Quality of LifeCultural Opportunities
Arts
| The Buchanan Center for the Arts is the primary supporter of the arts in Monmouth.
The center has a gallery on the square that brings in quality shows of both local and regional
artists as well as national and even international shows. The center also offers classes to the community
in such areas as pottery and painting. The Buchanan Center for the Arts is an active partner in the
community, sponsoring a wide range of arts related groups such as the Buchanan Community Chorus. |
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| Warren County is lucky to have a fine theatre department at Monmouth College.
Each Semester students put on several plays from contemporary hits to timeless classics. |
| The Dahl Chapel Auditorium is used as a concert hall for both community and college productions,
but it is primarily the domain of the diverse and prolific Monmouth College Music Department.
The music department holds concerts that are open to the public throughout the academic year. |
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Museums & Attractions
| In 1867 two students of Monmouth College, Ada Buren and Libbie Brook, founded a society for college women.
Both students were boarders in Holt house and the group met in secret in the Southwest bedroom of the home.
The students made history by founding the first national secret society for women. In 1940 the fraternity purchased and
renovated the home, which now serves as a museum and also as a meeting place for Pi Beta Phi women. To learn more or to
schedule a tour call: 309-734-3988. |
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| In 1918 the Reagan family moved from Galesburg to the beautiful maple tree lined streets of Monmouth, IL, the county
seat of Warren County. At the young age of 7, Ronald Reagan settled into the family home located at 218 S. Seventh St. and
began second grade at Central School. The home itself is not open for viewing, but there is a historical marker located in
front of the house noting that President Reagan resided there from 1918-1919. Jack Reagan supported the family by selling
shoes at the prestigious E.B.Colwell department store at 208 S. Main St. The building was added to the National Registry of
Historic Places in 1993. It is reported that Ronald's mother, Nellie, became very ill with the Spanish Influenza during this time period.
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| Mary Stewart one of the six founders of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity for women lived in this home just East of the Monmouth College
Campus. Mary, or Minnie as she was known was the first president of the chapter in 1870. In 1989 alumnae of the Alpha chapter, and Kappas
from across the country purchased the building. The dining room and parlor have been restored to the period of the 1870s and the home furnished
with antique furniture. For more information or to schedule and appointment to view the home call 309-734-5154. |
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| This large museum is located in Roseville located in the southern part of the county.
The museum is a large three story brick building on Rt 116 that runs through downtown Roseville.
The museum showcases the history of the county from early settlement and the Black Hawk War to the
agricultural development of the county. For additional information and hours call 309-426-2304
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| Wyatt Earp, the legendary lawman, was raised in Monmouth before beginning his journey west, which eventually brought
him to Tombstone and the gunfight at the OK Corral. Earp has been made famous by the acts of his life and several Hollywood
movies have been made about his life. The home of the Earp family is now a part time museum and is open by appointment. Also, be sure to
check out the Earp marker at Monmouth Park.
Several of Wyatt Earp's relatives are buried in the Pioneer Cemetery on the corner of Archer and 6th Street in Monmouth. |
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Local Artisans & History
Alexis Museum - located at the corner of Scott Street and Palmer Avenue in Alexis, Illinois, the Alexis Museum is an interesting stop to learn more about the history and development of the Alexis area in Northern Warren County.
Chairwright - People come from all over the country to purchase Bill Gullberg's handmade windsor chairs and 18th Century furniture, generally available by commission only, or to take a week-long class in traditional chairmaking.
Daw Violins - maker, restorer, and seller of violin family instruments, bows and accessories. |
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