Effingham Post Cards
Introduction
From its start in the farming industry to being a present-day manufacturing hub for the region, Effingham has continued to conform with the ever-growing changes that the future brings. Effingham, IL is located where I-70 and I-57 converge in the county that bears the same name making it the ideal location for both rail and roadway trade. First settled in 1814, this community has seen consistent growth over time.
History
Originally known as Broughton until 1859, the origins of the town name “Effingham” are not readily known. Some say it came from a general and local surveyor with the surname. Others believe the community was named for Thomas Howard, the 3rd Earl of Effingham, who resigned as general in the British Army in 1775 because he refused to serve in a war against the colonies (Effingham, Illinois).
Getting a head start on building an economy through industry, some of Effingham’s earliest residents established Austin College in the late 1800s. After many years, it turned into the Illinois College of Photography until closing in the 1930s because of low enrollment numbers during the Great Depression (Effingham, Illinois). It was said that students graduating from this school were able to “go out fully equipped and the fact that they are alumni of the Illinois College of Photography is a guarantee that they are artists in their lines. A diploma from this institution assures them the most remunerative positions in the best studios in the country.” (Illinois College of Photography).
Effingham is also home to St. Anthony’s Hospital which has a long and storied history in the region. The only medical facility of its kind in the county since 1873, the nuns from the convent next door managed the care of patients. It was known to be sanitary and well-maintained but lacking much of the technology frequently used for its time. A 100-bed facility, it was built “…mainly out of wood and brick…contained open corridors and staircases and many of the walls were covered with oilcloth fabrics and combustible soundproof tiles.” (St. Anthony’s Hospital). Just two years from building a new facility, a fire broke out on April 4, 1959. With no fire suppressions, alarms, or architectural features that would help control the fire, the building was quickly consumed. Thanks to the heroic efforts of doctors and nurses 42 out of the 116 patients were rescued from the inferno. Since the structure lacked fire systems, there was a delay in alerting first responders. By the time the 26-man volunteer fire department arrived, it had reached the roof. With assistance from mutual aid departments, they were able to stop the spread to additional buildings, but the hospital was destroyed. While this event was an unmistakable tragedy, current governor at the time, Adlai Stevenson, had the State Fire Marshal inspect all hospitals in Illinois to find possible safety hazards. What happened that night at St. Anthony’s Hospital paved the way for all hospitals to “…incorporate numerous fire safety features to protect patients who cannot be quickly evacuated, including fire barriers, smoke compartments, and stairway enclosures” (St. Anthony’s Hospital). These policies still stand today and have no doubt saved countless lives in the process.
One common theme running through Effingham is the heart symbol. The local high school mascot is the Flaming Heart. In downtown can be found the Heart Theater. This is because Ada Kepley, a local activist and lawyer, dubbed the city “the heart of the U.S.A.” and it stuck. In fact, during the 1920s to 1940s, the train station had in area covered in brick with walkways, a green space, and red heart marked in it (Van Bergen, A.).
Present Day
Today, Effingham is a bustling town full of industry, the top three being manufacturing, distribution, and agriculture (Regional Employers). The town currently boasts over 60 different businesses. They have an expansive industrial park and the city continues to grow in both population and investment. Effingham also boasts at least two park spaces, an extensive walking trail, a golf course, and easy access to Lake Sara with plenty of camping sites for those looking to get outdoors. Additionally, there are over 20 meeting centers for individuals looking to hold large gatherings.
Tourism
For those visiting the region, Effingham’s tourism department has put together ideas of must-visits that have been included below.
“Effingham boasts an array of attractions that cater to various interests, from our 198 ft. tall interstate icon, The Cross at the Crossroads, to our eco-conscious farm-to-table eatery, Firefly Grill. We have one-of-a-kind destinations like John Boos & Co. Factory Outlet and Showroom – the only one of its kind, where you can purchase the same products the pros on the Food Network use at a fraction of the price. And for car enthusiasts, we have Mid America Motorworks, a paradise celebrating all things Corvette, drawing car aficionados from around the globe. Plan to see a live performance of one of the Effingham Performance Center’s nationally-recognized acts like, LeAnn Rimes, 38 Special or John Michael Montgomery. Enjoy wine tastings and live music at Tuscan Hills Winery and sample our vibrant culinary scene by trying some of our 65+ restaurants!
The city’s annual festivals add vibrancy to Effingham’s cultural tapestry. Want to attend a music festival? Take your pick! Enjoy bluegrass and Americana folk music at Moccasin Creek Festival this summer or stomp your boots at the Rusty Reel Lake Jam in the fall. The Effingham County Fair is another time-honored tradition showcasing agricultural heritage, while the Effingham Artisan Fair highlights local craftsmanship and creativity. For those seeking a taste of local flavor, the Effingham-Jam BBQ Cook-off tantalizes the taste buds with delicious concoctions. Check out our event calendar to learn more!
As for the event we’re proudest of in Effingham, it’s the Walking through Wonderland event, hosted by Visit Effingham. This Hallmark-inspired holiday event is truly the shining star of our local events. We bring the magic of the holiday season to life with a walk through our holiday light displays, live music, visits with Santa, holiday crafting, magic snow and more. Walking through Wonderland is a once-a-year, up-close-and-personal, can’t-miss experience for those who love Christmas.
For tourists, must-visits include our vibrant downtown area, with its eclectic shops, local art and diverse restaurant scene – a delightful stop to soak in the local ambiance. Be sure to make a reservation at Firefly Grill, as well. This acclaimed restaurant offers a farm-to-table dining experience unlike any other. Of course, a visit to Effingham wouldn’t be complete without a stop at The Cross at the Crossroads. Take a selfie next to this larger-than-life symbol. Ultimately, Effingham is destination that caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring there’s something special for every visitor to enjoy.” -Effingham, IL Tourism Department
Conclusion
This micropolitan hub for manufacturing has seen consistent growth since its inception as Broughton. Effingham continues to evolve with changes in technology and the workforce making it an incredible asset to Illinois as a whole. Not only does it offer many opportunities for economic development within the region, the members of this town have made a concerted effort to provide plenty of opportunities for leisure. Make sure to stop and visit to see all that this town has to offer!
Works Cited
Cross at the Crossroads [Photograph]. (n.d.). Cross USA. https://crossusa.org/
Effingham Depot [Photograph]. (n.d.). Effingham County Museum. http://www.effinghamcountymuseum.org/gallery-exhibits/county-photos/effingham
Effingham, Illinois. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved January 25, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effingham,_Illinois
Effingham Post Cards [Photograph]. (n.d.). Effingham County Museum. http://www.effinghamcountymuseum.org/gallery-exhibits/county-photos/effingham
Illinois College of Photography. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois_College_of_Photography
Regional Employers. (n.d.). Effingham Regional Growth Alliance. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.groweffinghamcountyil.com/regional-employers/default
Spruikel, O. (n.d.). Bissel College of Photo-Engraving [Photograph]. Effingham County Museum. http://www.effinghamcountymuseum.org/gallery-exhibits/county-photos/effingham
St. Anthony’s Hospital Fire: Introduction. (2023, June 28). University of Illinois Library. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://guides.library.illinois.edu/c.php?g=416856&p=2840529
St. Anthony’s Hospital [Photograph]. (n.d.). Effingham County Museum. http://www.effinghamcountymuseum.org/gallery-exhibits/county-photos/effingham
Van Bergen, A. (2022, October 5). The Heart & Effingham History. The Heart Theatre. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.thehearttheatre.org/post/the-heart-effingham-history
Walking Through Wonderland [Photograph]. (n.d.). Enjoy Illinois. https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/wonderland-in-lights-1/
Special thank you to Jodi Thoele and her team in Effingham’s Tourism Department for their input!
Article Provided By: Brooke Frederick
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