Books About Decatur

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A selection of books featuring the people, places and events of Decatur Illinois:











 



A historical novel about the founding and building of the Decatur and Macon County Hospital


William C. Johns Home for Nurses



Decatur High School

MacArthur High School

Eisenhower High School


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N&W Explosion 1974

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On July 19, 1974, a massive explosion leveled the N&W (Norfolk & Western) railyard in the heart of Decatur.  Neighborhoods around the explosion site were heavily damaged, including Lakeview High School. The blast was reportedly heard as far away as 30 miles. (photos from Herald and Review archives) Lakeview High School To read more about the explosion: " Death Before Dawn ", a research project by Millikin student Laura Voyles Text of Associated Press article detailing the incident National Transportation Safety Board's " Railroad Accident Report " for the event
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Decatur Baseball: Fans Field and More

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Here's a collection of photos from Decatur's baseball past, starting with the Commodores and Fans Field (1927-1974).  Fans Field was located on the southeast corner of Garfield and Woodford Streets. demolition in 1975 Fans Field Today..... looking northeast towards 2nd base looking southeast towards home plate looking northwest towards home plate And don't forget there was also baseball played on Staley Field (1915-1923): It is believed that the field was located on the northwest corner of Eldorado and 22nd Streets, near where the Staley Viaduct is today.
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ADM Thru the Years

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Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) has been a part of the Decatur landscape since the late 1930's, with the corporate office moving to Decatur in 1969. Here are some ADM-related photos thru those years..... Spencer Kellogg facility c. 1939   c. 1960 downtown Decatur (former Decatur Public Library) downtown Decatur Richland Community College
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