Kane County Community News Stories
Kane County Community News Stories
Normal University
Illinois State Chronicle (Decatur, Illinois) May 14 1857
From a dispatch in the Chicago Tribune and Bloomington Pantagraph, we learn that Bloomington has been selected as the location of the State Normal University, the vote was unanimous. Bloomington offered $95,000 in cash and 45,000 in real estate, make a total of $140,000, a magnificent subscription. We do not know whether the outlay will be justified for the advantages derived from its location, though there is one thing certain, liberality of Bloomington has placed the State in a position to try the system thoroughly. If the Institution does not succeed, it will not be for want of men; for the means in the hands of the Committee is greater than any similar Institution has in the West. See proceedings in another place.
State Normal School
Peoria, May 7
The Board met at the city of Peoria, on Thursday, at 3 o’clock P.M. and was called to order by the President.
The Board proceeded to open and examine the various proposals made for the location of the Universtiy. It was found upon examination that four propositions had been made from the following places: Batavia, Washington, Bloomington and Peoria.
The village Washington, Tazewell Co., offered in cash, land and buildings the sum of twenty thousand dollars.
The city of Batavia offered in cash, land and buildings estimated at forty-five thousand dollars.
The city and county of Peoria offered cash and land estimated to be worth eighty thousand dollars.
The city of Bloomington and county of McLean offered cash and land valued at one hundred forty-one thousand dollars.
Mr. Sloan offered the following resolution.
Resolved, - That the Normal University be located in the county of McLean near Bloomington, on the one hundred and sixty acres of land which is to be granted for the construction and sue of said University, provided, however that the said location shall not be made until the full amount of the appropriation in the manner in which the same is proposed is fully and safely secured by the execution and delivery of all necessary deeds of conveyance and all other papers which may be required to secure the said appropriation for the construction and use of said University as aforesaid.
Mr. Lovey offered the following amendment which was adopted.
Provided that if within sixty days the conditions of this resolution be not complied with, then the said Normal University shall be located in Peoria.
Mr. Sloan’s resolution was then unanimously adopted.
On motion, the Board then adjourned to 8 o’clock P.M.
- Submitted by Nancy Piper
Sant Conde is a happy man, for he will be our next collector, while we sympathise with both the defeated candidates, we are well aware that Mr. Conde will make a most efficient officer, and showed his pluck by making a gallant fight in the face of such extreme odds. ["Batavia Herald", 7 Apr 1893]
W.L. Grimes has received his commission from Washington, as Postmaster of Batavia and will take possession July 1 ["Batavia Herald", 26 June 1893]
West Batavia Schools Opened.
The West Batavia Schools opened up, Monday, Sept. 11, in a very auspicious manner. The pains-taking Board had everything around the buildings in good order by renovating, painting and papering the interior of the buildings. The Board have been successful in holding that capable and progressive Supt. Prof C.H.Crandell, who is ably assisted by a most competent and earnest corps of teachers. Miss Edith McClellan takes the place of Miss A. J. Lawrence; Miss Katie Burton is elected as the drawing teacher for both the East and West side, formerly held by Miss E.E. Rowland; Miss M.L. West takes the place of Miss T.F. Garfield, as assistant. For the first three days the enrollment was 363. The High School course has been extended to four years, and many higher studies added to the course. West Siders can well feel proud of the Schools. [Batavia Herald, 14 Sep 1893]
Recently the Geneva Republican gave an excellent article on the Kane Co. Alms House. Through the kindess of the enterprising editors of this Journal, we give the article in the HERALD, with the cut of buildings and Supt. Keyes. It will be an interesting article for our readers, and one well worth preserving. Great care has been exercised to get dates and figures correctly. [Batavia Herald, 14 Sep 1893]
The foot ball team of the West Side High School, went to Geneva, Saturday, to play a match game with their eleven, but as the Geneva team had been organized longer, and had more practice, our boys were beaten by a score of 6 to 4. ["Batavia Herald", 21 Sep 1893]
Collins Brothers are erecting what will be, when completed, a fine and substantial residence, at the North end of Batavia Ave., next to Collin's quarry. It is to be a brick and stone structure, with a front of fine pressed brick, and will be a valuable addition to that part of the city. [Batavia Herald, 12 Oct 1893]
Mr. Geo. Peck, living a few miles northwest of this city, has purchased the works formerly occupied by the Barnhart & Wright Mfg. Co., at Geneva, and will soon begin the manufacture of a new corn planter patented by himself. We are pleased to note the enterprise of our citizens, and we wish them success the new business. [Batavia Herald, 12 Oct 1893]
New Firm and New Deal
H.W. Williams & Sons have disposed of their entire Green-house Business to the Williams & Son's company who continue at the old stand, where they are pleased to meet all desiring plants and flowers. We are compelled to dispose of a large number of Elm and other shade trees at once and all in need of them will do well to call and see us. Floral Work for special occasions done on short notice. Call on or address the Williams & Son's Co. [Batavia Herald, 12 Oct 1893]
Batavia -- The Somonauk Reville(?) says C.V. Stevens has closed a contract with the school board of Batavia to put in a steam plant to warm their new $20,000 school house. The contract calls for thirty radiators. [Batavia Herald, Nov. 16, 1893]
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