The Lincoln Heritage Trail

 The following information appears in a self-published book by former Raymond resident, David A. Sorrell, called “As I Remember.” The book features Mr. Sorrell’s recollections about the early days of Raymond. The stories appeared in a weekly column in The Raymond News from 1963-1972. 

Another very interesting thing related to Raymond, and a very valuable one in in my estimation, was a map showing the old Lincoln Douglas Trail which did pass directly through our town. The map shows the trail in Hillsboro coming up on through Butler, passing the Moses Berry farm on up to the Fred Mondhink place. It goes on past the Doyle and Seward farms and to Elias Miller’s place where the trail crosses the East Creek, past the Asbury Cemetery. Straight across looking East for about a quarter of a mile would be the Quinton cabin, and on past that what we now know as the Nokomis Road. Here we angle northwest a bit and on our right is a log storage building. Now the road runs straight north again past the Pepperdine and Gamlin places and the Free Methodist Church, where the trail angles Northeast past the Carter-McClurg, McNaughton, Moore, and Scherer homes, and on past the Lincolnwood High School. It again heads due north where it goes by the Gurthrie, Eads, and Berry farms.

No, none of the places mentioned were there when Abraham Lincoln went along this muddy road that wound through the tall prairie grass except the Sam Quinton cabin. I mention these other places that came later so that you might know just where the Springfield Vandalia trail passes through Raymond. How appropriate is the name of the present High School. How fortunate that both of Raymond’s schools are located right on the Heritage Trail. How fine it would be to place a marker there on the site of the old tavern where Lincoln must have spent many nights as he travelled his sometimes-weary way along the muddy trail that led between Springfield and Vandalia. It was some of Abe Lincoln’s soldier boys that planted the trees and laid out the park where the Lincolnwood High School now stands. Who were these men you say - they were: Winfield Carter, Hezekiah Moore, Thomas Sorrells, Wm. Guthrie, and Reynolds Chapman - all of these men were Abe’s boys and had followed the flag they loved through many fierce battles to save the Union. I doubt if any of them knew that the park they were making to beautify their little town was right beside the road that their beloved Abe had travelled over many times as went up and down the state of Illinois during his various campaigns. How pleased they would all be in they could know the Lincoln Heritage Trail activity.

The tavern, you say, where was it? Early historians say that it was there on the south bank of the east Creek as you come up the trail from Hillsboro on Route 127.

Memories of Main Street

Please enjoy this encore TBT Post originally published in 2014... 

I can't tell you how many times over the years I have wondered about things from "back in the day," and have wished I would have asked my parents a lot more questions and recorded the information. Fortunately, life-long Raymond resident, Anna Uhrig, enjoyed writing and she shared her memories in Raymond's 125th Anniversary Book that was published in 1996.

Anna was the daughter of William and Margaret Coen Fireman. She married John Uhrig (son of Thomas and Druscilla Hebenstreit Uhrig) at St. Raymond's Church in 1927. For fifty years, the couple lived at the junction of Route 66 and Route 48, and according to the Uhrig family history printed in Raymond's Anniversary Book, it was quite an experience: People stopped by to use the telephone, to call for help at a wreck, or because they had run out of gas. The orchard fence was damaged so many times by wrecks, it was finally removed when the road was widened. The white chickens were quite an advertisement and many eggs were sold to customers from St. Louis to Chicago. Later, the Stop Lite Cafe and Standard Service Station were built on the corner.

Anna eventually moved to town, where, according to the book, she spent her time crocheting, quilting, and writing verses. She was a sweet lady, and I am so thankful that she took the time to record her memories of Raymond:  

Anna Uhrig

As I Remember Main Street
by Anna F. Uhrig

Having lived near and around Raymond, and now in Raymond, for all of my soon to be ninety years, I Anna Uhrig, have recollections of many services no longer on Main Street, now Broad Street. I was born on a farm six miles north of Raymond and at the age of five, and moved with my family to a farm southeast of Raymond, which was my home until my marriage in 1927. I lived in the square white house on the comer of the junction of Routes 127 and 48 and I-55 for the next 50 years and now I am in town, just a half block off Main Street, now Broad Street. 

Memory tells me that the present library was the home of the Doyle family whose son donated the home for the library. The present home of Veda Slightom was owned by the Dr. Kenton family who had two sons, Harold and Bruce.

Part of the Mizera home, by the present bank, was the sacristy of the old St. Raymond Church which was tom down when the present St. Raymond Church was built. The First National Bank stands on property that was Ira Doyle's Livery Stable where you could rent a stall horse for horses being ridden or driven to High School. Later, Henry Bergman had a black smith shop there where he shod horses and sharpened plow shares.

Another view of Main Street in the early 20th Century

On the local Post Office site was a large wooden two story building that housed Whalen's Poultry and Egg Station. Mr. Newt Scott drove a wagon through the country, collecting poultry and eggs from the local women.

The Walch store of memorabilia across the street, housed Roy Reineke's Hardware Store where new stoves could be purchased as well as hardware. Later, the Raymond News was published there.

The present bowling alley was the local theater where pictures and many local plays were given. In fact, my High School graduating Class of 1924 received our diplomas on the stage as that part of the new Community High School had not been finished. On one side of the entrance to the theater was Gutherie's Jewelry Store and the other side was Dr. Driskell's office. Later, Boss McConathy had a barber shop there. The present school office housed the First National Bank. J.E. McDavid, Clarence McNaughton, D.D. Cox, and Alvin Carriker were officers there for many years.

Perry Donini (brother of Dot Pinkston), owned and operated the Raymond Food Market on Main Street from 1936 - 1978. 

Next in line was a grocery store owned by A.W. Foster, and later by Perry Donini. An exercise gym, The Lift Station, now occupies the space.

The Dance Studio was a pool room owned by Ted Lessman, then by Gino Casolari. When he died, his wife Louisa ran the business for several years before returning to Italy.

One of the Walch's stores was a millinery store, run by the Werts sisters who hand-made many of the beautiful hats sold there. The middle Walch Electric Store was Elmer Eickoff's Feed Store.

The next building was a beauty shop occupied by Margaret Jenkins, and later by Irene Brachear.

The present town hall was the Raymond Post Office. The Post Mistress was Miss Mayme Convery, assisted by her nephew, John Convery, who later became Postmaster.

The corner wash was Stoeveners Mens Clothing Store. Above it was the local dance hall, before the Legion Hall was built.

Across the railroad tracks was the Carlin Jones Lumber Company, managed by Sam Scherer and daughter Gladys, which later closed and was recently torn down.

The next block contained Mosby's Garage, a Kroger Store which later moved to Mizera's location, and the Raymond Cafe which was operated by various owners including Loretta Lessman. There was also a beauty shop owned by Temple Hough. In the early twenties, there was a variety store run by a Mr. Drake, and next, Sellers Grocery Store, also Elmer Carriker's barber shop. The Ford Garage was always a car dealership, again with various owners/managers, including Roman Herman, and now Glen Myers and Joe Martin.

George Haarstick owned and operated the Implement Store along Route 48. Later the Paul Brothers, and still later Leo Hannon operated the store. It is now occupied by Myers Radiator Shop.

Now, lets look across the now Route 48, where Deak Lewey ran the Shell Service Station. He was also the Saturday night banker for High Schoolers on dates - a few extra dollars added to the gas fill-up.

In crossing main street, we find a bus stop and gas station run by Alva McNeil. Local girls in nurse's training at St. John's caught the Sunday bus back to Springfield.

In that same block was Thacker's Grocery Store run by daughter Sara. Benning Equipment was a Case Dealer for many years, and Hanks Boats occupied a store before he moved to larger quarters along Route 48.

Ray Walch's Jack Shop and Lawn Mower Repair flourished for several years. Harris Barber Shop - where I got my long tresses changed to a short bob and styled neck line.

Emmett Hughes ran a harness Shop where the comer apartments are now located. He repaired harnesses as well as sold brass trimmed heavy duty sets of harness.

The Sorrells Elevator was managed by Frank Todt and later by others including Bob Deardorf. The present Sorrells Building on the comer was formerly the Raymond State Bank manned by Charles Scherer and later it was the dentist office of Dr. W.H. Scherer ably assisted by Mrs. Emma Seward. The back portion of the building was an apartment of Miss Blance Grubb, a retired school teacher.

Where the Legion Hall is now was a large frame two story house - The Raymond Hotel. Guests were stopovers from the Wabash Railroad Depot.

In the empty space next was the Raymond Mutual Telephone Office. Yes, Raymond had two telephone companies at one time. The other space now empty was Leo LaPlant's Restaurant. He was assisted by wife Elda for many years.

Harold Henderson sold pianos in one of the stores near by. Elmer Eckhoff operated a feed store, now occupied by Super Scissors and Slightom Insurance.

Mr. and Mrs. Gus McLean lived above his dry goods store. Miss Bertha Thompson was a loyal sales clerk. They later built the home now occupied by the David Mills family.

John Fehr had a shoe repair shop along that side also.

George Back and his wife operated Backs Ice Cream Parlor where the Edge Inn is now.

Miss Mary Poggenpohl, organist at St. Raymond Church, owned a variety store, later run by Mrs. Bandy and then her son, Charles Bandy.

One of Mizera's stores was a bakery at one time and one was a locker plant. The original grocery store, on the comer, was as one time a Kroger Store, operated by Clinton Tucker and later by Dorothy and LeRoy Amyx.Claude Maze sold groceries there for several years before Mizeras came to town.

The Watson Auto Repair Store was owned by Ray Trinkle who sold Chevrolet automobiles, and before him by Ray Guthrie who owned the business and lived where Miss Mary Whalen does beside the garage. They later moved to Florida when Mr. and Mrs. James Lyons purchased the house.

Many sales and services have closed, but many new ones have taken over and Raymond, Illinois is a very good place to call "home."

Max Deprinma's Restaurant in 1915. Pictured are the barber, Frank Harris and his son; Max Deprinma, Burress Seymour, Russell Yunker, Joe Beatty, and Kenneth Seymour. 

Seward's Store (around 1915)

Trinkle Motor Company owner and employees who operated the Chevrolet Agency in 1945 were (from left) Claude Todt, Salesman; Bill Long, Service Man; Carl DeWerff, Mechanic; Pauline Weerts, Bookkeeper; and Ray Trinkle, owner. (Ray Trinkle was Marge Hough's father.) 

It happened in April

April 1964

Please enjoy this encore TBT Post originally published in April 2015. 

Do you remember these events that made the news in Raymond during the month of April?

1974
Rev. Thomas Gorman, pastor of St. Church celebrated his Silver Jubilee of Priesthood.

The first ABC Fair benefiting the Lincolnwood Reading Center was held.

1975

Lighting was installed on the Raymond Park ball diamond.

1977  

The LHS Band, under the direction of Darrell Cannedy, was invited to compete in the first state-wide contest of "sweet 16" bands.

1985

George Weatherford, an employee of Myers Standard Station at I-55 and Rt. 48, was shot and killed during a robbery. 

The Veteran's Memorial was erected in April 1995.

1986

Panhandle School Board votes to move all district 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to Raymond at the end of the 1986 school year. At that time, the Waggoner Grade School, Farmersville gym and ag shop, and one building at Raymond Grade School were closed. 

1987

The Village Board agreed to accept Southern Meadows subdivision, developed by Merrill Wernsing. 

1988

A severe spring thunderstorm struck Raymond, blowing out windows at the laundromat and destroying the roof on the Jim and Colette Herrmann residence, as well as doing other damage. A hail storm one week later damaged numerous roofs in the area. 

A drought from late spring though summer and fall resulted in low crop yields. Local communities kept a close watch on water levels. 

1989

Village and township elections were held with the race for township road commissioner between James Mackay, Democrat, and William Vanzant, Independent, ending in a tie with each candidate receiving 233 votes. A coin toss conducted by the canvassing board gave Mackay the seat. Vanzant challenged and called for a recount which resulted in the same tie vote. 

Doyle Memorial Reading Center and others benefited from the generosity of Mae Sorrells who bequeathed $5,000 to the library, $5,000 to the Montgomery County 4-H Foundations, $2,000 to the Raymond Cemetery, and $10,000 to Hillsboro Hospital. 

1990

The Raymond Village Board voted to ban skateboarding on Main Street.

1994

Many area residents turned out to tour seven homes that were featured in the "Parade of Homes" held to benefit the Raymond-Harvel Community Fund. 

1995

The Veteran's Memorial at Veteran's Memorial Park was erected by members of the American Legion and Village Board and employees. 

Cottage Corner News

From The Raymond News, 9/24/70

 

"Citizens of Tomorrow"

Please enjoy this encore TBT Blog post from 2015 featuring Raymond's "Citizens of Tomorrow." The photos appeared in The Raymond News in 1974: 

Raymond Trivia

Following is some trivia courtesy of the Raymond's 125th Anniversary Book: 

• The village was first known as Lula, named this after the first postmaster's daughter. The railroad imposed the name of "Raymond" on the village. Prior to the mail being received in Lula, mail had been delivered at Herndon post Office in the home of John Todt, north of the village. Todt had received his commission in 1868 and mail was delivered from from Springfield via Pawnee, White Oak, and Shawspoint to Herndon once a week on Saturdays. Todt received a salary of $20 annually.

• In 1873 licenses were issued for three taverns in the town. Owners were Thomas Fahey, Samuel Harvel, and Frank Huber. Two of the taverns had pigeon hole tables and one had a billiard table.

• The Free Methodist Church, Raymond, was erected in 1884.

• In 1888, The Ravmond Leader was started by W.S. Parrott but was published only about two years.

• At one time there were six lodges active in the village: Masonic, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Grand Army of the Republic, Knights of Pythias, Mutual Protective League, and Modern Woodmen of America.

• The first burial in St. Raymond's Cemetery was that of Mrs. Bernard (Sophie- nee Wiefenstett) Beiermann who died October 9, 1874.

• James Lonergan owned and operated the brickyard in Raymond in 1901. His nephew Dan was a brick molder and coal digger.

• Some early 1900's businesses:
  Frank Luking, blacksmith/farm implements; Philip Mangers, shoemaker; Joseph Mangers, harness; John McMillan, furniture and undertaking; Stephan Schulte, bakery/confectionery; Theodore Stoevener, merchant/tailor; Henry Gees, pabst beer; J. Guller, dry goods; A. Engel, clothier/hatter; Geo. Back, lunch counter; Geo. Beeler, blacksmith; J. W. Strain, jeweler/optician; Pratt-Baxter Grain Co., elevator; E.R. Steele and Co., dry goods; A.B. Whittaker, grocery; Miller & Gragg, furniture and undertaking; Day & Shaffer, farm implements, buggies, wagons; E.P. Darlington and Co., lumber; L.J. Dickson, hardware; W. L. Seymour, paints/drugs; J. G. Alsbury, hardware; Oscar Potterj grocery; A. H. George, grocer; Hough's boots and shoes; C.F Scherer, grocery; Dr. W.H. Mercer; and Dr. J. R. Seymour; W.H. Scherer, DDS.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

The following information appears in a self-published book by former Raymond resident, David A. Sorrell, called “As I Remember.”  The book features Mr. Sorrell’s recollections about the early days of Raymond. The stories appeared in a weekly column in The Raymond News from 1963-1972. 

Let’s think of spring as we knew it and saw it happen there in our town so long ago. Let’s start, say, on Good Friday. In our town, almost everybody had a garden and I can hear Mother saying, “It is almost Good Friday and I would like to get our potatoes planted if the weather is fit. I must get your brother, Sam, to come in and plow our garden up if the weather stays nice as it is now.” So we will say that the weather did stay good and one morning, brother Sam came with his plow and big team of horses and did plow our potato patch there back of our house and harrow it down good to make the furrows in which to plant our potatoes while Mother and I were cutting up the bushel sack of early Ohios that grew into the fine white mealy tubers that would perhaps be our principal article of diet all through the year. Mother would caution me again and again not to cut but one eye to each piece of potato. Then we dropped the fine potato seed into the black earth of our garden, Sam covered the furrows with a one-horse plow, and the job was done. For dinner on potato planting day, Mother would fry a huge skillet full of these seed potatoes for dinner and to a hungry boy there is nothing better than a plate full of fresh fried potatoes, as Mother knew how to fry them. Homemade bread - fresh butter and perhaps a good piece of steak and for dessert a good big piece of Mother’s gooseberry pie. I wonder now if gooseberry pie is something that has been lost to the art of cooking. Years have gone by since I have tasted one.  

So the potatoes were always planted first and then when they attained a bit of growth it was my hated job to take a stick and an empty can and go along each row and knock off the red potato bugs that were always on the vine it seemed. We had the potato patch where Mother grew corn between potato rows and by the corn was planted pole beans that would vine up on the tall corn stalks. Too, over there by the row of Gooseberry bushes in the middle of the potato patch we would plant squash seed for the huge Mother Hubbard squashes that made those delicious pies. Have you ever tasted this squash boiled and seasoned just right? On one side of the patch was a row of peach trees that bore big yellow peaches about August. There was a cling peach tree there at the end and in the fall, a pocket full of those were mighty good tasting to a hungry boy.

We had a smaller garden there by the driveway where we raised our lettuce, radishes, and bunch beans, and Mother had a row of flowers across the front. In this garden were two apple trees and a pear tree. At the back was a row of cherry trees and there just back of the combined coalhouse, cob house, and chicken house, was a huge strawberry bed. Let’s see how Raymond was doing on a spring morning. Mr. Weber was busy planting corn and potatoes in the lot next to our place. Going up towards town there was Doctor Hicks busy in his garden next to Ira Blackwelder’s house. George Woods was making a garden just about where the water tower is now and oh, yes, I don’t want to forget George Beeler’s garden there on the corner. I think George could be safely called the “master gardener” of our town.

Yes, all over our town in the spring making a garden was the order of the day. Men, women, and children were out in the spring sunshine spading, raking, hoeing, and planning the seed that would give to our town the hundreds of filled jars there on the clean cellar shelves in the fall - the bins of potatoes, the big store jars filled with the good sauerkraut and all the other things that the fruit trees and the carefully tended gardens would be put way to be brought out in the winter for our tables.