This essay was originally published in the program for the 2009 Historical Society Annual Dinner in Washington, Illinois. Part one was written by Christy L. Parr and it included the following paragraph: “President Kathy Bandeko was focused on the restoration of a disintegrating round barn located on farmland at the southeast edge of Washington. Her … Continue reading An Incomplete History of the Washington Historical Society
Year: 2025
Frank Schulz: On How Not to Succeed in Business
Imagine going to the grocery store in Elmwood in the 1940s or 1950s and finding the door locked – even at noon on Saturday, with no sign in the window: “Closed,” “Be Back in a Minute,” or “On Vacation.” Actually, the owner, Frank Schulz, was on vacation with his buddy Ralph Kilpatrick, the local accountant, … Continue reading Frank Schulz: On How Not to Succeed in Business
An Extended Obituary: Karl K. Taylor, PhD 12/2/1938 – 9/5/2024
A note from the family: We wish Dad, who was a writer, had pre-written his own obituary. Since he did not, we worked together to summarize the highlights of his amazing journey. He was the best father and we know we will see him again in the Kingdom to come. – David, Andrea & Amy … Continue reading An Extended Obituary: Karl K. Taylor, PhD 12/2/1938 – 9/5/2024
RON BAURER’S RECLINER
by Karl K. Taylor In the 1960’s, Washington (Illinois) had three family-owned furniture stores: one operated by George Herbst, another by Roy Sauder and a third by Benjamin Baurer. George’s store on the west side of North Main was founded in 1941 by his father, R. G. Herbst, in a partnership with R. Klaus; the … Continue reading RON BAURER’S RECLINER
Stories From Small Town Illinois 