History

Amboy Depot Museum

Click Address below to view map: 
East Main St. & S. East Ave., Amboy, IL 61310

This Illinois Central Railroad Depot, built in 1876, has been completely renovated and is now a 19-room museum reflecting the history of the Amboy area. Other attractions adjoining the museum include: a steam locomotive on display, a one-room schoolhouse, the Illinois Central Freight House, and a 1920’s era Norfolk & Western caboose all open to tour. Free admission. Donations welcome. Open year round, Wed., Thu. & Sun., 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Phone: 
815-857-4700

Amboy Pharmacy

Click Address below to view map: 
202 E. Main St., Amboy, IL 61310

When you stop in at the Amboy Pharmacy you step back in time. Enjoy our fully functioning soda fountain, shop for penny candy, gifts, and cards in the easy-going, old fashioned atmosphere. We are open Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. During the summer months we are open from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Phone: 
815-857-2323
Email: 
amboy.pharmacy@comcast.net

Burma Shave Replica Signs

Click Address below to view map: 
1/2 mile south of Sublette on Hwy 52, Sublette, IL

Sublette was awarded the signs by Reminisce Magazine; the only such site in Illinois. Signs are approximately a half-mile south of Sublette on Hwy 52.

GPS Coordinates: 
LAT: 41° 38’ 17” | LONG: -89° 13’ 16”

Carson Pirie Scott Store Site

Click Address below to view map: 
55 S. East Ave., Amboy, IL 61310

A plaque denoting original site of the first Carson Pirie Scott Store is displayed on exterior of the Long Branch Saloon.

Chaplin Creek Historic Village

Click Address below to view map: 
1715 Whitney Rd., Franklin Grove, IL 61031

Chaplin Creek Village is an evolving, full-scale historical restoration project depicting a prairie settlement typical of the middle 19th century. Several historically significant buildings and artifacts have been relocated from the surrounding area. Home of the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society, the Chaplin Creek Drafters, the Chaplin Creek Muzzle Loaders and the Illinois Atlatl Association. Open May thru Sep., Sat. & Sun. 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. - or by appointment. Available for special event rentals.

Phone: 
815-990-5090
Email: 
info@chaplincreek.com
Website: 
http://www.chaplincreek.com
GPS Coordinates: 
LAT: 41° 49’ 59” | LONG: -89° 18’ 11”

Dixon Historic Center

Click Address below to view map: 
205 W. 5th St., Dixon, IL 61021

Built in 1908 as Dixon's South Central School. Ronald Reagan attended this school from 1921 - 1923. His sixth grade class room has been restored. The top floor is a research center. A museum store and art gallery are on the first floor. Open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Phone: 
815-288-5508
Email: 
billj@grics.net

Franklin Creek Grist Mill

Click Address below to view map: 
1872 Twist Rd., Franklin Grove, IL 61031

Built by volunteers, this is the only true water-powered operating grist mill in Illinois. Upper floors feature wood paneling from 43 different species of trees and exhibits from other natural areas. The Mill is available for rent for meetings and special events. Open weekends, noon to 4:00 p.m. April thru October.

Phone: 
815-456-2718
Email: 
fcpac@essex1.com
Website: 
http://www.essex1.com/people/fcpac
GPS Coordinates: 
LAT: 41° 51’ 27” | LONG: -89° 21’ 18”

H.I. Lincoln Building

Click Address below to view map: 
136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove, IL 61031

In 1860, Henry I. Lincoln, a distant relative of Abraham Lincoln, erected a two story, native limestone store on the main street of town to house his dry goods store. This unique building now houses the Lincoln Highway Association National Tourism Headquarters and the H.I. Lincoln store. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day & Easter. Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun., Noon - 4 p.m.

Phone: 
815-456-3030
Email: 
lnchwyhq@essex1.com
Website: 
http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org
GPS Coordinates: 
LAT: 41° 50’ 29” | LONG: -89° 17’ 57”

Lee County Genealogical Society (Family Tree Center)

Click Address below to view map: 
213 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021

The Society was founded in 1994 and is dedicated to the purpose of promoting awareness of family history and helping people in their genealogical research. Open to the public. Call for information. Tue., Wed., Fri., & Sat. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thu., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., or by appointment.

Phone: 
815-288-6702

Lee County Historical Society

Click Address below to view map: 
113 Madison Ave., Dixon, IL 61021

The Research Center holds an abundance of information relating to the history of Lee County. Its collection includes complete burial records for Lee County cemeteries, census records from 1820-1920, Dixon Telegraph microfilm from 1851 - present, and much more. Tue. & Thu., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sat., 9a.m- noon. Dec. 1 - Mar. 30 Sat. hours only. Other hours by appointment.

Phone: 
815-284-1134
Email: 
lchs@grics.net