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| Chautauqua Building |
| Forest Park N.E. Ninth Street
Shelbyville |
| ......Built in 1903, and was at one time the center of
entertainment and culture in Shelbyville. |
| ......It had the capability of holding 5,000 people,
so each summer, thousands would gather to hear famous speakers, musicians, and performers,
including William Jennings Bryan, Carrie Nation, Billy Sunday, William Howard Taft, and
Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. |
| ......The interior floor space of the building is
15,000 square feet, with no support post. The roof is supported by a unique series of
beams and supports in the ceiling. It is the largest building of its kind anywhere in the
world, and is listed in the National Register of Historical Places. |
| ......There is a 36-foot by 36-foot stage area and at
one time it had an orchestra pit that held 20 musicians and their instruments. |
| ......The building has a series of 60 windows and 10
large doors for ventilation. Opening the lower windows and doors brings in the cooler air
pushing the hot air out through the upper windows. |
| ......During WWII, much damage was done to the
building, when it was used for storage. It was restored in the 1970's. It is now used for
community activities and is the center theme for the Shelbyville's annual Chautauqua
Celebration. During the Christmas season it is decorated with carrousel horses. |
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| Forest Park |
| N.E. Ninth Street Shelbyville |
| ......One hundred twenty acres of rolling woods, with lagoon and
sunken garden for people to enjoy. Picnicking, hiking, fishing, swimming, playing
basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, and tennis can be enjoyed by all.
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| Lake Shelbyville Visitors Center |
| 1 mile
East of Shelbyville on Rte. 16 |
| .....Discover the world around us through live exhibits, special
programs and changing displays. Take a tour of the dam at 3 p.m. Saturday and at 11 a.m.
and 1 p.m. Sunday or take in an afternoon interpretive program presented at the Visitor
Center on weekends from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. |
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Tallman House |
806 Main St. Shelbyville |
| ......This house was built in 1905 by the inventor of the first
mechanical hay bayler and is listed in the National Registar of Historical Places. It was
restored in 1989, and now serves as the office of the Shelby Historic House and Inn. |
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| Shelby
County Court House |
| Downtown
Shelbyville |
| .....Built in 1879-1881, this landmark houses historic paintings,
including the Robert Root depiction of the Abraham Lincoln-Anthony Thornton Debate that
took place in Shelbyville- launching Lincoln's national political career. Open 8 a.m to 4
p.m. Monday through Friday. Courtrooms are generally open for viewing when court is not in
session. |
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| Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society |
| One
Block South of Main Street on S. Washington |
| ......Shelby County
Historical and Genealogical Society is a library for researchers; artifacts on
display. Housed in the building that use to be Shelby County Jail and the residence of the
sheriff, built in 1892. From Nov. through Mar. hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday,
Tuesday, and Saturday. Beginning Apr. 1 through Oct. hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Donations accepted. |
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| Shelbyville
Public Library |
| 154 N.
Broadway Shelbyville |
| ......The Shelbyville Public Library is
a Carnegie structure that was dedicated in 1905 and built with a Carnegie grant. The
classically designed building of the Renaissance period. Roman pressed brick and Bedford
stone were used to visually create the building's strength, beauty and harmony. Renovated
in the winter of 1995. |
| ......Visitors are encouraged to come in and enjoy a quiet
interlude while viewing fluted pilasters, oak arches, fireplaces and mantle original
furnishings. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. |
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| Shelbyville Old Homes Walking/Driving Tour |
| .....Walk or drive by lovely old homes and buildings in
Shelbyville - - many listed on National Registar of Historical Places. A brochure with map
and historical/architectural information can be obtained from the Shelby County Office of
Tourism 315 E. Main Shelbyville. |
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| Williamsburg Hill |
| South
West of Shelbyville |
| ....The site of the first settlement of Shelby County, the only
thing remaining of this settlement is the tales and ghost stories that are told. |
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| Historical Museum |
| Main
Street, Stewardson |
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| Thompson
Mill Covered Bridge |
| 4 miles east of Cowden. Watch for signs on Route 128 in Cowden |
| ....Built in 1868 to span the Kaskaskia River, this bridge is one
of only five covered bridges remaining in Illinois. Although the bridge is covered
with graffiti, the setting is lovely and the structure is impressive. |
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| County Line
Bridge |
| East of
Findlay |
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| The Arches |
| Downtown
Findlay |
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| Moweaqua
Coal Mine Museum |
| 129 South Main Street, Moweaqua |
| Displays and memorabilia from a bygone era
in Midwestern prairie history. |
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