Decatur; Illinois has long had a proud tradition of workers and craftsmen who produced coal; water pumps; gloves; automobiles; clothing; corn meal; and many other products. Though it is home to Caterpillars second largest plant and serves as world headquarters for Archer Daniels Midland; a global processor of corn and soybeans; Decatur is much more than jobs and factories. If Illinois is the Heartland; then Decatur is the Heart of the Heartland. Decatur is the site of Abraham Lincolns first Illinois residence; in 1830; and it is where he was nominated for the presidency on May 10; 1860. Decatur is also home to a symphony orchestra; homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; a community college; and Millikin University.
#859313 in eBooks 2004-07-21 2004-07-21File Name: B009A2TKFU
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A detailed and pictorial history of a place Poles called home.By ponceAs soon as I read that "Chicagos Polish Downtown" was bordered by its unique "Times Square" of Ashland Avenue. Division Street and Milwaukee Avenue. I knew this was the book for me.I spent my entire life here until the age of 16 and even then never strayed far as best described in Chapter 10.The author has done a wonderful job researching the pictures and capturing the spirit of the community. Its a must for any Chicago Pole.The book doesnt not deserve five stars because too many of the photos are too dated. Likewise the maps could have been more detailed.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book!By The ConquererGreat book! Ive been to that neighborhood many times but never realized the significance of its place in the history of Polish Americans and Poles still in Europe. Til now. it was just the "old neighborhood" where the families lived before they moved to the near west suburbs. After reading this I will see the area with different eyes and will look at each building as a historical marker.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Stephen DAmbrosiaWonderful gift if you know someone who grew up in Chicagos Polish neighborhoods
