HR0459 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0459 LRB094 12402 CSA 46692 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The City of Mattoon marks its 150th anniversary in 2005; and

WHEREAS, A celebration is planned for September 29, 2005, through October 2, 2005; and

WHEREAS, In December of 1854, on the west side of where Mattoon would be built, there was just prairie grass and one lone elm tree; the tree stood as a sentinel for those who traveled the prairie; it was a trail marker for both the Indians and pioneers; it provided shade for weary travelers; and

WHEREAS, Mattoon's founding father's met at the Bunnell House in Charleston on May 15, 1855; a name for the City was discussed, and Pegtown, Essex, and Mattoon were suggested; Mattoon was chosen, after William B. Mattoon; Mr. Mattoon was a resident member of a railroad construction firm called Phelps, Mattoon, and Barnes; and

WHEREAS, Many ancestors of Mr. Mattoon live in Illinois, as well as California, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and the East Coast; and

WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln and Douglas debated in Charleston; Lincoln stayed at the Pennsylvania House in the 1700 block of Broadway in Mattoon; Douglas stayed at the Essex House; and

WHEREAS, Mattoon had the first permanent bank in Illinois and the 25th in the United States; the First Mid-Illinois Bank was started as the National Bank of Mattoon; and

WHEREAS, Street fairs were held during the first 40 years, much like the Bagelfest which has been held for the last 25 years; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the City of Mattoon on the occasion of its Sesquicentennial celebration; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the City of Mattoon as an expression of our esteem and best wishes for Mattoon's successful celebration.