Part one of a 2011 film documentary about the history of Sycamore as recalled from interviews with long-time residents was played by host Rotarian Tim Neubert at this week’s meeting (part two will be played next week). Here are some notable takeaways coming from the film.
There are multi-generational families impacting the City of Sycamore:
- The Dayton farm on the east side of town dates back to the same family ownership since 1846.
- Industrial companies like Ideal Industries and Turner Brass Works and the former National Bank and Trust Company have all had extended periods of direct family involvement.
National and international events made their mark locally:
- Sycamore is recognized as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War era.
- The famous Soldiers and Sailors Memorial was erected in front of the Courthouse to honor the thousands who fought in the Civil War.
- Women’s suffrage did not take a back seat in Sycamore with Dr. Letitia Westgate setting up her practice at the turn of the 20th Century including building the city’s first hospital and Helena Dolder succeeding her husband as County Sheriff in 1928 after he unexpectedly died.
- Vivid memories remain of youth boarding local trains to go off to fight World War II.
Special childhood memories remain:
- Summer jobs frequently had an agricultural link such as painting barns, picking tomatoes and asparagus, detasseling, and sheering sheep along with the farm smells that went along with these tasks.
- Local sports teams created bonds that extended into adulthood.
- There was skinny-dipping in the Kishwaukee River and bike riding out of town into endless fields of corn and soybeans.
Tim is sure you won’t want to miss next meeting’s finale!