USA > Illinois > Champaign County > Philo > Philo area centennial, 1875-1975 > Part 7
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But it was December 7, 1941, when the Japa- nese attacked Pearl Harbor and inflicted over 3,000 casualties on the United States armies and civilians living on the islands. Congress declared war on Japan almost immediately.
Red Cross work was done by the Women's Club in Philo as well as all the surrounding area.
There were many projects, making dressings, knitting to keep our boys warm on the war front, planting victory gardens, sewing or conserving in many other ways.
Marie Edens was President of the Women's Club at this time.
On September 27, 1944 the News-Gazette had a Coyson Calendar Items rationed:
Sugar-Stamp #40 in book good till Feb. '45 for 5# sugar to be used for canning; meat; food; gasoline; fuel oil; shoes.
Red Cross surgical dressing from Champaign County was received and a thank you sent from a hospital in England. It relieved the shortage and "put their minds at ease."
The war in Europe ended May 7, 1945, and President Truman at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday May 8, 1945, officially announced V.E. Day.
World War II - December 7, 1941-Septem- ber 2, 1945 - casualties were:
Paul V. Jackson, Kenneth J. Clark, Ernest E. Boles-Pacific campaign; William D. Byrd, Wil- bert E. Wall.
Women's Club - 1942
COMMUNITY
HONOR ROLI
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Philo Volunteer Fire Department
Years ago fire fighting in Philo was done with a bucket. The pioneer style bucket-brigade was replaced early with a hose cart carrying a tank with a glass container of chemicals. The cart was either drawn by hand or pulled behind a car.
In 1938 the Village Board purchased a fire truck and appointed Jewell Dillman, fire chief, and John Wimmer, assistant chief; assisted by several volunteer firemen.
In 1940 Roy W. Alsip, Secretary of the Illinois Firemen's Association, assisted in organizing the first Philo Volunteer Fire Department, and the following officers were named: Roy Jones, presi-
dent; Frank Cain. vice-president; Joe Brewer. secretary-treasurer.
Firemen were Jewell Dillman, chief; John Wimmer, assistant chief; Kenneth Jones, Owen Dilley and Henry Wilson, hosemen; Richard Franks, Fred Ordel and Harold Plotner, ladder- men; William Clennon, William Doss and David Scheurich, nozzlemen; and Edward Doss, plug- man. Rural firemen included Edward Harns- berger, Charles Cole, Frank J. Miller, and Harold Hinners.
Upon organization, to provide funds for equip- ment and regulation firemen's clothing, the de- partment accepted donations from area resi- held dances and assisted with the annual dents. he
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PHILO!
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HIL 11
OHILA 10
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1944-1945
Back Row, L to R: John Clennon. Duane Silver. Ken Licht, Chuck Daly. Ted Burr. Dick Stearns, Fred Wilson. Howard Mumm, Gene Rigg. Bob Taylor. 2nd Row: Rick Warfield. Gene Plotner, Wayne Phelps, unknown. Harry Barnhart. Dave Scheurich, unknown. Kenny Williams, Frank Silver. Ist Row: Patty Stevens, Gerry Barnhart. Bob Silver, Billy J. Miller, Gaylord Cekander. Rozella Downs. Marre Stahl.
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FFA High School - 1944
PHIL
IPHIL
Philo reunion. They became a member of the Illinois Firemen's Association and were to be called the Philo Volunteer Fire Department.
In 1948 the Philo Fire Protection District was organized to include an area of sixty square miles with trustees; Francis C. Hall, George F. Meharry and Edward Harnsberger.
Several additions to the department's equip- ment including a siren purchased in 1948 by the department and the Philo Booster Club; a second fire truck in 1951; a resuscitator in 1953; and a new tank truck in 1954.
The Philo Volunteer Firemen have maintained the ball park as a public service, in addition to providing fire protection for the area. The park, owned by Philo Volunteer Firemen, was pur- chased in 1951 from the J.A. Boles Estate. The fire department and the Philo Booster Club in- stalled lights in 1952 in the former pasture used by Hibbon Lovingfoss.
Present trustees are Leo J. Clennon, Joe Brewer and Howard H. Mumm.
Officers of the Philo firemen are John T. God- sell, president; Denny Lowary, vice-president; Frank Moore, secretary; and Donald F. Melohn, treasurer.
Operating officers are Joe Franks, firechief; John V. Clennon, assistant chief; Donald F. Me- lohn, captain; and Ronald Mumm, lieutenant.
A visit to the schools each Christmas by Santa on the fire truck with well filled packs of candy is most welcome to all Philo Grade School children.
The department has a Class A+ rating.
1946 to 1960
Every "old timer" remembers what he was doing on April 12, 1945, when he heard the news of President Roosevelt's sudden death from a cerebral hemorrhage. Victory in Europe had come on May 7, 1945, and Harry Truman's de- cision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima ended World War II; Japan also surrendered. That was a great day in the history of Philo. A public homecoming was held at the public school gym for Father Tom Cain who had been a prisoner of war.
The end of World War II brought a welcome headline in the News-Gazette June 13, 1947, which was "Halt Public Sugar Rationing". Shortages were beginning to disappear.
We soon stumbled into a war in Korea with Philo represented there.
In 1949, J.P. Madigan sold his grocery store, which was located at the site of the present laun- dromat, to Lynn Wimmer who transferred the stock to his store. This ended the era of more than one grocery store in Philo.
The polio epidemic hit in 1949, the first summer of several following bad summers for this terrible, crippling disease. All the measures to limit the gathering of large groups of people did not seem to slow down the occurrence of this disease and many patients were sick only four days before they died. Patients were cared for in the isolation ward at the county hospital. It was not until the polio Salk vaccine was pronounced safe in 1955, and given in each community to every resident, that we were able to say this dis- ease was controlled. With the organization and cooperation between the county nurse office and volunteer doctors and nurses, the Philo area resi- dents received their vaccine on a sugar cube at the grade school gym about 1962.
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16 Cylinder Stuls Thelma Weasel sitting
In 1950 the water tower was erected. The water was furnished from the pressure tank, and residents were charged a flat rate for water used.
With the WCIA television station beginning operation in 1953, soon many families, who pre- viously had not considered owning a TV, could enjoy the programs offered on CBS. All seemed especially gratified to be able to see the news and hear the Bruce Foote family sing, and since the news was at mealtime, dinner in front of the TV may have begun during these early TV years. With coverage from three networks and satel- lites, we have been able to see in our own homes worldwide events as they happen.
All of our children were not watching TV con- stantly, for Little League was organized in 1953 by Russell Graham.
The telephone switchboard was closed when the village changed over to "dial" in December 1954. Another service by people was replaced by machines. Our last telephone office operators
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1950's
and the manager, who kept the books when the people came in to pay their bills, were Mrs. Grace Moore, Mrs. Opal Mumm, and Mrs. Howard Trost. They were honored in November, 1954 by the telephone company in appreciation for their long and dependable service. The line- men were also guests at the dinner. The six minute cut-off-time was no problem for most customers who had the new dial system. They simply called right back after being "cut off". The direct distance dialing did not begin until 1958, but it was in service in Philo before Chi- cago residents had it.
The proposed $1,095,000 school building pro- gram for Unit 7, which was turned down in 1954 was voted upon again in November, 1955. A new school addition north of the gym was built in 1958.
The memorable ice storm hit January 20, 1959, when 11/2 inches of rain fell at 28-degree temperature. It was the worst storm since Feb- ruary 1909. The electric power failure began Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. and power was returned for only 2 hours on Thursday. Friday found Philo still without electricity and a great many of the residents had "camped in" with their friends and neighbors who were fortunate enough to have a gas cooking stove and a fireplace or handfired coal furnace for heat. Most of these guests
brought their hosts quantities of perishables which were beginning to thaw from their non- operating electric freezers. It was reported by some that they "never ate so good in all our lives." Meats were better to be cooked and shared with neighbors than thawed, spoiled, and wasted. In some homes the gas stoves were busy in shifts as different ladies cooked their soup or chili and took it to their family at home. The ice was so thick on the oiled roads one could skate on it. Since the gas pumps at the service stations were not operating some people were handi- capped in driving even to obtain water for their home use. There was much damage to the trees for the weight of the ice on the limbs caused them to snap just as the power lines had. It took about three weeks for the clean-up crew to clear away all the brush and damage caused by the storm.
Philo Girl Scouts
For some 20 years, the Girl Scouts of America has played an important role for many Philo girls. The Philo Junior Women's Club has spon- sored a troop for the last 13 years.
Some of the projects of the Philo troops have been: tree planting in Hale Park and Hazen
Ice Storm - January 1967
In February, 1966, fire destroyed Philo's first grade school, constructed in 1864.
In August 1962, the new Philo Post Office was dedicated and Howard H. Mumm was postmas- ter.
Twenty-two cars of a 112 freight, piled up, as a result of a broken wheel. One freight car tore a hole in the side of the new concrete elevator.
Part of Main Street was resurfaced.
Mrs. Alda Rice completed the Civil Defense Survey.
In 1963 due to the shortage of boxcars ob- tainable for the Philo elevator to ship grain out at harvest time, approximately 50,000 bushels of corn was unloaded onto plastic sheets and covered with plastic until they were able to ship it out. Many of the farmers were upset by this emergency type of storage but to their great relief all their grain was able to be accepted by the elevator when they harvested it. Less than 25 bushels was lost in the process.
Toll-free area service went into effect Decem- ber 6, 1964 for many communities in East Cen- tral telephone area.
March 1965 rated as the 4th coldest March since local records began in 1888. Records of snowfall, low temperatures and high winds were set.
In April 1966 Gernon Roberts moved into his new garage and filling station in the northwest part of Philo.
In January of 1967, the Fertilizer Dealer Sup- ply, Inc., with John Grady, owner, opened for business in the old Lumber Yard Office building, formerly used by Hazen & Franks.
Philo and surrounding areas had the worst ice storm in 58 years, in January 1967.
On May 13, 1968 Army Staff Sgt. Harold A. Stone gave his life for his country. A member of the Green Beret "A" team, a mess steward, he
was in charge of feeding troops stationed at out- post positions, this "hill" was bombed. On Christmas, troops at that isolated outpost were treated to turkey and all the trimmings.
The Booster Club was first started to boost the Philo Basketball Team.
On May 5th, 1969, the "Iron Horse" thrilled crowds from towns and countryside watchers, all along the Norfolk and Western tracks in East Central Illinois, as a huge steam locomotive, No. 759, pulling a 13-car train was headed for Pro- montory Point, Utah. This huge locomotive, with churning steel bars pushing at 6 ft. tall wheels, billowing smoke, cinders flying, whistle blowing. made its appearance with splendor and dignity. On May 10th, this steam-driven train would reach its destination, to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike, which first linked the coasts of America with iron rails, on May 10th, 1869. The colorful blue coaches marked "American Railroads", its passengers wearing clown noses and faces, seemed a treat for the fleeting glance one got as the train hurried on its way. It was a thrill that will live long in the memory of young and old.
The Senior Citizens of Philo was organized by Mrs. Marlene Evans and Mrs. Doris Glidden in 1970.
The Wabash now has no more passenger serv- ice. The "Cannon Ball" ceremonial last run was April 29, 1971. Train service, passengers, had been on a special arrangement with Tolono, for some time.
A modular room has been added to the Philo Grade School.
The Philo Booster Newspaper, first established in 1963, first listed in 1965, is published and edited by Jeffery Holmes of Villa Grove. Philo's population in 1972 was 1022.
The Southern Champaign County Today is now in circulation in Philo with the rate being $5.00 a year.
In August of 1972 John Grady moved into a new building, in the northwest part of Philo. With a larger facility, he was able to distribute fertilizer equipment to states of Illinois, Indiana and the Midwest. Fourteen people are employed by the company.
On October 15, 1973, Irene's Holiday House Ltd., a ceramic building, was opened for busi- ness. A retail and wholesale ceramic studio, teaching and producing what it sells.
The Philo Booster Club has reorganized and is beneficial to many clubs in Philo.
During these many years, several of our be- loved citizens have celebrated 100th birthdays.
Among them are Miss Grace Hazen, Mrs. Elva Trost, and Mr. Alvah Bocoek.
Philo will be 100 years old on July 13th, 1975. The Centennial Celebration will be held the week of July 13th-19th.
To whom it may concern:
We are proud of our little village and look forward to the Centennial Celebration
Philo Senior Citizens
The Senior Citizens of Philo have found a way to pursue common interests during recent years. The organization began in December of 1970 after the Presbyterian Church Session deter- mined that the community Senior Citizens were in need of an organization. The Senior Citizens club was designed to serve all senior citizens of the community. Coordinators of the group were Doris Glidden and Marlene Evans. The first planning committee also included Hazel Mumm, Matilda Plotner and Amelia Etter. In September of 1971 the first board was elected to serve for a one-year term. Members of that board were Na- than and Alda Rice, Floy Taylor and Matilda Plotner. The club meets once or twice a month. Activities have included potluck dinners with programs on dolls, travelogues, movies, sing- alongs, card games, Christmas plays, "The Country Gentleman" hat contest, magic show and a hobby show. Many people of the com- munity have provided musical selections with the school children performing on several occasions. Educational programs have been on Social Se- curity, Medicare, arthritis, Champaign County history, Telecare, Office on Aging and fraud of senior citizens. Tours have been taken locally to the Philo schools, locksmith, Eisner bakery, The Anderson's, Champaign County Nursing Home, WILL-TV. County Fair, Krannert Center, Philo Booster office, and Sangamon Valley Railway. Out of town tours were taken to Rockome, Bache Memorial Chapel, Arthur, Covered Bridge Fes- tival, Sullivan Little Theater, Allerton Park, Lake of the Woods Museum and Chanute AFB. A total of 58 people have participated in the group's activities.
The History of the Philo Township Library
The possibility of a library for Philo was dis- eussed during the summer of 1961 by the pro-
Hale Park
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gram committee of the Philo Women's Club: comments being favorable, it was decided to propose this at the September meeting. Conse- quently at this meeting after much discussion, pro and con, it was voted unanimously by all the members present to initiate the proper proceed- ings for establishing a Philo Township Library. The president, Mrs. Nathan L. Rice, then ap- pointed a committee for this purpose consisting of Mrs. Raymond Stearns, Mrs. Narbey Khacha- turian and one officio member, Mrs. Rice.
At the October meeting this committee re- ported that the empty building next to the post office belonging to Richard Franks was available for fifteen dollars ($15) a month rent; also, a state library service would lend us 350 books for three months without charge, except postage back, and with the option of a three months' re- newal.
We were now ready for donations! Many gifts of used books were offered and accepted. At first, we were not at all discriminating but later on as attics and storerooms were being emptied, we had to be more selective. The first donation came from Mrs. Thomas Shedd, Urbana - 250 excellent, outstanding books.
The Philo Booster's Club came up with 150 feet of metal shelving which Dr. A.D. Smith, Mark McCloskey and Chet Klockenbrink in- stalled for us; Leonard Thinnes had an old oil stove; the Philo Exchange Bank offered Lyman Hazen's now unused library table and chair for our first desk; Ally O'Neill's Tavern had two round tables which would do for reading tables; the eight best straight chairs were secured from the town hall and two "showcases" from Doc Fehrenbacher's IGA comprised our "furniture". To add "class" to our new set-up we had three pictures of great historical interest acquired from Roy Walters in the Mahomet area and a very fine new picture, given by Lyle Franks, of a Red- wood Tree depicting the history of man in the life of one long-lived tree.
The first four months of rent were donated by Miss Katharine Rice, Richard Franks, Mr. Bunche (father of Mrs. Stearns) and Mrs. Nathan Rice.
With much fanfare on January 27, 1962, we were ready for business. One hundred and six- teen "patrons" came in to view our facilities and register for cards. This registration increased to 345 in a few weeks.
By June of the same year we had already out- grown our facilities and at the June meeting the Philo Women's Club voted to extend our small quarters, with the consent of the owner of the building, by taking out a petition at a cost of
$338.00 with the library paying half and the owner half of the costs with the rent being raised to $25.00. Also, a new gas stove was to be fur- nished by the owner.
By November 1962, the library project was so successful and the expenses becoming so burden- some for our small Women's Club - supported entirely by bazaars, style shows, bake sales and by private donations - that it was decided to have a special election voting whether or not to have a tax-supported library governed by six elected directors who would serve without pay. The directors selected as the first governing body were Mrs. Ruth Madigan, Mrs. Raymond Stearns, Mrs. Nathan L. Rice. Dr. Franz Hohn, Miss Thelma Melohn and Mr. Leonard Thinnes. The election carried overwhelmingly! At the first official meeting of the new Board of Directors of The Philo Township Library Mrs. Raymond Stearns was elected president; Mr. Leonard Thinnes, vice-president; Miss Thelma Melohn, secretary, and Dr. Hohn as treasurer.
The first budget totaled $1500 and was pre- sented to the town meeting in April, 1963. This was granted but was raised to $2000. But, of course, the library had to be supported the next year on tax warrants as the tax grant had not been collected. The first item of expenditure was $850.00 for much-needed new books, mainly for the children. The library was still staffed by volunteers who were slowly learning to "run" a library. Many small items were still being do- nated - curtains, shelving, memorial books, big Catholic and Protestant Bibles by the Fehren- bachers, encyclopedia sets, janitor service, etc.
The library grew and grew until by April, 1966, the records listed 5405 books, and 375 paperbacks; by this time we were able to discard many completely outdated and worn-out books. Circulation report for this year showed 5983 books checked out.
In April, 1966, it was realized by the Board that professional help was essential to run the library; the long list of volunteers had dwindled to only a few and the library should be kept open more hours in the week; 15 hours is the mini- mum. Also, more money should be allocated for book purchase; consequently a bigger budget!
Accordingly, a much increased budget was proposed for the year 1966-67 as follows:
Salary for librarian
$2500.00
For purchase of new books
400.00
For purchase of equipment
600.00
For rent
500.00
For fuel & electricity
150.00
For janitor
50.00
For insurance
For supplies
200.00
For contingencies
200.00
6450.00
an increase of $4350.00
The action of the town board was favorable and the request granted.
Consequently, the board proceeded to hire Mrs. Lothar Pietz as head librarian. She had just graduated from Library School and we felt lucky to get her at such a minimum salary. The library was opened every afternoon from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Virginia Creasey and Alda Rice were the new as- sistants without salary. The library was exten- sively remodeled that summer at the expense of the owner. The rent was raised to $50.00 a month.
In February 1967 it was decided to become a part of the Lincoln Trails System No. 16. We were the first to join after the Champaign Li- brary and consequently our board president, Mrs. Stearns, was on the first committee to set up the bylaws and regulations of the new organi- zation. $125,000 came from the state to finance the new system. The services of the new system are very beneficial to our small library.
During the past ten years there have been many changes in the library. First was the move across the street to Gerald Fehrenbacher's build- ing. Mrs. Pietz was replaced by Virginia Creasey who had had some library training in college. Next, Mrs. June Highsmith, with her masters in library science, replaced Mrs. Creasey and Ruth Madigan became her assistant. No longer do we have volunteers and unpaid workers in the library.
The Philo Library now has a registry of 725 patrons and the 1975 circulation was 10,582. The library also has 127 records, 55 magazine sub- scriptions, a vertical file, an excellent reference library which includes World Book, Compton's Pictured Encyclopedia and a new set of Britan- nica. Each summer the two librarians conduct a six weeks reading program of stories, films and puppet shows for pre-school children up to sixth grade.
Talking books are available and books with large print are provided for the visually handi-
capped. Films can be selected on any subject from a large collection owned by the Lincoln Trails System along with a projector. Philo Li- brary has its own projector. Paintings and pic- tures can be requested from the System's large collection.
Through the inter-library loan facilities of Lincoln Trails the entire resources of all the pub- lie libraries in the System are available to Philo patrons.
The present officers and directors of the Philo Township Library are Dr. James Evans, Dr. Richard Bishop, Miss Thelma Melohn, Mrs. Anita Althans, Mrs. Lelah Wimmer and Mrs. Esther Clennon. Dr. Evans is president in 1975, Mrs. Althaus is vice-president. Miss Melohn is treasurer and Dr. Bishop is secretary.
Alice Chapel
Alice Chapel, built around 1882, and named for Mrs. Alice Babb Helm, was built directly across the road south of Lynn Grove Cemetery, one of the highest spots of Champaign County. The acre of ground on which it stood was given by Isaac Cole to the Illinois Conference as long as it was used for church purposes. Alice Chapel
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was built by subscription and served by the Philo Methodist Episcopal resident pastor.
The membership was small but generous aid was given from all the surrounding countryside. Some of the Sunday School superintendents were Mrs. George Stuart, Mrs. Edith Raymond, Lemuel Porterfield, and Jay Churchill.
Revivals during the winter, Sunday School Conventions in the summer, Children's Day pro- grams, Christmas entertainments, oyster suppers, ice cream and strawberry festivals, and pie and box suppers contributed to the country social and religious life.
As interest flagged in "the little white church on the hill", except for an occasional funeral with burial in the Lynn Grove Cemetery, the chapel was sold to Dr. Lawson of Sidney for the lumber he could get out of it.
From memories of Mrs. Wm. Hanson News-Gazette, January 25, 1942
St. Thomas Parish, Philo
Founded: 1869
Pioneer Catholic settlers came to the Philo and Bongard areas about 1858. Priests from Tolono who attended these people were Fathers A.J. Wagner, 1869 to 1888; Jeremiah F. Donavan, May to November, 1888; Thomas Devaney, 1888 to 1890; Joseph Lizie, April and May, 1890; and Thomas K. McKinnery, 1890 to 1898.
For thirty years Bongard Parish had a larger congregation than Philo, and it is older than Philo. Father Wagner built the first church at
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