USA > Illinois > Champaign County > Philo > Philo area centennial, 1875-1975 > Part 6
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The present Post was issued its first temporary charter by National Headquarters, American Le- gion, and designated Philo Post No. 1171, dated June 17, 1948. There were 22 charter members, as follows:
Robert Joseph Brennan, Francis H. Hall, Robert B. Lovingfoss, Donald G. Miller, Donald F. Melohn, Clarence E. Moody, Thomas P. Mc- Cormick, Harold F. Ordel, Robert D. Ray, Franklin J. Ray, Emil G. Rigg, Richard W. Stearns, Gernon F. Boles. John R. Burr, John L. Cain, Jr., John J. Daly, James J. Rubenacher. James S. Manion, Earl V. Miller. Thomas D. Miner, Robert J. Dennis, Raymond O. Wing- field.
The first Commander was Dr. Robert J. Bren- nan, the present Commander is Robert J. Silver.
The Post met in the Philo Township Hall, but started to explore means of getting their own Legion Hall. Howard W. Trost. Francis H. Cain, Jr. and Donald F. Melohn met with Mr. John Schreiber, an attorney who lived in St. Joseph with offices in Urbana, who had set up building corporations for Urbana and St. Joseph Posts. He advised the formation of a not-for-profit corporation so that in the future if the American Legion Post became inactive or dissolved the building would remain in control of the com- munity and not become the property of the Na-
tional Headquarters. He volunteered on a no-fee basis to do the legal work required. Thereupon, the American Legion Post elected five directors to apply for a charter from the Secretary of State of Illinois to be known as the "Philo Veterans Association." These directors were: Francis H. Cain, Jr., Charles E. Bowen, Leo J. Clennon, Donald F. Melohn and Francis C. Hall. The Ar- ticles of Incorporation were signed and filed on June 27, 1951.
At the first meeting of the Board of Directors held at the fire house (now Philo Village Hall) on July 6, 1951, it was voted to enter into an agree- ment to purchase the north one-half of Lot 3. Block 6, original town of Philo, from H.W. Trost for $450.00. Also, certificates of membership or shares were voted to be printed and sold for $50.00 per share, to terminate in ten years, with interest at four percent. Several American Legion members bought shares, which were never pre- sented for payment and stated at the time that they were donating the money and would keep the certificates as souvenirs.
No formal architect drawings were ever made. The only design was sketches of plan and eleva- tion views drawn on brown wrapping paper by Donald F. Melohn. Excavation for basement and footings was started in July 1951. August 1951-Voted to build basement walls of a building 32 feet by 60 feet of ten-inch concrete block. October 1951-three bids taken for laying of walls and awarded to Edward J. Bialeschki for sum of $400.00. Material purchased from Hazen & Franks, Inc. January 1952-Awarded contract to Mr. Bialeschki to install center posts, sup- ports, beams and floor joists for $235.00. March 1952-Plans for volunteer labor to apply sub- floor sheeting and temporary roofing to make the basement usable. June 1952-Voted to recruit a large crew of Legionnaires to pour a concrete floor in the basement. August 1952-The Board of Directors of Philo Veterans Association met for the first time in the basement and decided to continue construction of the first floor. Septem- ber 1952-Mr. D.C. Baker given contract to lay blocks for first floor for $450.00. October 1952- Decided to obtain "rilco" rafters, sheeting and felt for installing the roof of the Legion Hall. These were put in place by several sessions of volunteer labor by Legion members. June 1953- Voted to buy shingles to put on a permanent roof and these were finally installed on Labor Day weekend, September 1953. In November 1953, voted to purchase a furnace for $875.00.
Up to this point financing was by an initial amount from the Legion treasury, sale of shares, short term loans from Philo Exchange Bank paid
back by profits from the "Philo Annual Celebra- tions." A complete building now existed with a usable basement, but an unfinished interior first floor. A special meeting of Philo Veterans Asso- ciation was called on June 11, 1954, for the pur- pose of negotiating a loan from Philo Exchange Bank for $4,000 estimated to complete the interior. Through much more diligent volunteer labor by American Legion members, as well as some interested citizen non-members, the first floor was made usable by about November 1954. There were always unfinished odds and ends and no formal dedication ceremonies were ever held.
In the years that followed, all shares plus in- terest which were presented for payment were paid on schedule and all bank loans plus interest were paid. The American Legion Post pays no fixed rental to the Philo Veterans Association. but transfers funds as necessary for taxes, in- surance, utilities and operational expenses. It also pays for remodeling or renovation, to obtain exemption from Federal taxes it was necessary in 1956 to amend the by-laws of Philo Veterans As- sociation, so that in the event of corporation dis- solution, the assets would be divided in equal shares to the four churches in Philo.
The Legion Hall not only has served as a meet- ing place for the Post and its auxiliary, along with their other functions, but has served other community organizations and citizens with or without a nominal rental fee depending upon the purpose for which it is used.
The present Board of Directors of the Philo Veterans Association are: John T. Godsell, Leo J. Clennon, Donald F. Melohn, A.J. O'Neill and Charles E. Sollers.
Philo Post No. 1171, American Legion has al- ways remained near the top in honors for mem- bership, and with only few exceptions, has main- tained 100% of the previous year's members and in some cases reached "all time high" member- ship. Some of our charter members are now de- ceased, others have moved away from the area. The returning veterans of the Korean Conflict were welcomed. Now. more veterans of the Vietnam War are eligible to join.
Throughout the years of its existence from June 1948, the American Legion has participated in many activities regularly. "Philo Annual Cele- bration"-1948 through 1974, but voted to be dis- continued. This has been a major financial sus- taining source. "Boys State"-with a few excep- tions, one and later two delegates sent. "Ameri- can Legion Baseball"-sponsored a team for several years. Other baseball programs, such as "Little League", "Junior League", "Pony League" have been given financial aid at various
times. "Summer Swimming"-paid for bus trans- portation to and from pool for Philo area child- ren. "Stags"-particularly on election days and for "Early Bird" members; "Bingo"-to raise funds to support building expenses and other programs.
Contributions have been made to various dis- trict, state and national organization fund drives for work among veterans, and their dependents.
"Memorial Day Services"-to honor our dead; flags are placed on all known veterans' graves in Locust Grove, Calvary and Bongard cemeteries. "Military Funeral Services"-for our deceased members, or any veteran, if family requests it. The Post annually in conjunction with the Volunteer Firemen, give all children a sack of candy and an orange at Christmas time.
Philo Post No. 1171, American Legion has tried to fulfill the purposes set forth in the Pre- amble to its Constitution and provide service to its community, state and nation.
The American Legion Auxiliary
The Auxiliary to the Vernon R. Penny Post No. 394, The American Legion, was organized in April, 1923, with 19 members. The officers were president, Mrs. Mary Penny; first vice-president, Miss Hazel Silver; second vice-president, Mrs. Arthur Wilson; secretary, Miss Agnes Clennon; treasurer, Mrs. Francis Foote; chaplain, Mrs. Sarah Trost; and "publicity woman," Mrs. Ed Dilley.
Meetings were held monthly in the members' homes during the next three years until the final meeting on February 8, 1926.
The Philo American Legion Auxiliary to Post No. 1171 held its first meeting on March 9, 1950. There were 35 charter members. The officers were president, Thelma Melohn; first vice-presi- dent, Patricia McCormick; second vice-presi- dent, Ilene Fehrenbacher; secretary, Penny Trost; treasurer, Betty Lovingfoss; sergeant-at- arms, Harriett Boles; historian, Grace Bowen and chaplain, Mary Rita Cain.
The meetings were held in the town hall, Philo Grade School lunch room, and various homes of members previous to the time the present Legion Home was built.
During the past 25 years several hundred dollars have been contributed to aid Veterans and their vamilies, through donations to Veter- ans Hospitals, the Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Childrens School at Normal, Illinois, and various scholarship funds, to name a few. Aid has also been given to many families in the Philo com-
munity, Veterans and non-Veterans alike, in times of hardship caused by fire, sickness and death. These have been both monetary and tangible contributions.
One of the purposes of the American Legion Auxiliary is to participate in and contribute to the accomplishment of the aims and purposes of The American Legion. This, the organization has always done.
The present membership is 59, 49 senior and 10 junior members. Fifteen of the charter members have had continuous membership.
1920-1945
In the 1920's there were a lot of changes going on in Philo as well as throughout Illinois. By 1927 there were 12,216 miles of railroad within the borders of Illinois and there were 2,629 rural mail routes serving 383,843 families.
In the state of Illinois there were 200,000 auto- mobiles and 24,000 motor trucks. By 1929, 26,000 farms had running water, 23,000 had gas or electricity and nearly 70% of all families had telephones.
In the 1920's the stage of Town Hall was at the east end and was used for graduation exercises and medicine shows. High school plays and music recitals also were held there.
An association was formed in the 20's for test- ing germination and disease of corn used for seed. For a small capital investment the farmers could get their seed tested each year and others who were not members were charged for the service. The association later moved to Broad- lands.
Before it was formed if a farmer ran out of seed he would go to the barn and pick out some nice ears to plant with the chance they might not germinate or spread some disease.
In the 1920's there was a smallpox epidemic; vaccination caused violent reactions and some were sick for a week following inoculation.
Women finally won the right to vote in the United States in 1920.
In the spring of '21 farmers who could afford one were buying tractors.
In an era called the "Roaring 20's" the styles were short dresses, bobbed hair , colored hose and the Charleston dance was popular.
Henry Licht in Hupmobile
This Page sponsored by:
BUSH BROS., INC., Champaign
VIRGINIA'S KLIP & K & KURL, Philo
GERNON ROBERTS GARAGE, Philo MAY TRUE VALUE HARDWARE, INC., Urbana
Americans felt light-hearted after the war.
Henry Ford put America on wheels with the Model T Ford.
America started spending more money on roads as travel and vacations became more popu- lar and more affordable for many.
At this time Americans were doing more and going more, jazz bands and sports cars were in, with the first ready-made clothes made available and canned goods and some household ap- pliances were now on the scene.
The free use of cosmetics was very evident and cigarettes were growing in popularity.
In 1923, Vernon R. Penny Post of American Legion sold poppies, with the money from the sales used to decorate the graves of American soldiers buried in France.
A parade was formed in Philo at the town hall on May 30 at 2 p.m. and marched to the cemetery with the band leading ex-servicemen in uniform and Ladies Auxiliary and all other in- terested persons marched also.
Speakers were Rev. Robert Scott and Rev. J.C. McMahon.
Songs were sung by the Presbyterian and Methodist Congregations and also the com- munity at large.
Newt Wimmer, Tom Brelsford - 1920
Baseball in Philo Area
Baseball has been a popular activity in the Philo area. First accounts were pickup games at picnics and family gatherings. After the turn of the century the local team played in Penman's pasture west of town. Ralph Reed, Gus Penman, Otto Wingfield and others played.
In the thirties softball was popular and Philo had a town team in the Urbana League. Ed Harnsbarger, Walter Fiscus, Ed Dilley and Col- lins Dilley played. In the later thirties Philo had a team in the Old Cornbelt League. The games were played at Leo Cain's west of Philo. Some of the players were Walter Fiscus, Gene Cain, Howard Eaton, Fred Werts and Don Silver.
In the forties Bert Taylor and Herbert Barn- hart had a teen-age team playing at Wallace Silver's place. Players were Bob Taylor, Duane Silver, Ellars brothers, Harry Barnhart, and others.
In 1951 the Volunteer Firemen purchased the old Lovingfoss place and built a permanent ball park for Philo. In 1952 Russell Graham started the Little League. It is still going strong with a town team and in addition a complete town league of boys. In 1955 H.E. Anthony started the Pony League team for older boys. In 1967 Howard Eaton and Richard Kamerer, the Legion Commander, organized the American Legion Post 1171 team.
Hundreds of youngsters have enjoyed playing baseball which has been supported by the Fire- men, Legion and Booster Club.
A new American Legion Post was organized at Paul Grothe's barber shop. There were 15 new members with the following men in positions of authority:
Charles Stewart, Commander; Ralph Reed, Vice-Commander; Nathan Rice-Adjutant; Robert Miller-Treasurer; Herbert Trost, Ser- geant-at-Arms; and Willis Wilson, Chaplain.
In 1924 Main Street was first paved 18 feet wide at the cost of $2,400.00.
CAR JOVIAL
Certificate of Pure-Bred License No. 12667
CAR JOVIAL, the Percheron Stallion n recorded by the Percheron Society of America and that his record number 1 (206815); color and description, black, small atar; foaled May 24, 1930; weight 2,000.
CAR JOVIAL will make the season of 1935 at Henry Licht's home, one- half mile south of Ptulo.
TFRMS-$1500 to insure living colt Mire and coft atenda food for service fees Any party porting with more or leoviby coun Iv, service fee becomev due ar once. Not responsible in cove of ac LIdente
HENRY LICHT OWNER AND KEEPER MALO PHONE 7%
An Early Advertisement
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Mens Bible Class of Methodist Church
In 1925 Philo Electrie Light and Power was in service but before that Carson's D.C. Plant was located behind Mattix Garage.
But even before the D.C. Plant people used Delco Batteries.
Philo School gym was started being built in 1926 and finished in 1927 and the north addition to gym was built in 1958.
In 1926 there was another smallpox epidemic.
In 1929 Philo had two banks. In 1933 when all banks were closed and then reopened, one bank did not reopen, the Philo State Bank, formerly known by the name Philo Commercial Bank. The bank's officers were Ed O'Neill, Charlie Daly and David Godfrey. All of the Philo State Bank's accounts were absorbed by the Philo Ex- change Bank and no one lost a cent in the trans- fer and closing of the bank.
Finally in 1929 after all of Philo had electricity hookups, they started putting lines into the coun- try. Before that all the folks in the country had was battery operated service.
After electricity was put in people started thinking of appliances. The first was usually a refrigerator and the second was a motor to put on their previously gas motor operated washing machine.
By 1930 corn pickers were being bought and let out for hire. Mr. G. Maxwell from Savoy had one with six mules to pull it.
Henry Licht also had one he hired out and when complaints were made that it was leaving some corn in the field, he replied, "My Lord,
you're getting 50 bushel per acre! What are you complaining about?"
In the early '30's, the weather was very warm.
Some of the trains traveling through Philo were short some coal upon reaching the other side of town. A young man would jump on the
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May 1928 - Butterick Fashions
Newt Wimmer Grocery Store L to R: Lynn Wimmer, Newt Wimmer, Salesman, Gladys Wilson, Nora Snyder.
Bert Taylor at Wayne O'Neal's farm planting corn - 1930
coal car and throw off as much as he could to be picked up later, by a train from the opposite di- rection, from the ground.
In the '30's, money was becoming more scarce than usual and the finest houses were being sold for $2,500 to settle estates.
The people had a bad time during the depres- sion years. Corn sold for 10 cents a bushel and some people burned corn for fuel. The town also felt the financial problems.
An implement store from Tolono demon- strated the Ford Tractor and Plow on the Jake Thinnes farm.
Some of the first tractors and their owners were J. Plotner, who owned a Teton Tractor, and R. Ordel had a 1921 Ford and the "Hart Par."
In 1930 the Cafe and Modern Woodman Lodge Hall burned and the town records burned in the office of Ray Tarrant, village clerk.
Free movies at the "Aridome" (between coin cleaners and Library).
The first Boy Scout Pack, formed in 1933, was Pack #80 whose leader was C.B. Snider.
In 1934 the area had a chinch bug attack, thought to have been caused by wheat being planted two years in a row.
Furrows were plowed around the farmer's field and then a log was dragged to make the dirt fine. The bugs couldn't go up the incline. Creosote was also used in the streams to kill the bugs.
The train wreck in 1935 tore down the depot and eleven cars were derailed. One of the cars was a gasoline car and it upset near the elevator and started to burn. The Philo Fire Wagon put the fire out before the Urbana-Champaign fire department arrived. The Champaign department brought their ladders but they were not needed.
The depot was later rebuilt.
1930's Wreck
WABASH FREIGHT WRECKS STATION AT PHILO
One end of the Wabash ata- tion In t'hllu nas a complete
Jeft the falls and crashed Into It. The station agent escaped
his desk on the other side. Urbana's fire department ev
4-H Clubs
Many dedicated people have helped guide our young people through a variety of learning ex- periences in their young lives in the 4-H Clubs.
Miss Katherine Rice was our first leader of the Home Economics Club in the early '30's. With Miss McKey from the University of Illinois in charge, sewing was taught to about 25 girls. Whenever she needed help other women volun- teered.
Home Room Furnishing was added to the pro- jects and soon after cooking was also taught.
From these has sprung a great variety of projects:
Beef, dairy, goats, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, weaving, printing, leathercraft, ceramics, clothing, room improvement, painting, elec- tricity, dog obedience, tractor operator, vege- tables, entomology, mosaics, metal, woodwork, photography, share-the-fun, demonstrations, public speaking, stitchery, crocheting, knitting, macrame, carving & casting, food demonstra- tion, dress revue, flower arranging.
Mrs. Donald Sheppelman is the leader of the only Home Ec 4-H Club active at the present time. She is teaching cooking to 12 girls and 2 boys and began this group in January 1975.
The agriculture field of 4-H Club had its early beginnings in 1930 with a group which was called "Philo Baby Beef Calf Club." The leaders were Leslie Carr, Franklin Burr, and Ed Cran- ford.
In 1939 L.R. Mitchell was the leader of 20 charter members of the "Philo 4-H Agriculture Club." It continued for about 20 years until 1958, its last year, a group of 19 members were led by Irven Brand and John Burr.
In 1961 the Philo Agr. Club was without a leader of their own and the members joined with the Tolono Agr. Club whose leaders were Glen Brewer, Howard Bretzlaff and John Smith. These first combined meetings were held at the elevator at Tolono and then at the old shop building at the school. In 1970 Mrs. Jack Kirwan started a club in Philo.
At the present Leo Lafenhagen and Mrs. Karen Smith are the leaders of approximately 25 members from Philo and Tolono area. Their meetings are held at the Masonic Lodge building at Tolono each month.
Boy Scouts of America
On February 15, 1933 Boy Scout Troop #80 was organized in Philo under the leadership of
C.B. Snider, Scoutmaster. This troop was active until 1955.
In 1960 John "Dave" O'Neill reorganized the group into a new troop #60. It was an active troop until about 1970, when they were without a leader or troop for two years.
Under Jack Kirwan's direction scouting was again reorganized in 1972. Our present Boy Scout leaders are Jack Kirwan and Gene Hasler.
The earliest Cub Scout Pack #60 records show John Grady, our first Cub Scout Master in 1971.
Russell Rahn began as assistant to Cub Mas- ter John Warren and has been Cub Master of Pack #60 since 1973.
Pack #60 has been sponsored by the Philo Recreational Board since 1971. The present leaders of Den #3 are Betty Thomas and Mary Terven; Marilyn Harvey and Alice Garrelts are Den Mothers of Den #4.
Donna Reed and Theresa Schumacher are Den Mothers of Den #6.
The Webelo Leaders are Bob Harvey and Vir- gil Rash.
The Bruster of the Village of
Tho Grantor
Thilo
Philo. in the County of Champaign
Illinois
"for" the consideration of
"Den Otto Enother.
Dollars,
Kamery and Qui claim to
of the Pour Philo
.County of Champaign
will interest in the following described Real Estate: Xe% Number, Inv Henning enf Dix. (106) in Koeuch Grove bemetry in the Village of Phils .
Champaign in the State of Illinois, herchy I ds . read it aring all rights taler and by virtue of the Homestead Exemption
Ineed this
day of fuera . D. 1885.
Signed( Sesind and Delivered
IN PRESENCE OF
Early Document
7
Enjoying a School Picnic in the 40's
Team That Wouldn't Be Beaten - - Philo High School
..
Philo, the team that couldn't be beaten because it wouldn't be beaten, today in champion of thany uan county basket- hall left to right. back some are Manager Wayne Ray, Clarence Patton. Charles Repar Je Smith, Jame Wilson. Don Melohn, and ( ach Francis Hall, front row Row Mccloskey. Ray Wingheld, Ben Ward. Leshe tor danight, a d Henry
About 1935 corn pickers were available and picking corn by hand was no longer required.
Part of the ground for the Locust Grove Ceme- tery was purchased in 1896. This was the southernmost part of the grounds. The center section was purchased next. In 1936 the Locust Grove Cemetery Association was formed and a fund was raised to purchase it from the Village. In 1937 Mrs. Anna Penman donated 2 acres and 1 acre was purchased to add to the grounds. A subsequent gift from the Lyman Hazen estate of 76 acres of land and cash added to the endow- ment fund. Additional land to the north was pur- chased at a later date.
Philo's first Ford pumper truck was purchased from Central Fire Apparatus in St. Louis, Mo. in 1938.
Mr. Grover Mattix got to drive it back from St. Louis.
The truck had a 200 gallon carrying tank which would make fighting fires a much easier job.
The Maddox Twin Brothers celebrated their 94th birthday in 1938. The Maddox Twins were said to be the oldest living male twins in the sec- tion of the country. They were retired farmers and each year the residents of Philo and those in the near vicinity gathered at a public celebration to congratulate them on the birth anniversary.
GARAGE
Mattix Garage - 1938 L to R: Flora, Grover. Chester Mattix, Robert Dennis, Gene Rigg. Emil Rigg.
PHILO'S PROTECTOR THE FIRE TRUCK
Ethel Selmeyer - teacher. Buck Row: L to R - Bill Ellars, Jerry Brazelton, unknown, Phillip Trimble, unknown, Bob Taylor, unknown, Dave Scheurich. Bob Rice, unknown, unknown, unknown, Gene Ellars. 2nd Row: unknown. Barbara Dennis, Patty Burr. unknown. Peggy Walker, unknown, unknown, unknown. Sara Zinn, Collins Dillman.
Presbyterian Ladies Circle - 1938
Dave und Joe Maddox - Oldest twins in U.S. on occasion of 94th birthday. A community celebration was held in the school gymnasium - 1938.
This Page sponsored by: HUBER & SLOAN, JOHN DEERE DEALER, Tuscola
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Joe and Charlie Lowry Bros. Confectionery - 1938
Baling
On Nov. 29, 1938 the Methodist Church burned. It was rebuilt and dedicated in 1939 by Pastor D.O. McRoberts.
In 1939 the fire volunteers were organized and 10 firemen were instructed by the Champaign Fire Chief.
By 1941 the volunteers had 14 members. On December 1939 the Women's Club sponsored a benefit dance to raise money to buy the firemen uniforms to go with the new truck.
The WPA (Works-Progress Administration) started to install a water system in Philo that would take a few months to install.
In 1939 Germany invaded Poland, starting World War II.
We did not become actively involved in the war at this time. We were made aware of the war by requests of the American Red Cross for dif- ferent types of aid for the European nations.
DAVE'S
PLAC
1940
The war seemed closer when in October of 1940 all young men between the ages of 21 and 36 were to register for Military training.
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