SPRINGFIELD — Clinton’s Vespasian Warner Public Library was among a group of Illinois libraries to recently be designated Illinois Centennial institutions.
Since 1984, the Illinois State Historical Society (ISHS) has awarded more than 1,300 Centennial Awards to Illinois businesses and nonprofit organizations that have conducted operations in the state for 100-plus years. Centennial honorees include banks, mom-and-pop businesses, cemetery associations, private utility companies, country clubs, funeral homes, newspapers, union organizations, and athletic clubs.
Recent recipients have been Loyola Press (est. 1912) and One Hope United (1895), Illinois College (1891) the Willis Steel Corporation (1891), and the Rock Island Public Library (1872).
All Illinois for profit and nonprofit corporations operating continuously in the Prairie State from January 1, 1924, or earlier, were eligible to receive Centennial Award recognition from the Illinois State Historical in 2024. Business more than 100 years old were also welcome to apply, as were previous Centennial Award recipients celebrating 125th, 150th, and 175th anniversaries.
This year’s Centennial Award recipients are:
• Arcola Carnegie Public Library, Arcola, 1904
• Benton Public Library District, Benton, 1915
• Berwyn Public Library, Berwyn, 1914
• Dyno Nobel, Inc., Wolf Lake, 1923
• Haben Funeral Home and Crematory, Skokie, 1924
• Hamilton Public Library, Hamilton, 1902
CENTENNIAL / A2
• Hillsboro Area Public Library, Hillsboro, 1885
• IDEAL Industries, DeKalb, 1916
• Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, Springfield, 1919
• M.W. Powell Company, Chicago, 1924
• Phillips’ Flowers and Gifts, Westmont, 1923
• Schmaling Memorial Public Library, Fulton, 1894
• Silvis Public Library, Silvis, 1924
• Springfield Art Association at Edwards Place, Springfield, 1913
• The Ariston Café, Litchfield, 1924
Vespasian Warner Public Library, Clinton, 1908
• Waukegan Public Library, Waukegan, 1889
2024 ISHS Centennial Award winners award recipients received an official certificate signed by ISHS president John E. Hallwas and ISHS executive director William Furry; a six-month complimentary membership in the Society; and use of the Society’s Centennial Awards logo on their company letterhead. Photos and press releases will be sent to community and statewide media outlets, posted on the ISHS website, and available for download.
For a complete list of ISHS Centennial Awards recipients, visit the ISHS website at www.historyillinois.org.
