Community News
First Blackburn Commencement held 150 years ago on June 9
Though this year’s Commencement was altered by the COVID-19 crisis, the ceremony is usually a visual spectacle on the Blackburn campus. The first Commencement, though, was quite different from those of today.
June 9 marks the 150th anniversary of the first graduation ceremony in Blackburn history, held at the still-unfinished Macoupin County courthouse on that date in 1870. The exercise not only marked the end of the college careers of the first Blackburn graduates but was also a watershed in the tumultuous early history of the school.
Though Blackburn was officially founded in 1837, financial and legal woes plagued the first years of the institution, and classes were not offered until 1858. The school was then briefly closed during the Civil War. As a result, the inaugural Commencement ceremony was not held until 1870, thirty-three years after the College was born.
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Today, the final ceremonies in a Blackburn academic year are mostly condensed into a couple of days, with Baccalaureate on Friday evening and Commencement the next morning, on Saturday. The graduation ceremony normally takes around an hour and a half.
It was a far different story in American education in early eras, even in Carlinville, and the exercise must have been exhausting. The process began with the “examination of class” on Thursday, June 2, which apparently went very well. The Carlinville Democrat reported that “we cannot recall…an examination in which classes acquitted themselves with more credit.”
The next day were the oratorical exercises in the College Chapel, a lengthy event highlighting declamation and elocution, blending public essays and speaking. That preceded the Baccalaureate Ceremony at the courthouse at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
The people of Carlinville joined the events, which were conducted in front of sizable crowds. The Democrat praised nearly every aspect of the Baccalaureate, except for one unfortunate episode. The paper derided the “frequent interruptions from some acrobatic individual, who endeavored to frighten our good citizens by his exhibitions in the dome. For this little pleasantry, he was lodged in the calaboose. Serves him right.”
Wednesday was Class Day, an annual event at Blackburn for decades, “devoted to exercises by the Senior Class.” The proceeding was held in the College Chapel, and “consisted of orations” that took plenty of time. First on the docket was something called “Our City Foxes,” followed by the “History of the Class” by Harlan Carson, one of the graduates.
Then came the lecture “Prophecy,” which was followed by a poem, then an oration called “Old Age” by William Minton, another graduate. As if that was not enough, a lecture was held at the courtroom that evening.
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Finally, Commencement arrived the next day, described by the Democrat as “the great event in College life.” It opened with a “student dress parade,” and the Democrat was ready with maudlin praise, writing that “the town was never so neat and beautiful, its daughters never so winning, its citizens never so cordial and genial as when this lovely, leafy month of June, with its blue sky, its bright stars, and rose-scented zephyrs, ushered in the festivities.”
The passage was long, but the class was small. Six men and one woman received degrees, but there was plenty to keep them busy. Each had to deliver a lengthy oration, and the Democrat took it upon itself to offer constructive criticism.
Carson’s lecture, “Monuments,” was noted by the paper for its “delivery (which) is somewhat defective,” while Duncan McMillan “probably spoke too rapidly” during his oration, “The Actual and the Possible.” McMillan, however, apparently had little problem with that in his career, as he became a foremost member of the clergy.
In a time before movements for equality, the female graduate, Orlena Dawes, was something of a curiosity to the Democrat, which wrote, “the appearance of a lady as a candidate for graduating honors was ‘something new under the sun.’” However, the “fair essayist,” as the Democrat called Dawes, provided a lecture “replete with gems of thought” and a “clear, cutting quality that enables one to be heard over a large audience.”
Music and prayers were sprinkled throughout the ceremony, like most other occasions during the week. In all, the Democrat termed Commencement “a grand success.”
But the graduates were still not finished. That evening, the faculty and trustees threw a “grand reception” for the graduates and their family and friends. The Democrat reported, in the most flowery sense, that the College Chapel became “the social Pantheon for the evening, wherein the stars and satellites of our city society gathered to honor the lions, otherwise gods, of Blackburn.”
Guests were received at the reception until 9 p.m. At 9:30, Professor John Bailey, who would ascend to the College Presidency the next year, addressed the gathering. That was followed by a talk from John M. Palmer, a Carlinville product and the sitting governor of Illinois, who was a Blackburn trustee from 1857-98.
More lectures followed, including a return to the podium from Bailey. Finally, the Democrat reported that, at “12 o’clock (midnight), whether from…enjoyment, fatigue, or fear that the moon would be the first to retire, members left.” After that kind of a day and week, it would seem that “fatigue” was the obvious reason.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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