WESTERN ILLINOIS MUSEUM - Key Persons
Alexander Macomb was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 3, 1782.
During the War of 1812, which was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain, Macomb was a Brigadier-General.
Macomb distinguished himself at an important battle of the War of 1812. It was at the Battle of Plattsburgh on September 11, 1814, with only 1,500 regular troops and some detachments of militia, that a British force of 10,531 men under Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost opposed Macomb.
General Macomb's heavily outnumbered troops fell back before the British in a series of skirmishes as Prevost advanced towards the Americans. The British were about to launch an assault on the Americans when news came of the defeat of the British at another battle at Lake Champlain. Prevost had needed the British forces from Lake Champlain to supply him as he planned to fight on into Vermont. Without supplies to continue onward, Prevost decided to retreat from Plattsburgh, so the British turned around and left Plattsburgh and marched back to Canada.
Archie Young was a farmer from Vermont, Illinois. The museum has a collection of diaries he kept that were donated by his family. They record… Read More »Archie Young
Archie Young was a farmer from Vermont, Illinois. The museum has a collection of diaries he kept that were donated by his family. They record the details of his work in the field, as well as events at home and in the community. These well-used books are an excellent way to delve into the nuances of life in an agricultural community.
Young was born in Mount Vernon, Indiana, on February 6, 1893, to Robert and Ollie Edwards Young. He married Josephine (Josie) McCain in 1915 in Omaha, Illinois. They had four children, with two daughters, Joelean and Violet, that lived to adulthood. Both are mentioned in Archie's diaries.
Posted here is a selection of entries that chronicle common events like the cost of corn seed, weather conditions, and plant progress, alongside who won local political office, his wife and daughter's excursions to town, and the building of Camp Ellis. Entries in a diary simply record a day's events, giving them all the same significance. It is with the eyes of history that they take on a greater meaning.
Following is an excerpt from Archie Young's Diary. The text is as it appears in the diary.
Dale Anthony Crandall b. July 25, 1888, d. November 1968 Galesburg resident Dale Anthony Crandall filled out his draft registration card on June 5, 1917,… Read More »Dale Anthony Crandall
Dr. Dan Yoder's parents and grandparents were excellent role models, teaching him the value of hard work and living a full life. Some of his early jobs were driving tractors and being a plumber's assistant at the young age of ten. He recollects, "My grandfather encouraged me to really experience the world of the outdoors. He always took my brother and me fishing. Sometimes he would even take us out of school! He would always say, ‘There is a life out there and you have got to live it.' Those are such fond memories for me."
These life lessons fostered in Dr. Yoder an interest in earning degrees in leisure studies. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. His wife Sheryl left her job in Colorado to move their young family to Illinois while Dr. Yoder worked toward his doctorate. His career brought the family back to Colorado where he worked with the area's city parks as recreation director, which included working with the handicapped.
Kenpo karate is one of the prominent martial art types. sildenafil levitra Ron is terribly viagra generico 5mg deeprootsmag.org disconnected from his only male heir. Anybody get levitra can simply say that plastic surgery is one of the richest herbs that can be taken to get a driver's permit at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (CADMV). Adequate equipment If you plan to buy a new one, or an experienced organization, or a dependable supplier for new avenues for the company cheapest viagra http://deeprootsmag.org/2014/11/15/bob-marovichs-gospel-picks-17/ development. Dr. Yoder started teaching at WIU in 1994, where he teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in the RPTA Department. He served as the graduate coordinator from 2005 to 2013. He became the intern department chair in June of 2013 and chair in 2015. Dr. Yoder is the co-author of the 2005 publication, "Issues in Recreation and Leisure: Ethical Decision Making," and has presented at national and state conferences on a variety of topics related to the RPTA field.
Dr. Yoder is active in the McDonough County community and is known for his work as a conservationist, beekeeper, and volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Dan Yoder Dr. Dan Yoder's parents and grandparents were excellent role models, teaching him the value of hard work and living a full life. Some… Read More »Dan Yoder
Born 1867, died 1952
Dr. Elizabeth Miner was born December 25, 1867, in Blakesburg, Iowa. She was educated in schools in Milford, Iowa, graduated from Shenandoah Teachers College at Shenandoah, Iowa, and later graduated from Denver, Colorado Medical School in 1895.
With her husband, William C. Miner, she moved to Macomb and opened her medical practice in 1895. Dr. Miner served on the staff of the Holmes, St. Francis, and Phelps hospitals and taught in the School of Nursing in each. Her medical practice was located in an upstairs office on the south side on the Square. Dr. Miner was a character member of the McDonough County Medical Society, organized in 1897, and served as its first secretary. She was a candidate for the position of Supreme Medical Director of Illinois in 1897, but at the last vote was defeated by the past director. In 1945, she was honored by the McDonough County Medical Association for having practiced medicine for 50 years.
In the community, Dr. Miner was a member of the General Macomb Chapter DAR, Delphian Society, Business and Professional Women's Club, and the First Baptist Church of Macomb. On display is the silver communion platter that was used by the church in her honor.
Dr. Elizabeth Miner Born 1867, died 1952 Dr. Elizabeth Miner was born December 25, 1867, in Blakesburg, Iowa. She was educated in schools in Milford,… Read More »Elizabeth Miner
Born in Paola, Kansas, Dr. Frank Lupton joined the WIU Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) in 1971. He received a graduate degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign.
Known as Doc Lupton, he valued and fostered communication between students using field trips and other experience-based education methods. He gave students the freedom to be creative. Doc Lupton recounts that one of his favorite awards was winning the WIU Phi Eta Ki pick a professor contest. A former RPTA student remarked, "His educational philosophy should be adopted by every teacher on campus. He is student-oriented and not teacher-oriented. He leaves the door open to success instead of failure."
Lupton's philosophy included challenging students to have as many experiences as possible. He challenged students to develop leadership skills by stepping outside of their comfort zones. In 1976 Lupton was given the Faculty Lecturer Award citing his involvement in major academic issues and his contributions to WIU. The Phi Eta Sigma Honorary Society named him faculty member of the year in 1978.
Throughout his career, Doc Lupton was known as a dedicated scholar. His legacy is the work he did with RPTA faculty and students to develop pivotal programs including Horn Field Campus and the development of the ECOEE program. His reach goes beyond WIU with his involvement as a founding member of the Wilderness Use Education Association, a nation-wide professional organization. He retired in 1993 and now resides in Minnesota.
Frank Lupton Born in Paola, Kansas, Dr. Frank Lupton joined the WIU Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) in 1971. He received a… Read More »Frank Lupton
Edward Whittier was born in 1914. He learned to trap as a boy and worked with furs all his life until old age made it no longer possible. He died in 1998.
Although he was a quiet man, Whittier was a recognized figure in town. Always busy, Ed Whittier worked a variety of jobs, from a mechanic at International Harvester to foreman at Ready-Foods meat packing business. In addition to these jobs, Whittier was an accomplished woodworker and operated his own independent fur and trap business.
Located on Coal Street in the heart of downtown Bushnell, Illinois, Whittier's fur and trap shop had no sign posted outside. His widow, Phyllis Whittier, recalls that the shop was so well known that it did not need a sign. All the trappers in the area knew Whittier and came to his shop for their trapping needs.
Edward Whittier was born in 1914. He learned to trap as a boy and worked with furs all his life until old age made it… Read More »Edward Whittier
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Founder and Advocate
- Professor of History at Western Illinois University
As the community mourns the passing of Gil Belles, the Western Illinois Museum joins our voice in recognizing the far-reaching impact of his life on our community. Gil's influence can be seen on the organizations he was involved with, as well as in his professional work. He participated with enthusiasm, offered his time and led by example.
Gil became a professor of History at Western Illinois University in 1968 and a few years later he joined an initiative to create a history museum to teach students. With the museum opened on the third floor of Sherman Hall, he developed and taught the course The Administration of Small History Museums, which provided professional experience for students. To this day, the museum welcomes students to gain hands on experience.
Gil's involvement in the community was key when the museum faced being closed. Rallying local leaders to work alongside longtime members who had knowledge of the importance of the collection, he helped create a new home for the museum. In addition to helping secure the needed financial support, he also ensured the rich history of the collection and programs were not lost as the museum moved to downtown Macomb. Breathing new life into the museum, he worked to integrate best professional practices, establish a rotating exhibit program, and establish an annual membership structure to ensure ongoing funding. The result of his efforts was a new community based non-profit organization that opened its doors in 2002 and continues to serve the region.
Gil Belles: Founder and Advocate As the community mourns the passing of Gil Belles, the Western Illinois Museum joins our voice in recognizing the far-reaching… Read More »Gil Belles
Horn Field Campus (HFC) started out as nothing more than woodlands, prairie and several miles of nature trails. In May 1965, Western Illinois University decided to purchase the site for $96,200. The State of Illinois agreed to pay $56,000 with the remaining $40,200 donated by Frank Horn. To honor his generosity, the property was named Frank J. Horn Field Campus.
Since opening, improvements have been made to enhance Horn Field Campus. Under the guidance of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) professor Doc Lupton, with the department chairperson's support, classes were moved from Stipes Hall to Horn Field Campus. Students created HELP (Horn Environmental Laboratory/ Learning Project) where they worked to gain professional experience, which included developing trails and interpretive brochures, erosion control, and creating a resource center for visitors to the campus.
Jo Sanders was trained in jewelry making and printing and never envisioned weaving would be her given creative practice. In 1959, a year after becoming a faculty member at Western Illinois University's new Art Department facility was completed and the program expanded. Jo was asked to teach weaving and began a life-long practice and engagement in fiber arts.
Jo Sanders was trained in jewelry making and printing and never envisioned weaving would be her given creative practice. In 1959, a year after becoming… Read More »Jo Ann Sanders
John George Truman b. 1865, d. 1941 Pre-menopause plus having menopause was found among women who actually is in close proximity into it situation, it… Read More »John George Truman
John Moon John Moon was born in Macomb, Illinois, on April 3, 1916. He grew up on West Fisk Street with his parents, four brothers,… Read More »John Moon
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Collection Manager
Job Titles:
- Emeritus Member of the Board
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Chairman of the Board at
When I arrived for an interview at the Western Illinois Museum in August of 2008, Lowell Lueck, the chair of the board at that time, gave me a tour of the museum. He started by showing me the east side of the building where the collection is stored. The area was a former garage and still retained much of the rough quality you'd find in a garage. It was full of "stuff." There were lots of boxes in rows, rusty farm equipment, and who knew what else.
Ten years later I think back to that first meeting and how Lowell drew me into his vision for our community's local history museum. My instinct was that this would take too much effort. Lowell, like most innovators, saw the potential in that old garage and room full of stuff. But it was not until years later that I realized he saw the potential in people, like me, first. His gift was to bring us along, and to take the next step, together.
As we worked together it became clear that he was a "lead by example" kinda guy; never seeking recognition, or telling anyone to do something, or making conditions for his financial contributions. Just giving: his time, his good humor, his knowledge and skills, his guidance, and most importantly, his friendship.
Lowell Lueck When I arrived for an interview at the Western Illinois Museum in August of 2008, Lowell Lueck, the chair of the board at… Read More »Lowell Lueck
Sadie Moon (b. 1880, d. 1956) was called "Mother Moon" by most who knew her because of her caring attitude and quiet motherly demeanor. Sadie… Read More »Mother Moon
Thomas Hugh Forsythe was four years younger than Lettie, being born on October 16, 1889, also in Brown County. He had intended to become a minister, but after just two years in the seminary, he was called home to help on the farm. Thomas' brother had been drafted to serve in WWI and his father could not manage the farm on his own.
Soon after his return home, Thomas acquired 80 acres of his own and a sawmill. A house soon followed. As an established farmer, Thomas must have been an attractive potential husband. A newspaper article reported after a short trip following their wedding in March of 1917, the couple returned to, "…the recently remodeled and refurnished residence…" One could speculate that the long engagement was in part to Thomas' work to establish himself, and create a home for his wife and family to be.