in this issue: December 2023 / January 2024

features Holiday Idea BookFrom Thanksgiving weekend to New Year’s Day, we celebrate all the traditions that help create fond memories of the holiday season in Decatur. From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Cover Illustration by Tronnie Goss. Trinkets & ToysThe tradition of hanging Christmas stockings is a […]
Calendar – December 2023 / January 2024

December 2023 / January 2024 Holiday DatebookArtConcerts & Live MusicHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents for Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessSpecial Events HOLIDAY DATEBOOK St. John’s Living Nativity – November 18-19St. John’s Lutheran Church 2727 N. Union St. Kick off the Christmas season with live animals and over 200 volunteers bringing the story of […]
in this issue: October / November 2023

features Monsters, Mystery & Mayhem We’re reminded of Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are,” an award-winning children’s book that is celebrating its 60th anniversary this November. While Sendak uses his vivid imagination to conjure up an epic adventure for Max, we discovered our own “monsters, mystery and mayhem” right here in Decatur. Cover Illustration by […]
Calendar – October / November 2023

October / November 2023 Charity DatebookArtConcerts & Live MusicComedy & TheatreHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents for Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals, Markets & FairsSpecial Events CHARITY DATEBOOK A Taste of History – October 7Hieronymus Mueller Museum, 420 W. Eldorado St.; James Millikin Homestead, 125 N. Pine St.; Governor Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William […]
in this issue: August / September 2023

features Across the State From the beautiful skyline of the Windy City and college gameday at Grange Grove, to the “Superbowl of Agriculture” and the best places for fried chicken right here at home, we discovered that life in Illinois can be downright delightful. Cover Illustration by Shani Goss. Beans in His PocketFollowing the historic thread […]
Calendar – August / September 2023

August / September 2023 Charity DatebookArtConcerts & Live MusicComedy & TheatreHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents for Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals & ExpositionsSpecial Events CHARITY DATEBOOK Culinary Cook-off – August 10Hickory Point Golf Pavilion, 727 W. Weaver Rd. Food, fun and friendly competition, taste dishes from GSI’s Chef Rachel Wear and Richland Community […]
in this issue: June / July 2023

features Long Live the Lake! Thanks to the vision of A. E. Staley and the foresight of civic leaders, Lake Decatur has delivered a vital water supply and source of recreation with the capacity to serve residents well into the future. Join us to celebrate the lake this summer. The original cover art created by artist […]
Calendar – June / July 2023

June / July 2023 Charity DatebookArtConcerts & Live MusicComedy & TheatreHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents for Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals & ExpositionsSummer Markets CHARITY DATEBOOK The Wurst Cornhole Tournament Ever! – June 17Door 4 Brewing Co., 1214 W. Cerro Gordo St. Cornhole tournament with cash prizes, live music by Pizazz, yard games, on-site […]
Pageant of the Waters

By Patricia Lathrom In the summer of 1923, a spectacular 4-day celebration took place in Decatur to honor the completion of Lake Decatur. At the time, Decatur was a manufacturing force in America’s growing prosperity and home to industrial giants such as Mueller Company, Wagner Castings and A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company. We even had a […]
in this issue: April / May 2023
features Reasons to Celebrate Decatur has often been the center of attention, appearing in national headlines more than once throughout the years. During one of Decatur’s more eventful decades in the 1920s, our city attracted industry titans and their families, political leaders, emerging entrepreneurs, along with all the celebrity that follows them. And made history […]
Calendar – April / May 2023
April / May 2023 Charity Datebook Art Concerts & Live Music Comedy & Theatre History & Museums Nature & Gardens Events for Children & Families Sports, Health & Fitness Festivals & Expositions Special Events CHARITY DATEBOOK Black Tie Bar-B-Q – April 1 Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Dinner, dancing, auction, raffle, and backyard […]
in this issue: February / March 2023
features Finding Inspiration At the heart of every successful venture is the vision to recognize opportunity, the courage to make difficult decisions and take responsibility for the outcomes. In this issue, you’ll meet residents who are inspired by the challenges and focused on getting results. Boots on the Ground Howard G. Buffett’s approach is focused […]
Calendar – February / March 2023
February / March 2023 Charity Datebook Art Concerts & Live Music Theatre & Dance History & Museums Nature & Gardens Festivals & Expositions Special Events CHARITY DATEBOOK Poetry at the Homestead – February 12 & March 26 James Millikin Homestead, 125 N. Pine St. Poetry readings from Millikin University personnel, proceeds benefit the ongoing restoration […]
Cooking Up Memories
Supplement to Cooking Up Memories published in the Dec/Jan 2023 issue. Bob Traughber’s Peanut Butter Fudge Ingredients: 3 cups of sugar 1 ½ cup of milk 1/8 teaspoon of salt 1 cup of peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanilla Combine sugar, milk and salt in pan Bring to a boil on low heat Stir constantly until […]
Calendar – December / January 2023
December 2022 / January 2023 Holiday DatebookArtConcerts & Live MusicTheatre & DanceHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents For Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals & ExpositionsSpecial Events HOLIDAY DATEBOOK Holiday Gift Shoppe – through December 23 Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Original art and fine crafts for sale from nearly […]
in this issue: December / January 2023
features Season’s Greetings!It’s so comforting to know that some of the good stuff never changes. Finding Christmas in Decatur is festive and memorable, and we discovered the search is just part of the fun. This holiday issue is our gift to you – packed with all things merry and bright. Enjoy! Christmas CountdownWe’re counting the […]
Dispatch from Abroad: online supplement
We shared a glimpse of the Shields family’s six weeks in Italy in the October/November 2022 print issue of the Decatur Magazine. If you’re looking for the rest of the story, you’ve come to the right place. Dispatch From Abroad — “La Vita è Bella” Words by Zach Shields, Photos courtesy of the Centro Studi […]
Calendar – October / November 2022

October / November 2022 Charity DatebookArtConcerts & Live MusicTheatre & DanceHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents For Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals & ExpositionsSpecial Events CHARITY DATEBOOK A Taste of History – October 1 James Millikin Homestead, 125 N. Pine St.; Governor Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William St.; The Staley Museum, 361 N. College St.; […]
in this issue: October / November 2022
features Fall Bucket ListCelebrating a bountiful harvest is the reason for the season we love in central Illinois. In this issue we tried to cover all the bases to enjoy your time spent with friends and family. Make plans, gather and be prepared to have fun. Let’s Get Toasted!As the autumnal equinox passes, local party […]
in this issue: August / September 2022
features Creative Influences Whether it’s a prospering distillery, engaging stage performance or thriving learning environment, Decaturites find inspiration in the evolution of great ideas. Whiskey Business Tony Brent appears an unlikely person to open a distillery in Decatur. Yet his vision for the new Brentford Distillery is clear. And with patience, will be well worth […]