SRFHS | Area History | Officers
1005 East Third Street, Sterling, Illinois
THE CARRIAGE HOUSE AND SOCIETY MUSEUM
The original part of the Carriage House and Barn was built around 1859, shortly after the home. In 1980, after the death of P. W. Dillon, the property was given by the family to the Sterling Park District. The home was opened later that year as the Dillon Home Museum. In 1981, after remodeling, the Carriage House and Barn was opened as the Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Museum.
The museum collection originated over 100 years ago when W. W. Davis, a local educator and historian, began collecting items of historical interest. Davis was also instrumental in forming the first historical society in this area, the Whiteside County Historical Society.
Early in the Twentieth Century this group used the Davis collection to establish a historical museum in the old Sterling City Hall. After a number of years the society disbanded and the collection was put into storage in the attic of the library.
When the Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society was formed in 1959, the Davis pioneer room collection was donated by his children to form the basis of a new historical museum. The museum was located in the Sterling Coliseum until 1981 when it was moved to the Dillon Home carriage house.
The Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Museum traces the history of this area from prehistoric days to the modern industrial era. Permanent and temporary exhibits combine to tell the story of our local history and the area's place within the stream of U.S. and Illinois history.
A FIRST LESSON IN STERLING-ROCK FALLS HISTORY
Prior to the 1830's, this area was the territory of the Sauk and Fox Indians. It was not until after the Black Hawk War of 1832 that settlement began in earnest, making this one of the last settled areas in Illinois. Hezekiah Brink was the first settler in the Sterling-Rock Falls area, coming from Indiana.
The area Brink settled in became known as Harrisburg, while a rival community grew up just to the west known as Chatham. After a few years the rival towns united under the name of Sterling in an effort to obtain the position of county seat. Though Sterling was successful in its quest, the glory was short-lived as the county seat was moved to Morrison after a few years.
As Sterling grew, the water power of the Rock River was put to use by industries built on the north side of the river. In 1867, a local businessman, A. P. Smith, bought the rights to the water power on the south side. Smith began industrial development there and platted the town of Rock Falls.
Local industries soon made their mark on the national scene. The Charter Gas Engine Company developed the first practical gas engine (illustration). Both the Eureka Company and Rock Falls Manufacturing sold hearses from coast to coast. Four major manufacturing facilities had strong growth in the mid to late 20th Century, including Frantz Manufacturing, Lawrence Brothers Incorporated, National Manufacturing, and Northwestern Steel and Wire, along with a host of others. All can trace their beginnings to the perseverance of local entrepreners of the past.
Be sure to visit our Stories page for more on area history written by people like you.
OFFICERS and DIRECTORS
(Our thanks to these dedicated souls)
As with most small organizations, the Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society would not exist without the dedication and perseverance of a select few who faithfully serve each year. Our heartfelt thanks go to each and every volunteer for his or her support which helps preserve the past for all to enjoy.
SRFHS officers serve a one year period; directors a three year term.
OFFICERS 2007-2008 President David Lowe Vice President Tim Keller Secretary Dian Fitzgerald Treasurer Duane Zellar Museum Director and Curator Terence Buckaloo (815) 622-6215 |
HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
MUSEUM TRUSTEES |