903 the engineering firm of Charles Cottingham was engaged to draw up plans for a sewer system for LeRoy. Cost of plans was $200. A board of local improvements consisting of three aldermen was formed. On December 10, 1903 an ordinance was passed for the laying of two main sewer lines. One is known as Mill and East Street sewer and the other is known as Main West and White Street sewer. These two main
SEWERS
sewer lines were recommended by state sanitary engineers working with board of local improvements.
Many requests for permission to build septic tanks and connect to sewers were made in 1907.
In 1913 an agreement was entered into with Crumbaughs, owners of land south of LeRoy, for easement for sewage outlet. Also, condemnation proceedings were instituted against the Big Four Railroad for casement rights.
In 1915 brick pavement was laid on E. and W. Center St., N. and S. Chestnut St., S. Buck St. and around the City Park.
A special bond issue in the amount of $6000 for local improvements was placed on the ballot at the regular April 1930 election. Bond issue was passed. Using the $6000 bond issue more sewers were laid and they have served the city until now. However, in keeping up with progress another bond issue was passed in 1973 amounting to about one-third of a million dollars. Land has been purchased south of LeRoy for a new modern sewage treatment plant. Plans are now being formulated and construction should be started in the near future.
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LEROY F
ENGINE 23
One of five pumper-tanker trucks for the LeRoy Community Fire Protection District. Chief Jack Moss and Asst. Chief Floyd Spratt show truck.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Prior to 1874 the only fire fighting equipment was a hose cart, hand pumper and bucket brigade. There were several large cisterns in the business district which could be used for water supply in case of fire. In 1875 it was felt the city needed better fire protection so a committee of three aldermen were appointed to investigate the cost of purchasing a hook and ladder fire extinguisher. After several meetings it was decided to purchase a Champion complete with the latest hook ladders, hose and pumper. The cost was $1750, $800 to be paid on delivery and balance to be paid in 18 months with interest at 8%. When the final payment came due the treasurer was short $300 in the treasury to complete the payment. This had to be borrowed locally and the interest was 10%. Finances were quite different then and now.
An ordinance was passed in 1892 requiring all roofs on building within the original fire limits be constructed of some kind of fireproof material and buildings in certain blocks in business area be of brick or stone.
In 1895 the fire department was composed of 30 members and a chief. The apparatus consisted of a chemical engine, 2 hose carts, and a hand engine.
The fire bell was placed on the engine house in June, 1895. In 1925 the first fire siren was purchased. Prior to this a large bell was used to sound the alarm.
A new fire truck was delivered in November, 1938. It was the first 1939 model that the Boyer Fire Apparatus Company of Logansport, Ind. sold. It was one of the best and latest equipped in the state. Known as a 500-gallon per minute triple combination engine, it had a centrifuge type pump, 100-gallon booster tank, 150 ft. of booster hose with shut-off nozzle, 52 feet of ladders, siren (flasher type), searchlight, rear standard lamp together with front standard flasher type light, two hand searchlights, two three-gallon pump cans, 13-gallon foaming extinguisher, fire axe and crowbar, and a pike pole. The fire engine was demonstrated at the City Park before a large gathering of townspeople who viewed the operation with a greater sense of security against fire and with just civic pride. At one time, under 150 pounds pressure, two streams from 21/2-inch hose and a stream from the 11/2-inch hose were thrown about 100 ft. high and clear across the park. Fire Chief Don Jones with the other members of the volunteer department were on hand and took their first lesson in operating the apparatus.
Seeing the fine equipment, old-timers were reminded of the crude fire fighting equipment of other days, as the bucket brigade, some cisterns up-town, and a manpower force pump, later the water system and the hose cart drawn by hand, then the hose and ladder wagon drawn by horses.
LeRoy now has one of the finest fire departments in the state. It is equipped with the latest equipment. The department is maintained by a fire district and tax levy which encompasses more than 80 sections. Due to the fine fire department LeRoy enjoys a lower fire insurance rate than many communities.
STREETS
The first tractor purchased by LeRoy for street maintenance was purchased from Ed Guard. It was a McCormick-Deering tractor and cost $1150.
Ordinance passed in 1891 required that all walks in the area called the original town be constructed of brick or stone. This consisted of 28 blocks.
On April 9, 1894 an ordinance was passed for the sidewalk committee to purchase brick for the rebuilding of sidewalks in the business district instead of using boards. Previous to that the only brick walks built were in front of Keenan's Bank. This was done in 1892.
At the regular meeting May 13, 1895 a motion was passed that the city hire a street superintendent. Prior to that the city marshal had handled those duties. There is no record as to who was hired for the job or what the salary was.
The first concrete sidewalks were laid on the south and north sides of Center Street from City Park to East Street in 1904. An ordinance prohibiting spitting on the sidewalk was passed the same year.
The first record of an ordinance governing the speed of automobiles was passed on May 27, 1909. Speed limit was 10 miles per hour, a fine of $10 to be levied for violations.
The first record of any concrete viaduct was in 1909 when a concrete viaduct was built on Center Street at the corner of Center and Mill Streets. Contractor was the Nelson Concrete Company of Pontiac who also had contract to build several concrete sidewalks in the city. Cost of viaduct was $392.
The first use of oil on the streets was in October, 1911. Oil was sprinkled on the street around the square or park. Work was done by Ed Beckham. Cost was $62. For several years prior Mr. Beckham had held a contract with city to sprinkle streets with water in dry dusty weather.
An ordinance passed for the placing of street signs on all streets and all houses were to be numbered. This was requested to assist in the delivery of city mail. Lester Bishop was given the contract of placing street name signs for a price of 40c per sign.
The city council on January 8, 1915 held a hearing to pave Center and Chestnut Streets, the cost to be $75,975. The Center Street pavement extended from the first street west of the Big Four Depot and east to the corner of Dr. G. W. Wait's property (Park Ave.). The paving around the park is 27 feet wide. Also paved was Chestnut Street from Dr. J. A. Tuthill's residence on School Street south to the Big Four railroad.
With the paving of Chestnut and Center Streets, new hitching racks were needed and leased for $50 per year for 20 years was the property west of the Bishop and Guard building belonging to Henry Brittin. Also purchased was property on Chestnut Street adjoining the Brittin lots which belonged to John Burns. The residence of John Burns, which he vacated Sept. 1, 1915, had been his home for almost 70 years and was the place of his birth on Sept. 25, 1845. (Part of the above pavement was covered with blacktop in 1972)
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Old Waterworks
WATER
In 1888 a well was drilled on the southeast corner of LeRoy's square and a windmill with a 12-foot wheel was erected to pump water in a holding tank with a capacity of 50 barrels. This apparently was the starting of the first city water system as no other mention has been made on water supply except a 40-foot well with iron pump in the city square.
A special meeting was called in June, 1889 regarding building waterworks for city. However, two weeks later a motion was made and passed to drop the matter.
Due to the fact that many people were hauling water from the tank at the town well an ordinance was passed in August, 1891 prohibiting this and notices were posted at the well to this effect.
The matter of a waterworks system was again brought up in August, 1892 when a motion was made and carried to hold a special election to issue $7000 in bonds to erect a waterworks for LeRoy. The election results were as follows: 170 votes for the bond issue and 49 against. On Sept. 12, 1892 specifications were drawn up for the waterworks, the tank specification as follows: a brick tower 14 feet at the base - thickness of wall at top of ground 2 feet 9 inches and at top of tower 60 feet from ground to be 2 feet 3 inches thick. The street tank was 42 feet high and 12 feet across with tank pressure on main line to be 49 pounds. The well was to be 8 inches in diameter. A power house was to be built of brick and the city to lay about four blocks of water mains. On advertising for bids the contract was awarded to R. R. McGregor and Company at a cost of $7100. However, the plans were changed from a brick to a steel tower. This is the present standpipe which has served LeRoy since the original waterworks was built. The bonds were sold to the Municipal Investment Company of Chicago at an interest rate of 5%, first bond to become due on April 1, 1894. Alderman A. J. Keenan made a trip to Chicago on the business pertaining to the sale of bonds. His expenses for the trip was $10.61 which the city paid.
At a special meeting of the council on Saturday, July 1, 1893 acceptance of completed water tower was made and the contractor was paid in full. Also an ordinance was passed setting certain water rates as follows: bars and drinking saloons, restaurants and eating houses $8 per annum. On July 6, 1893 an ordinance was passed prohibiting climbing on the standpipe. At a meeting of the council September 5, 1893, there being no further use for the tank and windmill on city square, a committee was appointed to dispose of pumps and windmill. Charles Wallace was hired to manage the new waterworks at a salary of $30 per month and was to start work on Wed., Sept. 10, 1893.
At a meeting November 3, 1893 an ordinance was passed leasing the waterworks building to the Electric Light and Heating Company. The lease was for a term of 15 years, the
city to pay $300 per year for 5 years and the Light Company to do all of the pumping of water and to keep the plant in working order at its expense. At the end of 5 years an equalization committee was to determine the amount the city would pay for the next 5 years and so on until end of franchise. The contract was signed by both parties at a special meeting November 4, 1893.
On June 11, 1894 an agreement was made with I.C.R.R. to furnish it water for $22.50 per month and the Big Four R.R. $35 per month. On June 13, 1894 a motion was made and carried to lay a six-inch water main from the corner at Odd Fellows Hall west to Big Four depot and an extension be laid from the corner of White and Center Street north to the I.C. depot.
In early 1906 it was felt by the mayor and council the city needed a gasoline engine of its own to pump city water in case of emergency. The city advertised for bids and on February 9, 1906 the bid of the Buckeye Engine Company of Joliet, Illinois was accepted. Engine was two-cylinder 30 H.P. The purchase price was $1180. This was the first time the city owned any power equipment for water pumping.
In September, 1907 permission was given to put in a two-inch water line to swimming pool in "Boys' Hall" located in M.E. Church.
In the late teens three new wells were drilled in the northwest part of the city. This facility has served LeRoy well for some 50 years. However, the present water plant has served its time. Work is now in progress in building a new modern treatment plant and 250,000-gallon water tank on the city parking lot near the old tower. LeRoy is known to have one of the best water supplies in the state. LeRoy also was one of the first cities in the state to have fluoridation and chlorine treated water. The city council voted for fluoridation in 1952 but it was almost a year later on January 19, 1953 that Oliver Godden, superintendent of the waterworks, threw the switch which caused the small metering machine to begin pumping sodium fluoride solution into the water supply. Fluoridation and chlorination are now required by law in every city and village in the state. LeRoy was one of the few cities to put in a water softener system. This was done in the early 1940s.
When the new water treatment plant and elevated storage tank are completed and put into operation in July this year they will represent one of LeRoy's major "Horizon '76" projects for the Bicentennial year. The new water plant will be automated and the new tank will be a 250,000-gallon pedestal type 115 feet tall, 15 feet taller than the old standpipe. Contracts for the improvements, including four blocks of necessary new eight-inch water main, totaled $471,539. Funding is through 40-year 5% water revenue bonds.
OLD NEWS ITEMS
1895
September 6 .... Wanted: A wife at the Opera House Saturday night. Apply in person to A. T. Gordon at box office between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
September 5 .... Capt. Ament gave an exhibition of his expert sharp-shooting yesterday in front of the amphitheater.
September 6 .... World Record broken in a two-year old pace. The half-mile was broken by Lady Golden owned by C. A. Broadwell of Farmer City, in a remarkable fast time of 1:0712. The mare was raised and bred on his farm.
1895 .... The old ice house which stood on west side of the public square was taken down and removed this week. The building has been in service 22 years, and greatly suffered from old age. There are 2 or 3 other old buildings which should be removed soon.
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A parade of Binders and Mowers in 1893 sponsored by Birney & Hefling, implement dealers. George B. Chase leads the Band- Board sidewalks looking east.
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LE ROY ILL.
The Standpipe and the Old Jail.
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South Chestnut street in downtown LeRoy in 1907. Vance hotel in center built in 1905 and burned in 1909. On the left is the back of Keenan's Bank where LeRoy State Bank is now.
MyR Gt, Le Roy Tlf. 2195
Center Street between 1904 and 1912 looking west.
LeRoy Switch Board
Seated - Birdie Middleton, Florence Van Atta Skillman, Ivy Nealy; Standing - Claude Dunkin, Marshal James, Ben Bikes, Lyda Beckham, Emily Kimler Crumbaugh.
ELECTRIC
It being the request of the majority of the residents of LeRoy to light the city with electric lights an ordinance was passed on December 14, 1891 toward acquiring lights for the city. On June 18, 1892 a tax levy was passed in the amount of $1500 to light the city streets in LeRoy with electric lights. Also, a committee was instructed to confer with the LeRoy Electric Light and Heating Company and agree on a franchise and draft an ordinance covering same.
On October 9, 1893 a franchise was granted to L. A. Reynolds and assignees to set poles and stretch wires upon the streets of LeRoy for the purpose of lighting the city with electricity. This was the first lighting of the city with electricity. Kerosene lamps placed in various locations were used before that.
As a previous franchise had been signed to have the LeRoy Electric and Heating Company furnish electricity to the city. at the regular city election April 16, 1895 the issue of the city paying for the lighting of all streets was placed on the ballot. The issue passed, the city to pay $6 per month for each light installed.
On November 1, 1901 the LeRoy Electric Light, Power and Heating Company was purchased by W. F. Crumbaugh and a franchise was issued to him to furnish lights, power and steam heat until 1908.
On November 5, 1909 Wartena Bros. of Hammond, Ind. purchased the LeRoy Electric Light, Power and Heating plant from Morrell Tomlin for a consideration of $15,000. Mr. Tomlin conducted the plant during the previous six years. In 1911 the Wartenas gave to LeRoy 24-hour service, the first of any town this size in Illinois. It soon became apparent that the old plant was inadequate to furnish the sort of service they wished to render and they undertook the building of a transmission line from Bloomington to LeRoy. With the completeion of the line in 1912 the service was greatly improved and the old plant was dismantled. LeRoy's street lighting system was changed from the old arc-light method, blocks apart, to 60-watt lamps on nearly every street corner. Cluster lights were installed by the city a few years later on both sides of Center St. from the City Park to East St.
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