Only in Southern Illinois There’s something waiting for you it’s the experience of life that can be found only in Southern Illinois. Have you ever heard someone Whether looking for world-class art begrudgingly moan, “There’s nothing or compelling history, a favorite to do in Southern Illinois.” watering hole or an ecological anomaly, Whether newcomers who move to Southern Illinois has it all. The region the region from the urbanized northern brings together all aspects of life and reaches of the state or lifelong the world to create a unique residents of the area who have spent so environment for people all ages and much time here they’ve grown backgrounds to discover themselves, as accustomed to the true beauty and well as the world around them. opportunities around them, it’s easy The wonders of Southern Illinois are for people to fall into the mental trap of sitting at your fingertips, waiting to be misperception. explored and discovered. The next time In reality, excitement and adventure you or someone you know feels as if abounds in Southern Illinois, be it in there’s nothing to see or do in the the rolling hills of the Shawnee Forest region, get out of the house, off the or on the rippling waters of one of the beaten path and take in something new. region’s many lakes. It’s the kind of There’s surely something waiting for journey you can’t find just anywhere; you in the distance. THE SOUTHERN
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• To subscribe: Call 618-351-5000 from Carbondale, Murphysboro and DeSoto; 618-997-3356, option 2 from Williamson County; or 800-228-0429, option 2, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. • To place a display ad: Call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 618-529-5454, option 6; from Williamson County, 618-997-3356; or toll free: 800-228-0429, option 6.
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Page 2 Sunday, May 27, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Only in Southern Illinois
Murphysboro Even its name is one of a kind BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
The Jackson County community of Murphysboro is unique. In fact, even its name is one-of-a-kind as no other city in the United States has the same moniker. Even the story of how the name came to be is uncommon: the results of a drawing. Legend is that three men: John Cochran, Samuel Russell and William C. Murphy all surveyed sites for a new county seat. To honor the trio, all three names where dropped in a hat, with one name drawn to become the name of the new community. Murphy’s town — Murphysboro, as it came to be called — has become more than just the prize of a random drawing. Today, the quaint community of nearly 8,000 is known far and wide for its history, its attributes and its people. “We’re really the festival town,” declares Bruce Wallace, executive director of the Murphysboro Chamber of
Commerce. “We have a number of different festivals and special events through the year; there’s something for everyone.” Of course, the biggest event of the year is the community’s annual Apple Festival, held each September. The community also celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a large event, holds an annual art and wine festival each June and businesses and organizations also hold a number of celebrations, competitions and events during the year. “We’re bringing back the Riverside Blues Festival this year,” Wallace said, speaking of a popular music event previously held at the city’s Riverside Park. Speaking of Riverside Park, the park is believed to be the seventh oldest public park in the state. Both the baseball field, Chep Kessel Field, and the iconic concrete bandshell were designed by the same architect and were built in the 1930s as efforts of the Works
Projects Administration. “That bandshell is one of just a few concrete bandshells remaining in the country,” Wallace said. Over the years it has served as the backdrop for performances of all types and has been in the foreground of the city’s annual Independence Day fireworks display, considered by many as one of the best community fireworks shows in Southern Illinois. Murphysboro also has a rich history, and central to that history is Civil War Gen. John A. Logan. In fact, the plots of land Cochran, Russell and Murphy surveyed were donated by his parents. The general is credited by many with establishing what has become known as Memorial Day, when in 1868, as Commander-inChief of the Grand Army of the Republic, he issued a general order establishing May 30 as the annual date “for the purpose of strewing flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of Comrades who died in the
defense of their country.” The community relishes its past, but does not live in it, however. Many citizens work and volunteer to make the community better. Some have even brought national attention. “You can’t talk about Murphysboro without mentioning 17th Street Bar and Grill and Mike Mills,” Wallace explained. “He brings lots of notoriety to the city and by himself, brings in hundreds of people a year. He’s like a one-man tourism magnet.” Mills is a recognized leader in barbecue, having won the Memphis in May championship three times. But it’s not just food enthusiasts who seek out Murphysboro. The community is a
haven for antique shoppers and bargain hunters. It’s also home, Wallace said, to a community of artists who do beautiful and elaborate commissioned work to be sent around the world. “Few people in Southern Illinois know about them, but we’re going to try to capitalize on this and make Murphysboro some sort of artist mecca or retreat,” he adds. For many, however, Murphysboro remains the perfect community in which to live, work and play. “The people of Murphysboro make this place special,” longtime resident Barbara Bock Dallas said. “I love to see the familiar faces, the familiar cars. I love the feeling of security, of being home.”
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
The Appletime Grand Parade passes through downtown Murphysboro during the annual Apple Festival.
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Six-year-old Nathanael Maddox of Makanda climbs down from a fire engine during Murphysboro's annual Irish Festival.
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Only in Southern Illinois · The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, May 27, 2012 Page 3
Cedarhurst
Find 850 Illinois artisans in one place
A regional art gem BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
Once a vision of two community-driven philanthropists, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts has transformed into Southern Illinois’ premier regional arts institution. John and Eleanor Mitchell created Cedarhurst for the enjoyment and education of all, spearheading the idea based on their own love for collecting late 19th and early 20th century American paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. Upon their deaths, the Mitchells left their estate for the residents of and visitors to Southern Illinois. Their passion has been felt by the thousands of individuals who have experienced Cedarhurst since the Mitchell Museum opened in November 1973. Cedarhurst presents visual and performing arts programs for the public year-round on its 90-acre estate in Mount Vernon. The Permanent Collection includes more than 400 works and decorative objects from artists such as Thomas Eakins; Robert Henri, William Glackens, George Luks, John Sloan, Arthur B. Davies, and Maurice Prendergast, members of The Eight; Childe Hassam and J. Alden
MORE INFO Cedarhurst Center for the Arts 2600 Richview Road, Mount Vernon, 618-242-1236 Thursday Night Live! at Cedarhurst every Thursday from May 31 to Aug. 30; Cuisine, concessions, cash bar and family activities
Weir, members of The Ten; and Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent, among others. Cedarhurst offers exhibitions in three galleries, large-scale sculpture in Cedarhurst Sculpture Park, chamber music, the annual Cedarhurst Craft Fair and numerous educational programs. The Sculpture Park was initiated in 1992 and combines the beauty of art and nature with its meadows, woods, pond and nature trail. The museum’s open-air gallery features more than 60 large-scale sculptures by many well-known artists, including Dennis Oppenheim, Alexander Liberman, Fletcher Benton and Chakaia Booker. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect weekend to visit Cedarhurst, it is never too early to start planning for the 36h Annual Cedarhurst Craft Fair. Slated for September 8 and 9 — with a Friday night
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
‘Kimball’, a horse fashioned from chromed car bumpers by John Kearney of Omaha, welcomes guests to the Mitchell Museum.
preview on the 7th — the craft fair is a collection of 130 craftspeople showcasing their unique skills in glass, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, wood, basketry, leather, two-dimensional art and so much more. The Shrode Art Center will showcase several local artists demonstrating their abilities in painting, fiber arts, spinning, clay, woodworking and more. Bring the little ones to the fair to enjoy the children’s area behind the Mitchell House. There, they will be able to create their own crafts and partake in fun games. The Children’s Store offers a place all their own to scout out and purchase their favorite pieces of art. No kids? Make your way to the Cedarhurst Beer Garden and enjoy treats, beverages and local entertainment. Food booths will also be set up throughout the area. While the craft fair draws the largest crowds, Cedarhurst boasts plenty of
PROVIDED
‘Big Bang’ by Bruce Johnson.
entertaining events throughout the year. Thursday Night Live! at Cedarhurst takes place every Thursday night May 31 through Aug. 30. Visitors enjoy live music, 9th Street Grill cuisine and concessions, a cash bar and plenty of familyfriendly activities. Some of the Thursday night activities include outdoor yoga, clay-pot spinning and cookie art decorating. Cedarhurst takes pride in its fun-filled activities, incorporating educational aspects into each one. It offers schools and students expanded access to arts and cultural
Page 4 Sunday, May 27, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Only in Southern Illinois
experiences by providing financial assistance to help pay for field-trip transportation. It also provides performing arts programs, inschool programs, student workshops, tours of exhibitions and offers materials for classroom instruction. Adults can broaden their understanding of the arts, as well, with Cedarhurst’s lectures, gallery walks, workshops and Cedarhurst Book Club. Check out the calendar at www.cedarhurst.org, and plan your next trip to Southern Illinois’ most unique center for the arts.
The Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center is free and fun — a great combination for any family or individual looking to experience art and crafts created right here in Illinois. The Rend MORE INFO Lake facility houses the Southern Illinois Artisans Art & Artisans Shop and Center Southern 14967 Gun Creek Illinois Art Trail, Whittington Gallery. The 618-629-2220 shop features pieces from more than 850 Illinois artisans. Visitors can participate in workshops, demonstrations and seasonal festivities. They can also enjoy the two annual events organized by the shop — The Illinois Art and Wine Festival and the Festival of Arts and Crafts for Children. The Illinois Artisans Exhibitions Space in the shop offers changing exhibits by established members of the Illinois Artisans Program. A Palette of Fiber Design is on display until July 8. The exhibit features an array of original and contemporary quilts, and an assortment of unique wearable art created by Illinois Program Artists. Also on display until July 22 is From Humble Beginning: Lincoln’s Illinois, 1830-1861. The exhibit presents a captivating perspective of the Illinois Lincoln called home through objects and stories of the people who lived here then. Scheduled for display later this year are Gate to a World of Color (Opening July 15) and When Nature Talks (Opening October 20). Gate to a World of Color will feature the work of Illinois artisans, displaying vivid color and textures. When Nature Talks will bring the outside world inside, as artisans showcase outdoorthemed pieces. — Joe Szynkowski
Orchards and farms Eat up the fruits of their labor BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
Visitors to any area often are looking for a taste of the region and for those visiting Southern Illinois, some of the area’s naturally grown products are available just short distances from where those tastes were produced. The area is home to many farmers markets, roadside food stands and orchard stores where everything from peaches to peppers are available for sampling and purchase. “From a tourist’s perspective, all of these retailers and orchard stands really add to the flavor and flair of our area,” said Cindy Cain, executive director of the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau. “There are quaint little shops that are relative to the history and agricultural heritage of the area, but
also promote the health and vitality of our people.” Cain said each individual farm and shop has its own unique story. Some orchards, such as Rendleman Orchards near Alto Pass have been owned and operated by the same family for more than 130 years. Others have come into being more recently. Some feature products you would expect including fruits and vegetables; others offer suprises. “You can find all kinds of fruits, peaches, apples, seasonal produce, jams, jellies, pickled items, baking mixes, flowers and other things, even gift baskets,” Cain explained. “Many of the items available in the shops are developed in the area as well as having fruits and other local products. They’re filled with many unique and local items.” Southern Illinois offers
experiences and produce that no other area in the state can, said Larry Flamm, owner of Flamm Orchards near Cobden. “Our climate and soil is ideal for the things we grow,” he said. “Everybody said that the peaches from Southern Illinois are better than from anywhere else they’ve tried.” In addition to peaches, Flamm’s also offers a variety of other treats and goodies. “We have all sorts of fresh fruits and vegetables,” he said. “Of course, there’s apples, strawberries and peaches. Then at harvest times we have our fruits and cream stand where we serve strawberry shortcake during strawberry season and peach cobbler during the summer months. Then in the fall, we’ll have apple pie and apple dumplings.” Other farms have their
own specialty products as well. Bandy’s Pumpkin Patch near Johnston City bustles each fall with visitors looking for the perfect pumpkin, but also enjoying gourds, fall treats and a corn maze. Rendleman Orchards offers a wide selection of fruit and vegetables, as well as baking and soup mixes, candles, linens, gift boxes and specialty food items. Darn Hot Peppers near Cobden offers a variety of locally grown hot peppers, salsas, jams and jellies. “Visitors can come here and experience the farms, the orchards and the
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Workers sort peaches by quality so they can be packed and shipped at Rendleman Orchards in Alto Pass.
wineries of Southern Illinois to their fullest and enjoy the fruits of the labor of many dedicated producers in our area,” Cain said. “Not only do these places and shops add to the appeal of Southern Illinois, they add to everything else that the region
has to offer.” “There’s something about coming to the farm,” Flamm added. “That on-farm experience of being in the countryside and enjoying yourself and the produce, there’s nothing else like it.”
Amish Store in Ava quickly becoming a favorite A retail store aimed at meeting the needs of Amish families in the Ava and Campbell Hill area has found a niche also serving others outside of the Amish community. The Shawnee Country Amish Store on Foss Road near Ava has become a favorite spot for practically anything a family may need. Stroll through the quaint market and you’ll find local meats, fine cheese, candies, produce, homemade baked goods, as well as flour, spices and whole grains available in bulk. There also are cookbooks, culinary items, snacks and gift baskets. Outside, you’ll find examples of Amish craftsmanship in woodworking and other products for sale. Along the side of the building is plenty of parking for both automobiles as well as horse-drawn buggies. The store isn’t just for the Amish, though. As people of all backgrounds have chosen a simpler lifestyle, including home-cooked meals, many of the products at the store have become quite popular, store owner Richard Schlabach said. He said there are about 45 Amish families in the area who do their shopping in the store, but everyone is welcome. — Les Winkeler
Only in Southern Illinois · The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, May 27, 2012 Page 5
Comic heroes Superman and Popeye draw fans BY STEPHEN RICKERL THE SOUTHERN
For two of Southern Illinois’ most unique towns, paying homage to their comic icon is a source of hometown pride that also draws thousands of visitors each year. Chester, a town of about 8,400, honors the lovable cartoon sailor Popeye and his supporting characters every year with Popeye Picnic. Perhaps Chester’s most famous resident, Elzie Segar created the icon in the late 1920’s. Visitors to Chester will enjoy a series of statues depicting characters from
the comic classic scattered throughout the town. Each year another character is added to the Popeye Character Trail. These new monuments join the original statue of the sailor himself, which has overlooked the Mississippi River from Segar Park for more than 30 years. At the 33rd annual Popeye Picnic this year, the character Poopdeck Pappy will be unveiled at the Cohen Complex. Between 2013 and 2020, Chester will add statues of Alice the Goon, Professor Watasnozzle, RoughHouse, Peepeye, Poopete, Pipeye,
Pupeye, Chester the Dog, King Blozo, Patcheye the Pirate and an Elzie Segar bust to round out perhaps the most unique character trail in Southern Illinois — if not the nation. On the opposite side of the region, Superman stands watch over Metropolis, and each summer draws nearly 30,000 visitors to the Massac County town of roughly 7,000 for the annual Superman Celebration. Metropolis is the only town in the nation with the same name as the fictional city made famous in Superman
Page 6 Sunday, May 27, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Only in Southern Illinois
DETAILS The 33rd annual Popeye Picnic will run from Sept. 7 through Sept. 9 in Chester. The picnic will feature games, rides and entertainment, with many free activities throughout the weekend. For a full schedule of events visit www.popeyepicnic.com. The Superman Celebration in Metropolis runs from June 7 to June 10 and features a full weekend of both ticketed and free activities. For a full schedule of events and ticket information visit www.supermancelebration.net.
comic books. The annual celebration features many popular events including a $1,000 costume contest, Super Car Show, Supertrek Bike Ride, the George Awards and Auction, Superman Trivia, Color-A-Cape for kids, Superman Road Race and Supergirl and Superboy pageants among other activities. Appearing at the Superman Celebration this year will be John Glover, Cassidy Freeman, Gerard Christopher, George Perez and Terry Beatty. Glover portrayed Lionel Luthor/Darkseid on
Smallville and voiced The Riddler/ Edward Nygma on the animated series Superman and The New Batman Adventures. Freeman was embraced by Smallville audiences as Lex Luthor’s successor Tess Mercer between 2008 and 2011 when the series ended. Christopher, star of The Adventures of Superboy, served as both a writer and producer on the series. Perez has enjoyed a nearly 38-year comic career, including as part of the team that redefined the DC Comic Universe in the 1980s.
Beatty is a 30-year comic veteran co-creating works such as Ms. Tree, Wild Dog and Johnny Dynamite. Whether it’s the loveable antics of Popeye, or the heroic qualities of the man of steel, Chester with its Popeye Picnic and Metropolis’ Superman Celebration can truly boast being “the only” towns in the region and nation to host top-tier comic celebrations honoring their beloved icons. — Adam Testa and Rob Crow contributed to this report. stephen.rickerl@thesouthern.com 618-351-5823
Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge The only one in Southern Illinois BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
Northeast of Chester is a simple structure that transports visitors back in time — as well as across Little Mary’s River, a small tributary of the Mississippi that flows through Randolph County. The structure, an 86-foot-long covered bridge known as the Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge, is the only remaining covered bridge in Southern Illinois. Originally constructed of hand-hewn native white oak in 1854 as part of a plank toll road between Chester and the nearby village of Bremen, the bridge was in
continuous service until 1930. It originally was a commercial venture: just after construction, the toll to cross was a nickel for a man and his horse. A two-horse wagon was 20 cents, while individual sheep or pigs could cross for two cents each or a penny apiece if they crossed in large numbers. “The bridge was more than just a way to make money,” Emily Lyons, who works promoting tourism in Randolph County, explained. “The bridge was part of the industry and the economy of Southern Illinois. It was vital to help people bring goods, produce and livestock to Chester for shipment on the
Mississippi River.” In the late 19th and early 20th century, covered bridges were more common; siding was placed on the bridges to prevent horses from becoming spooked high above the water. “The bridge was also a sort of shelter, often used by people traveling in wagons,” Lyons said. “We have accounts of the stories of people who stayed in the bridge until the storm passed.” The state of Illinois purchased the bridge in 1936 to preserve it. Today a picnic area adjoins the bridge. “It’s somewhere the people in our community welcome center often
Angling for fish BY LES WINKELER THE SOUTHERN
There is no body of water, stream or lake that can remotely be identified as “the” fishing hole in Southern Illinois. Outstanding fishing opportunities abound in the region. Deciding which body of water to fish depends on three things — what species is being sought, comfort level on big water and the level of solitude desired. Bass anglers, especially those targeting big bass, will likely gravitate toward Crab Orchard Lake, between Carterville and Carbondale. Crab Orchard produces more big bass than other
lake in the region, and not by accident. Threadfin shad are stocked annually, providing a massive forage base. In addition, rearing ponds on the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge are responsible for thousands of 6 to 10 inch bass being stocked each year. While Crab Orchard is probably the prime destination, there are a dozen or more lakes and streams throughout the region that will provide outstanding bass action. Devils Kitchen, another Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge lake, has the reputation of producing big bluegill. Devils Kitchen, with acres of submerged trees,
point out to visitors, and there’s a real interest in the bridge,” said Chester resident Carolyn Schwent. “It’s a lovely site to visit not just for the history, but it’s a great place for a picnic.” The covered bridge is almost 18 feet wide and has a vertical clearance of just 12 feet. It still sits on its initial stone abutments, and much of the original timber remains. While driving across the bridge is prohibited, visitors are welcome to step back in time and walk through it. “It’s the only covered bridge for many, many miles,” Chester Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Linda Sympson
MORE INFO Located northeast of Chester, just off Illinois 150 in Randolph County Open to pedestrians only
explained. “It’s right on the highway and very easily accessible.” Sympson said it used to be that the covered bridge was one of the only ways to travel in and out of the community. A number of community groups worked together several years ago to completely renovate the bridge. “We’re very proud of it because it is the only covered bridge left in
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
The historic Little Mary's River Bridge near Chester.
Southern Illinois,” Schwent said. “Throughout the state and the Midwest, they are becoming more and more rare.” The Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Where to find what you’re looking for
isn’t always easy to navigate, but the payoff is rewarding for patient anglers. Cedar Lake, south and west of Carbondale, is also noted for producing good bluegill and redear. Crappie is another popular species in Southern Illinois. And, opportunities to catch good numbers of big crappie abound. In the past couple years, no lake has been more productive than Rend Lake. Rend Lake is north and west of Benton. Rend Lake features a unique creel limit. Anglers are allowed 25 fish per day, but only 10 of which can be over 10 inches. In past years,
slab crappie have thrived, making the under 10inch part of the limit difficult to fill. Fishing the Rend Lake bushes during the spawn is a unique experience. Anglers have to thread their baits through the branches to reach the water. Although tedious at times, the prospect of catching a big crappie makes the effort worthwhile. And, there are numerous other bodies of water that produce great catches of crappie, including Crab Orchard, Kinkaid Lake, Lake of Egypt and the Smithland Pool, the Ohio River and its tributaries. Catfish? Nearly anywhere you
throw a bait in the water in Southern Illinois is prime catfish territory. More adventurous anglers target the Ohio River, hoping to land a big flathead. However, virtually every lake in Southern Illinois will produce good catches of channel cat, including Rend Lake, Crab Orchard, Lake Murphysboro and Horseshoe Lake, at the southernmost tip of Illinois. Anglers seeking more exotic, at least for Southern Illinois, species will want to fish Kinkaid Lake, west of Murphysboro. Kinkaid is the only place in the region to catch muskellunge and one of the few places to catch
walleye and smallmouth. Each of the three species is stocked by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The muskie program is more than a decade old, and 40-inch fish are caught regularly. In addition to the major lakes noted here, Southern Illinois is dotted with several smaller lakes maintained by the IDNR. These lakes feature good fishing and a degree of solitude not found on the larger lakes. And, the most remote areas that are easily accessible are the creeks off the Ohio River. les.winkeler@thesouthern.com/ 618-351-5088
Only in Southern Illinois · The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, May 27, 2012 Page 7
Cache River Wetlands An ‘extremely unique resource in Illinois’ BY MARY THOMAS LAYTON THE SOUTHERN
Outdoor enthusiasts interested in participating in a free, guided tour of Illinois’ own bayou should mark Sept. 8 on their calendars. The 90-minute canoe ride down Cache River is just one of the many activities planned for the 18th annual Cache River Days in Ullin. “The Cache River Wetlands is an extremely unique resource in Illinois, containing approximately 90 percent of the state’s high-quality swamps. The area provides many opportunities to view wildlife throughout the year. Canoe tours offered by Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge and Shawnee Community College are one of the best ways to experience the Cache River Wetlands,” according to Elizabeth O. Jones, assistant refuge manager of Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. The upcoming Cache River Days features food, music and exhibits, as well as canoe rides. The
center of activities will be in Ullin City Park. Reservations for the canoe rides will be accepted, beginning Aug. 8, by calling Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge at 618-634-2231. Free canoe rides down Cache River are also available Oct. 13 during Wild Weekend at Cache Levee Access. Reservations for this tour will be accepted as early as Sept. 13. Earlier this month, Cache River Nature Fest delighted scores of guests, who turned out for activities and presentations that included hummingbird and finch banding, nature games, a life-sized eagle’s nest and basket weaving made from native and invasive plants, as well as Asian carp taste testing. Guests had the opportunity to view Cache River wildlife, including snakes, turtles and eagles. Canoe rides are offered every year during Cache River Days, Wild Weekend and Cache River Nature Fest. However, they are
also available on Wednesdays and Fridays, February through October, for organized groups. The tours, which are free of charge, include a 3- to 6-mile trail through Buttonland Swamp. The maximum group size per tour is 24 participants. While Cache River could be described as the heartbeat of the wetlands, Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center certainly would be considered its pulse. The wetlands center is located at 8885 Illinois 37, about three miles south of Cypress in Johnson County. The center features free movie nights; a frog and toad call survey in which volunteers gear up with thermometers, clipboards and data sheets four times between February and June to conduct frog and toad audible surveys in the Cache River watershed; educational programs which might involve building a bird nesting box or taking a journey through time to learn about the changing
lives of prehistoric humans in Southern Illinois over the last 12,000 years or learning about the role that bees, butterflies, moths and wasps play in pollinating farm crops and orchards, as well as vegetable and flower gardens. Upcoming programs include “Music in the Cache,” 1 to 3 p.m. June 16; “Winged Wonders: Dragonflies of the Cache,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 14; “Cold-blooded Creatures of the Cache,” 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 25; a fall mushroom hike from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 9; “For the Love of Monarchs,” 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 15 and 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 22 and 29; a guided hike of the wetlands, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 8; “Winter Flower ID,” 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 24; and “Christmas Bird Count,” 6 a.m. to sunset, Dec. 17. For more information about activities and programs at the wetlands center, call 618-6572064.
Evan Brown and his son, Eli, of Paducah spent the day searching for snakes in the Cache River area.
mary.layton@thesouthern.com 618-351-5071
Near Belknap, Heron Pond is part of the Cache River system. The swampy area is filled with cypress and tupelo trees.
ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
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Animals and plants found in Shawnee make it one of a kind BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
If anyone knows about Shawnee National Forest and the plants that are found in the 280,000acre natural area, it is Robert Mohlenbrock. The retired botanist from SIU Carbondale has spent more than 60 years studying the flora and fauna around the world, but especially in Shawnee. And what he has to say about the native plant species in Southern Illinois might surprise a lot of people. “There is no place like it at all,” he said. “We have things usually found in the Appalachian Mountains; we have a lot of the Louisiana swamp species that have worked their way up the Mississippi River; we have plants from the prairies and we have things that glaciers pushed down from the north, so we are a place where plants from all around have congregated. I think we have more species in our national forest than any other national forest — certainly more than any
other forest in the Midwest.” He should know. Not only did he start exploring the botany of Shawnee as a high school student from Murphysboro, but during his tenure at SIU, a majority of his 90 graduate students each wrote their thesis on an area of Shawnee. “We’ve documented it all,” he humbly explains. “We’ve found out what all is there and we probably have a better accounting of the Shawnee than any place else.” He said the National Forest features a little bit of everything. “There are lots of different habitats there. We have forests, we have prairies, we have swamps, we have out-croppings; we have sandstone formations. It’s just a great variety and a great diversity, not just of plants, but for animals, too.” Of particular interest to Mohlenbrock and other botanists is the particular area of the forest called Pine Hills, near Wolf Lake. He said its 6 square
STEPHEN RICKERL / THE SOUTHERN
The Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest.
miles is one of the most diverse areas in the nation. “It’s a series of limestone cliffs with springs underneath and these springs have formed this big swamp, so you’ve got the swamp below, you’ve got the limestone cliffs and you have what we call a coal forest like being in the Appalachian mountains.” He calls the area one of “unbelievable synergy” adding that the area is known for Ohio buckeyes, red buckeyes and tulip
poplars, as well as dry forests and hill prairies on top of the cliffs. “The Pine Hills is a super area; it’s No. 1,” he explains. “I’ve been keeping tab of everything down there since I started doing botanical work. We’ve got almost 1,200 plants down there — out of a total of 3,100 species found in Illinois. It’s just a marvelous place.” He said some areas of the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia looks a lot like Pine Hills and there are certain parts
of the bayou and cypress swamps in the Mississippi Delta that are similar to the area, but there is no other place with both in the same general location. Having visited all 156 national forests and written a series of field guides to them, he said Shawnee is very special. “It has to rank right near the top,” he said. “There may be others that have more spectacular things, but we have even more species than the Great Smokey National
Park, which many call a botanist’s paradise.” Mohlenbrock said the key to appreciating Shawnee is to get out in it. “If you just drive the main highways, you’re not really going to appreciate what’s in the Shawnee,” he said. “You really have to get out and hike through it to see all of the diversity. Find a good trail and follow it as long as you can to enjoy everything: the rocks, the plants, the flowers and the wildlife.”
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Only in Southern Illinois · The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, May 27, 2012 Page 9
Grand Tower River Museum BY LINDA RUSH THE SOUTHERN
Watching a towboat pushing rows of barges on the Mississippi or Ohio, it’s tempting to imagine what life would be like for the pilot responsible for getting the cargo delivered safely. Just one place in Southern Illinois gives visitors a chance to sit in the pilot’s seat and try the controls: The Grand Tower River Museum and Interpretive Center, which sits in a historic stone building on Front Street in the shadow of the levee protecting the town from the Mississippi River. A replica of a pilot house sits just inside the museum’s front doors, with the swivel seat, controls and instrumentation you’d find on a real towboat —
including the radar. A scanner revolves above the roof of the museum and gives a view of the river on the screen inside. Would-be pilots can get plenty of advice from museum co-founders, retired master pilots Jack Knupp and Charles Burdick. Knupp has spent 44 years and Burdick 40 years on the river. They have plenty of facts and stories to share. Both have seen huge changes over the years. Pilots once used paper navigation charts; now, electronic charts constantly update locations of other river traffic. The museum has a wealth of photos of riverboats, floods, visits by excursion boats and other highlights of the town that once was the busiest in Jackson County. Grand Tower boasted an iron works
known for the quality of the iron it produced, a box factory and many other businesses. The railroad also offered transportation for farm products and iron. The museum has photos and memorabilia from all facets of Grand Tower’s heyday, but the river and riverboats are the focus. Models of boats and barges abound. Displays include an old carbon searchlight, batterypowered lights that have powerful magnets to hold them on the hulls of barges and an old hoop net used by commercial fishermen (as well as the old wooden tools used to weave the nets). One exhibit contrasts the heavy old steel cables, once used to secure barges, and modern lightweight ropes made of Kevlar. Chairs and a TV set
invite visitors to view a documentary on riverboats featuring the late musician John Hartford, who attained his childhood dream by getting his pilot’s license and operating a riverboat, and an interview with the late Capt. Edgar Allen “Wamp” Poe, who was a witness to the sinking of the Golden Eagle. On the video, Poe recalls diving into the river with his friends to liberate the boat’s liquor supply from the wreckage. Outdoors, the museum displays buoys, capstans — even a huge shallow vat that once held creosote. “The fishermen would dip their nets into creosote to keep them from rotting,” Knupp explained. The museum building, with stone walls 17 inches thick, has a mural depicting the town and
Cave-In-Rock Ferry BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
Getting across the river with a car, motorcycle or bicycle usually means driving across a bridge. But for travelers crossing the Ohio River near CaveIn-Rock, the preferred means of getting across the river is a ferry. Jointly funded by the state of Illinois and the commonwealth of Kentucky, the Cave-InRock Ferry is one of only a few ferries operating on inland waters in the Midwest, transporting up to 30,000 people each month. It connects
MORE INFO Cave-In-Rock Ferry 100 E. Main St., Cave-InRock 618-289-4599 Free; daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m., weather and wind permitting
Illinois 1 with Kentucky 91. “We run 16 hours a day and make about three trips every hour,” explained Lonnie Ray Lewis, who has owned the ferry with his wife, Shirley, since 1994. Even though passage across the
mile-wide river is slow, it’s still a fast way across, compared to 90 minutes if drivers use the nearest bridge. Shirley said the exact time required for each trip depends on traffic (auto and river traffic) as well as river conditions. “If everything’s good, we can carry six or seven cars across in about 15 minutes,” she said. Lonnie said during the summer months, ferry traffic is pretty evenly split between work commuters and pleasure travelers. “Right now,” he said, “we’ve got four
Page 10 Sunday, May 27, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Only in Southern Illinois
river, Tower Rock, and the 1947 sinking of the Golden Eagle excursion boat at Grand Tower. There’s now plenty of room for the museum to grow. When a lot next door was donated to the museum, a modern steel-frame building was added. Knupp and Burdick envision building a pilot house atop the building, and painting its exterior to resemble a riverboat. In addition to the museum, the town’s Devil’s Backbone Park, a great picnic spot, offers magnificent views of the river, an old locomotive on display, and a trail leading to some of the former coke ovens once used by the iron works. linda.rush@thesouthern.com 618-351-5079
RIVER LIFE The Grand Tower River Museum and Interpretive Center, 606 Front St., Grand Tower, is open from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, April through October, and by appointment anytime year-round. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged. For details or a special tour, call Jack Knupp, 618-565-2227, or Charles Burdick, 618-565-2043 or 618-565-2120. In addition to river exhibits, the museum includes donated artifacts such as Native American artifacts, old photos of the town, even a row of seats from the movie theater Grand Tower once boasted.
More than a way to cross the river
commercial vehicles and two pickup trucks aboard — looks like people working on both sides of the river, but with summer we will have more tourist traffic.” The ferry is, in some ways, a destination of its own. “People come from as far as Nashville and Chicago, and they choose to travel through this area just so they can ride the ferry,” he said. The ferry, which runs daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.(weather and wind permitting), attracts people who have never before floated their car
across the river and just want the experience as well as those who are there to gain a unique perspective on the river. “We have beautiful country,” Shirley said. “Many folks go across and then turn around and come right back. And kids, they love to ride it.” She said riding the ferry is free and quite easy. “You just drive up to the stop sign on the river bank and wait. If the ferry is there, a deckhand will guide you to park on the barge. On the trip, you can get out of the car if you want. Many do get out and stand along the
sides and enjoy the river,” she said. The way the ferry actually works also draws attention. “The thing I hear about the most is the way the tug swings on the barge,” Lonnie Ray said, explaining the unique way that the tug boat is connected to the center of the barge’s side on a pivot. “As the ferry backs out, the tug boat swings and turns around, but the barge doesn’t. People’s mouths drop, thinking the captain has turned them loose and they’re just going to float. It’s something to see.”
Mound City National Cemetery BY SCOTT FITZGERALD THE SOUTHERN
Mound City National Cemetery is only one of 131 national cemeteries in the country. It is northwest of Mound City at the junction of Illinois 37 and U.S. 51. It is also one of the oldest national cemeteries, said Cemetery Director Jeff Barnes of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration. “Mound City National Cemetery is one of a very select group of national cemeteries because of its age and history. It is included within The National Register of Historical Places,” Barnes
said. More than 8,000 soldiers have been buried there. The 15-acre cemetery recently underwent a graveside expansion and should remain open until 2030 and beyond, Barnes said. It was officially declared in 1864 with the burial of a Union soldier who died from injuries suffered in the Civil War. Today, all U.S. veterans and their spouses and any dependent children who die before they turn 21, can be buried in the cemetery, Barnes said. The cemetery came about when Congress gave President Abraham Lincoln the authority to purchase land for a
cemetery for those who died in the Civil War. Mound City’s proximity to both the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, and to the hospital, made it the ideal site. It was also the center for the U.S. Navy operations during the war. In 1864, the federal government designated the land to serve as a national cemetery. The original 1,644 interments at the site were men who died there. Later interments included dead from battles at Cairo, Belmont, Mo., and Paducah. The historic site also features the Illinois State Soldiers and Sailors Monument, built in 1874 to honor the unknown veterans who lost their
lives during the Civil War. The cemetery is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. There is a visitor’s lodge at the main entrance. “People are free to tour the cemetery,” Barnes said. There are also other nearby points of interest in and around Mound City such as historical plaques with information about Mound City’s role during the Civil War. The cemetery observes Memorial Day each year with a program that includes the Call to Order, Presentation of Colors, Laying of the Wreaths, the Roll Call of Honorees, music and a guest speaker. “We have been
attracting about 400 people to the event, and it’s growing more each year. It is held on the Saturday before Memorial Day and begins at 10 a.m. sharp,” said Clay Bierbaum, president of the Mound City National Cemetery Preservation Commission. Since 2007, the cemetery has also been one of more than 500 nationwide to join Arlington National Cemetery in the Wreaths Across America tribute. People can buy wreaths through the cemetery’s preservation commission to partake in the stirring event in December. “We usually hold this
event on the second Saturday of the month. It begins at 11 a.m. here in accordance with other cemeteries beginning at the same time. At this ceremony, we duplicate what is done at the Arlington National Cemetery by placing wreaths on the graves of our fallen veterans,” Bierbaum said. For more information on the Mound City National Cemetery in Pulaski County, call the preservation commission at 618-748-9041 or visit www.moundcity nationalcemetery.org. scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com 618-351-5076
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Franklin County’s Historic Jail Museum THE SOUTHERN
A history of guts, glory — and gangsters — awaits visitors to Franklin County’s Historic Jail Museum. The museum offers an unvarnished glimpse into the county’s past and its citizenry, both famous and infamous, from Civil War hero Gen. John A. Logan to Prohibition-era terror Charlie Birger to basketball legend Doug Collins. The museum is housed in what was formerly the county jail, constructed in 1905, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Several rooms of the museum are devoted to Franklin County and
Southern Illinois Civil War history, with artifacts and memorabilia of the era as well as exhibits dedicated to Gen. Logan, a resident of Benton from 1851 to 1861. The Birger exhibits offer an insightful look at the bootlegger and his reign in the county and region. Birger was incarcerated at the jail during his trial for the murder of West City Mayor Joe Adams. After his conviction, he was hanged on April 19, 1928, the last public hanging in the state. The ’20s theme continues in the museum with an armory that includes two Thompson 21 machine guns and the Colt 45 and Springfield rifle used by S. Glenn
Young, Birger’s nemesis. As visitors continue through the museum, they will discover the area’s link to George Harrison, whose 1963 visit to his sister’s home in Benton, marked the first time a Beatle set foot on U.S. soil. Reminders of his visit include turntables, mixer, microphone and interview table from a live interview Harrison did at WFRX radio station. Next up is Collins, who has a special tie to the museum. The Olympic and NBA star actually lived in the jail when his later father Paul served as county sheriff. Actor John Malkovich, also a Benton native, is
Page 12 Sunday, May 27, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Only in Southern Illinois
MORE INFO What: Historic Jail Museum Where: 209 W. Main St., Benton When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday What: Franklin County Garage Museum Where: 211 N. Main St., Benton When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday
featured in the museum as well. The museum opened in 1996 and is also home to the Franklin County Tourism Bureau. A small gift shop on the first floor. The museum draws
PROVIDED
Charlie Birger awaits the hangman's noose before his execution in 1928.
thousands of tourists each year. Many visitors also take in the Franklin County Garage Museum on their tour through Benton. The barrelroofed museum, just a block from the Historic Jail Museum, houses more than a half-dozen classic cars, including a 1916 Dort touring car, 1912, 1914 and 1926 Model Ts
and a 1931 Hupmobile. “I am totally amazed at the instant ‘sellability’ of 1920s history, the gangster era,” historian Robert S. Rea said. “People are first attracted to the museum because of the ’20s theme and then they learn we have so much more. Franklin County is extremely rich in history.”
Cairo THE SOUTHERN
Of the many towns with great historical value in Southern Illinois, Cairo would be unique if only because it sits at the confluence of two major rivers. But that location was once an important crossroads between north and south and became embroiled in and sometimes was a symbol of the United States’ continuing struggle with racial inequality. The once important transportation hub that was immortalized in such works as Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” has a history that is deep and complex as the United States itself. And though many of its landmarks are boarded up and vacant, the city still stands and
A town unmatched because of its historical significance the ghosts of its history still linger. Cairo was once an important transportation hub for AfricanAmericans from southern states seeking expanded freedom and opportunity. Its history as a migration center dates back to before the Civil War, when the city served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The migration came in different waves, beginning clandestinely with escaped slaves. Once the war began, more than 20,000 people came to Illinois and were housed at a “contraband” camp near Cairo, author and historian James Block wrote in “A Little More Freedom: African Americans Enter the Urban Midwest, 18301860.”
Block said the first post-Civil War wave migration was spurred by economics, and many African Americans chose to live in small-butgrowing towns. “Certainly (Cairo) was a central point coming through,” said musician Stace England, whose “Greetings from Cairo” album drew critical acclaim for its historical content. “There were a lot of railroad lines, and (U.S 51) came through Cairo. It was a real important spot for African-Americans moving north because it was the first city in the north.” The Ohio River at Cairo represented the border between freedom and slavery, and later the Jim Crow South and a North that promised, but did not always deliver, more
equal treatment. The Great Migration of 1915 was a highpoint for post-war movement, but it slowed in early 1920s. The flood of 1927 spurred another mass migration, which again slowed in 1930s Depression-era America. The years after World War II saw the greatest level of migration as African-Americans moved to industrial centers in northern cities such as Chicago seeking jobs and greater equality. While Cairo’s problems were many, it still represented a fresh start for some AfricanAmericans. Jim Crow was not as prevalent, and new arrivals could glimpse a brighter, if struggle-filled, future. The city’s unique location at the border of
the south made Cairo a first stop for AfricanAmericans in search of more freedom and greater opportunity. The location also ensured that racial attitudes in the city would be more reflective of southern ideas than those found in the north. “That’s part of the looking-glass quality of Cairo,” said musician Stace England, whose critically acclaimed album, “Greetings from Cairo,” explored the city’s civil rights struggles. “It’s kind of a southern city in the north.” As such, Cairo was a northern city with southern problems. Those issues came to a head in 1967 when Robert Hunt, a 19-year-old Army private, was found hanged in a Cairo jail cell. The official ruling was suicide, but an
NAACP civil rights attorney named Preston Ewing Jr. noted that Hunt was covered in bruises. Hunt’s death sparked a sometimes-violent sixyear struggle for equality, and African-Americans boycotted stores owned by white citizens. The situation in Cairo drew the attention of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, which investigated the city and in 1973 reported its findings to the president and both houses of congress. The commission described Cairo as “nationally prominent as a vivid symbol of racial polarization which is destroying that community, and which exists to a greater or lesser extent in other cities and towns across the United States.”
Once home to pirates, Cave-In-Rock now boasts natural beauty BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
Caves are interesting creations. For centuries, they have captivated the imaginations of the curious, but the availability of these natural formations can be somewhat limited. Not at Cave-In-Rock State Park, where there awaits a 55-foot-wide hole in the limestone wall for you to experience for yourself. This Hardin County haven — off Illinois 1 and one of Southern Illinois’ most unique landmarks — is a historical buff’s dream stop and is easily accessible by trail. The cost-free visit offers tourists insight into how
the cavern was used by river pirates and other criminals to store stolen treasures. Visitors can’t help but imagine themselves back in those times as the mysterious cave walls envelop them. The cave’s history has been well-documented in various fashions, including the 1955 Jimmy Stewart film, “How the West Was Won.” Some of the movie’s shots were filmed in Cave-In-Rock, which is said to have played a role in the murder and mayhem that took place in the Old West. Illinois in the late 1700s and early 1800s was dangerous territory, especially the area around
Cave-In-Rock. This stretch of the Ohio River was patrolled by pirates and was notorious for robberies and murders, mainly because the location was one of the few recognizable landmarks on the river. The cave served as a staging area for flatboat raids. The only reliable way to move westward was on the river, which at different points was framed by cliffs. Adding to the danger was shifting river channels that would have been almost impossible for travelers to navigate. Pirates used their knowledge of the Ohio to set up robberies by acting as river guides.
Once pirates took over a flatboat, the best victims could hope for was being put ashore with no possessions and no way to know where they were. Other times victims were killed and dumped in the river. Capt. Samuel Mason is perhaps the best-known bandit on the Ohio. Like many pirates of the time, Mason was a Revolutionary War veteran. Mason is believed to have worked with another noted pirate, James Ford, though the only evidence of confederacy is the fact they both worked the river in the 1790s and early 1800s. All piracy aside, the cavern and surrounding
park areas offer breathtaking views of the Ohio River. Riverbank trails give amazing views of riverboats, barges and other river-related scenery. Picnicking, hiking, boating and fishing are also available for day visitors at the park, which also hosts various celebrations such as the Cave-In-Rock Frontier Days. That July festival includes a riverfront car/truck/motorcycle show, as well as a pageant and kids activities. The Cave-In-Rock Restaurant and Lodging features four guest houses that include deluxe baths, dining area and wet bar and a private patio deck
MORE INFO Cave-In-Rock State Park, 1 New State Park Road, Cave-in-Rock 618-289-4325, park; 618-289-4545, lodge Lodging, dining, backpacking, boating, fishing, hiking and picnicking
overlooking the river. A more rustic night’s sleep can also be had through the park’s camping accommodations. Tent sites are available, as well as ones equipped with electricity, and all campsites are furnished with firewood and grills.
Only in Southern Illinois · The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, May 27, 2012 Page 13
The Makanda Boardwalk Southern Illinois Miners No place like it BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
Strolling down the Makanda Boardwalk will take you straight back to the 1890s. From the restored, yet rustic, storefronts to the unique fares, the area is a beacon for local artists and craftspeople skilled in a variety of mediums. On U.S. 51 near Giant City State Park, the boardwalk offers visitors the chance to visit small businesses that add their own personality to the peaceful town of Makanda. The Makanda Country Store serves up handdipped ice cream cones, and provides locally produced and imported speciality items. Numerous boardwalk shops showcase artwork created by local artists, including sculptures, jewellery, paintings, photography, pottery, hand-painted glass and much more. You can also find handmade tie-dyes, candles, soaps and lotions. The boardwalk is an integral part of the history of Makanda,
which traces back to its role as the establishment of the Illinois Central Railroad tracks in 1845 as a fruit- and vegetableshipping hub for Southern Illinois. After technology reduced the dependence on Makanda’s role in the transportation process, the town lost a large chunk of its population and was also devastated by multiple floods and fires. The town repeatedly rebuilt and eventually found its resurgence as an artist haven as Southern Illinois students transitioned into proud Makanda residents. Decades later, the town is known as the Valley of the Arts and allows local artisans the chance to not only enjoy what they are creating, but make a living, also. The boardwalk is instrumental in making that a possibility. Along with the daily operations of its downtown businesses, the boardwalk plays host to two of Southern Illinois’ most unique annual fairs. Makanda Fest in the spring and Vulture Fest
Baseball, fun for your entertainment dollar in the fall celebrate the town’s rich arts and crafts foundations. They feature interesting art for sale, local music and plenty of small-town charisma. Makanda Springfest is annually on the first weekend in May, and features the work of artists from the surrounding area. Live bluegrass, jazz, blues and various other forms of music are performed by local bands during the two-day event. The Makanda Vulturefest is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 20-21, and celebrates the return of black and turkey vultures. The annual event also beckons the end of the hot summer and the beginning of fall weather. Live music and local art will be on display. So whether or not you are a fan of vultures, make your way through the rolling hills and valleys, and stop at the southeast corner of Jackson County. If you are an artist or fan of the arts, you may never leave.
Page 14 Sunday, May 27, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Only in Southern Illinois
BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
The Southern Illinois Miners have become a perennial winner in the Frontier League. Winning streaks and playoff appearances have become commonplace on Marion’s northwest side. Fans get the chance to see many players who have climbed the ranks of major league baseball farm systems. But it’s not all business here. Professional wrestling nights, human hamster balls and dizzy bat races help lighten the mood for any fan looking to take in a bit of baseball on a summer night. The Miners’ schedule features a frenzy of fan-friendly promotions geared toward making a baseball game at Rent One Park an experience to remember. And not all promotions are as kooky as the aforementioned ones might sound. The Miners’ Kids Club program is a season-long opportunity for youngsters to receive tickets, gifts and chances to win various prizes. Fans can also enjoy Friday night fireworks and Sunday family days at the 5,000-seat park. Fans are assured a great view for an affordable price in one of the 3,400 chair seats or the spacious lawn area. The park also features a couple of picnic gardens, multiple concession stands, a fun zone for children, 14 suites, a banquet facility that can hold 250 people, a full-color video board and a general store packed
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Rent One Park in Marion.
with Miners memorabilia and gear. FANtastic Firework Fridays offer fans a unique way to start their weekend. Miners’ faithful are allowed to storm the field after the game to take in the explosive display of colorful, booming fireworks. And what’s happening on the baseball field is pretty impressive, too. The Miners recently began their sixth season and have quickly built themselves into a consistent contender for the playoffs. For the second season in a row, the Miners were bounced from the first round of the playoffs after an impressive regularseason run. They won 58 games last season, but suffered a host of injuries to key players late in the season. Two seasons ago, Southern Illinois’ scrappy squad got off to a sizzling start before falling short in the first round of the postseason. The Miners finished the regular season at 64-32 and earned their first Frontier League West Division championship in team
MORE INFO Rent One Park, 1000 Miners Drive, Marion 618-998-8499 info@southernillinois miners.com
history. Along the way, Marion and the surrounding communities came out in droves the Miners averaged more than 4,000 fans per game two seasons ago. This season promises to be just as exciting for Miners fans. The team is led by longtime manager Mike Pinto and pulled off a myriad of big-time signings heading into the start of the season. Southern Illinois is ready for a Frontier League championship and this could very well be the season that the Miners bring one home. And of course, there will be plenty of promotional events and giveaways to keep even the most novice of baseball fans entertained for hours. So scoop up your tickets now and check out the park’s convenient location off Interstate 57 before the season passes you by.
Tunnel Hill
Bald Knob Cross
A biker’s dream
An icon and symbol of faith
BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
Gone are the sounds of freight cars; here are the sounds of bike spokes. Once a winding railroad, Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak, spanning the scenic wonders that Southern Illinois has to offer along the way. The trail’s development was completed in the fall of 2001 and has been offering the region’s bike enthusiasts a stunning — and strenuous — way to spend a day. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the 9.3-mile section between Tunnel Hill and Vienna crosses such popular trails as the River-to-River Trails, the unmarked American Discovery Trails, the U.S. 76 Bicycle Route, a part of the TransAmerica Bike Route and the Trail of Tears, the primary route the Cherokee Indian tribe took in the winter of 1838-39 during their forced move from the Great Smokies to Oklahoma. Tunnel Hill’s trail at Harrisburg begins in flat farm country. At New Castle, the old railroad bed enters the Shawnee National Forest purchase area. By New Brunside, the trail is surrounded by bluffs, while south of Vienna, it passes through a wetland. Finally, at Karnak, it emerges from the Cache River State Natural Area. Melding landforms and natural beauty combine to form just a snippet of what cyclists see during their rides. Wildlifelovers are in for a Tunnel Hill treat, as the trail offers habitat to a wide variety of animals. Bluebirds and other songbirds pace through the trees, while killdeer, dove, quail and wild turkey also show their heads. Squirrels scamper among the
MORE INFO Tunnel Hill State Trail, P.O. Box 671, Vienna 618-658-2168 www.tunnelhilltrail.com
tree tops and white-tailed deer are commonly witnessed. The wildlife-friendly area is also full of red foxes, cottontail rabbits, raccoons and opossums. The trail recently began hosting a unique event, the Taste of Tunnel Hill Trail Bike Ride that celebrates the trail, the communities along the trail and enjoyment of health and fitness in Southern Illinois. This summer’s event has been postponed, but the next one is slated for June 2013. Offering opportunities for all skill sets and ages, all of the routes start and finish at the park, and range from 16 to 95 miles. There’s also a 28-mile road route looping from Vienna to Belknap and back to Vienna. Participants can celebrate completing the trail ride by enjoying the Taste of Tunnel Hill Trail Festival, presented by the Southern Illinois Wine Trail. This event showcases the best of food and wine offerings along the Tunnel Hill Trail Corridor. Wineries offer tastings and a variety of local foods are made available, including locally-raised shrimp. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. Although an experienced cyclist should be able to travel the complete trail in about a day, hikers are advised that the trail does not have camping facilities. Several campgrounds, however, are located nearby.
BY LES O’DELL FOR THE SOUTHERN
Officially known as the Bald Knob Cross of Peace, the 111-foot cross atop one of the highest points in Southern Illinois has been bringing people together for decades. Today, it continues to serve not only as a symbol of the Christian faith, but also as an attraction, bringing thousands to the region. “Today, we talk about tourism with the cross,” said D.W. Presley, president of the board of directors of cross. “The intent at the beginning, however, was not tourism. It was built as a symbol of faith and it was put where it is and was built to the size and stature so people could see it. It wasn’t intended to be a tourism destination, but it has become something people do come out to see in huge numbers.” Presley, who is the grandson of cross co-founder Wayman Presley, said thousands of people visit the cross in rural Union County each year. “People don’t just happen to the end of a five-mile road in Alto Pass by chance; it’s not necessarily easy to get to like if it was on the interstate. People come from all over the country and internationally for a number of reasons: some for spiritual reflection or others to take in the breath-taking views of the Shawnee National Forest,” he said. With recent renovations to the monument and grounds, Presley said attendance continues to increase. “I would estimate we have more than 10,000 visitors each year,” he explained. “There will be several hundred each weekend, not to mention groups with scheduled events
or activities.” He said the site is popular for church and charitable events, family reunions and weddings. “There are so many different reasons we hear from people as to why the come to Bald Knob, but everyone seems to take a personal piece of ownership. That’s what makes it so special. The project always has been ground-breaking and it continues to be bringing people together,” Presley said. When the cross was originally completed in 1963, it was the largest Christian monument in the Western Hemisphere. Its construction — and the purchase of the land itself — was paid through donations and fundraisers. Likewise, renovations also were funded by gifts from individuals and organizations. “There wasn’t one person who wrote a check originally or now,” Presley said. “The ownership and hardship has been shared by lots of people. The contributions of everyone from children to the elderly are hard to express. That history is part of what makes Bald Knob Cross so special.” Fundraising continues with the goal of once again lighting the cross, Presley adds. “Our current focus is to get the lights back on,” he said. “Now that the structure itself has been restored, we’re working to bring the lights back.” He said the new lighting, which is estimated at about $80,000, will use LED lights and include a complete electrical infrastructure upgrade. He is confident that gifts to accomplish the goal will come in, just as they have through the history of the monument. “We know that the entire Southern Illinois community
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
Barb Slyder (from left) and her friend Pat West of Golconda make their way down the hill while walking in the fourth annual Crosswalk.
MORE INFO 3630 Bald Knob Road, Alto Pass info@baldknobcross.com
and individuals across the country are behind the cross. It is something that people from all over have come together for regardless of their differences. I can’t name another project where so many people with such diverse backgrounds have come together for a common goal,” he said. Pressley said people coming together is what the Bald Knob Cross of Peace is all about and it’s a great thing for the region. “The cross is something that Southern Illinois is very proud of. It’s an icon and a great symbol for all of us,” he said. “It’s a great achievement that it has brought so many people together — right here in our own backyard.”
Only in Southern Illinois · The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, May 27, 2012 Page 15
Page 16 Sunday, May 27, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan 路 Only in Southern Illinois