Good News on Illinois Preservation Front

Always great to get some good news about old structures. Here in Illinois recently:

1. The June 28th Peru Reporter says that the red brick Westclox plant is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The 97 year-old structure at 5th and St. Louis streets have been the site of major time mechanics, military production, and where ground-breaking benefits for employees took place.

A picture accompanies the article, and it is an impressive building.

2. A group in Downer's Grove, led by Charley Smart has raised $53,000 through donations and ticket proceeds to a Gin Blossoms concert with the purpose of saving the 1846 Blodgett House which has connections to the Underground Railroad.

Unfortunately, the Downers Grove Park District estimates that the final cost for saving the structure will be close to $1 million, covering renovations, moving it, or buying the land it sits on.

Undeterred, Mr. Smart would like to see the house moved to park district property and turned into a museum and Underground Railroad resource center.

Hey, It's a Start. Keep up the Good Work Charley Smart and Blodgett House on the Move Group. --RoadDog