BlairAndCernyFamilie..

At the end of the war most of the land was returned
to its owners and many industries have located in
former ordnance plant buildings. The population of
Illiopolis is about 1200. Many new residences have
been built in Illiopolis since I'lorld War II. The
DeKalb Hybrid Seed Company bought part of the surplus
war plant and now the Perma-Starch Inc. is there.
For years Illiopolis has been recognized as one of
the rpst progressive towns between Springfield and
Decatur. Students from al I areas of eastern Sangamon
county and western Hacon county attended Illiopolis
High school which was the only four year high school
between Decatur and Springfield for many years.
Illiopolis can also speak with pride of its beautiful
and functional library. The cost of the construction
of the library was 5611000. Furnishings and the
equipnent cost $61500. An anonymous Il liopolis resident
donated S4OTOOO toward the construction cost with the
rernainder contributed by other persons of the town. In
an era when rising costs of library facilities and also
services makes state and-or federal aid nearly a
necessity in most conmunities, Illiopolis residents
built a $611000 facility without any aid from governmental
bodies, visible and handsome proof that no one
can top determined l'lidwesterners at achieving a goal,
once they decide itrs worth achieving. The structure
of red face brick with white trim and the mansard roof
has a standing copper covering. l./ith 3rl!0 square feet
of floor space, it manages to be conveniently modern
and comfortably tradi tional at the same time. The
window sills are marble, the floors are vinyl asbestos
and the interior walls are plastered-- all for very easy
maintenance. It has a combination heating and air
conditioning systan. .
The unusual arrangement of whi te shutters on the tal I
windons, the great - white - gold color scherne, the
antique brass foil wallpaper on the mezzanine walls backdropping
a custom designed chandelier in the lobby. The
library has 51000 volumes with a goal of 71000 to 101000.