Books About Decatur

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A selection of books featuring the people, places and events of Decatur Illinois:











 



A historical novel about the founding and building of the Decatur and Macon County Hospital


William C. Johns Home for Nurses



Decatur High School

MacArthur High School

Eisenhower High School


Popular posts from this blog

N&W Explosion 1974

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On July 19, 1974, a massive explosion leveled the N&W (Norfolk & Western) railyard in the heart of Decatur.  Neighborhoods around the explosion site were heavily damaged, including Lakeview High School. The blast was reportedly heard as far away as 30 miles. (photos from Herald and Review archives) Lakeview High School To read more about the explosion: " Death Before Dawn ", a research project by Millikin student Laura Voyles Text of Associated Press article detailing the incident National Transportation Safety Board's " Railroad Accident Report " for the event
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Brush College Road Improvements

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Here is a set of 6 illustrations depicting the **PROPOSED** Brush College Road overpass that is currently in the planning stages. Funding has not yet been secured, so this is still a long way off.   There is a town hall meeting coming up on April 22, 2014 out at the National Sequestration Education Center on the campus of Richland Community College to discuss the plans for this work.  Contact City of Decatur Engineering at 217-424-2747 for more information. **CLICK ON EACH PHOTO TO ENLARGE replace the current underpass on Brush College Road with an overpass a closer look at what that overpass might look like Option 1: intersection of Brush College Road and Faries Parkway Option 2: intersection of Brush College Road and Faries Parkway  (yes, those are "roundabouts") looking south towards the proposed overpass over Faries Parkway looking west towards the proposed overpass carrying Brush College  (note the "roundabout")
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Decatur Baseball: Fans Field and More

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Here's a collection of photos from Decatur's baseball past, starting with the Commodores and Fans Field (1927-1974).  Fans Field was located on the southeast corner of Garfield and Woodford Streets. demolition in 1975 Fans Field Today..... looking northeast towards 2nd base looking southeast towards home plate looking northwest towards home plate And don't forget there was also baseball played on Staley Field (1915-1923): It is believed that the field was located on the northwest corner of Eldorado and 22nd Streets, near where the Staley Viaduct is today.
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