Fall 2020 Vol. 26, Issue 4 TIMELINE

STAFF From the Office Colleen O. Johnson Maureen Naughtin The American Alliance of Museums reports that one-third (33%) of museum Executive Director Curator directors surveyed confirmed there was a “significant risk” of closing permanently Janet Gysin Office Manager by next fall, or they “didn’t know” if they would survive. The last eight months have been some of the most challenging the Peoria Historical Society has seen. OFFICERS Plans that were made for events, History Bus Tours, the de Tonti dinner, Holiday Kathy Ma Beth Johnson Home Tour and open houses were all reinvented or canceled. Operational income President Secretary and revenue for upkeep of our two beautiful museum houses has been cut Zach Oyler Leann Johnson significantly due to these changes. Vice President Past President But we live in the Peoria area, and we are resilient. Membership is currently Clayton Hill Treasurer 117% of expected budget. That shows the support we have from our community. Additional donations have far exceeded our expectations as well. All that is TRUSTEES still not enough to make up the difference in the loss of revenue from our major Lisa Arcot Nicholas J. Hornickle fundraising. We adjusted by significantly cutting operational expenses and went Edward Barry, Jr. Marcia Johnson to a reduced office staff and office hours. I am proud of the fiscally responsible Jim Carballido James Kosner management and dedication from our staff and Board of Trustees. Peoria Riverfront Museum Michele Lehman We ask you to consider making a generous end-of-year donation. Your donation Lee Fosburgh Susie Papenhause will go towards keeping our museum houses -- the John C. Flanagan House (the Karen Gerontes John Rosa oldest standing house in Peoria) and the Pettengill-Morron House -- open and Douglas Hamilton Denise Scislowicz operational, preserving our collection of over 65,000 items, including artifacts, Mary Hamm DAR Regent photographs and printed materials related to the history of Peoria. P-M House Manager Bob Middleton Please also check if your company offers a corporate match. A match costs you John Haverhals Trustee Emeritus nothing, takes just a few minutes for online verification and gives us a great return. Let us know if we can help. Thank you. Colleen Johnson, Executive Director

An Unexpected Walking Tour Highlight by Gary Ebeling We are blessed in Peoria that many of the owners of properties in our most historic neighborhoods have a strong sense of the historic importance of where they live and are willing to share that love of Peoria’s past. A perfect example of that occurred during a Peoria Historical Society Walking Tour of Peoria’s High Wine neighborhood that I led on September 25th. As I was explaining the architectural features of what was originally the Richard Kempshall home at 518 High Street, a tour participant, Debra Clay, said she knew the current owners and thought maybe they would give us a peek inside. The edifice of the Lake Superior sandstone structure, built in 1894 in the German Gothic/Guildhall style, is impressive enough. But a chance to see the inside. That seemed too much to ask! Debra had barely hit the steps when owner Steve Pierz emerged. Not only did he invite us - all sixteen of us - in for a look, he gave us a fascinating, fact-filled tour, including facts that only an owner would know. He took time to explain steps he has taken to preserve and restore the home’s original features. The woodwork and original gaslights were a sight to behold. We all were intrigued to hear the story of the carved werewolf head on the mantle of the fireplace. I also found myself imagining how the legendary composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, a frequent visitor when the Kempshalls occupied the home, might have had the same reaction as we did to its beauty, decades earlier. Suffice it to say, the nearly 30-minute diversion - totally unexpected - was the highlight of our tour. And we have historic- minded owners like Steve Pierz to thank for it.

Fall 2020 Peoria Historical Society Newsletter 1 From the President

The winter season is soon upon us, the days are shorter and a chill is in the air. Since the spring of this year, our seasons and our typical seasonal activities have certainly looked and at times felt very different. While spring was met with an urgency to rearrange our social, school and work schedules, summer brought a quieter sense of “settling in.” During this unique year, part of “settling in” at the Peoria Historical Society meant taking a look at our events, like the Bus Tours we offer during the summer and fall. Our dedicated crew of History Tour Guides did not disappoint when challenged with developing an alternative. Since the bus was not an option, they modified their tours and adapted them into “Walking Tours.” For many, walking was a nice change and offered a closer look at some of our historic neighborhoods and areas. It seemed to be a more personal way to hear some of the stories of Peoria. As the Walking Tours wrap up, we look forward to the upcoming holiday season. Like most things in 2020, the holidays for Peoria Historical Society will look a little different too. Even though our Holiday Home Tour will not take place, we will still be decking the halls of our Flanagan House Museum and Pettengill-Morron House Museum for your enjoyment. We are excited at PHS to share and celebrate these two beautiful House Museums through decor and the many stories of holidays past. We hope you will take some time during the holiday season to join us at one of the Holiday Open House events. The Peoria Historical Society is grateful for the continued support of its many members, volunteers and donors. This year has been challenging for many, including non-profits like ours. PHS board and staff are committed to continuing to evaluate our operations and address every challenge with the resolve needed to ensure this organization is viable for years to come. The dedication of our members, volunteers and donors hav seen us through 2020 and will, no doubt, carry us forward into the future. In this time of challenge and uncertainty, we are proud to have fulfilled our mission of preserving, sharing and celebrating the stories of the Peoria area and look forward to doing so for many years to come with the help and support of all of you. Kathy Ma, President de Tonti Award Celebration Volunteer of the Year Award Postponed to 2021 By Shelly Lehman By Shelly Lehman Peoria Historical Society’s Volunteer of the Year Award for 2020 goes The Peoria Historical Society’s annual Henri to the docents who led the society’s History Walking Tours this summer de Tonti Award celebration was postponed to and fall. They are Linda Aylward, Corey Curtis, Bernie Drake, Gary Fall 2021 due to mitigations associated with Ebeling, Beth Johnson, Marilyn Leyland, John Leyland, Kathy Ma, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Connie Tomczyk. However, the society did announce an award “The award usually goes to just one volunteer,” said Executive Director recipient for 2020: Linda Daley received Colleen Johnson, “but this year due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions the honor for demonstrating outstanding the society had to cancel its popular history bus tours. These volunteers community leadership. Daley, who is chief stepped up to research and lead our first-ever walking tours so that of staff to Illinois Rep. Ryan Spain, will be history on the move could continue.” recognized at a dinner and ceremony next fall. “We recognize them for their creativity, expertise and commitment The award is named for an officer of the to the Peoria Historical Society,” Colleen said, “and we know that French military who in 1680 oversaw Fort every volunteer, no matter his or her role, is vital to the success of the Crevecouer, which later became the site of society’s mission to preserve, share and celebrate the stories of the Peoria. Peoria area. Thank you all for a job well done in this unpredictable year!”

Welcome New Members! PHS would like to extend a warm greeting to those who have become new members since our last publication.

Steve and Patti Bash Donna Kosner Jacob Pitts Gina Tillman Jon and Stephanie Bergen Michael and Pam Luenz Mike Plunkett Marie and Timothy Wiles Laura Carnell Bob Many Larry Reents Charlotte and Michael Jennifer Dutton Bonnie Mason Rebecca Rice Woodhouse Daniel and Diane Fehr Trisha Noack Terry and Marcella Teplitz Darlene Violet

2 Fall 2020 Peoria Historical Society Newsletter Fulfilling our Mission through Adaptive & Innovative Programming PHS Changes for the Times By Maureen Naughtin Like many organizations, the Peoria Historical Society found itself unable to conduct much of its in-person summer and fall programming. Yet, thanks to an “Adaptive and Innovative Grant” from Illinois Humanities, PHS was able to pivot into new types of programming. Our History Bus Tours became History Walking Tours. Our Educational Outreach Programs went virtual. Our always popular Haunted Peoria Tours became “Ghosts in the Parlor” story-telling programs held at both Flanagan Historic House Museum and Pettengill-Morron Historic House Museum. And, Haunted Peoria also became a three-part series of ghost stories told virtually in partnership with the Peoria Riverfront Museum. History Tour Director Beth Johnson and Curator Maureen Naughtin supply the details. Walking Tours – A Big Success By Beth Johnson Cory Curtis at Pettengill-Morron House The walking tours we implemented this year were a resounding success! Our wonderful history guides created interesting and engaging tours in less than a month. Areas chosen for touring included High Street, Randolph/Roanoke, Moss Avenue, downtown, and Springdale Cemetery. Four different tours were given in Springdale alone. The guides enjoyed the smaller group and more relaxed pace of the walking tours. Bernie Drake commented, “I found them more interactive with more feedback and participation than the tours on the bus. You get to go into more detail too.” Every guide expressed the hope that we can keep the walking tours for next season! An unexpected but delightful event happened on several of the tours: guests were invited into the homes and gardens of some neighborhood residents! We thank these gracious people: Steve Pierz, David Stotz and George Taylor, and the Gray family! Tour guests seemed to be as enthusiastic about the tours as the guides. Guests often had anecdotes and history to relay to the group, making everyone’s experience that much better. The walking tours ended up making some sweet lemonade out of the lemon of COVID-19! Ghosts in the Parlor By Beth Johnson “Ghosts in the Parlor” was held on two Sundays. On Oct. 18, visitors enjoyed stories told by Sophia Newton and Connie Tomczyk at Flanagan House. Oct. 25 at Pettengill-Morron House, Corey Curtis and Bryan Smith wove different spooky tales. Guests also enjoyed the tours that were offered at both homes. Both Sundays were full house events, which echo the sold-out bus tours of previous years. History Tour Chairperson Beth Johnson noted, “We were happy to provide an alternative to the bus tours! I believe we could have held the event every Sunday in October! I was excited to learn that many guests had never been to the homes before.” Thank you to our awesome costumed storytellers and the knowledgeable docents who Brian Smith at Pettengill-Morron House gave the home tours! Virtual Programming By Maureen Naughtin Prior to March, the Peoria Historical Society had made its presence known with a number of in-person Educational Outreach presentations, many given for patrons at local libraries. When the pandemic hit, in-person outreach quickly changed to virtual outreach. In the past many months, PHS has presented a dozen programs in virtual format. To suburban library patrons as well as local library patrons, curator Maureen Naughtin has spoken about Springdale Cemetery; Counting People: The United States Census – Its History & Relevance; and Central Illinois Women in Action: Winning the Right to Vote. Additionally, Beth Johnson, Corey Curtis, and Maureen Naughtin partnered with the Education Department of the Peoria Riverfront Museum to offer during the week before Halloween a three-part series of spooky Peoria stories. Kids enjoyed “Peoria’s Ghost Stories for the Young and the Young at Heart” by Beth. A more mature audience was regaled with Corey’s “Haunted History: Mysterious Stirrings from the Mansions on Moss.” And, everyone could be entertained with “Peoria’s Ghosts Around Town: Hauntings from Springdale Cemetery to Downtown Peoria” with Maureen. A huge thank you goes to the Peoria Riverfront Museum for extending this opportunity and to PRM’s Education/ Programming Department staff of Barb Dawson, Heather Placko and Holly Johnson. PHS looks forward to future partnerships with PRM. 3 are expected to be included: a quilting frame, and a flax spinning wheel that may be from the 1700s (currently being repaired by WOTM volunteers). Although not a major textile manufacturing location, Peoria was the site of some clothing manufacturing and related industries. Based on information obtained from a few representative City Directories, the Peoria Knitting Mills Company was active in 1880 as were two overall manufacturing companies, Bennett and Brother, and J.N Ward. Chic Manufacturing Company and the Peoria Shirt Company (Kintzer and Clark) were listed in the directories as active in 1917 and 1931. Related industries included Peoria Cordage and Peoria Tent and Awning which were also listed as active in 1917 and 1931. Most carpet weaving was done by individuals in 1880. Twelve were listed at that time but declined by 1931 when only three were listed. The Illinois Peoria Historical Society to Participate Rug Company and the Superior Rug Works were active in 1917, and the Universal Rug and Mattress Company was in New Displays at the Wheels O’ Time active in 1931. Bedding was also manufactured by the New Museum Idea Quilting Company and the Peoria Bedding and Supply By Pat Dowd Company in 1931. Currently under construction is an approximately 5000 According to various sources, Peoria Cordage, located at sq. ft., two level exhibits building at the Wheels O’ Time 1506 SW Washington St., was founded in 1888 by Civil War Museum campus, which at the time of this writing was veteran and agricultural equipment manufacturer Martin scheduled for completion by Spring 2021. The main Kingman and E.C. Heidrich from Ohio. Its main product for exhibit area in the new building will primarily expand and many years was twine used in wheat and corn binders made consolidate the large number of Caterpillar-related items from imported sisal and manila fiber. At one point Peoria currently on display at multiple locations in other Wheels Cordage had over 400 spindles and employed over 200 O’ Time Museum buildings. This is thought to be the second people. It ceased operation in 1975. Chic Manufacturing, largest collection of Caterpillar items on display to located at Adams and Maple Streets, was founded in 1906 to the public in the United States. manufacture aprons but later expanded to manufacturing dresses of rayon and cotton for household use, part of Plans are for the Peoria Historical Society to provide items the “Pretty Peggy” line. At one point it had over 250 for a rotating display in the upper level of the new building. sewing machines and employed over 150 people. It ceased First up will be items related to the distilling and brewing operation in 1975. industry in the Peoria area, many of which were formerly on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. The WOT exhibit designers are looking for images of textile related manufacturing machinery from the interior of Another planned upper level exhibit area will involve a factories in the area. All images used will be credited to history of textile manufacturing. Current plans are to the source. If you have something that could help with the include items all the way from ancient Egypt to 20th display, please contact Pat Dowd at [email protected]. century Peoria. Two items transferred from PHS that Thank you! operated by School of Horology graduates.

Remembering Bob Gilmore by Shelly Lehman Peoria Historical Society is remembering Robert Gilmore after his passing on September 22 at age 100. “Bob’s important legacy at Peoria Historical Society lives on,” said Executive Director Colleen Johnson. “Bob gave of himself to the Society volunteering and serving on the Board of Trustees. When the Society sought to honor him through a special dinner, he refused because he was a humble and giving person. He wanted only to help preserve the history of Peoria.” One Trustee who served with Bob said that Bob often shared stories of his early life in Peoria, like laying sandbags at Caterpillar during the historic flood of 1943. “He told her sandbags were being passed down a line, and when you felt yourself sinking, you’d drop one, step on it, and pass the next one along,” Collen said. “He truly worked his way from the ground up, from Caterpillar machinist apprentice to President and Chief Operating Officer!” Not only did Bob donate to all the Society’s fundraisers, he also donated to its collection. He gave a framed print of Peoria signed and numbered by Lonnie Stewart. Thank you, Bob. “He was a warm, welcoming people-person with a great heart for Peoria,” Colleen said. “ We are privileged to have had his support and are thankful for his posthumous giving through the Gilmore Foundation.” 4 Fall 2020 Peoria Historical Society Newsletter Pettengill-Morron Gets New Garden Steps By Mary Hamm Over the years, climate took its toll on the lower part of the garden steps at Pettengill-Morron House Museum. They sank and were deemed dangerous. After investigating the use of Slab Jackers, it was advised to replace the damaged steps with new ones. The opinions were that the hairline cracks would make the steps crumble if raised. Jim Kostner, of JIMAX, donated in-kind services of $800 to remove the steps. An anonymous donor paid the balance. Peoria Historical Society and Pettengill-Morron House wish to express our deepest gratitude for the generous donations especially during this difficult time.

Plants Donated to Sankoty By Mary Hamm Pettengill-Morron House Museum has been sprucing up the rear gardens close to the house all summer long. The ground cover and plants had taken over! Carol and Nick Hornickle facilitated the donation of plants to Sankoty Lakes Resort & Retreat. It is a joint initiative of Kim Blickenstaff and Dwayne Atherton. Located on Spring Bay Road, Sankoty Lakes Resort & Retreat has 200 acres of property with half under water. It features three clear-blue aquifer fed lakes and offers “Glamping, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and a beach area.” Dwayne sent two high school boys to help with the removal of plants. Nick and Kirby Hamm finished the removal. We are happy that the plants went to a new home for many visitors to enjoy!

Peoria Historical Society Receives Landmarks Illinois Grant By Maureen Naughtin The Peoria Historical Society is happy to announce that it received notice mid-August from Landmarks Illinois that it is the recipient of a $2,500 grant to be used for renovation work at its Pettengill-Morron Historic House Museum. A condition assessment of the property conducted by the Farnsworth Group has identified several spots where the home has suffered water damage. PHS plans to use Landmarks Illinois’ grant funds to begin the most essential repairs as identified in the condition assessment report. These priority needs include repairing the soffit, porte-cochere, roof, porch and porte-cochere columns, chimney and dormers as well as completing window restorations. Currently, a Strategic Planning Committee, comprised of the PHS Preservation Committee and some PHS Board of Directors, is meeting to discuss and outline a strategic plan for the historic property. To meet all the needs outlined in the Farnsworth Group assessment, a capital campaign will be necessary. None-the-less, the Peoria Historical Society is grateful to receive this initial funding from Landmarks Illinois to begin this important project.

5 first bishop of the Peoria Diocese. The school served Peoria for 90 years, until 1989, when it partnered with Bergan High School to form Peoria Notre Dame High School. The former school is now the Spalding Pastoral Center housing the administrative and meeting offices for the Peoria Diocese and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, and encompassing the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Museum and Diocesan Historical Museum. 3. Reichert Market Christian and Rosa Traub Reichert opened Reichert’s Market in 1931. In 1938, the couple purchased the former Proctor’s Market at 1724 N. Sheridan Road and remodeled the store to include “state-of-the-art” refrigeration to ensure quality products to better History on Display in Warehouse District serve the needs of the neighborhood. by Shelly Lehman The store closed in 1973 after serving the Loucks-Sheridan A slice of Peoria history brightens an old building in Peoria’s Road neighborhood for 42 years. Warehouse District. Artwork titled “Peoria’s Colorful Past” 4. Lydia Moss Bradley by Eileen and Doug Leunig is part of the Washington Street Lydia, an owner of the Peoria Watch Company, and J. R. Gallery public art walk outside the former Van Buskirk Steel Parsons, proprietor of Parsons Horological Institute at La building, 926 SW Washington St. Porte, Ind., joined forces, forming a horological school in The work joins other large-scale mounted mural Peoria on March 30, 1892. Lydia would expand her dream reproductions installed after building owners John and Gina of an “...institution to furnish its students with the means of Wetzel asked local arts group Big Picture Initiative to create living an independent, industrious and useful life by the aid an art walk on their building. of a practical knowledge of the useful arts and sciences,” by forming the Bradley Polytechnic Institute, which included Following are descriptions of the historical subjects in the horological school. The Institute expanded and later the Leunig’s work as described by researcher Christoph developed into Bradley University. Lydia died on Jan. 16, Traugott. Descriptions have been edited for space 1908, at age 91. The horological school closed in 1961. consideration. Some historical information has been added. 5. Bradley Hall Prints of the work, in various sizes, are available for On April 10, 1897, ground was broken for Bradley Hall. purchase by contacting [email protected]. Proceeds fund What had been open fields was transformed into Bradley arts education for children. Polytechnic Institute named for founder Lydia Moss 1. Franklin Street Bridge Bradley, who provided 17.5 acres of land; funds for two The bridge opened in 1913. It was the fourth bridge located campus buildings, including laboratory equipment and at that location. It was replaced by the Bob Michel Bridge in library books; and annual operating expenses. Fourteen 1993. Its construction was problematic for several reasons, faculty and 150 students began classes in Bradley Hall on including a bascule that often became stuck in the raised Oct. 4, 1897. The Institute continued to grow and develop to position. The bridge photo depicted here was from the Glass meet the educational needs of the region. Bradley became Plate Collection by Dallas R. Sweney, 807 Spring St., who a four-year college offering bachelor’s degrees in 1920 and in the early 1920s was briefly a commercial photographer a full university offering graduate programs in 1946, when with a studio at 229 N. Adams, the present-day site of Mark it was renamed Bradley University. (Information is from the Twain Hotel. He was a World War I veteran, serving with Bradley University website.) the 33rd Division of the American Expeditionary Forces in 6. OSF Medical Center College of Nursing France, and a long-term employee at Peoria Public Library In 1875, 25 Sisters departed for America, fleeing religious The glass negatives were found during the salvage of a persecution known as the Kulturkampf “culture struggle,” condemned Peoria home; decayed and weather-beaten, a breakdown between the government of Prussia and the they were painstakingly digitally restored. Roman Catholic Church, chiefly centered on the rights and 2. Peoria Spalding Institute authority over ecclesiastical appointments. The Sisters The institute was a Catholic boys’ school founded in 1899 settled in Iowa City, setting up an orphanage and school. by the Franciscan Brothers of Mountbellew, Ireland, at the Chronically underfunded, on a Midwestern fundraising behest of Bishop John Lancaster Spalding, founder and tour, they made a stop in Peoria, given the large German-

6 Fall 2020 Peoria Historical Society Newsletter American community. They met with pastor of St. Joseph League) in 1905, winning three league championships in Church, Fr. Bernard Baak, who requested they help establish 1911, 1916 and 1917. Baseball was suspended in 1918 due to a hospital in Peoria. Six Sisters returned in 1876, renting a World War I. When the team returned in 1919, they changed house on South Adams Street. A year later they purchased their name to the Peoria Tractors. After Lake View Park’s a home on the East Bluff. Upon arriving as the first Bishop demise, Woodruff Field was built across the street. of the Peoria Diocese, John Lancaster Spalding toured 8. Women and Canoe the facilities, and upon seeing the difficult operating and A canoe outing on the Illinois River is from a photo album funding conditions, Spalding encouraged the Sisters to form titled “Glimpses of Peoria (1912-1915) as Seen by Mary a separate congregation with the Diocese’s full backing and Camp Scovel.” Scovel (middle) was an art educator, painter support. and potter who led the teacher training program at the Art 7. Concession Stand Runners Institute of Chicago. During a stay in Peoria, she was the Concession stand runners and helpers, circa 1916, serviced instructor of the Normal Art Course at Bradley Polytechnic the Lake View Park baseball field. The park (1883-1921) was Institute. She was born in Bloomington on Feb. 19, 1869. near the Illinois River at the foot of Grant Street, Averyville. Upon retirement in 1933, she settled in Carmel, Calif., and It was home to the Peoria Distillers, which formed in 1894, died there on Oct. 18, 1941. and entered the Triple-I League (Illinois-Indiana-Iowa

Peoria Historical Society (and Caterpillar) help re-unite Chicago Woman with Photograph of her Grandfather By Maureen Naughtin When Leslie Flanagan Bryant happened upon a 2017 Caterpillar created YouTube video about “The 8th Infantry Regiment of the Illinois National Guard – Company K,” she saw a familiar face – the face of her great-grandfather, Colonel William Joseph Warfield. Immediately, she knew she needed to find a copy of that image for her mother, Mandolyn Flanagan. Fortunately, the Peoria Historical Society is blessed to have in its collection a number of Eighth Infantry Regiment photographs, many of which were used in the CAT video. First founded in the 1870s, the Eighth Infantry Regiment of the Illinois National Guard was an all-Black militia regiment and the only regiment in the nation to be commanded by Black officers. In 1910, the regiment was stationed in Peoria to engage in one of its large-scale maneuvers. (The photographs in the PHS collection are from 1910.) In 1914 the Eighth Regiment Armory was constructed in the Black Metropolis-Bronzeville District of Chicago; it was the first armory built for an African-American regiment. The regiment served in the Spanish- American War, the Mexican Expedition, WWI and WWII. The regiment still exists as the 178th Infantry Regiment. As a prominent member of the Eighth Infantry, Colonel William Joseph Warfield had a distinguished military career and post-military career. Warfield saw action during the Spanish American War and WWI. For his extraordinary Mandolyn Flanagan with picture of her great-grand- heroism in action near Ferne-de-la-Riviere, France on September 28, 1918, father Colonel William Warfield when stationed in Peoria, IL in 1910. Warfield received the Distinguished Service Cross. His citation read, “Although separated with his platoon from the company, First Lieutenant Warfield continued to lead a stubborn resistance against enemy machine-gun nests, successfully capturing a gun and killing the crew. After having been severely wounded, he still continued in command, refusing relief until his objective was reached.” In 1940, Warfield retired from military service to pursue politics. He was elected as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives and served fourteen years in that capacity. Colonel Warfield and his family lived in Chicago. When Leslie Flanagan Bryant contacted us, we were delighted to locate the image of her great-grandfather and send a scan for her mother. According to Leslie, her mother, Mandolyn Flanagan, “an 83-year-old diva”, was thrilled with the picture. Mandolyn said she and her grandfather had a special relationship. “I felt a special bond with my grandfather because we shared the same birthday. My fondest childhood memory is that of visiting him at the 8th Infantry National Guard [in Chicago.]. He’d always be so happy to see me. I’ve always taken every opportunity to tell people all I can about him and his accomplishments. I’m enormously proud that my grandfather protected and defended the freedoms of all Americans.” Leslie also informed us that her great-grandfather might be in line to be a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor. Recently, a task force was established to determine the eligibility of Black soldiers who fought during the Great War. With his granddaughter and great-granddaughter, PHS hopes that honor comes to pass! 7 Keeping a Watch on Time By H. Wayne Wilson This article first appeared in Numero magazine Nine faint stars in the southern winter sky form the constellation Horologium Oscillitorium, which is Latin for pendulum clock. It was one of numerous creations from the studies of French astronomer Abbe Nicholas Louis de Lacaille in the early 1750s. The astronomical name has since been shortened to Horologium, a term that would have significant impact on Bradley Polytechnic Institute nearly 150 years later. Bradley had a watch making and repair school from its first year until 1961, but its origins are found in a cross-state link between LaPorte, Ind., and downtown Peoria. J. R. Parsons founded his watch making school in 1886 in LaPorte, while F. F. Ide was operating the Bradley Polytechnic Institute’s horology building was built in 1897. It is Westlake Hall today. Photo courtesy Special Collections, Bradley University. Peoria Watch Company in Peoria. Parsons wanted to expand his school beyond its 90-student size The wristwatch added to the need for expert repairmen. The but didn’t have sufficient capital to do so. When the First horological institute’s instruction program proved popular, National Bank of Peoria foreclosed on the Peoria Watch attracting students from Oregon to Maine – so popular Company, located at the corner of Madison and Fulton that the building was expanded in 1910. Several years later streets, on March 30, 1892, it opened the door for Lydia during World War I, the United States government used the Moss Bradley to form a stock company. Parsons sold his building to train men in lens grinding, gunsmithing and the watch repair school to Mrs. Bradley’s stock company repair of small instruments. The lens grinding was a perfect and moved to Peoria to operate the new Parsons fit because horologists were opticians at the time. Horological Institute. Ide became the superintendent as he also owned a company that manufactured watch making Enrollment grew even further immediately following World tools. War II, with 400 students in the 18-month-long curriculum that focused on jewelry as well as watch making. The An 1896 fire that destroyed the horological institute and number of students was large enough to support a the Ide Manufacturing Company opened the door for professional horology fraternity, Psi Delta Omega. At construction of a new building on the campus of Bradley the same time, the building was renamed Westlake Hall, Polytechnic Institute that would open a year later. The new honoring Allen T. Westlake, who taught horology for 30 horology hall, built of Bedford limestone quarried in Indiana, years until his death in 1931. Longtime area residents might was the first building in the country specifically constructed recall familiar names like Dehart Watch Repair in Peoria’s for horology instruction. In a bit of an embarrassment, First National Bank Building, Larson Jewelers at 124 SW Parsons built the original clock in the new building’s tower, Adams and Gangloff Jewelers in Eureka. All three were but all those horologists couldn’t get it to keep proper time. operated by School of Horology graduates. Time finally found its place when a new clock was installed in 1904. Time Marches On As Bradley University’s institutional priorities changed, Transition to a New Timepiece and horology enrollment declined, the university The word horology comes from the Greek words ‘hora’ made the decision to close the horology school. Its last -- meaning time -- and ‘logos’ -- denoting study. In the class graduated in June 1961 after more than 11,000 1890s, that work was primarily for clocks and pocket students had learned the trade. The school was sold watches, but that was to change. In 1904, Alberto Santos- to the Gem City Business College, which still operates Dumont, an early aviator, asked his friend, a French the School of Horology today in Quincy, Ill., on a limited watchmaker, Louis Cartier, to design a watch that could be basis. The business college still has some desks and useful during his flights. The wristwatch had already been equipment once used at Bradley. invented by Patek Philippe in 1868, but only as a “lady’s bracelet watch,” intended as jewelry. As pocket watches Westlake Hall still thrives after a $24-million renovation were unsuitable for the pilot, Louis Cartier created the and expansion in 2012. No longer training horologists, it is Santos wristwatch, the first man’s wristwatch and the first home to the university’s College of Education and Health designed for practical use. Services. But the clock remains on the tower, keeping a watch on time.

8 Fall 2020 Peoria Historical Society Newsletter MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

Pass along your passion for history and consider becoming a Peoria Historical Society Membership Sponsor. Someone you know has the same interest in “preserving, sharing, and celebrating the stories of the Peoria area”. Your gift of membership not only helps further the PHS mission, but encourages others to do the same. Please use the form below or go online to peoriahistoricalsociety.org for a printable membership form and add a note that you’re sponsoring the new member when you submit the form. Thanks for your continued support.

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Peoria Historical Society Special Collections Center 611 SW Washington Street Bradley University Library Peoria, IL 61602 Bradley Avenue at Glenwood Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Tuesday-Friday Phone: 309-677-2822 Phone: 309-674-1921 Fax: 309-674-1882 John C. Flanagan House Museum [email protected] 942 NE Glen Oak Avenue www.peoriahistoricalsociety.org Peoria, IL 61603 Find us on Facebook Phone: 309-674-1921

Pettengill-Morron House Museum 1212 W. Moss Avenue Peoria, IL 61606 Phone: 309-674-1921 Open for tours: Thursday, 10-2 First Sunday of the month Cost: $10. adults $5. high school & college $3. children 6-12 Tours by appointment. $20 minimum