Hidden in Plain Sight: WPA Park Pavilions
Beyond merely utilitarian function, WPA projects are aesthetically pleasing constructions that were built to last. Many of these gems are still in use today, although residents often fail to appreciate their historic significance. Before the dawning of “economic stimulus packages,” Grandpa had to put in a full day’s work before Big Brother would spare him […]
Atomic Mission
The Manhattan Project, so named because the first plan originated in that “district,” was America’s top-secret mission to harness nuclear energy into a massively powerful bomb and end World War ll. The mission’s leaders were Dr. Leo Oppenheimer on the science side, and General Leslie Groves on the management/military procurement and coordination side. The rest, […]
Weathering The Storm
When talking to Decatur resident Karen Hurley about the April 19, 1996, tornado she and her family survived, the key word is obvious: “Survive.” Yet after the dark eerie clouds, blinding rain, and devastating winds passed, the initial reaction was an odd sense of denial. Both Hurley and fellow local survivor Brad Storm didn’t grasp, […]
How-To Make the Perfect Cheese Toastie
Decatur resident Jim Friesner recalls ordering a cheese toastie when visiting Chicago a few years back. “The waitress laughed,” he recalls. “(I guess) it’s only called a cheese toastie in Decatur.” While wait staff outside our area may discern you mean a grilled cheese, “cheese toastie” generally requires an explanation or, at a minimum, earns […]
How-To Win At Gin
Gin rummy comes with a pretty straightforward set of rules: A 52-card deck; aces played low; and the objective of improving your hand by forming spreads and runs (melds), discarding uncooperative cards (deadwood) and, ultimately, outscoring your opponent. But for one of Decatur’s longest-running cadre of card sharks, the heart of the game is more […]
How-To Hit Green Lights
When I was a kid, I thought my aunt was a witch. Not a broom-riding, cackling, pointy-hat-wearing witch, but a normal-looking witch with special powers. At least that’s what she told me. As a six-year-old, I watched her take out her teeth and make slugs disappear by pouring salt on them. In the days before […]
in this issue: April / May 2020
features Let’s Go ExploringIt’s the perfect time of year to get up and get going, so be prepared to try something new this spring. We did the research to help you gear up for adventure, learn the ropes and have fun in the process. Enjoy! cover illustration by Shani Goss Stand Up SummerThe opening […]
Calendar – April / May 2020
SPECIAL NOTICE Due to the alert status of COVID-19 and influenzas in Illinois, events listed on this calendar are changing on a daily basis. We suggest calling ahead to confirm details and cancellations before making plans to attend. Thank you! April / May 2020 Art Concerts, Live Music & Movies Comedy & Theatre History & […]
Here & There – Greenville, North Carolina
Located 85 miles west of Raleigh on what locals refer to as the “Inner Bank,” Greenville has a population of 92,156 and is the 10th largest city in North Carolina. Rated in the Top 50 Most Livable Communities, the largest employer is Eastern Carolina University with a student enrollment over 25,000. Downtown Greenville underwent a […]
in this issue: February / March 2020
features Decatur Icons Webster’s Dictionary defines an icon as a person or place that is revered or idolized – a definition that applies to many during Decatur’s 190-year history. We remember the accomplishments of great men and women whose significant contributions in Decatur have influenced the course of history here and around the world. cover […]
Here & There – Top Ten Best Small Towns to Live in 2020
Every year the rankings are released for Best Cities to Work, Best Cities to Attract Millennials, Best Cities to Raise Families, Best College Towns…you get the idea, the lists go on and on. This year Thrillist (the epitome of list makers) came up with a new one – Best Small Towns to Move To (Before […]
Calendar – February / March 2020
SPECIAL NOTICE Due to the alert status of COVID-19 and influenzas in Illinois, events listed on this calendar are changing on a daily basis. We suggest calling ahead to confirm details and cancellations before making plans to attend. Thank you! February / March 2020 ArtConcerts, Live Music & MoviesComedy & TheatreHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents […]
Only in Decatur: Dec/Jan 2020
Wishing you don’t shoot your eye out this holiday season. Photography by Rachel Holden
Calendar – December 2019 / January 2020
December 2019 / January 2020 ***HOLIDAY EVENTS*** ArtConcerts, Live Music & MoviesHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents for Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals & ExpositionsSpecial Events HOLIDAY EVENTS Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 30Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary Anderson Plaza. Start a new family tradition with cookies and cocoa, holiday music and […]
in this issue: December / January 2020
features Christmas Classics Every family has their favorites – time honored holiday traditions that bring joy to our celebrations and create the magic of the season we all cherish. Elaborate Elf AdventuresSupposedly Fun Things’ holiday edition explores the craze that is keeping parents of young children up even later than usual during the entire Christmas […]
Calendar – October / November 2019
October / November 2019 ArtConcerts, Live Music & MoviesComedy & TheatreHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents for Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals & ExpositionsSpecial Events Charity Datebook ART Hidden Mothers – through October 25Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1215 N. Kirkland Dr. Exhibit by Megan Jacobs referencing the early usages of photography […]
in this issue: October / November 2019
features The 70s Revisited It’s like taking a step back in time during the “Me Decade” when marijuana was a hot topic, gender equality was a dream and personal passions were displayed on the front of a t-shirt. Fifty years later a lot has changed, but as the old saying goes – “a lot has […]
Wine & Beer Garden at the Decatur Celebration
Now in its 10th year, wine and craft beer enthusiasts have found their home at Decatur Celebration. Right in the heart of the festival at William & Water, this popular destination offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of seating and the smooth sounds of live music playing on the nearby Cabaret Stage. Illinois wineries and […]
Here & There – Peoria, Arizona
Peoria, Arizona owes its founding to residents from Illinois. Lured to the area to work on the Arizona Canal, William John Murphy recruited settlers from his hometown of Peoria, Illinois to begin a new community. Five families relocated and when they recorded the plot map with Macicopa County in 1897, the settlement was named after […]
Only in Decatur: Decatur Schools
Ripping kids from their summer vacation since 1830. Photography by Rachel Holden