Morrisonville, Illinois
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Morrisonville is a small town in Christian County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,068 at the 2000 census.
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[edit] Geography
Morrisonville is located at (39.419276, -89.457320)GR1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the small town has a total area of 2.7 km² (1.0 mi²), all land.
[edit] Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 1,068 people, 435 households, and 311 families residing in the small town. The population density was 400.3/km² (1,035.4/mi²). There were 474 housing units at an average density of 177.7/km² (459.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the small town was 98.78% White, 0.09% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.47% Asian, and 0.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.56% of the population.
There were 435 households out of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.5% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the small town, the population was spread out with 25.5% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.4 males.
The median income for a household in the small town was $35,917, and the median income for a family was $43,971. Males had a median income of $32,333 versus $23,315 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,324. About 3.5% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Morrisonville History
There are so many interesting things to know about the history of Morrisonville, Illinois. Morrisonville is a small, rural town in Central Illinois. It is located 45 miles south of the state’s capital, Springfield, Illinois. Morrisonville has a rich history dating back to a time when it was used as a hunting ground for Native American Indians.
Before settlers established a town, four Indian tribes lived on Morrisonville’s land, including Sac, Fox, Pottawatomie, and Kickapoo. They competed with each other for buffalo, elk, and deer (Brockamp 1). Morrisonville was also part of the Black Hawk hunting ground.
Since 1492, six flags have flown over what is now Morrisonville, including Spain, France, Great Britain, Virginia, Indiana, and Illinois (Hesterberg 1). Even though the majority of people who live in Morrisonville have German ancestors, German people have never settled on this land (“Morrisonville, Illinois Houses and Residents”).
In 1872, 134 years ago, Morrisonville became a town. There were a few events that led up to this, such as on June 14, 1851, when Thomas A. Carlin, a former governor of Illinois, paid $1.25 an acre for land that is now Morrisonville, and in the fall of 1869, when Colonel James Morrison, after moving here from Scotland, laid out the plat for the town. Colonel Morrison married Mary Ann Carlin in 1842. Mary Ann Carlin’s parents were Thomas A. Carlin and Rebecca Huitt Carlin (Thomas Carlin established the town of Carrolton, Illinois).
After Thomas Carlin purchased the land, he left it to his daughter, and she left it to her husband, James Morrison, and then, when the town was established, it was named after him. In fact, on Perrine Street, there is still a house that Colonel Morrison built and lived in with his wife after the town of Morrisonville was established. Col. Morrison made an agreement with the railroad company that he would help build a new town if the railroad company would make Morrisonville a regular place to stop. (Brockamp 2).
Even though the town was named after James Morrison, Joseph Poggenpohl built the first house in the Morrisonville area in February of 1870. Then, in May of the same year, the railroad was laid diagonally through Morrisonville. Once the railroad was established, Morrisonville became a regular stopping place for all trains and passengers. As soon as this happened, the town grew in population and business. After the first resident in the town proper, Richard McLean, built his house, people came here looking for a better living (Brockamp 3).
Since 1871, many land additions have been annexed to this town, such as T.F. Potts, Perrine, Johnson, Pence, Cloyd, and Shull (Hesterberg 2). All of these streets were named after people who loved the land of Morrisonville and wanted to see it grow and prosper. In 134 years, people have found many ways to socialize, learn, live, and make a living in Morrisonville.
The first Morrisonville picnic was held on August 27, 1923, and it included a parade beginning on Sarpy Street, and marching to the City Park, speakers, a $1.00 prize for the tallest and shortest man, a fat man race, and free movies shown (Hesterberg 5). Many people attended the event, as they still do today.
A craze that hit Morrisonville in the mid 1880’s was roller skating. In fact, it was so popular a building was built just for roller skating (Brockamp 6). It was later used as the Knights of Columbus hall. In 1926, the Knights of Columbus purchased the “Opera House” from the Morrisonville Moose Lodge. Many activities were held there, including dances, card parties, talent shows, church bazaar, and roller-skating.
Ever since the 1920’s, the local lumber company (Morrisonville Lumber Company) has remained in the same location, and fire has destroyed two office buildings; one in the early 1920’s, and one in 1974.
Through the years, Morrisonville has been known as a very religious community. (Brockamp 3). Some churches in Morrisonville are the First Baptist Church, the First United Presbyterian Church, St. Maurice Church, and the United Methodist Church. Colonel Morrison donated the land for St. Maurice. The first church was a large frame building on the corner of Fuller and Third Streets, and cost $4,000 (McCormick 11). “Schools in and around Morrisonville have made a big part of our history.”
In 1870, the first school was built. It also served as a Sunday school and a town hall (Brockamp 5). The present St. Maurice School was built in 1922, and contained a full basement and a large room across the entire front of the school. “Country children would drive a horse and buggy to school.”
Some of the first businesses to open in Morrisonville that are still open today are Becker’s Clothing Store and Morrisonville Lumber Company.
When Morrisonville abandoned the old village hall/firehouse, the Morrisonville Historical Society was organized in an effort to raise funds for preservation of this historic building, and renovate it for a museum. They housed artifacts such as old clothing, dolls and doll furniture, a collection of typewriters, old school and business pictures, sports memorabilia, and Morrisonville’s first jail cell (Hesterberg 67).
Some famous people from Morrisonville are the founder of the Steak & Shake food chain, Augustus Belt, the inventor of the Eversharp pen and pencil, John Wahl, and a famous playwright and poet who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1935, Zoe Atkins (Brockamp 14).
[edit] Businesses and Organizations Since 1972
Becker's Clothing Store
First State Bank
Louis Marsch, Inc.
Lowe Hardware
Morrisonville Lumber Company
Morrisonville Farmer's Co-op Company
Morrisonville Times
Sloan Furniture
Stewart's IGA Market
Boy Scouts
American Legion Auxiliary
Girl Scouts
Future Farmers of America
4-H Club
Kitchell Memorial Library
Kiwanis Club
Knights of Columbus
Morrisonville Bank
[edit] Churches
First Baptist Church
First United Presbyterian Church
St. Maurice Catholic Church
The United Methodist Church
[edit] Cemetaries
St. Maurice Cemetery
Morrisonville Cemetery
[edit] Schools
Morrisonville Elementary School
St. Maurice Catholic School
Chrismont Safe School
Morrisonville Jr./Sr. High School
[edit] Museums
Morrisonville Historical Museum
[edit] Famous People From Morrisonville
Gus Belt-the founder of the Steak & Shake food chain
John Wahl-inventor of the Eversharp pen and pencil
Zoe Atkins-famous playwright and poet who won the Pulitzer
prize in 1935.
[edit] Morrisonville News
Old Fashioned Christmas In Morrisonville-December 2nd
Visit lamplit Carlin Street in Morrisonville! Once again, the first Saturday in December, we are celebrating our "Old Fashioned Christmas In Morrisonville"! The streets are lined with victorian lamp posts, as well as the park. The Legion will display Christmas trees with red bows, each representing a veteran. Carolers will stroll the streets and visit the businesses in vintage costume. The Methodist Church will hold their annual bazaar. Soups and sandwiches will be served with lunch, and donuts will be served in the morning. They will be selling their homemade cookies and candies, always famous for their divinity! The ladies also sell homemade rag rugs and various items. Rita Sloan, owner of Sloan's Furniture Store, always serves her pecan pie. Ron Lowe at Lowe Hardware will bless us with his usual "Grandma's Fruitcake". Both are long time family businesses in Morrisonville. Becker's Clothing Store still looks like it did in the early 1900's and is a favorite gathering place. They feature many brand-name clothes for men and women and have beanie babies and gifts. Rae Anne's Photography will be having an open house also. Stewart's Market and Cozy Corner will have many good things to eat! They can also provide holiday baking needs and cater your holiday parties! Stewart's Market is a third generation business in Morrisonville. Uncle Matt's Diner will also have delicious food! It's located in the south part of town on Route 48.If you are a local Morrisonville or Palmer area resident, and would like to have a craft booth or open your home business, please contact LuAnne Stewart at 526-4524. This year our local post office will be serving red velvet cake and hot cider and giving out candy canes. Stop by and see the Christmas stamps! Sign up for Morrisonville Bucks at 3:00 at any hometown business. Many home businesses will be open for December 2nd. Ramona Grundy will have Mary Kay Cosmetics open house, with gifts for everyone. Some new businesses will be having open houses this year, including Family Syling Salon and C-N-T Auto, Inc. Just look for candy canes and you'll find a festivity! Stewart's will be serving hot spiced tea over an open fire and "Grandmother Stewart" will be reading "The Christmas Story" for children. The historical museum will display trees and wreaths made by school children and they will auction them off. Santa will be at Morrisonville Bank at 9:00 a.m. and also at the park at night! Hot wassail will be served. Saturday morning children can hear a Christmas story at the library.
St. Maurice Donates to Food Pantry American Legion Donates to United Way Key Club Week Observed at High School Times Office Closed For Holiday
