Submitted Story/Photos to Urbana Daily Citizen

The circa 1935 “Then” photo (#0468) is of the birthplace of John Quincy Adams Ward, 335 College St., Urbana (southwest corner of South High and College streets). He was the grandson of Col. William Ward, founder of Urbana. John Quincy Adams Ward was regarded as the Dean of American Sculpture. His sculpture the “The Indian Hunter” was the first American sculpture to be displayed on a permanent basis in Central Park, New York City.


This house built in the 1820s was later occupied by the following families: C.H. Marvin, C. 1940-1950; Corwin Barnhart, C .1950-1960; Richard Rademacher C. 1960-1980. Phillip and Sarah Kerns are the current residents. Note that the house has a tile roof and front and side porches.

A circa 1948 photo (#1717) shows that the front porch had been removed.

The 2019 “Now” photo is of the same house. Note that the house has an asphalt shingle roof and neither a front nor side porch.

Submitted to Urbana Daily Citizen by the Champaign County Historical Museum, a not-for-profit organization that depends upon donations and dues to preserve, protect, archive and display the artifacts that tell the Champaign County story. The free public museum, 809 East Lawn Ave., Urbana, is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays.

Click here to read article on Urbana Daily Citizen.

Our Towne Mechanicsburg presents Christmas in the Village on Saturday, December 14th! The day kicks off at 8am with Secret Santa and Pancake Breakfasts.
There will be craft vendors, bake goods, crafts, parades & fun for the whole family!
​And don't forget to stop at all the local shops while you're out & about! 

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau has partnered with local retailers to encourage our community to shop local this holiday season!

Check out the Holiday Shopping Guides & make sure you stop by the Chamber from now through Small Business Saturday, November 30th to have your locally purchased items wrapped for free! 
​
Monday - Friday 9 AM - 4 PM & Saturday from 12 PM - 6 PM. 
** 3 items per person

Monument Square District holding contest to allow children 12 and under a chance to win a ride with Santa!

Deadline to enter is November 25, 2019 at 4:30PM. Winners will be posted on Facebook & notified by phone on November 26th.

To enter, submit the child's name, age and guardian's contact information to msdurbana@gmail.com.  

Monument Square District will host it's Annual Holiday Open House November 8th, 9th & 10th. Over 20 locally owned and operated specialty shops and fine eateries are participating. 

For more information about these events please click here!
Click here for information on Urban Loft Tours.

Champaign County Arts Council will be hosting a Handmade Market on November 1st from 10AM - 2PM. The items will include handcrafted art, gifts & baked goods from several local vendors.