The trailblazing dance educator who built a legacy amid the Great Depression
International Women’s Day was celebrated globally on March 8 to honor women’s achievements in all areas of life. The late Paris resident, Ethel Marie Crabtree, symbolizes what it means to …
The transformation of Goding Shoe Factory in Paris
The following article is a reproduction of a piece written by Mr. Stanley in a March 2017 edition of The Prairie Press.
During the “Roaring Twenties,” a man from Nashville, …
Mardi Gras, the vibrant and extravagant festival synonymous with New Orleans, La., is steeped in rich history, cultural evolution and legendary celebrations. From its European origins to its grand …
The following article is a reprint of a contribution from Roger Stanley. The article first appeared in an October 2017 edition of The Prairie Press.
They say that one picture can be worth a …
The following article is an exact reprint of an article appearing in the Monday, April 16, 1987, edition of The Prairie Beacon-News. It was written by Ned Jenison.
Details of the renovation …
From rural roots to literary legacy and a Netflix series
More than 83 years after she began publishing her Little House on the Prairie books and decades after her passing, Laura Ingalls Wilder remains one of America’s most beloved authors. Now, her …
In the harsh winter of 1925, a deadly diphtheria outbreak threatened a small town in Alaska. The only way to save the residents of Nome, especially its children, was to deliver a vital supply of …
Born in Edgar County
Mother Anastasie Brown, S.P., served as the Superior General of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods from 1868 to 1874, leading the congregation through financial hardships stemming …
The following article is an exact reprint of an article appearing in the Monday, May 4, 1987, edition of The Prairie Beacon-News.
Charter members of the Edgar County Homemakers Extention …
It was supposed to be a fun-filled weekend in Chicago for deserving students from the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville. The whirlwind schedule included a visit to a museum, a basketball …
The following article is an exact reprint of an article appearing in the Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1987, edition of The Prairie Beacon-News.
Presentation of the first "Parisian Award” by the …
Alice Moore McComas, a celebrated writer, suffragist and advocate for women's rights, was born on June 18, 1850, in Paris, Ill. She grew up in a family of distinction; her father, Gen. Jesse Hale …
In the 1850s, the arrival of December meant that stores in downtown Springfield would be filled with toys and gifts, and newspapers would be filled with ads reminding holiday shoppers that …
Pearl Harbor, located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, was the site of a devastating, surprise military attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy on Dec. 7, 1941.
The strikes targeted the U.S. Pacific …
Today, Edgar County is home to over 18,500 residents and some of the best farmland in the area. A century ago, descriptions of the county were similar to today – but only in some ways.
…
In September of 2004, Homer Coleman Peebles was 90 years old. The charming and energetic man was full of energy when he gave an interview to M.D. Brading, a Beacon-News staff writer.
Known more …
NOTES FROM THE PRAIRIE
A long, long time ago, many marvelous things were invented. Over 120 years ago, the Wright brothers flew the first airplane.
Now look at what man has done since then. We can get on a plane and, …
Over 200 years ago, in 1823, Edgar County formed and selected Paris as its county seat. With that, the first rendition of the Edgar County courthouse was built with a price tag of $690. Less than 10 …
The Iconic game of monopoly started as a political statement
Monopoly is one of the most recognized board games in the world, accounting for nearly one-third of all board game sales in the United States. Versions of the classic game include mobile apps, themed …
The North’s partnership with Liberian farmers provided coffee to troops
Ten months into the Civil War, the Union was short on a crucial supply, the absence of which threatened to sap the fighting strength of the Northern army: coffee. This critical source of energy and …
Technology is quickly becoming the face of society’s future, and with no way to stop it, people have happily embraced it. Except for the select groups who shun “New World …
The Guinness Book of World Records released in August of 1955 changing record keeping forever
Everyone wants to make history and have their achievements recognized, no matter how ridiculous those achievements may seem.
There is no higher form of recognition in pop culture today for human …
Paris native shares his family’s history with the game of baseball
Growing up in Paris, Ronnie Lutz, a small town man, lived a fulfilling life scattered with stories and adventures from around the world.
Baseball played a major role in his life. He played for …
With the fair, sometimes called a carnival, coming to Paris there will be many different events, entertainment and town traditions Paris and farther can enjoy. A fair is an Americanized form of …
Born Nov. 30, 1894, in Dudley, Ill., Basil Robert Bennett would go on to fight in World War I, compete in hammer throwing at the 1920 Olympics in Belgium, coach high school football and become a …
METCALF – Like many small hamlets throughout the rural Illinois prairie, Metcalf has seen businesses close and populations dwindle over time, but the village still stands today …
Born on a farm on Aug. 9, 1912, Paris resident Thomas “Lefty” Sunkel has always been remembered for his big heart and dedication to the Edgar County baseball world.
Sunkel made his …
Minor league team Paris Lakers’ history is still remembered
Even with only a 2,500 maximum capacity, Laker Stadium used to be filled with fans ready to watch a game of baseball. To be more specific, a Paris Lakers game.
The Paris Lakers were a Class D …
Sitting in the choppy waters of the English Channel the day before D-Day, 20-year-old Private James R. Lambeth wondered what would happen on the beaches of Normandy.
“We had no idea what …
Debutants left home to serve the healthcare needs in rural locations
A 1938 newspaper headline from Baltimore declared “Debutante to Be Courier in Wilds of Kentucky Hills.” The article detailed the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS), a service dispatching …
