HR0459 LRB094 12402 CSA 46692 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, The City of Mattoon marks its 150th anniversary in
3 2005; and
 
4     WHEREAS, A celebration is planned for September 29, 2005,
5 through October 2, 2005; and
 
6     WHEREAS, In December of 1854, on the west side of where
7 Mattoon would be built, there was just prairie grass and one
8 lone elm tree; the tree stood as a sentinel for those who
9 traveled the prairie; it was a trail marker for both the
10 Indians and pioneers; it provided shade for weary travelers;
11 and
 
12     WHEREAS, Mattoon's founding father's met at the Bunnell
13 House in Charleston on May 15, 1855; a name for the City was
14 discussed, and Pegtown, Essex, and Mattoon were suggested;
15 Mattoon was chosen, after William B. Mattoon; Mr. Mattoon was a
16 resident member of a railroad construction firm called Phelps,
17 Mattoon, and Barnes; and
 
18     WHEREAS, Many ancestors of Mr. Mattoon live in Illinois, as
19 well as California, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and the East Coast; and
 
20     WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln and Douglas debated in
21 Charleston; Lincoln stayed at the Pennsylvania House in the
22 1700 block of Broadway in Mattoon; Douglas stayed at the Essex
23 House; and
 
24     WHEREAS, Mattoon had the first permanent bank in Illinois
25 and the 25th in the United States; the First Mid-Illinois Bank
26 was started as the National Bank of Mattoon; and
 
27     WHEREAS, Street fairs were held during the first 40 years,
28 much like the Bagelfest which has been held for the last 25

 

 

HR0459 - 2 - LRB094 12402 CSA 46692 r

1 years; therefore, be it
 
2     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
3 NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
4 we congratulate the City of Mattoon on the occasion of its
5 Sesquicentennial celebration; and be it further
 
6     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
7 presented to the City of Mattoon as an expression of our esteem
8 and best wishes for Mattoon's successful celebration.