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PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY Box 2555. Station A. Champaign. Dlinois 61820

"The GPast GJIas vA Gf'uture"

Volume...a---3 October, 1983 Number 4

''HE'S OFFIDS TROLLEY" "He's offhis trolley"is an expression ---~~~, that is seldom heard any more because I few people under forty have ever rid- I den on a city streetcar. Some members I of the younger set may not even know I that at one time many cities had street- I cars that ran on tracks and were powered by overhead trolley wires. Until 1936, Otampaign-Urbana boast- ed a trolley system with the quaint charm of those in other Americancities. The abandonment of the system in that year was quite earlyin comparison with the trolley demises ofmany other Mid- western com."'11unities:Peoria, 1946; , 1953;Oricago, 1958;St. Louis, 1966. In Philadelphia, Boston, New Orleans, and San Francisco, trol- leys are still revenue producing street- car systems, as opposed to museum lines. In 1892the Otampaign-Urbana street railway system of horSe-drawn street- cars, in service since 1859, became electrified. This came only two years West Oaurch Street Line, 1921 after Oricago got its firstelectricstreet- Photograph courtesy of the Ownpaign County Hislorical cars. 's system grew into the comer of Clark and New streets where Archives, Urbana Free Ubrary. world's largest urban system. a well-preserved twelve-foot stretch of The Otampaign-Urbana system was track with both rails intact crossed that discern in the pavement in front of the most interesting in terms of the routes intersection. Unfortunately, when Athenaeum craCkSoutlining the pass- which served the twin cities. These in- Oark Street was repaved with asphalt ing switch which enabled the Church cluded the Oregon Street line which overlay recently, this entire stretch of Street streetcars to pass each other. crossed the campus quadrangle east track was completelycovered up, an act Actual pieces of track from some of the and west between the Administration of wmecessary destruction ofthe traces various systems are still visible at the and English buildings, the Church of our urban history. comer ofSpringfield and Third, and on Street line which ran almost to Mattis A community which takes the pains North Matthews near the Engineering Street, and the Lake Shore line which to restore and to preserve its old stone- Research Laboratory. A folder of old ran north on Coler in Urbana up to arch bridge, part of the pre-Ovil War, photographs of the city streetcars can Woodlawn Cemetery, to name but a horse-drawn streetcar system, might be viewed by patrons of the Otam- few. One of the nicest lines, begun want to preserve the few remaining paign County Archives at the Urbana about 1892,was the New Street Line. It traces of a fine transit system. In this Free Library. traversed pleasant residential neigh- system the institution of electric street- In a related issue, the preservation of borhoods beginning at Neil and cars predated the 1895construction of brick streets, legislation was intro- Randolph and running to Green and the . Apropos to duced into the Otampaign Oty Coun- Prospect before its early abandonment the Athenaeum, today you can look cil by Alderman Dannel McCollum to in 1925.Until this past July, one could west down Church Street from the require Gty Council notification of the see a fine vestige of this old line at the comer of Church and State and still repavement ofany part ofa brick street. THE NATIONALREGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

Background Program property and should be documented. A The National Register of Historic All historic areas in the National Park detailed atehitectural description of the Places is the official list of the Nation's System, together with those properties property is also required. Photographs cultural resources worthy of preserva- eligible for designation as National His- and other support material should be tion. The need to protect and preserve toric Landmarks, are of national signifi- submitted with the nomination form. our cultural resources has been recog- cance and are listed in the National Before submission to the National nized by groups of private citizens Register. Properties of national, state, Register, all nominations must be ap- since the mid-19th century. Federal or local signficance may be nominated proved by a State review board. If the involvement in preservation has been by the States and the Federal agencies property meets the National Register shaped by several major pieces of legis- and are placed in the National Register criteria, the board recommends it for lation beginning with the Antiquities with the approval of the Secretary of nomination. The nomination form is Act of 1906 and the Historic Sites Act of the Interior. then signed by the SHPO and for- 1935. The significance of properties nom- warded to the National Register where The governmental mandate was ex- inated to the National Register is eval- it is again reviewed. Owners of the panded by the National Historic Pres- uated in accordance with an established property and the governmental body ervation Act of 1966 which called for the set of criteria: with jurisdiction over the property are preservation of cultural properties of The quality of significance in Ameri- notified of the nomination and are state and local as well as national signif- an history, architecture, archeology, given an opportunity to comment on icance. The Secretary of the Interior and culture is present in districts, the action. The nomination process was authorized to establish the Nation- sites, buildings, structures, and ob- usually takes a minimum of six months. al Register as a list of districts, sites, jects that possess integrity of loca- If the nomination is approved at all buildings, structures and objects signif- tion, design, setting, materials, levels, the state, the local government icant in American history, architecture, workmanship, feeling and associa- and the property owner is notified that archeology and culture, and to grant tion,and the property has been listed on the funds to assist the States in preparing A. that are associated with events National Register of Historic Places. comprehensive surveys of such prop- that have made a significant contrib- The property owner also receives a cer- erties within their boundaries. A pro- ution to the broad patterns of our tificate to this effect. gram of matching grants-in-aid for the history; or preservation activities of the States and B. that are associated with the lives Effect of Listing the National Trust for Historic Preser- of persons significant in our past; or Listing in the National Register vation was also authorized. Title II of C. that embody the distinctive tYPe, makes property owners eligible to be the act created the Advisory Council on period, or method of construction, or considered for Federal grants-in-aid for Historic Preservation to review and that possess high artistic values, or historic preservation through State pro- advise the President and Congress on that represent a significant and dis- grams, provides protection by requir- Federal actions related to preservation. tinguished entity whose components ing comment from the Advisory Coun- The importance of Federal partici- may lack individual distinction; or cil on Historic Preservation on the effect pation in preservation activities was D. that have yielded, or may be like- of federally assisted projects on these further emphasized by Executive Order ly to yield, information important to resources and makes owners who re- 11593, signed May 13, 1971, which prehistory or history. habilitate certified historic properties states that "the Federal Government eligible for Federal tax benefits. On the shall provide leadership in preserving, Implementation of the Program state level as of January 1, 1983, restoring and maintaining the historic State Historic Preservation Officers National Register listing also makes and cultural environment of the (SHPOs) are appointed in each state by owner-occupied homes eligible for a Nation." In cases where proposed the governor. Their responsibilities in- local property tax freeze on improve- Federal actions would affect cultural clude the nomination of properties in ments for up to eight years. properties that have been detennined their state to the National Register, to be eligible for Natinal Register list- development of a State Preservation Summary ing, the order requires Federal agencies plan, administration of the Federal The National RegisterDOESNOT: to seek and consider comment from the preservation grants program within . disallow private property owners Advisory Council on Historic Preser- their state, and review of federally from making changes or painting vation before implementation of the funded or licensed projects for their their house proposed action. effect on the State's historic and cul- . force property owners to make any Passage of the Economic Recovery tural resources. improvements on their property Tax Act of 1981 was another major pos- The nomination form requires infor- . force businesses to change signs itive Federal action designed to encour- mation concerning the legal owner and . create a review commission age preservation. Incorporated into the the legal description (location) of the . limit the use ofbuildings act are Internal Revenue Code provi- property or site. It also requires a state- . cost the property owner anything to sions intended to stimulate private ment of significance; this is a narrative be listed on the register sector rehabilitation and preservation stating the reasons why the property . make the owners erect or buy any of historic structures and neighbor- should be listed on the National Regis- signs or plaques hoods eligible for National Register ter. It usually contains a list of all the . request the owners to research their listing. owners and a general history of the property ILLINOISSTATEHISTORICAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS The National RegisterDOES: SOCIETY . bring national recognition to an area The Board of Directors has author- by identifying it as an important The State Historical Society's ized a new PACA Committee to deal place 84th annual meeting will be held in with the establishment of historic dis- . protect properties fromany federally Champaign-Urbana on October 21-23, tricts in Champaign County. The Com- funded or licensed projects (such as with headquarters at the Champaign mittee will deal initially with residential a state highway or sewerage plant Ramada Inn Convention Center, 1501 districts in Champaign and Urbana, but using federal funds) affecting Na- S. Neil St., Champaign. On Friday will eventually consider commercial tional Register sites by comment afternoon there will be a chance to see districts and districts outside of C-U. through an Environmental Impact the University of Illinois campus and its Volunteers are needed to serve on this Statement surrounding area, as well as Chanute committee. Members will work on . allows owners of income producing Air Force Base in Rantoul, where the issues such as district location, boun- properties {both commercial and annual awards banquet will be held daries, surveys, research and political rental) to take advantage of benefits that evening. Saturday morning will be acceptance. For further information or concerning historic properties as the annual business meeting and elec- to serve on the committee contact Bill provided for in the Economic tion of officers and a program on Schmidt, Committee Chairman, 359- RecoveryTaxAct of 1981 Champaign County. Later two concur- 9760 or Karen Ku.mmer, 359-7404. . often increases the value of property rent bus tours will begin. Tour A will .... . increases community awareness of stop at an 1869 renovated Urbana home local history and creates a sense of and at the Early American Musewn in pride in achievements Mahomet. After lunch at the Grey Notes For further information concerning Goose, a restaurant and antique shop, - the National Register contact PACA or there will be time to investigate nearby Two staff members of the Historic the state SHPO's office (Illinois Depart- shops before returning to Champaign Sites Division, Illinois Department of ment of Conservation, Division of His- for homemade ice cream at Vriner's, a Conservation, will be guest speakers in toric Sites, 40S E. Washington St., turn-of-the-century confectionery re- the "Planning for Preservation" course Springfield, IL 62706). cently listed on the National Register. at the University of Illinois. Ted Hild The tour will end with a visit to the will speak on preservation law, the new Champaign County Historical Muse- Tax Act, and certified local preservation um. Tour B, meanwhile, will have commissions. Ann Marvell will discuss The Oty Council then has the oppor- begun with a visit to the Round Barn varius economic issues related to pres- tunity to review the planned repave- Restaurant and a presentation on ervation. The lectures will be Tuesday, ment and may deny permission. It is an barns. Next stop is Monticello, home of October 25 from 10:30-11:50 a.m. in the issue in which the interest of the Coun- the Railway Museum where there will seminar room at 1001 Nevada. The cil is not high, but the review process be a train ride and a luncheon buffet. A public is invited. does provide an opportunity for Coun- stop in Tolono will feature a 17-room cil members to become sensitive to the Second Empire home. Back in Cham- Jim Mathien, PACA Board Member, issue. Perhaps the remaining trolley paign, Tour Bwill end with a visit to the and Karen Kummer, Executive Direc- tracks could be handled in the same . That evening manner. there will be a dinner and program at tor, will be attending the annual meet- the Ramada Inn. The speaker will be ing of the National Trust for Historic One American city which had street- Preservation. cars almost identical in design to those Dean Weller who will talk on Lorado of Champaign-Urbana was Fort Col- Taft's sculpture. Sunday morning will lins, Colorado. The system was aban- feature a brunch and program by Secre- doned in 1951; however, one car was tary of State Jim Edgar at the University fortuitously stored for three decades of Illinois Illini Union. and will soon be seen running in ser- PACA will have a display table set up vice over a line which the city is recon- in the registration area at the Ramada structing. How nice it would be if our Inn, Friday, Oct. 21. You are invited to community could at least consider the stop in iIDd see the display which will possibility of uncovering the blacktop include a continuous showing of the overlay at some key points such as that Restoration slide show. at Oark and New and at the Burnham PACA will also conduct a short walking Athenaewn. The low costs involved tour of the campus quadrangle with San would be worthwhile in terms of the stops at Altgeld HaD and the World Antonio cultural significance for present and Heritage Museum. future generations. For further information about the 37th National [This article was written by guest ISH Annual Meeting contact the Illinois author Thomas Kilton, Assistan t Mod- Heritage Assocation, 359-5600. PreseIVation em Languages and linguistics Librar- Conference NOTES ian at the University of lllinois Library. October 26-30, 1983 PACA invites other guest articles or For reasons of economy, PACA does suggestions for articles. Send them to not yet have a telephone listing. To National Trust for Editor, PACA Newsletter.] contact the Executive Director, Karen Historic Preservation Thomas D. Kilton Kummer, call3S9-7404. I PRESERVATIONCALENDAR FORSALE:

October An exciting new book is being pub- 27-29 Jul Marknad (Christmas lished this year in commemoration of 21-22 DlinoisHistoricalSocietyAnnual Market), Bishop Hill the 150th Anniversary of Champaign Meeting, Ramada, Inn, December County. This publication will provide Champaign 2 FrankfortCandlelight House an updated overview ofcounty history. 22 Candlelight Tour ofNew Salem, Tour, Frankfort, 6-9p.m. Its purpose is to increase understand- Petersburg Vicinity,7-9p.m. Christmas Walk,Geneva ing of the historicaldevelopment of the 22-23 Fort MassacEncampment, 3-4 New Salem Christmas, Peters- County and its contributions to the Metropolis state, the nation and the world. 26-30 National Trust forHistoric burg Vicinity,10a.m.-4 p.m. 2-4 Ouistmas Candlelight Tours, A CommemorativeHistory of Cham- Preservation Annual Meeting, 9-11 Pettengill-MorronHouse, Peoria San Antonio, Texas paign County, Illinois: 1833-1983 by 3-4 Holiday Open House, Ellwood Willis "Bud" Baker and Patricia 1. House Association,DeKalb Miller. Printed in limited number by November Christmas Festival, Graham- Walsworth Publishing Company. Hard 16-17 Holiday House, 2000East St. Ginestra House, Rockford, 11 cover. $24.95.Forordering information Louis Street, West Frankfort a.m.-Sp.m. contact the TIlinoisHeritage Associa- tion, 359-5600.

GIAMPAIGN COUNfY ARTS NON-PROmORG. AI\'D HUMANITIES COUNOL U.S. POSTAGE PAID 17E. Jniversity Avenue GIAMPAlGN, IL

PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION Champaign, Illinois 61820 PERMIT NO. 618 ASSOCIATION OF CHAMPAIGN COUNlY

Box 2555, Station A, Champaign, Illinois 61820

PACA Newsletter Published by the Preservation and Conservation Association of Otampaign County. President: Neil Strack Vice President: Bill Sc:hmidt Sec.- Treas.: Mark Replogle Exec. Director: Karen Lang Kummer Please submit material for publication in the next newsletter before 15th of month. ~------_._------Membership Application P.A.C.A

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY: INDIVIDUAL CIVIC o Adult ...... $10.00 DOver 100 members ...... $100.00 o Student (lh time or more) ...... $ 5.00 o 50-100members $ 75.00 o Family (includesall members of a house- o Upto 50 members $50.00 hold with no more than two members being over age 21) ...... $15.00 o AdditionalContribution oCORPORATE...... $ 50.00

NAME o RENEWAL o NEW MEMBERSHIP ADDRESS Street State Zip

Makecheck payable to: PACA,Box 2555, Station A, Champaign,Dlinois61820.