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Preserving The Past

One Story At A Time

Through our bi-monthly newsletters, we aim to keep the fascinating history of our community alive and accessible. Enjoy features on historical events, profiles of key figures, and insights into our ongoing preservation work.

Historical Events & Figures

Enjoy our profiles about Metamora’s famous figures and events such as President Abraham Lincoln, Vice President Adlai E. Stevenson, and the Underground Railroad.

Preservation Work

See updates we’ve made throughout the years to our wonderful museum located just one block off the Metamora square.

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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2024 Newsletter

A first-person account of the Lincoln-Douglas debates by the daughter of the Woodford County sheriff. The Metamora Herald details a storm that killed 5 horses. Learn more about the proprietor…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2024 Newsletter

Early Metamora lawyers, featuring Adlai E. Stevenson I. Tribute to Lincoln from August 1923. Brutal deed to the Engel cattle. Christian Union Church dedication. Updates to the corbels on the…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2024 Newsletter

Obery Farms celebrates 150 years in Metamora, with a video teaser and photos more than 100 years old. Plus, MTCO converts to dial-up phones in 1958.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2024 Newsletter

The Schrepfer family homestead is located on what is now the Metamora Fields Golf Course. Plus, the earliest burials and oldest deceased in both St. Mary's and Oakwood cemeteries.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2024 Newsletter

When wolves roamed Metamora. Eyewitness account of the Underground Railroad. A Lincoln story. Pantagraph news clippings.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2023 Newsletter

Some Christmas events in Metamora, 1910-1953; research while trying to find where Roswell Goings is buried; Kevin Wood as Lincoln on October 14, 2023, at the Metamora Courthouse
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2023 Newsletter

Searching in Oakwood Cemetery for the grave of Marie Speirs, owner of the Metamora House. Plus, a new "Walking/Biking Tour of Historic Metamora" slide video (without audio) now on YouTube
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2023 Newsletter

History and photos of 111 E. Partridge St. (east half of lot 3 in block 28 of the original town of Hanover/Metamora), a former tavern, now the Dietel residence, just…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2023 Newsletter

Old Metamora-area photos received from the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Kittenball/softball over 100 years ago
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2023 Newsletter

1923 ads from the Metamora Herald
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2023 Newsletter

Future Farmers of America (FFA) pest eradication program contests in high schools; 1920 Wagner Ford car and Fordson tractor ad with names of Metamora-area customers; description of country school east…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2022 Newsletter

Extensive excerpts from Mennonite County Boy by C. Henry Smith, originally from Worth Township west of Metamora.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2022 Newsletter

Morsetown Cemetery Underground Railroad Conductor marker ceremony of September 25, 2022 (with conductor gravestone photos); 1949 4-H Club photograph; Adlai Stevenson "Copperhead" rumors
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2022 Newsletter

Wawros present the Stevenson House with paintings by Mary Schiltz Heinzmann, wife of Metamora physician Dr. C.B. Heinzmann (family name sometimes spelled "Heinzman"); C.B. & Mary Barbara Heinzmann car crash…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2022 Newsletter

Underground Railroad marker ceremony coverage; MAHP video tour of Metamora now available on YouTube; illustration of Maple Grove School by Kay Sears; old birth certificate and local ads; photos of…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2022 Newsletter & Underground Railroad Press Release

Underground Railroad marker ceremonies; pictures of St. Mary's School history, railroad removal near Lowpoint, and the house that became the Mason Funeral Home
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2022 Newsletter

Sign from Schlipf's implement & appliance store; Abraham Lincoln 8th Circuit markers & rededication; difficulty tracing old roads; old jail/John Zimmerman Boarding House
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2021 Newsletter

Stage coach route and train in Metamora; remembrances of Lincoln's time in Metamora; Fandel family photos
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2021 Newsletter

About 10 old post cards with local photos, donated as unneeded by Metamora Courthouse State Historic Site; small excerpts and images from the 1873 county atlas; "Mrs. S. M. Snyder"…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2021 Newsletter

Highlight items of 79-year-old Bob Remmert's audio interview about old Metamora and growing up in the 1940s-1950s; conflicting details about where the American Hotel was located; map of 50+ historic…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2021 Newsletter

Addresses of old village leaders' homes and businesses; "missing pieces" from the last newsletter, including many photos of grocery & general stores; group photos of St. Mary's Grade School graduating…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2021 Newsletter

Abersol/Isch's store photos, including before the house was moved west.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2021 Newsletter

Abraham Lincoln facts; construction of the Metamora Courthouse; early local post offices
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2020 Newsletter

Metamora's earliest origins, organizers, and nearby services.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2020 Newsletter

The Metamoran, a new 2020 history book by Ron Wagner; St. Mary of Lourdes Church history book photos, including St. Mary's Ladies' Society, St. Joseph's Young Men's Society, St. Cecilia's…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2020 Newsletter

Class photos of Metamora High School Class of 1898 and Germantown School (i.e. Germantown Hills grade school) 1899 & 1900; Metamora east-side business district fire, May 27, 1941; death of…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2020 Newsletter

Class reunion photos from Metamora Township High School classes of 1918, 1924, 1937, 1938, 1942, and 1946; grade school class photos of Hickory Point School in 1905, Oak Hill School…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2020 Newsletter

Pre-1915 photo of northeast corner of Metamora Sq., numbered "26613"; August 1859 notice for the September 5, 1859 school board election, possibly the first, of "District No. 2, Town of…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2020 Newsletter

Helen Ahrens scrapbook newspaper photos, including engagement photos and announcements, Metamora dance pupils of Prenda East of Peoria, Woltz Studios photos of various Metamora children, and George E. Klein and…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2019 Newsletter

Old county seat Versalles and nearby Bowling Green: excerpts from The Past and Present of Woodford County; recent field trip to the sites of the old towns and Lincoln's trail…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2019 Newsletter

Photos and articles from Durward Guth & Charles Kamm, including Metamora Women's Club (1982-83) and Metamora Township High School production of "A Ready-Made Family (1951); the Herman Weber "rock house"…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2019 Newsletter

Photo clippings of Metamora Prep League baseball and Metamora Township High School homecoming, plays, and cheerleaders, and American Legion school award winners from Germantown Hills and Metamora; WWII biography of…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2019 Newsletter

75th anniversary of D-Day, with news photos and clippings; photo of Metamora Township High School Class of 1946, with names; Sr. Cecilia Fandel books about the Alig and Fandel families…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2019 Newsletter

1893 plat of Metamora; grade school photos (1905 at Hickory Point School between Germantown Hills and Metamora, St. Mary's Catholic School graduating class of 1927, and 1935 at Lowell School…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2019 Newsletter

Metamora Herald excerpts from 1864 to 1908, including articles about Adlai Stevenson I being accused of being in the Knights of the Golden Circle, a group of copperhead southern sympathizers
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2018 Newsletter

John & Linda Keys clippings, including: Adlai Stevenson II visits the Abels, who owned the Stevenson House since 1935; farmer finds 2000 prehistoric Indian skeletons in 1954; Walt Laitas, first…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2018 Newsletter

Metamora High School football; Chief Black Partridge of the Potawatomi, and local things named Partridge after him
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2018 Newsletter

More news clippings and photographs from Bob Remmert, and from Magdalen Hagemann's collection provided by Larry Hagemann
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2018 Newsletter

Metamora Boys Off to World War I (100 years ago this month); commentary about the Stevenson House from Curt Andes, grandson of long-time Stevenson House owners Charles & Lillian Abel;…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2018 Newsletter

The old gun shop, the 1830s house at 109 W. Partridge St. next to Eli's Coffee Shop; MAHP receives Bertha Snyder's wedding dress; Morsetown School
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2018 Newsletter

Lots of Metamora Herald news clippings from Bob Remmert
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2017 Newsletter

Life and work of local stone-mason Herman Albert Weber; rediscovery of the village square well where the town pump house used to be
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2017 Newsletter

The origins of the Old Settlers' Association, and Old Settlers Days through the years
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2017 Newsletter

Phyllis Dietel's intricate, scale model of Lincoln's Springfield home on display at the Metamora Courthouse
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2017 Newsletter

Samples of items on display at the Stevenson House, including old photos, Cardinalis yearbooks, and posters
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2017 Newsletter

The "standard schools"; a short Metamora quiz; bottles from the "Bottling Company Metamora Ill"; Whisler's corner gas station on Illinois Route 89 near Lowpoint
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2017 Newsletter

History of Black Partridge, Worth Township, Woodford County, Illinois, the settlement that later became known as Lourds or Lourdes; the Chicago & Alton Railroad and train wrecks at Washburn in…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2016 Newsletter

Metamora's boarding houses: the Metamora House, Carpenter House, and American House
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2016 Newsletter

Germantown Hills schools before the 1960s.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2016 Newsletter

"The Real Lincoln Highway: The Forgotten Circuit Markers" by Guy C. Fraker.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2016 Newsletter

The Engel family (who settled just west and south of Metamora) and their history; a new series of Association notecards.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2016 Newsletter

Schertz family farming portrait around 1909 on Illinois Route 116; a purported 1923 teaching contract, spread by mimeograph.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2016 Newsletter

1940s aerial views of St. Mary's and the north side of the square; the Wiltz family of Lourdes, Hickory Point, and the west side of Metamora.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2015 Newsletter

Names for the Lincoln Tap bowling team and 1920 Metamora Grade School violin class; Santa Claus visits Metamora in 1910.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2015 Newsletter

Civil War letter from Underground Railroad conductor's wife Nancy Dutton to her son Harvey, whose brother had just died at 19; Metamora aerial photos from 1939.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2015 Newsletter

Civil War soldiers from Metamora: roster and stories; the March 2, 1865, train wreck that killed 5 Metamora-area people from the 33rd Illinois Veteran Volunteer Regiment, including Henry Walker, Sr.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2015 Newsletter

Upper Free Bridge; before the bridge; and the roads down from Metamora.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2015 Newsletter

Metamora township roads and old maps.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2015 Newsletter

The Underground Railroad. (6-page special)
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2014 Newsletter

Photos and details: Seasons Greetings from the Christian Union Church (with people identified in the photo); a history of renovations to the village square through 2014.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2014 Newsletter

Shirley Adams retires from the MAHP board. Photos: An old-fashioned fall.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2014 Newsletter

Story: An odiferous nickname. Photos and story: the Engel Farm.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2014 Newsletter

More photos of WWII Metamora from the Metamora Lions Club book, and a couple of Caterpillar and LeTourneau's.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2014 Newsletter

Western Metamora Township school districts merge in 1909. Book of WWII Metamora photos by Metamora Lions Club on display. 1909 burglars blow safe in Parr's Saloon.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2014 Newsletter

Photos and a history of Metamora bands. People who lost their lives at Vicksburg.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2013 Newsletter

Excerpts from The Past and Present of Woodford County (1878), including laws, animal census, and the first post offices. Donation: 1846 letter from father to son, through the Partridge post…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2013 Newsletter

Donations: Videotape of the 1976 bicentennial re-enactment of the Melissa Goings/Abraham Lincoln trial at the Metamora Courthouse, now converted to digital video file; WWI clothes; 1976 aerial photos of Metamora.…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2013 Newsletter

Photo: 1924 Metamora Township High School cooking class group portrait.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2013 Newsletter

Popularity of Metamora: A Rich and Proud History already demands a second printing. Photos: H.J. Waldschmidt furniture business.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2013 Newsletter

MAHP's 44-page Metamora: A Rich and Proud History goes on sale.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2013 Newsletter

Photos and story: The Metamora Garage/Dollar General and the pre-1914 buildings it replaced.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2012 Newsletter

Photo and story: arrival Santa by car in 1910, from the Metamora Herald.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2012 Newsletter

The store before the May 1948 Garber's supermarket. Donations: WWII and U.S.S. Talahatchee County military uniforms; Metamora souvenir history books from the 1960s.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2012 Newsletter

Photo and notes: Parade for Lyndon Murray, first soldier going off to WWI from Metamora. Cass Irving and his house.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2012 Newsletter

Photos and stories: Lincoln Circuit Marking Association marker on Tazewood Road & Washington Blacktop. William Hoshor's Germantown House/Union House at Lourdes Road and Illinois Route 116, built in 1850, rebuilt…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2012 Newsletter

Typhoon in Lt. Emma Sommer's Letter from Okinawa, April, 1945; Caterpillar Inc. matching gift program doubles $1,150 of donations from Cat employees and retirees.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2011 Newsletter

History of railway service in Metamora.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2011 Newsletter

History of the 1855–1922 Christian Union Church on S. Hanover St.; map and addresses of the pre-1855 churches. George C. Lemon, the other 19th-century owner of the Stevenson House. Owners…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2011 Newsletter

Photos: pre-1940s Wagner & Belsly Implements "leaning building of Metamora" on N. Menard St.; Chicago & Alton train in 1914; the 1874-1931 wooden bandstand.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2011 Newsletter

Pre-1953 eyewitness account of early days of Metamora by Madeline (Isch) Sullivan, granddaughter of pioneers John and Catherine Abersol.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2011 Newsletter

Biography of attorney Edward Abersol. Donations: Garber ice cream containers; Wernsman's Restaurant menu with history since 1939; Metamora Fields invitation; wooden walker used by Sophie Loser (died 1954). Artifact computer…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2011 Newsletter

Stories and photos: John F. Isch's store at Abersol's Corners (W. Partridge St. at N. Menard St.); John Snyder's 1830s house (north on Wiedman Rd.); the ferry across the Illinois…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2010 Newsletter

Lots of MAHP progress. Photos: Santa arrives in a car in 1910; three million dollars of prototype Tucker automobiles in front of Ezra Schlipf Auto Sales (306 W. Walnut St.).…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2010 Newsletter

History notes about Santa Fe Trail, authorized by the state in 1833. Photos: 19th-century Christian Union Church on S. Hanover St., Colin Foley's Stevenson House diorama.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2010 Newsletter

Oakwood Cemetery monument "in memory of U.S. Soldiers and Sailors", containing stone specimens from the area; Lincoln notecards for sale from MAHP; Museografic software purchase by MAHP; observations of Something…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2009 Newsletter

August 22, 2009, Metamora Square unveiling of new Lincoln statue with Melissa Goings statue based on Shirley Adams
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2009 Newsletter

How Lincoln would have looked when visiting Metamora; Isch's Store photos, both as single-width before 1901 and double-width after 1901; notes on Stevenson House paint and window updates
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2008 Newsletter

Old schools in Metamora. Stevenson House restoration updates. New board members.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2008 Newsletter

$1000 grant to renovate Stevenson House windows. Metamora-area post office trivia. Photos: Metamora Grade School 1938-1939 student body. Photos of historic Metamora homes: 220 W. Partridge St. (Sol Egbert home…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2008 Newsletter

Photos: Metamora Public School (1873-1952); first class to graduate from the 1953 Metamora Grade School; Gene Springer holding family member Bertha Snyder's original painting donated to the MAHP; 1975 Class…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

December 2007 Newsletter

MAHP landscaping and annual meeting photos; Uncle John's saloon; the ice houses.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2007 Newsletter

Photos of outhouse move from Dan Tullis Farm to Stevenson House. Donations, including St. Mary's calendars 1951-2007. National Register of Historic Places plaque installed.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2007 Newsletter

Photos: Metamora's first band photo, 1871; S.M. Snyder in his 1904 Gale automobile circa 1949. New donations: Cazenovia Co-Op legal stamp; scrapbook of Metamora engagement and wedding photos.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2007 Newsletter

Summary of Adlai Stevenson I; Veterans Room in Stevenson House; first 2-seat car in Metamora owned by J.C. Snyder and 4-cylinder Glide vehicle owned by brother S.M. Snyder
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

April 2007 Newsletter

Spring renovations at the Stevenson House. Civil War roster. Country schools in 1910.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

October 2006 Newsletter

New additions to the museum. Stevenson House renovations. How Metamora got its name. Upcoming art classes. Auto dealerships flourish in 1932 Metamora. Gas wells dug near Metamora Township High School.…
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

August 2006 Newsletter

Old hotels in Metamora. Metamora water towers. Stevenson House renovations.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

June 2006 Newsletter

Old hotels in Metamora. Looking for an outhouse. Handweavers' open house. Open houses resume. 1941 fire.
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A close-up of bricks from the historic Stevenson Home in Metamora, Illinois

February 2006 Newsletter

Stevenson House open houses for Valentine's Day and Hand Weavers Guild; Metamora Packing Company 1934 history
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