Acid Rain and Water Quality in This Decade, Many People Have Spoken out About Pollution and the Environment

MEANDERINGS '91 FEB 0 3 1S92 ¡fin i c> t * Central Edition ILLINOIS DOCUMENTS A collection of writings by high school students whose teachers and schools participated in the Illinois Rivers Project from September, 1990-June, 1991.

Funded by: Illinois State Board of Education Scientific Literacy Grant Program Awarded to: Brussels Community Unit School District M2 Directed by: Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Printed and distributed by: Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources Production costs: Illinois Bell

Editors: Kim Niemietz Cindy Bidlack Layout Design: Cindy Bidlack Michele Alilconis Cover Design: Stephanie Woeller German Exchange Student Alton High School Steamboat Design: Jason Watson, student Cairo High School

ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY

Educational Support Organizations: Principia College Mercantile Library U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Illinois Department of Conservation Illinois State Museum Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Illinois Bell Soil and Water Conservation Society U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Participating Schools: Northern Area Central Area Southern Area Galena High School Dallas City High School Metro East Lutheran H.S. River Ridge High School Hancock Central H.S. Highland High School Savanna High School Quincy High School ESTL Upward Bound Thomson High School Seymour High School Cahokia High School Fulton High School Barry High School Althoff High School Riverdale High School Pittsfield High School Dupo High School United Twp. - East Moline Pleasant Hill High School Gibault High School Moline High School Calhoun High School ValmeyerHigh School Sherrard High School Brussels High School Red Bud High School Aledo High School Jersey Community H.S. Chester High School Westmer High School Marquette High School Meridian High School Alton High School Cairo High School

2 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Foreword Meanderings *91 is the culmination of a year's efforts by the students, teachers, and staff of the Illinois Rivers Project. Due to the phenomenal growth of the Project and its commitment to recognize as many students as possible, this year's publication has expanded to four regional editions: Northern, Central, and Southern Editions for the Illinois high schools and the Midwestern Edition for the participating schools in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Meandering '91 is a collection of student writings focused on life on or near their rivers. Students researched and collected scientific and historical data, studied authors and their works associated with rivers, conducted personal interviews with local businessmen and long-time residents of their communities, and spent time in simple contemplation of what the river meant to them and those who lived before them. The results of these efforts are contained within these pages. Some writings are factual, others are creative. They have captured some of the rapidly disappearing culture and history that is the essence of river life. You will read the pride they have in their river, the seeds of ownership that can grow only as their knowledge and understanding of their environment increases. Through this research and observation, students have become aware of the river's role in history and have begun to question whether it can survive without intervention. The achievement of that type of awareness is only one of the goals of the Project, but it may be the most important. Change occurs only when one is convinced of the need, and the problems in the world's environment can be solved only by changes in the behavior of its inhabitants. This publication is just one product of the students' research. Water quality testing was conducted throughout the year, with each school collecting at least four samples. These results were posted on the Project's telecommunication network, SOILED NET, which is based at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. The First Annual Illinois Rivers Project Student Congress was held in Quincy, Illinois in April, 1991. Approximately 250 students from 30 high schools participated in the Congress, presenting the results of the year's study to their peers. Some of the presentations were captured in written form for this publication. The Illinois Rivers Project has been successful because of the hard work of both teachers and students but has also had much assistance from other sources. The Project began in February, 1990 as a result of funding from the Illinois State Board of Education Scientific Literacy Program. Eight schools participated in the pilot phase of the Project; twenty-seven schools were trained in August, 1990 and joined the network of "River Watchers." The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provided funding for the training of 13 schools in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to form the Midwestern River Project in January, 1991. Twenty-four additional schools joined the River Watcher network in April, 1991 as a result of a grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education's Dwight D. Eisenhower Title II Program (seventy-two high schools and several thousand students are now active "River Watchers"). Contributions from the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources and Illinois Bell have made possible the printing of Meanderings '91. Work is currently under way to formalize the Project's curriculum and make it accessible to any interested river school. Read, learn, and enjoy the rivers through the eyes of our youth!

Robert A. Williams, Ph.D. Kim M. Niemietz Project Director Project Coordinator

Mississi River

Brussels

* North ♦ Central © South

1. RIPRAP 6 A COLLECTION OF SCIENCE ARTICLES. 2. DRIFTWOOD 42 A COLLECTION OF NATURAL HISTORY OF THE RIVER AREA 3. MAINSTREAMS 74 A COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL ARTICLES. 4. ISLANDS 115 A SERIES OF PERSONAL INTERVIEWS AND EXPERIENCES. 5. WATERWAYS 148 A COLLECTION OF ARTICLES ON UFE AND OCCUPATIONS ON THE RIVERS. 6. EDDIES AND WHIRLPOOLS 163 A COLLECTION OF POETRY AND SONGS. 7. DEEP WATER 203 A COLLECTION OF CREATIVE WRITINGS.

8. FLOTSAM 218 A COLLECTION OF RIVER RECIPES AND REMEDIES.

RIPRAP

A COLLECTION OF SCIENCE ARTICLES

"The Mississippi was the omriest, the worst-behaving river in the world; it was winding and twisting, making figure eights. You'd meet yourself coming back. It would run straight, turn somersaults, run downhill and then turn around and run uphill. For no reason at all, when you were floating logs down it, it would straighten out and become a mile wide and an inch deep and then when the men on the rafts would become accustomed to that it would suddenly turn over on its back and become an inch wide and a mile deep." from North Star Country by Meridel LeSueur

6 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Water Pollution in the United States: It's a Dirty Story, But Someone Has To Tell It There is no question that water pollution is one of our country's major problems. Unlike ozone layer depletion and the greenhouse effect, water pollution is a problem now, not an issue predicted to cause problems in the future. The problem of water pollution has produced much discussion on how to clear it up. Everyone from government experts to laymen has postulated and advised on the subject extensively. Unfortunately, all this discussion is just talk. Little has been done to actually solve the problem. In order to solve this problem effectively, it is necessary to examine the major sources of water pollution in our country and the steps already taken to control it. David Zwick and Mary Benstock place water pollutants into five categories. 1. organic wastes, which come from agriculture and industry 2. biological nutrients, which come from detergents and human waste 3. disease bearing organisms, which come from agricultural and domestic sources 4. temperature increases, which come from industrial pollutants 5. synthetic chemicals, which come from plastics, pesticides, and so forth (4). There are certainly many different sources of water pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to narrow the list of pollutants down to the major sources. Rapid construction usually prevents public sewer systems from keeping up (Zwick 107). The answer for this problem is septic tanks. Septic tanks hold sewage and release it into the water at a controlled rate. Septic tanks release sewage into the ground to be absorbed into the earth during "natural filtration process” (Zwick 107). The danger of water contamination from septic tanks naturally rises when the tanks are located close to the water source. According to Royal Riley, there are an estimated 16.6 million septic tanks and cesspools operating in the United States (Merit Student Encyclopedia 336). When septic tanks and cesspools first came into use, seepage occurred because they were often poorly placed. These underground sewage systems, which rid cities of waste, often pollute rivers, lakes, streams, and other water sources. It is estimated that about 18% of all U.S. communities fail to treat their waste before dumping them. Septic tanks annually discharge over one trillion gallons of liquid waste, making them the largest contributor to groundwater pollution. The second largest source of groundwater contamination is injection wells. There are over 261,000 underground injection wells in use in America. Injection wells are used to hold a wide range of chemical waste. Chemical wastes are dumped into injection wells, deep natural underground storage tanks. There are three types of wells: 1. hazardous wells-containing toxic chemicals 2. non-hazardous wells-containing human and agricultural waste 3. non-waste wells—used for oil drilling, mining, and so forth The use of injection wells grew as the government began to regulate waste discharge into the air and water. Incorrect drilling or discharge rates cause water pollution problems. A shifting of the earth's layers could also release contaminants into our groundwater.

7 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Landfills are another major source of water pollution. In the U.S. there are an estimated 15,000 active municipal landfills in addition to the 24,000-36,000 landfills not in use. Also, there are an estimated 1500 hazardous waste landfills in this country. Of the active landfills in the country, an estimated 43 have artificial liners, and only 12% have underground wells to detect groundwater contamination. In the past, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers not only licensed private landfills but actually did the construction itself (Zwick 110). More than 600 million pounds of pesticides and herbicides, another major pollution source, were used in the 1970s, and the amount has steadily increased. Farmers also used more than 54 million tons of fertilizer in 1980 alone. Fertilizers are a source of nitrates, which can harm the drinking water supply and speed up eutrophication - the decay of algae which consumes large quantities of oxygen. DDT, one type of pesticide which may cause cancer or genetic damage, is now thought to be in the tissues of all American children at birth (Zwick 15). DDT can enter water sources from agricultural runoff or from industrial dumping. According to David Zwick, "pesticide residues are now found in nearly every animal and fish in the world - even in Antarctica ..." (22). Underground storage tanks constitute yet another major contributor to water pollution. There are an estimated 1.4 - 2.5 million underground storage tanks in the United States. Of these, the EPA estimates that 100,000-424,000 tanks may be leaking a total of 11 million gallons of gasoline. This is a sobering fact considering the fact that one gallon of gas can ruin 750,000 gallons of water. In addition, in 1984 the EPA estimated that about 75% of all the nation's storage tanks would be leaking by the year 1989. In other words, more than three-fourths of the nation's underground storage tanks have been leaking gasoline for a full two years. Pesticides and underground storage tanks are both non-point pollution sources, which are very difficult to detect and control because they don't enter the water from just one source. Local wastes also pollute water supplies. Local wastes include those wastes found in household products. Although most local wastes are disposed of in landfills, some are disposed of "in gutters, sewers, storm drains, and backyard burning pits" (McCuen 178). Local wastes include products such as detergents. The United States consumes more than 6 billion pounds of soap and detergent annually. Soap is harmless and biodegradable. However, detergents contain phosphates, special additives which enhance the detergent's cleaning power. Since sewage treatment plants remove only approximately one-fifth of the phosphates in detergents, most end up in the water supply (Zwick 70). Although the government has identified the sources of pollution, it has had a difficult time finding a solution to the problem. Congress has tried many legislative attempts to control water pollution, such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. The government has also used court cases as a means of enforcing the law. However, this task of controlling water pollution has been anything but easy for the government.

8 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The history of the Safe Drinking Water Act is a long and drawn out process that began in New Orleans, the home of the Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, the Super Dome, and some really rank drinking water. Residents of New Orleans were accustomed to drinking water that had a strange oily feel on the tongue. Sometimes it was yellowish. Sometimes it smelled. But, after all, New Orleans is at the mouth of the nation's largest sewer pipe, the Mississippi. Residents played the games of guessing where the source of today's water befoulment was. A leaky barge in Cairo? Sewage overflow in St. Charles? But scientists didn't have to guess what was making the water so bad. Back in 1972, the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration looked in to the Crecent City's drinking water and identified 46 organic compounds. Incredibly, they said these compounds represented only two percent of the total chemical mass in the water. Based on this report, the EPA announced that the city's water was dangerous, especially to the very young and old, and to the ill. The report was received with yawns and ho- hums from everyone except other environmentalists, who became worried about the quality of drinking water, not only in New Orleans, but all over the country. At the same time the report was getting rave ho-hums, a bill called the Safe Drinking Water Act was lost in Congress. It had been shuffled about for more than two years, and it would be yet another two years before it would see the light of day. Then, in 1974, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a Washington-based environmental group, released a study that showed a correlation between cancer and the drinking water in New Orleans. The EDF examined the average cancer mortality rates of all the counties in Louisiana from 1950 to 1969. After taking into account the many variables generally associated with human cancer, the EDF found that white males who were drinking water from the Mississippi River were considerably more likely to die of cancer than those who used groundwater, which was less polluted than river water. The next day, the EPA published a survey that showed there were numerous chemicals, some of them carcinogens, present in the New Orleans water supply. When the news reached the capitol, Congress was appalled. In just a little more than a month, they found the lost Safe Drinking Water Act and passed it into law. At the time of its passage, Congress mandated the EPA to find out exactly what was in the nation's drinking water and to set limits for the harmful elements. Moreover, Congress asked the EPA to enforce those limits in waterworks throughout the country. Another pollution control act, the Clean Water Act, was passed in 1972. The Clean Water Act states some specific goals for meeting the act's objective: (1) "the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters be eliminated by 1985, and (2) an interim goal of water quality that provides for recreation in and on the water be achieved by July 1,1983" (McCuen 36). The law also requires states to compare water quality standards to those limits set by the EPA. The Clean Water Act also provided for an enforcement system. Point source polluters, such as industries dumping waste, must get a permit that specifies the "maximum allowable amounts and constituents of the effluent..." (McCuen 37).

9 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville One court case that deals with water pollution concerns the endless war of the environmentalists against Industry. On June 15,1973, the federal government warned parents in Duluth, Minnesota not to allow their children to drink the water. The Environmental Protection Agency had found the supply full of asbestos fibers and feared that those who drank it would risk getting gastrointestinal cancer. The EPA said the asbestos fibers probably came from the waste dumped by the Reserve Mining Company, 60 miles away in Silver Bay, Minnesota. This company daily dumped 67,000 tons of taconite trailings into Lake Superior, which supplies drinking water to Duluth and other lakeside towns. In 1967 the state of Minnesota tried to get Reserve to stop using the lake as a dump, but it was not until February 7,1972 that the United States Justice Department filed suit against Reserve. The ensuing trial between the U.S. and Reserve weighed the economic impact of closing down the 3200 employee company against the possible danger to 150,000 drinkers of asbestos polluted water. By May 1976, the case of the United States of America vs. the Reserve Mining Company had entered into its third phase. Federal District Chief Judge Edward J. Devitt fined Reserve one million dollars for violating the state water discharge permits from May 20,1973, to April 20, 1974. The company was still under orders to find a dump site that met with the state's approval. In July of 1976, the negotiations between the mining company and the state had fallen apart. The two parties were at an impasse. Judge Devitt, hoping to press them into some sort of agreement, ordered the company to phase out dumping into the lake within one year, by July 7, 1977. In April, 1977, Reserve's proposed dump site was accepted by a weary state. The court gave Reserve three years to switch its dumping operation from the lake to a new site. From the time the EPA first suspected the Reserve was responsible for the asbestos in Duluth's drinking water, 1967, until the company was supposed to cease dumping in Lake Superior, 12 years had elapsed. In the meantime, residents drank water the city imported from other towns and ultimately installed filters to remove the fibers from Lake Superior water. Only time will reveal the health damage suffered by the citizens of Duluth. Water pollution is a problem that affects all Americans. Septic tanks, injection wells, landfills, pesticides, underground storage tanks, and local wastes are just some of the many pollutants contaminating our water. Although it is not a relatively new problem, only recently have steps been taken to control it. Indeed, the government has certainly tried to do its part in controlling water pollution with legislative acts such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, its efforts are only a fraction of what needs to be done in order to curb water pollution. Only when the government makes the control of water pollution a high priority will the necessary steps be taken to accomplish this goal.

10 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville by Manjula Kurella, Aaron Sumner, and Jennifer Witt Jerseyville High School Works Cited Jorgenson, Eric P. The Poisonous Well: New Strategies for Groundwater Protection. McCuen, Gary E. Protecting Water Quality. Tebbitt, T.H.Y. Principles of Water Quality Control. Academic American Encyclopedia. 1988 ed. "Water Pollution.” Encyclopedia America. 1939 ed. Merit Students Encyclopedia. 1980 ed. New Encyclopedia of Science. 1985 ed. Zwick, David., and Mary Benstock. Water Wasteland.

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©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Water Pollution as a Result of Sewage There once was a time, long ago, when the entire water supply of the Earth was clear and pure, as it was meant to be. But as time passed and more and more new and unique organisms appeared on the planet, the water lost that purity, and now many aquatic reservoirs are becoming too dangerous for even body contact. What has caused this turn of events? It has been a combination of many things, but the main cause has been the existence of humans on Earth. Other organisms, which came before humans, caused water pollution, but there is no evidence that shows that the pollution was a problem before the humans. The size of human beings and the enormous population of humans has contributed to the pollution problem greatly, not to mention the intelligence of the race which has advanced the world's technology. It has also created new types of pollution. Examples of this include the industrial wastes of the factories, the agricultural wastes from the farms, and acid mine drainage from the coal mines. Even with all these pollutants, the main source of water pollution will always be from human sewage. It has to go somewhere. Before the invention of sewer systems, waste water would just lie among the people, causing terrible odor and harmful disease. Now, there are systems to dispose of the sewage, but as is usually the case, something that helps humans, hurts something else. In this case, the victim is the water supply. One of the earliest of these sewage systems was in Rome before 500 B.C. It used surface drains to move the water to the Tiber River. By 200 A.D., the entire Roman system was vaulted. By the 1400's there weren't many developments in the field of waste drainage. This may have been a major cause of the Black Plague. By the mid 1800's the Thames River in England was polluted so badly that sheets soaked in disinfectant hung from the windows of the House of Parliament to protect the members from disease and the stench of the river. Still, England didn't make a concerted effort to clean up the river until 1951. This type of delay in action by government officials is no longer accepted. And recent action to clean-up the water has been successful. An amazing example of this is the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio. As late as 1969, the river was so polluted that it caught fire. But through successful clean up projects, the river is now a place for people seeking recreation and for fish seeking food. What does sewage do to water that is so dangerous? The feces of humans and other warm-blooded animals contain fecal coliform bacteria. These fecal coliform bacteria are not pathogenic (disease-causing), but there is a direct proportion between fecal coliform bacteria and the probability of pathogenic organisms; that is, the greater number of fecal coliform there are in the water, the greater is the chance that disease-causing organisms will be in the water.

13 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Fecal coliform bacteria are measured in number of colonies per 100 millimeters of water. Partial body contact, such as boating, should only be made if the fecal coliform level is less than 1000 colonies/100 ml of water. Total body contact would include swimming and bathing. Most important among these bacteria levels is the safe level for drinking water. That level is one colony/100 ml of water. After seeing results of tested water, I am amazed that the water purification systems can get the levels down that low. People may wonder what they can do to help control this problem. Individual citizens probably can’t make a difference. Changes can't be made except through the governmental process. And it is hard for the government to just redesign a sewer system in a major city. I think we are just going to have to live with the fact that sewage is going to be deposited in the water supply. All we can do is try to compress and clean the sewage as much as possible before it goes into the water and then try to keep it as far away from land as possible. This is what officials in the city of New York were forced to do in the early 1980's. For years, New York took all of its sewage and refined it into black sludge. They then dumped this sludge twelve miles off the coast just outside New York Bay, near the Statue of Liberty. Around 1974, the black sludge began washing up on the shore of Long Island. It had worked its way in from the twelve mile out dumping site. This is where the Environmental Protection Agency stepped in. The EPA announced in 1976 that the 12-Mile Site would be closed at the end of 1981. The city could not find a different means of disposal, so the EPA proposed a site in the ocean, 106 miles off the coast. This site took effect in 1987. I don't know if this effort helped clean the water, but in a taste test which included thirty-eight different types of water, including Perrier and other mineral and spring waters and was published by Consumer Reports, the winner was the water of good old New York City. Time will pass and more and more sewage will be dumped. Will the water keep getting progressively worse? It could, but if citizens keep their governmental representatives aware of the problem, hopefully programs will be put in place to better the situation. So, think about all this information next time you drink a glass of water. And next time you're thinking about taking a swim in some lake or river, think about it. You may reconsider. by Brian Anderson Jerseyville High School

14 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Groundwater: A Precious Resource Groundwater is a precious resource in the United States. Nearly ninety-six percent of all available fresh water in the United States is groundwater. Nearly one-half of the population of the country, and ninety percent of all rural areas, depend on groundwater for their mere existence. In the United States, nearly thirty-three percent of all groundwater is used for irrigation, and fourteen percent is used by industries. We all rely on groundwater to be clean and pure from all harmful contaminants, but many people face the problem of groundwater contamination. Groundwater is the water that occurs below the surface of the earth, where it occupies the void spaces of the geological layers. Sometimes it is referred to as sub surface water to distinguish it from surface water. Water then accumulates above the impervious layer, completely filling all the cracks, pores, and spaces. Groundwater has traditionally been divided into two zones; the zone of aeration and the zone of saturation. The zone of aeration is the void spaces underground filled with water and air. The zone of saturation has the void spaces in the rock layers filled with water. The depth to which it is necessary to go to find saturated ground is known as the depth of the water table. The upper surface of the water table is the groundwater. Water tables in the lowlands are maintained by water seeping into the ground in the hills and mountains. Still other quantities of groundwater may remain for long periods in underground storage, until tapped by wells. In many instances, groundwater is preferred over other water sources, for a number of reasons. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, groundwater is preferred over surface water for several reasons: 1. Groundwater is commonly freed of pathogenic organisms, and purification for domestic or industrial use is not necessary; 2. Its temperature is nearly constant, which is advantageous if the water is used for heat exchange; 3. It is generally free of turbidity and colour; 4. Its chemical composition is usually constant; 5. Groundwater supplies are not seriously affected by short droughts; 6. Most of the groundwater has not been affected by radioactive chemical, and biological contamination; 7. It is available in many areas that do not have dependable surface water supplies because the groundwater has been stored by nature through many years of recharge. (433-434) Groundwater contamination is a national problem. The sources of groundwater contamination are everywhere. To begin to understand the nature of the problems caused by contamination, it is necessary to review the hydrologic cycle. The hydrological cycle is also known as the water cycle. Groundwater and surface water are related through the hydrological cycle. The hydrological cycle is the path traveled by

15 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville the waters of the earth, in which they are interdependent. In this cycle, water moves from the ocean to the atmosphere to the land and back to the oceans. The ocean is the source of most of the rain that falls on the land. Air masses lying low over the seas pick up large quantities of water through evaporation. When they move inward over the continents, much of this water falls out as precipitation. When water first reaches the ground in the form of rain, snow, sleet, hail, or surface condensation, it becomes useful to man. Falling on areas covered with natural vegetation it provides the soil with water from which forests and range grasses must grow. Combined with vegetation it provides timber or forage for the livestock or the wildlife. The excess, running off the surface or sinking in the ground reappears in the springs or as base flow instreams. In addition, it provides drinking water for livestock and game and habitats for fish and aquatic life. Meanwhile much is returned to the air by evaporation from vegetation, soil, streams, lakes, or rivers, and by transpiration from the vegetation of the area. Then it is returned once more to the ground by precipitation in other areasT At the same time, another portion has gone deep into the ground and has moved downhill slowly through aquifers, which are underground strata porous rock or sediments not yet consolidated into rock. This groundwater may later reappear as base flow into streams, lakes, or ponds, maintaining the flow or level of these bodies of water during the dry season when surface runoff is no longer available. Groundwater may also travel further to lie under the valleys, perhaps to keep their soils saturated and give rise to a meadow of a marsh or perhaps to lie deeper and provide soil water in the dry seasons or feed the deeper - rooted plants. Even though water supplies are limited, humans are further reducing usable supplies by pollution. Any material placed on or in the soil may leach into and pollute groundwater. For example, many wells in the Midwest are now contaminated with toxic nitrogen compounds which come from fertilizer used on surrounding agricultural fields. Leaching from municipal landfills has contaminated groundwater in many cases. Similarly, chemical wastes from industry are frequently disposed of in landfills or deep wells without taking proper precautions. Consequently, cases of groundwater being polluted with leached chemicals are becoming more and more numerous. Further pollution may occur through mining activities. Surface mining disturbs massive amounts of earth in the process of removing the desired material. In such mine spoils, tremendous amounts of new rock surface are exposed to water draining and hence leaching is increased enormously. There are many harmful substances that can cause groundwater contamination. The most dangerous contaminants are due to landfills. Landfills were originally designed to reduce the air pollution and to hide the unsightly trash that accompanied open dumping and burning sites. Landfills became the disposal method for every conceivable type of waste. Unfortunately, landfills were not the problem-free solution that was sought to be found. Landfills caused contamination because it could not offer a perpetual impermeable barrier to the toxic substance that they contained. The toxic

16 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville substances percolate in the soil and in only a small matter of time, the groundwater is contaminated by the seepage of the toxins. Any landfill, whether it is an old hole in the ground or if it is state of the art, is extremely vulnerable to problems that can cause irreversible groundwater contamination. In a recent survey, the EPA stated that forty-one states suffered groundwater contamination from faulty underground storage tanks. These tanks are owned by a variety of people and contain many different toxins. Groundwater contaminations are most frequently caused by leakage of the stored materials due to internal or external corrosion. The susceptibility of underground storage tanks to leakage, combined with the widespread use means that every community that relies on groundwater needs to be aware of this potential hazard. A few agriculture practices that create contamination hazards are pesticides and fertilizers. The contamination that imposes the most health risks are due to inadequate septic systems. Serious septic system failures are usually quite evident because wastes will surface and flood the drainage field. Unfortunately, we are unable to see or smell contaminants from the underground system that leach into aquifers. Years may pass before the contamination emanating from poorly designed systems is detected. Human wastes leaching into groundwater commonly contain bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms from human skin and digestive and respiratory tracts that have caused outbreaks of diseases such as acute gastrointestinal illness, hepatitis A, and Typhoid. High levels of nitrates contained in groundwater have been positively linked to methemoglobinemia, or "blue-baby" syndrome. Septage should be disposed of only in approved sites, such as special drying beds or sewage-treatment plants designed to handle highly concentrated waste. Illegal dumping of septage creates a serious health hazard by exposing the public to untreated waste. New legislation is desperately need for this pressing problem. A few of the many needed federal statutes that affect groundwater are the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, (RCRA); the Safe Drinking Water Act, (SDWA); and the Clean Water Act, (CWA). The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act is designed to protect groundwater by regulating the handling and disposal of waste. RCRA creates a system for hazardous waste management. It deals with the point of generation to the ultimate disposal. RCRA establishes federal standards to be followed by generators and transporters of hazardous waste as by facilities that treat, store, or dispose such waste. Another act that effects our precious resource is the Safe Drinking Water Act. It was enacted to ensure safe drinking water supplied by public water systems. The SDWA also has authorization to protect underground sources of drinking water from contamination caused by injection of waste and other substances into underground supplies. The Clean Water Act controls the discharge of pollutants into the nation's lakes, rivers, streams, and other surface waters. Because of the important link between surface and groundwater in many areas, this law can be an effective tool to combat groundwater contamination. In many states, the authority to implement this program

17 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has included groundwater directly in its definition of protected waters. These acts were made by Congress to protect and preserve our groundwater. These acts are only a few of the desperately needed laws to protect our precious resource, our groundwater. Although groundwater is a vital resource, it is not a limitless resource. Further legislation concerning the protection of groundwater against contamination is desperately needed. For example, the General Assembly of the State of Illinois, is presently having studies conducted concerning new legislation for the protection of groundwater. Once a groundwater source has been contaminated it is non-reversible. Therefore, we need to prevent the contamination from occurring, not only as an individual, but also as a whole country. If groundwater pollution is not stopped, we will find ourselves with less and less groundwater available. In the past, people have been allowed to remove all the water needed. Due to this neglect, the earths' groundwater supplies have rapidly diminished. Therefore, we need to be more conscientious concerning the way we use this precious resource. Alternatives to the use of groundwater are desperately needed but severely limited. If all the groundwater is depleted, then more extreme measures must be taken. Such measures include removing icebergs from the Antarctic and placing them off shore of coastal areas. The icebergs would then melt and provide a large quantity of fresh water. Another possible alternative is to develop desalininzation plants. These desalinization plants would provide water to large areas by removing the salt from sea water. However, these plants are very costly and unfeasible at this time. If all the groundwater is depleted in one area, it is possible to transport water from a water-rich area to a depleted area. A problem with groundwater pumping is that it has a tendency to cause it to lose some of its water-storing capacities. One conscientious method is to use drainage wells to lower the water table and to eliminate the waste of the available groundwater by useless vegetation. The water that is drained can then be channeled for useful purposes. Finding less than desired supplies of freshwater in some areas and more than enough in other areas, it is possible to undertake the redistribution of water. This is generally done by damming a river to create a reservoir to the desired location. However, even such surface waters may be limited. Dams and reservoirs for water projects may have additional benefits such as the generation of hydroelectric power, flood control, and recreation on the lake. However, there is a long list of disadvantages. First is the loss of the land flooded by the reservoir. Diverting the flow of a river may greatly alter the ecology at the river's mouth. The diversion may cause the death of wildlife, aquatic life, and forage. When such ecological costs are added to the financial costs of the project, one may seriously question whether benefits such as increased crop production from irrigation outweigh the costs. The question of cost-benefit becomes even more undecided when one considers that an increase in crop production by irrigation may be short-lived. Given so many pros and cons, water projects are becoming increasingly controversial.

18 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Many people rely on the purity of groundwater, and it is our civic duty to help protect its purity. Not only should we protect this precious resource, but we should conserve as much as possible. With the technology advancing, new problems will arise to cleanse all pollutants from groundwater and to recycle the groundwater. by Shannan Byrd and Susan Eads Jersey Community High School Bibliography Commoner, Berry. Making Peace with the Plant. Encyclopedia Britannica. "Groundwater". Gordon, Wendy. A Citizen's Handbook on Groundwater Protection. Hattis, Dale, and David Kennedy, "Assessing Risks From Health Hazards: An Imperfect Science." King, Jonathan. Troubled Water. Layne, Elizabeth N. The National Environment: A Dimension of Development. Pringle, Lawerence. Water-the Next Great Resource. Water. Law and Legislation: Illinois Revised Statutes of 1989.

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19 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Acid Rain and Water Quality In this decade, many people have spoken out about pollution and the environment. One controversy has been acid rain. Many people, though, do not realize what acid rain really is. They also may not know the effects on the environment or ways to prevent acid rain. For people to become involved, they need to learn about acid rain, what causes it, and the effects it has on the environment. When a person measures the pH levels in a solution, he or she is measuring the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration. Water contains both hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions (OH-). Pure water contains an equal number of hydrogen and hydroxide ions. It is neutral and has a pH of seven. The lower you go past 7.0 on the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, the more acidic the water is. When the pH level is above 7.0, the water becomes more alkaline. For every one unit change on the pH scale, there is a ten-fold increase in acidity. For example: a pH level four is about ten times more acidic than those of a pH level five. A neutral level of pH is usually between 6.5 and 8.5. When the chemistry of a water environment is changed, fewer or different things live in the water. From a pH level of 1.0 to 13.0, bacteria can live. From the level of 6.0 to 9.0, carp, suckers, catfish, and some insects can live. Between the levels of 6.5 and 7.5, the largest variety of animals can live. Trout, mayfly nymphs, stonefly nymphs, and clams live in water with pH levels of between 7.0 and 9.0. All animals, insects, and plants depend on certain pH levels in the water in which they live to survive. Acid rain is caused when sulfur oxides (S02) and nitrogen oxides (N02) are emitted into the air. The oxides reach the atmosphere and then return to the earth in the form of precipitation. When the precipitation falls, it falls in the form of acid compounds. The sulfur oxides and the nitrogen oxides are caused by the burning of coal products by power plants, vehicles, smelters, and other sources. In 1980, the United States put more than 26 million tons of sulfur dioxide and almost 22 million tons of nitrogen oxides into the air. One of the hardest hit areas of acid rain is Sweden. Fourteen to fifteen thousand lakes in that country have been damaged. Three to four thousand lakes have been severely damaged. The cause is acid rain. Out of ninety thousand lakes, eighteen to twenty thousand are affected by acid rain. In the 1960's, a Swedish scientist named Svante Oden made the connection between fish that were dying in the western part of Sweden and the acidified atmospheric conditions. He was ridiculed, but he was right. Another hard hit area of the world is in our own country. The Adirondack Mountains have been hit hard in recent years by acid rain. Between 1929 and 1937 only a few lakes in this region had a pH level below 5.0. By the mid 1970's, almost one-half of the lakes had a pH level below 5.0 and ninety percent of the lakes had lost their fish stocks. Out of 2,500 lakes, two hundred lakes are too acidic to support life and two hundred lakes show damage. It is no wonder that this area is bad, since the eastern region of the United States receives rain which is ten times more acidic than what is considered normal.

20 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Acid rain emissions do not just affect the area that emitted them. When sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides are released, the wind can carry the emissions to other areas. The United States produces about five times more sulfur pollution than Canada. Our country sends about two million tons of ulfur dioxide, per year by prevailing winds, into Canada. Canada sends about one-half million tons per year to the United States. This has caused problems between the two countries. Canada's Environmental Minister noted, "in light of the fact that seventy percent of the acid rain that fell in Canada was believed to come from the United States," and his government was, "growing increasingly impatient with the United States' failure to control acid rain by failing to meet its commitments, to resolve its commitments, to resolve its part of the problem." (Taken from NYT, 31 March 1981, p. 17, and Acid Rain: Rhetoric and Reality.) Some natural forces can act as a buffer for lakes and rivers. Liming can be used to artificially try to curb the effects of acid rain. We all need to become more involved and try to prevent acid rain. 1995 is the targeTyear for the old coal-burning power plants to be retired and new, well controlled, low sulfur coal-burning plants are supposed to be in place. Automobile engines and exhaust systems need to be modified to reduce emissions. People need to car pool to further reduce emissions. In Arizona, Indiana, in February of 1982, five Greenpeace activists scaled smokestacks to protest acid rain. People do not have to climb things to prove their point, but they do need to speak their minds. To curb any environmental problems, we all need to work together. Environmental problems affect us all. When acid rain falls into rivers and lakes, it kills the aquatic life that was there previously. When emissions of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere, winds may carry them to other places and fall as "acid rain". Laws are in effect to try to control pollution, and 1995 is the target year for plants that emit these oxides to change their pollution habits. We all need to do our part, and the different countries of the world need to work together to control the environmental problems. by Kristie Rose Jerseyville High School

21 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Acid Rain Generally rain is thought of as one of nature's purest forms. It naturally distributes water to plant life all over the earth. It fills our rivers and lakes which provide drinking water for large cities. This life-giving attitude about rain is changing however. Over large areas of the United States, Canada, and Europe, rain falling to the earth represents a chemical attack on the environment. This rain contains harmful acids which destroy or damage the surroundings in a particular area. The effects of acid rain are long term. Acid deposition may be slowed down, but powerful economic and political forces have blocked some remedies. A better understanding of acid rain will be obtained by knowing the following aspects of it: basic definition, scope and severity, actions needed to curb acid rain, and effects on aquatic ecosystems. Acid rain is the term used to represent rain, sleet, snow, or any other precipitation that contains an abnormal amount of acid (Likens 33). Likens claims the principal causes of acid rain are the oxides of sulfur and nitrogen which are released by the burning of fossil fuels - especially coal, but other industrial activity and transportation systems are also major sources of the oxides (33). These oxides are converted to sulfuric and nitric acids in the atmosphere and later fall to the ground as precipitation (33). Acid rain is just one part of the general phenomenon called acid deposition which contains both wet and dry acidic substances. When scientists refer to wet deposition, they are talking about dissolved substances as well as particles removed from the atmosphere by rain, sleet, snow, etc. Dry deposition is a term used to describe particles deposited on the ground without precipitation. The materials include dustfall and other particles which settled by gravitation, such as aerosols, smoke, and other gases. Both wet and dry acid deposition are part of a similar pollution problem, but wet deposition is what most people call acid rain. To determine the acidity of something, a pH scale is used to test the substance. The pH scale, which means positive hydrogen, was first introduced in 1909 by the Danish chemist S.P.L. Sorensen. It is a measurement used to express the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Solutions that contain an excess of hydrogen ions (electrically charged particles), H+, are acidic, and solutions with a higher hydroxyl ion concentration, OH-, are alkaline or basic. The pH scale has measurements ranging from 0 to 14. A pH measurement of 7 is neutral, and equals the pH of "pure" distilled water. Solutions with a pH measurement above 7 are basic. As an example, a water solution with a pH of 6 is ten times more acidic than a water solution with a pH of 7, and if a water solution has a pH of 5, it is one hundred times more acidic than a pH measurement of 7. The pH of "normal" or "clean" rainfall is slightly below 7 and therefore slightly acidic. "Clean" rainfall is this way due to the gas carbon dioxide (C02) which is a natural part of the atmosphere. Since "normal" rainfall is acidic, scientists have classified precipitation with a pH below 5.6 as being acid precipitation. The distance some acids are transported in the atmosphere depends upon a number of factors: the wind speed, the weather conditions, the chemical state of the pollutants, and the height at which the pollutants are released from the smokestacks.

22 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville High winds can transport acids hundreds of miles in just a few days (Miller 21). The weather conditions are also significant. Miller states that clear skies allow pollutants to travel a long way (21). Heavy precipitation, however, quickly removes pollutants from the atmosphere (21). The chemical state of the pollutants also affects the distance they are transported. Acid sulfate travels farther than S02 because gravity pulls down S02 harder than it does acid sulfate (Miller 21). One of the most important factors in the atmospheric transport of S02 and N02 is the height at which the pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere. The mixing layer is the atmospheric layer closest to the ground. This layer is typically below 3,000 feet and is visible. If the pollutants enter the atmosphere at this level, they generally make contact with the ground relatively soon and are transported a short distance that is roughly proportional to the height of the smokestack (Miller 21). Miller adds that pollutants released above the mixing level will travel much farther because of the strong winds (21). In the mid-1980's, the United States discharged about 26 million tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere each year (Pringle 21). Of this, Pringle states that 66 percent came from coal-fired and oil-fired power plants (21). Smelters, refineries, and other industries added 26 percent, while fuel burning in businesses, homes, and vehicles contributed 8 percent (21). In that same period, about 23 million tons of nitrogen oxides also spewed into the air each year in the United States (21). Power plants emitted 330 percent; transportation, 40 percent; industries, 25 percent; and homes and other sources, 5 percent (21). Cars, trains, and other forms of transportation were expected to remain the leading source of nitrogen oxides, but the share produced by power plants was projected to reach 36 percent by the year 2000 (21). Canada in the mid-1980's contributed another 5 million tons of sulfur dioxide and 2 million tons of nitrogen oxide (Pringle 21). The Canadian emissions began to decline, however, as a result of a control program launched in 1985 (21). For decades the number one source of sulfur dioxide in North America has been the huge Inco, Limited, a copper and nickel smelter in Sudbury, Ontario (Pringle 21). Pringle claims that each year the Sudbury plant alone discharged 1 percent of all airborne sulfate in the world (including both natural and human sources) (21). Operating at full capacity, the plant emitted 3,400 tons of sulfur dioxide a day (21). Studies of the acidification of streams and lakes in many parts of the eastern half of the United Stated show that one of the major areas of acidification is the Adirondack Mountains in New York State where the New York Department of Environmental Conservation has documented 212 lakes and ponds that are incapable of supporting fish life because of acidification (Miller 26). In addition, Miller states that another 250 lakes and ponds have been judged to be in danger of losing their fish in the area (26). In the western half of the United States, major areas of acidification have been found in Colorado. In a small stream west of Denver, Como Creek, at an elevation of 9,000 feet, the pH dropped from 5.4 to 4.7 between 1974 and 1978 (Miller 28). It was once thought that the acidification was due to polluted air moving up slope from the Denver area. New evidence shows that surrounding states also contribute to the acidification (29).

23 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville In eastern Canada, acid precipitation has now been reported in scientific studies as occurring from Alberta eastward to Newfoundland (Miller 24). In Ontario, the Ministry of the Environment has reported that 1,200 lakes have lost their fish population because of acidification, about 3,400 more are approaching that state, and an additional 11,400 are considered at risk (24). Miller states it is predicted that by the year 2000 an additional 48,500 lakes in the province will have lost their fish population (24). The Muskoka-Haliburton region, a leading tourist area, is among the areas most threatened. The mean pH of rainfall in this region now ranges from 3.9 to 4.4 (24). All of the attempts at restocking the lakes have had disastrous results. In considering long-range approaches to reducing acid rain, debate has mainly focused on two alternatives. One is flue gas desulfurization (FGD) or ’'scrubbing", and the other is switching from high-sulfur to low-sulfur coal. Both result in the same environmental effect, but each approach has the support of particular interest groups. The fear of job losses in the high-sulfur coal industry has encouraged the coal industry to lobby for enforced scrubbing to lower sulfur emission. The states that would be most adversely affected by fuel-switching would be Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, and Missouri which mine large quantities of high-sulfur coal. However, some 21 states could experience an increase in coal mining jobs relative to 1980 levels if the nation switched to low-sulfur coal. The utilities claim that enforced scrubbing is actually a way of protecting jobs for those who own and mine high-sulfur coal. The Department of Energy, citing a study done for the Environmental Protection Agency, estimates that 50,000 direct employment losses in high-sulfur coal mining areas by 1995 could result from a switch to low-sulfur coal. The United Mine Workers of America projected a loss between 39,000 and 60,000. Indirect job losses from legislation is projected at between 87,000 and 134,000, occurring primarily in Illinois, Indiana, western Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and northern West Virginia. While scrubbing is favored by special interest groups associated with the high- sulfur coal industry, fuel-switching would initially be much more economical. It is predicted that fuel-switching could save the electric utility industry about two billion dollars per year in capital costs alone. President Bush has recently signed into law the new Clean Air Act. The law has been long overdue, but many environmentalists believe it is worth the wait. Major provisions will tighten restrictions on toxic air pollutants, control urban smog, and slash emissions of the compounds that cause acid rain. The bill's acid rain provisions place a nationwide cap on sulfur-dioxide emissions from electric utilities. This law will give electricity producers the "right" to emit a certain number of tons of sulfur-dioxide each year. With tradable permits, companies will have the incentive to assign their best engineers to the problem of pollution control. Companies will have the advantage to clean up more economically. This could reduce the nation's overall cost to clean up acid rain by as much as three billion dollars per year, according to Robert Hahn of the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C.

24 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Recent experiments with tradable permits have had promising results. For example, when the Environmental Protection Agency used tradable permits to help give companies the incentive to reduce the lead in gasoline during the mid-1980's, Mr. Hahn said that "all evidence suggests that the market was used vigorously and saved hundreds of millions of dollars" (Carpenter). This concept of tradable permits does have its critics though. Skeptics warn it will be hard to control the system because of pollutants that the companies emit from month to month. Others question the system because it entitles companies to continue polluting (Ibid). Nevertheless, Americans will be able to breathe easier, and environmentalists are happy because this act will help the environment and help control acid rain. Acid precipitation, by the acidification of lakes, has been responsible for extinction of acid sensitive aquatic species and disruption of primary production and the nutritional food web within the affected ecosystems. The impacts of acidic precipitation are derived from studies of the effects of increased acidity on aquatic organisms. The effects of lowering pH on fish, plant species, and other members of fresh water ecosystems are well documented; therefore, the manner and severity of disruption of the affected aquatic ecosystems produced by acidification may be postulated with some confidence (Dept, of Energy). The increasing acidity of fresh water lakes and streams appears to be a major environmental factor stressing aquatic ecosystems in Europe and North America. The chemical composition of lakes is largely determined by the composition of effluents from precipitation and watershed drainage. The acidity of freshwater lakes reflects both the acidity of precipitation and the capability of the lake to neutralize incoming acid. Hardness of water is associated with alkalinity and, therefore, with the increased capacity of the water to neutralize or buffer the incoming acidity. Chemical weathering and ion exchange are two mechanisms in watersheds that act to neutralize incoming acidity. The rate at which these processes proceed is dependent on the physical and chemical nature of the bedrock and soils (4). In acidified lakes, sulfate, largely supplied by acidic precipitation, replaces the bicarbonate ion, which is the chief buffering agent. These poorly buffered waters are subject to large influctuations in acidity, as observed following melting of ice and snow. These large influxes of acidic pollutants cause the pH of a lake to drop permanently below 5.0 (Abelson 1263). One of the alarming impacts associated with the acid rain phenomenon is the decline and extinction of fish populations in a large number of lakes in the Adirondack Mountains of New York and the La Cloche Mountains of Ontario. Fish mortality induced by acidified water has been attributed to anoxia (suffocation), depletion of body sodium, and lowered blood pH. [Most chemical reactions are pH-related mortality results from modification of their physiological processes] (Fritz 1). The time of year that a species or lifestage is exposed to lower than "natural" pH may also affect survival. Fishes that have recently over wintered and are in a weakened condition may be more likely to succumb to pH stress than those that are

25 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in prime physical condition. Greater chances for acid-induced mortality exist in the summer when some populations of fish might normally be under thermal stress and the frequency of heavy rainstorms rich in sulfuric and nitric acid increases. Indirect Mortality: Exposure to sublethal levels of low pH can also result in population extinction, increased susceptibility to natural causes of mortality, or reduced viability via important physical and biological components of the ecosystem or changes in the availability of toxic chemicals (Fritz 4). Changes in blood chemistry result from exposure to low pH, and destruction of the body's protective epithelial cells can reduce the ability of a fish to resist disease (4). For example, carp are reported to develop hypersensitivity to bacteria below a pH of 5.0 (4). Increased acidity of a watershed increases the solubility of certain harmful chemicals such as aluminum which is potentially toxic to fish. At a pH of 5.0, aluminum, manganese, zinc, and iron are released from lake sediment. Such releases could potentially increase the concentration of toxic chemicals to levels that are deleterious to the health of fish populations (Dept, of Energy 4). Reproductive failure in fish is probably the single most significant effect of increased acidity in freshwater ecosystems. Lower levels of calcium in the ovaries of maturing females in acid-stressed lakes suggest that ova of affected fish may not develop normally. Sperm may also be adversely affected by low pH. Low pH (5.0) has also been shown to inhibit or retard fertilized eggs (Fritz 8). The acid rain plague initiates at the lower level of the food chain and will gradually progress until homo sapiens are directly affected by the loss of significant food sources. People have the tendency of closing their minds to matters that they are not directly affected by. To assure the tranquility of our future generations, every precaution must be taken immediately to preserve our environmental and aquatic ecosystems. by Matt Bechtold and Candace Coffman Jerseyville High School Works Cited Abelson, P.H., "Effects of S02 and N02 Emissions." Carpenter, Betsy, "A Marketplace for Pollution Rights" Fritz, Eugene S., "Potential Impacts Of Low pH on Fish and Fish Population" Pringle, Laurence, Rain of Troubles. U.S. Dept, of Energy. Acid Rain Information Book

26 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Acid Rain Acid rain is a big problem in the United States today. You may ask yourself "What is acid rain?" The scientific definition of acid rain is rain with a pH level of less than 5.65. Normal, unpolluted rain has a pH level of 5.65. A less scientific way of explaining acid rain is to say that it is rain polluted with sulfur and nitrogen dioxides. The relative acidity is caused by free hydrogen ions (H+). pH is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration. A pH of 1 is very acidic such as battery acid; a pH of 7 is neutral which is pure water; and a pH of 14 is very alkaline such as lye. Since pH is measured on a logarithmic scale, a pH of 4 is 10 times more acidic than a pH of 5, 100 times more acidic than a pH of 6. The pollutants sulfur and nitrogen dioxides are not only found in rain but they are also found in fog or dry form. In many places there have been many reports of damage to the environment because of acid rain. In some cases, acid rain has more acid than vinegar. It has destroyed plant and animal life in coastal waters, eroded soil, and polluted drinking water. Due to prevailing southwestern winds, Canada, our neighbor to the north, has inherited our acid rain problem. Acid rain has been proven to have an adverse effect on the animals, plants, and the environment. The animals that are effected by acid rain are fish and all other creatures large and small that inhabit water habitats. Acid rain has been proven to affect trees, grass, and flowers, not to mention the many other plants destroyed or affected by acid rain. Water quality also suffers form acid rain. The effects of acid rain on the fish and other animals of the water are wide and varied and sometimes result in death of organisms. For example, in the Whetstone Brook of Massachusetts now diminishing populations of brook trout, brown trout, and American eels remain in the stream, but they are weakened, or as scientists say, stressed. They feed on the remaining insect varieties such as stone flies that can tolerate acidity. Acidity can affect a fish directly. It can pull aluminum out of the surrounding soil and turn it into a toxic form that clogs a fish's gills and kills it. Its effect can be indirect: it can cause food, such as mayfly larva, to die off and thus weaken the fish. Weakened fish do not reproduce well. A whole year's spawning of brown trout was wiped out in the Whetstone Brook in late 1986, and early 1987 by acid rain's winter form -- acid snow. One heavy rain in August 1988 lowered the stream pH from 6.2 to 4.8 in a few hours. Acid rain has many effects on plants but scientists are having trouble finding what exacdy is affected in plants. Scientific research on the response of crop plants to acid rain and other pollutants has indicated that there are no measurable and consistent effects on crop yield from direct effects of simulated acid rain at high levels of acidity. This conclusion is based on yield measurements of grain, forage, vegetable, and fruit crops exposed to a range of simulated rain acidity levels in controlled exposure studies, and is supported by results from mechanical tests. More research will be done to find out if other factors such as drought or insects cause crops to be more sensitive to acid rain. Trees and also plants are effected by acid rain, but scientists are having problems finding the exact effects of acid rain on trees. Many scientists are trying to determine what rate, if any, air pollution plays in regional forest health. The primary

27 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville agents of concern are acidic deposition, acid rain, its ingredients: sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and volatile organic compounds and their associated oxidents, such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide. All forests experience natural stresses caused by plant competition, nutrient limitations, adverse weather, insects, disease, and other factors acting alone or together. Man caused stresses, such as incompatible land use, wildfire, and possibly regional pollution (such as acid rain), can also contribute to reduced forest health and maybe even death. It is useful to consider U.S. forests in three categories: intensive plantations, managed forests, and low elevation natural forests. Intensive plantations have the highest health and most stress resistance. None are reported to have symptoms which point to acid rain impacts. Managed forests are on sites of moderate productivity and generally manage to avoid serious stresses such as acid rain. Low elevation natural forests’ are extensive in geographic distribution, species composition, and environmental variety. However, in the United States, several on going declines affecting managed or low elevation natural forests are suspected of having acid rain. This has led to the forests decline. Acid rain also has effects on the environment such as lakes, streams, and rivers. These effects are usually not good. They often ruin water quality. They also make the water undrinkable and unliveable for fish. Surveys were conducted in potentially sensitive regions of the country to determine the chemical status of surface waters. Surveys of lakes larger than four hectare in the east and one hectare in the west sampled during the fall turnover show that there are essentially no lakes or reservoirs in the mountainous west and the southern Blue Ridge Province of the southeast with a pH less than 5.0. A pH less than 5.0 cannot support fish. Few of these lakes had a pH less than 5.5. Most other sampled subregions show less than .5 percent. The three regions with the highest percentage of acidic lakes are the Adirondacks and the upper peninsula of Michigan where up to two percent of the lake area and 10 percent of the lakes have a pH of less than 5.0 and the Florida region where 12 percent of the lakes are acidic. Small lakes of less than four hectare particularly in the Adirondacks are an important recreational resource and are more frequently acidic than lakes of larger size. The acidic Florida region lakes are found mostly in two of its five subpopulations. The first is the Okefenokee Swamp which is naturally acidic and the second is the panhandle of Florida where the cause of the acidic nature of the lake is uncertain. The stream survey conducted in the southern Blue Ridge area of Florida found no acidic bodies of water. The only acid found in the bodies of water of the Blue Ridge area were during snow melt and heavy rainfalls. Acid rain is definitely a big problem in the United States today. Many people are demanding a solution. There are two different areas in which people are working toward a solution. The two areas in which solutions are being worked toward are the practical and governmental. The practical area includes projects such as the Whetstone Brook Project which works to lower the pH of the very acidic Whetstone Brook Stream. The governmental area includes laws and regulations that are passed to help cut down on the emissions of the chemicals that cause acid rain.

28 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Acid rain is usually deposited on watersheds by wet and dry processes. The acidifying influence of the compounds can be reduced by buffering interactions with vegetations, by manual weathering, by absorption of the acidifying agents onto soil surfaces, or by buffering processes active within the stream or lake. The previously mentioned way of reducing the acidifying of water have been measured in a limited number of field tests and they can be evaluated using more extensive data. The Whetstone Brook project is a famous pH lowering project located in the hills of North Central Massachusetts. The project is a liming operation. During this operation, calcium carbonate is pumped from one of two silos, where it's kept, into the stream. After the calcium carbonate and lime is pumped into the water, the lime reacts with the acid in the water and the pH is lowered. The experiment started with one of the last of the Carter era environmental laws, the $100 million National Atmospheric Precipitation Program enacted by Congress in 1980 to analyze the nation's acid rain problem. Part of the program is intended to look at the possibility of fighting acidication once it has already occurred. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is providing 85 percent of the funds for the Whetstone Brook Project with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife providing the rest. New England Power kicked in $15,000,000 to design the machinery. The University of Massachusetts provided the brains and muscle to make the whole project possible. Another practical solution to the problem of acid rain is the installment of scrubbers in the smokestacks of factories emitting sulfur and nitrogen dioxides. These scrubbers contain the mineral nahcolite. These scrubbers work when the mineral nahcolite is ground up into a fine powder, then conveyed to the power plant's exhaust system where it's blown into the exhaust and absorbs gaseous sulfur and nitrogen molecules. Combined particles then are captured in existing pollution control systems. The second method of trying to solve the acid rain problem is the governmental area. In the governmental area there are laws passed to cut down on cars' emissions and other polluting factors. Some examples of government action to try to solve the acid rain problem are laws such as the 1970 Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act made it mandatory for automobile manufacturers to put emissions controls on all of their new cars. There were also laws passed in the years between 1970 and 1980 to further cut the emissions of harmful pollutants from cars and factories. All of these laws help us come closer to winning in the battle against acid rain. Acid rain is a growing problem in the United States today. It affects all aspects of life including the lives of animals, plants, and the environment. There are two main ways to resolve the acid rain problem. They are in the practical and governmental areas. The only way to resolve the problem of acid rain is to get the government more involved. by Josh Seibert Jerseyville High School

29 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Contamination of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers Much beautiful scenery is found along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The rivers are lined with trees and thick grasses. The fish make their habitat in the luxurious water, but under all this dwells many pollutants. In all kinds of forms, pollutants hide along the shore, and under the mud at the bottom of the rivers lie toxic solutions. The Illinois Department of Conservation is responsible for the survey of chlordane, DDT, dieldron, PCB, and mercury. Most of these pollutants, excluding PCB, come from pesticides used for agriculture. They are put on the fields, then when large rains come, they are washed into streams. The streams drain into the rivers. The pollutants settle to the bottom of the river. Small fish feed on organisms which have fed on the chemicals. Larger fish feed on the smaller ones and so on. The chemicals accumulate in the fatty parts of the fish. Eventually, humans eat the contaminated fish. Because of the accumulation in the fatty part of the fish, most contaminants are soluble. If cooked over a charcoal burner, the fatty parts will mostly melt off, leaving very little contamination. This should leave the fish safe to eat, although you still should check with authorized personnel. The levels of contamination are categorized into three groups. The first group has the lowest amount of contamination. No more than 10% of the fish in this group exceeds the FDA health standards. Fish with levels of more than 10% but less than 50% are in group two. Nursing mothers, pregnant women, women who anticipate bearing children, female children of any age, and male children of age fifteen or under should not eat group two fish. All other individuals should limit their consumption of these fish to one meal per week. No one should eat group three fish. More than 50% of the fish tested in this group were above FDA standards. The Missouri Department of Health has established a list of chlordane advisories for the Mississippi River. At the confluence of the Illinois River downstream to the Missouri state line are level three advisories for sturgeon and eggs. The carp and channel catfish are under level three advisory from the confluence of the Des Moines River to the Lock and Dam 20 in Canton. For the Illinois River, from Kankakee River to Starved Rock Lock and Dam, carp are in group three. This report is a brief overlook of contamination in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. If you have any questions about contamination in the rivers, you should contact your local health and conservation offices. We obtained all of our information from the Department of Conservation in Pittsfield, Illinois, and from Bob Dunn, District Fisheries Biologists, Department of Conservation. by Chanda Dickerson and Marcia Ruble Pittsfield High School

30 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Pesticides: Contaminating Our Nation's Waters Pesticides have been used for many years to control both the positive and negative aspects of plants and animals in association with their environment. Having mixed effects, pesticides are considered to be very good for farmers and the agricultural industry in assuring them a plentiful crop which is usually associated with a profit/loss motive. But pesticides can also be quite disastrous to our environment, especially the water. Laws have been passed to help protect people from the harmful side effects of the pesticides; however, the laws have not been able to protect against chemicals that have already been released into the water. These chemicals have been in the water for many years and will remain in the water for many years into the future. No one is safe from the adverse effects of the pesticides. Even if the water source is not found near the direct use of the pesticides, these pesticides are still found in the drinking water and the rainwater. Sometimes the pesticides only hurt the environment, because some organisms, both plant and animal, become immune to the poisons in the pesticides. An attempt will be made to discuss all of these aspects of pesticides in this paper. One definition given to a pesticide is "any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or migrating any pest." There are almost 50,000 different products that will kill weeds, insects, rodents, nematodes, fungi, and many other pests. There are many different types of pesticides. Herbicides are used on herbaceous plants, arborcides are for woody plants, and insecticides are for eliminating insects. Pesticides are similar to pharmaceutical drugs, yet drugs are prescribed in specific amounts. Pesticides kill indiscriminately, and very little actually reaches the intended target. Only 289 of the 700 chemicals currently used in the United States have been sufficiently tested for their long-term side effects. Even though these have not been tested enough, 750 million pounds of pesticides are sprayed annually in the U.S. alone. This is about three pounds per person in this country. However, this rate of use is estimated to be increasing at almost 15% a year. One of the most dangerous classes of pesticide is chlorinated hydrocarbons, because of their resulting ability to build up in living tissue. Examples of chlorinated hydrocarbons are aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, chlordane, haptachlor, DDT, toxaphene, and kepone. These types of pesticides can cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system in humans and is also associated with cancer in tests on animals, especially liver cancer. Organic phosphates are another class of pesticides. They break down more quickly than chlorinated hydrocarbons, but are actually more toxic to higher life forms. Examples are malathion, parathion, and leptophos. The acute effects are paralysis, convulsions, long-term brain damage, coma, and even death. Pesticides may cause many bad things, but they are crucial to the farmers’ success in their crops surviving. Some pests, however, have evolved to resist both chlorinated hydrocarbons and organicophosphate types of pesticides. Some of the more common examples of this are the resistance to pesticides of the Musca domestica (housefly), Boophilus micropus (southern cattle tick), Cimex lectularis (common bedbug), Blattella germanica (German cockroach), and Culex pipens (southern house mosquito).

31 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville A very common way for these pesticides to get into the water is to run off a field and drain into a stream or well. Running off from the farm fields, pesticides as well as fertilizers and animal wastes boost the concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water. These two nutrients do no good to water. Often entering into the irrigation system, pesticides eventually enter the drinking water. It is estimated that 13 - 15% of the phosphate pollution in most U.S. waterbodies is from agricultural run off. More than six tons of nitrogen is spread on the nation's farms and forests, much of which ends up in the water supply. Pesticides threaten our drinking water supplies and are not usually removed by standard water purification processes. Pollution by pesticides ranked second only to metals in the most widely reported toxic substances. More than half of the states have a problem with pesticide pollution. The Mississippi basin has the most problem because of the contaminated water that comes there from the farmlands all along the Mississippi River. Pesticide residues are now found in nearly every animal and fish in the world, even Antarctica, where there has never been any known direct application of pesticides. Chemicals are carried in the wind, on particles of dust, in water runoff, and in living organisms everywhere. Pesticides get into the atmospere, also, and pollute the rainwater. DDT, Dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane, is a pesticide that was banned from use in the United States in 1971 after being used since the 1940's. DDT is one of the most dangerous pesticides, along with aldrin and dieldrin. They run off from farm areas either from direct runoff or through the atmosphere. The amount of DDT has been estimated to be as high as one billion pounds. DDT is fairly stable with a half-life of 10 to 50 years. Having this long of a half-life is why there is still so much DDT left in the atmosphere, even after being banned for twenty years. DDT is usually not lethal. Aldrin and dieldrin are more toxic and the Environmental Protection Agency is trying to prevent their use in America. They are more soluble in water and tend to be concentrated by organisms in their tissues. DDT may be carcinogenic and mutagenic, yet has been allowed to contaminate the environment so much that all children in the United States now are likely to have DDT in their tissues at birth. DDT in fish population is not always the result of direct water contamination. The insects killed by the pesticides are eaten by the fish, thus polluting the water and the food chain. In 1962 a book by Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, first made Americans aware of the dangers of pesticides. She said, "Since so little was known about the long-term effects of these chemicals, their use should be stopped until they are completely known to be safe." Since then, environmentalists have demanded tougher EPA pesticide regulations. Farmers and chemical industries say Federal rules have exaggerated pesticide threats and have slowed down the development of improved compounds. In 1972, Congress passed the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,

32 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The FIFRA gave the Environmental Protection Agency power to control the production, sale, use, and disposal of pesticides. Pesticides must be registered with an agency before being bought, sold, distributed, or handled in any way. Also, every pesticide must carry a label that tells how to use it properly and give warnings about the chemical's toxicity. The Environmental Protection Agency has registered between 35,000 and 40,000 pesticide products, all made from one or more of about six-hundred basic chemical compounds. In conclusion, pesticides are, to put it in simple terms, very dangerous and highly common everywhere on earth. People are not truly aware of the serious dangers they are exposed to when simply doing something as basic as taking a drink of water. Farmers need to consider the consequences of using chemicals on their fields. This generation must think about the future and leave the next generation some water that is safe to drink. People should not have to worry about whether or not the water they are about to drink has some deadly pesticide in it. The farmers need to be cooperative with the government and use pesticides as safely as possible. If farmers do not cooperate with the current laws, then new laws need to be passed that will assure people of safety. The water is already polluted enough. Let's start thinking about the future. by Danielle Clark Jerseyville High School

33 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Water Disposal - Polluting Our Waters Water, the most abundant and essential liquid on earth, covers 75% of the earth's surface. Although so abundant, once blue waters are being turned brown by waste disposal. People are dumping waste into rivers and oceans causing them to be polluted. Polluted water affects every living thing. First, exactly what is water? Water, H20, can take the form of a liquid, a solid, or a gas. The liquid form of water is what comes out of the faucet, or what makes up rivers and oceans. Water solidifies at 0 degrees Celsius when cooled and it boils at 100 degrees Celsius. "Pure water is a transparent, odorless, tasteless, and almost colorless liquid." The existence of water has been around since Bible times. For example, the 26th chapter of Genesis tells how Isaac’s herdsmen fought with the inhabitants of the valley of Gerar for the possession of wells in the valley. Much later King Hezekiah made a pool and conduit and brought water into the city (II Kings: 20,20). Even the Egyptians made reservoirs and water systems in order to store the water from the Nile River. Rome gained greatness because of their waterworks engineers. There are irrigation projects from ancient North American Indian engineers located in Arizona and New Mexico. These are a few examples of water's history. Although dating back many years, water has changed from being a sparkling blue to a dirty brown color. This is due to waste materials being dumped into the beautiful water. "Wastes are materials that we no longer can use in our homes, businesses or elsewhere." Waste disposal has become a bigger problem in the past few years for the water supplies in the United States. A few years ago the daily waste disposal of each person consisted of less than one kilogram, but today about 2.5 kilograms of waste are being dumped into rivers and oceans. Annually, each person has a share of nearly 1 metric ton. One metric ton from each person per year creates a huge waste disposal problem for the nation. Waste disposal is not only harming the waters of the United States, but also the waters all over the world. Waste disposal is killing fish, shrimp, lobsters, and other aquatic life along the shores of New York and Philadelphia, as well as in the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas. Waste disposal is caused by pollutants. "Pollution may be defined simply as the accumulation of something where it is not wanted." Pollution can be caused by many different sources. One place where pollutants can be found is from industrial chemicals and wastes. Factories discharge four times as much pollutant chemicals and wastes as do community sewage systems. Billions of liters of wastewater go out of factories, refineries, power plants, and mines across the world each day. "Much of this water ends up in rivers, lakes, oceans, and underground aquifers." The Great Lakes, between Canada and the United States, contain one fifth of the world's fresh water, yet they contain 400 chemicals, some of which are harmful to man. A plastics

34 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville factory in Japan dumped waste mercury into the ocean, and people in Minimata either died, had permanent brain damage, or experienced crippling effects from eating mercury laden fish. Chemicals .. seep through the earth, work their way into the groundwater, and contaminate aquifers." There are 50,000 dumps in the United States that contain toxic chemicals. Special wells for the disposal of toxic waste in Texas have been drilled about a mile deep .. so that waste can be injected under high pressure through concrete-jacketed steel pipes between rock layers in what was once a sea bed, well beneath the existing water table." Some chemicals have been put into metal drums and put into the sea. "There, lying on the ocean floor, the drums eventually corrode, and their contents leak into the water." Another type of pollutant is thermal pollution. Hot water is discharged from factories causing fish to have a hard time breathing or incubating their eggs. Thousands of fish have died in Biscayne Bay, off the coast of Florida, due to thermal pollution. Oil spills are another major type of pollution that can get into the oceans due to accidents by large tankers transporting the oil. A black, sticky material that looks like tar washes up onto shores. Oil from motorboats and from car engines can make their way to lakes and rivers if they are dumped into drains or sewers. In 1973, dioxin-contaminated oil was sprayed on the roads of Times Beach, Missouri, to control dust, causing the dioxin level to be 1000 times higher than the level considered safe. Ten years later the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency bought the town, and relocated the 2200 residents. The town was then removed of all of its soil and paved with concrete. Chemicals that farmers use are also a type of pollutant. Insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and fertilizers are washed away by rainwater into lakes and rivers. These chemicals which are washed away are harmful to fish as well as to the people who eat the contaminated fish. Washed away fertilizers also causes eutrophication, a process of enriching waters with nutrients. Waterways that receive improperly treated sewage can become polluted because the sewage contains bacteria and viruses that cause disease. "Sewage is everything that is flushed from sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and washing machines. Rainwater that runs off the streets is also a form of sewage." Most of the time sewage is treated, but if it is not and it is drained into waterways it can cause the water to be polluted. The Rhine River in Holland is called the "sewer of Europe" because it is 20 percent sewage and industrial waste by the time it reaches the Dutch coast. "The Iset River in the Soviet Union, loaded with volatile industrial wastes, caught fire when a cigarette was flipped into it... the Cuyahoga River in Ohio also caught fire and burned up two railroad trestles before it was extinguished." Untreated sewage is a big threat to water. Radioactive substances also contaminate water supplies by draining out from uranium mines or by radioactive coolant dumped from nuclear power plants. One example of how water contaminated by radioactive substances is a plutonium factory at the Hartford Site, near Richland, Washington, which discharged radioactive waste into the Columbus River. Oysters, living 580 kilometers away, were being poisoned with radioactive zinc and phosphorus. Aquatic life has suffered from radioactive wastes.

35 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Waste disposal is polluting many rivers and oceans in the United States as well as in other parts of the world. Because of industrial chemicals and wastes, of thermal pollution, of oil spills, of farming chemicals, of sewage, and of radioactive substances, waterways are being polluted and in turn harming aquatic life and people who eat the contaminated fish. Waste disposal due to many types of pollutants are turning blue water into brown. by Penny Kallal Jersey ville High School

Nitrogen in Our Environment Nitrogen is a gas, and the nitrogen molecules that compose it are made up of two nitrogen atoms apiece. Nitrogen occurs in the atmosphere, making up 4/5ths of it, in fact. As a gas, nitrogen combines with very few substances and is useless to most forms of life. Once nitrogen is forced to enter into combination with other atoms, it forms compounds that are essential to life. Plants and animals cannot force nitrogen to enter those combinations. There are certain bacteria in the soil that do have that ability, however. These are the nitrogen fixing bacteria and it is their presence in the soil that helps make other forms of life possible. The nitrogen atom is capable of forming three different bonds and its symbol is just its initial letter, N. If a nitrogen atom is bonded to three hydrogen atoms, the result is a gas with a pungent choking odor, called ammonia. Ammonia is, of course, an inorganic compound since its molecule contains no carbon atom. Under special conditions, a nitrogen atom can form a fourth bond which is just as strong as the other three but has somewhat different electrical properties. A compound containing nitrogen attached to four other atoms (of which at least one is a carbon atom) is an organic ammonium ion. If nitrogen is attached to four different carbon atoms, it is a quaternary ammonium ion. The fourth bond is called a coordinate bond and is sometimes represented by a little arrow instead of just a dash. Nitrogen bonds with different numbers and types of elements. It bonds with hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon to name just a few. There are other elements and compounds that nitrogen bonds with. The element form N2 contains a triple bond with a large bond energy. Consequently, reactions that require that N-N bond be broken are likely to take place with difficulty, even if the overall energy change of the reaction is favorable. As a result, N2 is relatively inert. Some of its most important environmental reactions are produced by microorganisms, which evidently can provide a reaction mechanism of low activation energy to convert N2 to ammonia and amines. The aqueous redox chemistry of nitrogen involves primarily N02, NOS, and N04; these take part in oxidation-reduction processes which are expressed in the equations:

36 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville N03- + 2H+ + 2e- N02- + H20 N02-+ 8H+ + 6e- NH4+ + 2H20 N03- +10H+ + 8e- ======NH4+ + 3H20 These reactions depend on pH, and the equilibrium composition of a nitrogenous system depends on this as well as on the pH of the system. Nitrate has a comparatively narrow range of pH over which it can exist at significant concentrations; most commonly the stable forms are NH3+ or ammonia in reducing environments, and N03- in oxidizing ones. At neutral pH ranges, the N02- stability region lies in the vicinity of pH = 6.5. Nitrification is the conversation of amine nitrogen to nitrate. Decay of protein material produces NH3, which is oxidized through nitrite to nitrate. This is also a bacterial process. Nitrification is reversible, under anaerobic conditions, since reduction of nitrate can provide an energy source for bacteria through the net change: N03+ + 1/2 C organic N02- + 1/2 C02 Most of the pollutants belched into the atmosphere by combustion processes come from the fuels and their contaminants, but one very important family of atmospheric pollutants comes from the oxidant and the atmospere itself. This is the oxide of nitrogen, often represented as NOx. At high temperatures, the nitrogen and oxygen react to from nitric oxide, NO, which can be oxidized in the atmospere into nitrogen dioxide, N02. N02 is a highly poisonous gas that dissolves in water to form a nitric acid, HN03. In air at room temperature, about 5% of the N02 is hydrolyzed to HN03. Atmosperic HN03 is also formed by rapid reaction of water vapor with N205 from the oxidation of N02 by ozone. Unfortunately the formation of NOx is often the worst under just those operating conditions where the combustion of fuel is optimized. But vehicle engines are by no means the only man-made sources of oxides of nitrogen. Washed down by rain, the nitrates thus formed in the atmosphere can build up significant concentrations in the dust and soil of high smog areas. Nitrates and nitrites in the soil are valuable fertilizers and even nitrogen dioxide in the atmospere does not seem to have a deleterious effect on plants such as citrus groves. In Los Angeles, however, the rain of nitrates is heavy enough even to damage telephone equipment. Nitrogen, like oxygen, dissolves from the atmosphere in equilibrium with water at the surface. But unlike oxygen, nitrogen gas itself is quite inert chemically. Nevertheless, nitrogen may exist in a number of different valence states in the natural environment depending on the prevailing redox conditions. Except in the lakes where large blooms of the nitrogen-fixing algae Anabaena occur, most of the nitrogen in lake waters has inflowing water as its source, even though nitrogen-fixing bacteria are found in the waters as well as the sediments. An important technological development was recognized as necessary in 1890 by Sir William Crookes, as he addressed the British Association of the Advancement of Science on the problem of the fixed-nitrogen supply (that is, nitrogen in a chemical form that plants can use). At the time scientists recognized that the world's future

37 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville supply would be determined by the amount of nitrogen compounds made available for fertilizers. The source of these nitrogen supplies was then limited to rapidly depleting supplies of guano (bird droppings) in Peru and to sodium nitrate in Chile. It was realized that when these were exhausted, widespread famine would result unless an alternative supply could be developed. This problem was recognized first by English scientists as a potentially acute one, because in the 1890's England had become very dependent on imported food supplies. The Industrial Revolution allowed the population to grow rapidly, so the number of hungry people soon outstripped the domestic food supply. Widespread interest in this problem led to research on a number of chemical reactions to obtain nitrogen from the relatively inexhaustible supply present in air. Air is 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. Several chemical reactions were developed to form useful compounds from atmospheric nitrogen, but the best known and most widely used one has an ironic history. While England was interested in nitrogen for fertilizer, Germany was interested in nitrogen for explosives. Germany was mass producing a usable form of nitrogen, called ammonia, in order to have explosives for the war. Subsequently, the ammonia process has been used on a huge scale to prepare fertilizers and is now largely responsible for the fact that Earth can now support a population of more than 5 billion. Ammonia production by this process exceeds 40,000 tons per day in the United States alone. Urea (NH2CONH2) is one of the world's most important chemicals because of its wide use as a fertilizer and as a feed supplement for cattle. Ammonia and carbon dioxide react under high pressure near 200 degree C to produce ammonium carbonate, which then decomposes into urea and water. A slurry of water, urea, and ammonium nitrate is often applied to crops under the name of "liquid nitrogen". Such a solution can contain up to 30% nitrogen and is easy to store and apply. When applied to the surface of the ground around plants, urea is subject to considerable nitrogen loss unless it is washed into the soil by rain or irrigation. When urea hydrolyzes (is decomposed by water), ammonia is formed, and some ammonia is lost to the air and some is absorbed by moist soil particles. As much as half of the nitrogen applied can be lost in this way. Contamination of water by fertilizers leads to very undesirable effects. In a large measure, this contamination results from the phosphate (P03 4-) and nitrate (N03- ) present in fertilizers. It is generally believed that phosphate and nitrate encourage the growth of large amounts of algae. It is certain that nitrate in sufficient concentrations is toxic to most higher organisms. In waters that contain excessive amounts of phosphate and nitrate leached from fertilized farm land, algae growths are sometimes so massive they tend to choke out desirable life forms. Such "blooms" of algae may lead to eutrophication. In this state, the normal oxygen-producing algae actually produces an oxygen-deficient environment, especially at lower depths. This is because the massive quantity of dead plant material causes the BOD to rise sharply.

38 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Nitrogen occurs in sanitary sewage primarily as ammonia unless sufficient nitrifying bacteria, oxygen, and time are available to oxidize NH3 to nitrite and nitrate. These conditions are not usually meant in secondary treatment processes. A major source of nitrogen is runoff of chemical fertilizers from farms into surface waters. Fertilizers usually contain nitrogen as ammonia, ammonia ion, or nitrate ion. All these forms are soluble and they are easily washed from the soil (especially N03-), unlike phosphorus, which tends to be held in soil. Another agricultural source of nitrogen is animal wastes from feedlots and barnyards. Even when this waste does not run directly off into natural waters, nitrogen can be carried through the air and ammonia and give nitrogen overdoses to lakes a mile or more away. Additional nitrogen also can enter water from air pollution with oxides of nitrogen from combustion sources. As an example of a toxic water pollutant, we can consider nitrate ion, N03-, and nitrite ion, N02-. Nitrite ion can oxidize Fe (II) in the hemoglobin molecule to Fe (III). The product is called methemoglobin and does not eornbine with oxygen, so it is unable to transport oxygen to body tissues. The resulting disease is called methemoglobinemia or nitrogen cyanosis and has symptoms of labored breathing, blue skin coloring, and suffocation. Nitrite can pass into the blood streams through the stomach. Nitrite is not as common in foods and water as nitrate, but bacteria found in the stomachs of infants and ruminant animals can reduce nitrates to nitrites and cause the disease. Nitrates can be ingested in water with a high nitrate concentration resulting from leaching of overfertilized fields or oridation of organic sewage. Nitrates in the environment are good, but too many can cause many problems. Too many nitrates in the water can cause excess algae growth which can virtually choke out the life of the body of water. If farmers would not put on excess fertilizers on their fields, that might help reduce nitrates in water. Excess nitrates in food and liquids that people consume is bad also. If a person has too many nitrates in their body they can under go a disease called methemoglobinemia, which is when Fe (II) molecules are transformed to Fe (IE), which cannot carry oxygen. A person with this disease may have a blue tint to their skin. Having more strict FDA laws could help reduce the occurrence of methemoglobinemia. Nitrogen related pollution is a major part of pollution today and the best way to prevent this kind of pollution is to arouse peoples' awareness and to inform people how important it is to prevent this. People must also be informed on how to prevent this pollution in their homes. Steps must be taken to reduce, if not eliminate, this abundant pollutant. by John Dierking Jerseyville High School

39 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Sny Drainage District Today The Sny Drainage District covers parts of three counties and begins twelve miles south of Quincy and ends at Mozier, Illinois. The main purpose of the Sny Drainage District is to keep the bottomland along the Mississippi from flooding. In order to prevent this, the Sny District has diversion creeks, reservoirs, pump stations, and levees along the river. The Sny Drainage District has three pump stations used at flood stage to pump the water out of the Sny Channel and into the river. Pump Station Number One is located five miles south of Hull, Illinois. This pump can pump up to 401,220 gallons of water per minute. The second pump station is called Three A which is located just below the Clarksville Dam and can pump up to 534,960 gallons of water per minute. The third pump is called Station Four which is located six miles south of the Clarksville Dam with a pumping capacity of 133,740 gallon of water per minute. Station 3A and Station Four are operated by gravity gates geared to crank by hand. To speed up the process, they sometimes use electric drills to close these gates. The Sny drainage ditch enters about six miles north of East Hannibal and runs southward to Mozier, Illinois, for about sixty miles. At flood stage the locks are closed near the Clarksville Dam as well as the locks near Station Four to prevent water backing up into the Sny. The District has fifty-two miles of main levee that protect 113,400 acres of farm land from flooding. Between 1965 and 1968, the Sny District decided to use bulldozers to help build the levee up. Sand from the river bottom was used to build the levee up four feet. Water flows from the Upland Watershed to three main diversion channels that include the McCraney-Hadley Diversion near Kinderhook, the Kiser Creek Diversion near New Canton, and the Six Mile and Bay Creek Diversion near Pleasant Hill. Water flows through reservoirs leaving the silt before entering the Sny Channel. There are approximately sixteen reservoirs in the district. In 1961 the board of the Sny Drainage District went to court for authority to start a cooperative program with the United States Corps of Engineers. This program resulted in land owners paying an assessment on their land of $3,422,500 or about $35.00 per acre for their share of the construction project. In addition an annual maintenance is paid by the landowners which is at present about $8.25 per acre. The Sny District employs ten permanent workers to work in the office and about twenty part-time workers to operate pumps, work on the levees, and to do other jobs. Over the years there have been three different locations for the Sny office. The first office was in Hannibal, Missouri, for about two years and then was moved to Pittsfield, Illinois. In 1962 the present office was built in New Canton, Illinois.

40 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Since 1871 an excess of 52 million dollars has been spent on construction, operation, and maintenance facilities. The Sny District has a on-going study of improvements that might be economical and feasible to improve the district. by Mark Thompson Barry High School Information obtained from: Mr. William T. Gard, past Superintendent and Treasurer of the Sny Drainage District Webber, John. The Quincy Herald-Whig. "Sny District Officials Request Study, Stronger Levee.”

DRIFTWOOD

A COLLECTION OF NATURAL HISTORY OF THE RIVER AREA

"He taught me to steer at night when it was so dark you couldn't see your face ... you must know every inch of the river so accurately that you will not be deceived by fogs which magnify objects, or moonlight that throws deceptive shadows, or darkness that makes the bank of the river ten feet higher. You must be able to take the watch, take a look at a misty rock or bluff, and know exactly where you are ... from Tales of the Mississippi by Ray Samuel, Leonard V. Huber ^ Warren C. Ogden

42 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Chemical Plight of the Bald Eagle Although the awareness of the possible extinction of the bald eagle has changed its classification from "endangered" to "threatened" in some states, further education concerning the plight of the eagle seems to be critical because of the building of power plants along the Mississippi River. When one thinks of the bald eagle, he may think of the national emblem, a peaceful bird of prey or an endangered species. Hardly does one imagine a bird with ability to fly up to thirty miles per hour and dive at speeds up to one hundred miles per hour. This bald animal has, however, suffered at the hand of man. Increasing awareness of the bald eagle's plight has lead to more effective measures of protecting it, not only by strengthening the laws which forbid its direct persecution, but also by controlling pollution and habitat erosion. Studies have proven that the bald eagle, elected United States national emblem in 1782, is an efficient hunter and extremely aggressive in defense of its property as well as its territory. In the past several years, the population of bald eagles has dropped to what seems to be an all time low. This is primarily due to chemicals created by humans and other environmentally hazardous products used by humans. Many of these chemical products are found in the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Lately, in the past couple years, biologists are becoming more aware of many of these problems and finding more efficient ways to deal with them. The bald eagle, which has such incredible eyesight that he can spot a fish in a stream up to one mile away, has three distinguished principal hunting strategies. The first strategy and most used is hunting from a perch. The perches selected are usually cliffs and stalks overlooking beaches or poles from which tundra area can be scanned. This method is used to hunt for fish, rats, sea otter pups, ptarmigan, and waterfowl. The deaths of many eagles are due to consuming fish and many other chemically tainted foods— foods tainted by land, air and water pollution. The two final strategies are hunting from an aerial height and hunting on direct flight. Fish up to twelve inches are caught regularly and devoured in less than one minute. Bald eagles have also been known to collide in midair with other birds carrying food, causing the bird to drop its load. The falling food is then amazingly caught by the eagle before reaching ground. There are many reasons for the downfall in the population of bald eagljss. The primary reason is humans. Populations have decreased dramatically due to "sportsmen" illegally shooting them. DDT, which devastated the eagle population for twenty years is no longer in use, but other toxins, such as compound 1080, a coyote poison, are still in use. The eagles are also affected by housing developments, lodging and mining operations which continue to move deeper and deeper into their wilderness. Lead poisoning from "lead shot", used by hunters, has also caused a decrease in the number of eagles as well as other birds. Certain types of lead poisoning have been known since early this century. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) estimates that two to three million birds die from lead poisoning each year. After shooting and trauma, lead poisoning is the third most frequent cause of bald eagle death in the United States. Wildlife biologists fear that the bald eagle's continued recovery may be in jeopardy from the lead shot. Lead poisoning is, in fact, an invisible disease. Very

43 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville few wildlife professionals have ever seen a case of it. Efforts are being made to increase the population by many biologists and environmentalists. Scientists have made many efforts by creating anti-extinction centers throughout the United States. Efforts by local groups have also helped to show how the repopulation efforts are progressing. The Musselman Audobon Society, along with many other chapters of the National Audobon Society in Illinois, counts the number of different types of birds throughout the state. These counts show increases or decreases in the population of birds and eagles; thus, helping scientists to realize if their anti-extinction centers are working. They also help to find the best ways of repopulating the eagle's population. The abuse of the eagle and its habitat by man led to its near extinction. The encroachment of poachers, the use of chemicals, and the expansion of industry have all affected the well being of the eagle and its natural surroundings. Only recently has the public become aware of their need to protect the eagle; yet the need for education and programs of action to aid the eagle still exist. by Kristofer Rueter Quincy Senior High School

"The Eagle" Pencil drawing by Tiffanie Fecht Hancock Central High School - Carthage

44 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville These Precious Few: The River Otter The river otter is an endangered species. Although endangered means there is still time, how much time is there? The river otter has a small flattened head, a long thick neck, and a thick tail that narrows to a point. They have long, coarse hairs that cover and protect the short, thick underfur. The underfur traps air and keeps the otter's skin dry. An otter's fur varies in color from brownish-gray to dark brown when dry, and appears darker when wet. The river otter is a member of the weasel family. They live in Illinois along the Mississippi and the Illinois Rivers and also in some smaller waterways of southern Illinois. They prefer to live in woody areas. Their house is dug into a shoreline or stream bank or into the hollow base of a tree standing along the shoreline. Otters live close to water and spend much of their time in it. Special muscles enable them to close their ears and nostrils tightly to keep water out. This enables them to be expert swimmers and divers and stay under water for three or four minutes. Elastic webbing grows between the otter's toes which is extensive enough to help them swim swiftly. Occasionally an otter may swim with the forelegs held against the flanks and the hindlegs moving so rapidly as to be a blur. When an otter surfaces, it stretches its neck and turns its flattened, almost reptilian head from side-to-side repeatedly before swimming to the surface and coming out on land. The river otter eats crayfish, crabs, and fish. They also eat clams, frogs, insects, snails, snakes, and occasionally waterfowl. Otters are active year round. They move about more at night than during the day. They hunt mostly alone, but sometimes they hunt in family groups. They mate in water anytime of the year, with a peak in spring and summer. After a service of about 61 days, two or three cubs are bom blind and toothless. Their fur is dark and silky. There is an uncertainty about when the eyes open, with the only reliable record being 35 days after birth. The cubs stay in the nest for the first eight weeks and do not leave their mother until just before she mates again. Young otters swim naturally, but the mother must push them into the water for their first swim. In the early days of taking to the water, a cub will sometimes climb onto the mother's back. Normally the cubs swim behind their mother. On rare occasions two or more family parties will swim one behind the other. When this does happen, a line of humps is seen, and the leading otter often raises its head to take a look around. Unfortunately, otters sometime compete with man for fish. It is not unusual for an otter to be killed from being caught on fishing hooks or in nets, but fishing accidents have been the least of the otter's problems. Early settlers trapped otters for its fur, decreasing much of the population. During this century, waterways have been polluted and natural shorelines destroyed to the extent that otters are unable to find decent shelter. Therefore, the river otter is now becoming extinct.

45 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Trapping otter is now illegal, and conservationists are trying to clean up the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, as well as other waterways. If clean and fresh protected places for the otter can be brought back, this species will stand a good chance of making a comeback in Illinois.* by Kari Fritz Jerseyville High School Information obtained from: Illinois Department of Conservation, "These Precious Few"

The River Otter (Photo provided by the Illinois Department of Conservation, Division ofNautral Heritage)

46 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Indiana Bat: Myotis Sodalis The bat has traditionally been an animal people have considered a bloodsucking, rabid monster as in Count Dracula. In truth it is a peaceful animal that stays away from man. There are only a few species of bat that actually drink blood and these prefer cattle over man. A little knowledge of the bat would convince anybody that the bat is not a danger to man but that man is a danger to the bat. The Indiana bat is a medium sized myotis and is named for the state in which it was first found. Its color ranges from a dull, dark gray, black or brown. The bat has a wingspread of 240 to 267mm and weighs a mere quarter ounce. The Indiana Bat (Photo provided by the Illinois Department of Conservation, Divison of Natural Heritage) The Indiana bats' habitat in the winter and summer are very different. In the winter it hibernates in caves. Ninety percent of its population are in two caves in Kentucky and a cave and a mine in Missouri. The rest of the population is scattered in caves from Missouri to Southern Indiana down to Kentucky where the species number from a dozen to a few thousand in each cave. The Indiana bat inhabits such few caves because it is very selective. The bat requires a high humidity of 85% or more and a temperature between ten degrees Celsius to four degrees celsius. The wintering population begins to build up in mid-September, and by late November the great mass of bats have settled down for the winter. When they arrive, they cluster tightly together, each affixing its claws into the rock ceiling. There is little known of the locations of the summer habitat. Female Indiana bats fly to their summer habitats and form nursery colonies under the loose bark of trees. These colonies contain a single bat to a few hundred. In Illinois most bats are found in the summer, but there are few known hibernation sites. These sites include: Blackball Mine, La Salle County; Twin Culvert Cave, Pike County; Guthrie Cave and Rich's Cave, Union County; Cave Springs and Watter's Cave, Hardin County; and the Blue Pool Cave, Madison County. All these caves contain fewer than 600 bats and have been known to go without bats for years. The Indiana bat breeds in the fall. At night the bats scatter in pairs over the ceiling of the cave where they can be seen copulating by the hundreds. Ovulation and fertilization does not occur until the females leave hibernation. The young are bom between late June and early July.

47 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The diet of the Indiana bat consists of diptems, lepidotems, and trichoptems. During lactation, moths make up more than 70% of the diet. Late in the summer insects with harder bodies are eaten to greater extent. The average lifespan of the Indiana bat is ten years. Some banded bats have lived as long as twenty years. The Indiana bat is on the endangered species list. The major cause of its decline in population is human disturbance, but flooding, ceiling collapses, freezing, stream dechannelization, deforestation, and pesticide poisoning are other causes. When humans disturb nursery colonies, the mother bats pull the young off the ceiling to fall to the cave floor. There they either die from the fall, starve, or are eaten by the carnivorous insects that inhabit bat feces. Another problem that is caused by human disturbance is that the Indiana bat is spooked easily and will leave a cave with minimal disturbance. The next largest killer of the Indiana bat is flooding. Since the Indiana bat inhabits such few caves in enormous populations it is susceptible to mass destruction. Rapid flooding due to storms have killed hundreds of thousands of bats. The rest of the causes have low effects on the population, but since most of the destruction of the Indiana bat is due to humans, the species can be saved. Many of the caves which hold large populations of the bats are protected by law, but there are still many caves that are not protected by law and bats are dying. The Indiana bat has shown that it is a peaceful animal, and that man is its greatest enemy. The fate of the Indiana bat is in our hands, and only we can save it

The Illinois Natural History Reports. "Indiana Bats are Illinois Bats Too” Mammals of Illinois. "Myotis sodalis, Indiana myotis" Bats of America. "Myotis Sodalis”

48 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Zebra Mussels A boat was removed from Indian Lake by Spend-a-Day Marina after it had been in the water for about one month. Live zebra mussels were found attached to the boat's trim and outdrive. The boat had been in Lake Erie, docked at the Sandus Bay Yacht Club in Sandusky City. The boat was out of the water only hours before it was placed in Indian Lake. The owner did attempt to remove several of the zebra mussels attached to the boat by using a car wash. When he was finished, the floor of the car wash was covered with the zebra mussels. Not all of the zebra mussels were removed because the owner considered it to be too much trouble. Unfortunately, lack of interest caused the spread of the zebra mussels from Lake Erie to Indian Lake (Zebra Mussels 3). Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were almost unheard of by the Great Lakes shoreline residents until 1989. By the autumn of 1989, zebra mussels had colonized the surfaces of nearly every firm object in Lake Erie. The SEA Grant Programs in the Great Lakes Basin have been researching and identifying these tiny mollusks as potentially harmful pests both environmentally and economically to this region "An Alien Invasion." This was quickly determined when zebra mussels began to clog pipes in water treatment facilities, utility and manufacturing plants at numerous locations across the Great Lakes. This impact eventually spread to boaters and marina owners who needed to find ways of removing the zebra mussels from boat hulls and piers, as well as buoys; many have become so encrusted with the zebra mussels that they sunk. Shorelines have become resting places for the dead zebra mussels and their sharp shells have made a simple walk along the beach a hazardous undertaking. The smell of the large numbers of dead and rotting zebra mussels is enough to ruin any family's day at the lake front. (Update). Zebra mussels originated in the Ponto-Caspian region of western Russia (Zebra Mussels). Canals built during the late 1700's allowed the mussels to begin spreading throughout eastern Europe. Throughout the early 1800's, canals made bulk shipping much easier but also expanded the zebra mussel's range. By the 1830's the mussels had covered much of the continent and invaded Britain (Update). The first introduction of zebra mussels into the Great Lakes appears to have occurred in 1985 or 1986 when one or more ships discharged ballast water into the Lake St. Clair. The fresh water ballast, picked up in a European port, likely contained zebra mussels larvae and possibly juveniles. Being at ideal temperature, the zebra mussels found the St. Clair and Erie to their liking (Zebra Mussels). The zebra mussels' reproductive cycle is the key to its rapid spread and abundance. Egg production starts when the water temperature warms to about 54 degrees, usually in early May along Lake Erie, and continues until the water cools below 54 degrees, generally in October. A fully mature female mussel can produce over 30,000 eggs per season. The eggs are fertilized outside the shell and within a few days hatch into free-swimming larvae that are called "veligers". The veligers can remain suspended in the water for one to three weeks, allowing currents to scatter them far and wide. If they don't settle onto firm objects in that period of time, they will die. The vast majority actually suffer this fate. Those that find a hard surface quickly attach themselves to it,

49 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and within three weeks, transform into the typical mussel shape that are then considered to be juveniles. A zebra mussel becomes mature within the year. These mussels may live from four to six years (Zebra Mussels). Any firm surface that's not toxic will be colonized by zebra mussels. Rock, metal, wood, vinyl, glass, rubber, fiberglass, paper, plants, other mussels - the surface needs only to be hard. Beds of mussels in some areas of Lake Erie now contain over 30,000 and sometimes up to 70,000 animals per square meter "Showdown at Mussel Beach." Recent observations of new colonies suggest that zebra mussels may be able to gradually colonize soft, muddy bottoms. Hard objects deposition or on the mud, such as pieces of native mussel shells, act as nuclei for settling veligers. As a few mussels begin to grow, attached to their shells "nucleus", they in turn serve as hard substrata for additional colonization. In this way, extensive mats of zebra mussels can form on soft lake bottoms "Z.M. Invasion Threatens U.S. Waters." Another great impact in the Great Lakes is on commercial and recreational boating. The mussels have been found in hulls of Canadian Lake Erie commercial fishing boats. Any critter that attaches itself to hulls increases the amount of drag and reduces the boat's speed and fuel efficiency. If mussels are drawn into a boat's engine cooling water intake and the vessel is then allowed to sit idle for a prolonged period of time, colonization may effect the cooling system, leading to overheating and possible damage to the engine. Abrasion of the cooling system parts could result "An Alien Invasion." Commercial and recreational navigation can also be affected if navigation and marker buoys sink under the weight of zebra mussels encrusted on portions of the navigational aids. Recreational use of beaches in infested areas may also be impacted by colonization of shallow nearshore areas by the zebra mussels and by littering of beaches by shells washed up from the colonies (bathers on some beaches of Lakes St. Clair and Erie are already reported to be wearing footgear to prevent cuts from the shells). The smells from the decomposition of zebra mussels can also detract from shoreline recreational activities. Zebra mussels can spread from the Great Lakes to inland waters attached to boats' hulls, engines, fish cages or on a number of different items. Waterfowl and other wildlife may also disperse zebra mussels in wet fur or feathers. Adult zebra mussels appear very hardy out of water. With their shells closed, they can survive drying for several days. In moist environments, they can survive out of water even longer. Most authorities consider the spread of zebra mussels across North America to be an almost certainty. The southward spread will be limited by average summer water temperatures above 81 degrees. The northward spread might be limited by soils deficient in calcium or by summer water temperatures below 54 degrees. The broad region having favorable environmental conditions for zebra mussels could extend from our East Coast to our West Coast and from Canada to our southernmost states (Update).

50 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The zebra mussel will very likely be a permanent part of the Great Lakes. Increased support for research is need to gain understanding of its effects upon the lakes and the economic implications. Zebra mussel populations should peak a few years after the initial infestation and then decline to a somewhat lower level, but there's little doubt that the zebra mussels' impact will be felt by great numbers of people who use the Great Lakes, especially Lakes Erie, Huron, and Ontario "Z.M. Invasion Threatens U.S. Waters.” To avoid spreading the infestation to other areas, a person should clean boat hulls, trim tabs, outdrives and outboard lower units or leave the boat out of the water for 10 to 14 days before transferring a boat from Lake Erie to inland waters. Live wells should be disinfected with one part chlorine bleach to ten parts of water for several hours. This solution should not be discharged into lakes or streams due to its toxicity to aquatic life "Gear Assault." The job of cleaning up zebra mussels will prove to be a task for industry throughout the Great Lakes. Control personnel will be called upon to solve this problem by using whatever means possible. That may mean using techniques that are unproved and potentially harmful to the environment. However, there are some control methods that seem to be safe and effective when undertaken by trained and knowledgeable personnel. These methods are: 1) Thermal control. Water is heated to 113 degrees for a minimum of ten minutes, resulting in the rapid death of most zebra mussels. However, many die with closed shells and may stay attached for several days. 2) Chlorination. At the point of raw water intake, chlorination has proven to be effective in controlling zebra mussels. There is concern for negative effects of chlorine on nontarget species. 3) Mullascicides. These have proven to be effective in industrial and power plant applications. However, before using chemical treatments, all plant personnel are advised to check with local environmental regulatory agencies. 4) Organometallic toxicants. These consist of tribtuyl tin oxide coatings that may be effective in preventing zebra mussel attachmen t to surfaces such as boat hulls and buoys. However, they are relatively expensive, difficult to apply, and have a short service life. Zebra mussels are now well established in Lakes St. Clair and Erie and have been found in Lakes Michigan and Ontario as well as the Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers. There is no way to eliminate the mollusk in these water bodies without harming other life forms so we must assume that the mussel is here to stay and that it

51 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will eventually be found throughout the entire Great Lakes Basin and other inland waterbodies throughout the entire North America. The task now is to control its impacts on ecosystems and water uses (Zebra Mussels). by Rebecca L. Beiser and Angela R. Dunse Jerseyville High School

BIBLIOGRAPHY "An. Alien Invasion" "Gear Assault" Pennsisi, Christine H. Interview. 20 Feb. 1991. "Showdown at Mussel Beach" Snyder, Fred L. Interview. 5 Feb. 1991. "Why Do Some Invasions Succeed?" "Zebra Mussels Invasion Threatens U.S. Waters" "Zebra Mussel (Update)" (Zebra Mussels): A 1990 Great Lakes Overview

Zebra Mussels Drawing courtesy of the Ohio Sea Grant College Program

52 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Interview With A Bird Watcher The Mississippi and its bird species have always been an inspiration to Wilda Sutherland. Wilda is a teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary, and a bird watcher to the surrounding area. She has been watching birds and recording her findings since 1980, and has lived here since 1959. Her previous associations with the river were, according to her, only occasional fishing trips. In her many years of experience watching birds along the river she lias noticed a great fluctuation in the number of birds from year to year. To her knowledge the greatest fluctuation occurs in ducks, especially among Red- Head and Bufflehead species. Over the years her observations of the eagles on the river have concluded that the eagles generally appear around the same time every year, early November, and then leave in early March. This year when Wilda went on her annual eagle count she counted 24 of them. Among the rarest birds she has seen on the river include black swans, white pelicans, old squaw (type of duck), common loon, dunlin, and water pipits. She has seen in her life 257 birds, out of a possible 400 in this area. When asked about her concerns of the river birds' habitat, she will tell you that she is very much troubled with the clearing of trees and brush that continue along the Mississippi River. This clearing away of the brush and trees destroys many of the birds' habitats. She told us that it would not be so bad if people would replace the trees that they cut down. by Jeff Henderson and Darren Forgy Pleasant Hill High School

53 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Caves No two caves are alike. They range from shallow pockets etched into rocky bluffs to tortuous tunnels that twist and wind through total darkness for dozens of miles. Some caves pass straight back into mountainsides so smoothly that visitors don't have to take a single step up or down. Others plunge down hundreds of feet past jagged rocks and thundering waterfalls, so that few men are experienced enough to explore them. There are passages in many caves that only a small boy could wiggle through. In others are found chambers so enormous that several football fields placed end to end could fit inside them. Each year more than one million people pass along the corridors and passageways of thousands of United States caves. Many visitors return again and again to the same cave to gaze at the marvels that have been created by nature in the quiet darkness of the subterranean world. Besides their natural beauty, most of the caves open to the public also boast of a wide variety of dramatic stories and legends about their pasts. Often these stories involve events that occurred so long ago that they can no longer be checked with enough certainty to separate fact from fiction. In other cases, a cave’s discovery and exploration have been carefully recorded, and this information often tells a story of drama and personal courage that matches even the best of the folklore surrounding other caves. Cave exploring has been described as mountain climbing underground. When climbing mountains, amateurs should be properly outfitted and accompanied by experts, and that is also good advice for beginning spelunkers. Most people who take public tours through the country’s major cave attractions may not realize how much the electric lights, concrete steps, safety rails, smooth paths, man-made tunnels, elevators, and dry trails add to their comfort. But exploring a wild cave or pressing into the undeveloped regions of a commercial cave, has none of these safety features to ease his explorations. If you plan to do any serious caving, you must be dressed for it. Nearly all speleologists, whether men or women, wear coveralls. Caving is rough work, and coveralls stand up well under the punishment of water, clay, and stone. Experts strongly urge that no one should ever explore a cave alone. If you are alone and injure yourself, it might be hours or days before someone finds you. Ideally, there should be at least three people in the party. Then, in the event of an accident, one can remain with the injured person while the third member of the team goes for help. When exploring an unfamiliar cave, it is helpful to use a compass and map if one is available. Guessing directions underground is usually impossible and can lead to trouble. It is also a good idea to glance backward frequently to see what the passage looks like from the opposite side. This is especially helpful at turns and side passages so that you will be familiar with them on your return trip. At all cross passages your trail should be clearly marked with twine, tape or other removable material. As you leave, remove the markers so that you don’t create confusion for future explorers. Most people know that bats sometimes live in caves during the daytime, though these shy creatures are usually overlooked as they cling like small, brown furballs among the nooks and crannies of the dimly seen ceilings. In many caves the

54 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville bat population has taken up residence in far-off, hard-to-reach parts of the cavern where they are a seldom, if ever, bothered domain. But bats are hardly the sole occupants of limestone caverns. Most people would be surprised to learn just how many other living things are crawling, swimming, or flying about in the darkness around them when they visit some caves.

Caves are located on the Great River Road between Grafton and Alton. Some are man made and some are natural. These caves were quarried during the Civil War to help build the first Confederate prison in the state of Illinois. by Heidi Bivens and April Crum Jerseyville High School

55 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Wilson's Cave "Caves in Hancock County are somewhat of a limited commodity." I had come to that conclusion on my own, about three phone calls before I connected with Mr. Dan Wilson of rural Nauvoo. I had started my search by calling around Warsaw. I learned that the caves in that area were, for the most part, found along the bluffs of the river. When I got directions to Wilson’s Cave, I figured that my troubles were over. They weren't. I decided that I would spend the afternoon of January 27 familiarizing myself with the area around the cave. I followed Mr. Wilson's directions to the bridge over Larry Creek, and headed into the woods. I re-emerged an hour and a half later, after having "familiarized" myself to the fact that I needed more exact directions to find the cave. I arranged to meet with Dan Wilson to have him show me exactly where the cave was. I met him in his shop on the morning of February 2, and we proceeded to the bridge, across Larry Creek, up the ridge, around the rim of a ravine, along an old hedge row, and we arrived at the cave, which I had missed by less than fifty yards the weekend before! Now that I was able to find the cave and find my car on the return, it was time to lead the group into the forest to see the cave. I met Sarah and Jen at the Hamilton Dairy Queen. We parked near the bridge over Larry Creek and followed the creek until we found a crossing with enough rocks to allow them to cross without getting their shoes wet. We followed the approximate path that Mr. Wilson took, but this time we ran across a multiflora of rose brush. Nonetheless, we plodded on, and at last made it to the cave. Upon our arrival at the cave, Sarah said," Jen, you should have brought your camera!" I told Sarah what I knew of the cave from my discussion with Mr. Wilson and we headed back to the cars. They went back that afternoon to get the pictures. The Mississippi River has influenced the people, the culture, and the land that are in contact with it. The land has been affected greatly by the river and many unique physical features have evolved. Wilson's Cave is one of these features. Wilson's Cave is in Sonora Township of Hancock County. The cave is about two miles north of Golden Point Church secluded in timber known as Golden's Point. Golden's Point, an old landmark of Hancock County, was a point of timber projecting into the prairie on the borders of Larry Creek. Wilson's Cave was not a natural feature of the land. It was formed slowly by the process of erosion. Years ago when the Mississippi River ran east, a great flood occurred and the river ran over. As the flood waters dropped, the river ran south over the ridge of sandstone and huge rocks located in the timber of Golden's Point. The eminent flow of water eroded the sandstone and caused an undercut in the clay beneath it. As the water continued to flow over the undercut, a whirlpool formed. The whirlpool grew in size, and a large amount of the sandstone and land was worn away. The flooded waters soon lowered, making it apparent that a cave had formed.

56 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Wilson's Cave was a natural beauty. Little has changed over its many years of existence. Over the cave's top, a small stream flows as a water fall. In the winter, beautiful icicles form and hang from the large rocks that protrude in a horseshoe shape around the cave. Inside the cave, a deposit of iron produces an orange clay-like appearance in a section below the water fall. There are also many names engraved in the rock and the walls of the cave. The latest date back to 1932. Many of these names are those of the Wilson family. This provides some history for the cave and shows the people that were there long ago. Wilson's Cave was once used by people traveling along a wagon trail from Nauvoo to Warsaw. The cave was a popular picnic area for many to stop and rest or simply to enjoy the cave's beauty. It is also thought that Indians may have used this cave years ago. It was probably used as a shelter from the weather as well as a place to get fresh water. Although the land and the people of the Sonora Township were affected and influenced by the Mississippi River years ago, today the cave can still be used and enjoyed! by Sarah Steinkamp, Jason Swearingen, and Jennifer Hocker Hancock Central High School - Carthage

Entrance to Wilson's Cave

57 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 58 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Trees in Pere Marquette Park I was walking along the trails of Pere Marquette State Park looking for leaves to use as examples for my river project. This was in mid-October right as the leaves were changing colors and starting to fall from the trees. As I looked around I was struck by the beauty of the scenery, painting the park in brilliant shades of green, orange, yellow and red. Then I reached McAdam's Peak to overlook the merging of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. I was struck again with a sense of awe. All around me the countryside was full of color and the sun was beginning to set on the horizon. The whole scene made me stop and think how lucky I was to live near a place as beautiful as Pere Marquette in autumn. That day I gathered a few leaves from a few trees out of the many that were there. With these leaves I have included a little bit of information about the trees they came from. Hopefully this will help in knowing a little more about the trees in this area.

American Elm This tree is well known in most of Eastern United States. It is planted by many people as a shade tree or along streets. It was virtually wiped out early this century because of the Dutch Elm disease. It has a vase shaped form and spreading branches. It has an uneven base, smooth twigs and double toothed leaves. The wood from the Elm is used for furniture, containers and small articles. It reaches a height of 75 to 100 feet.

59 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Northern Red Oak The Red Oak is one of the largest oaks. The dark bark has long smooth plates between its grooves. The leaves are smooth or slightly hairy along their veins. Acorns from the Red Oak are large and rounded in a shallow cup. The Red Oak is considered to be the most important timber tree in the Black Oak Family. This tree is also used as a shade tree and is usually 60 to 90 feet tall.

Black Oak The black oak is one of the most common Eastern oaks. It has spiny leaves, dark bark and its acorns take two years to ripen. The leaves are variable with those on the lower part of the tree being broader than those on the higher branches of the tree. The acorns are medium sized with a downy nut enclosed about halfway in a deep cup. The wood is hard and heavy. This tree grows to about 60 to 90 feet in height.

The sugar maple is used for its sap which is used to make maple sugar and syrup. It is also used as a shade and ornamental tree along streets and in yards. The wood is used for cabinet work and furniture. The leaves turn a rich yellow, orange or scarlet in the fall. Its fruit ripens in late summer, and the tree reaches the height of about 75 to 100 feet. by Nelson Erb Jerseyville High School Source: Zim, Herbert S.,Ph.D. and Martin, Alexander G, Ph.D. Trees. A Golden Guide.

61 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Boltonia decurrens (Decurrent False Aster) Boltonia decurrens, or more commonly known as the decurrent false aster, has been an endangered species since November 14,1988, when the Fish and Wildlife Service declared it endangered in a publication in the Federal Register. False aster occurs in three colors: white, light pink, and pale purple. The ray flowers range from 1-1.8 cm long. In the center of the ray flowers is a yellow aster-like flower head about 7-14 mm wide. Unlike its sister species Boltonia asteroides (false aster), decurrent false aster's leaves are decurrent, meaning that they go along the side of the stem before making their attachment. Decurrent false aster can reproduce vegatatively and sexually. Averaging a height of 1.5 meters and occasionally reaching heights over 2 meters, decurrent false aster is a perennial plant living in wetlands along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Being found only along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, decurrent false aster has been kept up to date since the first findings. The first colonies found started at LaSalle, Illinois, and ran along the Mississippi River. One population of decurrent false aster was discovered by Schwegman and Nyboer in a survey from 1980 to 1985 stating that there were a total of 13 populations in Illinois. In another survey in 1989, there were a total of 18 populations sighted in Illinois. The counties in which decurrent false aster was found were Jersey, Scott, Cass, Morgan, Schuyler, Fulton, Tazewell, and Marshall. These sites occur along the Illinois River. These sites can be found on the Bi-State Distribution Chart. Decurrent false aster is endangered because its habitat is being destroyed or modified. Examples of destruction and modification done by man that have harmed the false aster plant include: severe floods, destruction by discing, the use of herbicides, lakes have been drained for crops, heavy siltation and altered flooding have been modified, and row crop agriculture in the watershed and levee systems have changed the ecology. An example of destruction is that of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam construction site. The Missouri Department of Conservation had to transplant false aster plants in order for them to survive. A borrow pit, filled with false aster, behind the dam would fill with water when the pool was raised. They, therefore, had to transplant the plants to insure safety. Without this successful project, many false aster plants would have been destroyed.

62 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville As stated before, false aster can reproduce both vegetatively and sexually. Decurrent false aster produces an average of 53,000 seed heads on one plant and of these 60% have the ability to germinate. Therefore, approximately 30,000 plants should be produced by a single plant every year, but this isn't happening. Scientists are studying this to see why. They have found, however, that decurrent false aster has two types of flowers for reproduction. The outside ray flowers are one way that decurrent false aster can reproduce. They hypothesize that because the fruits produced by the ray flowers are wedge-shaped they are more apt to fall and grow near the parent flower. On the other hand, disk flowers, with the seeds in the center, are very flat, allowing for dispersion. Because of their flat characteristic, disk flowers can float easily and move away from the parent flower to start a new population down farther.

Disk flowers Ray flowers

Decurrent false aster needs plenty of sunlight for growth. It uses sunlight for photosynthesis, and if sunlight is not present, photosynthetic rates are low, causing the plant to die. Light is also absolutely necessary for germination. Boltania decurrens got its name, decurrent false aster, because of false identification. Because Boltania looked so similar to aster plants, they were once classified in the aster group. After closer studying, it was found that although similar to the aster, Boltania decurrens and Boltania asteroides (false aster) were in a separate genus. One difference between Boltania decurrens and aster is their leaves. Aster leaves attach themselves directly to the side of the stem, whereas the decurrent false aster leaves go along the side of the stem before they make attachment. (These differences are pictured on the next page.) Thus, "decurrent false aster" was given to this plant that is similar to an aster, but which is not a true aster.

Being listed as endangered, decurrent false aster has been studied in order to find some way to help re-establish it. There are many objectives for the recovery of decurrent false aster. They include "... to determine the requirements of a naturally reproducing population through research, locate and protect as many existing populations as practical, enhance existing populations and to establish additional populations in suitable protected habitat." (Recovery Plan by the Decurrent False Aster Recovery Team, 9). There are three priorities that will be used for protecting decurrent false aster. They are: 1) purchase in fee, easement, or management of natural self-sustaining populations; 2) management of existing and established populations on federal and state lands; and 3) naturally occurring and established populations on private and local government controlled lands. These three priorities will be enforced while the decurrent false aster is being monitored over a five year period. After this time period, those decurrent false aster populations which have expanded and are stable will be seen as capable of living and continuing to reproduce on their own. Dr. Marian Smith, assistant professor of biology at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, is one person involved in the study and recovery of the decurrent false aster. She received her Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Kansas, after receiving a Master's Degree in Biology Education at Southwestern Oklahoma University in 1981. She has one son, one daughter, and two grandsons. She got involved in the decurrent false aster project when the Corps of Engineers received money to work on this project. She was then contacted by Mr. Thomas Keevin, and they got together to discuss what could be done about the declination of decurrent false aster. She then got her students involved in this project. This project is good for her students, she says, because they are all biology majors who are interested in environmental problems and who are concerned with finding solutions for them. She and her students give speeches to the public, and she publishes everything that is researched. Dr. Smith is a plant physiologist, so she's not only interested in finding and counting decurrent false aster plants but also trying to

64 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville understand the physiological mechanisms for the growth, reproduction, and survival of this plant. Dr. Smith likes her job and enjoys what she's doing at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. To conclude, decurrent false aster is a perennial plant that can grow up to six feet tall, can occur in the colors of white, pink, or purple, can reproduce vegetatively and sexually, and can only grow and germinate with plenty of sunlight. It is endangered because of mankind's intervention, such as herbicides, heavy siltation, and draining of lakes. By studying the plant to understand more about it, and by planting new plants and transplanting existing ones, the Corps of Engineers is trying to save Boltonia decurrens, or false aster plant. I would like to especially thank Dr. Marian Smith for graciously taking time to talk to me about the decurrent false aster plant and to Mr. Thomas Keevin who supplied me with information that helped me write this article. by Penny Kallal Jerseyville High School

Dr. Marian Smith, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

65 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Pike County Conservation Area Nick Ignelsie and Beth Kuhn took us hiking in the Pike County Conservation Area on February 23,1991 (see photo 1). This we found very exciting and interesting because of its eagle refuges, Indian mounds, the remains of old Indian villages, the new Central Illinois Expressway bridges, stone kiln, and many kinds of wildlife. The PCCA is divided into sections (see photo 2). Zone A is closed down from December 1 to March 31 for eagle refuge. The rest of the year, it's open to the public for hunting and hiking. Zone B is open all year around for hiking and hunting. North of Zone B there are Indian mounds open for hiking all year as long as you don't damage the land. The PCCA has a lot of Indian history, including the Indian mounds and plot 16, which is the site of an old Indian village. The relics from the village date back thousands of years. The reason the Indians liked plot 16 was because it was a flat land (see photo 3) that had to be climbed to reach it. This was a good defense. The farmers have damaged the land by plowing so the Conservation Area has planted alfalfa, oats, and prairie grass. The constructors of the CIE bridges cut into hills to build the bridges (see photo 4). They did this with much research so the wildlife would not be harmed. Before the building of the bridges, the archaeologists dug up all the relics that the hills contained and analyzed every square inch of that area on paper. Before leaving, the archaeologists performed a ritual of leaving behind a shoe tree (see photo 5). There were,plans for a look-out station on the northwest side of the bridges on the west side of.the river, but after several environmental studies, these plans changed. The reason for this change was the possible harm to the endangered eagles. One of the two limestone kilns in Illinois is located in the PCCA (see photo 6). In 1840, it was constructed with a dome-shaped top and a doorway large enough for a man to walk through. They used the kilns to make limestone, taken out of the hills, into powder. This powder was used as mortar for houses. Mortar from this kiln was used to build many houses in St. Louis. There are plans to rebuild the kiln from a blueprint of a kiln in England. There are many different kinds of wildlife in the PCCA. A few of these are eagles, deer, wild turkey, mice, rabbits, and squirrels. Feathers of eagles or wild game aren't allowed to be taken off the premises unless you're an Indian. In this case, eagle feathers are allowed to be taken because of tradition. The wild turkey's source of foods in the winter is scratching and digging for food under the leaves and snow. This hike was very educational for us. We learned new things like eagle and wild game feathers may not be removed from the area, that much research was put into the building of the CIE bridges so the wildlife would not be harmed, and we learned of the rituals that archaeologists perform before they leave an area. by Karen Koncor and Heather Brokaw Pittsfield High School

Photo Four - CIE bridge

Photo Six - One of two limestone kilns in Illinois

69 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Delair Division Mark Twain Federal Refuge The Delair Mark Twain Federal Refuge was established in 1964 (see photo A) by Paul Bake well, a real estate man from St. Louis. He sold it to the federal government to be used as a wildlife refuge. He retained use of part of the land for hunting and use of a lodge until 1974, and then he relinquished all of it to the government. The total 1,647 acres were purchased with funds from the Duck Stamp Act. Around 500 acres of the refuge are farmed or rented out. One third of the crops are left in the field to feed the water fowl. The government suggests to the farmers that they plant wheat for the ducks to eat. There are thousands of animals in the one-of-a-kind refuge. The bald eagle population has greatly increased in the past year (see photo B). This year, the estimated total is 100. There have been only two eagle nests found in the refuge. No young have yet been raised in those nests. There are many thousands of ducks in the refuge. For example, mallards make up 20,000 of the ducks at the busiest times (see photo C). Wood ducks also nest there and about 50 broods have hatched. It is also a resting place for approximately 20,000 snow geese and 1,000 Canadian geese. This year for the first time, the deer population was becoming a threat to the waterfowl's food supply. The refuge was opened to a limited number of hunters to help thin out this deer population. This was the only time that the public was able to cross into this refuge. This refuge's main objective is to provide a sanctuary for the waterfowl in the area. by Matt Henery and Scott Seybold Pittsfield High School

Photo A - Federal Wildlife Sanctuary

71 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Earthquake vs. River: A Shaking Discovery In Missouri, there is a town known as New Madrid. This town is well known because of a famous fault line which runs through the city up through a majority of Illinois. What many people do not realize is that this fault line is susceptible to a very disastrous earthquake at any current time. Scientists also tell us that the region of the New Madrid Fault is shaken on the average of once every other day by an earthquake that measures approximately one on the Richter scale. Although this is not a strong earthquake, it could foreshadow a great disaster. The New Madrid Fault begins in southern and central Missouri and works its way up through Missouri and Illinois. It follows the Mississippi. Because of this, if an earthquake did occur, the river would be greatly affected. For example, in 1811 and 1812, two major earthquakes hit the New Madrid Fault region. These two earthquakes ripped through mainly Missouri and Illinois but could also be felt in many of the southern states. They measured an average of 8.5 on the Richter scale. These quakes, as well as the aftershocks, caused great complications up and down the Mississippi River. Houses were destroyed, many people were injured or killed, and for a temporary time, the river changed its flow due to the great land shifts. These shifts caused the currents in the river to change which caused the change in flow. Also, downstream in Tennessee, the river completely rerouted forming a lake currently known as Reelfoot Lake. It is famous for its great fishing. To give the reader an idea of how much the land shifted, the lake which was formed was ten miles long. Can you imagine the devastation that this would have caused to the trade during that time? Much of the trade which was done in the 1800's was done through the Mississippi River. When the river rerouted and the flow was temporarily changed, this threw off the trading business tremendously. This would also happen in modem times. There is much traffic on the river today with barges continuously moving goods up and down stream. Scientists estimate that if an earthquake hit with the magnitude such as it did in the 1800's, it would not be doubted that a city like St. Louis would be devastated. Many people wonder why a city like St. Louis would be so devastated when cities such as San Francisco are frequentiy hit with big earthquakes and withstand the mighty shocks. There is an easy explanation. St. Louis was not constructed until after the great earthquakes of 1811 and 1812. However, San Francisco was booming by this time. So, while San Francisco was used to earthquakes, they built their buildings to withstand huge shocks, but St. Louis was different. We were not used to frequent earthquakes; therefore, we did not build the city with earthquake stability in mind. So, in the event of an earthquake, San Francisco has a better chance of staying erect than St. Louis does. If an earthquake does hit the New Madrid Fault region, it would devastate many cities, slowing down the usual life of the river. It has been predicted that we would soon be hit by an earthquake. Is it just a prediction or could it be the truth? Whatever the cause may be, we need to be aware of the possible effects. by Amy Schuler and Pam McCarry Jerseyville High School

72 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Duck Hunting In Pool 24 Duck hunting is a popular sport on the Mississippi River. During the 1930's, the federal government started to build dams, dikes, and levees on the Mississippi. The dams were numbered, and they formed pools. The pool upstream from the dam takes the dam's number. Then, the federal government leased these hunting areas to the state for recreational purposes. In 1957, regulations on duck hunting began with the staking and numbering of blinds. At this time hunters were allowed to keep their blind site as long as they registered it every year. More blinds were added as needed if space was available. Certain areas with the most intensive hunting were restricted. In these restricted areas the kill was recorded by state biologists as the hunters daily registered at check stations. The non-restricted areas were open for hunting without checking at check stations. Over the next decade, restricted areas were removed, and blinds were allotted by bi-annual drawings. Blinds must be built within three weeks of duck season. If the blind is not adequately built, the blinds are given away on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are 93 blinds on Pool 24. These blinds are enjoyed by hunters from many states. Many hunters are aware of the conservation of wildlife and have joined such organizations as "Ducks for the Future" and "Ducks Unlimited." Sources: Bob Williams and Larry Krusemark of Griggsville, Illinois by Jesse Krusemark Pittsfield High School

MAINSTREAM

A COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL ARTICLES

"When I was a boy, there was but one permanent ambition among my comrades in our village on the west bank of the Mississippi River. TTiat was, to be a steamboatman. We had transient ambitions of other sorts, but they were only transient. When a circus came and went, it left us all burning to become clowns; the first negro minstrel show that ever came to our section left us all suffering to try that kind of life; now and then we had a hope that, if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates. These ambitions faded out, each in its turn; but the ambition to be a steamboatman always remained."

from Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain

74 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Mississippi Was Too Much Mississippi: The Flood of 65 In 1965 the Mississippi was at flood stage for 93 consecutive days beginning in March and continuing until June. The flood stage reached the highest crest on April 23 at 28.9 feet. For the Hull and the surrounding farm land, May 3 was a crucial time. At approximately 8:30 Monday evening, Don Niemann and his brother were patrolling the levee when they found a break. They had to run almost a mile to find a phone to call in the break. They called the camp where the emergency station was located. Within minutes Todd Dunker, Bill Dunker, Don Stolte, Roger Frazier, Lane Mathena, and Bill Rice were at the scene of the break. As these men stood around thinking what to do, Bill Rice said, "We can let her go or we can save it. Let's save it." He then jumped into a ten foot hole scooped out of the levee. Immediately following him was Donald Stolte, Bill Dunker, Lane Mathena, and Roger Frazier. These men risked their lives to save the levee while standing in waist deep rushing water. A newscaster said over the radio that if they would have read it in a book they would have known it was impossible, but since they hadn't read it in any book they proved it could be done. When other residents arrived, they helped get gates and sandbags from nearby farms to plug the hole. A barge was sent from Northeast Missouri Power Cooperative which picked up sand and sandbags at Hannibal to take to the site of the break. There were between 70,000 to 100,000 sandbags used. The men worked through the night to finally plug the hole. Over one hundred men volunteered to form a human chain to pass sandbags to the levee. Because of their quick action, the men prevented the flooding of more than 30,000 acres in the Sny Drainage District. During the time the volunteers were plugging the ten foot hole, the residents of Hull were informed they must evacuate. State Policeman Earl McFeeters went through the town stating over a loud speaker that everyone must evacuate in ten to twenty hours. Earlier the residents had been told that if the levee broke south of the railroad track, the residents would have twenty-four hours notice. If the levee broke north of the railroad track, the people would have only six to eight hours notice. This break was south of the tracks. People then began moving furniture and other belongings to the second floor of their homes or to higher ground. Many Hull residents moved out just in case an emergency would occur. An evacuation center was set up at West Pike High School in Kinderhook. People who did not have cars would have been picked up and taken to the center in case of a flood.

75 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The people of Hull felt they had witnessed a modem miracle, and all their prayers had been answered. Because of the hard labor of all the residents, Hull, Illinois, and surrounding farmland were saved. by Barbara Kovachevich Barry High School t I Information obtained from: A scrapbook belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Bill Dunker with articles from the Quincy Herald-Whig and the Hannibal Courier-Post

The Flood of 1973 "The raging floodwaters continue to push toward a 200-year-old record today as the churning rivers burst through a Portage des Sioux levee, threatening to isolate Grafton and Hardin from highways and creeping to the Broadway and Piasa intersection in downtown Alton." (Alton Telegraph, April 26, 1973). In 1973, the mighty Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers submerged thousands of acres of farm lands and communities in a mass of water. The deluge stretched from St. Charles to Portage des Sioux and from Pit Stop in West Alton to West Broadway in downtown Alton. Citizens worked to salvage their land, roads, and businesses. In a vain effort to protect the dry areas from the flood, people worked frantically to bolster levees and fill sandbags. However, most low-lying areas of the effected counties were surrounded by water and eventually isolated. The flood put a damper on land transportation. Traffic was re-routed from the high water areas to dry highways. Motorists traveling south across the Clark Bridge were forced to use an upper highway due to the flooded roads. In addition to the traffic hindrances, many businesses went "under." Businessmen with basements were in more trouble than those with no cellars. Store owners pumped gallons of flood water back into the streets. Sandbags were stacked in front of doorways to prevent the backflow of water into the store. All areas that were affected by the flood suffered great losses. Land was ruined, roads were flooded, and businesses lost money. The flood of 1973 was truly a great natural disaster. by Carolyn Marie Floerke Marquette High School - Alton

76 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Mississippi River As A Source For Transportation The Mississippi River is the largest river in the United States and the most important body of water. Different means of transportation have carried agricultural goods, industrial goods, and early settlers up and down the Mississippi for almost three centuries. Early transportation along the Mississippi River took place on primitive rafts, and later on in flatboats or keelboats. Explorers like La Salle, traveled down the Mississippi in small rafts or canoes to discover the vastness of the river. Flatboats were used in the late 1700's and early 1800's to carry freight and passengers along the river. The flatboats had a flat bottom and four square ends. They were often equipped with a square shelter in the middle of the boat. The keelboat was very similar to a flatboat, except it was narrow, and it was built upon a keel and a rib wood. The Mississippi River became a major source of transportation and trade when the steamboat came into use in the early 1800's. It was used as a cheap, fast means of transporting goods on the river. The use of the steamboat helped increase the population of important river parts such as St. Louis and New Orleans. The steamboat eliminated slow vessels such as the keelboat or raft. Engines drawn on steam powered a giant paddle wheel at the stem of the boat. Smaller steamboats were of great importance during the Civil War. Northern troops were transported down the Mississippi River in an effort to blockade the Confederacy. The river served as a transportation route for the Union Army to capture important Confederate cities such as Vicksburg and New Orleans. Steamboat transportation finally decreased with the emergence of the railroad. The first railroad bridge connecting St. Louis to East St. Louis provided a means for railroad transportation across the Mississippi River. Today, the chief means of transportation along the river are barges. These barges are flat-bottomed boats generally pulled along by tugboats. The barges are mainly used to carry midwest agricultural goods down through the Port of New Orleans or industrial goods from Minnesota and St. Louis. Various forms of transportation have been used for travel along the Mississippi River. Fast and affordable news of transportation continue to make this river an important means of trade and travel for our country. Through better transportation, cities such as St. Louis and New Orleans have been able to thrive on the river as a major economic factor. This natural resource has and will continue to be an important economical factor for our entire country. Let's protect our river. by Brian Jefferson Quincy Senior High School

77 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Immigration on the Mississippi River During the 1800's some people immigrated to their new homes on the Mississippi River by steamboat. At that time a person could travel from St. Louis to New Orleans for about three dollars. This price was for riding on the deck of a steamship, compared to twelve or fifteen dollars for cabin fare. Most of the people who were immigrating didn't have much money, so they stayed on the deck where there were few comforts. At this time these boats were also used for transporting cargo up and down the river. Since the cargo was placed at the center of the deck, the travelers were sometimes forced to sleep along the guardrails near the edge of the boat. When sleeping there, they had little protection from the wind or the cold water that came from the river. The people who rode on the deck brought their own food and cooking utensils, because they weren't served anything to eat by the ship's crew. There was usually one stove for all of the people to be used for both cooking and heating purposes. The deck was generally filthy, and the only way they could wash themselves was with the muddy river water. Deckers, as they were called, could sometimes work off some of their fare by helping the crew with their work. The members of the crew were abusive with the deckers and often got into arguments with them. As many of the deck passengers had recently arrived from Europe, there was a big problem with language, and the decker would frequently get in the crew's way. Another problem with this way of travel was that many of the deck passengers would contract cholera, which was brought by other immigrants from the seaports. Riding on the deck brought other dangers, because they were so close to the boilers. If the boiler exploded, the deckers had a greater chance of being killed than anyone else on the ship. Many were scalded by steam or drowned by jumping overboard. The first, efforts to improve main deck conditions were made with the Steamboat Inspection Act of 1852. Even stricter laws were brought into effect with the second act of 1871. But by the end of the 1880's low railroad fares for immigrants almost eliminated steamboat immigration. By 1900 only ten percent of steamboat passengers were deckers. by Amy Knepper Barry High School Information obtained from: Wayman, Norbury L. Life on the River.

78 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Dinky The Dinky was the main transportation in the mid 1900's. The Dinky was a White Motor Company school bus converted for railroad track use. It ran from Grafton to Alton (where the Great River Road is today) and made three round trips daily. There was more than one Dinky because they often broke down. When one broke down they had to put another one on the track because the people and the businesses needed it very much. It was used for various reasons. Some of the reasons were to carry mail, baby chicks, and coon dogs. It also provided rides for children going to school. The Dinky let people see sights that otherwise could only be seen by boats. The Illinois Terminal purchased the Dinky around 1930. The Dinky ran on the Alton and Eastern Division. They purchased it as a bus and converted it to railroad use. There was a new Dinky purchased in 1939. A round trip from Grafton to Alton took 45 minutes. The Dinky’s average speed was 35 m.p.h. It contained 26 seats and ran just like a highway bus, but it did not need steering. It was usually stored in a round shed either in Grafton or in Alton. The Dinky was taken outbecause the Great River Road was being established. Also, people started buying their own cars and companies began shipping supplies by truck. Technology also played its part in replacing the Dinky with the Great River Road. Mr. Dewey McDow operated the Dinky from when it began until 1938. Before he operated the Dinky, he worked on the Blue Goose Bus Line between St. Louis and Alton. McDow was bom in Elsah in November of 1896. He was educated in Elsah School. The nearby farm town (Dow) is named after his family. He passed away on November 24,1972. He is well remembered as being one of the Dinky’s first drivers. Besides McDow there were other operators. Jack Sheean, Clarence O K I-W A Y M U S T-C LAS S AHT> COACH M U 8 Index Mo. a 1 S Herzog, Daubney McDonald, and Mr. I»- Grafton, Chautauqua, Blaafc, d«x III. 111. m . Ho. BBTWSBH Murphy were also operators of the F irit I Fi ret Plrat CInaa Conch Ciaaa Coach Clasa Coach Dinky. Bud Chase supplied gasoline for • ** * » * 1 9 0.10 0.10 the Dinky. Harry Chase and his father S ■ )u h ...... 4.1 » .10 0 .1 » 0.10 « .as 4.90 4.90 4. IB 4.1* 0.10 • K ith ]...... 4 .ao 4.30 *.90 4.16 *.16 *.10 were both expressmen on the railroad. • Clifton Terrace...... ■*.ao *■.20 4-9S *.16 .90 4 .IS 7 Bon H ollow ...... 4.40 *.S5 4 » * . » 4-90 4.90 The Dinky can now be seen at • Alton...... 4» .30 4.40 .26 4.36 4-26 the St. Louis County Museum Index Mo. « I • CUftoo In Lock Haven. Rlahl, Terrace, of Transportation. The Dinky returned dex 111. DL HI. Ho. BBTWBBH Plrat P in t Plrat to Grafton to celebrate the city's CUaa Coach CUaa Coach Claaa Coach *• * * « « Sesquicentennial. 4 » Ó.ÍÓ 0.10 • Clifton Terrace...... 10 .10 0.10 0.10 7 4.1C .10 *.10 .10 0.10 0.10 C *.10 4.15 4.90 4.16 4 -U .10

Index Ho. 7 In Bos Holla», d ù 111. Mo. BETWIEH rirat C l««« Coach * S 7 • ir.io 0.10 A general cost of how much a by Melody Ridder person had to pay to ride the Jersey Community High School Dinky

©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Bank of Calhoun County The river has both a positive and a negative effect on the Bank of Calhoun County. In a positive way it has protected the bank from being taken over by bigger banks because of its isolation by the rivers. The rivers played a big part in the settlement of Calhoun County. Since the county is a small, isolated area people feel more comfortable dealing with someone they know. As with everything there are the negative points. The bank is limited to mostly local families. The bank figures it will be able to remain open if the county remains isolated and schools stay in the area. The school keeps the people in the community. The bank plans to continue to keep its facility in Brussels but sometimes this attitude is not all that matters. In 1920 an organized state bank, The Bank of Brussels, capitalized for $25,000. It ran smoothly until just months earlier. The former cashier was charged with embezzlement and sentenced to two years in prison. A U.S. Marshall claimed he embezzled $11,000. The Bank of Brussels closed on April 13, 1939. Through the years many things have changed. Transportation has been made easier, education and the will for greater accomplishments has become greater and most of all money has become more important. These are some of the reasons why the Bank of Calhoun County opened a facility in Brussels, Illinois. The day was December 17,1984, when Larry Eberlin opened the doors to the new Bank of Calhoun County Facility in Brussels. The main office, located in Hardin, Illinois, had opened onWednesday, February 22,1899. The Bank of Calhoun always wanted to have a branch office or facility in the southern end of the county, but this did not become possible until banking laws changed in the 1980's. When the Brussels facility opened, no one knew what to expect. Bank officials knew they had to open because the competition was becoming greater. Also it offered better service to their customers. They needed a facility in South Calhoun. The bank’s business has increased over the past several years and continues to grow. Bank officials see the increase in the bank’s business is related to the relationship between customers, and employees. Banking services have changed over the years. Before, when transportation was not as quick as it is today, people kept their money at home. Those in South Calhoun that did bank traveled to Hardin perhaps once a month or even as little as twice a year for banking purposes. Today, people usually go to the bank once a week. People are also more active with their money at the bank. The bank offers such services as a Certificate of Deposit (CD) and free checking. In addition, the loan volume has changed. The bank has increased its size and changed for the better with computers. Computers make things easier and faster for the facility in Brussels. The computers are linked direcdy to Hardin. The facility has just recently purchased a new computer software system and hardware system. As to the future of the Bank of Calhoun, officials are optimistic. They, of course, hope that the river will not be their downfall while realizing that the river may very well be the cause for their beginning. by Julie Tepen and Mary Bonner Brussels High School

80 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Pearl Button Factories In the early 1900's, a new community in Illinois was named "Pearl," for its making of "pearl" buttons out of mussel shells, which the Illinois River provided in abundant amounts. The earliest factory dates back to 1907. This factory was operated by Mr. Throckmorton and was located at the west end of Main Street in the Glass Front. Mr. Throckmorton's factory had only a mediocre number of machines. Citizens of Pearl complained about the stench from it, so the factory did not last long. The old town contained a second button factory. This second factory was opened by Emilus Thorpe. Thorpe's factory was larger than the first factory; it had 25 cutting machines. Now, where the pulpwood plant is, was where the third factory was located. It had 30 cutting machines and was powered by steam. This factory was the largest. There was another factory in the old cabin boat, a block north of the third button factory. There was little known about it. The Independent Factory was where the Skelley Gas Station is now. It had twelve cutters and each cutter had its own machine. William T. Watters operated this factory. A block south of the Masonic building was a fifth factory. Edwin Wetzel was the manager of this fifth factory. William Watters and George Miner started the most successful factory in 1912. Later, Watters owned the factory by himself. Frank Watters, William Watters' brother, put in a finishing factory after William became sole owner. This finishing factory was installed with equipment that cut holes in the buttons and colored them. This idea was a convenience because now they did not have to send larger factories the blank buttons to have this done. The supply of buttons decreased so much that all of the button factories closed excepting Watters in about 1910. He traveled to Alabama and Mississippi to get more mussel shells on his barges. The early 1940's presented a trying time. This catastrophe caused Watters to close his factory. He continued to finish the blank buttons until just before his death. Now, all you can see of these factories is their ruins. These factories are a very important piece of Pearl's history. by Elizabeth Ehrheart Pittsfield High School

81 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Last Burg The Louis Burg Carriage Company manufactured buggies in Weaver, Iowa from 1870 until the turn of the century, when the plant was destroyed by a fire. The company then moved across the Mississippi River to Dallas City, where they continuedto make horsedrawn vehicles. Striving to keep up with the times they decided to start making automobiles in 1907. They began experimenting and after a few years they came up with a workable design. It was powered by a Rutenber four-cylinder 30 horsepower engine. The car held five passengers, had a 114 inch wheelbase, and was right-hand drive. There were about fifty Burgs made here in Dallas City. Of those fifty only one remains. It is a 1910 Burg, and it's owned by Loren Utsinger of Dallas City. It was found on the Lloyd Mohr farm between Dallas City and Lomax, Illinois. In 1955 Loren and a friend recovered the half-buried remains of the Burg, which had been thought to be worthless. If the car had not been a Burg it probably would not have been worth restoring. Some parts like the transmission, rear end, universal joints, drive shaft, and other items were found behind a bam. The magneto, coil box, steering wheel, and carburetor were still in good shape because they had been left in a shed. The fact that these parts were in good shape made some parts of the restoration easier. The main parts of the car, including the engine, were found about a quarter of a mile away in a pasture. The flywheel was partially buried and the cone clutch, being made of aluminum, had disintegrated into a white powder. Parts were still being found years later. After purchasing the parts Loren took them to Dallas City to begin restoration. The motor was in decent shape and after cleaning it and grinding the valves it started and ran well. The wheels of the Burg were twenty-seven inch lock rims. They were able to locate two in the Tri-Cities. The Sandard Vehicle Company of Lawrenceburg, Indiana installed wood to the rear wheels. Tires were extremely hard to find because of the odd wheel size. They were finally purchased from Firestone, but were 36 x 4 1/2 inches instead of the original 34 x 3 1/2 inches. Since the cone clutch was completely gone a wooden pattern was made. From this pattern an aluminum cast was made and machined to correct size. Though most of the body had rotted away there was still enough left to make a pattern. Then the body was constructed with help from a photo of a Burg demonstrator car. Loren continued his restoration work in his spare time, and the main part of the restoration was completed by 1967.

82 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Only one of the three factory buildings of The Louis Burg Carriage Company remains. It is now the home of Riverview Supper Club. Loren Utsinger and his wife Ruby are still the proud owners of the last Burg, which has won trophies and awards at parades, fairs, and car shows far and wide. by Joe Rowley and Todd Heidbreder Dallas City High School Our information came from two sources: An interview with Loren Utsinger Utsinger, Loren T. "The Case of the Half-Buried Burg." Antique Automobile.

The Last Burg with owner, Loren Utsinger

83 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Story of Monticello College On December 17,1834, Thoran Baldwin asked shelter of Captain Benjamin Godfrey. For years Captain Godfrey had hoped to build a college for women. Captain Godfrey’s dream was about to come true. He and Baldwin were soon to build and operate a seminary for women. In the nineteenth century Benjamin Godfrey came from New England to the central part of Illinois called Scorritts Prairie. Captain Godfrey was bom on May 20, 1794 on the Chahtan Island off Cape Cod. He went to sea at the age of nine. In 1832 he arrived in Alton. When he arrived in Alton, he had already made and lost fortunes. Benjamin Godfrey was the father of eight daughters. Being the father of so many women made him realize that by educating a woman you educated an entire family. In 1838, just as Monticello Female Seminary opened its doors, Benjamin Godfrey, with the help of Enoch Long, surveyed and laid out the town of Monticello. Some 30 years later, the town changed its name to honor the founder of the school and planner of the community. Theron Baldwin was an idealist, an abolitionist, a scholar, and a zealot. When Baldwin returned from a tour of eastern schools in 1838, he became the first principal of Monticello. In 1843 Baldwin resigned and was succeeded by a Miss Phileno Fobes, who was the first of the women principals of the school. The most interesting of the women principals of Monticello was Liss Harriet Haskell. She was the principal of Monticello for 40 years. While at Monticello, a fire destroyed the main building. A temporary building known as ’’Knotty Hall" was put on campus. The damage of the fire cost $325,000 while the school was insured for only $70,000. Some thought the school would close, but Miss Haskell was a woman of courage, who knew how to get things done. A new main building was built in 19 months. The building is still in use today. Monticello continued to grow. In 1917 it became a Junior College. Many people, who have graduated from Lewis and Clark Community College are well known. For instance, Ruth Bryan Owen became a United States Minister to Denmark and Zoe Akins was a winner of the 1935 Pulitzer Prize for her dramatization of "The Old Maid". Godfrey had grown a lot since Benjamin Godfrey first laid out the plans of the township. There are many other interesting places in Godfrey other than Lewis and Clark Community College. One place is Beverly Farms. It was founded by Dr. W. H. Smith. It was built to serve mentally and developmentally disabled persons. A second place is the Rocky Fork Church. This church was started by freed slaves after the Civil War. A third place is the Alton Brick Company. The building no longer stands and it is no longer in use. A fourth building is Owen-Illinois Machine Shop, located on Tolle Lane. It is the largest employer in Godfrey. There are many places in Godfrey that make it interesting. They are not prominent but they are there. Monticello has played an important part in the history of Godfrey, and continues to play an important part in the history of Godfrey. Godfrey has grown a lot since Benjamin Godfrey first arrived, but it owes it all to the man it is named after. by Lynn Crose Alton High School

84 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 518 South State Street There is a house at 518 South State Street in Jerseyville. It is a stately Victorian mansion left over from a lost era. It is one of the few of its kind left in Jerseyville. There is a sense of grandeur about the house. Stepping through its doors is like taking a step back in time. The house also has a presence about it that is almost palpable. Some say it is the house itself, but others say it is the spirits of those who have died there. The house itself retains many of its original furnishings. The brass chandeliers, which were once gas, are original. The dining room is adorned with beautiful blue tile shipped from England by the original owner. All the original woodwork is still intact. It looks like walnut, but it is actually white pine with a walnut grain painted on by hand, which is a lost art. The colored glass panels above some of the doors and windows are the same ones from when the house was built, as is the stained glass. Due to breakage, though, some of the panels have been replaced by clear glass panels of the same design fashioned by a local craftsman. There are also three fireplaces in the house which are original. Each one is unique. The staircase and its railing are also original, although they are actually walnut and burl unlike the other woodwork. It is amazing that so much has remained intact. The house was built in 1857 by Mr. William A. Sheppard. He immigrated to the United States from England as a shoe cobbler. He married a young woman in Pennsylvania and moved to Jerseyville. They had seven children, four girls and three boys. With some wise investments, Mr. Sheppard became a very wealthy, prominent citizen. He established the William A. Sheppard Bank, which is the State Bank of Jerseyville today. He was involved in an oil venture in Jersey County. He was instrumental in bringing the railroad to Illinois. After he sold his bank, he furthered his interest in the railroad to include Texas. He later became President of the St. Louis, Alton, Jacksonville Railway Company. He died an accomplished man. His children lead interesting lives also. One son died at a young age. Another son, following his father's abilities in leadership, became the mayor of Jerseyville for four terms and a Congressman for four terms. He was instrumental in getting the standard length of a bed set to seven feet, as he was six feet seven inches tall. The third son died of unknown causes in his room after playing ball outside when he was home from college. Of Mr. Sheppard's daughters, only one of them ever got married. She lived next door with her husband until he died, at which time she moved back in with her sisters. All four sisters died in the house. Two of them died within twenty-four hours of each other. One was laid out in the bay window of the right front parlor, and the other was laid out in the left front parlor. The last sister died in 1928. In 1928, the house became a boarding house. It remained a boarding house for twenty-three years. In 1951, the house became a nursing home. Later, in 1958, the house became a shelter care. It remained a shelter care for twenty-two years. In the fifty-two years since the Sheppards had lived in the house, it had become extremely run down. It was scheduled for demolition, a fate which had already consumed three neighboring mansions from the same period. It was then that the house caught the eye of Virginia Ritter, who lived next door and hated to see another go.

85 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville In 1980, five local businessmen and their wives formed the 518 South Corporation in an effort to save the house and to start Jerseyville's only fine dining restaurant. The five couples were Barry and Virginia Ritter, Henry and Mary Ann Husmann, Ed and Pat Bonacorsi, Tom and Lou Edwards, and Joe and Beverly Susnig. Together, these five couples, with a lot of work and more than a little elbow grease, turned the derelict back into its original glory. Upon entering the house, they literally discovered a derelict. They found windows and fireplaces boarded over, paneling covering ornate woodwork, years worth of tarnish of brass chandeliers, and a lot of dust on everything else. It was a nightmare, but by September 15,1980, they were ready to open. It was Jerseyville's first taste of the fine dining experience. They were a success. They sometimes had trouble seating people, though. Someone would come in, be escorted to a table, and say that they could not sit there because they had a family member die right in that particular spot. They were shocked the first time that happened. Today, there are only three couples left, and Virginia "Ginny" Ritter and Mary Ann Husmann run the day to day operations of the restaurant and lounge. Lately, though, there have been stories, stories of strange, almost ghostly, occurrences. One night, Henry Husmann, now deceased, and an employee were closing up. They locked up and were on their way out. As they were walking to their cars, they noticed a light on upstairs. Mr. Husmann asked the employee if he had turned all the lights out. He said he thought he had. So, Mr. Husmann asked the employee to go back in and turn it off. He went up and turned out the light. As they were again walking out to their cars, they again noticed the light was on. Again, the employee went up and turned out the light. This time Mr. Husmann watched the window to make sure the light was out. The window went black. Satisfied, he went back to lock the door. Confident the light was out, they again started out to their cars. The light was on a third time. Mr. Husmann told the employee to leave it. When he came to open in the morning, the light was out. One of the bartenders was closing up late. She was by herself. She was sweeping in the lounge back by the ladies room. She felt a rush of cold air, and then, a hand, icily clinging to her right shoulder. She froze and turned her head to see who was behind her. She blinked. There was no one there, but she could still feel the steel grip of that icy hand. She reached up to touch her shoulder. The hand was gone. The same bartender was walking through the hall between the lounge and the front dining area. She felt her earring fall out. She berated herself for losing the back, but, when she reached down to pick it up, she found the back was still on it. She didn't put the earring back in. She set it by the cash register in the lounge. She went to pick it up when she got ready to leave. It was not there. About a week later, while cleaning for a party upstairs, one of the other employees found it in the upstairs kitchen.

86 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville One holiday season, they had Christmas lights hung in the lounge. They were the same lights they had used for several years. The lights had been up several days, then, out of the blue they began to flash. They had never flashed before. Perplexed, Mrs. Ritter unplugged them and plugged them into a different outlet. Again, they flashed. So, she just unplugged them. The next day, Mrs. Husmann plugged them back in and they remained steady. A waitress was setting tables in the dining room adjacent to the lounge. She set one place setting and turned around to get a second. She turned back around. The fork from the first setting was tipped on its edge. She ignored it, placed it back flat, and set the second place setting. She turned around to get the third. She turned around. She gasped. The fork from the first setting was at the top of the setting again on its edge. She went to get the bartender and bring her back to see it. When they got there, the fork was back where it was supposed to be lying flat. At one of the employee's homes, two of the employees were using a ouija board. They asked it general questions about their personal lives, but the conversation turned to the 518 South. They asked it if the 518 was haunted. The board said that it was. One of them asked the board if it knew where her ticket book was. It did. She asked where. It said in the trash. She asked how it got there. The board spelled out H-A-R-O-L-D. They asked the board if he was a ghost. The board said yes. They asked if he was friendly. Again the answer was yes. They asked if the ghost was responsible for some of the other bizarre happenings. The board said he was. It explained a lot. It is hard to say if these stories are true. Many of the employees do indeed believe that the house is haunted. It is unnerving to think of the number of people that have died in the house, but they did die there. So, the fact that the house could be haunted is logical. It is easy to explain away many of the things that happened in the house. But now, when there is a cold breeze in a warm room or something comes up missing, thoughts stray to Harold, a small boy run over by a wagon in the spring of 1920. No one can say for sure if the house is haunted, but no one can say for sure that it is not. by James R. Scheffel Jerseyville High School Information obtained from: Mary Ann Husmann, through a personal interview 518 South Restaurant located in Jerseyville, ••V. Illinois

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87 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Brussels Lumber Company Living between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers creates unique problems. Transportation into the southern end of Calhoun County becomes especially unique at various seasons of the year. Ice in the winter completely shuts down the state-operated Brussels Ferry. A simple 12 mile trip from Grafton becomes almost 30 miles long. Again in the spring when the river level is high, flooding keeps the ferry from operating and tends to make the lives of many Brussels, Illinois, residents harder by making their trips to work longer or by putting a limit on the number of customers to Calhoun County businesses. One business affected by all this is Brussels Lumber and Hardware. It is a family-owned and operated business just northwest of Brussels, Illinois. It is also the only existing lumberyard in southern Calhoun County. It got its start from Henry J. Schleeper, the owner and operator of Schleepers Lumberyard in Brussels. Later it was passed down to Frank Logeman, and in 1974, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Held purchased the business. The Helds sold and continue to sell building materials, paint, hardware, windows, and siding but find that their location here in Brussels puts a limit on the lumberyard's customers and tends to affect delivery at times. Most of their merchandise is brought by truckloads into the county on a weekly basis; but, due to flooding and freezing of the river, at times this can not always be done according to schedule. Most of the Held's customers are local people, but often those owning clubhouses near the river need their services. Generally, the Helds feel that customers tend to buy just as much in 1991 as they did when they first started out over 16 years ago. Of course, as inflation has increased so have some of the prices, but this is only natural and must be done in orderto be able to pay wages to workers. Their workers are employed by the Helds in the building trade. Since 1974, wages have almost doubled and are now about $10 to $12 an hour. After graduating from high school, Louis Held's son, Bill, joined the business and helps to manage it. He hopes to see the business improve over the next 40 years and would like to someday purchase a computer to help with inventory needs. In 1989, Brussels Lumber and Hardware moved to a new and better facility and still remains a successful business. As for the future of Calhoun County, the Helds see an expansion in the number of people living within the county basically because it is in such a beautiful location among the rolling hills and rivers. They hope that this will be for the better and continue to help the Brussels Lumberyard and Brussels, Illinois, itself to grow. by Shonna Wieneke and Jodie Ewen Brussels High School

88 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Haug's Mercantile Haug's Mercantile is a business in 1991. It is a business that has supplied southern Calhoun County, Illinois, with many goods and services for nearly three-fourths of a century. It is a business that has had to depend on the river in many ways over the years. It's a business that, like many others, has undergone change. It has truly withstood the test of time. The business began with the grandfather of Oscar Haug, the present owner. He named the store Haug's Mercantile. Adolf Haug then bought the store. When Oscar's grandfather returned to Calhoun he again bought the store. That was before the United States entry into World War I. The store was operated in the home of Oscar's grandfather until a frame building was built to relocate the store. The frame building housed the store for about 26 years. Then in the 1930's the tile building was built. Haug's Mercantile not only supplied the community with goods and merchandise but with many different services. The store operatedalruck service and bought beef hides from farmers and then took them to market along with other produce. The store pumped gasoline, which was a real convenience for customers. The gasoline was once pumped from hand pumps. Five gallons of regular gas then sold for just 80 cents. Eventually more modem pumps were installed, but the cost of operating them became too expensive and finally they were removed. Shortly after the present building was built, Haug's began showing movies. The movies were shown on weekends and the attendance was always good. Haug's had it set up so that the kids could sit and visit while their mothers could shop and visit and their fathers sat around and talked about the weather, the crops or played a game of cards. The movie house was a big success until television became popular. All of these services were of great value to the community but they all became too costly for Haug's to continue. Haug's Mercantile helped supply the community with a wide selection of goods over the years. The store sold flour, coffee, sugar and all the other essentials for the home. In addition to this, the store sold hardware items, nails, tools, paints, and appliances. They sold and repaired televisions and refrigerators, installed linoleum and kitchen cabinets, and installed bathrooms, septic tanks and laterals. A customer could also purchase work shoes, gloves, and hats from the store. Over the years, the merchandise for sale has undergone the biggest change. Back in the "good old days" one bought flour, sugar and other items by the pound from barrels and jars. Now everything is prepackaged and frozen goods come out of a deep freeze. Also, in the "good old days" the best coffee one could buy was 18 to 29 cents a pound; now coffee is $4.50 a pound. Sugar once sold for six cents a pound, and now costs 50 cents a pound Eggs sold for six cents a dozen; now eggs cost $1.25 or a $1.30 a dozen. In the early years there wasn't a fast or easy way of getting produce for the store. Back in those days the store didn't have the convenience of a delivery truck stopping by to unload a load of prepackaged goods and merchandise. So, getting all the goods that

89 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville the store sold posed a problem. This is where the river began to play a major role in the history of the store. The store used to gather all the needs of the nearby farmers and, when the boat came by, one of the Haug's family members would take it to St. Louis where they would buy the goods and have them brought back by boat. In the early years the store also had to plan in advance for a harsh winter, because after the water froze there was no more boat travel, and the store was isolated here and it had to have enough supplies to last through the season. If the Haug family didn't retrieve the merchandise themselves, it was brought to them by boats. They would bring barrels of flour, sugar, salt, and other merchandise to the landing and then delivered them to the store by a team and wagon. After people started owning cars and transportation improved, the river began to take on a different meaning to the business. Now the business wasn't so much dependent on the river but the river still helped out the store. The store naturally lost business, because of better transportation, but still did fairly good business. Especially during the winter, people weren't willing to drive to a larger supermarket so they turned to Haug's store for their needs. Even in the fast paced world of today, the river can slow people down enough to improve Haug's business. When the water freezes, and the ferries close, people hate to make that long trip to the bigger stores. If the river happens to flood, Haug's Mercantile can count on the business to improve. Haug's Mercantile was, at one time, a great asset to the surrounding community. It provided people with many of their needs and wants. It gave the people entertainment, a place to visit and a place to shop. The store is not the thriving business it once was. The cost of operating the store has gone up faster than the store's income. Many people take their business to larger stores, also cutting away at the store's income. In the store you'll find a sign that reads "We got it, if we can find it." The one thing that any customer will always find at Haug's Mercantile is friendly, personal service. by Jennifer Bick and Vicki Tepen Brussels High School

90 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Held's Red and White In 1870, a store was built in the small town of Brussels. It was known as Stahl's Store and later became Benkin's Store. The store began as a saloon in the basement and a grocery store in the upper part. Later in the year, a hardware shop was added to the store. In the shed behind the store was a flour mill from which many people purchased their flour. Fifteen years following the store's opening, Mr. Stahl passed away. Three years later, his wife remarried Bernard Benkin. The store was then changed to Benkin's Store and was a major influence in the town of Brussels. The goods that were sold in Benkin's Store were purchased in St. Louis, Missouri sent up the Mississippi River on a steamboat, and left at Martin's Landing in Golden Eagle to be picked up. These goods were then taken to the store and shelved for sale. Some of the various goods were coffee, sugar and flour. They also carried household goods, such as pots and pans. The section which is presently the kitchen was once a small hardware store which sold hammers, nails, lumber, nuts, bolts, shoes, and even top hats. Years later, the Benkins became ill, so their son, who attended a business school, dropped out and returned home to manage the store with the assistance of his two sisters. He did this until they became sick and were forced to sell the store at a public auction. Louis and Jeanette Held bought Benkin's Store at the sale and changed the name to Held's Red and White. Currently, the Helds have been in business for 22 years. Each year the business has become more profitable due to the lack of competition of other businesses in the extremely small town of Brussels. The store is known throughout the area for its excellent sausage. In the past few years, Helds added a movie department which allows customers to rent their favorite video cassettes at a reasonable price. Helds also has a small cafe beside their grocery store called Das Helden Haus where sandwiches, soups, sweets, and coffee are sold. The cafe has been a big success and has helped the grocery store's business. The river once had an enormous influence on the store. The supplies that were sold in the store were obtained from boats traveling on the river. When the river floods, the ferry must close down. The store registers more sales, because the people who usually purchase their food from the city must then purchase from Red and White. Mrs. Held plans to retire before there are any major alterations in the town of Brussels. In her opinion, Brussels will eventually become a large town, similar to Alton. Each day an increasing number of people travel to Brussels to view the quiet town and beautiful scenery. by Dan Snyders, Warren Friedel, and Dan Wilchetz Brussels High School

91 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Historical Sites in Dallas City Since Dallas City began, it, like all other towns, has gone through many changes. From a time when horse drawn carts were the only transportation, to the present day, when many modernization projects are done to try to keep the town beautiful, many buildings have been built, tom down, or renovated. The first house built in Dallas City is no longer standing. It was on a lot now owned by Pioneer Lumber Company. Israel Atherton built his house of logs; and, fifty years later, it was covered with pine-weather board. But, it was tom down and the site is now used to display Pioneer model homes. What is now thought of by many as "the castle", belonged to L. Burg who owned a carriage company. After Mr. Burg's death it was owned and occupied by the Arthur Blacks. This house is still standing on the highway on the northeast side of Dallas City. The home of Chel Young, while not all original, has parts of it that date as far back as 1858. Some thought George Ames, Dallas City postmaster, was the original owner. While campaigning for the U.S. Senate in 18587Abraham Lincoln spent the night there. Four of the doctors who have worked in Dallas City have also lived there. In 1909 a fire gutted most of the house and it had to be remodeled. There are many such residences of interest in Dallas City. There are also many churches and businesses that have been built in Dallas City. The Free Methodist Church is located on West Fourth Street. The denomination organized in 1905, and their church site was available in 1935. The First Christian Church conducted services under the German Methodist name until 1914, when the present building was erected. The First Methodist Church had the cornerstone laid in 1867. Plans for the present building were made in 1920, and the first services there were held on March 19,1921. Besides churches there were many businesses in Dallas City. There was a foundry built shortly after World War I that burned down in the west part of town. There was a brickyard located in the southeast part of town. There was a brickyard located in the part of Flagg Hill which supplied many of the bricks needed in rebuilding after the fires of 1897 and 1905. The fire in 1905 destroyed twenty-two buildings and their contents on Oak Street, between the railroad tracks and Third Street. This was almost exactly the same location as the fire of 1897. One of the better-known eating establishments in Dallas City, the Riverview, has actually been many things in its lifetime. In 1865 it was the home of The Louis Burg Carriage Company and manufactured buggies, wagons, and other horse-drawn vehicles. It also was the site for the Burg automobile. One of these cars, in fact the only one thought to be in existence today, is owned by Loren Utsinger, who still lives in Dallas City. Besides these three uses, this building also had pizza makers in it and was a place where local people went to go roller skating. Another building that has been in use for quite some time and had many different businesses in it is what is now called Olson Feed and Farm Supply. In 1867 it started as a blacksmith shop that also manufactured wagons and buggies. Later, the

92 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Allis Chalmers Implement business was there, as well as the Pack and Snack Youth Center. Other businesses in town have included The Button Factory, a gristmill, a department store, a hardware store, a store that sold linoleum, a theater, and a bank, which is one of the few business that Dallas City still has. There are, of course, many new buildings that have gone up is Dallas City. However, the historical ones probably would have some rather interesting stories to tell and there are a of them left. by Candi Rockel Dallas City High School

Alton and the Mississippi River Alton is like the Mississippi River in many different ways. First of all, they are both very old and important. Alton produces flour and other goods while the river produces fish, water, and transportation. People enjoy Alton on nice days, and they can also enjoy the river. Both have historic qualities and can be a learning experience. People have done experiments on the river to determine what is in it, and young kids can learn about the Marquette and Joliet expedition and the famous Piasa Bird. Many people still just enjoy seeing the river and learning about its history, the bluffs, and the Indians. Alton exists because of the Mississippi River; therefore, we are all dependent on it. by Jennifer Sebold Alton High School

93 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Fort Madison Santa Fe Bridge The Santa Fe Bridge linking Fort Madison, Iowa with Niota, Illinois is like a lifeline for the people living around it. Without the bridge, many people would have to take alternate routes of at least twenty miles to get to their jobs. The first Santa Fe Bridge was supposed to be built in Keokuk, Iowa, because a bridge at this location would make a shorter route with easier grades. Unfortunately, Santa Fe didn't have a permit to bridge the Mississippi at Keokuk or any other spot. Fortunately, Fort Madison did have such a permit. It was owned by a local group of businessmen organized as the Mississippi River Railroad and Tollbridge Company. Santa Fe had a railroad but no bridge. The Fort Madison group of businessmen had a bridge permit, but no railroad. So the officials of both companies got together and cut a deal. All of this took place in the mid 1880’s. The bridge had a steep grade; consequently, it created problems for most freight trains. A new bridge was constructed in the 1920's to eliminate the problems of the old bridge. Most people probably think the old bridge was just tom down and scrapped. This is not true. The bridge actually ended up over a river in Tennessee. The new bridge, (the one we know today), is much better than the old bridge. It has a gentler curve, a double track for trains to prevent head-on collisions, and an overhead road for automobiles. This new Santa Fe Bridge has a five hundred and thirty foot swing span; the longest in the world. The bridge was constructed by the American Bridge Company. It took twenty- nine million pounds of metal and forty-six thousand cubic yards of concrete at a total cost of five and a half million dollars. All of this put together produced a bridge that is approximately three thousand, five hundred feet long. The swingspan fascinates many visitors. It is opened up many times a day to permit river traffic to pass. An average wait on the bridge if you get stopped is ten to fifteen minutes, open to close. The swingspan is completely controlled by electricity, but luckily has had very few problems. From the day it opened in 1927 until February of 1991 it cost only a quarter for an automobile to cross the bridge. The cost doubled to fifty cents in February of 1991. by Andy Schaefer and Eric Brumbaugh Dallas City High School Sources: Fort Madison Daily Democrat

94 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge The first of its kind built on the Mississippi, the Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge served the people of the area for 114 years. The subject of a railroad and wagon bridge across the Mississippi between Keokuk, Iowa, and Hamilton, Illinois, was first discussed in 1865. The articles of incorporation were approved under the Hancock County Bridge Company but, in 1866, changed to the Keokuk and Hamilton Bridge Company. The first surveys were taken to locate and construct the bridge in 1867. Plans were made, presented to city authorities, an ordinance granted, and a levy passed. This ordinance was approved on May 25,1868. Then on December 6,1868, a construction contract was made with Andrew Carnegie, president of the Keystone Bridge Company of Pittsburgh, for $850,000. The first stone was laid on August 12, 1869. Due to heavy rains, construction was delayed, but progress was made during 1870. The bridge curved to the right on the Hamilton side on a radius of 603.8 feet. The curve measured 600 feet and the rest of the bridge was 3200 feet long. The Keokuk-Hamilton bridge was the first bridge to be built on the Mississippi River that could carry trains as well as horses and wagons. The pier masonry work was finished on August 8, 1870. An interesting moment occurred when the Bridge Company and the Ferry Company had a dispute. The ferry wanted to run through where the bridge was being built, but the Bridge Company wouldn't allow this. The ferry boat "Keokuk" was withdrawn on June 17,1871. On September 5,1870, the first recorded tragedy involving the bridge occurred. A construction worker from England fell from the trestle-work and drowned. Two months later a man fell into the river between the pier and a steamer and drowned. Despite these two accidents, the stone work for the pier was completed on December 3, 1870. The other unfortunate incident occurred on January 11,1871, when the bridge was hit. Some of the trestle-work was tom out but most of the bridge was unharmed! On March 19,1871, the draw-span was swung for the first time. Measuring 160 square feet, 876.5 feet from center to center, with two 250 feet spans, it was the longest draw- span on the river. The first successful train crossing was on April 19,1871, but the formal test of the railroad and wagon bridge was on May 18,1871. Then the toll bridge became open to the public. In 1875 the Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge Company fenced off a portion of the dike on the east side of the river. This was to prevent people from bringing their teams to the east end of the bridge, hitching them to open ground, and walking across, people didn't have to pay tolls, and this cut down on the Bridge Company's profits. On March 20, 1875, the T. P. & W. Railway was forbidden to use the bridge unless they paid a large sum of money. A compromise between the railway company and the Bridge Company was reached on April 14,1875, and the T. P. & W. was allowed to cross. On October 26,1875, the Bridge Company determined to replace the superstructure of the bridge. The railroad track was replaced with a new steel rail on November 2, 1875.

95 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The railroad and wagon bridge existed as such for the next 41 years until an upper deck for automobiles was added in 1916. It was completed on August 17, 1916. In 1949, the name of the Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge was changed to the Keokuk Municipal Bridge. January 13,1949, was the day the bridge became "free". Tolls were no longer collected from motorists until 1952 when the bridge went back into debt and tolls were resumed. Manually operated sirens were installed on both safety gates on March 27,1953. The bridge already had sirens, but motorists ignored them and tried to beat the gate. On January 11,1954, an extensive rehabilitation program was planned to get the bridge in its best physical condition. The wood floor was replaced with a steel grid, the S-curve was taken out, and the bridge was widened by January 22, 1957. On April 23,1965 twelve-year old Steve Van Zant was the first to walk across the new $71,000 iron grate walkway when Mayor James O’Brien of Keokuk opened the new pedestrian walkway in a ribbon cutting ceremony. The tolls were protested on March 16, 1969, but they were not changed because the profits went to help fund Keokuk's parks, a new City Hall, urban renewal, a swimming pool, and a major share of the library. In March of 1985 construction began on a new Keokuk-Hamilton bridge. The old Keokuk Municipal Bridge was officially closed to automobiles and through traffic on November 23, 1985. So, the bridge was returned to its original function— after carrying wagons, horses, bicycles, pedestrians, auto, etc. for over 100 years it is once again a bridge for trains and a silent steel piece of history. by Paula Klein, Melissa McGaughey, and Naomi Nevius Hancock Central High School - Carthage

96 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville History of the Des Moines Rapids Area The Des Moines Rapids area has an interesting and unusual background. Harold Wright, Lockmaster of Lock and Dam No. 19, Keokuk, Iowa, shared his knowledge of the area's history with us. The area was settled mainly by fur traders and trappers trying to reach the north part of the country by coming up the Mississippi. No problems were incurred until they traveled to an area (the area where the Des Moines River meets the Mississippi River and continues on for ten or twelve miles to Montrose, Iowa) where the turbulence was so bad that they could not continue by water. Although some battled their way north by foot or "lighters"(small raft- like boats), many settled in the area and married the maidens from the area tribes, Sac and Fox. No attempts were made to improve the possibility of ships passing through the turbulence of the Des Moines and Rock River Rapids until 1837, when General Gratiot of the Office of the Chief of Engineers assigned Lieutenant Robert E. Lee to survey in order to determine a way to improve the area. Work began soon after Lee’s surveillance of the area and continued steadily for three years, but then was abruptly halted when Congress failed to appropriate money for the continuation of the project. Between the years of 1840 and 1866, there were only minor attempts to continue the improvement of the area. When Congress did appropriate money in 1853, progress was again halted by the break out of the Civil War. The passing of the River and Harbor Act of June 23, 1866, was the beginning of permanent improvement of the upper stretch of the Mississippi. Congress, eager to heal war wounds and improve trade between the North and South, authorized the Corps of Engineers to create a four-foot channel on the Mississippi, north of St. Louis. Based on many factors, Colonel Wilson, Superintendent of the Des Moines and Rock Island Rapids, decided that a lateral canal along the Iowa shore would be the best solution to the problems. This was the beginning of the first locks built around the Des Moines and Rock Rapids area. The canal finally opened to traffic in 1877. The three locks were built of magnesium limestone from the Sonora Stone Quarries. Each lock had miter gates of cedar cypress wood. These gates were so sturdy that workmen had trouble taking them apart when they needed to be repaired twenty-five years later. These gates were opened and closed by steam pumps. As with all’future locks, emptying and filling was by gravity. At the turn of the century, the Keokuk and Hamilton Water Power Company requested permission from Congress to obstruct the Mississippi at Keokuk to generate electricity. Congress then informed them that it was illegal to completely obstruct a waterway. Congress then compromised with the Water Company, agreeing to build a lock at the same time they built the Electric Company and dam. Along with paying for the labor and materials, there were two main stipulations with the project. The first was that, after the completion of the lock, it would be turned over to the United States Army Corps of Engineers, free of cost. The second stipulation stated that the power company would have to provide free power to the lock. After intense study, Congress, in 1905, authorized the Keokuk and Hamilton Water Power Company to proceed with the design and construction of the proposed project.

97 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville In January 1910, actual construction began. Two complete crews worked on the project; one from the Illinois side began building the dam and one from the Iowa side began construction on the dry dock, lock, and the power house. By 1912, the dam stretched three-quarters of the way across the Mississippi. On October 31, 1912, the Des Moines Rapids Canal was closed for good to make way for the final stages of construction. The last concrete was poured in the dam in May of 1913. On May 31, a locomotive parade across the dam was sponsored by the Mississippi River Power Company, celebrating the completion of the dam from Illinois to Iowa. The lock was turned over to the government on June 12, 1913, and to this day is still provided with free electricity from Union Electric. For the next seventeen years, the Keokuk lock and dry dock performed well. By 1927 the commercial traffic had grown to the point that Congress authorized studies for further channel improvement. In the Act of July 3, 1930, Congress authorized a nine- foot channel on the Upper Mississippi, to be achieved by a series of locks between St. Paul and St. Louis. Each dam was to have a main and an auxiliary lock, or provisions for one. The Keokuk lock got its present name when Congress decided to have a series of locks built along the river. Rock Island District began planning for the new dock in 1930, but ran into many problems with the location. District engineers, in an attempt to overcome these problems, first planned to build the new lock immediately downstream of the dry dock. The dry dock would then be used only in emergencies or during times of closed navigation. Between 1935 and 1937 more studies of locations were made. Many studies of filling and emptying systems were carried out between 1938 and 1941. In 1945 a change in planning for new Lock 19 occurred. The completion of the nine-foot channel, created a bottleneck at old Lock 19. This slowed considerably the water traffic. After much debate and consideration, plans for the new lock were carried out in 1950 by the Rock Island District, by the Upper Mississippi Valley Division at St. Louis, and by the Office of the Chief of Engineers in Washington, D. C. Even with the start of the Korean War, when nearly everything else came to a standstill, Congress still appropriated $994,000 to begin construction of the new lock. On May 14,1957, at 8:00 a. m., the Rock Island District formally opened new Lock 19. The formal dedication ceremony for the new lock was held on August 19, 1957. The ceremonies consisted of a luncheon, open house and a parade. The lock still remains the largest and most impressive lock on the Upper Mississippi. As with all other locks in the Rock Island District, Lock 19 is filled and emptied by gravity. The process of filling the chamber takes ten minutes and emptying takes nine. By the time the chamber is filled or emptied, it uses 38,000,000 gallons of water. Today, Lock 19 is the pride of the Rock Island District. Since the old lock and the dry dock have now been sealed off by a cofferdam, it is easy for visitors to see the differences and the improvements with the old and new lock side by side. Almost 45,000,000 tons of cargo passed through the lock in 1990, a figure that supports the importance of the lock. by Dawn Coulter and Shelly Sheetz Hancock Central High School - Carthage

98 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Early Alton French explorers, attempting to turn the Indians toward Catholicism, were the first people to travel along the Mississippi River and take note of the land now referred to as Alton. The river was the course for Alton's affluent, fruitful soil and its rich plant growth. Special attention was also given to the bluffs. Pere Jacques Marquette specifically wrote that the bluffs were "rocks frightful for their height and length." Besides contributing to the land, the river also made Alton known for its location. Alton became a great city for trade. Ferries were built to haul passengers and goods across the Mississippi to and from Missouri and Illinois. Large amounts of limestone, cement, timber, and clay were valuable products shipped to different areas from Alton via the Mississippi River. Moreover, major shipping for Alton came with the use of steam power. The abundant supply of water rendered power for mills. The steam flower mill helped to flourish Alton's growth. In the year 1831, Alton was thriving and had a population of one hundred and seventy people. Many settlers, who traveled the river, decide to make their homes in Alton; the economy of that prosperous city continued to expand. Without the Mississippi River, Alton would not be as renowned as it is today. by Becky Kenney Marquette High School - Alton

The Sultana: A Tragedy on the Mississippi The Mississippi River provides beautiful memories for many people, but it has also provided nightmares. In the 1860's, these nightmares came mostly in the form of steamship disasters. The most tragic and serious of these catastrophes was the explosion of the Sultana in April of 1865, eleven days after the end of the Civil War. The Sultana, which had once been a great ship, but now was badly in need of repair with a chronic boiler leak, was commissioned to return 2,134 Union soldiers to their homes up the Mississippi. The overloaded boat moved slowly up the river until it had to stop in Memphis to patch the steadily deteriorating boiler. As the Sultana left the harbor of Memphis to resume the journey northward, the disaster struck. The boat became a floating bonfire of death. With a death toll of 1,550, the tragedy was greater than that of the Titanic or the Lusitania. The Sultana was the most serious of the steamboat accidents, but others, such as the Zebulon M. Pike, the Ben Franklin, or the Postboy, should not be forgotten. These accidents and many others were most often the results of exploding boilers. Tragedy on the river has come in many shapes and forms, but in the 1860's the steamboat disasters were by far the most common. by Suzanna Tutoky Alton High School

99 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Early History of the Sny Drainage District The Sny Drainage District encompasses parts of Adams, Pike, and Calhoun counties and was created in 1871. The land could not be used at that time for farming because of the floods. In 1871 the people living in the area petitioned to have a levee built. The legislature of the State of Illinios granted permission to issue bonds to be paid by a special assessment on the lands benefitted for the purpose of erecting a levee in the Sny Island area parallel to the Mississippi River. The Mississippi Drainage Levee Company was organized in August of 1871 to carry out the project of building the levee until the Sny district was organized in December of 1871. Construction on the levee was started in 1872 and was completed in 1874. The levee cost $650,000 to build and averaged approximately eight feet in height. Up to four hundred teams of horses and mules were used to build the levee. A wheeled scraper transported dirt from borrowed pits on land adjacent to the levee site. In the years before the building of the levee, the land surrounding the Sny was primarily prairie and was used for grazing animals. These animals were allowed to run wild and had to be branded to show ownership. Today many of the once abundant prairie grasses are extinct. This was some of the land granted to the veterans of the War of 1812 by the U.S. government as payment for their service in the war. The channel was originally navigational to Rockport. The people of Rockport were against the building of the levee because it would eliminate their main source of income in their community. The water of the Sny was used to power the mills of Rockport. Without the Sny's water, the mills had to shut down. In 1874 when the levee was completed, the owners of the mill started to cut the levee in protest, but they were stopped and arrested. In 1875 the district was declared to be unconstitutional and a new district was formed in 1880. This district is still in existence today. The district was named after the Sny Channel which flowed parallel to the Mississippi River. At one point the Sny veered to the east which created an island between the Sny Channel and the Mississippi. This was named Sny Island. The source of the Sny was the Mississippi River. The Sny broke away from the Mississippi at six miles north of East Hannibal, and it emptied back into the Mississippi at Mozier. The name of the Sny has French origins. Originally the Sny was named Channel Ecarte which means "crooked stream". The American settlers corrupted the name by changing it to "Snyecartee". The word sny means "the upward curve of a plank especially toward the bow or stem of a ship". The origin of the word is unknown. Some time between 1818 and 1860 the name was once again changed. This time the name was shortened simply to "Sny".

100 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville In the early 1880's the river overtopped the new levee and washed sections out. This allowed flooding to occur. Also the river backed up in the Sny and flooded the land. The Sny could flood one-third of the district at the southern end on the average of every two to three years. In the years from 1876 to 1903, there were 18 major breaks of the main levee. The Sny Drainage District had just begun the improvements that were needed to keep the land from flooding. by Erin Brumfield Barry High School Information obtained from: Mr. William T. Gard, Past Superintendent and Treasurer of the Sny Drainage District Haines, Tom. A History of Gilgal Landing and Rockport. Illinois. Webber, John. "Sny District Officials Request Study, Stronger Levee." The Quincy Herald-Whig.

101 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The History of Pere Marquette State Park Pere Marquette State Park is located near Grafton, Illinois, adjacent to the point where the Illinois and Mississsippi Rivers meet. The park is composed of nearly 8000 acres of the natural beauty of the bluffs, meadows and wooded ravines. Within the park are found many interesting and unique rock formations. From the top of these bluffs the beauty of the entire countryside can be seen, including the broad valleys which extend over the Illinois River and Calhoun County to the Mississippi River Valley. The importance of this rugged area is increased by the fact that it is the only area, in a considerable radius, set aside for park development strictly for recreational purposes. The highest point within the park is Quitt Point. With an altitude of 885 feet, it offers picturesque views of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, of expansive valleys and of Calhoun County. McAdams' Peak, which is located near the western boundary of the park, rises to an elevation of 721 feet, and overlooks the Illinois River, providing thrilling views of the surrounding territory. A shelter has been constructed on this site, occupying the location where a large number of Indian artifacts were discovered by William McAdams approximately 100 years ago. Mr. McAdams dug 100 perfect Indian skulls out of this one peak, digging out no less than 300 skeletons, which are now on display at the Smithsonian. During this excavation, only two layers around the mound were disturbed. Many skeletons likely still lie buried tier upon tier in this peak. In fact, in the opinion of John McAdams, covering one tier after another of these dead Indians caused the peak to be the height it is today. In May of 1931, members of the Board of the State Park Advisors made a trip to Grafton in order to determine the possibility if establishing a state park in the area. The group was impressed with the scenery of the area, and it was agreed that a local committee should be established to raise funds for the purchase of property to serve for the establishment of the park. "Uncle Joe" Page, the editor of the Jersey County Democrat and a member of the State Board of Highway Advisors, wishing to beautify the riverside, went to Mrs. Ames, who owned Notch Cliff (now the site of Principia College) and requested that she leave her beautiful grounds to Jersey County as the site for development of the state park. The Ames family met with financial reverses and "Uncle Joe" Page received authority from the State authorities to secure an option on 1200 or more acres. While this was pending Principia College officials purchased the grounds. The current site of the park, at the joining of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, was then decided upon. During the summer of 1931 a drive was launched to obtain $25,000 in three Illinois counties for the purchase of one-half of the desired land for the proposed state park. On May 19, 1932, the state of Illinois took over 1511 acres for state park purposes. During the time the park was being organized, it was referred to as Piasa Bluff State Park. In the summer of 1932 the Department of Public Works and Buildings, by popular appeal, petitioned the name to be changed to Pere Marquette State Park, because Pere Marquette was intimately connected with the early history of the vicinity and because the new site was the location of the Marquette cross.

102 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The earliest known inhabitants of the park area were the Illinois Indians. In the park, archaeologists have located four Indian village sites and burial grounds. Even 1 though bands of Indians roamed the area up to the time of the Treaty of Portage des Sioux in 1825, no villages were maintained in the area during the early period of white occupation. Up until 1665, when Pere Marquette came down the Mississippi River, the history of the area includes only a few Indian legends. Pere Marquette believed the possibility of whitemen in the area prior to his exploration. In his diary he wrote that the large paintings of the Piasa bird on the bluffs were perhaps done by Orientals. His conclusion, though, is probably due to the fact that he hoped the "Great River" emptied into the California Sea and would thus open a new route to the Orient. In his notes he stated: "As we coasted along, the rocks frightful from their height and vastness, we saw upon one of them two monsters printed upon it, and we were alarmed at first sight, and upon which some of the most courageous savages dare not for a long time fasten their eyes. They are as large as a calf, have horns on the head like a deer, a frightful look, red eyes, a beard like tiger, the body covered with scales, the tail so long that it made the circuit of the body passing over the head and returning between the legs, terminating in a tail like that of a fish. The colors that composed it were green, red, and black. In truth these two monsters are so well painted that we cannot believe that a savage was the workman, since good painters in France would find it difficult to do as well, and moreover, they are so high upon the rock it is difficult to reach them conveniently by painters." Pere Jacques Marquette was bom of Rosa de LaSalle and Nicholas Marquette June 1,1637. Jacques, his parents and his five siblings were important residents of the little cathedral city of Laon. At St. Ignace Mission in 1672, Pere Marquette met Louis Joliet, who was sent by the governor of New France to join Pere Marquette and explore the "Great River." The two explorers traveled down the Mississippi River, encountering the Illinois Indians, passing the present site of Alton, the Ohio River and the Missouri River. They encountered tribes of Arkansas Indians, who were very hostile towards them. They therefore decided to return home. Coming back they took the easier course up the Illinois River and landed near Grafton. On the way to Quebec in the following spring, Louis Joliet's canoe overturned and all of his records and maps were lost. Consequently, Marquette's records are the only written data of this journey. After / making another trip to see the Indian tribes who befriended him in Illinois, Marquette returned and died on May 18, 1675. Today a cross is erected to commemorate Marquette’s importance in the area. It \ is made of limestone-sandstone and is seven feet six inches high, completely made from solid rock. It is located on the three Calvary steps and is situated on the ledge of a bluff that overlooks a plain that was once the bed of the Illinois River. The background of the cross is the waterbeaten bluff.

103 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Later other explorations were made in the area. Father Hennepin left Creve Coeur on February 29,1680, and proceeded down the Illinois River to Grafton. The party remained near Grafton for ten days because the Mississippi River was filled with ice. LaSalle, with Hennepin and Tonti, camped near Grafton in February of 1682 to explore the Mississippi River. On April 9, they left their camp and returned home. The area was under French rule until the close of the French and Indian War. In the peace settlement of 1763, France deeded that portion east of the Mississippi to Great Britain. British rule lasted thirteen years, and then the territory came under the rule of the United States Government. by Trista Niemeyer Jerseyville High School Personal interview and information obtained from: Richard Niemeyer, Site Superintendent of Pere Marquette State Park

Pere Marquette Rendezvous The "Pioneer Spirit" prevailed in Jersey County in 1989 as residents celebrated the 150th year of the county’s organization. The Sesquicentennial celebration began with the "Pere Marquette Rendezvous and Pioneer Days" on Saturday, June 24th, and Sunday, June 25th, along the banks of the Illinois River and at the foot of the beautiful Pere Marquette State Park Lodge. An encampment of "mountain men" and "fur traders" was opened for public observations, as they lived in their authentic tepees and lodges, cooked their food over open fires, and engaged in the primitive skills of fire building with flint and steel, tomahawk throwing, knife throwing and "black powder" shooting. These craftsmen camped along the banks of the Illinois River from June 19th through the 25th with competition of skills held on June 24th and 25th. Jersey County is referred to by the "old timers" as "The Crossroads of the Nation" due to the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. These were the major trade routes to the West. Located just 18 miles north of Alton, Illinois, along the Great River Road, tourists and visitors to the area found ample lodging in several hotels and motels in the Alton area, located just minutes away from the Rendezvous. Painted on the bluffs along the Great River Road, is the huge "Piasa Bird", illustrated in vivid colors depicting the historic Indian legend. The host river town of Grafton blossoms with antique shops and offers numerous eating houses with distinctive cuisine characteristic of a river town. Snuggled in the hills and bluffs of Jersey County and overlooking the twin rivers, Pere

104 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Marquette State Park offers a unique and exciting place for family enjoyment. The many activities at the Pere Marquette Lodge made a visit to Jersey County the highlight of the year for many visitors. The Pere Marquette Rendezvous and Pioneer Days was organized by the Jersey County Sesquicentennial Committee and recreated the lifestyles of the prairie settlers in the mid-1800's. Activities were scheduled from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. on both days of the event. Following the flag raising and song ceremony at 9:30 A.M. each morning, the Great River's Fife and Drum Corps had a grand march with buckskinners and pioneer families. Women dressed in authentic pioneer garb demonstrated basket weaving, bobbin lace making, rug braiding, wheat weaving, comhusk doll making and the dyeing and spinning of wool. Trades that would have occupied pioneer men were also demonstrated by authentically costumed artisans. Blacksmithing, tinsmithing, gunsmithing, barrel making, flintknapping, carving, pottery making and wheat milling were among the skills demonstrated. These crafts people produced their wares the old fashioned way, entirely by hand. They were happy to answer questions from the visitors about these extensively researched crafts and would do so with authority. Many of the craftspersons at P.M.R. and Pioneer Days offered examples of their crafts for sale at moderate prices. The customs and culture of the Plains Indians were the focus of an entertaining program by Ed Lawton of Indiana. Lawton, who is one-eighth Indian, is a recognized expert on the American Indian culture, frequently hired by museums and government agencies as a consultant of Indian matters or artifacts. In this program, Lawton performed traditional American Indian dances, explained the meaning of various items of Indian apparel, and talked about how European settlers impacted Native American cultures. Strolling musicians, including fiddlers, harmonica players and dulcimers entertained with traditional music from the prairie. There was plenty for children to do in a special "Children’s Area" located near the entrance of the rendezvous. Pioneer and Indian storytellers, puppeteers, and pioneer games were scheduled throughout the two-day weekend. Volunteers dressed in authentic costumes of the nineteenth century led the old fashioned games such as a melon roll, stick toss, sack races, three-legged race, greased pole climbing, checkers and many other old fashioned children's games. Indian squaws offered Indian face painting and Indian headbands with a feather to the children at the registration center located near the large Indian Tepee which identified the children's center. A "lost papoose" tepee, located close to the event, provided care and comfort to any child who became temporarily separated from his family. The Kahok Ceremonial Indian Dancers danced in exhibition four times during the weekend. Blanket traders demonstrated the practice of blanket trading. Clothing, tinware, toys, utensils, pottery and other items were offered for sale or trade.

105 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville People that attended the Pere Marquette Rendezvous and Pioneer Days had a chance to taste the kinds of food items our forefathers would have eaten and observed it being authentically prepared. Costumed participants prepared and sold buffalo burgers, meat pastries, bread pudding, root beer, popcorn, strawberry shortcake, com on the cob, com bread with ham and beans, and many other traditional foods. The highlight of the weekend was the re-enactment of the historic Pere Marquette and Joliet Expedition of 1673, as they landed at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers and explored and the surrounding territory, finding the Indians friendly. Observers were thrilled at the sight of the "Voyager Canoes" moving slowly up the river, carrying the members of this historic expedition to the shores of the landing on Saturday, June 24th, at 12:30 in the afternoon. Marquette was greeted by a large delegation of Indians dressed in authentic costumes and participated in an official "peace pipe" ceremony. The pageantry was repeated on Sunday, June 25 th at three o'clock in the afternoon when the Marquette Expedition made their departure. Jersey County was the home of the Illini Indian Confederation, a peaceful Indian community, primarily engaged in farming, hunting, fishing and the gathering of berries and tubers. A special feature of the event was a personal visit with the character of Abraham Lincoln, who casually walked around the grounds, making all visitors feel the warmth of a Jersey County welcome. Sunday morning, a universal worship service was conducted on the landing at seven o'clock in the morning. Persons of all faiths were welcome to attend. Pere Marquette Rendezvous and Pioneer Days was the first of many exciting Sesquicentennial events occurring in Jersey County. by Julie McCarry, Holly Weiskop, and Amber Dugger Jerseyville High School Information obtained from: Sally Stumpe, through a personal interview

106 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Raging Rivers Nearly one and one-half years ago on August 22,1989, the Palisades, a residential resort development project was announced at a St. Louis news conference, and the first phase was announced to be Raging Rivers, a water theme park, the first of it's type in this area. They had many hard battles and obstacles to overcome and set a new wave for their technology. Opening day was set for Memorial Day and construction would soon begin on November 1,1989. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency officials started investigating possible hazardous waste left on site from a dynamite factory closed in the early 1960's on September 22,1989. Opponents of the development had contended that nitroglycerine remaining at the site from a dynamite factory might explode and injure patrons and employees. To date, no significant amount of hazardous waste has been found. After this obstacle, the Historical Preservation Agency revealed Indian burial grounds on the development sites. The agency found no burials in the Raging Rivers area. The Adams Companies agreed to work around burial sites if found in the future. Construction began as planned. The Sierra Club tried to persuade various agencies that additional permits were needed. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Grafton, the Illinois Departments of Conservation and Transportation, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service all investigated and gave the project a clean bill. On May 3,1990, developers announced heavy rain had delayed the opening of Raging Rivers. The Sierra Club filed a suit on May 10,1990, in the circuit court in Jersey County, claiming the project violated state scenic easements. The suit is still pending. A delay in the opening was threatened on May 17, as the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency claimed the park lacked a permit to build and operate a sewage treatment facility. A system is worked out that allows operators to haul waste to the Jerseyville treatment plant. The management of Raging Rivers was charged with criminal violations of operating pools without permits on June 27. The Illinois Department of Public Health warned the public that the park lacked proper equipment to prevent bacteria. Larry Smith, the president of Raging Rivers, Inc., claimed the pool equipment is superior to the state requirements. The case is still pending. Raging Rivers opened on July 4, more than a month late. More than 2000 visitors packed the park soaking up the sun and filling the park to capacity. On July 10, the IEPA, and the Department of Public Health charged the operators of Raging Rivers with criminal counts of operating a swimming pool without a permit and claimed water was discharged illegally into Rice Hollow Creek which empties into the Mississippi River. The following day the president of Raging Rivers stated that the park was in error in discharging water into the river. The park installed two 2100 gallon tanks to catch the waste and stop the discharge to help correct the problem. Larry Smith explained that the water was discharged into the Mississippi because of the confusion dealing with two different state agencies. The Illinois Department of Health gave the park permission to discharge the water. The Illinois Department of Health dropped its request for a park injunction on July 15 because they could not prove any imminent danger.

107 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Illinois Department of Transportation asked Raging Rivers to move about 400 feet of fence off the state right of way on August 14. Larry Smith said engineers for the water park measured two points on the straight line, along the curve of the highway, resulting in the fence being placed within the state lines. Raging Rivers has had many hard battles to fight, and as they overcome each one, they might have set new lands and requirements in Illinois for its new and advanced technology. It is a water park designed for all ages to have fun and is family-oriented. Not only is it fun, but the park takes every safety precaution to prevent any accidents. "It was a successful year, and there will be many more to come", replied Larry Smith. by Shannan Byrd and Tabatha DeSherlia Jerseyville Community High School

The Underground Railroad The Underground Railroad had a principal depot in Jersey County. It had branches extending into various settlements of the county. The beginning of it is unknown, but it is known that there are about five miles of tunnels going through Jerseyville. One part of the underground tunnel goes under what is known today as the "Cheney House." It goes from there to another house about four blocks away. The tunnels eventually lead to a "mansion" outside of town. The tunnels under the "Cheney House" have been filled in because children that lived in the house wanted to play down there, and it was too dangerous. Jersey County was divided on the slave issue. It had two Baptist Churches, one for blacks and one for whites. The school situation was even worse, black children were not allowed to attend the public schools. The residents of Jersey County did everything they could do to help the slaves that passed through. Fredrick Daniel escaped Alabama on March 14,1854. He ended up in Jerseyville in December of 1855. He hid in a tunnel under the kitchen of the "Cheney House." There were times he thought he was going to be caught and sent back to Alabama. Daniel left on December 29,1855, to find more freedom. It is not known how Frederick Daniel’s story got out or whatever happened to him. Even though Illinois was a free state, it didn't abide by The Fugitive Slave Law which prohibited the passage of slaves from slave states to free states. Dr. Silas Hamilton came to Jersey County in 1830 from Mississippi. He was against slavery but had them on his plantation in Mississippi. He treated them well, but the other plantation owners didn’t. When Hamilton came to Jersey County, he brought one of his slaves with him. His name was George Washington. Washington and Hamilton had become such good friends that when Hamilton died, he left him $4,000.00. Washington made a monument for Dr. Hamilton with the following inscription:

108 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Erected By George Washington Bom In Virginia A Slave Died at Otterville, ILL. Apr. 18,1864 Washington used the rest of the money to educate the "Americans of African Descent." As far as the residents in Jersey County know, the Underground Railroad ran successfully through their town. No slaves that ever reached Jerseyville were ever returned to their masters, but that doesn't mean that they made it to freedom in Canada. by Elaine Smith Jerseyville High School

Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine Imagine that you're driving down the River Road, enjoying the beauty, and you look across the Mississippi and see this white-like reflection. You keep staring until you get close enough to see that it's a statue. How odd! A statue along the river? Why is it there? It all started in 1951 when during the month of July severe rainstorms threatened the town of Portage des Sioux with the flooding of the Missouri River. The residents of Portage, upon the request of Reverend Edward B. Schlattman, Pastor of the St. Francis Church in Portage, gathered one night and prayed that the river cease its inclination. They prayed to Mary under a name never heard of before, Our Lady of the Rivers. It was almost like a miracle happening when the river split and went right around Portage, one limb going to the north and one to the south. Father Schlattman later announced that he had a plan to mount a plaque honoring Mary and the remembrance of the incredible incident on a boulder in front of the church. The residents felt that something bigger was in order. The idea of a statue was decided upon. Mrs. Norma McClory designed the statue. The statue is 27 feet tall and weighs less than 4,000 pounds. The statue was made in Minneapolis and erected in Portage after being transported by truck all that distance. It was dedicated on October 13,1957, and labeled "Our Lady Of The Rivers Shrine." Over 10,000 people came either by water or on the river bend.

109 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The statue is white and has eight iron symbols, encircling the base of the statue, that are woven into the railing. These symbols are one of a kind. Each symbol has a spiritual value. They are the sun, the moon, stars, escollop shell, fish, lily, sword, an anchor, and a dove. The features of the face are not clearly defined because Norma McClory knew that the reflection of the sunlight onto the face would distort the features. From the design of it, the face never appears the same no matter where you stand or the condition of the weather. Each night there are sixteen spotlights that shine on the statue. Recently benches and shrubbery in a stone flower box have been added to the beauty of the shrine. The Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard have approved the statue as an aid to navigation, and it will be marked on future river maps. The Alton Lake puts on a display in mid-summer, during the Blessing of the Fleet. Approximately 500 cruisers, sailboats, and barges, or other commercial vessels float past the statue and then back to their boat harbors. A priest stands in the upper deck of the Shrine and blesses the boats as they pass by. This is sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and is held in conjunction with the National Safe Boating Week. The town of Portage des Sioux is located on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River. This peculiar name comes from an old Indian legend. The tale says that a band of Osage Indians were attacking several canoes of Sioux Indians. The Osage were chasing the Sioux around a bend in the Missouri River, and as they rounded this bend, the Sioux were nowhere in sight. Little did they know that their enemies watched them leave from behind some underbrush. The Sioux then gathered their canoes and portaged, or carried, them across a two mile stretch separating two rivers. You see, the canoes were portaged by the Sioux Indians across land later known as Portage des Sioux. by Stacy Scroggins Jerseyville High School

110 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (untitled) \ The Mississippi River region was where an American Indian warrior, "Black Hawk Sparrow", was bom in 1767. At the Sauk Village near the Rock River, was a beautiful territory settled by he and his people. They were called British band because of the influence of the British people; they were subjected to various acts of violence by the white people. Many whites tried to cheat the Indians out of land rightfully owned by the Indians. In 1831, the Black Hawk's threat of force used to retaliate only caused them to be moved to the west bank of the Mississippi River without the government's permission to return. In the spring of 1832, the Indians crossed the river to plant new crops. Many settlers took the Black Hawk actions the wrong way and one person shot and killed an Indian, who was carrying a flag of mice. Black Hawk was enraged by the white's act and marched toward the border, but was defeated at Wisconsin Heights (Bad Axe River). The cold-blooded massacre of the Indians was an awful blemish in history of the Indians. Black Hawk was captured and confined by the government, but then released. After his release he settled in the Sauk and Fox Reservation on the Des Moines River, where he died on October 3,1838. A statue of him is displayed on a high bluff on the Rock River near Oregon, Illinois. by Jenny Hagen Marquette High School- Alton

The Illinois Indian For many years the hobby of collecting Indian relics has intrigued adults as well as children. In Pike County, the interest is very common because not many a day goes by without a farmer or a child picking up a curious rock that to their delight turns out to be a relic. There are many people that don't know where they came from or how they got there so that is the focus of this paper: to find out where the relics came from. Most of the matter in this paper will contain only information of the Illinois tribes and their history. The Illinois was a confederacy of Algonquian tribes located in or around Illinois. It consisted of six tribes, including the Kaskaskia, Peoria, Michgama, Moingwena, Cahokia, and the Tamora. Though the Algonquian language died in the early 1900's, a few words from the language are still retained, such as the word "Illinois" which comes from the word "Ilinaweh," meaning"man." Little is known of the political and social organization except that they were divided into clans and also that they smoked tobacco in a camulet (a pipe) for social and religious ceremonies. Their religion was simple; they believed in the supreme being, or Manitou, who was believed to live somewhere in the east. They believed in life after death and wrapped their dead in furs. The bodies would then be put on scaffolds to be buried at a later date.

ill ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Illinois built semi-permanent and temporary villages. The semi-permanent villages consisted of cabins made of mats on pole frameworks, each housing six to ten families. The women grew com, beans, squash, and melons while the men hunted bear, elk, deer, buffalo, beaver, and waterfowl. Their weapons consisted of flint arrowheads, lances, flint knives, and buffalo shields. Their tools were made of rock, bone, stone, and shells. Body ornaments included tattoos, body paints, feathers, and jewelry made of colored stone and teeth. How an Indian relic got to be where it was is a difficult question. There are many possibilities. If many relics are found in an area, then it could have been the site of a battle. They may have been dropped on the ground by accident. There are a number of ways how that relic got there and, unfortunately, no one will ever know how it got there. To know how it got there is to know the historical background of the Illinois. In the 1700’s the Illinois was a thriving community. They were a peaceful people and so when the French started to push the Fox and Sauk south, the Illinois were pushed south, too. The Kaskakia tribe, the strongest of the confederacy, was defeated by the Iroquois. The land, as they pushed south, was taken over by the Sauk and Fox. Don't be surprised if you find a relic that doesn't belong in this area. It will most likely be a relic of an invading tribe. It has been hoped that this paper has been helpful in giving you some knowledge of the tribes and culture of the Indians that once lived by the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. by Trent Springer Pittsfield High School

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112 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Piasa Bird Along the Great River Road there are many highlights throughout the bluffs; one of the most famous is the image of the Piasa Bird. The Piasa Bird has one of the most famous legends in the history of the Mississippi River. The tradition is still current today, and our representation of the great bird hangs on the bluffs for everyone to notice. Hundreds of years before white man arrived on this landspan, there lived a bird with the greatest strength and power. This great bird ate off the land, but his real passion was human flesh. Many Indian warriors attempted to kill the bird but none succeeded. An Indian chief, Ouatoga, took it upon himself to help his people. Ouatoga left his people to search for an answer. It is said that Ouatoga fasted for a whole moon and prayed to his great spirit. On the last night of his fast, the Great Spirit came to the brave man and told him what he needed to do in order to be successful in killing the monster bird. Ouatoga selected twenty of his warriors, each armed with a poison arrow and each had concealed himself in a designated location. Ouatoga used himself as bait because he was willing to do anything for his people. The chief stood in open view of the bird and waited patiently and firmly. The monster bird hovered over the top of the cliff peering at his prey. Suddenly, as quick as lightning, he swooped down upon Ouatoga. At the moment he was to reach his meal every arrow pierced into the body of the bird. The bird quickly flew across the river from where he was never to return and Ouatoga was safe. In memory of this event there was an image of the Great Piasa Bird carved into the side of the bluff. For many years not an Indian passed that spot without dispersing an arrow toward the engraving to commemorate the defeating of the Great Piasa Bird. by Maggie Maher Alton High School

The River The Mississippi River is so many things to so many different people. To some, it provides them with jobs and careers, to others it is a cornucopia of history; to many living along the river, it is a way of life. It provides them with recreation, food, and economic growth. People flock to the river every summer for one thing: fun! Water skiing in our area is very popular. Others enjoy boating and fishing in the river. Some even go swimming in the Muddy Mississippi! Also, the river is the center for many celebrations and festivals; it is even the site of the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration. Another thing that the river has done for this area is enrich it with history. After all, this area is where the famous author Mark Twain came from, and the river is where he got his inspiration for such classics as Tom Sawver and Huckleberry Finn.

113 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The river is the reason that many of our towns, including Quincy and Hannibal, were settled. Hannibal has two famous caves, and Franklin Roosevelt came to dedicate the Hannibal Bridge. The Mississippi River is very important to many people because it provides their bread and butter. People in this area work as fishermen, they work on barges, and they are tour guides for those coming to see the river. The area has also had tremendous economic growth because of the Mississippi. Hannibal and Quincy are both major port cities along the river. Barges full of grain and coal are shipped in and out of this area everyday. Also, the major manufacturers in Quincy and Hannibal are located here because they can ship in and out by means of the river. The largest industry effected by the river is tourism. People come from all over to see the "Mighty Mississippi". As anyone can tell, the Mississippi has been a great boon to the area, and the people have a lot to be thankful for. That is why many people, including our class, are trying so hard to save the river and keep it clean for generations to come. by Laura Baugher Payson Seymour High School

The Mississippi River The Mississippi River is the chief river of North America and the longest river in the United States. It flows 2,348 miles from its source in northwestern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River begins as a small, clear stream that flows out of Lake Itasca in Minnesota. The river makes up part of the boundaries of nine states. Two major tributaries, the Illinois River and the Missouri River join the Mississippi above St. Louis. The muddy waters of the Missouri contrast with clear waters of the Mississippi, and below their confluence, the Mississippi takes on the muddy color for which it is known in the south. The Mississippi was formed about 2 million years ago at the beginning of the Pleistocene Ice Age. During this period, glaciers covered much of the Northern Hemisphere. Melting ice from the glaciers was carried to the Mississippi by the Missouri and Ohio Rivers. Various Indian tribes, including the Santee Dakota, the Illinois, the Kickapoo, and the Ojibway lived in the upper Mississippi Valley. The name Mississippi, which means big river, came from these tribes. The lower valley was the home of such tribes as the Chickasaw, the Choctaw, the Natchez, and the Tunica. by Kevin Swinney Marquette High School - Alton

\ ISLANDS

A SERIES OF PERSONAL INTERVIEWS AND EXPERIENCES

"In that brief sharp schooling I got personally and familiarly acquainted with all the different types of human nature that are to be found in fiction, biography, or history. When I find a well-drawn character in fiction or biography I generally take a warm personal interest in him, for the reason that I have know him before— met him on the river.”

from Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain

115 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville A Personal Remembrance of Floods by Hugh and Maxine McNary Hugh McNary lived in the bottoms of New Canton for 55 of his 70 years. His home was located between the Sny channel and the Mississippi River. This meant that if the river broke, he and his family would have little time to escape. During these years, he farmed with his father and then took over the family farm when he married his wife Maxine. They continued to farm together. Hugh remembers his grandfather and father working on the levee during flood times. He said that his grandfather ran a dredge, which was used to clean out the silt from the bottom of the Sny. He remembers in the early years, when the levee was first built, that men would have to walk the levee to make sure that there were no breaks, weak spots, boils, and over flows. In 1947 the levee was then open for driving to make these checks. For these checks, tractors were first used, then jeeps and trucks. Hugh and his brother bought a farm on the bluffs in between Barry and New Canton. In case of a flood they would have a place t© inove their machinery and farm animals. Maxine McNary married Hugh in 1946. She remembers that there was a constant fear of the levee breaking or flood. It was even worse for them compared to some families that lived in the bottoms, because they had two levees to fear, the Mississippi and the Sny. During the flood times, the Sny would back up, and the levees would break or simply overflow. In the late 1930’s and 1940's, this would happen quite often. When the Sny levee would break or overflow, they would have to move all their belongings to a safer place. They had to completely move out of the bottoms three times. This meant that they not only had to move their farm equipment but also their personal belongings. Maxine also remembers that when the Sny levee would overflow or break, a tractor and cart would drive around and pick up all of the children who went to school. The couple remembers that at Easter dinner in 1973 Leroy Leonard, an Illinois State Patrolman, came to their house and asked them to evacuate because it was no longer safe to stay in the bottoms. The couple also remembers that during the flood of 1947, two elderly ladies ran the telephone operating service. These women set up a direct line from the levee to Hull so that they could send out the alarm. The couple no longer live in the bottoms of New Canton, but at the base of the bluffs surrounding New Canton. They no longer have to live with the constant fear of a possible flood or levee break. by Dawn Bower Barry High School Information obtained from: A personal interview with Hugh and Maxine McNary

Personal Interview with Marsha Krueger Q. How long did you live near the river? A. I lived in Grafton two blocks from the river for 26 years. Q. What did you like most about living by the river? and least? A. What I liked most about the river was its majestic beauty. I liked getting up early in the morning and looking out over the river and seeing how calm it was, almost glassy, not a wave in it. I liked the scenic view driving on the River Road toward Grafton at sunset. What I liked least about the river was the flooding and how bleak it looked in the winter with huge ice jams. Q. Why did your family live by the river? A. My grandparents originally lived in Jerseyville and operated a grocery store on the east side of town. In the early 1930's they moved their store to Grafton hoping to do more business and to try to capitalize on the river trade. In 1949, when my grandfather died suddenly, my parents moved to Grafton to help my grandmother run the store. Q. How did the river affect your daily life as you were growing up? A. When I was growing up in Grafton my parents owned the grocery store, and we depended on the business of boaters, and barge workers. Later, my family operated the concession and boat harbor at Pere Marquette Park. Then, a very large percentage of our business came from boaters. I worked at that concession stand all through high school and college. Q. How did the floods affect your life? A. The floods were always destructive. The flooding was most common in the early spring. Some years we would not be able to open the concession stand until the water receded, and we had cleaned and repaired the building. Other years we could open for a few weeks and then have to close for a week or two early because of the flood. Occasionally, the water would come high enough to get into the basement of our home. This was always a mess to clean up. Q. Which flood was most memorable to you? A. The April, 1973, flood was the most memorable one for me. I was seven months pregnant with my daughter Jill and was working in Jerseyville. Each morning my husband would walk me five blocks and then up a hill through a path in the woods and then another 4-5 blocks to my car. He could do this because he was laid off his job at The Grafton Boat Co. because of the flooding. After work I would

117 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville stop in Jerseyville for groceries for us and for my mother. At a certain time, my husband would meet me with a boat at the edge of Jersey Hollow. We loaded the groceries in the boat and delivered them to my mother's backporch without getting out of the boat. Then we would go another two blocks down the street by boat to a stopping place by our house, unload our groceries and carry them up the hill to our home. One Sunday we went to church in a boat. by Jill Krueger Jerseyville High School

Flood of 1973 The Mississippi River has brought many assets to its surrounding areas, but on the weekend of April 21,1973, the river flooded and left many of these areas underwater. One house that was affected was owned by my grandparents. Their house wasn’t flooded at first but the only way to get to it was by boat. Later in the week, the water receded and relief was in sight, but on April 25, heavy rains again hit the Mississippi Valley. My dad, his brother, and my grandfather stayed in the house for three straight days to prevent vandalism. On April 28,1973, the flooding reached its highest point. My grandparent's house was a split-foyer and the water reached the second tier of the steps. Things remained the same for approximately four to five days. When the water lowered, a long repair period took place. The flood had destroyed the basement of my grandparent's house. Carpeting had to be tom up, windows had to be taken out if they hadn't already been broken, drywall had to be removed, and many other objects which couldn't be replaced were lost. The rebuilding of the basement took about two months. Though the Mississippi River has brought many prospering effects to its surrounding areas, the flooding of my grandparent’s house and others like it is not one of them. by Eric Bievenue Marquette High School - Alton

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118 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Interview With Bob Dunn, Fisheries Biologist The aquatic life of the Mississippi River is an essential part of the river's ecosystem. A decline in the water quality of the river will have a very serious effect on this life starting with the lower organisms and working its way up to the top of the food chain. Fisheries Biologist Bob Dunn of the Illinois Department of Conservation has been working with and around the Mississippi River system for twenty-five years and has seen several changes. Dunn is also an avid fisherman, and from his experiences in this port, he has gained additional knowledge of the changes that are occurring. Dunn's main concern about the health of the Mississippi is the siltation of the river bottom. Much silt has washed into the river by way of its tributaries including creeks and drainage ditches. These waterways obtain most of the silt from farms in the surrounding area. Dunn stated that one of the main causes of the loss of soil from farms is the relatively new introduction of fall plowing, which is the practice of plowing a field in autumn to get a head start on the planting season iii the spring. As a result of turning the soil at this early date, the precipitation through the winter causes the topsoil to wash into the tributaries, therefore washing into the river. Eventually this will cause the level of the river to rise and create a need for higher levees, and these levees will eventually break. A colorful comparison that Dunn used was the Yellow River in China where the level of the river is significantly higher than the level of the land on the other side of the levee. Contamination is considered a problem for certain species of fish like the carp and channel catfish which both have a level two warning. Contamination is also a problem in sturgeon and sturgeon eggs which have a level three warning, the highest level of contamination. Although there is this evidence of contamination, Dunn told me that contamination on this section of the river is mainly held to these bottom feeders, at the present. Many of the contaminates come from farms, and, being tied to the ground particles, they sink to the bottom with the silt where the bottom feeders ingest them. The major problems of industrial contamination become evident south of the major cities and industrial areas of the Mississippi. From personal experience Dunn was able to tell me that the numbers of game fish have increased; this is mainly due to the abnormally clear water in the past few years which has provided better spawning. The fish that resulted from these improved conditions are now beginning to show up in fishermen’s catches. Bob Dunn has a great appreciation for the Mississippi and suggests that we try to conserve this great resource. Some suggestions he had were simple things like placing refuse where it belongs and keeping dangerous chemicals where they should be. He also suggested that we be aware of companies that have been and are polluting the river and write letters to those companies, boycot their products, or write letters to representatives in Congress. by Jeff Adams Pleasant Hill High School

119 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville An Interview with Norman Wineland I interviewed Norman Wineland who has lived by the Mississippi River since 1911. When he was younger he remembers seeing the Mississippi frozen so deep that cars could cross it. He also remembers when the river would freeze over and the men would go out and cut ice to use for the next year. They would take a cross cut saw with the handle off of one end and cut the ice in twelve inch blocks. They would then store it in an icehouse with sawdust packed around the blocks of ice. During the summer people would stop and buy a block of ice to take home and use in their iceboxes. Whenever a steamboat would come up the river people would take their livestock to town so they could be loaded on the boat and taken down river to St. Louis to be sold. The hogs might be loaded onto wagons and drawn by horses, or they might drive them there on foot as they did with cattle. Mr. Wineland can remember when they would take veal calves, who were six weeks old, separate them from their mothers and load them on the boat to be sold later in St. Louis. This was just a part of the commercial importance of the river to the rural area. Mr. Wineland also talked of the warehouses that stored the produce which both came into and left the county at Hamburg, Illinois and a landing called Rip Rap Landing. Applesand grain were taken down river while bags of flour, sugar, and other staples were brought up from St. Louis, Missouri. The main purpose of the river was for transportation. However, at the end of the interview, Mr. Wineland mentioned that it was also used for entertainment in the form of swimming parties and showboats. by Jenna Van Dyne Pleasant Hill High School

120 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville An Interview With Paul Winkler I conducted this interview on February 18,1991, in the home of Paul Winkler in Hamburg, Illinois. First, I asked Mr.. Winkler to explain what he did on the river. He answered as follows: "I started lighting buoys and light standards on the Mississippi River when my grandfather died. I continued lighting from the time I was 17 until I was 39, when the buoys became battery operated. When I was forced to retire because of this, I went to work on the Brussels Ferry on the Illinois River for 13 years. Then I worked on the Kampsville Ferry for two years. I also owned the Hamburg Ferry with Bud Peuterbaugh for four years from 1962 to 1966. During this time, I was a commercial fisherman. To keep my fish fresh, I built my own metal freezer near my house. Once a week, my wife and I would take the fish to market.” My next question to Mr. Winkler asked him to tell specific things about lighting his lights. "Well," he said, "my route was 38 miles round trip from Red's Landing to the Clarksville Dam. I was required to check the lights every other day and fill them with kerosene. The kerosene would last for about four days, but, like I said, I had to check them every other day. The trip took a total of about three hours." Question 3: "How long into the year did you work?" "I worked into the fall as long as the river was free of ice. However, during World War II, invasion barges were made in Quincy, so I worked until the river was completely frozen." Continuing with my interview, I asked him if the course of the river has changed since he started working on it. "When I first started, there weren't any dams in the river, but that has really been the only significant change." He had many other interesting experiences that he told me about, so I'm just giving the highlights of the interview. I enjoyed hearing about his experiences on the river, and I hope you did, too. To conclude he said, "I couldn't live someplace where I couldn’t see the river and be on it." He is still a very active fisherman today. by Mary Jane Johnson Pleasant Hill High School

121 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Marquette Joliet Monument It is fall and golden leaves fall around the old stone cross, which stands as a memorial for Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, but no one will stop and admire today. The brush has grown around the old cross, and beer bottles are scattered around its base. Maybe someday in the future people will stop and visit, thanks to Roger Roentz who has helped to win a $30,000 grant from the state of Illinois to restore the cross to its original condition. The 7.5 foot base of the solid rock cross will be repaired, steps will be replaced, and a plaque will be put in place. A parking lot and bikeway will also be added. Roentz commented, "We’ll put a piece of history back into place." Interview with Roger W. Roentz, Jersey County Board Member, November 6,1990 Q: When did the restoration of the cross get started? A: I started the project approximately May, 1987. Q: How? A: Through the efforts of myself as well as involving the press, Representative Tom Ryder, and Senator Vince Demuzio. Q: Why? A: I felt that in its present state of condition not only was it an eye sore, but it was a disgrace to the people of Jersey County. Q: Can you give me some background history? A: In the early 1900's a very wealthy man by the name of H. H. Ferguson owned the property where the monument is today. Mr. Ferguson had also owned and built his home and dairy farm, which is now the home of the Illinois Department of Corrections. He was somewhat of a history buff, so to speak. He had studied the Marquette-Joliet exploration and felt that there should be a monument or marker of some type to honor their brave efforts. Although no one really knows the exact location of the landing, the historians feel strongly that it was at a point somewhere between the city limits of Grafton, and west to Pere Marquette State Park. Now, it is very important to note that during the early 1900's the site of the monument was then the location of where the two great rivers came together, the Illinois and Mississippi. (This changed after the lock and dam 26 located in Alton was built.) Mr. Ferguson, with his hired people and his own money, began construction. In September, 1929, the monument was dedicated to the people of Illinois. At the dedication there were approximately 4,000 people in attendance as well as many dignitaries, such as bishops, priests, state and local officials, and the Governor of Illinois. They came by boat, train, horses, and by foot. As you well know, there were not that many horseless carriages during that time. Mr. Ferguson then gave the property and monument to the people of the State of Illinois as a gift from him.

122 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville I might add also that the entire complex that we know today as the Illinois Department of Corrections, was also donated to the state of Illinois. This was in his last will and testament. During his living years, story has it that he was the only one that knew this about the estate. He never revealed his wishes to anyone. Q: Will the cross be moved? A: No. Q: How was this prevented? A: It was never a serious thought. That story surfaced when a reporter had overheard a comment made by the director of the Department of Conservation to State Representative Tom Ryder. The press picked up on it and made it news. Contrary to what other people may lead you to believe, that is the truth on the relocation subject. Q: Why do you feel this cross is so important to our heritage? A: Well, when you study and think about this piece of history, you will find that in the year 1673, Father Pere Marquette (a Jesuit Priest) was the first white man to touch what is now called Illinois. So, in my opinion, it is something that should never be forgotten. After all, when you drive west of Grafton on Illinois State Route 3, let's think about what we see along the way: Pere Marquette Correctional Center, Pere Marquette Riding Stables, Pere Marquette State Park, Pere Marquette Marina, and Pere Marquette Lodge. I feel that it is very important for us all to know, no matter what our ages, just why all this is named "Pere Marquette." It's not only Illinois history, it's Jersey County history, and as a resident and also a Jersey County Board Member, I am proud of where we live. It's a piece of our heritage! by Angie Roentz and Anna Carter Jerseyville High School

123 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Recreation on the River We interviewed Joan Walston and Robert (Bob) Goewey about recreation on the river. We asked Bob what some of the most preferred activities on the river were; he replied that boating, swimming, playing horseshoes, putting out fish nets, and skiing were the top few choices. Concerning these activities, we asked Joan if there were any mishaps. She said that mishaps occurred, but the main one was when her son Brian was bike riding down a gravele hill and wrecked. "He broke his arm, busted his lip, had to have stitches in his chin, and gravel picked out of his chest." Some of the basic things to know to go camping are costs of gas for vehicles, boats, etc., and what types of food to bring. Bob told us that it would cost approximately $12 to $15 a week and around $144 to $180 for three months for gasoline. The types of food that are often brought to the river are hamburger, chicken, hot dogs, bread, chips, cookies, cakes, fish, and many times they cook eggs, bacon, sausage, and biscuits for breakfast. And you may be surprised, but the lots people camp on cost only about $100 for a whole year. When we asked Bob if anyone goes to the river any time throughout the year besides summer, he said, yes, but not to stay all night. He went on to say they play horseshoes, cook out, and sometimes put out fish nets. Bob has been coming to the river for twelve to fifteen years. The number of people who come to the river varies week to week. To show the main advantages of going to the river, we asked Joan and Bob. Their comments were: Joan: "Peaceful, relaxing, nobody can call." Bob: "It's enjoying," and he likes the fishing. The whole family goes together and when they get to the river, even though a lot of them aren't really related, they're like one, big happy family. At the end of the stay at the river, Bob collects and takes all the trash home. This shows you can have fun while being environmentally aware, to save the land for the future river lovers. When we asked Joan what the funniest thing was since she has been staying at the river, she replied, "When Brian, my six year old son, was skiing and fell. Then he tried to tell people he went down, touched the river’s bottom, and saw a turtle because he had mud on him. When in actuality he got mud on him while getting in the boat." One of the most disgusting things you will ever see while swimming in the river is dead, bloated fish, floating by you. "At first, they look like bubbles until they float right past you," says Joan. You can see that recreation on the river, though seeming uncomplicated, is pretty simple and really fun! by Angie Walston and Joelle Lipcamon Pittsfield High School

124 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville An Interview With Mr. Stelbrink During an interview with Mr. Joseph Stelbrink, Lock and Dam Operator Leader at Clarksville Lock and Dam 24,1 learned that he had been employed there for twenty- five years. The purpose of the Lock and Dam is for navigation and pleasure. The locks work like stair-steps from St. Louis to St. Paul with 27 locks and dams on the Mississippi. If the locks were not in place in the summer, there would not be enough water for the boats to navigate or for people to ski, fish, or pleasure boat. Lock and Dam 24 where Mr. Stelbrink works has been in operation for 50 years as of 1990. Lock and Dam 24 broke a record of locking over 42 million tons of commodities with most of it being grain in 1990. Mr. Stelbrink said that there is not that much pollution at the Locks to pollute the water. When handling pollution, they are extra careful not to get them in the water and to remove what does get into the water. Mr. Stelbrink said they do watch for pollution from boats and other sources. When they do find it, they try to find out where it is coming from and notify the Coast Guard. Mr. Stelbrink said the river is a lot cleaner now than it was twenty-five years ago, and he sees more people catching more game fish today because of the cleaner water. by Joe Stelbrink Calhoun High School Ups and Downs of River Farming It’s a misty May morning; the fog is slowly lifting as Jerome Toppmeyer and his wife Barb drive towards their 180 acre farm which lies within five miles of the running waters of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Jerome's spirits fall when he gets in sight of what should have been his newly planted com and bean crop. Instead, he finds only the muddy waters of the overflowing river. Once again Mother Nature has destroyed Jerome's dream of a successful com and bean crop. But not all is lost; Jerome also owns a 150 acre apple orchard and hog operation near his home which is located on high ground about seven miles from the riverbanks. The rising waters do not directly effect the apple crop or hog business but can cause some complications. The apple crop is usually not effected at all by the high waters but, in the event of a fall flood, Jerome has problems selling his apples. Due to the high waters customers are unable to cross the ferry; therefore, Jerome has to load his trucks and travel a great distance to sell his apples. Having to do this greatly cuts into Jerome's profits. Living between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers does have its advantages for the apple grower. Since Calhoun is known as the Apple Kingdom of the Midwest, tourists and peddlers cross the Hardin Bridge or any of the three ferries to enter the county.

125 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Jerome considers himself lucky being located on the Brussels Ferry Road about seven miles from the river. This ideal location makes it easy for Jerome to sell his apples to tourists passing by. High waters once again pose a problem for Jerome when he takes his pigs to market. When the waters are up and the Brussels Ferry is not running, the pigs have to be hauled a much longer distance to be sold. This, too, costs Jerome extra time and money. As one can see, the river affects area farmers in both positive and negative ways. Jerome states, "I am quite content with my farm and orchard. Living between two rivers has taught me to cope with the advantages and disadvantages of farming near the river." by Melissa Herter and Staci Maag Brussels High School Arrowheads and Other Indian Artifacts Mr. Sterling Snowden has enjoyed hunting for arrowheads and Indian artifacts since 1939. His arrowhead collection consists of 1000 or more pieces, and he has found as many as 152 in one day. When asked how he knows where to look, Mr. Snowden says he simply thinks like an Indian. He searches in places where food, water, and animals would have been available and where there are trees to block the north wind. He has looked all over this area for arrowheads and artifacts and says Illinois is probably the best place to look. He has searched a field once and then returned many times to find more. Almost 95% of his present collection was found at Lima Bottom near Warsaw. Included in his collection are numerous artifacts, such as three-quarter grooved axes, discoidals (chunky, round game pieces), peace pipes (one in the shape of a frog), bird points, dove-tail arrowheads, dalton arrowheads, flint drills, plummets, spades, and celts (for scaping hides). The only tool Mr. Snowden uses when searching for artifacts is a cane to flip over the pieces to see whether or not they are really arrowheads. He doesn't dig for them because it is illegal to dig in a mound without a permit. The arrowheads Mr. Snowden has found date from times before Christ to 700 A.D., and most of them are made of flint. The Indians rubbed together deer antlers and a rock and the antler would shave the rock. Most of his artifacts are in good shape, which surprises him because of all the plowing done on the fields where they were found. The prices of Indian artifacts and arrowheads can range from $10 up to as much as $1000. The first arrowhead Mr. Snowden ever found would have been worth $300 if it hadn't been chipped. Mr. Snowden was a mailman, and he would hit the fields on his days off, walking up to 20 miles from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. He enjoys this hobby and does it purely for fun. We interviewed Mr. Snowden at his home in Macomb, IL, on February 27,1991. by Kim Jacob and Janeen Johnson Hancock Central - Carthage

Showcase of artifacts, including an eight pound ax (third from left on bottom shelf)

Assorted arrowheads and artifacts

Part of the Indian artifact collection

128

©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville River Memories I did this interview two years ago, in the fall of 1987, when I was in the eighth grade. Two years later, in March of 1989, my grandpa passed away. He was 83 years old when he died. The memories in the interview are about the life of his family before him and the steamboats on the Mississippi River and on the Illinois River and how the life in Calhoun County has changed through the years of his life. This interview will be cherished for the rest of my life. My grandpa was bom February 6,1906, and died in March, 1989. His name was Robert Joseph Pohlman, and my name is Stuart Pohlman, his grandson, and these are his memories. Stu: Who was the first one to start the Brussels Ferry? GP: The Brussels Ferry? Stu: Or the Deer Plain Ferry back then? GP: Wheelers, Henry Wheeler. Stu: Then who bought it? GP: Then your Grandpa Pohlman (John Pohlman) bought it. Stu: That’s my great, great grandfather, right? GP: Yeah! Your great, great grandpa. Then ... from him it went to Herman Pohlman. Stu: Who was that? GP: That was grandpa’s boy, his son. It went to him and he was the one, I guess, who sold it to the State of Illinois. Stu: Did they charge anything for the ferry? GP: You mean to cross? Stu: Yes. GP: I really don't know how much, but all they had was just horse and buggies and foot passengers... So that's all ya had. Dad: Tell them how you pulled it across the river? Stu: How did you pull the ferry across the river? GP: You used to pull it across by hand, on the cable, but pulled it by hand. That is ... I don't know, how long that lasted. But, then ... Uncle John was working for grandpa then and he bought a single cylinder engine and a boat! And... they run it then with this, this boat for a long time. Then when Uncle Herman took over, he bought a different boat with a bigger motor in it, and he operated off the cable the biggest part of the time on account of the current was very swift and they, they operated on the cable.

129 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Stu: Was the ferry located in the same spot as the Brussels Ferry? GP: No, the ferry was down the road a bit about a half mile down there and... at that time let see ... Let see ... the river there was 1200 feet wide where the ferry was, (with a chuckle). We bought cable, but the cable was, I don't know, the water was less than 1200 feet because we bought 1200 feet of cable. And then, brought on the bank each side, so the river is bout 1000 feet wide there, at that time, and, I guess, it still is there. So ... that’s about all I know about the ferry. About fifty years ago, an important side of Calhoun County and the Mississippi River died. When the rest of the country was over this era, Calhoun County was still in it. I'm talking about steamboats! There were over twenty- five steamboat landings at one time along the Mississippi River at Calhoun County. Stu: The steamboats. What about the steamboats? GP: Well, what? So you want to know about the steamboats? Stu: Where did they go and what did they do? GP: From St. Louis to Rip Rap Landing. Stu: Where's that? GP: It's above Hamburg... it's about how many miles above Hamburg? Dad: Hmmm, about eight or nine miles. GP: That's ... that's as far as the steamboats ran. And the steamboats would come up about Saturday night, and let off freight with all these warehouses along the river and gone up to Rip Rap, and they would have to stay there over Sunday, and then come down Monday. They came back down then and go to St.. Louis. Stu: Is this on the Mississippi River? GP: Yeah, on the Mississippi. Stu: Did they go anywhere on the Illinois River? GP: Well, there were boats on the Illinois, but were different boats. The Streckfus, a line, run boats on the Illinois River. They had the Bald Eagle, the Spread Eagle, and.. .oh, I forget. They had several different boats, but they were too hard to remember. They run up the Illinois River. Now, over on the Mississippi River we have the Belle of Calhoun. They had the Alabama, and the Tom Powell, and the ... I can’t remember. But there was a boat would always push coal up the river. They called it the Coal Bluff; it shoved barges of coal up the river, but it had nothing to do with the landings. But, it shoved coal on up the Mississippi, but I don't know how far up the line it went. But, there was coal that was mined up in Illinois, loaded on barges and that Coal Bluff \ they called it, was a pretty good size boat, a big paddle wheel deal. And she took, I think, two barges loaded with coal. She would push on up the Mississippi, by where it went to I don’t know, went up to Quincy or somewhere up there.

130 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Stu: What did they haul on the steamboats to Calhoun or on the Illinois? GP: Well, they hauled cattle and hogs,... apples, wheat, that's what was raised here (meaning in Calhoun County), and... coming up the river they hauled beer, and whiskey and groceries and all the furniture anybody had bought in St. Louis, that would come up on the boat, that was the only transportation we had and no other way going unless you went to Grafton and got on the train, and went on to Alton. That was the only transportation. Stu: Where did they keep all the stuff that the steamboats landed till the people would happen to come down to where the steamboats had stopped? GP: Everything was brought to the warehouse. We run the warehouse down there and the wheat, the apples, the hogs and the cattle and everything was brought there. We had pens and stuff for the hogs and cattle. They had sheds and a warehouse to put the wheat and apples and stuff in. And the boats, the steamboats had these Negro people. They would carry this stuff on the boat and the hogs and cattle. They drop the apron right down in front of the gates. Then they had... panels on the side of the apron on the stage-planks then they just open the gates and drive the hogs on the boat there. They had places there, stalls. Stu: Did they ever haul hay? GP: Hauled anything that... anything the farmer raised, but that time didn't ship had or anything like that or straw.. there was no market for it. Stu: In your mind, what is the picture of the Belle of Calhoun? GP: The pictures of the Belle of Calhoun? Stu: Yes. GP: I had a picture ... hanging in the little room there. I tore it down some time ago. It was... a big boat. Stu: Were the paddles on the side or the back? GP: On the back. Now, the Spread Eagle and the Bald Eagle, they were side wheelers that operated on the Illinois. I don't know why. I tell you another one that now came up the Mississippi was the Quincy. It didn't run very long. I don't know what happened to that. It run up. They . . .. But, biggest part of them guys jumped in there like when the apples and wheat and stuff was coming in. They cleaned up on that. Boy, I seen that ole Belle of Calhoun leave down there with that much sticking out. She sunk twice. See it sunk one time below there at Alton, at Alton Slough. She sunk there and there other, other time, I don't remember where she sunk, where she sunk that time. It was up here somewhere, she was overloaded, run up on to a sandbar, took water, sunk. Stu: How did they get it out of there after it sunk? GP: That I don't remember, but I imagine they just pumped the water out of it and righted itself. The hogs ... they didn't take the hogs all the way into, into St. Louis. The hogs was left off up at the National Stock Yards on the Illinois side, and they had pens that came right down to the river. The boat would land again there, they drop the stage plank right off, and they drive the hogs right up the

131 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville bank right in the stockyards. Now, when apples and wheat, when they got down to St.. Louis, then with the apples andwheat they were unloaded on what they call a levee. It's down there where they, right where the Arch is now. All that stuff was unloaded on the levee. Then the commission men would have to go down there and get it. See, the market, the commission men were up on Third Street. Course, the wheat and stuff were handled through the elevator. They had an elevator down, well, it's next to a, oh, what is the name of that bridge below, ah. The free bridge there? One that goes across... now. You know that bridge there? Dad: Martin Luther King Bridge? GP: No, the one on the other side. Dad: Eads? GP: No, the Eads is before you get there. Dad: McKinley? GP: No, McKinley is way north. This is, oh I can't.. .anyhow, that bridge there. That, that, this bridge that big grain elevator, and there with their wheat and stuff and unload it there. At this elevator, and it was right underneath it, part of the building was underneath the bridge and the other part was on outside the elevator and stuff. But, then the mill you know ... used to haul a lot of flour out of there, and this was a long time after this deal was and they ... they ... got one of them buildings started mill under there and they made flour at this mill. But you could go in there and get any kind of flour you wanted. You could buy Pillsbury or any brand. They sacked it up for everybody. Stu: What year were the steamboats running? GP: Well, when ... when we, as near as I can remember, I don't remember this. When, when, of course that I was too young ... I was bom 19'6, and the warehouse there was built about, must have been about 19'8,19'9, in that area there when they built the warehouse. But, boats, the steamboats were running before that, because they had a warehouse up there at Calhoun Landing. Stu: When did the steamboats stop running? GP: Well, we left there in 1919, and moved up here and Tony Telkamp, come in there and he run the warehouse. I guess, it was back in about 1925 or. They run about the last. Cause ... they was a little before that, I don't remember, I don't remember. We left there 1919. (With the sound of disgust in his voice) He run it but,... but, that time the trucks were starting to come in. Oh yeah! Before that... Kamp had that... he had a 19-1926, Dodge truck with dual wheels on it. He bought that in 1926. He was trucking stuff to St. Louis then. Hummm, and the steamboats have quit before that, so I imagine, then that was about 1922 or '23 when they quit. Haug's bought this, this truck from Joe Kamp, that was the first truck I drove to St. Louis.

132 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Stu: What did they haul the whiskey and beer in? GP: Whiskey was in fifty gallon wooden barrels and the beer was in, in ... wooden cases made of wood, that held forty-eight bottles. On the last trip, the boat, in the fall of the year, they bring up, well, they had two saloons up here. Mienke's and Schleeper's each one had a saloon here. On the last trip of the boat, they got all their whiskey and beer to do the winter. I seen high as twenty-five barrel of whiskey unloaded there. I don't know how many cases of beer, it was in the hundreds, because they had that pile just as high as they could stack it in that warehouse. See, on them, you could make you a step and go on up there. There was a limit as you get up to the roof, but that's what you done it. They started in the back, back of the building and put a row and then they put row on top of that and put a row down here. And, they stepped on the and on that and that's the way you went. It made steps. You walk back on them cases, they were heavy. That damn cases was really more than a man wanted to carry. And I said something about this wheat, this wheat was in two and one-half bushel sacks (150 pounds). (Saying as he chuckled) And ... we would have it piled up in under in the warehouse and under the shed there. And ... the Negro got a cent a bag that's how he got paid, by carrying ... if he carried a sack of wheat on the boat, he got a penny. As he got down at the end of the stage-plank, he had a whole box of pennies. When this Negro came down with the sacks of wheat he hand him a penny. And he take it on the boat, throw it down (sack of wheat) and go back and get him another sack. Some of them Negroes took two sacks, hey, (chuckling) they got two pennies (chuckling). They put one on their shoulder and one across there cross-ways. And them was big Negroes! (chuckling) Stu: How many pennies did they get? GP: Huh? Stu: How many pennies did they get? GP: You get a cent a sack whether you had two sacks you'd get two pennies and one sack you got one penny. Stu: What time of the year did the steamboats stop running? GP: Usually about the fifteenth of December, would be about the last trip ... by that time the ice and stuff come in. Sometimes if the ice got too bad, they, they quit sooner. But, anyhow, these guys would get this beer and whiskey ... a lot of them would wait the last trip of the boat. See you knew when they, when they were going to quit. They had dates set, like twelfth of December or the fifteenth or whenever it was, they would let everyone know. Now, Ikecom run the store up there ... he get flour and flour was ... shipped in barrels. Well, you could get it in sacks and barrels and sugar you got in one-hundred pound bags and coffee came in, I think, in one-hundred pound bags, coffee was shipped in.

133 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Stu: When you said when the ice got bad, what would you do with the ferryboat? GP: You didn't cross, crossed with a stick, rowboat. But the mail, they had a contract to haul the mail over and... when you could see a clear spot up the river, we get ready ... the boats with oars, we tied the stakes go across and get the mail. But the mail had to go! I seen Uncle John go across one time the river froze up over night. Ice was over about that thick (showing me about six inches). He had a big sled and he just, he took a pole, the long pole, and this sled. He walked on across. The mail would be on the other side, and he put the mail on this sled, and he bring it across. And, they had a team (horses) and buggy on this side to take it up to .. .Brussels. These were my late Grandpa Pohlman's river memories. by Stuart Pohlman Brussels High School Editor’s Note: Stuart transcribed this interview from a taped dialogue with his grandfather. Dad, in this interview, is Stuart's father, Glen Pohlman. The author, Stuart Pohlman, died in June, 1990. Just as he cherished his memories of his grandfather, his loved ones cherish their memories of him.

134 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Memories of the Illinois River Around 1940 to 1960, my great-grandmother and great- grandfather lived by the Illinois River. It was a very short walk to the Kampsville Ferry, and the area was called Colombian. They rented the house in which they lived and the lady that they rented from also owned the Kampsville Ferry at the time. In the early fifties the woman decided to sell the ferry, and when the city got hold of it, it wasn't long before they started charging people to use it. In 1943 an awful flood came about which caused my grandparents to move back home with my grandmother's parents. It all started on May 19, at Spanky. A levee broke causing an awful flood of water to go everywhere. In order to get the animals to a safer area, Grandpa took them to the fairgrounds in Carrollton. He and many other farmers kept their machinery on the levee. Grandma said that her area got the tail end of the flood, which meant that it took twice as long before her area was cleaned up. She said that the water went all the way up to the top of the windowsills and did much damage to the inside of the house. It wasn't until September that they were able to move back. My grandma said,” just in time for the kids to return to school." The woman that my grandparents rented from had the inside of the house fixed up for them.

A picture of the house that my grandparents lived in during the flood o f1943. Can you imagine water all the way up to the windowsills on this house?

There were a few differences, but it basically looked the same as it does now .

by Amy Ruyle Jerseryville High School

136 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville My Mississippi Since I was a little girl, I have heard legends about the great Piasa Bird, gone hiking along the bluffs, and watched the sun rise and set over the Mighty Mississippi. However, it wasn't until I was away from this magnificent river that I truly came to appreciate its presence in my life. During the summer of 1990,1 left my home in Alton, Illinois, to spend two months in Adelaide, South Australia, as an exchange student. My host family, the O'Briens, enjoyed showing me their cbuntry and hearing about where I lived. When they discovered that Alton was at the unique east-west flow of the Mighty Mississippi, they insisted that I see THEIR version of this grand river. The Murray River is the major source of fresh water, as well as the longest river, in South Australia. My host parents told me some of the ancient Aboriginal stories concerning the beginnings of the Murray, and they stressed the river's importance repeatedly. Needless to say, I was expecting something impressive. When I did encounter the Murray, I realized for the first time in my life how lucky I was to have grown up with the Mississippi in my backyard. The great river of South Australia is a big creek compared to the Mississippi; it flows peacefully and is pretty, but lacks....something. Maybe I just missed the mysterious depths or the swirling currents of the river I knew, but I think it was more than that. The Mississippi River has a kind of magical power; one is drawn to it. The famous muddy waters that have inspired songs may be peaceful or treacherous, but there is always a special, undefinable quality about them. My host family asked me how "their" Murray River compared to "my" Mississippi, and I could only diplomatically say that it didn't. I had a wonderful time in Australia, but in that one moment when I overlooked the Murray, the greatest of Australian rivers, I was so homesick! by Sarah Cox Marquette High School - Alton Pool Guard As I sit on the lifeguard stand of the Raging Rivers Water Park and feel the gentle breeze, I gaze out at the river. Squinting because of the bright sunshine reflecting upon the Mississippi, I search for the riverboat that steams by every couple of hours. Quickly, I stand and vigorously wave to all its passengers. I also watch people driving up and down the Great River Road to view the peaceful Mississippi. In the distance are numerous sailboats, motorboats and jet skis roaming about the rippling waters. Groups of bikers pedal along the paths, and they always give me a friendly smile or wave. Some poolgoers may say, "Are you guarding the water park or the river?" by Diana Buescher Marquette High School - Alton

137 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (untitled) When I was little, my family and I used to go down to the Mississippi River often. We would go down to the docks and help my uncle clean his boat. When we were finished, he would take us all out for a ride. Some of my happiest memories are of the river and my uncle's boat. I remember once when I was about ten years old, my uncle called to ask us if we wanted to go on a ride the next day. Although my parents and both my brother and sister were all unable to go, my mom and dad said I could go anyway. The next morning we left the docks at about 7:30 a.m. The plans for the day were to just go for a ride for a couple of hours, then stop by my other uncle's house for awhile. We followed the river for almost three hours then we headed for my uncle's. When we docked, my uncle came over and asked us if we were hungry. At first we didn't know what to think. By then my aunt asked us how we wanted our steaks done. She told us that they wanted to surprise us with a barbecue. The food was delicious and being surrounded by my family and the people I cared about was wonderful. I was sorry to see the day end, but nights on the river can be very dangerous so we had to leave. On the way back to the docks, my uncle let me steer the boat. It was one of the most exciting things that I have ever done. I guess the reason I love the river so much is because of the memories of days shared with my family and the peaceful feeling I got from them. I will never forget any of the times I spend on the boat on the Mississippi River. by Melanie Lamere Marquette High School - Alton

The Day on the River On a hot summer day early in the morning, my mother and I packed cold sodas, hot dogs, beach towels, and put on our swimming suits to enjoy the day on the Mississippi River in our close friend's boat. My family and I met our friends at Marquette Park and helped load the boat in the water. From the boat docks, we cruised to the well-known beach area called Royal Landing. Upon arriving at the beach, each of us completed our assigned jobs of anchoring the boat, setting up the barbecue grill, and spreading out the blankets and towels. Playing in the water, listening to the radio, sunbathing, and munching on snacks were just a few ways of passing the time before preparing for lunch. An hour after lunch, we had our traditional tubing and water skiing. Although, when skiing, we had to be aware of barges and of the swift current for safety precautions. After returning from our recreation, all of us rested and finally prepared for packing up. As we slowly headed back to Marquette Park, we viewed the beautiful and historic bluffs with the sunset as its background. by Krista Thien Marquette High School - Alton

138 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville My Changing View of the Mississippi River My first recollection of the Mississippi River is from my early childhood. I remember riding across the old, steel bridge near my home. This in not a fond memory for me, though, because I was frightened by the water. I had a great fear of falling into the river. So often the five minute drive seemed eternal. Many years have passed since I felt that way, however; and I now have a vastly different opinion of the river. As a high school senior, I realize that the river plays an important role in my life. I attend a school with a gorgeous view of the Mississippi River, and I frequently stop in between my classes just to have a glance at it. The water represents peace and serenity during my most hectic days. The river is taken for granted by many, but I cherish the fact I live near it. I plan to own a home in this area later in my life. by Rachel Bathon Marquette High School - Alton

The "Mighty Mississippi” Of all the many memories I have of the Mississippi River, one particular memory sticks in my mind. My dad and I were on our way to my Uncle Victor's (Uncle Vic) farm. My Uncle lived in Calhoun County on top of a hill overlooking a tributary of the Mississippi. While we were traveling on the Great River Road, I noticed all of the boats and water skiers enjoying the treacherous waters. As we crossed the ferry, the deathly waters splashed onto the deck of the ferry. After we reached the farm, I looked from the highest part of the hill to notice the sun reflecting off the water. Early the. next morning, we went to the tributary to fish. We really did not catch a lot of fish, but the fish we did catch were great. Even though the "Mighty Mississippi" is also the "Muddy Mississippi", the beauties of the river are breathtaking. by Philip B. Reznack Marquette High School - Alton

139 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Two Generations on the Mississippi River The Mississippi River has always played a strong role in my family. For instance, two generations have been supported by river-related jobs. My grandfather, Clarence M. Williams, was employed by the Illinois Agricultural Association form 1950- 1965. He worked in the engine room of a barge towing boat, which transported petroleum goods up and down the Mississippi. My father, Don M. Williams, has been employed by Archer Daniels Midland Company since 1972. His job is concerned with the transportation of grain and cooking oils up and down the Mississippi. My grandfather worked on a tugboat as part of training to become a diesel marine engineer. As a diesel marine engineer, he would take care of and repair boat equipment and engines. When I asked my grandfather about the condition of the river, he told me the river is much cleaner today than in the 50's and 60's due to water treatment plants.' Not only is the river cleaner today, but also much safer. The boat crew was constantly fearful of colliding with other boats or bridges, especially when transporting oil products, which could cause profound environmental consequences. His job entailed 30 days on the river and 30 days at home, which he found strenuous but rewarding. My father is responsible for the transferring of grains and oils from the barges to trains for further distribution. When asked about the river, my father commented on the many obstacles that can stop the flow of barges through the river. He talked of week- long ice storms in the winter bringing barge traffic to a halt; and dry summers, when the water was barely high enough for the barges to continue their course. My father has also seen the treacherous aspects of working on the river; for instance, once my father was unloading an oil barge which broke away from the dock and was eventually brought under control by a passing tugboat. After a combined 40 years of working on the river, neither my father nor grandfather has any regrets. I only hope I can learn to appreciate the Mississippi River as much as they do. by Chris Williams Marquette High School - Alton Mississippi Horse Country The great Mississippi is a source of enjoyment. I have spent many hours exploring the shores on horseback. During hot summer days, my friends and I race up and down the beaches, with splahing water engulfing us. The horses love swimming in the water. My freinds and I play horseback water tag. I think that the Mississippi River is the best horse country playground in Illinois. by Hillary Corbett Marquetter High School - Alton

140 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville My River I can see the Mississippi from nearly anywhere in Alton. It is my river. It has shown me beauty, power, and gentleness. But most of all, my river has shown me consistency. Throughout the many changes in my life, the river has always stayed the same. It flows through towns with the same path year after year. Towns change, cities change, and people come and go. But my river has always stayed the same, giving me the courage to move on through anything life might bring. by Cecie Haine Marquette High School - Alton Contrast on the River On the Mississippi River, the contrast between danger and tranquility, death and life is immense. An experience on the river can be unique and special, but sometimes is also veiy frightening. I have had many such experiences while growing up in a river town. My dad has spent all of his free time fishing; he values his time alone on the river in his "Glory Hole", his name for any spot where he catches a lot of fish. Needless to say, he has accumulated many Glory Hole stories throughout the years. My greatest experience on the river came when I was five. I was fishing with my dad when we saw a baby wood duck which had fallen out of its nest. I was worried that it might be eaten by a snake, so my dad picked it up out of the water, and we took it home. However, even though I tried to take care of the bird, it wouldn't eat and eventually died. Until then, I had never fully realized the importance of river as a home to many animals. Five years ago during duck season, my dad was on his way to his duck blind. It was about 4:00 a.m. and the temperature was below freezing when my dog Gabe fell out of the boat into the freezing black water. Dad looked for Gabe for 30 minutes before giving up and heading for the duck blind. When he arrived there, our dog was waiting for him. He had swum in the cold water all the way to the duck blind. Death is a real possiblity for those who live by the river; yet, the river also provides a way of life and adventure. by Gretchen Bucher Marquette High School - Alton

141 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Boat From Hell When I reminisce about the river, only one situation comes to mind, canoeing. Last summer, a canoe trip I took on the Mississippi River changed my life. I now value living more than I ever did before I took on the treacherous rapids in an unstable, wooden canoe. My friend and I began our journey by dragging a large, heavy oblong boat from the bank of the river into semi-deep water. Once we had hauled our boat to the starting point, we hastily attempted to board this "transport of terror." With one cold, sopping, wrinkled leg firmly planted in the boat, I began my struggle to climb into the vessel. I did not know that if one stepped into a canoe on one side without someone else setting in on the other side, that the floating disaster would clumsily topple the soon-to- be-passengers, bringing on a drowning sensation. I experienced this soon enough in my attempt to board this "boat from hell." After this fearsome beginning to our journey, my loyal companion and I finally entered some smoother, canoe-safe waters, only to discover our second hardship. Steering a canoe is neither fun nor enjoyable, and by all means, it definitely is not easy. I decided to take the position in the back and steer the canoe. Once I reached the stem, I positioned myself sufficiently for taking on a task that one may think is simple yet later will discover in nearly impossible. While maneuvering the paddle from side to side, I almost knocked myself in the head three times. Upon realizing that one becomes quite cramped from this job, I decided to stand up. The phrases "keeping your balance" and "standing in a canoe", certainly do not go together. These attempts to stand while canoeing caused about three additional plunges into the water by my accomplice and me. With hopes of smoother sailing, my friend and I traded places. In her efforts to "show me up", my trouble-attracting friend managed to steer us from bank back to bank, causing us to again taste the bitter waters of the Mississippi. We probably traveled four times the necessary distance with hopes of someday reaching our destination. Finally, my loyal companion who had just braved the rapids with me shouted: "We're back. There’s the rest of our group. Why are they dry? What are they eating?" This completed our trip, and I now have these fun-loving memories to tell my children. by Julie Certa Marquette High School - Alton

142 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Old Man and the River In the late 1940's, my grandpa, Dave Dooling, and a group of his friends leased an island in the middle of the river. Six mile island, named this because it was six miles from the confluence of the Mississippi and the Illinois, was their home away from home. They grounded a houseboat on the shore of the island and made full use of the river. This bold group of adventurers supplemented their incomes by fishing and hunting ducks on the river. They built duck blinds and fishing piers all around their island. My dad told me that my grandpa could not be found around the house on weekends. My grandpa and his friends made full use of the island and the river until the government refused to renew their lease; the island was turned into a game refuge. Even after the loss of the island, my grandpa continued to hunt and fish on the river. My father and uncle can both recall many fun times hunting and fishing on the river. by David Dooling Marquette High School - Alton

The Great River Road For many years, my Sunday afternoons were spent taking rides along the Great River Road. I had always loved my trips along the Mississippi River, and I was excited when Sunday arrived. Many things along the River Road fascinated me. One of the sights that awed me was that of the bluffs. I remember looking out of the car windows, fascinated by the height and the beauty of the white bluffs rising sheer out of the river. I often desired to go up and to see how the river looked from such a height. Another one of the many sights that I enjoyed was the Piasa Bird. As we were driving down the River Road, I recall constantly asking my father, "Are we almost to it?" The "it" that I was referring to was the Piasa Bird. The Piasa Bird was a sight that left me in awe. I asked my father to recite that tale of the Piasa Bird. When I was a child this story was my favorite tale. Of all the many sights of the River Road, my favorite was the view of the river. During the summer, many people were on the river skiing and sailboating. I was often envious of these people because I had often desired to ski on the Mississippi. The river also displayed great beauty. The river was an important part of my childhood, and the mighty Mississippi still fascinates me. For as long as I live, I will remember the many sights and views that can be seen while driving down the River Road. by Angie Dettmers Marquette High School - Alton

143 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Magnificent View My view of the Mississippi River is very different from those of others. One day, I was driving from Alton to Grafton on the way to a job interview. I was very nervous and anxious and my mind was very blocked. I knew that if I did not relax and calm down I would never even be considered for the job because of my nervousness. But I had no idea how to relax. As I was driving down the River Road, I was trying to find something to take my mind off my worries. Then, in the distance, I saw a beautiful sight: the Mississippi was cut in two separate sections by an island that sat in the middle of it. The sun was setting and as it fell, the sky over the island became a bright blaze of pink, rose, turquoise, and blue. As I viewed this miraculous scene, I forgot all that I was anxious about. by Michelle D. Davis Marquette High School - Alton

The Mississippi River I love the view of the Mississippi River especially from the hallway of Marquette on beautiful, sunny days. As I see the river, I always remember the excited feeling on the day I moved to Illinois from Missouri. During the last three weeks in Missouri in which I spent my life without a host family, I had never been able to organize my emotions: I had felt insecure and found myself being alone with no place to go. I had been desperately wishing for a new life and what I only needed then was a certain object that clearly reminded me of the end of my past and the start of my future. I had wanted to forget everything that had happened to me in order to cleanse my mind for new life. The day had come and I drove across the Lewis and Clark Bridge over the Mississippi River. As I was driving across it, I saw the river flowing beneath me and a new town in front of me and my unexplainable feeling was cleared up and fulfilled with confidence and hope for my new host family and new school. I still vividly remember how my heart was beating unbelievably. Since then, the Mississippi River has played an important role in my self-concept. Whenever I am upset or confused, I see the river, and my emotions are calmed down. I am given energy to move on. The river symbolized a clearborder line between what I have left behind and what I have now and in the future. by Mamiko Hashimoto Marquette High School - Alton

144 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Mississippi Roles During the five years I have lived in the Alton area, the Mississippi River has become of great value to me. The river has many purposes: one of which is, of course, a provider of water, but it also has more important function. In my eyes the river is a comforting friend, a life-giving source, and a temperamental enemy. Each time I venture homeward, I travel along the Great River Road. As I drive, I cannot help but recall the day's trials and troubles as if I were telling my problems to a listening friend. I look out over the glistening water and am overcome with soothing peace which allows me to forget stressful events and think of future, pleasant experiences. The river's sparkling splendor and effervescent beauty continually remind me of its spectacular ability to create a relaxing environment. Home to many species, the Mighty Mississippi portrays a motherly role, nurturing all God's creatures. The river provides humans with water to bathe, to drink, and to enjoy. During the summer, coves are filled with eager skiers taking part in refreshing activities. However, the river is also home to fish and fishermen. It is a source of food, income, and life, but sometimes it is restless, treacherous, and threatening. When the wind is blowing, everything changes. A quiet body of water turns into an angry foe ready to strike at a moment's notice. With a roaring thunder, the waves crash against the rock embankment seeking revenge on those who have harmed the river. One must learn to respect the water, especially our river, and once that trust is established, one can carefully and safely enjoy the benefits it provides. by Julie Davenport Marquette High School - Alton Royal Landing Because I have lived in Alton all my life, I have often taken for granted the Mississippi River. During August of 1990,1 visited Royal Landing, which is a small public beach past Grafton and across the ferry. I have found that many people have never heard of or at least have never been to Royal Landing. This was also true for me; I did not even know we had a public beach so close to us. When my friends and I left for our picnic, I imagined a dirty, polluted beach; I had never before swum in the river. However, the sunny weather and sailboats on the water immediately made me appreciate the "Muddy Mississippi." All day we played frisbee, swam, suntanned, and relaxed at Royal Landing. The water was a perfect temperature, and sparkled and lapped up on the sand. I remember thinking that the Mississippi really is beautiful and should be more appreciated by the citizens of Alton. I think that if more people knew that Royal Landing existed, it would be used more by the public for swimming, playing, and relaxing during the hot summer months in Illinois. by Amy Waters Marquette High School - Alton

145 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Mississippi - The Great River The Indian word, Mississippi, which means "Great River", is also known as "Old Man River." Mississippi and its chief tributary, the Missouri River, together form the longest river system in the world. Although we who live in the area often take it for granted, the mighty Mississippi provides us with much enjoyment. For example: exciting recreational activities, beautiful scenery, an abundant amount of fish, and a much needed supply of water. Among the many pastimes are sailing, boating, waterskiing, and jetskiing. Many of the residents who take advantage of this river store their various boats, jet skis, etc. in the Piasa Creek Marina. One can experience the beauty of the river while taking a bike ride down the Rive Road, crossing the bridge, or simply admiring it from an excursion of the replica of an old paddle boat in Grafton, Illinois. The upcoming floating casino and the new water- park will attract many new tourists. There is also a magnificent display of fireworks on the Fourth of July. Several people, for a hobby or a job, go out on the Mississippi to fish, catfish, bass, blue gill, or whatever the fish, surely provides a good meal, money, or just simple satisfaction. The water used for washing cars, watering lawns, bathing, drinking, etc. comes through our homes by pipes, which are connected to the river. Without this water, we could not survive. So all-in-all we not only use the Mississippi for enjoyment, but we need it to aid in our survival. by Megan Scheer Marquette High School- Alton To Ski or Not to Ski The Mississippi can provide enjoyment for many recreational sports, but is it safe? Skiing is my sport of choice and it is the sport that causes the biggest safety debates. I myself feel that skiing on the river is only dangerous if one is careless and untrained. Most good skiers agree with me. The Alton Ski Club, which is one of the most respected ski clubs in the Midwest, has a record decades long of safe and fun skiing on the river. Despite this, critics claim that skiing is dangerous due to the changing bottom levels of the river and the strong undercurrents. Neither argument should totally sway one's decision about skiing in the river; however, knowledge from both sides can eventually make skiing easier and safe. And although neither side can agree on the complete safety of skiing, they both do agree that the Mighty Mississippi provides fun off and on skis! by Joshua Cox Marquette High School

146 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Fun On the Mississippi Some look at the Mississippi River as just a muddy and sometimes smelly body of water. Yet, this river has been my source of many enjoyable outings. I enjoy waterskiing and spending time on sandbars. Up until a few years ago, my family owned a 23 foot Delta which was perfect for skiing. To be out on the river making waves is one of the most freedom-filled activities that I've ever encountered. Skimming the water at twenty miles an hour is an easy way to pump one's adrenalin. Although the risk of bodily injury is present, skiing is one of my favorite hobbies. While skiing is a great thrill, there is nothing more beautiful than anchoring down at a sandbar as the sun begins to set. The rays glisten off the ripples of the water and fill a person with a feeling of peace and tranquility. One can picture the sandbar as a Florida beach during spring break. In actuality it is an island itself. Some of the best features of a sandbar are not what it has, but what it doesn't have, such as telephones and dirty dishes. If, while sitting or running on the sand, one gets hot, he/she can cool down by jumping in the water (so what if it's a little dirty). As the night falls and the breeze off the water becomes chilly, a person can build a bonfire and maybe fix something to eat. The food would most likely consist of hot dogs fresh off the blaze. Not only does the fire provide heat on a chilly evening, but it also provides a perfect ending to a perfect day on the wonderful Mississippi River. by Ryan Hicks Marquette High School - Alton (untitled) The river has played a major role in my summer activities for quite a few years. About five years ago, my dad bought a ski boat. Every weekend during the summer, my sister, my dad, and I go boating on the Mississippi River. We ski, ride around and watch the other skiers do tricks and show off. While the river is very fun and exciting, it is also a great place for relaxation. My dad always brings a picnic lunch, and we travel downstream to a beach we found. We then anchor and eat our meal. Sitting in our boat, soaking up the sun, and feeling the boat rock on the small waves is so peaceful. This place is also special because while we are there, I have the opportunity to spend some time with my dad. I do not have many chances to do this, so I cherish every moment. These are my favorite memories of the river, and I cannot wait until summer arrives and I am enjoying the river once again. by Amie Pranaitis Marquette High School - Alton

WATERWAYS

A COLLECTION OF ARTICLES ON LIFE AND OCCUPATIONS ON THE RIVERS

"Men travel far to see a city, but few seem curious about a river. Every river has, nevertheless, its individuality, its great silent interest. Every river has, moreover, its influence over the people who pass their lives within sight of its waters.”

from The Sowers by H. S. Merriman

148 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Clam Diving I am Lynsey Gilpin, a student at Dallas City High School. I maintain a grade point average of about 3.8 on a 4.0 scale. I play basketball and run track. I am an average Dallas City student, but when summer comes and all the other kids get regular jobs, I become a different person. I become a clam diver. Clam diving is a very interesting job. It's hard work, but it's worth it because the pay is great. The hardest part about diving is getting started, because it's so expensive. It costs the average person around four thousand dollars to get started. The first thing you need is a boat, which can be purchased for about one thousand dollars. Next you need an outboard to make the boat move. A cheap one can be found for about two thousand dollars. After you have your boat and outboard, you need an air compressor for underwater breathing. This is another five hundred dollars. The fourth thing you need is an air hose. This, with a regulator (or mouthpiece is about two hundred dollars. You'll also need a wetsuit, which is another two hundred dollars. Finally you need dive bags, about four, which are about fifty dollars apiece. When you have all this, you’re set, if you have a license. If you don't, you can either send for one or drive to Springfield and get one. It's twenty-five dollars either way. Obviously, a high school student like myself can't afford all this. That's where people like Charlie and Larry Gilpin come in. They set all of this up for you, and you give them a quarter of your daily earnings. That's how I did it last summer I got up about eight o'clock in the morning, picked up food for lunch and gas for the boat, picked up my tender (the man who helps me) and was on the river by nine o'clock. I had my tender drive the boat, while I got into my wetsuit. It took about half an hour to get to a good bed from where I parked my boat, so I had plenty of time to get my equipment ready. When we reached the bed, I threw out an anchor to keep us from going down river. My tender started the compressor to get air pressure built up, while I got on my gloves and weight-belt. When the air pressure was high enough, I put on my mask, grabbed a bag, put the regulator in my mouth, and went down. There are two ways of going down; one is sliding down the hose, and the other is free falling. I usually slid down the hose because it is much safer, and it allows you time to pressurize. To freefall you just jump over the side of the boat and pressurize as you fall. I only tried freefalling when the current was extremely fast, because then if you hold onto the hose, the current will pull you down river too fast. If you get pulled down-river, you will probably get off the bed and spend a long time trying to find it. When I got on the bottom, I started feeling. The sense of touch was about the only sense I relied on. I saw nothing because it was totally dark. Twenty feet down might not seem deep enough to be totally dark, but the Mississippi is so muddy that no light filters through. I wore a mask so I couldn't breathe through my nose or use my sense of smell. Taste was eliminated by the compressed air. I could hear noises, but sound travels so fast under water that everything sounded as if it were right beside me, and that got pretty scary when I paid much attention to the sounds I heard.

After I got on the bottom and got headed upstream, I jerked my hose three times to let my tender know I was ready for him to pull the anchor. Without the anchor the boat drifted downstream. This helped me keep my sense of direction, because the boat always pulled downstream. I crawled upstream until I had one of my bags full. When the bag was full, I pulled another bag down to me and started filling it. After my fourth bag, I went up for lunch. I took about an hour for lunch, so my food had plenty of time to digest, and then I went back down for another couple of hours. After about two hours I came up and got ready to head for shore. I got dressed while my tender sorted the last bag of shells. When we reached shore, we loaded up the shells and took them to the shell camp, where we sold them and got paid. I usually had about two hundred dollars worth of shells, but I always paid my tender forty dollars and gave Larry a fourth, which left me with about a hundred dollars. That wasn't bad for me, but the older divers usually made about three times as much. I didn’t save much money last summer, because I bought my car and spent my money freely, but I did have fun. I suppose next summer I'll have to be more careful with my money, and maybe even save some, but who knows? by Lynsey Gilpin Dallas City High School

150 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Trapping on the Mississippi River The Mississippi River is known for many activities: fishing, hunting, skiing, clamming, and more. But one thing that may not come to your mind is trapping. Although decreasing in number in recent years, trapping is still very much a part of the river scene. In an interview with Mike Cassiday and Kendall Worley of Dallas City High School, they explained to me some of the things that make trapping along the river unique. "We use several types of traps," Worley began. "There is the leg trap, which traps and holds the animal by the leg until you get there. The leg trap comes in many different sizes, according to the size of animal you want to catch. There is also the connibear, a box-shaped trap; when set, it closes and breaks the back of the victim." "That trap is very effective!" Cassiday added. "How do you know where to trap?" I asked. "We look for tracks in the mud, or in holes along the bank that may be dens." Cassiday replied. "What kinds of animals do you trap?" I asked. Worley answered, "We trap for all kinds of animals: coon, muskrat, beaver, coyote, and many others." Cassiday added, "Traps are checked early in the morning and again in the evening, to insure you don't miss anything." "So how many animals do you get in a day?" I inquired. "On a good day you can get three or four, but some days aren't that good." Cassiday said. Later in the interview Mike and Kendall explained to me that trapping, in recent years, has been declining along theMississippi. Fur buyers have been giving less for furs lately because of pressure by animal rights groups. "It's not even worth trapping anymore." Worley concluded. by Pat Markey, Mike Cassiday, and Kendall Worley Dallas City High School The information gathered is based on an interview with Mike Cassiday and Kendall Worley.

151 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Employed by the Mississippi River Every day Scott Bates goes to work within the offices of the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge. He spent four years at Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts getting his Bachelor of Science Degree in Outdoor Recreation Planning, and two years at Colorado State in Fort Collins, Colorado getting his Masters Degree. With a title like "Outdoor Recreation Planner," he finds that most people tend to assume that he spends a majority of his time outside, but this isn't necessarily true. In fact, he says that at least 90% of his normal workday is spent inside. The Mark Twain Refuge is actually a complex of ten individual refuges scattered over 250 miles along the Mississippi River from the Quad Cities to just north of St. Louis, and has a total area of 28,000 acres. Bates provides staff support to the managers of these refuges in the areas of planning public recreational use opportunities and the facilities needed for these activities, providing educational and interpretive materials, and presenting educational programs. His main duties within the Quincy office and community are: developing, managing and maintaining the office's computer system, giving presentations on a "wide variety of wildlife subjects" in schools and other local organizations, and handling public affairs for the Mark Twain Refuge. The part of his job that he enjoys the most is producing videos for refuge visitors, local television news stations, and communication within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The production process includes writing scripts, shooting footage for the videos, and editing. Bates gets most of the footage for the videos by traveling through the refuges along the Mississippi on foot or by boat, or sometimes by flying over the river in an airplane.

152 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville / In the thirteen years that Scott has had his job in the midwest, he has witnessed tremendous changes in the river. First of all, public boating has increased, which he feels is good because people are beginning to take advantage of the river's benefits. This recent upsurge in public involvement also has a downside. The natural habitat is decreasing along the Mississippi, and because of increased recreational and industrial use, the riverbanks are eroding. The river is slowly being filled with sediment, and in effect "dying" because of this bank erosion, and to a greater extent, what is called "non-point source erosion." This type of erosion comes from a broad area (usually agricultural land) and is difficult to counteract. As it is now the navigation channel in the Mississippi has to be maintained by annual dredging. If the situation continues to progress, experts believe that within fifty years the river will be nothing more than a barge canal! Although that is a possibility, Bates hopes that if awareness is raised and action is taken, it will not 1 become a reality. He believes that even though certain positions in environmental fields are becoming limited, there will "always be opportunity" for people who wish to have a career in wildlife and on the rivers. by Beth Bates Quincy Senior High School I I Life on the Mississippi Many people think that within the past twenty years, the amount of pollution in the river has increased; however, some say that it is decreasing, and it is assumed that it will continue to decrease in the future. Since this town was built mainly around the river and most of the people here are fishermen and/or clammers, the river must stay clean in order for them to make a living. The pollution kills the fish and clams making it difficut for the fishermen and clammers to make their money by selling them. Now that more people are aware of the condition of the rivers and the rest of the envioronment, the river has begun to be cleaned up. Most people think that there are more fish in the river now than there were ten years ago. Most likely, there will be more laws passed forbidding factories to dump chemicals and other pollutants into the river. The river hasn't changed much in the last ten years, except the water isn't as deep because the river is wider now. The people of Dallas City have been clamming and fishing for many years as they do today; however, the price of fish and clams have changed quite a bit. Ten years ago, clams were worth about five cents per pound, but now a pound of clams is worth about one dollar depending on the sizes and types of shells. The prices for fish are about twice as much now as they were ten years ago. There may be a need in the future to shorten the length of the clamming season so that the number of clams doesn't get too low. Extinction laws like these are made to protect a certain species of animals from becoming extinct. Although you would still be able

153 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to collect and sell the shells you collect, the number of shells and the amount of time you have during the season may be decreased to let the population of the clams build back up. However, there doesn't seem to be any major threat to the number of fish within the next five years. Soon, there will be a gambling riverboat going along the Mississippi River. Some people think that this will greatly help our town because of all the tourists; however, it will be a hinderance to the fishing and clamming businesses. Most people think that overall it seems to be a pretty good deal for our town. Presently, people in Fort Madison, Iowa, are getting ready to open a school to teach older people how to deal cards, shoot craps, and many other casino games so they will be able to get jobs working on the riverboat easier than someone who has not gone to any type of school for this. Many of the stores around our town deal with money from the fish businesses. About fifteen percent of the income at the Wareco gas station comes from fishermen and clammers for gas and other provisions. The local fish market buys from the fishermen and they deliver fish to places that aren't around rivers, like Chicago, and some other places down south. The fish markets are about the only places for some of these people to get fish. The need for fish produces jobs for many people because in order for these people to receive the fish, they must have someone there to deliver it and pick it up. Most of the time, the owners are too busy to take the fish themselves; therefore, they must hire people to deliver fish, which can be quite a chore because it has to be done as soon as possible so the fish do not spoil. Although there is a lot of seriousness on the river, many of the people go out on the river to have fun. People go skiing, boating, knee-boarding, swimming, and even bodysurfing. Many people own cabins along the river, and they consider them very peaceful and quiet. They look forward to having a place to relax. Younger people go boating to have fun. They also go to the sandbar to tan and have a good time with friends. Many people think that the river is easier to be on now then it was before because there aren't as many dangerous things floating around in the water. Winter near the river can be somewhat rough for anyone who clams or fishes for a living. They have to break through the ice to catch fish. Barges are not able to travel down the river during the winter months when the water is frozen. Since they cannot travel along the river, it is harder for people to receive the things that they are transporting. On the other hand, springtime also brings problems for rivertown people. Floods cause much destruction to the crops and the soil. They also do terrible damage to the cabins along the riverbank leaving everything covered with inches of mud. Besides this, floods also damage houses and leave the towns along the river in a very disrupted state. Many people have come from far away to view our beautiful river. The river attracts tourists from various areas. These tourists help support our town by coming here and spending money. The river has many conjunctions with people's everyday living. It has given many people the opportunities for new jobs and sometimes even a

154 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville better life. Besides having clammers and fishermen, there were people to work in the button factories which paid the clammers for their clams in order to make buttons from them. The clammers can also sell their pearls to pearl buyers around the area. These pearls are usually found in the clam shells that are deformed or have an unusual shape. Often these clams will have an indention from where the rocks and pebbles have broken through to become embedded in the shell. After a long period of time, this conglomeration of rock and pebbles becomes a pearl. There are many people who have hobbies dealing with the river. Many men go duck hunting, trapping, and other hobbies such as these. Although most of these men do these things for fun, they can also make money from the furs that they trap. The number of fur buyers has decreased in the last few years so it is harder for trappers to sell the furs. The reason for fewer buyers is that the furs are becoming less expensive and the buyers don't make enough money from them. The Mississippi River is something that is sometimes taken for granted. It not only supplies us with a source of food and water, it also supplies a source of income, relaxation, and recreation. Many people enjoy coming to see the Mississippi River, being as it is the largest river in the United States. Hopefully people will become further aware of the importance of keeping the river clean so the people of our town will continue to have a way of making money now and for generations to come. by Stacie Harrison and Kristi Dunn Dallas City High School

We interviewed the following people to obtain the information for this report: Kirby Marsden, Charlie Harrison, Bob Dunn, Kathy Dunn, and Had Gracey.

155 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Personal Interview with Riverboat Worker This is an interview with Bradley Trask, a former riverboat deckhand. Brad has worked on the river for over ten years under three different boat companies. In the following interview, he will describe what it's like to work on the Mississippi River and tell some interesting stories. Sep ton: How many years did you work on the river? Brad I worked from 1974 to 1986. Septon: Who did you work for when you started? Brad: Aipel Towing Company from Minnesota. Septon: What was the first boat you worked on? Brad: The Blue Ridge. Septon: Could you name some of the other boats you worked on? Brad: After I worked for Aipel Towing, I worked for Peavey Company and worked on the Gremco, the Frank Peavey, the Tennessee, and the Mary Wells. I started working for Norman Brothers, and I worked on the Atlas, the Piasa, the St. Genevieve, the Mini, the Tug of Alton and the LVl Charlie. Septon: What was your job as a deckhand? Brad: I was in charge of directing the boat operator into and out of the locks and tying barges together to build tows. I helped to keep the boat clean and the equipment in good working order. Deckhands are also in charge of some operation of the boat. Septon: Could you explain the function and size of the locks? Brad: The locks are used to control the rise and fall of the boat while navigating up and down the river. They are 110 feet wide and 600 feet long with massive locks and gates at each end. The more modem locks are 110 feet wide and 1200 feet long. Septon: What are some of the things you like about working on the river? Brad: I had many interesting jobs with different things to do each day. I liked working outside, eating good food, meeting interesting people and seeing interesting sights. Sometimes we got to travel for many days. When I worked for Peavey, we made frequent trips from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Cairo, Illinois. Septon: What are the things you didn't like? Brad: The cold weather, dangerous working conditions, and long hours on Harbor Service. Septon: What do you mean by Harbor Service? Brad: When I worked for Norman Brothers, I had to take care of fleets of barges, help boats build tows and help them out of the old Lock 26.

156 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Septon: How many people were there on the Harbor Service boats? Brad: There were only three people. They were the captain, the first mate and the deckhand. On larger boats such as Peavey boats, there were as many as eleven people to a boat. Septon: Can you explain some of the dangerous or exciting things that happened while you were a deckhand? Brad: I was building a tow for Norman Brothers one cold October night when I heard somebody holler for help. I called the Li'l Charlie with my walkie talkie, and the pilot ordered the other deckhand and I back onto the boat. We searched the area and found a man floating down the river with a life jacket on. We pulled him onto our boat, and the whole time he was yelling for us to find his friend, who was still in the water. We notified all the other boats in the area that there was still a man in the water. Almost as soon as we started, we found the boat the men were in jammed up against the front end of the barge. It had been sunk and was lying upside down. We kept looking for about six hours but never found the other man, who must have drowned in the accident. Septon: How did the accident happen? Brad: It was a very windy night, and the river was choppy. The boat, known as a skiff boat, was only fourteen feet long. Its sides were also too small for conditions and the boat filled up with water and sunk. Septon: Could you describe another exciting experience on the river? Brad: I was on the Atlas one night in St. Louis Harbor. The river was high and swift and the boat started going sideways while we were directly beneath Martin Luther King Bridge. I was ordered to get the face wires loose and get the boat out of danger. When I got on one of the barges we hit the bridge pier, the starboard face wire broke, the boat leaned over to the left, and the port face wire came loose. I took it and threw it on the boat, and the barges and boat went in different directions. I was still on one of the barges when we hit the pier. The tow wires broke and the six barges went in six different directions. The pilot of the Atlas called for help to gather up the barges. There are many small boats in St. Louis Harbor so they helped me make it back safely. Nobody was hurt, and only one barge was damaged. Septon: Would you ever consider becoming a deckhand again, even with the dangers that come with the job? Brad: Yes, it pays pretty good money, and it can be a very exciting job. There are a few dangerous things about the job but all in all it is worth seeing the cities and other beautiful sights on the river. by Septon Trask Jerseyville Community High School

157 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Raymond's Fish Market Marietta (Reat) Raymond took two old wooden barges downstream from Illini Island to Alton. She used one of the barges as a house. In 1940 they used the other barge as a fish market. The name of the fish market was "Raymond's Fish Market." It was located at the foot of Henry Street near the Lewis and Clark Bridge in Alton. The Raymond family lived in the barge until 1955. If the water got too high they would have to put barrels of water on top of the barges to hold them down. Otherwise, they would float away. When the barges flooded they would set everything up on blocks. If the water rose about three feet in the barges then they would have to move out onto the levee. They would sleep on the levee in pup-tents until the water went down. When it flooded the fish would be sold on the levee. In 1955, Reat built a new building. She elevated the new building to the highest level of water recorded. When the water got too high and the customers could not drive down to the fishmarket, John and Patrick (Reat's sons) would row the customers back and forth to the fish market. They later built a levee so the customers could drive back and forth. Reat's three children worked at the fish market from the time they were 8 years old until they were about 17 years old. They worked at the fish market before and after school and on weekends. After the fish market closed in the evening, Patrick and John would fish. They would average about 100 pounds per night. The biggest fish they ever caught weighed 58 pounds. Reat bought a lot of fish from fishermen. She had to buy some fish from St. Louis if they were getting low on fish. Some of the fishermen would clean the fish themselves. The rest of the fish Patrick and John had to clean. Reat would buy the fish for 7 cents a pound for carp and 20 cents a pound for catfish. Reat would then sell the fish for 25 cents a pound for carp and 60 cents a pound for catfish. They would usually sell about 300-400 pounds of fish a day. Some of the fish was sold wholesale. Reat sold the building in 1968 to the Gentry’s. The building was there for 45 years all together. The building was demolished in 1990 for the new marina. by Tammy Raymond Jerseyville High School This writer wishes to acknowledge Mr. Pat Raymond for his personal interview.

158 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Odelehr's Roadside Market Anthony and Jeanetter Odelehr own a business just south of the town of Brussels, Illinois. At their market they sell a varity of items, peachers, apples, apple cider, apple butter, and pumkins are examples. They have been in business since 1976. Jeanette worked for Ron Weigel as a peach picker. Then she became disabled and couldn't pick anymore. She then sold peaches in her front yard for Ron Weigel. It was then that she noticed that selling fruits and vegetables could be profitable. She began to sell peaches and apples out of a moveable shed in the front yard. Jeanette did not have her own fruit trees. The items she sold came from other growers throughout the area. Ray Eberlin sold Anthony and Jeanette some land with a service station, feed and fertilizer business in 1976. After a couple of years, they decided that this piece of property could be more useful. On this land they leveled some dirt and constructed a shed. This is where they are operating from now. They purchased their own peach and apple trees. Jeanette kept adding items to her market such as pumpkins, gourds, crafts and the ever popular quilts. Most of the customers to the markets are tourists looking at the vast countryside and the beautiful colors of nature. Traffic in the county has been growing by giant leaps. Traffic across the Illinois River has been increasing over the past five years. From 347,057 cars in 1986 to 408, 690 cars in 1990. Approximently 60% of this traffic is tourist-related. When the river rises and the ferries close, Jeanette's business suffers along with all the other people that rely on tourists for the majority of their business. If a bridge was to cross the river, she feels her business would pick up. Odelher's Roadside Market employs three to six people, depending on the amount of work. It provides summer jobs for the teenagers of the community. Their working experience prepares the teenagers for working in their adult life. The family must help out to make the farm and the business be more profitable. As Jeanette looks toward the future she sees little if any improvement in her business. If she could make some changes she would like to sell a larger variety of items and have a building that is both heated for the fall and air conditioned for the hot summer days. by John A. Moennig and Greg A. Pohlman Brussels High School

159 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Kinder's Restaurant Snuggled next to the southernmost tip of Calhoun County is Kinder's Restaurant. The river has a lot to say about this business. The river says, "Shut down in the winter, the river is full of ice." The ferryboats do not run and the tourists stay away. In the spring, the river says, "Open up, the ferryboats are running and tourists will be visiting the restaurant." When the river floods it says, "Close up. Get your boats, furniture and goods up; high water is coming." For the Kinder family of Golden Eagle, Illinois, it has been that way for two decades now. In 1970, the tavern was auctioned off with Anna Kinder's estate. Her son, Henry (Hank) Kinder, bought the tavern. He thought that he could make more money in a business than in farming. When Anna Kinder was the owner she ran a grocery store and a bar. Hank and his wife Ida put in a lot of hard work and long hours into making changes in the restaurant. In March of 1970, the restaurant opened for business. Business was slow in the beginning, but as the years passed it improved. Hank and Ida had three people helping them when they first opened. The Kinders do not prefer the old days over current times. They say business is better now than when they started. Ida said, "I would have to say that our best selling liquid was beer. It is still our best selling liquid today. Our best selling food then was catfish and chicken. That is still our best selling food items." The river has been and is very important to the business of Kinder's Restaurant & Bar, because most of their business comes from the river. Tourists come off the ferry and boaters dock and come in for their beverages and something to eat. Living on an "island", between the two rivers, has affected the business in a very good way because business comes from both sides of the river, the Illinois side and the Missouri side. Most of their customers are boaters first and tourists second. Flooding has a very bad effect on their business because boats cannot get out when the water is too high. Then, too, the ferry goes out during flooding and tourists in cars cannot come to South Calhoun. The Flood of '73 was the highest the Mississippi has ever been around the restaurant. To get around the restaurant a rowboat was needed. The river was 21 feet above flood stage. In '84 there was a similar flood. Whenever the rivers freeze, Kinder's has to shut down, sometimes as early as November. Boats and the ferry cannot operate in ice. The restaurant has changed over the years. The change in transportation in the last 20 years has made a difference because there are more tourists today. More tourists means more business. Also, every year the prices increase. The costs of operation have changed because it is more expensive to run a business today. Wages for their help has changed, because of their restaurant getting bigger there is a need for more help. In '89 alone they hired 30 helpers. There are more added taxes and requirements they have to meet with the state federal governments each year. Kinder's are still selling the same things that they did when they first opened. Ida said, "We'll continue to sell the same things in the future." With all their business

160 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville there has not been enough room for all the customers, so they had to add onto the original 40 ft. x 30 ft building. After three times of remodeling, the restaurant and bar is now 96 ft. x 56 ft. Hank and Ida said,"We expect in the future that our business and that of the Brussels area will be busier on account of the new water park, Raging Rivers in Grafton. That will draw more tourists. We do not see any changes in the near future for improving the business in the years to come. Our location near the river will absolutely have nothing to do with that decision." Ida said, "I suspect that in the year 2030 there will still be a Kinder family operating the business." by Kelly Rose and Stacy Baalman Brussels High School

Restaurants on the River The Naples Boatel, located on the Illinois River near Bluffs, Illinois, has been in operation since 1959. Owners of the restaurant are Richard Spoley, Andrew Penske, and Bill Saylor. The manager is Cherylle Evans of Winchester, Illinois. When we asked Ms. Evans about the BoateVs business, she replied, "We have our good months and bad months, with the summer being our best time." After a considerable pause, she told us that Sunday is their busiest day of the week. Ms. Evans also said that the new Central Illinois Expressway highway has not hurt the business but actually helped it. She says the highway makes it easier to get to the restaurant from nearby towns. According to Cherylle, most of the BoateVs customers are attracted through advertising. Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of the boating season. Many boaters on the Illinois stop at the restaurant, which is conveniently located near a campground where boaters stay. Although floods don't occur very often, they can be devastating. The most recent serious flood to affect the Boatel occurred in 1985. On the wall near the door is a bulletin board that shows pictures of the restaurant during this flood. The BoateVs specialties include boneless fish, sandwiches, and catfish fritters. During our interview, we found out that their catfish is pond-raised and that the buffalo comes from the river. During the summer the restaurant is open every day but Monday. The winter hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the weekends. We enjoyed our time at the Boatel and urge everyone to try it! by Joanna Foote and Brandon Gerard Pittsfield High School

161 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Ed and Woodie's Revisited Ed and Woodie’s, another year gone by, and perhaps they are better than before. "Even though the weather was awful," says Sally Dietsch, the tavern's co-owner, "the majority of the people still showed up." Last summer the racetrack was flooded from May through July, and still they had thirteen races, with ever-increasing numbers of participants. The racetrack's success can be measured by the fact that Ed and Woodies have increased their number of carts from twenty to forty. As for the rest of Ed and Woodie's, it was "business as usual," until the Gulf War began. Business slowed a little, understandably, but the customers and staff at Ed and Woodie's are in full support of the troops in Saudi Arabia. To show their feelings on the subject, the tavern ordered 100 Desert Storm buttons, all of which sold out on the first day, alongside the yellow ribbons that were being given away. Ed and Woodies is involved in Operation Yellow Ribbon, and sells hats that are in support of the boys in Saudi. Their support of the war in the Middle East is not surprising when you see how patriotic Ed and Woodie's is as a whole. A large American flag flies above the tavern. Says Sally Dietsch, "We take very good care of it, and we replace it at least every six months." The customers are, of course, affected by the war. "I think that since we're over there, we should support our country and our President's decision," says one regular at Ed and Woodie's. Another area to be treated with great respect is that of the annual fund-raisers. Last summer, there were three held at the tavern; they included the Lions Club, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Kidney Transplant Foundation. Sally Dietsch says that they hold fund-raisers for fire victims. Next year, there are three more fund-raisers already set up as much as four months in advance. You are asking yourself, "What is there to do except drink?" Well, there's a lot more. You can choose from a vast selection of foods: ham and cheese, BBQ ribs, onion rings, catfish fillets, etc. There are recreational activities too, like "Pool Night" on Tuesday and the weekend dances. These dances average 100-200 people and are usually held on Friday. Special circumstances cause Ed and Woodie's to hold them on Saturday and Sunday (if there is a Monday holiday). Country music bands are the only kind that play there. One customer says, "The music is loud enough for you to enjoy, but not so loud that you can't hear the person standing next to you." The customers go there for more than this, though. They go for the friendly atmosphere and a kind person to listen to their troubles. Most regulars go to the tavern two to three nights a week and the rest are weekend people. The regulars see the owners of the bar as "parents," and the bar itself as a "home-away-from-home." Sally Dietsch acts the part of a mother, too. She stands behind the DARE program and enforces the use designated drivers. On the other side, she tries to help customers with their problems, because to her they're like family. Although Sally Dietsch runs a tight ship, if you need somewhere to go, there's always Ed and Woodie's. by Lori Pennock and Andi Elliott Pittsfield High School

EDDIES AND WHIRLPOOLS

A COLLECTION OF POETRY AND SONGS

I do not know much about gods; but I think that the river Is a strong brown god-sullen, untamed and intractable ... Unhonoured, unpropitiated By worshippers of the machine, but waiting, watching and waiting... The river is within us. from The Dry Salvages by T. S. Eliot River runs warm in the summer sun, River runs cold when the summer's done, But a boy's just a dreamer by the riverside, 'Cause the water's too fast and water’s too wide. from "River Song" (The Theme from Tom Sawyer) by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

163 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Fawn In the early morning hours of dawn, the eyes open of a new baby fawn. He is only but three days old, and snuggles closer to his mother as he starts to shiver from the cold. Right now the world seems fun and free, as he plays hide-and-seek behind a tree. But as the days start to go by, his belly is hurting, and he doesn't know why. The grass is always fresh and green, and he washes it down with a drink from the stream. He doesn't know that that is where his problem lies; the water is poisoned, not safe enough for flies. Right up the stream there is a river, and as it branches off, it is a pollution giver. The river is filled with factory waste; the residue that's left is almost like paste. The fish are dying and baby fawns are crying, , as a new day dawns and the cycle goes on. A few weeks go by and the deer cannot walk; its body is suffering from a toxic shock. The harm from the factory is easy to see, yet not enough are stopping the killing spree. There are those who are helping this wrong, but they need more people to make their stand strong. They see the harm that is being done, fighting a war that will not be easily won. Eight weeks has now gone by, and by the stream lies the corpse of a deer who died wondering why. The fawn of not so long ago was never let to beam, because of the waste in the water of his drinking stream. Let's clean up our rivers and help our streams, 'cause hundreds of little fawns need their water to be clean. Help save the earth from itself; don't let the problems collect dust by setting them on a shelf. ( by Misti Dawdy Jerseyville High School

164 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 165 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Seasons of the Mississippi The sun sets in the Indian summer sky. The brilliantly colored leaves are afloat. The air is graced with the scent of burning leaves. The fish feel the chill of the frigid waters. Life goes to sleep. Icy water covers a blanket of snow from heaven that glistens in the sun. The trees on the bluffs stand bare. The hum of factories is heard, they are belting out smoke that hangs in the air like clouds of cotton. Barges cut through the chunks of ice. All life remains at rest. New buds are forming. As snow melts the water level rises. Animals and birth emerge. Wildflowers shoot up along the banks. Cool breezes sweep across the valley. The days gradually become warmer. All life is restored. The air is thick, full of humidity. A symphony of mosquitoes is heard playing a melody. Dragonflies tease the water. The sound of the speedboat hums, and fishermen castaway. All life is joyful. by Sarah E. March Quincy Senior High School

166 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville An Original Poem Based On The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Huckleberry Finn went afloating down the river wide, With good ole Jim, Miss Watson's slave, right by his side. They were on their way to Cairo on down the Mississipp, but passed it up completely; Oh, what a wasted trip! They had their share of troubles all along the way, down the Mississippi to the Louisiana Bay. At last they finally found the reason for their quest. Jim received his freedom and felt that he was blessed. by Leslie Gallagher Quincy Senior High School

River Watch Clear days are many, the sky is blue And the River turns a golden hue. The bluffs are yellow with turning leaves And the valley with the beauty of the autumn seeths. But days when rain is coming down The River is a muddy brown. Through many miles it runs its course A stream of brown throughout the land. by Andrea Ursprung Alton High School

167 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville River Water Project Relaxing along the beautiful Illinois River Is a very pleasant sight for me Various game of fish and wildlife do exist in the Eye of the beholder the River is rich with living critters and plant life. / Water is one of our main sources for everything to survive A world full of people who care such as: The members of the Illinois, Mississippi River Water Project will Enter into the public's eye making everyone Realize the purpose of our goals. Pollution has played a big part in our environment Remembering how our rivers were 10 years or so ago has : Overcome our achievements though the passing of time Just look how far our goals have been maintained. Each individual must keep up their part in the project Clearly everyone will see the results Time will tell us all of its success. by Patricia Pluester Calhoun High School

River Song Is the world really so blind, Or is this neglect only in my mind? The river's time is short today, Because we are trashing it and making it pay. What has it done to be treated this way? In my eyes nothing, just roll and sway. Look around and think of life without its glory. It would be just like a book without a story. Human kind can be so cruel and dishonoring. We all need to wake up and hear it sing! Wonder is in the eyes of those who care. How much longer will our river be there? by Michele Lamer Jerseyville High School

168 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Ambiguity Water, keep on rushing to the sea Like the forces pushing me In the essence of life Confining me yet floating me free Creating the entity that's yet to be. \ Barely changing over all these years Yet carrying the force of a thousand tears And with it a way of life The paradise after the water clears. The river flows as so do we Feel the force inside of me Feel the force inside of me Molding the pattern of my life Confining me yet setting me free. by Seth Schaller Hancock Central High School - Carthage

The Mississippi River Oh how the mighty river flows, Its beauty compares to that of a rose. The waves dance gracefully like flames of a fire, Carrying debris that had been acquired. Powering along across the terrain, The river stops for nothing that gets in its way. Full of life and abundant with fish, It's part of nature that people have come to relish. For thousands of years it has provided man With water for drinking and for washing hands. During the decades, the seas have been polluted, Many oceans and rivers, the Mississippi included. Now the time comes for experimentation, To see if the waters will be safe for future generations. by Philip Brinker Marquette High School - Alton

169 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville A Simple Poem Roses aren't always red and rivers aren't always blue. They're polluted with run off, chemicals, and sewage too. When people pollute, they don't stop to think, What they are polluting, another may drink. They throw in bottles and cans; all types of stuff; ’Till living for river life really gets tough. Never stopping to think just what they're doing, Making things worse instead of renewing. All it would take is a solid stand, To once again make our rivers grand. But to put it off and let it ride Could mean the end of our rivers' pride. So take a stand; Let Up Never, And we can make this river flow on forever. by Rusty Long Calhoun High School Wonderful River? Time is precious in our hands When the river is in our lands. It is a symbol of power and majesty That changes all the time and seems so free. The world sometimes doesn't realize its greatness And treats it with disrespect and hatefulness. I wish people would just wake up and see What the river is really meant to be. If only each person would take a little time To help clean up the river and make it prime. People don't realize what they have until it's gone And they only hope the memory will linger on. So let's work together and soon we'll see How beautiful and wonderful our river can truly be. by Michele Lamer Jerseyville High School

170 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Reflections Oh, the mighty Mississippi has a long way to go From upper Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. A source of water for crops in the fields And energy for turbines to increase the power yields. A sight of beauty a sight of joy That has given pleasure to many a boy. Oh, the mighty Mississippi is such a force As it continually moves and changes its course. by Matt Reed Hancock Central High School - Carthage

171 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Great Mississippi The river is a magnificent sight! With all its grandeur and Awesome might. The biggest river in the nation, Gives us gifts of food and transportation. Has more power than we think. What if our river was not there? We'd have to go far To fish or ski. Without barges We would not be as industrious. What about the beautiful scenery, And great history We all take for granted? Everyone should know Our town Would be nothing, useless. If not for that body of water We call the Mississippi River. by Nicole Clark Marquette High School - Alton

The Mississippi Small, weak, and overlooked, Only one journey to fulfill Slowly growing to the end A stream teeming with life Soon is large and powerful Yet calm to all who see A tree with many branches A river of might and wealth Guided by the walls of granite Fulfills its journey and task Reaching its final destiny A new life in the vast gulf. by Tim Kessler Marquette High School - Alton

172 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Seagulls The seagulls fly over the river swooping low to screech hello to their friends that feast upon the grain barge. The barge travels with the river from Chicago to New Orleans, docking at Alton for the gull- or so they think- to give their precious gems of grain. The birds scream defiance at the cars racing by on the Great River Road for the birds know that people are confined to the ground. by Jon Wagnon Marquette High School - Alton

The River The residents watch the movement flowing through peacefully suddenly overcast falls unexpected the peace changes angry upset raging he overflows hoping to revenge the sky the inhabitants are submerged left to drown in their grief. by Robert B. Moginot Marquette High School - Alton

173 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Secrets of the River Shadows dark and deep Ripple over your muddy waters. How many secrets do you keep? How many hearts have given over to you their loves, fears, desires? The secrets carried along by your currents Weave their way along your never ending course And are emptied into the bosom of the sea. You touch all who come to you transforming them in some way with the power and lure of your enchantment. The paddle boats with their prosperous planters and lovely ladies in antebellum array have given their secrets to you. The young runaway slave slipping silently through the night on his raft through the trees that cling to your banks, The young boy in all the small towns Who rush to you with hearts full of gaiety and anticipation, fishing rods over their shoulders, jars of worms in their hands, The rivermen working the barges carrying the goods that have made your cities great, All have given their secrets to you. And you embrace them all in your rolling muddy waters, Until you and the secrets are one, Gliding through the moonlight, full of mystery and beauty. / by Ellen Horn Marquette High School - Alton

174 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (untitled) I am the mighty Mississippi Crossed by bridges and barges I carved out the limestone bluffs Where the Piasa Bird watches. I am the massive Mississippi Greatest river in the world I gave birth to mighty cities And the legend of Tom Sawyer. I am the moody Mississippi Sometimes gentle, others raging I know my massive power And no mortal man can trust it. I am the muddy Mississippi, And the name is well deserved, For the sharp eyes of the eagle Cannot pierce my murky depths. I am the majestic Mississippi, Nauture's wonder, close at hand. Come, reflect upon my beauty, Always here, but never seen. by Kate Lavelle Marquette High School - Alton Father of Waters Do we know from whence you came? Oh mighty great Father of Waters Big River, Mississippi, your Indian name Source of life to nature's sons and daughters. Your birthplace is deep in our virgin land, Minnesota's sweet lake is your source. From humble beginnings to a river grand, Your fresh waters run their course. You wind through our nation from North to South Forming boundaries of states as you go. From Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, your mouth, Your baptismal graces do flow.

175 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Your branches extend to the East and the West, Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas, and Red. i These rivers, tributaries along with the rest, Are the streams by which you are fed. I Lewis and Clark set out from your shore Exploring our country’s great unknown, Their exploits recorded in America's lore Their deeds like seeds on the wind are sown. From your banks many great cities rise Ports for cattle and products of man’s toil. The Arch in St. Louis looks to the skies Its feet planted in your fertile soil. You give abundant gifts to all men. Fish, wildlife, and field of grain. Your praises are sung or written in pen By poets and authors like Twain. | Your waters can sooth and bring forth life Or rampage through valley and town, They bathe us so gently or cut like a knife They bear us up or send us crashing down. I fancy myself journeying through a bygone era On a raft with Tom or Huck Finn Or maybe with Scarlett on her plantation Tara I Or with Yankees and Rebs midst their battle din. You carry me back in America’s past With traders, explorers, and pioneers brave, Then lead me into the future with throttle full blast Your path astride each cresting wave. / Algonquin Chiefs made Mississippi your name Oh mighty great river, source of our power We need not know from whence you came Only that you remain hour after hour. by Susan Lorsbach Marquette High School - Alton

176 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Great River With wave after wave the river flows, \ Like a mighty army advancing on its target. Its colossal crests plunge toward the sky, i As powerful currents propel it on its course. The river is beautiful in a sinister way, Fearsome and terrifying in its vastness. j It has many secrets, this mighty river, Secrets amassed over coundess years. The river knows much, but it never speaks, Never revealing what it has seen. Ancient and venerable, it has seen many sights. Majestic and powerful, awesome and formidable, Forever intertwined with history and legend, It flows through eternity, This most dynamic of all rivers, The mighty Mississippi. by Steve Fahrig Marquette High School - Alton ! Like the River Glistening in the sunshine, Rippling in the wind, Our Mississippi River Is happy once again. Every day I view its waters Dancing in the breeze. \ It gives a feeling of contentment As it puts my heart at ease. Only when a storm arises Does the River toss and turn. The rain disturbs its peaceful nature Leaving me to learn That I am like the River And its unpredictable way. ( Changing with the weather. Changing everyday. by Diane Certa Marquette High School - Alton

177 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Early Morning on the River The river grinds through rock and stone, As the light glimmers off its surface, i A spring breeze blows gently across the water, And small wave crest ripples onto the shore. In the heart of the morning sun the water fowl play, Dashing, darting, looking for their prey. The fish twitch and leap from the water, As if they were taunting their predators above. Soon the early morning fog rolls off the river, The daybreak activities of the animals die down. The morning progresses, and the activity of the boats increase. A tugboat and its barge approach the locks, And the wailing horn of the tugboat is sounded. Soon the rumble of the large lock gates is heard. The boat pulls calmly into the locks, Peacefully waiting for the water level to even. Finally the gates ahead slowly roar open, And the boat is free to travel again. by Scott Cooke ' Marquette High School - Alton

;j / Mighty Mississippi Mighty Mississippi A pleasure for all I Fun in the sun A friend to the lonely A savage killer at times A home to many creatures A piece of history. Mighty Mississippi Rolling on forever. by Chris Tueth ( Marquette High School - Alton

178 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville My Need I see my need From way up high In the midst of this concrete jungle, To get away and find myself In the waters of the Mighty Mississippi. I am hypnotized By the glistening waves, the ruffling grass, And the rising bluffs. The calmness, peacefulness, and solitude I find compares to nothing else. As my need is now fulfilled, I turn away. But in my heart ‘ I hold a piece Of the calmness, peacefulness, and solitude To get me through the day. by Jennifer Romanic Marquette High School - Alton

The River ( As I lie in my bed, my insomnia wracked body tries to sooth itself, and I think of The River. \ Picturing the waves and the lapping that I've seen from the bluffs above The River It lulls me to sleep, the peacefulness I seek. I have a special love for The River. by Joanne Velikis Marquette High School- Alton

179 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (untitled) The mighty Mississippi, with its brown and lazy flowing water, rolling carelessly away downstream, captivates me, and fills my mind and heart with feelings of happiness, peacefulness, pride, longing. Many treasured memories of carefree and enjoyable summers are reflected clearly in this majestic river's murky waters. by Holly Phegley Marquette High School- Alton

Sailing on the Mississippi A Saturday afternoon on the Mississippi River. Unloading the boat on the Piasa Harbor. Boating west-upstream- We pass the little town of Elsa. Heading east-downstream- We see the Piasa Bird. Passing a barge heavy with grain We head towards the lock and dam. Where I jump out with my skies. A Saturday afternoon on the Mississippi River.

by Cory Reiter Marquette High School - Alton

180 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The River City I have been sitting here forever nothing has happened no boats have passed the river is dead. I am sitting in my house nothing is happening no people have passed the city is dead. I am the only one left and I cannot live without them so I will stay here awhile until I am dead. by Ryan Brown Marquette High School - Alton

What We Would Like To Remember We like to remember the Mississippi with mighty river boats paddling gloriously. The Delta and Mississippi Queens shining in the new day sun.The beautiful sunset being drowned by the river. The exploding rockets being launched for everyone to see on the Fourth. Mark Twain and Samuel Clemens floating on a rickety wooden raft. Many legends of Indian lives: the Piasa Bird and Lover's Leap. Such memories make up the river and many make up Alton. Without the Mississippi Alton would not have survived. by Derek Alford Marquette High School - Alton

181 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Flow River Flow Flow river flow, Down unto the depths of a gulf. Thou current is fast, Flow river flow. What sights to be seen Along your flowing liquid body. Peaceful force, but a torrid pace, What sights to be seen. What vessels flow upon thy surface? Poor man’s rowboat to industries barge; Simplicity of one Complexity of another, What vessels flow upon thy surface? Wildlife does thrive, Upon thy wooded banks; Deers run and eagles fly, Wildlife does thrive. What more added to your bustling midway? The coming of man, mighty man; Controlling you with lock and dam, What more added to your thriving scene? The cities build upon thy banks. Autos across thy bridges fly, A bustling metropolis around you is made; The cities thrive upon thy banks. by Adam Barr Marquette High School - Alton

182 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The River Flowing gently to the sea This is what the river means to me I have observed it since I was a little girl And watched its mighty waters swirl I've often wondered where it goes Or if anyone ever really knows It can take freighters to the sea Or float a canoe most peacefully The sunlight on the river bright Makes such a beautiful, breathless sight The waves can crash in a mighty storm Or be peaceful and calm in the early mom. The banks of the river are soft and green Her beauty reminds me of a stately queen If I should live to be old and gray My memories of the river will forever stay. by Theresa Kare Marquette High School - Alton

(untitled) When it is smooth, the water’s flowing. When it is rough, the wind is blowing. When it is warm, the sight is pleasing. When it is cold, the water's freezing. When it is spring, the water’s rushing. When it is fall, the water's hushing. When it is summer, it's good for boating. When it is winter, the ice is floating. Whether flowing or blowing or pleasing or freezing, When rushing or hushing or boating or floating, The river is there for all of us. It will never go away. Sometime clear or brown no need to fuss, In thanks we all should pray. by Tim Heitzig Marquette High School - Alton

183 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Ode to the Mississippi Look out your window for a beautiful view of a fabulous river. A river with an everlasting flow of muddy waters. A dream-land vacation in our own backyard. The beautiful vision could have only been created by God. In winter, the banks freeze up and the icy spots sparkle with snow. In spring, little flowers bloom on its shores. In summer, the reflection of the sun shines brighdy off its waters. In fall, the leaves of trees on the bluffs surrounding the river turn red, gold, orange, and yellow, turning the river into a collage of splendid hues. The bubbly mud river will always flow swiftly. Ode to the waters of the great Mississippi. by Julie Hack Marquette High School - Alton

184 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Living River Watch the eagle swoop down Breaking the glassy top on the mighty Mississippi His talons extended gathering supper. The spotted fawn lowering its head To drink from the river's banks. The minnows chasing each other through the muddy water round and round. The dragonfly hovering freely Above the gloomy haze. The wildflowers growing on the banks gently swaying in the wind. The giant oak tree strong and majestic sipping from the river bottom. Such a muddy dreary river giving life to so many things. by Michael Davenport Marquette High School - Alton

Old Mississippi Down to the river, the old Mississippi, Sailing, fishing, walking, and skiing. I look across and all I see, Is a vast quantity of water and mud. I would like to just float, Down to the Gulf, Where the Grand Mississippi finally ends. It had given our town a name, We are a Mississippi River town. We owe a lot to the Great River, dangerous or not. by Scott Davis Marquette High School - Alton

185 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Mississippi River of life, River of death, Bridges of old, Dams of new, River of work, River of fun, Flowing with life, A civilization grew, River of truth, River of growth, Flowing with history, Which man engraved, River of transportation, River of knowledge, The Mississippi, A river to be saved. by Stephen Fitzgerald Marquette High School - Alton

The Mississippi The Mississippi- Majestic, bountiful, kind. The Mississippi fast and grand, harsh and destructive, A tool of nature. by Matt Griffin Marquette High School - Alton

186 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (untitled) You’ve never heard the river's roar. You say you love its whisper. The might of the Mississippi never made Your eyes wide Your skin taut Your lips cold. You've never been push-pulled undertowed! Lost between black sky and black flood In the darkest storm God ever hurled. You've never clawed the vicious sucking wrenching river Pulling your body from your soul. And why? A midnight swim with Nicky on a Living summer night. Among the silent stars In the familiar river. Surely there’ll be No harm done? by Elizabeth Gibbons Marquette High School - Alton

The Great Mississippi Watching the eagles soar above the cliffs and the seagulls above the water, the Mississippi River flowing toward the Gulf. Watching the cars drive across the bridge and the barges on the water, the old Mississippi, a home for many creatures. Watching the fish swim below and the bugs fly above, the great Mississippi, a river for all to see. by Keith W. Groppel Marquette High School - Alton

187 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Mississippi River As I sit on the riverfront And watch the river flow, I think of all the wonderful features Which surround me. Behind me is the Piasa Bird So infamous long ago, Now he is just a painting, A permanent part of the bluffs. Beside these bluffs the river road lies, Traveled on every day By people who want to see The beauty of the scenery. Before me travel boats of all kinds, Sailboats, fishing boats, barges, and yachts, Using the river for pleasure and profit, Taking it for granted. by Karen Geisen Marquette High School - Alton

On The Mississippi Murky, muddy waters Of the mighty Mississippi flow wildly. Zany teens dip into the water, Bringing out samples. Many use chemicals to run tests; Some float oranges down the river. All is done. It is time to compare. Then the fun begins: Walking down the beach. Finding shells and driftwood, Writing boyfriends’ names in the sand. Then it's time to go home. The race is on. We hop into our cars. Who'll get back first? We'll know after our high speed race. by Karrie Crim Payson Seymour High School

188 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Discoveries of Twain Over the hills, across the bridge, To Mark Twain's home we go. When we arrived, we took off our coats, got comfy, and watched a show. We passed through the halls, looked in on the den, where we later discovered, he had written Huck Finn. In the history of English and literature books Mark Twain will never fade. He was talented and master-minded; We can tell through the books he made. by Deana Leffers and Sarah Stotts Payson Seymour High School Mud Puppies Mississippi Mud Puppies is our name Going exploring is our game. We were off early one morning to take a trip Down to the famous Hannibal strip. We stopped at the cave to take a look inside, We saw the dark spot where Jesse James tried to hide. We thanked them and we blew that joint; We learned quite a bit which was the point. We dropped in on Mark Twain's home To give us something to write about in this poem. We dropped by Hardee's to get a snack Because we had a hunger attack. We went to the water and the sewage plant. Niki wanted to go but she said "No, I just... I can't!" We jumped on the bus and headed for school, The trip in general was pretty cool. by Tanya Kabrick and Katie Kaiser Payson Seymour High School

189 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Power We walked along the bank. And watched the mighty river flow. Then Chad stepped in the water And it pushed him to and fro. He captured some of the power And brought it back to shore. Chemistry class took many tests And English class looked on evermore. The water looked very dirty, And it even smelled like fish; But many people drink it And use it in a main dish. Therefore, we need to save it And let its power roar. Then everyone can use it And drink it evermore. by Tiffani Mauck Payson Seymour High School The Trip We went over to Hannibal for a trip, I thought it was pretty hip. We went to the Mark Twain Cave. And there we all did behave. We started off with a history movie, And boy it was pretty groovy. Then we started to go through Just the guide and the Mud Puppy crew. So we saw all the amazing sights Even some passages that were real tight. We got through the whole thing. It was such a great time I wanted to sing. So now the trip to the cave was done And boy it was pretty dang fun. by Kenton Montegna Payson Seymour High School

190 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Near the Flow We were off to the cave, early one day, to see all the sights we could see; Stories were told about old Injun Joe, Which really impressed me. Mark Twain’s home, fragile and old, was being renovated at this time; After this treat we went out to eat, To get ready for our journey's next climb. The sewage plant smelled, But there's no need to tell Because of the green tint to my face; I could not go through I'm warning you, There’s a need for nose plugs in that place. One last tip from our final trip To the water treatment source. Test it twice to be precise. Was this interesting? Of course! by Niki Reckers Payson Seymour High School

191 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Testing One Wednesday every month we go to the river to run a test, To see if the overall water quality is at its best. We test for nitrates and B.O.D. Total solids and turbidity. We test the temperature and the water flow. Then once again, back home we go. Back to the lab to do further tests we run. Then check B.O.D. on the following Mon. All the info is sent to SIU So by all the other schools it can be viewed. We hope this project serves some good. We wish everyone would help if they could. For the water must stay clean and clear. Just think of the future years. So next time give some thought to what you're doing. For it could be your water you're ruining. by Douglas Bradshaw Payson Seymour High School

Our Rivers A man fishing on a clear day earning his weekly pay, clean river. A group of people in the riverbay swimming and boating whenever they may, clean river. Toxic waste flowing down the riverside turning the river into a green dye, pollution. No more men fishing and no more swimmers so please help clean up our rivers, pollution___ by Owen Brown and Chris Martin Pittsfield High School

192 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Outing We all hopped on a bus To go check out the sights. We stopped at the cave To see the stalagmites. We saw Jesse's hideout And the Devil’s Backbone. Then we were off to the sewage plant. We all let out a groan. It really did smell. We all held our noses. The guide showed us "sludge". It didn't smell like roses. Here we go again. One more time. To see the water plant And watch it get purified. After we saw that We went back to school. We really learned a lot. The trip was pretty cool. by Rachel Miller and Christie Eftink Payson Seymour High School

193 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The River Dirty Contaminated. Ugly. This is how the river looks today. People don't care what they put in the river. They polluted the river for two generations. Clean. Sparkling. Pretty. This is how the river looks in the next generation. People decided to clean up the river, and so they did. This new, sparkling river will last forever. by Elizabeth Ehreart Pittsfield High School

To See What The River Sees The river runs out to the sea And as he does, he speaks to me He speaks of things that rivers know Like how to run, and where to flow Of different kinds of fish and birds He uses great and magical words The river's seen, it seems to me, More than my dreams can even conceive He tells me of frozen snow and ice Don't go north," is his advice He speaks of warmth in a summer rain As he sees it fall on every plain He tells of rocks that make him scream Yet, other times he's a gentle stream I think that I would like to go Wherever it is the river goes And he can talk some more with me But this time I'll see what the river sees by Dulcinea J. Ford Pleasant Hill High School

194 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville My Rivers Looking for the right spot and sitting down followin' silver-shiny waves with my quiet eyes getting to think about everything only standing up and going away from this place when the splendor of life shines out of my own soul For my first seventeen years this place was on my river in Germany, the Danube; for the last eight months this place has been on my river in the United States, the Mississippi. It does not matter where I am; either river will remind me of the other and will help me to make me feel at home. by Sonja Wager Marquette High School - Alton

195 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Analyzing The Mighty Mississippi flows deep and brown waiting for the Mud Puppies To come out of town to test the dirty water to save the clean ground. To help save the world we run many tests to give you clean water We try our best, and when we're all done we head back to town to analyze the tests to save the clean ground. We send the info in to compare with the rest to save our future kin and see which town is the best. What we learned from all of this is to save the water. We must do our best. by Angie Dittmer Payson Seymour High School

196 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville It's Getting Better Everyday Failin' rain, outside my window; and I live all alone, It's getting better everyday. Soon the sun will shine through my windows; But when it will come, I couldn't say; It's getting better everyday. It's the lights of the stars at night; It's the morning birds as they take to flight; Look around at our rivers and streams and you will see; Savin' this place in not up to Him, It's up to you and me. Failin' rain outside my window; and I live all alone, It's getting better everyday. Soon the sun will shine through my window; But when it will come, I couldn't say; It's getting better everyday. Take a look at our beautiful streams, They're nothing like the ones in our dreams. Come on everyone and let's help make it right; And everything will turn out all right. It's the light of the stars at night; It's the morning birds as they take to flight; Look around at our river and streams and you will see; Savin' this place in not up to Him, It's up to you and me. Failin' rain outside my window; and I live all alone, It's getting better everyday. Soon the sun will shine through my window; But when it will come, I couldn't say; It's getting better everyday. by Matt Reynolds and Adam Rose Jerseyville High School

(In this song, "St. Louis" is pronounced "St. Louie.") 1. There's a big wind cornin' on the west horizon, Roll for St. Louis. Riverman hopin' that it won't capsize them, Bound for New Orleans. Bad blow cornin' on the Mississippi, Roll for St. Louis. Old riverboat gettin' swamped and tippy, Bound for New Orleans. Refrain: And it's storm on the river! Old man river gettin' wild and cranky. Storm on the river! We're bound for New Orleans. 2. Now the catfish runnin' for a quiet eddy, Roll for St. Louis. Thunder's drummin' and the lightning's deadly, Bound for New Orleans. Sandbar shiftin' in the waves around us, Roll for St. Louis. Pray the river doesn't want to drown us, Bound for New Orleans.

3. Now old St. Louis waitin' for the boatman, Roll for St. Louis. Beer and bourbon and the girls for sportin', Bound for New Orleans. Windstorms cornin' from the mountain ranges, Roll for St. Louis. Drink and sing 'til the weather changes, Bound for New Orleans.

198 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 4. There's a big wind cornin' on the west horizon, Roll for St. Louis. Rivermen hopin' that it won't capsize them, Bound for New Orleans. Bad blow cornin' on the Mississippi, Roll for St. Louis. Old riverboat gettin' swamped and tippy, Bound for New Orleans. Refrain: And it's storm on the river! Old man river gettin' wild and cranky. Storm on the river! We're bound for New Orleans. There's a storm on the river! God protect us and we'll surely thank ya! Storm on the river! David Drake lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is a singer, entertainer, troubador, historian, and teacher and travels about participating in various events and festivals. He has made several tapes, among which is "One Last Horizon" on which he recorded "Storm On The River." by Lori Hoffman Jerseyville High School

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By Jesse Krusemark and Tad Blacketer

A COLLECTION OF CREATIVE W RITING S

"We catched fish and talked, and we took a swim now and then to keep off sleepiness. It was kind of solemn, drifting down the big, still river, laying on our backs looking up at the stars, and we didn't ever feel like talking loud, and it wam't often that we laughed—only a little kind of a low chuckle. We had mighty good weather as a general thing, and nothing ever happened to us at all.”

from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

T- ____

203 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Ybarra's Mystical Night It was a dark, cool Saturday night when I decided to cruise the town to see what was going on. As I cruised the metropolis of Hardin, I met up with some of my friends and we stopped at our local hangout (76 Station). After talking with my friends, I discovered that there were about a half-dozen wild parties going on at many of the landings in the area. "What are we waiting for?" I said, and we were off I was the lead car of a long train of vehicles the way to these sights. As I drove, I found that I must have outrun the other cars because I didn’t notice any headlights behind me. Suddenly, the once familiar landscape seemed foreign to me. In short, I was lost. Driving along further down tfyis unknown road, I saw a dark figure appear on the edge of the road. This figure wore a worn cloak and hood that seemed to bring somewhat archaic resemblance. I passed the figure without breaking speed and continued on. About a mile down the road, I saw the same figure appear again on the edge of the road. This time, I noticed him holding out his hand like to receive something. As I passed him, I increased speed to about 65 m.p.h. About 30 seconds later, at the far reaches of my headlights, I saw the same figure appear again and this time he rose his head and I noticed that his eyes were glowing red! I immediately punched it and in no time, my ZR-1 'vette was buried at 180 m.p.h as I was scared witless. As my eyes searched the edge of road, I saw a sparkle of light in the center of the road and I was coming up on it so fast that I slammed on the breaks and started to careen from side to side and did about five 360 degree spins until I came to a complete stop. As my head rose from the steering wheel, I noticed a figure directly in front of the car facing me with his head down. I just about died! The figure stood motionless as I could see the condensing air leave his mouth like smoke as he breathed the cold night's air. As I blinked, it was gone. I stood staring at the blanked space in front of my car. I turned to the right and found, to my surprise, the figure was in the passenger side with me! I screamed as he looked at me with his glowing eyes. He suddenly said "drive" in a tone that I have never heard before. So scared, I almost forgot how to drive. As we drove down the road, he said nothing until we finally came to the edge of a river where I could not drive any further. He said "get out." I acknowledged him and left the confines of the car. I don’t recall seeing him leave the car but as I turned around, he was standing there in front of me about three yards away. He said, "Follow" and I didn't rebel. We journeyed into an unknown woods until we lost light from the moon to the tall trees of the forest. I noticed that this figure, this man, was raising his right hand and chanting a somewhat weird and familiar melody. Suddenly, a flame that seemed to light the immediate area levitated in his hand. He placed the flame above his head and it rose steadily to about 12 feet above our heads. With newborn light, as it seemed, we continued on. I was freaking out at about this time until my amazement was broken by a peaceful flowing river that we had come upon.

204 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The man pointed to the river and said, "You see, this is your river." I said, "How can this be? I have never seen such a peaceful body of water." He said, "It is because you and your friends pollute the river and it cannot help but be dirty and violent." "Why is it not so violent now?" I asked. He said, "Because I have never polluted this part of the river and it stays beautiful. You may once someday see your river as clear and peaceful as this." I replied, "But how?" "Simple fool!" he declared. "You must teach and enforce the safety of the rivers for it is the only way." "But why me, why did you pick me?" He said, "Would any of your friends have listened to me?" I soon realized that I wasn't the only one chosen to spread this knowledge of the river. I observed as the cloaked man raised his hand and soon saw a vision of many, many people helping to clear the river. Then suddenly, another vision appeared behind me of my friends at the parties casting there paper and metal wastes into the river. The man looked at me with his eyes so red and glowing and said, "Which do you choose?" I did not speak a word, for he knew my choice already. As I stared into his eyes, a flash blinded me for a second and I was back to my car driving 55 m.p.h leading a long group of cars to some destination. As we approached this seemingly familiar place, I said to myself, "But, how can I?" And a voice echoed through my head and through the car. It was the voice of the wise one, saying, "But, how can you not?" Ace Helicopter Pilot Karate Expert Ballistics Expert Motocross Champion Baha Champion '90/91 Indy Champion '90 Superstar Hockey MVP Pulitzer/Nobel Prize Winner #44 1400 yard rusher and All Around Nice Guy by Michael Lazar Calhoun High School

205 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The Return of the Captain It was a dark stormy night. The waves of the powerful Mississippi River crashed on the rocks. The storm was the worst this area had seen. The lightning was touching down all over the river. There was a boat out there in the storm. It was the boat of the great Captain Jones. The famous Captain Jones was not afraid to sail through any storm. One week before Captain Jones had lost the only woman he had ever loved. She left him for another man. Captain Jones couldn't handle it. He felt that his life was useless. Captain Jones decided that night that he wanted to die. The Captain walked out of his cabin and into the open wind of the storm. He stared down into the swirling water of the Mississippi River. He stood for a moment and then hurled himself over the edge. 100 Years Later.... Ri verm an City, 1990, is a city with a population of 600. A few tourists show up in the summer. The city is a typical riverside city. It has a supermarket, a hotel, and a sheriff. Sheriff Paul worked day and night. Riverman City has never gotten out of control. Sheriff Paul is about 6'5" and 220 pounds. He is a great heap of muscles. The sheriff knew a lot about the river which ran through his city. The Mississippi is a waterway for many large barges and is used for recreation by the Riverman City people. It was about 11 P.M., the lights were out in the city and all was calm. A sudden glow rose from the calm river. The surface of the river was broken by a hideous creature. It was the mangled body of Captain Jones. He had only one eye, half his face was missing and his left arm was only bone. It was truly a horrible appearance. He climbed out of the river and strolled down the busiest street in town. A janitor was leaving the school for the night. The school janitor was short and a little heavy and he had blue eyes. He stepped onto the street and began to walk home. He heard footsteps behind him. He turned around and saw nothing but bushes and the sidewalk he had already traveled. He then turned back around and standing right in front of him was the mangled body of Captain Jones. The walking corpse reached out and grabbed the janitor by the throat. His hand tightened, strangling the life out of the frightened janitor. Captain Jones then dragged the body to the river and threw it in. The next morning the sheriff was called to a murder scene on the shore of the river. It was the school janitor's body half in the water and half out. The body was pale and cold as it lay on the cold wet sand. Sheriff Paul investigated the scene and found nothing. In the next two months there were fifteen other murders. Sheriff Paul realized that all of the victims had blue eyes. He had blue eyes also. Sheriff Paul could not see this as a good motive for murder. One night Sheriff Paul was walking the streets looking for anything suspicious. The corpse of Captain Jones stepped out from behind a bush. Sheriff Paul was terrified. He immediately went for his gun and fired. The shot took off the left arm of Captain Jones. Captain Jones kept on walking toward the sheriff.

206 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville He didn't know what to do. He ran to the nearest house and locked the doors, the corpse broke in through a window and pursued Sheriff Paul. Sheriff Paul ran to the kitchen. Captain Jones caught up with him and tried to strangle him. The sheriff used his strength to pull away. Captain Jones fell back and caught himself in a full sink of water. The sheriff thought quick and threw in a radio, which was plugged in, into the water. An electric shockwave shot through the corpse knocking him to the floor. The electricity took all of the 'life' that was left from Captain Jones. The next day the sheriff went to the library to research the motive. He found that Captain Jones' lover had blue eyes. by Shane Cox Alton High School

Now and Then With Apologies to Mark Twain Tom Sawyer, Joe Harper, and Huckleberry Finn set afloat upon an old raft they found on the Mississippi River at midpoint to leave behind their lives of school and adults telling them what and what not to do. About two in the morning, the raft hit a sandbar some two hundred yards above the head of an island. They landed their raft, went up on shore, and made a tent putting an old sail over a nook in some bushes. They fixed their dinner, talked for a while, and fell asleep. When Tom awoke, he wondered where he was. "This don't look like the same island we landed on last night," he thought to himself. He woke the others and soon the boys were tumbling and playing in the shallow water of the sandbar. Little by little they seemed to notice things were different somehow. "Hey! I can’t see my feet!" said Huck. "The water's all cloudy, with this black oozy stuff." He walked around and his foot hit something . "Ow!" "What's wrong, Huck?" hollered Tom. "My foot hit something hard-like, and it ain't no rock," said Huck. He reached down, felt around in the murky water, and pulled out a shoe. "What is it?" asked Joe. Huck handed it to Tom who turned it over and over, wiping away the mud and slime. "I reckon it's a shoe, but what kind I dunno," said Tom. "You know what R-E-E-B-O-K means, Joe?" "Dem'd if I know," answered Joe. Huck went out farther and dove under the water. When he came up, he had a few more things. "I got a can with something written on the side." "Lemme see," Joe said, taking the can from him. "What is it, Joe?" asked Tom. "I dunno, but looks to me like it's spelled P-E-P-S-I." "What's that?" asked Huck. "I dunno, Huck. Mighty odd!"

207 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville "Tom, this don't seem like the same place we were last night!" declared Huck. "I know, Huck," Tom said. "I noticed it this morning, but I didn’t say anything." They laid the things up by the campfire, found the raft, loaded on, and headed down the river. Now, they noticed more strange things washing along at the water's edge small foamy-like boxes with lids, things of circles that looked like they would hold six of a kind of something, and many other odd things. "Gee, things sure look funny," said Huck. "The sky’s all chimley over yonder." "Wonder what's happened to this ol' river, Tom?" "I dunno, Joe. Seems awful!" "There's a feller-maybe he can tell us. O Sir! Sir!" "Yeh, what do you kids want?" "My name is Tom, and this here is Joe and Huckleberry. Can you tell us what happened to the clean river water?" "It hasn't been clean for years! Uh—-What did you say your names are?" The boys looked at each other kind of careful-like. "Don't matter none," mumbled Huck. "Say-how'd the water and air get so dirty?" "From factories like that one over there dumping pollutants into the air and into the water. People just dump trash everywhere." "But there’s supposed to be lots more trees!" "They've been cut down. Hey! What's the date, sir?" "September 25,1990. Well, I've got to go. There’s a rally on landfills and how they're harmful to the environment. You kids be careful out on that river. Lots of dangerous traffic out there." The boys looked at each other. "Wow! Sumthin’ mighty, mighty strange is going on here. Let's head back up the river, Tom," said Huck. "Good idea!" agreed Tom. Directly they found the island that they had started out on. They pulled the raft ashore, hurried to their campsite, built up the fire, and talked over all that they had seen. Tired from the excitement, they fell asleep. Huck woke up first and shouted, "Hey look! We’re back! Things are the same again!" As fast as they could, the boys scrambled to their feet, jumped on the raft, and pushed off for home. "I don't ever want to go back there," said Joe. "I like it here where the water is clean." "Me, too," declared Huck. "Ain’t never going back there again! Ever!" "Right!" agreed Tom. "School and Aunt Polly ain't nearly as bad as that was!" by Lori Hoffmann Jersey ville High School

208 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Molly and the Mississippi I pulled up to Molly's house at exactly 11:00 Sunday morning. She was waiting outside for me, and as I walked up to the porch she wrapped her little four year old fingers around my hand. "Mommy's almost ready. She said she can't get her damn hair ready, "What does 'damn' mean?" "It means your Mom can't get her hair ready. Don't say that word." "Why not? She says it. All the time. Why?" "I don't know," I shrugged. Molly was very inquisitive and I wasn't sure I was the right person to answer her questions. We went into the house, and her Mom mumbled something inaudible about being home around 5:00 and to have a good time. I just smiled and nodded. Molly's Mom rushed out the door and we stepped into the kitchen. "Can you make me a sandwich?" "Sure." "Can you make me some Kool-aid?" "Mm-hm." So we ate peanut butter and jelly and Smurfberry Punch. "Why isn't there much powder in the jar and then there's all this Kool-aid?" "It's really strong, I guess." We finished our lunch and Molly suggested a burping contest. "Burping is impolite," I explained. "My Grandma burps all the time. Mommy says she can't help it. She just goes BURP - like this!" she burped gleefully. "Why do people burp?" "I don't ¿low." "I like burps." She continued burping while I took the plates and started washing them Molly stuck her pudgy hand in the warm water and spritzed it on her face. "I like water. Where does it come from?" "I think our water comes from the river." "The Missippi?" (pronounced 'Miss Sippy') "The Mississippi." She reached under the water again. "The river is close to my house, huh?" I nodded. Molly and her mother lived by Chatauqua out in the boonies on the River Road. "Can we go the the river?" "Maybe another day," I said lightly. I'm not really a nature person and that Sunday was a little cold. It was March, and there was a nippy wind blowing. "Please?" she turned her puppyish brown eyes up to me and I gave in. "Okay.. .Get your j acket."

209 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville We went out into the hall when I had dried off the plates. I slipped into my leather jacket and helped Molly into her little parka. She clung to my hand as we went outside into the yard. The wind hit us and we had to squint. "Why does the wind blow?" "I don’t know." "I think elves blow on the earth. And then we call it wind. Do you think I'm right?" "I don’t think so," I said apologetically. We continued on to the bank of the river. It was muddy after all of the rainy days we'd been having lately. "The ground is squishy, huh?" she asked. "Yep. It’s cuz of the rain." "I know!" she said haughtily. She scratched her curl-covered head and pointed into the river. "What's that?" "I think it's a buoy." (pronounced 'boy') ^ ^ "That's a 'boy' out there? It's too cold to swim. He's DUMB, huh?" "No, it's a different kind of buoy, It's like a ball that tells people who drive the big barges that they shouldn't drive around there. The water's too shallow." "Could I stand up on it?" "No, I couldn't even stand up on it." That wasn't saying much, I'm only 5'3". Molly walked farther on down the bank. She was approaching what looked like a mini-landfill. "Look at all of this crap!" she exclaimed. "Don't say ’crap." "Why not?" "Say trashm it's better." Actually crap was more fitting. Molly squatted down to inspect the pile of beer cans - probably left there the previous weekend. "These are beer cans, huh?" "Yup, OOH! Don't touch them, They're dirty." "The WATER is touching them. Can the fish drink beer?" "I don't know." "Mommy drinks beer." "Mm-Hm." "Do you drink beer?" "I think it's time we headed back, Molly" She forgot the question and kept walking down the bank past the trash. I was afraid to touch them - even to recycle - knowing some of the people who drink on The River Road. "The water is brown, huh?" "Yeah." "Is that cuz’ it's dirty?"

210 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville "The water isn't that dirty." "Oh. Is the water we drink clean?" "Oh, yeah, it's been purified." "What's that?" "They make it clean so we can use it." "Is the water clean for fishes?" "I guess so." I wasn't really up on the subject, but Molly didn't seem to notice. "If I fell in, would I come out brown?" "Let's not find out." "You don't know much about the river, do you?" I realized I really didn’t know anything about the river, which was sad, having lived in Alton for 18 years. It was right there the whole time, and I had never given it a second thought. To me it was just something that served a kind of banister on a staircase along The River Road. I only saw it when I would drive across the Clark Bridge or go up to Grafton, which was very seldom. "No, I don't. But I think I know what will keep us busy unitl your Mom gets home..." "What?" "We can pick up some of the cans along the side of the river, so I can recycle them and make some money!" "Cool! Will you give me some money, too?" "I guess. Now let’s go put you in your play clothes, and I’ll get some trashbags and gloves," I said grabbing her hand and running across the road back to the house. Molly and I spent the rest of the day collecting cans, and we even picked up some of the other ’crap'. That day made me feel a little more appreciative for and concerned about our river. All it took was an inquisitive four year old, to whom everything was still a novelty. I suppose I never gave the Mississippi much regard because it was always here. It was here way before me and it will be here long after I leave. I just hope that people will take care of it - and the rest of the planet - so that little Mollys can always enjoy it. by LaineeFrizzo Alton High School

211 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The River Lives Hello. Allow me to introduce myself, River. That is my name given to me by the humans. I would like to tell my story; I’ll begin at the start. I was born just a trickle. I was fresh and pure. I had a yearning to see more of the land. As I grew older and the rains made me stronger, I began to stretch out. I went further down the land. Eventually, I ran out of land and spilled out where my brothers and sisters went. I was a very happy river. I felt very useful to the animals. They would drink me and use me to wash. They were very kind to me. One day I met a new kind of animal, Human. This Human was very good to me for a long time. These Humans grew in numbers. They built what was called factories and houses along side of me. I didn't mind. As I have stated, I didn't care that the Humans used me. That is, until the factories used me as a dumping ground for their chemicals. They choked me. All my animal friends stopped using me because I was no longer clean. I was sad. My friends that swam in me died. I began to dislike this animal called Human. What right did they have to ruin me? Now they are mad at me because I can't let them drink out of me. If only they could see that they are hurting me. My condition got worse and worse. I felt horrible. I was no longer looked at because I was so dirty. I was lonely. A long time had passed since Humans had polluted me. When more Humans took parts of me, I didn't understand. A few weeks after they took me, the factories stopped spilling their waste in me. Not all of them, but a large number quit dumping their waste in me. Kids started to pick up trash that had been thrown in me. I could see that the Humans were sorry for all they had done to me. That is my story. To conclude, I would like to say that although I'll never be the same, I do appreciate what you're trying to do. I would like to thank you and say, Please keep me safe and clean. I would say I lived happily ever after, but that is for you to decide. by Brandi Powers Jerseyville High School

212 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The River’s Edge Toby walked along the dark, wooded path by the river. It was just after the first spring rain, and the path was damp and droplets of water on the buds of leaves looked like teardrops as they fell to the ground. As she walked around a curve in the path, the song of a small waterfall could be heard. She smiled sadly to herself as she remembered all of the times she and Zach had spent there. The river was beautiful at any time of the year; she and Zach always took walks there and went on picnics. It was their favorite place to be. It was serene, and they could be alone. Toby reached one of their favorite spots on the path and sat down on a log; a tear slid down her face. Memories flooded her mind as she sat there and listened to the waterfall. All she could think of was that her first and only love was dead, and she was totally alone. She stood up and looked around; with tears rolling down her face, she ran down the path. She felt that there was no one to talk to. Her parents didn’t know what to say, and her friends were scared to say anything. She was utterly lost, with no place to go, no one to understand her grief. She walked down to the river bank where she fished with Zach. There were small waves that hit the bank. The sun was starting to set, and the water reflected the red and orange. Toby had to get away from the past, but there was no place that she would rather be than with all of the memories of her and Zach's love. She stepped closer to the river and gazed out at the water. It was so beautiful and peaceful. She took a step into the water and then another; she walked into the water without looking back. At last she was at peace with her memories. by Deidra Huff Jerseyville High School

213 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville The River The curious young, Tommy Parker, is fishing with his grandpa. Tommy is a ten year old boy, and as boys his age often do, he asks a lot of questions. "Grandpa, why is the river so ugly?" said Tommy. "Well, it’s just the mud and sludge that is mixed with the water from the soil," replied Grandpa Henry, "But why does the water have soda cans and garbage in it?" asked Tommy. "Because of inconsiderate people who don't care about their environment, Tommy. When I was a boy, there was less garbage in the Mighty Mississippi, and a boy could go swimmin' in it if he was careful. I used to go swimmin’ all the time, also fishin'. But now that there are those barges and litters, no one could swim in that dangerous garbage river, and the fishing has depleted too." Later that day, Tommy was with his friends. "Hey, Tommy. We're goin' swimmin' in the river. Do you want to come?" "No, my grandpa thinks it's too dangerous to swim in the river. Besides, I didn't want to anyway," replied Tommy. One of the bigger boys, Joe, replied, "You're scared, you baby." "No I'm not; I just told you my grandpa won't let me!" "Do you do everything your grandpa says?" asked Joe. "No, I can do what I want to." "Then go swimmin' with us," said Joe. "Okay, I will." Tommy ran home, sneaked into his room, put on his swimming trunks, and went to the river with his friends. "I told him to stay away from the river, but he didn’t listen. Why didn't he listen? He was just ten years old, he's too young. Why not me? I'm seventy-two," Grandpa Henry stated sadly. Grandpa Hemy was sad because Tommy was caught in the stream, and was sucked under a barge and drowned. by Steve Dickinson Marquette High School - Alton (untitled) We used to visit Grandpa every summer. Sometimes we stayed for weeks at a time in his hill cabin near the Mississippi River. Mom and I rode for seven hours to see him. We traveled in the beat-up 76 Oldsmobile he gave to Mom when he couldn't get his license renewed. Mom said it was something about his reflexes going. "I built this cabin myself," he said proudly as he tapped his chest. Grandpa and I continued through the small woods along his property. "That garden there, planted so many vegetables the critters try to eat 'em all. Had to build that fence." Grandpa smiled. Back at the cabin, we ate the fish that Grandpa had fixed himself. I never was one for fish. As a matter of fact, the smell makes me nauseous, but I sure ate the fish at Grandpa's. The fish Grandpa made tasted really good; I could even taste the fish just from the smell. "Let's go! Hurry up!" Grandpa pulled at my leg. It was 5:00 a.m., and he had probably been up for hours. I dressed, and then grabbed my pole. "Fishin' time!" he said as I walked out the door.

214 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville "Yep, Grandpa," I smiled. He was so happy to spend time with me; I always felt good when I was with him. We began our one mile walk to the riverbank talking and making fun of my Aunt Sue. She was always yelling about this or that - usually when she had had a bit too much to drink. "I think it's Uncle Dale's fault. He oughta hide the liquor from her, That's what I'd do." I said. "Yeah, I bet Aunt Sue would be a joy without her rum and coke," Grandpa said sarcastically. "I guess you're are right; Aunt Sue was always that way," he laughed as we recalled all the times she had blown up at one family member or the other. "Remember when I told her how my cat, Herbert, died?" Grandpa chuckled. "Boy, what a witch she was that day." Aunt Sue felt that she was the Supreme Defender of All Cats. When she heard that my neighbor had caught Herbert in his garbage, she couldn't believe he turned his hose on him. "It's not like old Mr. O'Finn knew Herbert would catch pheumonia." I had said to her. "Oh, yes he did! Cat-killers like him are bloodthirsty," whined Grandpa, mimicking Aunt Sue's now infamous retort. We laughed. We had come to end of the woods when Grandpa grabbed my arm. "Stop!" he said excitedly. I waited for his next word; I loved playing this game. "There." he said triumphantly as he raised his hand up toward the top of an oak. He had spotted our eagle before I could. "Where?" I squinted my eyes trying to see. There it was, the most beautiful eagle I'd ever seen. We smiled at each other and continued on. "Hey Jackson," Grandpa called out to Rick Jackson who was skillfully cleaning his gun while on his front porch swing. "Morning to y' all," said Jackson nodding. "Are you goin' huntin' with Jackson later, Grandpa?" I asked. "Yep," Grandpa was a man of few words. I wondered what kind of animal he would bring home tonight. One time he brought a giant snapping turtle home. He stuffed it and now has the turtle on his living room floor. Once when I had to go to the outhouse, I cut my foot really badly by scraping against one of its claws. I explained later that I had been trying to avoid stepping on the head of the bearskin. We were soon at the dock, and climbed in the boat. I, mostly out of reflex, reached for the bright orange life-jacket Mom always made us wear. I looked up at Grandpa, he had his lifejacket in his hand, too. We smiled at each other and put them down. We didn't need any lifejackets. Grandpa and I got out our poles and baited our hooks. Mom told me that Grandpa was always real proud that his granddaughter baited her own hook - not like those other sissy granddaughters. I pulled my sneakers off and stuck my feet in the cool water. Grandpa did the same. "I wish we could float here on the river forever, Grandpa. Because its our special place." "Me too, kid." by Sarah M. O'Connell Marquette High School - Alton

215 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville A Simple Play With a Complex Meaning Narrator: Along the banks of what used to be the mighty Mississippi River, we find a group of 5th grade students and their teacher, Ms. Onceuponatime. The year is 2006 and the condition of the Earth has changed drastically over the past 15 years. Most bodies of water are dry and there are no longer nice green lawns or large shade trees. The size of the Mississippi River resembles a creek that once ran past my house. Not only is it extremely small, but it is a very murky black. Fish are no longer living within its banks and there are no eaglewatchers or skiers and swimmers to flock to its banks. It is a very lonely, very depressing place. Ms. Onceuponatime: What you see today is only one example of the contamination all over America. But I want you to remember that this river used to be one of the greatest rivers in the world. As a child I used to wake within its banks. I like to remember it as a place full of life and splendor. Narrator: She examines the river with a faraway look in her eyes. Tommy, a young shy student, hesitantly raises his hand and speaks. Tommy: If this river was once so powerful and wonderful, how did it end up like this? Ms. Onceuponatime: Large industrial plants dumped waste products into our rivers. It was too expensive for them to get rid of these wastes properly. Nancy: But didn't they realize they were hurting other people and animals? Ms. Onceuponatime: Some people just don't care. They realized what they were doing but they ignored it. Bill: So why didn't someone stop them? Why didn't the government do something? Didn't anyone care? Ms. Onceuponatime: (Sigh) Yes, Bill, people did care. The government tried to stop them for awhile but they were very sneaky and powerful. Eventually, those that did care became frustrated. We are a very greedy society and the environmental organizations couldn't get the support they needed. By the time people woke up and realized what was happening, it was too late. Andy: What types of things could people have done to stop this? Was there really any way? Ms. Onceuponatime: People could have done simple things like car pooled, turned off lights, recycled, and bought products that wouldn't have harmed the environment. But no one....

216 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Narrator: She is interrupted by an excited student. Traci: This is stupid! So the river is ugly and a dump. We're still here aren't we? We have food to eat and water to drink. Who cares about a dumb old river? Ms. Onceuponatime: Do you realize Traci that the water you drink is imported from another healthier country? Do you know that that country is the richest one in the world because it is the healthiest? And do you know America has only 5 more years to live? We've abused our land for so long that it is going to die. There won't be anymore water or food. And then we're all are going to die. We can't always depend on other nations. How many of you really think this is stupid? Narrator. A very upset Ms. Onceuponatime leaves her students in stunned silence. Lost in thought, she walks along the Mississippi River visualizing how it once was. In a way, it is stupid. It's stupid that people didn't understand what was happening and make an effort to stop it. When Ms. Onceuponatime was a child, she loved to sit along the bank of the Mississippi and watch it gently roll along. It was teeming with life and helped support the economy along its banks. The famous paddlewheeler, The Delta Queen, used to sound her calliaphe and plow through healthy blue waters. But all of this was once upon a time and "once upon a time" never comes again. Never. by Trista Strauch and Sherri Adams Calhoun High School

A COLLECTION OF REM EDIES AND RECIPES

"Aha! Talk about trying to cure warts with spunk-water such a blame fool way as that! Why, that ain't a going to do any good. You got to go all by yourself, to the middle of the woods, where you know there's a spunk-water stump, and just as it's midnight you back up against the stump and jam your hand in and say:'Barley -corn, Barley-corn, injun-meal shorts, Spunk-water, Spunk-water, swaller these warts.' and then walk away quick, eleven steps, with your eyes shut, and then turn around three times without speaking to anybody. Because if you speak, the charm's busted." from The Adventures of Tom Sawver by Mark Twain After a couple of days Jem was sick and tired of his job. He made up his mind to sicken the men of his cooking and get back on his old job at the oars. So he mixed up a batch of biscuits, a favorite with raftsmen, and dumped in enough salt to salt a keg of pork. When the men sat down to their dinner Rant Findlay bit into one of the biscuits and exclaimed, "Great guns, these here dam biscuits is saltier than hell!" It then flashed upon Findlay that in case of a change he would be slated as the next cook, and he hastily added-"but they're certainly fine." from A Treasury of Mississippi River Folklore edited by B. A. Botkin

218 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Remedies Cure Rattle Snake Bites Chew and swallow, or drink alum dissolved in water. Put thorough wart leaves crushed up on the bite. Keep wetting with water. Apply every two hours. Whooping Cough Take sweet oil garlic or onions and simmer for one half an hour. Add a small glass of honey, teaspoon of paregoric, and teaspoon of camphor. Take one teaspoon 3 or 4 times a day. Deafness Take ants, eggs, and onion juice, mix them together, and drop into ear. Small Pox The first appearance is like flea-bites usually on head, chest, back, or legs. On the seventh day the bites have a nearly colorless fluid appearance. The eleventh day this fluid appears as an opaque yellow. The fever is more violent at this stage. TREATMENT: If there is much restleseness give syrup or poppy. If convulsions appear, take an opium bath. If there is a high fever use laxatives. Milkpack , When someone has a cut and starts to swell, take bread and soak it in milk. Wrap around the area with a cloth. Apply as needed. Chest Infections Take fat from a goose and smear on the chest. Put cloth on top of the goose grease. Information provided by Ethel Gilbert, Lillian Jostman, Marram a Goodman, and Sister Angela. by Deana Dunker Chester High School

219 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Old Recipes and Remedies In 1975 the people of Kaskaskia Isalnd published a cookbook called Receipts from the Davs of Old Kaskaskia. Some of the recipes in this cookbook can be traced as far back to 1675. These have been passed down from generation to generation and are still used today. Because wild game was plentiful along the river years ago, two recipes give details on cleaning and preparing "Roast Possum" and "Raccoon Roast". A "Wild Fowl" recipe tells how to prepare duck, quail, and dove. "Fired Turtle" was also a food prepared by the early settlers. The problem with fixing a turtle was getting the shell off. You had to pry the underneath shell from the top shell by using a long sharp knife. This was very difficult and sometimes didn't work. The cookbook also contains several recipes on preparing com. Com was one of the main crops planted in the Mississippi River bottoms, and it was a staple food of the early settlers. There is, of course, a "Com Bread Recipe", an "Indian Pudding" recipe, and one for a "Cornstarch Cake". A recipe in which com is roasted, dried all summer, and then cracked with a coffee grinder made a sort of mush called "Cheeblee". The last page of this cookbook tells of two remedies. One can use onions to cure an infection around the nail. Raw beef steeped in vinegar over night will remove warts and cure corns. The cookbook Receipts from the Davs of Old Kaskaskia and the information about some of the recipes were provided by Emily Lyons, a member of the Randolph County Historical Society. Examples of Recipes and Remedies: Cheeblee (a recipe from the Buatte Family) Gather field com from fields (sometimes known as horse com). Boil roasting ears in outdoor kettle for 5-8 minutes. Cut off cob and lay on one cloth and cover with another (100 pound flour sacks were most often used). Dry in hot sun for 3-5 days. To keep flies away, place com in cloth sacks and on any hot, dry day, dry out-of-doors during the rest of the summer. By September when really dry, crack it with coffee grinder. Store in sack, can or a box. To Prepare: soak 1 cup of cheeblee overnight. Cook 2-3 hours adding water as needed. Season to taste (bacon or ham usually used). Roast Possum Skin possum recently killed and remove head, tail, feet and entrails. Wash thoroughly and soak in salt water overnight. Drain well. Put in pan and season with salt and pepper. Bake in a moderate oven until tender (2-4 hours). Pour off grease at frequent intervals and discard.

220 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville To Cure Fellson Apply a poultice of onions to a felon for four days. It will disappear (infection around nail). To Remove Warts Take a small piece of raw beef, steep it all night in vinegar, cut as much of it as will cover the wart, and tie it on, or if the excrescence is on the forehead, fasten it with strips of plater. It may be removed during the day and put on every night. In one fortnight the wart will die and peel off. The same prescription will cure corns. by Jennifer Baldwin Chester High School

A Treasury of the Mississippi River: Medicine and Recipes Folk medicine was very popular around the Mississippi River area. Folk medicine in terms of the quantity of cures and remedies and their importance to the individual, is the greatest of all the categories of beliefs and superstitions. It has touched and continues to touch millions of people from birth to death. I found a lot of their folk remedies to be very interesting. Here is a variety of different remedies old settlers believed to have worked: - When you hear the first whippoorwill in the Spring, turn a somersault 3 times and you'll never have a backache. - Rub your hands with the first snow that falls, and you won't have sore hands all winter. - Water, in which a blacksmith has cooled his iron with, is a cure for freckles. - For chapped lips, kiss the middle rail of a 5 railed fence. - For an earache, blow cigarette smoke into the ear and cover it with a slice of hot onion. - To cure colds or sore throats, wear genuine coral or amber beads for nine days. - Sickness among members of the household can be prevented by keeping a goat. - Drop your first pulled tooth into a birds nest, and you will never be troubled by headaches. - Skunk's oil is a cure for a cold. - Never pay a doctor's bill in full, or you will soon need him again. These were some of the most interesting folk remedies I found in my references. I'm not sure if any of them truly work. I will leave it to one of you, to sort and puzzle them out. by Jenny Virtue Galena High School

221 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Mississippi River Recipes Fried Catfish 1 pound catfish 1/4 cup of milk 1/2 cup of dry bread crumbs 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine 1 lemon Cut catfish into serving pieces. Dip in milk and roll in bread crumbs. Place in well greased skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, onions, and other spices. Add melted butter, plus squeezed lemon over the fish. Cook in skillet on high, for approximately 10- 15 minutes, or until crispy.

Frog Legs 2 pounds of frog legs 1/2 cup of milk 1/2 cup of flour 1/2 cup of butter 1/2 cup of almonds 2 teaspoons of lemon 1/4 cup of parsley Dip 2 pounds of frog legs in 1/2 cup of milk, then in 1/2 cup of flour. In skillet, brown frog legs in 1/2 cup of butter, melted, for 10-15 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, onions, and other spices. Add 1/4 cup of butter and almonds. Add 2 teaspoons lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of parsley. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Carp 1/4 cup chopped onions 1/4 cup butter 1 3-ounce can mushrooms 1/2 cup cracker crumbs 2 tablespoons parsley 2 pounds fresh carp 3 tablespoons flour 1/3 cup white wine (optional)

222 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville In skillet, cook onions, butter, mushrooms, cracker crumbs, parsley, salt, petter. Spread mixture over carp. In saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter, blend in flour, add salt, add wine. Cook and stir, and pour over carp. Bake in hot, 400 degree oven, for 25 minutes. Serves 6 to 8. by Michael Wagner and Chad Briskovich Metro-East Lutheran High School

Gumbo In 1920's my great-grandmother invited her friends up from Mississippi to stay with her at her house in Highland, Illinois. She asked them to bring along shrimp so that they could have Gumbo when they arrived. Two weeks later they arrived with a large supply of shrimp and oysters. They brought so much that they decided to make the kettle full. The kettle was three feet in diameter. They invited all of the surrounding farms and close friends. The party lasted twelve hours with my great-grandfather playing the accordion at the bam. This was the last time my great-grandparents saw their friends from Mississippi. However, this tradition has continued in our family with the making of gumbo and inviting over our friends and neighbors over to share it with. This recipe has not changed one bit over the years. 2 cups flour 4 sticks of margarine 6 onions 2 can tomatoes 2 cans tomato paste (8oz) 2 pounds okra - cut up 2 stalks celery - cut up 3-4 bell peppers - cut up 3 pounds shrimp, oysters, clams, chicken, etc. Salt and pepper First brown flour with margarine; add remaining ingredients in order given; cover with water; cook slowly until desired consistency. by Aaron Shenkman Highland High School

223 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois River Valley Recipes Apple Bread 1 c. sugar 1/2 c. shortening 2 eggs 1/2 c. chopped nuts 1 T. sugar 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt 2 c. chopped pared apples 1 tsp. vanilla 2 c. flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour loaf pan, 9x5x3 inches. Mix 1 cup sugar, the shortening, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt until smooth. Stir in apples and nuts. Spread in pan. Mix 1 tablespoonful sugar and the cinnamon. Sprinkle over batter. Bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Immediately remove from pan. Cool bread completely before slicing. Store tightly covered.

Apple Sheet Cake 2 c. sugar 1 1/2 c. oil 2 eggs 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 3 c. flour 3 c. finely chopped apples 1 1/2 tsp.vanilla 1/2 tsp. cinnamon Dash nutmeg Combine sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla. Cream well. Mix apples with flour, soda, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Add cream mixture to apple mixture. Blend well. Spread into greased jellyroll pan and sprinkle with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoonful cinnamon. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

224 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Pumpkin Pie Cake 4 eggs 1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 2 sticks oleo, melted 1 1/2 c. sugar 1 can Milnot 1 box yellow cake mix Beat eggs. Add sugar and pumpkin and mix. Add spices, Milnot; beat until smooth. Pour into 9x13 inch greased pan. Crumble cake mix on top of pumpkin mixture. Pour melted butter over all. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until knife comes out clean.

Skillet Cookies 2 T. butter 1 c. sugar 2 beaten eggs 1 c. dates, cut 1 c. nuts 1 tsp. vanilla Dash salt 2 c. Rice Krispies Melt butter; add sugar, eggs, salt, dates and vanilla. Cook in iron skillet. Stir well until mixture leaves the sides of the skillet. Take off heat and add Rice Krispies and nuts. Drop from teaspoon and roll in coconut or powdered sugar. Butter hands.

Turtle Cake 1 (14 oz.) pkg. caramels 1 pkg. German chocolate cake mix 3/4 c. melted butter 1/2 c. chopped nuts 1/3 c. evaporated milk 1 c. chocolate chips

225 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Combine caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk into a double boiler; heat until melted. Combine cake mix, milk and melted butter. Pour 1/2 of the batter into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, caramel mixture and remaining batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes. Cool and cut. The reason I chose to do these recipes is they all pertain to the Illinois River and its environment. The people of the Illinois River Valley have many different recipes and many different uses for them. Apple orchards and pumpkin fields contribute a lot to the Illinois River and its environment. All of these recipes came from people who live in the Illinois River Valley. by Brian Roth Jerseyville Community High School

River Recipes Com Fritters 4 cups fresh corn kernels, or 4 cups frozen, thawed 4 eggs beaten 4 tbsp. flour 1/4 cup heavy cream Salt and pepper, to taste 2 cups maple syrup, for topping 3 tbsp. butter In large mixing bowl, combine com, eggs, flour, cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until com kernels are evenly coated with batter. Pour syrup into small posset and warm over low embers. Meanwhile, place 10 inch spider over hot embers. Add butter to pan and heat until test drop of batter sizzles on contact. Drop batter into pan by large spoonfuls, taking care not to crowd fritters. Cook fritters for a few minutes on each side, turning once, until both sides are golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Keep fritters warm on heated platter while preparing remaining fritters. Drizzle warm maple syrup over fritters and serve.

226 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Beaten Biscuits 2 cups flour 1/2 tsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. baking powder 4 tbsp. chilled butter cut into pieces 4 tbsp. chilled lard or shortening, cut into pieces 1/4 cup ice water 1/4 cup milk 1/2 tsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. baking powder Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor combine the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder and process briefly to blend. Add the butter and lard, and process, turning the machine on and off, until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Pour in the ice water and milk, and process briefly, just until the dough forms a ball. If the dough is too dry, add more water; if it is too wet, add more flour. Knead the dough in the food processor for 2 to 3 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out 1/4 inch thick. Fold the dough in half, pressing the two halves lightly together, and cut into 2 inch rounds with a floured biscuit cutter. Gather up the scraps, roll out to a 1/4 inch thickness, fold in half and cut out more biscuits. Repeat until all the scraps are used. Prick each biscuit with a fork. Bake the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet for 30 minutes, or until they are crisp but not browned. Serve the biscuits split in two. Sea Food Mold 1/4 cup cold milk 2 tablespoons butter 1 small apple, peeled and diced 1 small onion, diced 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons chutney 1 envelope unflavored gelatin 1 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/4 teaspoon tobasco sauce 1 cup sour cream 1/2 pound (1 1/2 cups) lump crab meat, cooked shrimp or lobster, or a combination Put cold milk and gelatin in an electric blender; cover and blend at low speed to soften gelatin. Melt butter in a skillet. Add curry powder, apple and onion. Cook until apple and onion are tender but not browned.

227 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Crab Cakes 1/4 cup chopped parsley 3 tbsp. chopped scallions 1 pound crab meat, picked over 1/2 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. dry mustard 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/2 cup fine bread crumbs 1/2 cup butter 3 tbsp. chopped scallions 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dry mustard 1/2 cup fine bread crumbs Combine parsley, scallions, crab meat, salt, pepper, mustard and egg and mix well. Shape into small cakes. Roll in bread crumbs and cook in butter until golden brown on all sides.

Fish Soup 3 tbsp. olive oil 3 cloves garlic, finely minced 1 3/4 cup chopped onions 1 bay leaf 2 cups water 1 tsp. leaf saffron, crumbled 1 lobster (1 1/2 pound) 1 1/2 tsp. flour 1 pound fresh red snapper, striped bass, porgy or other white fish, cut into small pieces 1 quart fresh mussels, scrubbed well 12 shrimp shelled and drained Garlic croutons 1 cup chopped leeks 1 cup chopped tomatoes 2 springs parsley 1 cup dry white wine Salt and pepper 1/4 tsp. tobasco sauce 3 tbsp. butter 2 dozen cherrystone clams 1 tbsp. Pernod

228 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Heat olive oil in a large saucepan and add leeks, garlic and onion. Cook until wilted; add tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, wine, water, saffron, salt, pepper and tobasco. Simmer 10 minutes. Plunge a knife into a center point where tail and carcass meat on Lobster. Split tail and carcass. Cut carcass in half lengthwise. Scoop out liver and coral and place in a small mixing bowl. Cut tail section into 4 pieces crosswise. Add carcass and any scraps of lobster to tomato mixture. Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Meanwhile, blend butter and flour with fingers then mix with reserved coral and liver. Strain tomato mixture through sieve pushing through as many as possible. Bring to a boil and add snapper, mussel clams, shrimp and reserved lobster tail. Simmer 15 minutes. Stir in coral mixture. When mixture boils, add Pernod. Scoop into hot soup plates and serve with garlic croutons on top.

Puree of Oyster Soup 6 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 2 packages(10 oz.) each frozen green peas 2 cups milk 1 qt. shucked fresh oysters with their liquor 1/2 cup dry white wine Salt and black pepper to taste 2 cups clam juice 1/2 clam juice 2 cups heavy cream Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan and cook onions until they are wilted but not brown. Add peas and milk and simmer just until peas are tender. Add oysters and clam juice and simmer over very low heat 5 minutes. Add wine, remaining butter, salt and pepper. When butter melts, pour half the mixture in an electric blender. Pour into saucepan. Then pour remaining mixture and add to saucepan.

229 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Onion Soup 1/4 cup butter 4 large onions, thinly sliced 1 tsp. lemon juice 6 slices of toasted French Bread 1/4 tsp. pepper 4 cups of beef stock Salt to taste 6 tbsp. Parmesan cheese Heat butter in a large saucepan and cook onions over low heat until tender, stirring to separate onion into rings. Add stock and pepper and bring to a boil. Add salt and lemon juice and keep hot. To serve; place a slice of toast on each serving and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon cheese.

Hush Puppies Vegetable oil 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, optional 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 can (8 ounces) cream-style com 1 cup yellow commeal 1 teaspoon sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt legg 2 tablespoons buttermilk In deep-fat fryer or saucepan, heat oil (2 to 3 inches) to 375 degrees. Mix commeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cayenne. Stir in remaining ingredients until just combined. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into hot oil. Fry a few at a time, turning over 1 or 2 times, until dark golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in 175 degree oven.

230 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Tomato-Dill Fish Soup 3 cups water 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 pound muskie or other lean fish fillets about 1/2 inch thick 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed tomato soup 2 tablespoons margarine or butter Dash pepper 1 teaspoon dried dillweed In Dutch oven, combine water, dillweed, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling. Add fillets. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer until fish flakes easily, about 5 minutes. Remove with slotted spatula. Add tomato and margarine to cooking liquid. Cook over medium heat until bubbly, about 4 minutes. Cut fish into bite-size pieces. Reduce heat. Gently stir fish into soup. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Cream of Salmon Soup 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 1/4 cup margarine 1/4 cup finly chopped onion 1/4 tsp. salt 3 tbsp. all purpose flour 1/8 tsp. white pepper 2 tbsp. snipped fresh parsley 1 1/2 cups milk 1/8 tsp. dried rosemary leaves 1 1/2 cup half-and-half 1 1/2 to 2 cups flaked cooked salmon 1/4 cup margarine 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. white pepper 11/2 cups milk 1 1/2 cup half-and-half In 2 quart saucepan, cook and stir mushrooms and onion in margarine over medium heat until just tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour, parsley, salt, pepper and rosemary. Remove from heat. Blend in milk and half-and-half. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly, 7 to 10 minutes. Add fish. Cook and stir 1 minute.

231 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Sauteed Mushrooms 6 tbsp. butter 1 pound fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced 1/2 tsp. caraway seeds Salt 1/2 cup finely chopped onions Melt the butter in a heavy 10 inch enameled or stainless-steel skillet over medium heat. When the foam subsides, add the onions. Stirring occasionally, cook them 4 to 6 minutes, or until they are translucent, then add the mushrooms and caraway seeds. Toss the mushrooms about in the butter until they begin to give off their juice. Bring the juice to a boil and, stirring constantly, cook briskly, uncovered, 4 to 5 minutes longer, or until all the juice has evaporated. Taste for seasoning. Serve sauteed mushrooms hot as an accompaniment for meat or egg dishes.

Dwiled Carp 3 tbsp. bacon fat or lard 2 tbsp. sweet Hungarian paprika 1 large green pepper with seeds and ribs removed, diced into 1/2 inch pieces(about 1/2 cup) 1 cup chopped tomatoes, blanched, peeled and seeded 1/4 cup dry white wine A 5-pound carp, cleaned, scaled and cut into 6 or 8 steaks 1 inch thick Freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp. flour 1 cup finely chopped onions Salt 1/2 cup sour cream Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat the fat or lard in an 8 inch skillet over high heat until a light haze forms over it, then reduce the heat to medium and add the onions. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly colored. Off the heat, stir in the paprika. Return the skillet to medium heat and add the peppers and tomatoes. Cover tightly and cook for 5 minutes, then stir in the wine. Scrape half the vegetable mixture into a buttered 8 by 12 inch shallow baking dish, approximately 2 inches deep. Sprinkle the fish steaks generously with salt and a few groundings of pepper. Arrange them in one layer in the baking dish, and cover with the rest of the mixture. Bake in the middle of the oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the fish is firm to the touch and flakes easily when padded gently with a fork.

232 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Arrange the fish steaks on a serving platter, cover them loosely with foil and keep them warm in a 200 degree oven while you make the sauce. With a wire wisk, beat the flour into the sour cream in a small mixing bowl, then stir the mixture into the pan juices. Reduce the heat and simmer on top of the stove, stirring constantly for 4 or 5 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and creamy. Mask the carp with the sauce. by Amy Butler and Cheryl Lindsey Jerseyville Community High School

How To Field-Dress A Deer I have been in close proximity with whitetail deer all my life. I was raised in the heart of Randolph County's finest deer country. My current home is surrouded by prime deer habitat. I killed my first deer when I was nine years old and I am usually successful in harvesting at least one deer a year. Most deer hunters do not realize what prime hunting areas we have along the Mississippi River. The river provides excellent nourishment for the farmers fields in the area; which in turn provides good feeding grounds for all wildlife especially the whitetailed deer. Many deer killed each year in Illinois. Many hunters don't know how to field dress a deer. So I will properly describe how to field dress a deer. Step-1 Start by cutting a close circle around the anus and of the connecting alimentary canal. Make the cut as deep as the knife will reach. Step-2 Open the belly, being careful not to cut the intestines. Fork the incision to pass either side of the sex organs.

233 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Step-3 Carefully cut to loosen the sex organs. Then pull the anus and anal canal through the pelvis. Step-4 Break open the membrane over the chest cavity and reach in as far as possible to cut loose the wind pipe. Then procede to pull out organs. Step-5 Put heart and liver in a blood proof plastic bag to keep meat clean. Step-6 Roll the carcass over and drain out the blood collected inside. Then wipe the body cavity dry with a cloth or dead grass. Step-7 Finally prop the body cavity open with a stick to let cooling air in. Hang the carcass, unless you plan to pack it immediately. by Scott Davitz Chester High School

WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A SPECIAL THANKS: TO THE PARTICIPATING TEACHERS FROM THE CENTRAL AREA HIGH SCHOOLS Dallas City High School Hancock Central High School Roy Schwass Connie Flesner Craig Rowley Troy Heath Lee Purchatzke Nita Johnson Quincy High School Seymour High School Grant Paul Joan Grable Michael Humphrey Jerry Zahner Barry High School Pittsfield High School Melinda Fagan Rich Feezel Lynda Syrcle Kathleen Dunn James Sanderson Pleasont Hill High School Calhoun High School David Young Terry McGregor Charles Orwig Donna Kramer Linda Shotts Brussels High School Jersey Community High School Don Dickey Jim Featherstone Larry Underwood Cindy Bidlack Julia Eberlin Janet Flatt Marquette High School Alton Senior High School John Walters Marvin Mondy Michael Slaughter Barbara Mondy Dorothy Votopaul We would also like to recognize and extend our gratitude to all of those very special people in each of the participating schools and communities who aided teachers, students, and consultants with much needed resources and support.

235 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville TO THE PROJECT CONSULTANTS FOR THEIR AID, SUGGESTIONS, AND ADVICE Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Dr. Virginia Bryan, Chemistry Department William Weiler, Instructional Technology Therese Zoski, Lovejoy Library Jack Ballinger, Florissant Community College faculty; SIUE doctoral candidate Principia College Dr. Tanner Girard, Biology Dr. Sarah Perkins, Biology TO THE TRAINING STAFF FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE AT WORKSHOPS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Don Dickey, Brussels High School Steve Patrick, Cahokia High School Rich Feezel, Pittsfield High School Jim Featherstone, Jersey Comm. H.S. Marvin Mondy, Alton High School Connie Flesner, Hancock Central H.S Susan Kuster, Aledo High School John Swank, Westmer High School Cindy Bidlack, Jersey Comm. H.S. Janet Flatt, Jersey Comm. H.S. Larry Underwood, Brussels High School Gary Bartell, Galena High School FOR THEIR VERY GRACIOUS ADMINSTRATIVE SUPPORT Mike Barry, Project Fiscal Officer and Superintendent of Schools, Brussels H.S. Patti Rose, Brussels High School FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE IN THE PUBLICATION OF THIS BOOK Michele Alikonis, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Tony Stack, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Jun-Hua Zhou, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Kay Kubicek, Townsend Elementary School, Hazelwood School District FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT Gary Hull, Dean, School of Education, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Bill Brinson, Photographer, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Lynda Andre, Graduate Assistant, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Patty Brinson, Graduate Assistant, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Tommye Walters, University News Services, Southern Illinois University at Edw. Luther Jones, Educational Video Specialist, Southern Illinois University at Edw. Jack Massey, Photographer and friend

236 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE PROJECT EVALUATION Dr. Marylin Lisowski, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston TO THE STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND INTERESTED OTHERS WHO ATTENDED AND SHARED THEIR EXPERIENCES AT THE FIRST ANNUAL ILLINOIS RIVERS PROJECT STUDENT CONGRESS Galena High School River Ridge High School Savanna High School Fulton High School United Twp. High School Moline High School Sherrard High School Aledo High School Westmer High School Dallas City High School Hancock Central H. S. Quincy High School Payson-Seymour H. S. Barry High School Pittsfield High School Pleasant Hill High School Calhoun High School Jersey Community H. S. Brussels High School Marquette High School Metro-East Lutheran H. S. Highland High School SIUE Upward Bound Cahokia High School AlthoffHigh School Dupo High School Gibault High School Valmeyer High School Red Bud High School Mounds High School

John Lynn, Illinois traveler and historian Bill Busch, Manager of Field Operations - Division of Water Pollution, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Sandy Mueller, Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Barbara Dickey, Band instructor, Brussels Community Unit School District #42

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238 ©2015 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chilas, Marquis, Mighty Mississippi Biography of A River. Ticknor and Fields, New Haven and New York 1982. Coffel, Steve, "BUT NOT A DROP TO DRINK”, The Lifesaving Guide To Good Water. Rauson Associates, New York, 1989. Collier's Encyclopedia. MacMillan Company, New York, 1972, pp. 337-344. Commoner, Berry, Making Peace With the Plant. New York: Panteon Books, 1990. Curtis, Carolyn, Before the Rainbow: What We Know About Acid Rain. Ed. Washington D. C.: Sheridan Publishing Co., 1980. Curtis, Richard, & Hogan, Elizabeth, "Nuclear Lessons - An Examination of Nuclear Power's Safety, Economic, and Political Record”, Ontario, Canada, 1980. Davis, Delwyn, Fresh Water, pp. 64-75. Densmore, Frances, Chippewa Customs. Minneapolis: Ross and Haines, Inc., 1970. Dowd, Joseph A. et al., "Overview”, Environment. Vol. 31. 6, pp. 2-4. Drelers, Michael, "Friend or Foe to the Great Lakes". Explorer. Spring 1990. Easterbook, Greg, "Cleaning Up.” Newsweek. 24 July, 1989. pp. 26-42. Encyclopedia Americana. 1989 ed. Encyclopedia Americana. "Environment Pollution." 1987 ed. Encyclopedia Britannica. ’’Groundwater”. Chicago: Britannica Encyclopedia Inc., 1984. Encyclopedia International. Lexicon Publications, Inc., 1981. pp. 258-259. Environment and Health. Congressional Quarterly Inc., 1981. EPA, Water Quality. Chicago: August 1984. Evers, Owen, & Beck, Malcolm, The History. Legend, and Lore of Pulaski Countv. Illinois (unpublished manuscript). Fahey, Robert E., "Landfill Lodes.” Natural History. May 1991. pp. 58-60. Fitzsimmons, D. W., "Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Other Inorganic Materials in Waters in a Gravity-Irrigated Area", Vol. 15, No.2, 1972. pp. 292-295. Folwell, William W., A History of Minnesota. St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 1956. Free, John, "Play—in Pollution Control.” Popular Science. May, 1989. p. 31. Friedman, James M.. The Silent Alliance. Chicago: Regnery Gateway, 1984.

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