“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T.S. Eliot – 1888-1965 – Poet-Essayist-Publisher-Social Critic

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T.S. Eliot – 1888-1965 – Poet-Essayist-Publisher-Social Critic

“If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse.” – Jen Sincero – Author-Speaker

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by Lisa Crane)

 

No meeting this week, 2/29/24, because it is the fifth Thursday of the month.

Joe Rank and Cary would like our club to consider sponsoring Cooper the Comfort Dog from the Children’s Advocacy Center. This idea will be brought before the board.

UPCOMING EVENTS & SERVICE OPPORTUNITES

February 24th – That’s What She Said Social featuring Jen Shelby

March  2  (10-1pm) – Read Across America

March 16-17 – PETS training – Ata & Lisa will be attending

March 19  5-6:30pm) – Books to Prisoners

April 6 – Feeding our Kids

April 19-21 – Rotary Youth Leadership Academy at Allerton. 

May 4 (9-noon) – District Assembly

May 4 (9-noon) – Newspaper folding at GSLC

BUCKET BUCKS

February – Meals on Wheels

March – Child Advocacy Center

SPEAKER

Journalist Lex Tate spoke to us about the Evolution of Campustown. She is the author of AN ILLINI PLACE. During her career, Tate was a writer for three University Presidents, wrote a weekly column in the News Gazette, and taught journalism courses at the University of Illinois.

Campustown is considered the Third City, after Champaign and Urbana. Champaign county was chartered in 1833. Urbana, established near the Big Grove,  became the county seat. The railroad was three miles to the west establishing West Urbana which later became Champaign in 1860.

Illinois Industrial University opened on March 2, 1868. Tate shared photos of early Campustown including the first building, University Hall (1876-1880) which known as The Elephant. It was replaced by Gregory Hall and the Illini Union in 1938. Photos of the Quad, which had an informal golf course on it, and Campustown, which was basically 6th Street to Wright Street to Green Street, were shared.

Originally, there was no University housing or dining services.  Greek organizations started early on that provided some housing and dining options. 

George Cunningham was influential in opening the first student book and supply store at Green and Wright. He also opened a post office, confectionary, billiard parlor, tailor and barbershop. Later, three drug stores opened on Green between Wright and 6th to provide a place to eat and gather as well as everyday necessities.

Laster, Greek housing development moved away from Campustown. The men moved towards the west side of campus (Frat Park).  And, on the east side of campus (near what is now the Krannert Center for Performing Arts), sororities for women were developed.

The 1920s was the heaviest growth period at the University. There were a rich variety of businesses, but interestingly very little pictures were taken of store fronts.  Tate showed photos tracking the changes over the decades at the corner of Sixth and Green.

Lex shared photos of the development of Green St. over several decades. At one point there was a movement away from Campustown living to the edges of town.  Now there has been a movement of students back to the Campustown area, including to high rise apartment buildings.  However, as one astute audience member noted, these high rises are not exactly as they seem.  There was a Federal economic development grant with huge tax breaks that helped subsidize the construction of these large apartment buildings.

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  Feb 29th Mar 7th Mar 14th Mar 21st
Introductions No JP Thompson Ed Perry Garrett Colbert
Reflection am Darrell Hoemann Michael Hogue Phyllis Mischo
Greeters meeting JP Thompson Ed Perry Garrett Colbert
  Darrell Hoemann Michael Hogue Phyllis Mischo
Notetaker   Perry Hodson Crane

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

February 29th – No AM meeting (5th Thursday)

March 7th – Jason Harden, Associate Race Director of the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend (Michael)

March 14th – Larry Kenemore’s Rotary Action Group (Mary)

March 21st – Amy Hegemeyer from Mom’s Demand who will talk about the Be Smart Program

March 28th –Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Kent Redfield. (Tom)

April 4th – Rabbi David Tiechtel (Joe)

April 11th –Al Nudo who will speak about Willard Airport (Tom)

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

March – No club birthdays