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Community of Gridley Timeline 1856 - 2004
McLean County, Illinois

(Transcribed by: Teri Moncelle Colglazier)

1856 - G. W. Kent and his partner Thomas Carlyle purchased the entire Section 4 of Township 26 Range 3 from Mr. Gridley and proceeded to lay out lots, establishing the town of Gridley on November 25, 1856. Mr. Kent is credited for naming the town in honor of his previous employer, General Asahel Gridley. 1857 - Mary Paul Kent was a charter member of the Union Congregational Church and a devout Christian woman. She served as the first Sunday School Superintendent holding these services in the railroad depot. 1869 - Gridley was incorporated under a special Charter on April 1, 1869. 1870 - Early settlers associated with the Apostolic Church began worshipping in their homes in Gridley. 1872 - On April 10 1872, a Board of Local Improvements was adopted in accordance with the State Legislature. This Board gave recommendations to the town and also made repairs on behalf of the Town of Gridley at that time. 1896 - Gridley Township appropriated $1,000 to help Money Creek township build a bridge across the Mackinaw near the Fifer Post Office. 1901 - On Friday, May 3, 1901, the Great Gridley fire destroyed many downtown businesses between Third and Fourth Streets. 1902 - The park was dedicated, although it was several years before hitching racks, seats and other comforts were added for public comfort and pleasure. 1906 - The first High School was completed at the cost of $15,000. 1906 - A special election was held to elect the first “Village” board. These six trustees were: Wm. Lynch, H. H. Albers, Helbling John Egolf, Charles R. Hughes, and H. D. Benedict. The Village President was J. R. Sieberns with the Clerk being C. S. Rowley. The Poundmaster was Samuel Smith. Village attorney was J. F. Bosworth. 1910 - In May, due to a scarlet fever outbreak the village closed churches, schools and forbid all public meetings until further notice. 1930 - the Gridley Cheese Factory was opened by Herman Umland. 1937 - The Village purchased the old tile pits located at the east end of Third Street. The ponds offered ice-skating for entertainment during the winter months. This area would eventually become the tennis courts, basketball courts and Little League ballpark. 1941 - The present Grade School was completed. 1945 - The Gridley Community Honor Roll located at the east end of the park was dedicated July 26, 1945. The Governor of Illinois, Dwight H. Green, presented the keynote address paying tribute to those serving their country and congratulating the committee which had prepared this Honor Roll. 1956 - July 18 - 22, 1956 Gridley celebrates 100 years. 1969 - Secretary of Agriculture, Clifford Hardin visits Gridley for “Reap the Harvest” festival. 1980 - The Gridley Medical and Dental offices were built on Route 24. 1981 - First United Church of Gridley was established January 11, 1981 following a vote by the Gridley United Methodist Church and the Union Congregational Church on the proposed merger and adoption of the plan of union. 1994 - With no room to expand the present Gridley Park and the great need for a new location for the Gridley swimming pool, the village purchased ten acres of land on the northwest corner of the village. This was accomplished by a grant from the Illinois Department of Conservation, the village of Gridley, private donations and volunteer labor. Westview Park was born. 2004 - Gridley Schools consolidate with El Paso. ["Gridley Sesquicentennial 1856-2006; Looking Back at Yesterday & Reaching for Tomorrow; Souvenir Booklet June 22-25, 2006]

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