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Wheaton, Illinois

Wheaton is a city in and the county seat of DuPage County, Illinois, United States. It is located in Milton and Winfield Townships, approximately 25 mi west of Chicago. As of the 2020 census, Wheaton's population was 53,970, making it the 27th-most populous municipality in the state.

Founding
The city dates its founding to the period between 1831 and 1837, following the Indian Removal Act, when Erastus Gary laid claim to 790 acre of land near present-day Warrenville. The Wheaton brothers arrived from Connecticut, and in 1837, Warren L. Wheaton laid claim to 640 acre of land in the center of town. Jesse Wheaton later made claim to 300 acre of land just west of Warren's. It was not long before other settlers from New England joined them in the community. In 1848, they gave the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad three miles (5 km) of right-of-way, upon which railroad officials named the depot Wheaton. In 1850, ten blocks of land were platted and anyone who was willing to build immediately was granted free land. In 1853, the lots were surveyed and a formal plat for the community was filed with the county. The community was then incorporated as a village on February 24, 1859, with Warren serving as its first President. The village was later incorporated as a city on April 24, 1890, when the first mayor of the city was selected, Judge Elbert Gary, son of Erastus Gary and founder of Gary, Indiana.

Establishment as county seat

In 1857, the Illinois state legislature authorized an election to be held to decide the question of whether the DuPage county seat should remain in Naperville or be moved to the more centrally located Wheaton, which was on the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad. Naperville won the election by a vote of 1,542 to 762. Hostility between the two towns continued for the next decade and another election was held in 1867, in which Wheaton narrowly won by a vote of 1,686 to 1,635. At a cost of $20,000, the City of Wheaton quickly built a courthouse to house a courtroom, county offices, and a county jail. The building was dedicated on July 4, 1868.

However, animosity between the two towns continued, and in 1868, as records were moved from the old Naperville courthouse to the new courthouse in Wheaton, Naperville refused to turn over the remaining county records, prompting a band of Civil War veterans from Wheaton to conduct what came to be known as the "Midnight Raid" on the Naperville courthouse. As Wheatonites fled back on Wheaton-Naperville Road, Napervillians were able to secure some of the last remaining records, which were then taken to the Cook County Recorder in Chicago for safekeeping. During this time, Naperville was mounting a lawsuit against Wheaton accusing election judges of leaving their posts for lunch during the vote when duplicate ballot stuffing allegedly occurred. As the courts deliberated the fate of the county seat, the records were destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Shortly thereafter, Wheaton was officially proclaimed the county seat.

As demand for space increased, the courthouse was rebuilt in 1887 at a cost of $69,390, modeled after the courthouse in Aledo. This structure was used for the next 94 years until the county's rapid growth prompted the building of a brand new complex. The old courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and was formerly used by National Louis University until National Louis moved to Lisle in 2004. It is currently being developed into luxury condominiums.

On November 2, 1990, the courthouse moved to a building about 2 mi west in a new 57 acre complex at the corner of County Farm Road and Manchester Road. It was built at a cost of $52,500,000 and includes a 300000 sqft judicial building. In 1992, the county sued the architect and contractor for $4 million after several employees became ill from the ventilation system. In the end, however, the county received only $120,000 for minor repairs and the jury sided with the defendants, finding that the alleged problems were caused, primarily, by the county's negligent operation and maintenance of the ventilation system.

Expansion

Wheaton has rapidly expanded since the 1950s, although population growth has slowed since the early 1990s, as the city has become increasingly landlocked. Downtown lost much business after the county courthouse facility moved 2 mi west in 1990, but in the decade since, the downtown has seen a renaissance of sorts, with the creation of several significant condominium and business developments. One of the most recognizable landmarks of the city is Wheaton Center, a 758-unit apartment complex on 14 acre in downtown Wheaton. The six building complex includes two twenty-story high-rise buildings built in 1975.

In 1887, Wheaton prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages, a ban which lasted until 1985 and applied to all supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and other establishments.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Wheaton has a total area of 11.49 sqmi, of which 11.32 sqmi (or 98.55%) is land and 0.17 sqmi (or 1.45%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census, there were 53,970 people, 19,218 households, and 13,122 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,699.17 PD/sqmi. There were 20,885 housing units at an average density of 1,818.46 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 79.01% White, 4.27% African American, 0.16% Native American, 7.50% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.24% from other races, and 6.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.49% of the population.

There were 19,218 households, out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.66% were married couples living together, 6.35% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.72% were non-families. 26.51% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.01% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.22 and the average family size was 2.61.

The city's age distribution consisted of 22.8% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $105,764, and the median income for a family was $129,579. Males had a median income of $73,771 versus $40,560 for females. The per capita income for the city was $51,688. About 3.3% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.

In August 2010, the city was listed among the "Top 25 Highest Earning Towns" on CNN Money, citing a median family income of $113,517, and a median home price of $328,866, based on 2009 figures.

Economy
According to the City of Wheaton's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city were:

Business districts
Wheaton boasts a vibrant downtown with many restaurants, shops and services. The Downtown Wheaton Association hosts many events throughout the year to promote local businesses, including The French Market, The Chili Cookoff, Vintage Rides, Boo-palooza (Downtown Wheaton Trick-or-Treat), A Dickens of a Christmas, Wheaton Wedding Walk and Wheaton's Wine & Cultural Arts Festival.

Downtown Wheaton is also home to perhaps one of the narrowest stores in the Chicago area. The Little Popcorn Store on Front Street was formerly an alley between two buildings, and features the exposed brick walls of its neighbors. The store has been around since the 1920s and sells candy for as little as 1¢ apiece, and fresh popcorn.

Other shopping districts in Wheaton include Danada Square West, and Danada Square East, named after Dan and Ada Rice, located on the north side of Illinois Route 56 (Butterfield Road), on the west and east side of Naperville Road. Just east of Danada Square East is Rice Lake Square, another open air shopping center. Just north of Danada Square East, along Naperville Road, is Town Square Wheaton, which was built in 1992, and is a mixed-use lifestyle center featuring clothing boutiques and restaurants. Other shopping areas include the Roosevelt Road and Geneva Road corridors.

Fairgrounds
Wheaton is home to the DuPage County Fairgrounds. Organized in 1954, the DuPage County Fair Association hosts the annual DuPage County Fair in late July. The fair annually attracts major entertainers, such as Ashlee Simpson, Plain White T's (2007), Travis Tritt, Jesse McCartney, Jars of Clay, Corbin Bleu (2008), The Academy Is..., The Original Wailers (2009), and Danny Gokey (2010).

Theater
Wheaton is also home to the historic Grand Theater, built in 1925. In recent years, the theater and volunteers undertook a restoration to its original state, complete with a lighted dome ceiling dotted with stars, and a newly painted floor. It celebrated its grand reopening on May 11, 2002, and on August 25, 2005, the theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. There was a sense of growing pessimism that the theater would ever be restored, due to lack of progress and funds. However, there was cause for hope when on January 23, 2010, when many cast members of the off-Broadway show Jersey Boys raised approximately $50,000 for restoration.

On July 10, 2010, the Grand Theater Corp. surrendered the deed to the building, to Suburban Bank and Trust Co, due in part to being delinquent on a $800,000 loan, carried by Suburban Bank and Trust Co.

On November 30, 2012, Jim Atten bought the building, intending to reopen it soon. Since then he has been repairing the property and leading the effort to remove temporary structures within the theater. He has worked closely with an architect and the city staff as the effort progresses. According to the Daily Herald newspaper, it will take an estimated $5 million to get the theater up and running again.

Public library
The Wheaton Public Library is frequently ranked as one of the top ten libraries in the nation compared to other libraries serving similarly sized populations. In 2006, a three-story addition was added, followed by significant renovations which were completed in 2007, to bring the square footage up from 74,000 to 124,000. The annual public library budget in 2018 was $4.084 million. , the total circulation was 1,013,326, the number of items in the collection was 262,745, and the number of visitors was 525,711. The previous public library was converted into the DuPage County Historical Museum, between 1965 and 1967.

In May 2016, the library opened Café on the Park, a small restaurant located just inside the Wheaton Public Library's park-side (west) entrance.

Parks and golf

 * The Wheaton Park District has received the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence from the National Recreation and Park Association four times, in 1984, 1990, 1996, and 2005. It boasts 52 parks covering more than 800 acre, including:
 * The 135 acre Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, with over 300 species of prairie and wetland plants and animals, and a regionally acclaimed ropes course.
 * Cosley Zoo, founded in 1974, housing over 200 animals that represent over 70 species.
 * Two public swimming pools, the Northside Family Aquatic Center, and the Rice Pool and Water Park with three water slides, a zero-depth entry point and sand volleyball courts.
 * The 27-hole Arrowhead Golf Club, renamed in 1929 from the Antlers Golf Club, which was built in 1924. A new clubhouse was built in 2004–2005.
 * The Chicago Golf Club is a prestigious private golf club on the southside of Wheaton. It is the oldest 18-hole golf course in the nation. It has hosted numerous U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Golf Championships in its history. In 2005, it was host to the Walker Cup.
 * Cantigny Park and Golf Course is the former estate of Chicago Tribune owner Robert R. McCormick and is located in southwestern Wheaton. The park contains extensive formal and natural gardens and two museums, one relating to the Chicago Tribune, and the other devoted to the First Division of the United States Army, as Robert McCormick was a colonel in the First Division during World War I. Adjacent to the park to the south is Cantigny's championship 18-hole public golf course that was the site of the 2007 U.S. Amateur Public Links.
 * The Danada Forest Preserve and Equestrian Center is located on the site of the former estate of Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice, after whom Danada is named. In the 1940s, the Rices added a barn to the estate to house horses. In 1965, their horse Lucky Debonair won the Kentucky Derby. The Danada Farm estate was acquired by the county in 1980 and 1981.
 * The Illinois Prairie Path runs throughout Wheaton.

Government
In the United States House of Representatives, Wheaton is located both in Illinois's 3rd congressional district, which is held by Democrat Delia Ramirez, and Illinois's 6th congressional district, which is held by Democrat Sean Casten.

Higher education
Wheaton College is located just east of downtown Wheaton. Sometimes referred to as "The Harvard of Evangelical schools", Wheaton College is known for being an interdenominational destination school for devout Christian students seeking an elite liberal arts education.

Wheaton's campus features the Billy Graham Center, named for the college's most famous alumnus, which contains a museum dedicated to both the history of American evangelism and the international ministry of Billy Graham. It features conceptual exhibits intended to convey Christian ideas. Wheaton College is also home to the Todd M. Beamer Student Center, which was dedicated on October 1, 2004 to the memory of Todd Beamer, a hero from United Airlines Flight 93, and two other Wheaton alumni who died in the September 11 attacks.

The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology is also located in Wheaton, and is home to the School of Applied Technology and offers technology-oriented education and training for working professionals.

Private schools
Several of the private schools in Wheaton are located near the town center; in addition, St. Francis High School is on the far west side of town. Wheaton Academy moved to West Chicago in 1945, and Wheaton Christian Grammar School moved to a new campus in Winfield in 2010, while still retaining its name.

Pre-school through eighth grade

 * Clapham School, founded in 2005, is a classical school with students from pre-K through high school.
 * Prairie School of DuPage is located on the grounds of the Theosophical Society in America.
 * St John Lutheran School serves students in preschool.
 * St Michael Catholic Elementary School serves 580 students in preschool through eighth grade.
 * Toddlers Campus Preschool, an outreach ministry of Highpoint Church
 * Wheaton Montessori School serves children ages 3–12 and is accredited by the Association Montessori International.

High schools

 * St. Francis High School serves 726 students in ninth through twelfth grade.

Public schools
Most of Wheaton is part of Community Unit School District 200. The Wheaton public school system is regularly listed among the finest in Illinois, with the School Board receiving the fifth consecutive Governance Award in 2020, from the Illinois Association of School Boards. A few families in the northeast corner of Wheaton reside in Glen Ellyn School District 41, and one elementary school that is located in the southeastern part of Wheaton, Briar Glen Elementary School, is part of Community Consolidated School District 89.

High schools

 * Wheaton North – consists of students from Monroe and Franklin Middle Schools
 * Wheaton Warrenville South – consists of students from Edison and Hubble Middle Schools

Middle schools

 * Edison – funnels into Wheaton Warrenville South High School
 * Hubble (Warrenville) - funnels into Wheaton Warrenville South High School
 * Franklin – funnels into Wheaton North High School
 * Monroe – funnels into Wheaton North High School

Elementary schools
• Briar Glen (in CCSD 89)

• Emerson

• Hawthorne

• Lincoln

• Longfellow

• Lowell

• Madison

• Sandburg

• Washington

• Whittier

• Wiesbrook

Pre-schools

 * Jefferson Early Childhood Center

Rail
The Union Pacific West Line runs through downtown Wheaton and has been a staple of the city since its founding in the mid-1800s. Metra has two stops along the line in Wheaton, one at College Avenue serving Wheaton College, and another at West Street in the heart of the commercial district. It passes under a bridge just west of downtown, and over County Farm Road, just north of the DuPage County Government Complex.

Wheaton was also served by the Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad with passenger and freight service from 1902 to 1959. The CA&E right-of-way now constitutes the Illinois Prairie Path, one of the first rail trails. Carlton Avenue, UP Railroad, West Street, and Childs Street are the borders of the former site of the CA&E's headquarters and storage and maintenance facilities.

Bus
Pace provides bus service on multiple routes connecting Wheaton to Forest Park, Naperville, and other destinations.

Highways

 * Illinois Route 38, also known as Roosevelt Road.
 * Illinois Route 56, also known as Butterfield Road.
 * Illinois Route 64, also known as North Avenue.

Health care
Established in 1972 by the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is a rehabilitation hospital located in a small unincorporated enclave on the west side of Wheaton on Roosevelt Road. It has been operated by Northwestern Medicine, since 2016. Marianjoy is a nonprofit hospital dedicated to the delivery of physical medicine and rehabilitation, with 127 beds.

Religious institutions
Wheaton has forty-five churches located within city limits and an additional thirty places of worship in the outlying unincorporated areas, representing nearly forty religious denominations. The Genius Edition of Trivial Pursuit states that Wheaton has the "second most churches per capita in America."

Built in 1926, the national headquarters of the Theosophical Society in America is located on a 42 acre estate on the north side of Wheaton.

Wheaton is also the North American headquarters for the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which moved into its new home in June 1946.

On March 18, 2002, St. Michael Catholic Church in downtown Wheaton was destroyed by arson by a Wheaton resident and parishioner, Adam Palinski, now serving 39 years in prison. He lost his appeal, but still maintains his innocence. The church has since been rebuilt at a cost of $13 million, and reopened on March 18, 2006.

Sister cities
Wheaton has been a sister city of Karlskoga, Sweden, since 1973. Karlskoga Street in Wheaton is named after the Swedish city. In February 1990, Wheaton also became sister cities with Wheaton Aston, Staffordshire, England.

title: Wheaton, Illinois


text:
Willowbrook, DuPage County, Illinois

Willowbrook is a village in DuPage County, Illinois, United States, in the Chicagoland area. Per the 2020 census, the population was 9,236. It is a southwestern suburb of Chicago.

History

Originally an unincorporated area of nearby Darien, Willowbrook grew from the Ridgemoor subdivision. It was named after a Grove of Willows along a local creek, which flows into Waterfall Glen. It was incorporated as a village in 1960 Construction of U.S. Route 66 along Willowbrook's south edge led to the development of several new gas stations and restaurants. In 1946, Ervin "Irv" Kolarik opened Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket on Route 66. The restaurant became a staple in the community. It continues to operate as one of the last surviving stops on Route 66 in Illinois. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In the 1980's, new development began along IL-83 and I-55 as the village population continued to grow. In 1990, a swampy pond along Route 83, was cleaned up and designated as "Willow Pond". A trail has since been built around the pond, and it is known as a popular Ice skating spot during the winter season.

Geography
The Village of Willowbrook is located at 41.76722°N, -87.94917°W (41.767153, -87.949281).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Willowbrook has a total area of 2.63 sqmi, of which 2.57 sqmi (or 97.94%) is land and 0.05 sqmi (or 2.06%) is water. Willowbrook is around 23 mi from Chicago. It is bordered by the suburban villages of Hinsdale, Westmont, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge, and Darien, along with unincorporated areas of DuPage County.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 9,236 people, 3,916 households, and 2,337 families residing in the village. The population density was 3,517.14 PD/sqmi. There were 4,509 housing units at an average density of 1,717.06 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 71.77% White, 4.48% African American, 0.30% Native American, 14.63% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.75% from other races, and 6.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.94% of the population.

There were 3,916 households, out of which 19.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.61% were married couples living together, 7.02% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.32% were non-families. 35.29% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.89% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 2.17.

The village's age distribution consisted of 15.0% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 24.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $86,364, and the median income for a family was $117,415. Males had a median income of $65,748 versus $45,833 for females. The per capita income for the village was $54,805. About 5.0% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.9% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.

High cancer rates
In September 2018, the Illinois Department of Public Health began a cancer incidence study based on the recommendation of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The Willowbrook area shows a '300 in a million' cancer risk based on the 2014 National Air Toxics Assessment, far higher than neighboring communities with a '40 in a million' cancer incidence. A local facility, Sterigenics International, Inc., uses a 'probable carcinogen' called Ethylene Oxide to sterilize medical equipment. According to the EPA fact sheet, 'Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and harm the brain and nervous system (causing effects such as headaches, memory loss, numbness). Studies show that breathing air containing elevated ethylene oxide levels over many years increases the risk of some types of cancers, including cancers of the white blood cells (such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, myeloma and lymphocytic leukemia); and breast cancer in females.' On September 30, 2019, Sterigenics announced the closing of the Willowbrook facility eliminating key source of cancer causing chemical.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Willowbrook, DuPage County, Illinois


text:
Winfield, Illinois

Winfield is an incorporated village located in Milton and Winfield Townships, DuPage County, Illinois, United States. The DuPage River headwaters are located directly to the north, and the river runs through the village. The population was 9,835 at the 2020 census, and was estimated to be 10,046 in 2022.

Winfield is the location of Central DuPage Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the Chicago suburbs. Winfield station on the Union Pacific West Line provides commuter rail service to Chicago. Winfield is considered among the safest towns in Illinois.

History
Winfield originally tried to become an incorporated village in 1884 under the town name 'Frederick Park'. However, the motion was denied as the town did not have 300 residents as was required for incorporation. When the village was finally incorporated in 1921, the town had a population of 310 people.

The earliest settlers, Erastus and Jude P. Gary, came to Winfield in 1832. Winfield was originally known as Gary's Mill after these early settlers, and later, Fredericksburg, owing to a significant German-speaking population. Before 1850, most Winfield residents were migrants from New England; however, by 1860, half of the residents were from Germany and Alsace-Lorraine. Winfield retained a community of German-speaking farmers until the 1920s. In the late 1800s, the settlement's name was changed again to Winfield after the war hero Winfield Scott.

Winfield was home to one of the oldest taverns in the Chicago suburbs, John's Restaurant and Tavern (formerly John's Buffet), founded in 1921 by immigrant John T Karwoski. It closed its doors in December 2017. John Karwoski was instrumental in the political and economic development of Winfield, and it was his guidance and leadership that took a fledgling prairie town clinging to existence after the railroad boom went bust, and turned it into a viable and livable village. Mr Karwoski became the first Chief of the all-volunteer Winfield Volunteer Fire Company in 1935. 45 years later, his son John Karwoski II was made Chief of the expanded Winfield Fire Protection District in 1980.

Winfield was served by The Winfield Glimpses newspaper from October 1947 to October 1976. The Glimpses changed its name to the Winfield Examiner in November 1976 and ran until February 1992. A full collection of these newspapers is available on microfilm at the Winfield Public Library.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 3.14 sqmi, of which 3.10 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi, is water.

In addition to the West Branch of the DuPage River, Klein Creek and Winfield Creek also flow through the village.

2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 9,835 people, 3,834 households, and 2,937 families residing in the village. The population density was 3,147.20 PD/sqmi. There were 3,981 housing units at an average density of 1,273.92 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 82.96% White, 1.50% African American, 0.12% Native American, 5.26% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.22% from other races, and 7.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.87% of the population.

There were 3,834 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.55% were married couples living together, 6.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.40% were non-families. 22.01% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.14% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 2.53.

The village's age distribution consisted of 20.5% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 18.9% from 25 to 44, 35.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $125,481, and the median income for a family was $146,122. Males had a median income of $78,434 versus $60,421 for females. The per capita income for the village was $55,616. About 0.7% of families and 1.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 0.5% of those age 65 or over.

Historical places

Hedges station is the oldest train depot in Illinois. Built in 1849, it is now a museum.

The Chicago-Winfield Tuberculosis Sanitarium was founded in 1909. As tuberculosis declined, the Sanitarium saw a decrease in patients and in 1962, the sanitarium was purchased by the Central DuPage Hospital Association.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church was erected in 1867. It burned down in 1906, and was rebuilt.

Public parks
There are a total of 19 parks and facilities within the Village of Winfield, offering a variety of recreation uses.

Winfield Riverwalk Park opened in October 2021. Amenities include trails, fitness stations, wetlands, garden, a canoe/kayak launch, picnic shelter, and fishing.

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve contain Native American burial mounds, and borders Red Hawk Park Timber Ridge Forest Preserve, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve, and Belleau Woods Forest Preserve.

West Branch DuPage River Trail passes through Winfield.

Klein Creek Golf Club offers an 18-hole golf course.

Education
The Village of Winfield is served by three school districts: West Chicago Elementary School District 33 (K–8, serving the north side of Winfield); Winfield Elementary School District 34 (K–8, serving the south side of Winfield); and Community Unit School District 200 (K–12, Wheaton-Warrenville, serving the east side of Winfield). Since Winfield has no public high school, students from Districts 33 and 34 attend West Chicago Community High School, and students from CUSD 200 attend Wheaton North High School. It has three public elementary/middle schools, Winfield Primary School (PK–2), Winfield Central School (3–8), and Pleasant Hill Elementary School (K–5), and two private elementary/middle schools, St. John the Baptist Catholic School (PK–8) and Wheaton Christian Grammar School (K–8).

Transportation
The Winfield station provides Metra commuter rail service along the Union Pacific West Line. Trains travel east Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago and west to Elburn station.

Pace provides bus service in the Wheaton Winfield On Demand service zone.

Notable people

 * Christopher Bear (b. 1982), drummer and backing vocalist for Brooklyn-based indie rock group Grizzly Bear (Band) who has also collaborated with The Dirty Projectors, Fleet Foxes, and Beach House
 * Wes Benjamin (b. 1993), pitcher with the Texas Rangers.
 * Alex Benoit (b. 1995), competitive ice dancer, fourth place at 2017 U.S. Figure Skating Championships
 * Michael Bowden (b. 1986), former pitcher with Chicago Cubs
 * Chris Brown (b. 1981), running back with Houston Texans
 * Carolena Carstens (b. 1996), taekwondo olympian
 * Dorothy Chang (b. 1970), composer born in Winfield
 * Rob DeVita (b. 1965), football player for Seattle Seahawks
 * Scott Michael Foster (b. 1985), actor
 * John Warne Gates (1855–1911), pioneer promoter of barbed wire and founder of The Texas Company, a precursor to Texaco
 * Sam Himmelfarb (1904–1976), American artist and commercial exhibit designer, known for his modernist-influenced paintings of everyday people and urban scenes
 * Eleanor Himmelfarb (1910–2009), American artist, teacher and conservationist known for semi-abstract paintings referencing the landscape and human figure
 * Michael Hodges (b. 1976), American fiction writer
 * Frank Kaminsky (b. 1993), basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks
 * Debbie Keller (b. 1975), retired soccer forward and former member of United States women's national soccer team
 * Anthony Louis (b.1995), left wing/center for Chicago Blackhawks
 * Philip Lutzenkirchen (b. 1991), American football tight end, who played at Auburn University, finishing his career as the school's all-time leading receiver in touchdowns among tight ends.
 * Andrew Marshall (b. 1984), defender with Crystal Palace Baltimore and Harrisburg City Islanders
 * Walt Moryn (1926–1996), outfielder with Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, lived and died in Winfield
 * Jarett Park (b. 1981) professional lacrosse player
 * Luke Putkonen (b. 1986), former pitcher for Detroit Tigers
 * Rob Scahill (b. 1987), pitcher with the Chicago White Sox
 * Shealeigh (b. 1998), singer
 * Kevin Streelman (b. 1978), golfer on PGA Tour
 * Bradie Tennell (b.1998), figure skater, 2018 U.S. national champion; 2015 junior national champion
 * Nikos Tselios (b. 1979), defenseman with NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Hounds, KalPa (Finland) and Färjestad BK (Sweden); cousin of Chris Chelios
 * William M. Whitney (1828–c. 1908), American politician
 * Jonathan C. Wright (b. 1966), State's attorney for Logan County, Illinois

title: Winfield, Illinois


text:
Wood Dale, Illinois

Wood Dale is a city in Addison Township, DuPage County, Illinois, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 14,012.

History
Wood Dale was originally known as Lester's Station, after John Lester, an early settler.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Wood Dale has a total area of 4.89 sqmi, of which 4.78 sqmi (or 97.91%) is land and 0.10 sqmi (or 2.09%) is water.

Wood Dale shares borders with Elk Grove Village (on the north), Bensenville (east), Addison (south, southwest) and Itasca (west).

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 14,012 people, 5,135 households, and 3,684 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,868.37 PD/sqmi. There were 5,599 housing units at an average density of 1,146.16 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 68.93% White, 1.84% African American, 0.93% Native American, 6.09% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 10.87% from other races, and 11.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 26.01% of the population.

There were 5,135 households, out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.95% were married couples living together, 13.18% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.26% were non-families. 22.96% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.43% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.18 and the average family size was 2.68.

The city's age distribution consisted of 21.6% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $75,521, and the median income for a family was $88,365. Males had a median income of $46,114 versus $32,100 for females. The per capita income for the city was $36,563. About 5.4% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.7% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.

Wood Dale has two primary schools, Oakbrook Elementary School(k-2) and Westview Elementary School(3-5), and one middle school, Wood Dale Junior High School(6-8) as well as Holy Ghost. Wood Dale shares Fenton High School with Bensenville.

Economy
The top 5 employing industry sectors in Wood Dale are manufacturing (13.6%), retail trade (11.0%), health care (9.7%), wholesale trade (5.4%) and administration (8.4%). A plurality of the workforce commutes from Chicago, followed by Wood Dale itself, Elk Grove Village and Bensenville. The top 5 employing industry sectors of community residents are wholesale trade (20.3%), manufacturing (18%), manufacturing (11.3%), administration (10.6%) and healthcare (7.5%). The median income for a household in the city was $57,509, and the median income for a family was $62,289. Males had a median income of $45,884 versus $35,247 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,507. About 2.9% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over. At one time Claire's had a distribution facility in Wood Dale. That function is now handled by its Hoffman Estates office.

Principal employers
According to Wood Dale's 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

Transportation
Wood Dale has a station on Metra's Milwaukee District West Line, which provides daily rail service between Elgin, Illinois, and Chicago, Illinois (at Union Station). Illinois Route 390 is in the city's corporate limits near the northern border of the city and has an exit to Wood Dale Road.

Sister cities

 * 🇮🇹 Cefalù, Italy
 * 🇺🇸 Chicago, Illinois

Notable people

 * Colin Brady, American animator and film director, raised in Wood Dale.
 * Rick DeLorto (born 1949), American racing driver, born in Wood Dale and was a Wood Dale resident.
 * Henry Hyde (1924–2007), Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1975 to 2007, resided in Wood Dale.
 * Natalie Jaresko (born 1965), Ukraine's Minister of Finance (2014–2016); raised in Wood Dale.
 * Monica Pedersen, Chicago designer for HGTV shows Designed to Sell and Dream Home.
 * James "Pate" Philip (1930–2023), 36th President of the Illinois Senate (1993–2003); lived in Wood Dale.
 * Ray Soden, Illinois state senator; lived in Wood Dale.
 * Jim Spivey (born 1960), retired American middle-distance runner and three time Olympian, raised in Wood Dale.
 * Christine Winger, Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives (2015–2019). She served as a member of the Wood Dale City Council prior to serving as State Representative.

title: Wood Dale, Illinois


text:
Brocton, Illinois

Brocton is a village in Embarrass Township, Edgar County, Illinois, United States. The population was 273 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Brocton has a total area of 0.58 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 273 people, 146 households, and 99 families residing in the village. The population density was 477.27 PD/sqmi. There were 129 housing units at an average density of 225.52 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.34% White and 3.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.10% of the population.

There were 146 households, out of which 21.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.33% were married couples living together, 4.11% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.19% were non-families. 20.55% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.96% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.29.

The village's age distribution consisted of 17.0% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 13.5% from 25 to 44, 43.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $51,591, and the median income for a family was $63,958. Males had a median income of $32,188 versus $28,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,881. About 11.1% of families and 16.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.9% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Brocton had its own high school until 1952. The Brocton High School mascot was the "Purple Martins". In 1952, schools in Brocton and Redmon consolidated. Brocton-Redmon High School (mascot: "Blackhawks") continued in its place until 1968, when it merged with Young America High School in Metcalf to form Shiloh School.

In popular culture
Brocton is a prominent location in the David Baldacci novel Memory Man. Printings of the book include a map and several pictures of the village.

title: Brocton, Illinois


text:
Chrisman, Illinois

Chrisman is a city in Ross Township, Edgar County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,312 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Chrisman is located on U.S. Route 150 less than a mile north of its intersection with U.S. Route 36. Two railroad lines intersect in Chrisman, both operated by CSX Transportation.

According to the 2010 census, Chrisman has a total area of 0.75 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,312 people, 610 households, and 405 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,824.76 PD/sqmi. There were 559 housing units at an average density of 777.47 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.52% White, 0.61% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 1.07% from other races, and 4.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.52% of the population.

There were 610 households, out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.48% were married couples living together, 3.77% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.61% were non-families. 27.87% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.08% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.14 and the average family size was 2.49.

The city's age distribution consisted of 25.9% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 21.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $51,042, and the median income for a family was $70,234. Males had a median income of $46,875 versus $30,529 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,336. About 6.7% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.1% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Harry Woodyard, Illinois state legislator, lived in Chrisman.

title: Chrisman, Illinois


text:
Hume, Illinois

Hume is a village in Shiloh and Young America townships, Edgar County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the village population was 325.

History
The future site of Hume was most likely part of the Illinois Confederation in the Pre-Columbian period. White settlers of the 19th century in the area reported relationships with Kickapoo peoples.

In the early 19th century, the area of Illinois including the future site of the Village of Hume and the Young America Township was prairie and thus considered unsuitable for settlement or tillage. Land speculators bought local land from the government (known as "entering land") on the hope that it would become possible to cultivate it in the near future. Large herds of cattle often grazed on the open land during this period.

In 1857, the Indiana and Illinois Airline railroad was laid out and graded, although it would be fifteen years before rails were laid. In February 1865, Elzephan W. S. Hume moved to Illinois from Boone County, Kentucky, and purchased about 300 acre of land along the proposed line of the Indiana and Illinois Airline railroad. By November, he opened a farm and began cultivation. In the spring of 1873, the railroad was complete through Edgar county. In later years, the railroad was expanded to Indianapolis and was called the Indianapolis, Decatur and Springfield Railway. The railroad would change names several times before being incorporated into the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

In 1873, E. W. S. Hume made plans for a town on his land, although no buildings existed on the planned town at that time. He also made an agreement with the railroad company to build a station for Hume, in exchange for lots of land in the new village. The names Elzephan W. S. Hume, Henry C. Moore, Thomas H. McCoughty, and H. B. Hammond appear on the original plat for the incorporation of Hume. George W. Foreman laid out the village of Hume in early November 1873 for those four men.

O. H. Rogers built the first house and the first store on the town's plat. E. W. S. Hume was the first President of the Village and the first Postmaster. The following persons built homes or businesses in Hume during the 1870s:
 * Eben Hathaway, blacksmith
 * Michael Ewel, house
 * W. C. Smith, house
 * Dr. S. H. Bradley, physician
 * Geo. W. Hughes
 * Dr. D. D. Roberts
 * Dr. Port Skeen, veterinary doctor
 * Simeon Stark, store
 * O. H. Linnabary, hotel
 * Samuel Lyons, grocery

A census taken in 1879 gave a population of 270 residents, thirty short of the number required by Illinois state law to incorporate as a town. The improved drainage of prairie for farms encouraged the growth of Hume in the late 19th century. By 1890, a local newspaper named The Weekly Record was published by D. V. Bradley, son of Dr. S. H. Bradley.

In 1881, a railroad named the Danville, Olney and Ohio River Railroad passed through Hume, going north and south. It was known locally as the Chicago & Ohio River line.

In 1896, the Young America Cemetery was founded by the sale of stock in the cemetery's association.

In 1913, the Hume Manufacturing Company was founded to produce tractors of a new design. A factory was built opposite the railroad tracks from Front Street. Thirty-five tractors were built from 1913 to 1917. The Atlas Lyons Company of Indianapolis purchased the company's stock and its assets.

Geography

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Hume has a total area of 0.57 sqmi, all land.

The great majority of the Village is part of Young America Township. A southern part of Hume is in Shiloh Township.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 325 people, 202 households, and 139 families residing in the village. The population density was 574.20 PD/sqmi. There were 184 housing units at an average density of 325.09 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.00% White, 0.31% from other races, and 3.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.23% of the population.

There were 202 households, out of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.47% were married couples living together, 12.38% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.19% were non-families. 23.27% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.37% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 2.45.

The village's age distribution consisted of 25.9% under the age of 18, 12.7% from 18 to 24, 16.5% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 118.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $56,964, and the median income for a family was $65,208. Males had a median income of $49,167 versus $25,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,848. About 10.8% of families and 15.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.8% of those under age 18 and 2.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
In 1870, E. W. S. Hume donated a site for a one-room school. The school was built by Peter Cockrell at the present intersection of East Street and First Street, within the village of Hume. The first teacher was Anna Grimes. In 1878, a second room was added, to form an L-shaped building.

High-school level studies began after 1880, and the school began to use overflow sites around Hume. The first brick schoolhouse was built in 1884 from bricks made in a local kiln, on the site of the present city park at the intersection of Center Street and Fourth Street.

The cornerstone for another new school was laid on July 4, 1900, across Center Street from the former schoolhouse. The School Gym was erected in 1927.

A township high school was organized in 1913, after a referendum held March 8, 1913, to form District 148, covering 20160 acre within Edgar County. In 1947, the consolidated school of Hume was formed, including the former Hume area schools of Baum, Dodd, Maple Grove, Bane, Gilkey, Melwood, Wyatt, and Palermo. The voters decided on July 1, 1947, to form a Community Unit District including Hume, Metcalf and Brocton.

In 1967, voters agreed to issue bonds to construct a single, central school for kindergarten through grade 12, and Shiloh School opened in August 1968.

Religion
Until 1875, Christians in Hume traveled to Chrisman, Illinois to attend religious ceremonies. The Christian Church was organized in 1875 by Christopher C. Boyer. J. W. Perkins was the first minister. In 1880, the congregation built a church at the corner of East and Second Streets. In 1916, the church was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The cornerstone of the present church was laid on August 4, 1917, at the corner of Center Street and First Street.

A society of Methodists was formed in 1877, with meetings held in a schoolhouse on the northeast corner of East Street and First Street.

The Catholic Church of Hume is named St. Michael's.

Notable person

 * Edward Adelbert Doisy, biochemist, Nobel Prize winner (1943), born in Hume (1893)

title: Hume, Illinois


text:
Kansas, Illinois

Kansas is a village in Kansas Township, Edgar County, Illinois. The population was 670 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Kansas is located in southwest Edgar County approximately 1.2 miles from the Edgar-Coles county line. The community is at the intersection of Illinois routes 16 and 49 approximately ten miles southwest of Paris.

According to the 2010 census, Kansas has a total area of 1.03 sqmi, all land.

History
A post office called Kansas has been in operation since 1855. The town was named after the Kansas Territory.

In or before 1972, students and their physical education teacher at the high school invented a game called Deckerball. This has been credited as being the possible origin of the very similar game Wallyball.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 670 people, 339 households, and 183 families residing in the village. The population density was 655.58 PD/sqmi. There were 366 housing units at an average density of 358.12 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.04% White, 1.04% African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.15% from other races, and 7.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.49% of the population.

There were 339 households, out of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.05% were married couples living together, 12.98% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.02% were non-families. 36.58% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.76% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.10 and the average family size was 2.27.

The village's age distribution consisted of 25.3% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 19.7% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,375, and the median income for a family was $51,827. Males had a median income of $45,714 versus $32,813 for females. The per capita income for the village was $29,752. About 21.9% of families and 20.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.2% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Secondary education is provided by a public high school, Kansas High School. Up until 2004 the school's sports team was the Kansas Bulldogs. In 2004, however, Kansas, in union with local Oakland High School, created the Tri-County Co-op. The team name was then changed to the Tri-County Titans. With local Shiloh High School joining the co-op later, this brings us to the present situation of the sports co-op.

Notable people

 * John Honnold (1915–2011), former law professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School

title: Kansas, Illinois


text:
Metcalf, Illinois

Metcalf is a village in Young America Township, Edgar County, Illinois, United States. The population was 139 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Metcalf has a total area of 0.69 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 139 people, 113 households, and 92 families residing in the village. The population density was 234.01 PD/sqmi. There were 67 housing units at an average density of 112.79 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.53% White, 0.72% African American, 0.72% Native American, 0.72% from other races, and 4.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.44% of the population.

There were 113 households, out of which 46.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.34% were married couples living together, 3.54% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.58% were non-families. 18.58% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.08% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.12.

The village's age distribution consisted of 21.3% under the age of 18, 2.5% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 22.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 132.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 123.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $45,919, and the median income for a family was $46,691. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $25,347 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,763. About 2.2% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Metcalf, Illinois


text:
Paris, Illinois

Paris is a city in Edgar County, Illinois, 165 mi south of Chicago and 90 mi west of Indianapolis. The population was 8,291 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat and largest city of Edgar County.

History
Paris was established in 1826 on land donated by Samuel Vance to be the county seat, and was incorporated as a village in 1849. The town most likely received its name from the word "Paris" carved into a jack-oak tree in the middle of what became the town.

Paris's history includes the service of two brothers, Walter Booth and Newton Booth, as its mayors in the mid-1850s. Newton Booth later moved west to California, where he served as governor and a U.S. senator.

The commission form of government was adopted in 1915. In 1907, L. A. G. Shoaff bought the Centralia White Stockings and renamed them the Paris Colts. In 1908 the team was renamed the Paris Parisians. After the 1908 season the team went under. In the 1950s Paris was home to a minor-league baseball team named the Paris Lakers. A contest was held among the community to decide on a name for the team. James C. Dickey's submission, the Paris Lakers, was chosen. The Lakers were the 1956 Midwest League Champions and were an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

Transportation
U.S. Route 150 and Illinois State Route 1 pass through Paris. Both Illinois State Route 16 and Illinois State Route 133 have Illinois State Route 1 as their eastern terminus. One railroad passes through town, a Decatur & Eastern Illinois line that goes north to Danville and southeast to Terre Haute, Indiana.

The Edgar County Airport is located north of the city.

Geography
According to the 2021 Census Gazetteer files, Paris has a total area of 6.06 sqmi, of which 5.68 sqmi (or 93.70%) is land and 0.38 sqmi (or 6.30%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 8,291 people, 4,137 households, and 2,576 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,368.15 PD/sqmi. There were 4,185 housing units at an average density of 690.59 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.12% White, 0.54% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.81% from other races, and 2.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.81% of the population.

There were 4,137 households, out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.00% were married couples living together, 14.48% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.73% were non-families. 32.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.69% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.03.

The city's age distribution consisted of 18.4% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 21.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,446, and the median income for a family was $49,612. Males had a median income of $38,295 versus $25,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,984. About 12.1% of families and 14.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.9% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Paris has two public school districts: Paris Union School District 95 (for those living inside city limits) and Paris Community Unit School District No. 4 (for those outside the city limits). Those in District 95 send their children to Mayo Middle School, while Unit 4 children attend Crestwood School. Both schools feed into one high school, Paris High School, which until 2009 was under District 95. On July 1, 2009, the renamed Paris Cooperative High School became Illinois's first cooperative high school. The high school celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009.

Paris Cooperative High School's mascot is the tiger and its colors are orange and black.

Paris was also the home of Saint Mary's School, a Catholic school serving preschool through 8th grade open to children of all religions. St. Mary's was the only tuition-based private school in Paris. St. Mary’s School Catholic School closed on May 23, 2018.

Fire districts
The Paris Community Fire Protection District has five stations, including Paris, which is a full-time paid department. The others are Vermilion, Oliver, Grandview, and Redmon, which are all volunteer departments.

Climate
Climate is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Cfa" (Humid Subtropical Climate).

Notable people

 * Lionel Artis, civil servant
 * George W. Bristow, chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, lived in Paris
 * Shorty Cantlon, race car driver
 * Ed Carpenter, race car driver, born in Paris
 * Alfred M. Craig, chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, born in Paris
 * Brett Eldredge, country music singer, born in Paris
 * Jack Franklin, pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers
 * Albert Austin Harding, University of Illinois band director, raised in Paris
 * George Hunt, Illinois attorney general
 * W. H. Lillard, college instructor, headmaster at Tabor Academy, head football coach at Dartmouth College
 * Alice Moore McComas (1850–1919), author, editor, lecturer, and reformer
 * Richard P. Mills, educator
 * Jean Paige, actress
 * Troy Porter, plumber and civil rights leader
 * Bernie Shively, college football Hall of Fame member and University of Kentucky athletic director
 * Benny Shoaff, American race car driver
 * Lee Sholem, film and television director, born in Paris
 * Abraham L. Stanfield, businessman and politician
 * Barbara Stuart, actor, born in Paris
 * Tom Sunkel, MLB pitcher, managed the Paris Lakers from 1950 to 1954
 * Carl Switzer, actor, best known as "Alfalfa" in the Our Gang film series.
 * Harold Switzer, actor, older brother of Carl Switzer
 * Bill Van Dyke, outfielder for the Toledo Maumees, St. Louis Browns, and Boston Beaneaters
 * Rodney Watson, men's head basketball coach, University of Southern Indiana
 * William Zeckendorf, real estate developer

Sports teams

 * Paris Lakers, minor league baseball team from 1950 to 1959
 * Paris Parisians (Eastern Illinois League), semi-pro baseball team
 * Paris Picaduras, semi-pro baseball team

title: Paris, Illinois


text:
Redmon, Illinois

Redmon is a village in Buck Township, Edgar County, Illinois, United States. The population was 137 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Redmon has a total area of 0.15 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 137 people, 85 households, and 48 families residing in the village. The population density was 944.83 PD/sqmi. There were 74 housing units at an average density of 510.34 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.81% White and 2.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.73% of the population.

There were 85 households, out of which 12.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 28.24% were married couples living together, 28.24% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.53% were non-families. 31.76% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.59% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 1.94.

The village's age distribution consisted of 10.9% under the age of 18, 18.8% from 18 to 24, 16.4% from 25 to 44, 37.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 77.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $53,250, and the median income for a family was $73,667. Males had a median income of $50,750 versus $35,313 for females. The per capita income for the village was $31,661. About 2.1% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Redmon, Illinois


text:
Vermilion, Illinois

Vermilion is a village in Stratton and Elbridge Township townships, Edgar County, Illinois, United States. The population was 203 at the 2020 census.

History
Vermilion was established in the mid-1850s and named for its first postmaster. The spelling was originally "Vermillion" (with two L's), but was changed to the current spelling (with one L) in 1949. Vermilion incorporated in 1873.

Geography
Vermilion is located about three miles west of the border with Indiana, and just south of U.S. Route 150. A CSX railroad passes from northwest to southeast through the middle of the town on its route between Paris and Terre Haute, Indiana.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Vermilion has a total area of 0.55 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 203 people, 93 households, and 66 families residing in the village. The population density was 371.79 PD/sqmi. There were 96 housing units at an average density of 175.82 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.55% White, and 2.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.49% of the population.

There were 93 households, out of which 46.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.01% were married couples living together, 20.43% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.03% were non-families. 25.81% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.75% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.38 and the average family size was 3.11.

The village's age distribution consisted of 37.0% under the age of 18, 2.4% from 18 to 24, 16.2% from 25 to 44, 32.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 151.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 130.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $60,156, and the median income for a family was $56,667. Males had a median income of $41,406 versus $33,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,877. About 7.6% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.7% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Education
Residents are in the Paris Community Unit School District No. 4 and assigned to its sole school, Crestwood School.

title: Vermilion, Illinois


text:
Albion, Illinois

Albion is a city in and the county seat of Edwards County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,971 at the 2020 census. The city was named "Albion" after an ancient and poetic reference to the island of Great Britain.

History
The settlement now known as Albion was originally known to the world as "Mr. Morris Birkbeck's English Prairie", when Morris Birkbeck, an English Quaker, with co-founder George Flower (1788-1862) established the town as a utopian community in 1817. In 1818, following an irreconcilable fall-out between Birkbeck and Flower, the portion of English Prairie then settled on by Flower was given the name Albion.

In 1821, the county seat of Edwards County was moved from Palmyra to Albion, eighteen miles to the west. However, residents of the larger Mount Carmel felt their town should be the county seat. Four companies of militia marched from Mount Carmel towards Albion to seize the county documents stored in the courthouse. The situation was eventually resolved in 1824 by separating Wabash County from Edwards County at Bonpas Creek and making Mount Carmel the seat of Wabash County. The two counties are among the smallest in Illinois.

The township of Albion has a curious link with England and brewing. George Flower and Morris Birkbeck, a Quaker agriculturalist and radical, organised the purchase of 26,400 acres of land in the southern "Illinois Territory," and encouraged settlers from England to come and join them. Among them was George's father Richard Flower, an experienced brewer (who at some point taught his son about making popular beer styles of the period, including London Porter). Flower came across the Atlantic with all his remaining children.

The settlement espoused a firm abolitionist ethos, and escaped slaves from Kentucky settled in Albion, encouraged by the Flowers and other community leaders. However, these formerly enslaved people were always in danger of being kidnapped by bounty hunters aiming to return them to slavery. Around 1823-24 one such gang of eight to ten kidnapped a group of free African-American residents of Albion and headed south. They were pursued by an outraged armed party led by Richard’s youngest son, Edward. He was only eighteen years old, but his posse successfully captured the gang "at the rifle's mouth," freed the captives, and took the kidnappers to face judgment under the law.

Friends or ‘business associates’ of the original kidnappers' allies plotted to kill the young Flower or his father in revenge. According to some newspaper reports, a cousin also named Richard was tragically mistaken for Edward’s father and killed in a pre-planned argument and fight. On another occasion, a bullet was fired through a window of Richard's house and smashed a mirror above his head. The family decided that the only safe plan was for Edward Flower to leave the country. Back in England after 1825, he decided to take up the family trade and, after a struggling start, Flower’s Brewery in Stratford-upon-Avon became one of the most famous in England, surviving as a separate company to the 1950s and as a brand to this day. Edward loved Illinois and missed his former life in America with his family. He regretted his forced departure and frequently mused about returning. During the Civil War, Flower spoke at meetings around Britain and Ireland in support of the Union, and against slavery. As a retiree, he made a six-month visit to the US with his wife Celina in 1866, after the war was over.

Geography
Albion is located south of the center of Edwards County. In it, Illinois Route 130 and Illinois Route 15 meet. Route 130 leads north 25 mi to Olney and south 10 mi to Grayville, while Route 15 leads east 16 mi to Mount Carmel and west 16 mi to Fairfield.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Albion has a total area of 2.18 sqmi, of which 2.14 sqmi (or 97.89%) is land and 0.05 sqmi (or 2.11%) is water.

A 3.8-magnitude earthquake occurred seven and a half miles outside of the city on September 19, 2017.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,971 people, 926 households, and 532 families residing in the city. The population density was 903.30 PD/sqmi. There were 953 housing units at an average density of 436.76 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.11% White, 0.61% African American, 1.01% Asian, 0.36% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 3.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.52% of the population.

There were 926 households, out of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.66% were married couples living together, 15.98% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.55% were non-families. 36.61% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.95% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.04 and the average family size was 2.36.

The city's age distribution consisted of 27.9% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $43,971, and the median income for a family was $64,375. Males had a median income of $37,422 versus $30,370 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,818. About 16.5% of families and 18.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.4% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Harold Huntley Bassett, U.S. Air Force major general
 * Morris Birkbeck, first Illinois Secretary of State, one of Albion's founders
 * Louis Lincoln Emmerson, served as Secretary of State of Illinois and Governor of Illinois
 * Benjamin Orange Flower, Journalist
 * Edward Fordham Flower, English brewer
 * Harold A. Garman, U.S. Army medic and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II
 * Guy U. Hardy, former congressman from Colorado
 * Jeff Keener, former pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals
 * H. H. Kohlsaat, publisher and confidante of five U.S. presidents
 * Bruce Mendenhall, convicted murderer and alleged serial killer
 * George Frederick Pentecost, prominent clergyman, evangelist and co-worker with revivalist D.L. Moody
 * William Pickering, fifth governor of Washington Territory

title: Albion, Illinois


text:
Bone Gap, Illinois

Bone Gap is a village in Edwards County, Illinois, United States. The population was 181 at the 2020 census, down from 246 at the 2010 census.

History
According to local historians, the Piankeshaw Indians established a village in the vicinity of modern Bone Gap prior to the arrival of permanent European settlers. This village was situated in a gap in the treeline. When the first permanent European settlers arrived in 1830, they found a large number of discarded animal bones left by the Piankeshaw inhabitants, and named the settlement "Bone Gap." Surnames among early settlers included Rude, Morgan, Knowlton, Phillips, Leach, Gibson, Rice, and Gould, the latter belonging to Methodist minister Ebenezer Gould. Many of the settlers came from northeastern states, and the community that developed became known as "Yankeetown." This area, now known as "Old Bone Gap" as it was situated just east of the current village, consisted of a store, post office, doctor's office, blacksmith shop, a Baptist church, and a Methodist parsonage. The current village of Bone Gap voted 38–7 to incorporate on March 29, 1892.

Geography
Bone Gap is located in northeastern Edwards County 7 mi northeast of Albion, the county seat. Illinois State Route 130 passes just to the west.

According to the 2010 census, Bone Gap has a total area of 0.6 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 181 people, 65 households, and 37 families residing in the village. The population density was 310.46 PD/sqmi. There were 93 housing units at an average density of 159.52 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.69% White, 1.10% African American, and 2.21% from two or more races. None of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 65 households, out of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.77% were married couples living together, 6.15% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.08% were non-families. 41.54% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.30 and the average family size was 2.32.

The village's age distribution consisted of 19.9% under the age of 18, 15.9% from 18 to 24, 19.9% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $41,250, and the median income for a family was $100,096. Males had a median income of $46,250 versus $32,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,083. About 8.1% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.

Popular culture
Bone Gap, Illinois was referenced in "MAY 2-4", Episode 7- Season 11, of the popular Canadian comedy, Letterkenny.

Notable people

 * Cy Warmoth, pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Senators; born in Bone Gap

title: Bone Gap, Illinois


text:
Browns, Illinois

Browns is a village in Edwards County, Illinois, United States. The population was 139 as of the 2020 census, slightly up from 134 as of the 2010 census.

History
Few records of the early history are available because the first books were destroyed by fire. Recorded history of Browns begins in 1880 when John Henderson and his wife Emma had the present site surveyed into blocks, streets, lots and alleys and named it "Frazier".

On May 7, 1892, a petition was filed asking that an election be held to incorporate the site as the village of Browns, apparently in honor of John L. Brown, a prominent citizen of that name. The election was held on May 24 of that year and carried narrowly, 31 to 27.

The village of Browns is a "dry" community and has been since the Prohibition days.

Geography
Browns is located on the eastern border of Edwards County at 38.37667°N, -87.98278°W (38.376732, -87.982873). The eastern village limit is Bonpas Creek, which forms the Wabash County line. Illinois Route 15 passes just north of the village, leading west 4 mi to Albion, the Edwards County seat, and east 13 mi to Mount Carmel.

According to the 2010 census, Browns has a total area of 0.29 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 139 people, 91 households, and 57 families residing in the village. The population density was 479.31 PD/sqmi. There were 67 housing units at an average density of 231.03 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.28% White and 0.72% African American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.72% of the population.

There were 91 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.95% were married couples living together, 5.49% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.36% were non-families. 21.98% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.09% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.00 and the average family size was 2.48.

The village's age distribution consisted of 26.1% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 18.6% from 25 to 44, 38% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $63,125, and the median income for a family was $76,750. Males had a median income of $47,125 versus $30,208 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,477. About 5.3% of families and 16.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Franklin P. Buyer, member of the Los Angeles City Council (1933–1939), attended school in Browns

title: Browns, Illinois


text:
Grayville, Illinois

Grayville is a city in Edwards and White counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 1,550, down from 1,666 at the 2010 census. Grayville is the birthplace of naval hero James Meredith Helm.

History
Grayville was founded in about 1810 by the head of the Gray family, James Gray. The city became popular for its oil. Many people came to drill for oil. In the 1950s the population began to drop. Unlike other Illinois oil towns, Grayville still tends to thrive.

Geography
Grayville is located at 38.25917°N, -87.99667°W (38.259146, -87.996678).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Grayville has a total area of 2.17 sqmi, of which 2.13 sqmi (or 98.02%) is land and 0.04 sqmi (or 1.98%) is water.

Roads
In Grayville, Illinois Route 130 meets Illinois Route 1, and Route 1 meets Interstate 64.

Grayville was built on the Wabash River. While it is no longer on any major rail line, it was home to a large rail bridge across the Wabash into Indiana, but sections of that bridge collapsed in January 2005 due to a major flood of the Wabash River.

In late 2005, an ethanol plant was proposed for the Grayville area, and the construction of the plant would have included rebuilding the bridge and rail lines leading to it on both the Indiana and Illinois sides of the river, but as of July 2009, neither the plant nor the bridge have been built.

The largest bridge to Indiana south of Lawrenceville, and the only Interstate link between Illinois and Indiana south of Terre Haute, the I-64 river crossing runs parallel to the collapsed rail bridge, about 1000 feet upstream.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,550 people, 680 households, and 400 families residing in the city. The population density was 714.29 PD/sqmi. There were 808 housing units at an average density of 372.35 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.45% White, 0.32% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races, and 3.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.61% of the population.

There were 680 households, out of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.24% were married couples living together, 14.12% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.18% were non-families. 33.97% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 2.24.

The city's age distribution consisted of 22.4% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $47,222, and the median income for a family was $58,333. Males had a median income of $41,522 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,233. About 14.0% of families and 20.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.5% of those under age 18 and 18.0% of those age 65 or over.

The River
Grayville had been at the northern end of a four-mile-long oxbow bend of the main channel of the Wabash River. The river changed course after a flood in 1985, with the result being that the town is now two miles from the new river channel. Bonpas Creek trickles through a portion of the former river channel, creating continued access to water for canoes, rafts, and extremely shallow-draft small boats.

title: Grayville, Illinois


text:
West Salem, Illinois

West Salem is a village in Edwards County, Illinois, United States. The population was 786 at the 2020 census, down from 897 at the 2010 census.

History
The West Salem area was settled in the 1830s and early 1840s by Moravians primarily from Salem, North Carolina, and Hope, Indiana. Among the early settlers were Adam Hedrick and Peter Hinkle.

From 1841 to 1846 the new Moravian settlers were working with the headquarters of the southern province of the Moravian Church in Salem (Old Salem), North Carolina, in establishing a congregation. William Eberman, the Moravian pastor at Hope, Indiana, was sent to visit and preach for them in the fall of 1841. Many other settlers followed, until by 1843, more than 80 families lived within a 3 mi radius of what was to become West Salem, most of them Moravians. But in 1843, it was Martin Hauser, a Moravian home missionary also from Hope, Indiana, who would be instrumental not only in starting a Moravian Church, but also in helping to establish the town. On Saturday, May 25, 1844, a meeting was held in Peter Hinkle's barn, where heads of 15 families came forward and signed the Brotherly Agreement and Constitution that formed the new Moravian congregation. On his way home to Hope, in 1845, Hauser stopped at the federal land Office in Palestine, Illinois, to buy, in the name of the church, 120 acre of land on which West Salem is presently located. He was acting as attorney-in-fact for Rev. Charles Kluge, President of the Synod of the Southern Provincial Conference of the Moravian Church of North America.

In the years that followed, the new community of West Salem began to thrive but also to experience challenges as well. In 1849, more than 60 immigrants from Germany arrived, hoping to build homes and gravitating towards the Moravian Church. They were warmly received, but before long trouble developed between the Germans and the original English-speaking settlers. Language differences caused part of the difficulty, but the old German ideas and customs added to it. The congregations separated into "divisions", one English and one German, each with its own official board and its own pastor, but sharing the use of the church building and cemetery. After nine years of this arrangement, they became two separate congregations on February 7, 1858. The Germans retained the old church, and the English built a new church on the south side of the public square. This building was dedicated on August 14, 1859. The English retained the old cemetery, while the Germans laid out a cemetery adjacent to it. On April 10, 1892, the German congregation dedicated a new building, the present Moravian Church. Eventually the German American group began using the English language and gradually came to accept American ways. On June 13, 1925, the two congregations were reunited. The two cemeteries, which were gradually growing together, also were united at that time.

West Salem was not incorporated until 1857. When the Moravians first began arriving in the area, and Martin Hauser realized there was potential for a settlement, the group chose the name "New Salem", since they had traveled to Illinois from Salem, North Carolina. However, when it came time to establish a post office, it was discovered that Illinois already had a New Salem located near Springfield, where Abraham Lincoln had lived and operated a store. Accordingly, the settlers had to choose a new name and decided to call their village "West Salem", because it lay west of Salem, North Carolina, where they had come from. To the confusion of travelers ever since, this left West Salem east of Salem, Illinois, incorporated two years earlier. Records of the Illinois Secretary of State show that the official incorporation of West Salem took place on February 8, 1857.

The settlement was organized as a village on February 5, 1898, with 69 voting for organization and two voting against. Its first recorded Board of Trustees was William Foster Sr. (president), J.H. McDowell, J.B. Michael, E.G. Altner, George Pixley (clerk), A.L. Hammaker (treasurer), and J.B. Michel.

The first recorded organized board meeting of the village of West Salem took place on August 24, 1914. Those taking office were President Charles Pixley and Trustees James Fry, Leona Voigt, Dow Harrison, Arthur Clodfelter, E. Greathouse, and Charles Couch. Stuart Walser was clerk. Records in Village Hall do not show how these persons became the first officers, but they do not show an election of April 1915. At that time, those elected drew lots for one- or two-year terms. At the August 1914 meeting an attorney, John A. McNeil, was hired for $50 to draft a complete set of ordinances. These ordinances set boundaries and territories, set the fiscal year and meeting times, approve a corporate seal, set rules for committees and village officers, street labor, concerning peace, special elections, tax levies, annual appropriations, gaming, local improvements, establishing a prison, fines, traffic laws, etc. Thirty-one ordinances were approved by the end of 1915.

In 1951 a much needed water system was put into operation. Water was supplied from the shale pit and a lake. In 1962 a sewer system was completed, and outhouses finally went away for good. In March 2002 the village of West Salem signed a 40-year water purchase contract with RE Water Corporation. A 150,000 water storage tank was erected at the water plant.

In 1957 the West Salem Centennial Committee used funds to purchase land to be used as a park and baseball recreation area since the prior area was now being used for industrial development. The new park was called Centennial Park. The area has been used for youth baseball, as well as for circuses and other community events. One of the most popular events is the annual fireworks display held around the 4th of July every year and sponsored by the West Salem Volunteer Fire Department. In 1965 property was bought for a village hall at 106 East South Street. A building was erected housing the volunteer fire department and the office for the clerk and treasurer, as well as a meeting room and the police department. In 1998 property just east of the village hall was purchased and the building was extended. In 1967, the West Salem Public Library opened their doors.

West Salem celebrated its centennial in 1957 and its sesquicentennial on June 29 – July 1, 2007.

Geography
West Salem is located in northeastern Edwards County, 12 mi northeast of Albion, the county seat. Illinois State Route 130 passes just west of the village.

According to the 2010 census, West Salem has a total area of 1.56 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 786 people, 332 households, and 218 families residing in the village. The population density was 503.85 PD/sqmi. There were 396 housing units at an average density of 253.85 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.44% White, 0.25% African American, 0.76% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 2.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.64% of the population.

There were 332 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.59% were married couples living together, 9.64% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.34% were non-families. 33.13% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.17% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.19 and the average family size was 2.56.

The village's age distribution consisted of 27.2% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 19% from 45 to 64, and 20.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $47,024, and the median income for a family was $56,667. Males had a median income of $43,500 versus $22,679 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,515. About 9.2% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 14.5% of those age 65 or over.

Earthquakes
West Salem is within the Wabash Valley seismic zone. On April 3, 1974, an earthquake of magnitude 4.3 struck at coordinates 38.549N 88.072W, just to the northwest of town, and caused minor damage such as toppling chimneys and tombstones.

On April 18, 2008, at 09:36:56 UTC (04:36:56 Central) a moderate earthquake of 5.2 magnitude was centered near the village. It was felt across southern Illinois, central Indiana and eastern portions of Missouri including St. Louis, 123 mi away.

On November 20, 2012, a magnitude 3.6 earthquake shook the village and was felt in Evansville, Indiana.

Early industry
While West Salem is located in a rural area, it has had several types of industries.

As early as the 1850s a cooper's shop was in operation to supply barrels for packing fruits. A three-story frame building was built by Frederick Luther in 1878. It was used as a flour mill and was operated by a stationary steam engine. A saw mill was also operated in conjunction with the mill. In later years the Mallison Brothers also operated a flour mill and grain elevator.

By June 4, 1891, the West Salem Gazette was painting a rosy picture of the fruit industry here. Blackberries, strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries, and other fruits were raised very successfully. West Salem also once boasted a pure ice and power plant located south of the present Baker Seed Elevator.

Brick industry
The industry that probably did most for the early development of West Salem was its brick plant. A letterhead of 1918 states that the plant had a capacity of 22,000 bricks a day. At its peak it employed 50 men, who earned an average wage of $18 per week. The First Christian Church was built with bricks produced by this plant.

Champion Laboratories
It was the brick industry that gave West Salem local renown, but it has been Champion Laboratories that gave West Salem national recognition as a major supplier of automotive filters.

In the 1950s, the West Salem Industrial Foundation, which later became known as the West Salem Development Association, began a drive to attract new industry to the West Salem-Bone Gap area. A sum of $12,000 was reached initially. The plan was to pay $10,000 to an agency to find a tenant for an as yet unbuilt industrial building. Howard Gaither, Arthur McDowell, and John Beehn were instrumental in the process of seeking a manufacturing business for the community. Late in 1954 an oral agreement was reached with the firm Potter and Brumfield. Under it Gaither, McDowell, and Beehn would invest cash and Harry Clemmons would invest his machinery (he owned Kleen Pak Manufacturing) in a new company known as Kleen-Pak Corporation. Howard Gaither, one of the founding fathers of Kleen-Pak/Champion, served as company president from 1955 to 1981 and Harry Clemmons served as vice president before selling his stake in the company.

Construction of the original building began in February 1955 after the company was founded and with more community leaders coming on board for support. In 1958 Kleen-Pak merged with the Pyroil Company of La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 1956 Pyroil had purchased Champion Laboratories of Meriden, Connecticut, a filter assembly operation. Champion moved to West Salem and merged with Kleen-Pak. The merged companies continue to prosper. In 1966 an Albion plant was constructed and new buildings and additions have been made since.

In September 2007, all production operations at the West Salem facility were moved to the Albion facility.

Oil industry
In the early 1980s West Salem experienced an oil boom. At one time as many as 32 wells were pumping oil. Coming at a time when most town and county budgets were seeing red ink, the West Salem village audit of the fiscal year ending in April 1981 revealed a surplus of just over $3,500, due to the oil boom.

Education
The first school house located within the limits of West Salem was a frame building about 20 by, erected in 1850-51 and taught by Martin Hauser. On November 8, 1853, Stephen Gunn sold a tract four rods (20.1 m) square (an area of 0.10 acre) out of Lot 43 lying just across the street south of the present site to the trustees for school purposes for $2.00. A two-story four-room brick building was erected on the present site in 1880 at a cost of about $4,000. This building was later enlarged by the addition of four more rooms. The district was greatly enlarged in 1947 by the annexation of Hedrick, Gates, Burton, and Armstrong schools. A modern addition was erected in 1952 at a cost of $135,000. The old building was razed and the new part was completed in 1960 at a cost of $119,000. Kindergarten was added in 1951-52.

West Salem is currently part of Edwards County Community School District #1.

title: West Salem, Illinois