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# Fairbury Echoes Museum

Fairbury Echoes Museum

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://fairburyechoes.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Pages

- [Home Page 12-22-2020 V1](https://fairburyechoes.org/) - Search all Fairbury history articles and books Museum Tours We oversee the operations of the Fairbury Echoes Museum at 126 West Locust Street. Normal Museum Hours Thursdays & Fridays 1:00 to 4:00 PM Saturdays 9:00 to 11:00
- [Floods (1869 & 1951)](https://fairburyechoes.org/floods-1869-1951) - Floods (1869 & 1951) Fairbury's two biggest floods were in 1869 and 1951. Transcription of Blade articles and photos for the 1951 flood. All raw research results by Dale C. Maley on the historic 1869 and 1951 big floods. Fairbury's Biggest Floods. Short story on Fairbury's biggest floods in 1869 and 1951.
- [Take a Historical Walking Tour of Fairbury IL](https://fairburyechoes.org/take-a-historical-walking-tour-of-fairbury-il) - Take a Historical Walking Tour of Fairbury IL Find the number on the map, then look below and click to view a historic location and learn more. Locust Street is commonly called "Main Street". The distances to North Park and Kilgus Farmstead are not to scale on the map. North Park Marsh Park Livingston Square
- [Kilgus Farmstead & Dairy  - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-4) - Kilgus Farmstead & Dairy - Walking Tour Kilgus Dairy was founded near Fairbury by Duane and Arlene Kilgus in 1958 on land purchased from Duane's father, Herman Kilgus, who had milked a small number of cows there during Duane's childhood. Duane and Arlene began with 55 Holstein cows and sold their milk through a local
- [Dominy Memorial Library  - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-3) - Dominy Memorial Library - Walking Tour Architecturally, this is a very neat building. It it is open, go inside and check out the very neat rotunda room. From the 100th Anniversary of the Dominy Library brochure in 2005: DOMINY MEMORIAL LIBRARY Established 1905 Dominy Memorial Library, termed "A People's University in Fairbury", was dedicated on
- [Other Fairbury History Books by Dale C. Maley](https://fairburyechoes.org/other-fairbury-history-books-by-dale-c-maley) - Other History Books by Dale C. Maley Mr. Maley wrote over 30 different books about Fairbury and Livingston County history. Often these books utilized materials and information from the Fairbury Echoes Museum. Museum Board members Diane Pawlowski, Carl Borngasser, and Ron Schlipf also assisted in the historical research required to write these books. The Dominy
- [Blue Star Memorial Highway Garden - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-2-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-3) - Blue Star Memorial Highway Garden The Blue Star Memorial Highway program began near the end of World War II as a way to honor members of the United States Armed Forces. The blue star was taken from the service flags displayed by American families during wartime to indicate that a family member was serving in
- [North Park  - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-2-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-2-copy-copy-2-copy) - North Park- Walking Tour North Park is Fairbury's largest park with great walking trails around this park. For more info, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info
- [Munz Park  - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-2-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-2-copy-copy-2) - Munz Park- Walking Tour Munz Park is a small park with a walking trail around the perimeter. It is filled with natural plants. Check out the historic mural near the entrance which explains the Munz family genealogy. For more info, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info
- [Sunken Park  - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-2-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-2-copy-copy) - Sunken Park- Walking Tour Sunken Park is one of Fairbury's history mysteries. Nobody really knows why it is sunken about 36 inches from the rest of Main Street. The most likely explanation is that the Peoria & Oquawka Railroad back in 1857 removed dirt and used it to level the tracks through Fairbury. What is
- [Livingston Square  - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-2-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-2-copy) - Livingston Square- Walking Tour Livingston Square is Fairbury's smallest park. Every summer, there are beautiful flowers in this park for travelers on 1st Street to see. For more info, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info
- [Dave's Supermarket - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-2-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy-2) - Dave's Supermarket- Walking Tour Dave's Supermarket is an iconic location in Fairbury. If the store is open, stop in and check out the neat store including the Deli area. For more info, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info
- [People](https://fairburyechoes.org/people) - People People Alma Lewis James - Fairbury's 1st Historian Biography story. 1936 Obil Beach book she authored. Bess Family U.S. Navy interview of Raymond Bess in 1944 during World War II. Bess Family Carrithers Family Family history in Fairbury. Truman Carrithers Octave Chanute, the railroad engineer who helped found Fairbury, Illinois. Octave Chanute's
- [Cooperative Coal Mine (Timber Ridge) - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-2-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy) - Cooperative Coal Mine (Timber Ridge) - Walking Tour The largest and longest time in operation coal mine in Fairbury was the Cooperative Coal Company which closed in 1941. These buildings were near the entrance to what is now Timber Ridge Subdivision. For more info, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info
- [Shaft Hill- Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-2-copy-copy-copy-copy) - Shaft Hill- Walking Tour At one time, Fairbury had at least five coal mines. The only remaining evidence of these coal mines is Shaft Hill on the north side of the railroad tracks between 9th and 10th streets. If you are standing on Walnut Street near Popejoy Plumbing, you can see the small hill of
- [The Beach House - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-2-copy-copy-copy) - The Beach House The Thomas A. Beach House is on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was built by Thomas A. Beach, who was a banker and likely the wealthiest man in Fairbury's history. It is also called the Lion House because of the two lions in the front yard. For more info,
- [Lost in Time (Claudon Bank) - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-2-copy-copy) - Lost in Time (Claudon Bank) - Walking Tour The Claudon Bank is associated with the biggest business scandal in Fairbury history. For more info, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info
- [Old City Hall - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-2-copy) - Old City Hall - Walking Tour Fairbury's original City Hall is on the National Register of Historic Places. For more info, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info
- [Swing & Steidinger Sign - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy-2) - Swing & Steidinger Sign - Walking Tour In 2019, the Fairbury Improvement Group repainted this building sign. For more info, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info
- [Waltons  - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3-copy) - Waltons - Walking Tour The Waltons Department store has been a part of Fairbury life for over 100 years. If the store is open, stop in and check out the architecture and the beautiful staircase. For more info, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info
- [Archer House  - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-3) - Archer House - Walking Tour In 2018, the Fairbury Improvement Group repainted this building sign. For more info, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info
- [Occident Flour Sign  - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy) - Occident Flour Sign - Walking Tour In 2016, the Fairbury Improvement Group repainted the Occident Flour sign. The sign had almost completely faded away, but it is very readable now. For more info on the Occident Flour Sign, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info
- [Fairbury Echoes Museum - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy-copy-2) - Fairbury Echoes Museum - Walking Tour The hours for the Fairbury Echoes Museum are Thursdays/Fridays 1 to 4 pm and Saturdays from 9 to 11 am. For more info on the Fairbury Echoes Museum, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info
- [Historical Walking Tour of Fairbury, Illinois, from Unknown Date](https://fairburyechoes.org/historical-walking-tour-of-fairbury-illinois) - Historical Walking Tour of Fairbury, Illinois from Unknown Date The date this tour guide was prepared is unknown. Most of the information in this tour guide is still correct. There is no map associated with this tour. Click Here to Access the Walking Tour
- [Marsh Park  - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour-copy) - Marsh Park - Walking Tour In 2017, the Fairbury Improvement Group completely refurbished Marsh Park. Take a leisurely walk through the park and sit under the Gazebo and enjoy the park. For more info on Marsh Park, use the link button below. Click Here for More Info on the Murals
- [Historic Murals - Walking Tour](https://fairburyechoes.org/historic-murals-walking-tour) - Historic Murals - Walking Tour In 2016, the Fairbury Improvement Group erected this set of 5 historic murals in Veterans Memorial Park. The five murals feature the railroad, coal mines, Francis Townsend, the Fairbury Fair and racetrack, and Agriculture (with John Virgin). The 5 lower text boxes explain the history behind all the images on
- [Contact Us](https://fairburyechoes.org/contact-us) - Contact Us By Mail Fairbury Echoes Museum 126 West Locust Street Fairbury, IL 61739 By Telephone 815-692-2191 By Email DaleMaley@Gmail.com Click Here to send us an Email
- [About Us](https://fairburyechoes.org/about-us)
- [Archive.Org Depository](https://fairburyechoes.org/archive-org-depository) - Archive.Org Dale C. Maley wrote an article which describes how the website Archive.Org is used to store rare historic documents. You can read this article by clicking on the button below. Click Here
- [Other History](https://fairburyechoes.org/other-history) - Other History Other History Life as a Kid in Fairbury in the 1960s. The Gypsies. Paint Technology has Changed with the Times. House Siding Has Evolved since First Log Cabins. Making Fairbury History Easily Available. How the Fairbury Blade newspaper got digitized by the Dominy Memorial Library. Livingston County Poor Farm in Pontiac.
- [Native American or Indigenous People Related Stories](https://fairburyechoes.org/native-american-or-indigenous-people-related-stories) - Native American or Indigenous People Related Stories Native American or Indigenous People Related Stories The History of the Kickapoo Interesting Ways History was Preserved. Includes Kickapoo information from the 1830s. Early Settlers and the Black Hawk War First Fairbury area family arrived 190 years ago. First three years very challenging to early settlers. Includes interactions
- [Fairbury Fair](https://fairburyechoes.org/fairbury-fair) - Fairbury Fair History Stories 1876 Fairbury Fair Poem 1886 Fairbury Fair Program 1890 Fairbury Fair poster. 1900 Fairbury Fair poster. 1921 Panoramic photo of Fairbury Fair. 1976 Fair Board members. 1981 Tragic horse barn fire. 2026 drawing by DC Maley of a typical 1960 tractor pull at the Fairbury Fair before hydraulic sleds started to
- [2026 Walking and Bus Historical Tour of Fairbury](https://fairburyechoes.org/2026-walking-and-bus-historical-tour-of-fairbury) - 2026 Walking and Bus Historical Tour of Fairbury On August 7, 2026, Dale C. Maley gave a combination walking and bus tour of Fairbury to 12 tour participants. An agenda was used which identified all the tour stops and key historical points to cover at each stop. Link to Tour Timeline and Historical Stops Short
- [Stories](https://fairburyechoes.org/stories) - History Story Categories (Each category has many stories) African American Related Stories Buildings and Landmarks Businesses City of Fairbury Items Churches Coal Mining Cropsey Related Stories Early Automobile Stories Early Mail Delivery Early Settler Stories Fairbury & Sibley Related Stories Fairbury Fair Fairbury's 8 Murder Cases Floods (1869 & 1951) Ghost Towns Hospital Indian
- [Railroad Related Stories](https://fairburyechoes.org/railroad-related-stories) - Railroad Related Stories Railroad Related Stories Impact of First Railroads. Explains what life was like before the railroads arrived in the Fairbury area. Fairbury's Lost Railroad. These tracks ran from Fairbury south to Strawn. Lodemia History. Lodemia is a ghost town that was created on the Chicago & Paducah Railroad from McDowell to
- [YouTube Videos](https://fairburyechoes.org/youtube-videos) - YouTube Videos Rare Historic Items found in box of John Virgin family materials In 2025, a box of very rare John Virgin family materials were returned back to Fairbury after 110 years and traveling to 6 different states. Many of the rare items in this collection were scanned and turned into a YouTube video. You
- [Parks](https://fairburyechoes.org/parks) - History Stories Parks History of Two Oldest parks (Marsh Park and The Commons) Livingston Square. Fairbury's smallest park. Historic Murals in Veteran's Memorial Park [formerly Central Park] History Of Fairbury's Sunken Park And Veteran's Memorial Parks Researching the history of Marsh Park with References. This was done in 2018 to prepare for a speech at
- [Ghost Towns](https://fairburyechoes.org/ghost-towns) - Ghost Towns in the Fairbury area There were six ghost towns in the Fairbury area. These include Avoca, Cassville, Champlin, Lodemia, Potosi Corner, and Rosealthe. Avoca Article about exact location of the village of Avoca. Map showing street names in the village of Avoca. Blade article about Wiley Sparks, pioneer Avoca village settler. Blade
- [Dr. Dan Brewer](https://fairburyechoes.org/dr-dann-brewer) - Dr. Dan Brewer Title: Dr. Brewer, one of Fairbury's Early Doctors By: Dale C. Maley Dr. Dan Brewer served two generations of Fairbury citizens from 1876 until he died in 1933. The story of Dr. Brewer involves three different families because he was married twice. The story began with the birth of his father, Sylvester
- [I Remember by Cathryn Frisby](https://fairburyechoes.org/i-remember-by-cathryn-frisby) - I Remember by Cathryn Frisby Memrories about Fairbury, Illinois, by Cathryn Frisby, long-time Fairbury school teacher. Click Here to Access her Memories
- [1890 City of Fairbury, Illinois, Ordinance Book](https://fairburyechoes.org/1890-city-of-fairbury-illinois-ordinance-book) - 1890 City of Fairbury, Illinois, Ordinance Book Click Here to Access the Ordinance Booklet
- [1864-2015 List of Key Events in Fairbury, Illinois](https://fairburyechoes.org/1864-2015-list-of-key-events-in-fairbury-illinois) - 1864-2015 List of Key Events in Fairbury, Illinois Click Here to Access List of Key Events
- [1898 Livingston County Business Directory with Fairbury-related Pages](https://fairburyechoes.org/1898-livingston-county-business-directory-with-fairbury-related-pages) - 1898 Livingston County Business Directory with Fairbury-related Pages Click Here for Link to These Pages
- [2013 Livingston County History Book with only Fairbury, Illinois related pages](https://fairburyechoes.org/2013-livingston-county-history-book-with-only-fairbury-illinois-related-pages) - 2013 Livingston County History Book with only Fairbury, Illinois related pages Click Here to Access Fairbury related pages
- [Listing of all City Officials in Fairbury, Illinois](https://fairburyechoes.org/listing-of-all-city-officials-in-fairbury-illinois) - Listing of all City Officials in Fairbury, Illinois Click Here for these various lists
- [1989 School Paper by Steven Mann titled Joseph Gerber paved the way in Fairbury, Illinois](https://fairburyechoes.org/1989-school-paper-by-steven-mann-titled-joseph-gerber-paved-the-way-in-fairbury-illinois) - 1989 School Paper by Steven Mann titled Joseph Gerber paved the way in Fairbury, Illinois Click Here to access this School Paper about Joseph Gerber
- [1959 History Brochure of the Chautauqua Literary Society of Fairbury, Illinois](https://fairburyechoes.org/1959-history-brochure-of-the-chautauqua-literary-society-of-fairbury-illinois) - 1959 History Brochure of the Chautauqua Literary Society of Fairbury, Illinois Click Here to Access this Brochure
- [Telephone Books](https://fairburyechoes.org/telephone-books) - Telephone Books Old Fairbury telephone books can be a very valuable research tool. You can find out where your ancestor used to live. If you are doing house history, you can look up the adress and find out who lived in that house. This can be time consuming because the books are organized alphabetically by
- [School Stories](https://fairburyechoes.org/school-stories) - School Stories Schools Fairbury Area Country Schools Names and locations of all 299 Country Schools in Livingston County. Typical Design of Fairbury area Country Schools Recollections of Mary Frances Rigsby of being a Student at the Pearson Country School. Recollections of Mary Frances Rigsby of being a Teacher at the Avoca Country School. 2022 Presentation
- [Mies Family](https://fairburyechoes.org/mies-family) - Mies Family The Mies family has a long history in Livingston County, starting in Saunemin, and then spreading to many places including Fairbury. Henry Mies biography. Dale C. Maley has researched several hundred Livingston County early settlers, and Henry Mies has the most interesting life story of any resident that he has encountered. Henry Mies
- [Our Founding](https://fairburyechoes.org/founding) - Our Founding The nation's interest in history was greatly increased during the 1976 anniversary of the nation being founded for 200 years. Fairbury citizens became interested in establishing a museum to preserve Fairbury's rich history. The concept of creating a museum under the direction of the Dominy Memorial Library board was put into action in
- [Livingston County HCE Group 1918-1968](https://fairburyechoes.org/livingston-county-hce-group-1918-1968) - Livingston County HCE Group 1918-1968 Livingston County Home & Community Education (HCE) group existed from 1918 until it disbanded in 1968. In 1968, they published a booklet with the history of the group. This group was also sometimes called the Home Extension group. Click Here to View and/or Download Booklet Copy
- [World War II Fairbury Veterans Record Book](https://fairburyechoes.org/world-war-ii-fairbury-veterans-record-book) - World War II Fairbury Veterans Record Book This book was published shortly after the end of World War II. It has a biography for each man and woman who served in that War. Note that some Fairbury veterans were omitted because they enlisted at another city in Illinois. I wrote a new book covering both
- [Nicks from the Blade -1946](https://fairburyechoes.org/nicks-from-the-blade-1946) - Nicks from the Blade -1946 Alma Lewis James went through the old Blade newspaper archives and pulled out little tidbits of information. These were assembled into PDF files by date range. If there is a date associated with the tidbit, it is very likely that it came from the Blade and one can search the
- [Saloons or Taverns](https://fairburyechoes.org/saloons-or-taverns) - Saloons or Taverns Kathy Strickland's 1993 college paper on history of Fairbury's saloons and saloonkeepers.
- [Businesses](https://fairburyechoes.org/businesses) - Businesses Businesses 1967 Chamber of Commerce booklet. With many photos of most businesses and their employees. Early Fairbury automobile dealers. The Blade newspaper History of the Blade. Article written to celebrate 150th Anniversary in September of 2021. Why did it go out of business? Blade articles written by Carol De Pino. Bon
- [Churches](https://fairburyechoes.org/churches) - Churches Churches Apostolic Christian Church 1909 Post card showing back of AC Church when it was on Walnut Street. 1973 Ben Nussbaum South Side Apostolic Christian history. 1975 Ben Nussbaum North Side Apostolic Christian history. Fairbury and Forrest Chapters of Marching to Zion Book on Apostolic Christian church history. History of the Fairbury
- [Cropsey Related Stories](https://fairburyechoes.org/cropsey-related-stories) - Cropsey Related Stories Cropsey Related Stories A. J. Cropsey. Village of Cropsey and Cropsey Township are named after him. Colorful Founder of Cropsey [A. J. Cropsey] A. J. Cropsey's Colorful Life after he left Fairbury for Nebraska. 1871 Impeachment Trial of Governor of Nebraska David Butler. A. J. Cropsey testified at his impeachment trial. A.
- [Early Settler Stories](https://fairburyechoes.org/early-settler-stories) - Early Settler Stories Early Settler Stories Salt was Gold to the early settlers. Tucker's Ford. Before bridges were built across the Vermilion River, early settlers crossed the river northwest of Fairbury. Life Before the Railroads. A speech by Dale C. Maley made in August of 2025. Human Geography presentation by Dale C. Maley. Explains why
- [Organizations](https://fairburyechoes.org/organizations) - Organizations Organizations Arrowhead Lodge Story written by Dale C. Maley about history of Arrowhead Lodge. 1955 Constitution of Arrowhead Lodge. ABC or Avoca Betterment Club. History of the Club. Photos and meeting minutes. Bon Ton Limits. A drug store that sponsored a men's basketball team. CLSC (Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Club). History Pamphlet Local history
- [Photos](https://fairburyechoes.org/photos) - Fairbury Old Photos Many old Fairbury photos have been uploaded to Archive.Org. At that web site, the photos can be viewed and/or downloaded. Below are links to specific photos or collections of photos on Archive.Org All 161 photos from April 3, 1958, Centennial Issue of the Blade celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Fairbury. Link
- [Early Automobile Stories](https://fairburyechoes.org/early-automobile-stories) - Early Automobile Stories Early Introduction of Automobiles into Fairbury Life. May 2021 story by Dale C. Maley. History of the Fairbury Carriage Company. Tried to make the transition from horses to automobiles. The Horse versus Automobile Controversy Gerber Family Was Farming and Banking Family. Joseph Gerber was an early automobile owner, has 1911 photo of
- [Buildings and Landmarks](https://fairburyechoes.org/stories-copy) - Buildings and Landmarks Buildings and Landmarks Repainting of 3 old building advertising signs on Main Street. Link to WJEZ radio interview about Occident Flour Sign repainting. Link to WJEZ radio interview about Swing & Steidinger sign repainting. Link to WJEZ radio interview about Archer House sign repainting. Blade article in 2020 about all 3 signs.
- [City of Fairbury Items](https://fairburyechoes.org/city-of-fairbury-items) - History Stories City of Fairbury Items History of the public water supply system. How Fairbury got its name. 2021 Blade story by Dale C. Maley Electricity History. 2023 story by Dale C. Maley
- [Medical Doctors](https://fairburyechoes.org/medical-doctors) - Medical Doctors Medical Doctors Doctor Dan Brewer The Langstaff family of Doctors. Colorful early Doctor C. B. Ostrander. Early Doctor E. F. Law Dr. Lorenzo Beach, Fairbury's shrewdest land speculator. Dr. Don Ervin Transcritpion of his 2012 autobiography book. Short story on his life as a Fairbury doctor from 1960 to 1970. Fairbury-related
- [Transcribed Copy of April 3, 1958, Blade Centennial special Issue.](https://fairburyechoes.org/transcribed-copy-of-april-3-1958-blade-centennial-special-issue) - Transcribed Copy of April 3, 1958, Blade Centennial special Issue. At 64 pages, this is the largest edition newspaper the Blade ever published in its 100+ year history. It contains numerous articles about various aspects of Fairbury history and about 161 historic photographs. This article is a treasure-trove of Fairbury history. Click Here to Access
- [Hospital](https://fairburyechoes.org/hospital) - History Stories Hospital 1953 Open House Brochure History of the Fairbury Hospitals by Dale C. Maley History of the Taylor House by Dale C. Maley. Used as a Fairbury Hospital on South 5th Street Hospital proposed by Dr. Langstaff that was never built. March 20, 1952, Blade article about tearing down the old Taylor house
- [Transcribed Copy of Dr. Ervin's 2012 Autobiography](https://fairburyechoes.org/transcribed-copy-of-dr-ervins-2012-autobiography) - Transcribed Copy of Dr. Ervin's 2012 Autobiography Dr. Don L. Ervin practiced medicine in Fairbury from 1960 until he moved to Colorado in 1970. In 2012, three years before he died, he published an autobiography. This book is now out of print. It contains many humorous and historical information about Fairbury in the 1960s. Dale
- [Tartars Marching Band and Concerts 1977-1984 Photos and Articles](https://fairburyechoes.org/tartars-marching-band-and-concerts-1968-1975-photos-and-articles-copy) - Tartars Marching Band and Concerts 1977-1984 Photos and Articles About every mention of the band in the Blade newspaper between 1977 and 1984 is included in these files on Archive.Org. They have not been through final editing, they are in the same format as they were photographed from the Blade bound books in March of
- [Transcribed Copy of 1977 Second Edition of Stuffed Clubs and Antimacassars by Alma Lewis James](https://fairburyechoes.org/transcribed-copy-of-1977-second-edition-of-stuffed-clubs-and-antimacassars-by-alma-lewis-james) - Transcribed Copy of 1977 Second Edition of Stuffed Clubs and Antimacassars by Alma Lewis James Alma Lewis James wrote her 1st edition in 1967. She then published a 2nd Edition in 1977. The 1st edition contains a lot of rare historical information about William T. Stackpole. For reasons unknown, almost all references to William T.
- [Transcribed Copy of 1967 First Edition of Stuffed Clubs and Antimacassars by Alma Lewis James](https://fairburyechoes.org/transcribed-copy-of-1967-first-edition-of-stuffed-clubs-and-antimacassars-by-alma-lewis-james) - Transcribed Copy of 1967 First Edition of Stuffed Clubs and Antimacassars by Alma Lewis James Alma Lewis James wrote her 1st edition in 1967. She then published a 2nd Edition in 1977. The 1st edition contains a lot of rare historical information about William T. Stackpole. For reasons unknown, almost all references to William T.
- [Tartars Marching Band and Concerts 1968-1975 Photos and Articles](https://fairburyechoes.org/tartars-marching-band-and-concerts-1968-1975-photos-and-articles) - Tartars Marching Band and Concerts 1968-1975 Photos and Articles About every mention of the band in the Blade newspaper between 1968 and 1975 is included in these files on Archive.Org. They have not been through final editing, they are in the same format as they were photographed from the Blade bound books in March of
- [Stuffed Clubs & Antimacassars](https://fairburyechoes.org/stuffed-clubs-antimacassars) - Alma Lewis James (1899-1979) was Fairbury's first Historian. She authored many books, but her most well-known book was titled Stuffed Clubs & Antimacassars. In 1967, Alma wrote her most famous book, Stuffed Clubs & Antimacassars. To write this book, she used a lot of the material from her 1952 Buckle on the Corn Belt book.
- [Other Fairbury History Books by J. William Goold](https://fairburyechoes.org/other-fairbury-history-books-by-william-j-goold) - Other Fairbury History Books by J. William Goold History Books Written by J. William (Bill Goold) Bill Goold is a native of Fairbury, Illinois. Mr. Goold has researched and written two books that include history related to the Fairbury area. The author, Bill Goold, would like to note these two documents are technically not books,
- [New Stories](https://fairburyechoes.org/new-stories) - July 2023New Awning for Fairbury Echoes Museum The old metal awning on the front of the museum had literally started to fall down. Volunteer Dale C. Maley spent 8 weeks to tear down the old awning, build a new awning, and add a new sign for the museum. This new awning is similar in design
- [Livingston County History Books](https://fairburyechoes.org/livingston-county-history-books) - Download "The History of Livingston County, Illinois" (1878) Download "Portrait and Biographical Album of Livingston County" (1888) Download "Biographical Record of Livingston and Woodford Counties"(1900). Download "Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Livingston County, Vol. 2" (1909) Livingston County Historical Books All four of these books about Livingston County's history have been digitized and
- [Livingston County Historical Society Presentations Related to Fairbury, Illinois](https://fairburyechoes.org/livingston-county-historical-society-presentations-related-to-fairbury-illinois) - Livingston County Historical Society Presentations Related to Fairbury, Illinois Many of the presentations given at the Historical Society are related to Fairbury history. Click Here to see the Historical Society List of Presentations
- [Fairbury History from 1889 Blade article](https://fairburyechoes.org/fairbury-history-from-1889-blade-article) - Fairbury History from 1889 Blade article The editor of the Blade wrote a 12,206-word article about the history of Fairbury. Since the closer a writing is to the event date, this 1889 article is about 32 years after the town founding in 1857, so it is very likely to be an accurate history. Click Here
- [Donate](https://fairburyechoes.org/donate) - Donations to the Museum Fairbury History Items Most of the hundreds of items in our museum were donated by current or former residents of Fairbury. If you have a historic item from the Fairbury area and would like to donate it to the museum, contact the museum using the "Contact Us" tab at the top
- [Blade Archives & Digital Photo Requests](https://fairburyechoes.org/blade-archives-digital-photo-requests) - Blade Archives & Digital Photo Requests History of the Blade and Bound Paper Blade Books One of the most important resources for performing Fairbury history research is the Blade newspaper. For many years, copies of the Blade were sent to institutions like the University of Illinois where they were scanned and put on reels of
- [Audio History](https://fairburyechoes.org/audio-history) - WJEZ Radio Fairbury History Stories WJEZ is the Pontiac, Illinois, radio station. Between 2016 and 2019, Fairbury historian Dale C. Maley recorded 42 short radio segments about various aspects of Fairbury history. Mr. Maley carefully researched each of these history stories and created an outline to use when recording the history segments. The MP3 files
- [1967 Chamber of Commerce Booklet](https://fairburyechoes.org/1967-chamber-of-commerce-booklet) - 1967 Chamber of Commerce Booklet This 30-page booklet has most of the businesses operating in Fairbury in 1967. Includes photos of the businesses and often their employees. Link to where you can view and/or download a copy of the PDF file of this booklet.
- [Remember the Tartars](https://fairburyechoes.org/remember-the-tartars) - Remember the Tartars A blog by Fairbury native James B. Munz about various Fairbury athletic teams and school bands. Click to Visit Remember the Tartars
- [Maps](https://fairburyechoes.org/maps) - Maps Someone scanned and uploaded the entire 1911 Atlas township maps to the Internet. As of November 2025, nobody has scanned and uploaded the entire 1893 Atlas township maps. Dale C. Maley has scanned and uploaded some 1893 Fairbury area township maps to Archive.Org. 1673 to 1782 Moses map showing Native American tribes in Illinois.
- [Early Mail Delivery](https://fairburyechoes.org/early-mail-delivery) - Early Mail Delivery Stagecoaches traveled through Fairbury-Chatsworth area. Ottawa to Danville mail route schedule. First Rural Mailman Fairbury Postmaster History
- [List of All Fairbury Postmasters](https://fairburyechoes.org/list-of-all-fairbury-postmasters) - List of all Fairbury, Illinois, Postmasters Dale C. Maley requested a list of all Postmasters in the history of Fairbury from 1857 through 2026 from an official at the U.S. Postal Service in March of 2026. You can click on this link to view and/or download a copy of this PDF file.
- [Research Resources](https://fairburyechoes.org/research-resources) - Historical Research Historical research can be broadly divided into two different categories: Family Genealogy Research: find and document a family tree General Historical Research: general research about a topic or event in history We are open to requests for historical information about Livingston County and other historical research resources via mail, telephone, or email. It is
- [African American Related Stories](https://fairburyechoes.org/african-american-related-stories) - African American Related Stories African American Related Stories Fairbury's African American History 1857-1922 Fairbury's African American History 1923-2021 Interesting Civil War Veteran John Posey Tales from Graceland Cemetery Two Fairbury Citizens Reaching 117 Years of Age Created National News Underground Railroad in Livingston County by Dale C. Maley Comets of Conscience: Freedom Seekers, Abolitionists, and
- [Fairbury's 8 Murder Cases](https://fairburyechoes.org/fairburys-8-murder-cases) - Fairbury's 8 Murder Cases Fairbury's 8 Murder Cases Murder of Ida Mae Steers Murder of Earl Hanna Murder #3 Murder #4 Murder #5 Murder #6 Murder #7 Murder #8 Book by Dale C. Maley with the story of all 8 murders. 
- [Unsolved Fairbury History Mysteries](https://fairburyechoes.org/unsolved-fairbury-history-mysteries) - History Stories Unsolved Fairbury History Mysteries Fairbury History Mysteries published in 2020 More History Mysteries published in 2024. Additional History Mysteries. Published in August 2025.
- [Women's Rights Movements. Fairbury woman advocated for the abolishment of alcohol and for a woman's right to vote.](https://fairburyechoes.org/womens-rights-movements-fairbury-woman-advocated-for-the-abolishment-of-alcohol-and-for-a-womans-right-to-vote) - Women's Rights Movements. Fairbury woman advocated for the abolishment of alcohol and for a woman's right to vote. Women's Rights Movements. Fairbury woman advocated for the abolishment of alcohol and for a woman's right to vote. Fairbury Movements. Margaret Cairns-Munns. National leader of the WCTU and born in Fairbury.
- [Indian Creek Golf Course](https://fairburyechoes.org/indian-creek-golf-course) - Indian Creek Golf Course Indian Creek Golf Course Miscellaneous golf course historical information including photos and newspaper articles.
- [Coal Mining](https://fairburyechoes.org/coal-mining) - History Stories Coal Mining Blade article on Dale Maley's book about Coal Mining in Fairbury. Debunking the Myth that Bat Masterson worked in a Fairbury Coal Mine. Coal mining was a dangerous occupation. The Sullivan family. Irish immigrants who came to Fairbury because of coal mining jobs. 1887 William T. Stackpole Blade article about coal
- [Fairbury and Sibley Related Stories](https://fairburyechoes.org/fairbury-and-sibley-related-stories) - Fairbury & Sibley Related Stories Fairbury & Sibley Related Stories Largest Farm in the United States Largest Corn-Crib in the World Miraculous Improvement in Corn Yields 
- [Buckle on the Cornbelt](https://fairburyechoes.org/buckle-on-the-cornbelt) - Buckle on the Cornbelt by Alma Lewis James She wrote this 56 page pamphlet back in 1952. Most of the material in this pamphlet she used to write her Stuffed Clubs 1st Edition in 1967, and then used again for her 2nd Edition in 1977. She is to be commended for gathering this information in
- [Fairbury, Illinois, song](https://fairburyechoes.org/fairbury-illinois-song) - Fairbury, Illinois Song The only known song about Fairbury that was professionally recorded and released on a record album was by Bobby Hankins in 1975. Copies of both sides of the record album are shown below. Listen to the Song Click Here to Listen to the Song The Album The Fairbury song is the last
- [Pantagraph Negatives](https://fairburyechoes.org/pantagraph-negatives) - Pantagraph Negatives Around 2022, the Pantagraph started sending their old photographic negatives to the McLean County Museum of History. That museum is slowly having all of the negatives digitized and then posted to a web site where anyone can view or download them. For an explanation of this massive project, you can use this
- [Stephen Young](https://fairburyechoes.org/stephen-young) - Two Fairbury Citizens Reaching 117 Years of Age Created National News By: Dale C. Maley For: Fairbury Blade newspaper Published: February 22, 2021 Fairbury made the national newspapers in January of 1917. Two citizens of Fairbury, Stephen Young and Sophia Lancaster, died in the same week. Each of these Fairbury citizens was purported to be
- [Zimmerman's Hardware Store](https://fairburyechoes.org/zimmermans-hardware-store) - Zimmerman's Hardware Store Written By: John and Lois Zimmerman 400 E. Wanda Lane Fairbury, IL 61739 A FAMILY HARDWARE STORE Joseph and Hermina Zimmerman were the parents of ten children. John is third from the youngest of the children. There are four older brothers, three older sisters, and two younger brothers. Joseph
- [National Register of Historic Places](https://fairburyechoes.org/national-register-of-historic-places) - Fairbury has two buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Old City Hall Old City Hall was added to the National Register in 1996. Jack Tollensdorf prepared this application. Once a building is accepted to the Register, the application becomes public information. To access a copy of this application, use this link.
- [Honegger's](https://fairburyechoes.org/honeggers) - Honegger's This book has an excellent history of Honegger's. It is available in the Museum library.
- [Shopping](https://fairburyechoes.org/shopping) - Items for Sale at the Fairbury Echoes Museum The Museum offers quite a few different Fairbury history items for sale. At this time there are no online sales, so one must stop in at the Museum to purchase these items. One of the most popular items sold by the Museum are new copies of Alma
- [Facebook](https://fairburyechoes.org/facebook) - Facebook Page for Fairbury Echoes Museum The Museum maintains a Facebook page and the name of the page is Fairbury Echoes Museum. Fairbury History Facebook Page This Facebook page focuses on Fairbury area history and the name of the page is Fairbury, Illinois- Today, Long Ago and Somewhere In between. Livingston County History Facebook Page
- [The Maple Brothers Horse](https://fairburyechoes.org/the-maple-brothers-horse) - The Maple Brothers Horse Mannequin
- [What We Do](https://fairburyechoes.org/what-we-do) - Our Mission To discover, collect and preserve the natural, industrial, civil, military, political, social, educational or religious history of Fairbury, Illinois, and to maintain a museum and library to cultivate the historic sensibility and share knowledge on those subjects through meetings and publications. What We Do Our organization oversees the operation of the Fairbury Echoes
- [Historical Research](https://fairburyechoes.org/historical-research)
- [Research Types](https://fairburyechoes.org/research-types) - Research Types Historical Research Historical research can be broadly divided into two different categories: Family Genealogy Research General Historical Research Many people want to research and document their family tree. This falls under the category of family genealogy research. Other people want to perform general historical research about a topic.
- [Organization History](https://fairburyechoes.org/organization-history)