The April 25th Chicago Tribune had an article about the collection of original and reconstructed buildings that have lost their home due to urban renewal.
Lots and lots of area school kids visited these buildings on field trips to get an idea what life was like on the Illinois prairies back in the 1800s. The village features an real 1830s log cabin, as well as a 19th century schoolhouse, and train depot.
The village is getting the boot because of Abe Lincoln. A tree-lined public park with his statue is planned as a catalyst for redevelopment of historical downtown Lockport.
The Will County Historical Society owns Settlement Village and the village has accepted a $1.5 million grant to relocate the buildings by June. As of yet, no plans are in motion.
Settlement Village was started in 1973. There are 12 buildings and six are original. A blacksmith shop, barn and others are replicas constructed with original lumber and materials. Lockport itself, is an old town, having grown up at first because of its location along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Downtown features mnany 150 year old buildings.
WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO
The historical society has been talking witht he Will County Forest Preserve District for a suitable site. So far, four possible spots have been identified, but nothing has come of it. It is likely that the next destination for the village will be storage.
The buildings are currently being emptied. The replica structures will be torn down piece by piece. Original buildings will be lifted off their bases and transported in tact.
It is too bad that someway could not have been found to leave the village where it was and build the park around it.
Sounds Like an Abe Problem to Me. --Old Coot
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