in this issue: August / September 2020
![issue-feature Decatur Magazine August-September 2020](https://decaturmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/issue-feature-1024x688-320x214.jpg)
features Anything But Normal There are times when every day feels like the day before, even though our entire lives have changed. And playing by the rules has taken on a whole new meaning. Since Midwesterners normally don’t shy away from a challenge, how do we adapt to life during a global pandemic? In this issue, […]
Calendar – August / September 2020
![DecaturMagazineAugust-September2020CalendarofEvents Decatur Magazine August-September 2020 Calendar of Events](https://decaturmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DecaturMagazineAugust-September2020CalendarofEvents-320x129.jpg)
SPECIAL NOTICE Due to the alert status of COVID-19 in Illinois, events listed on this calendar may change. We suggest calling ahead to confirm details and cancellations before making plans to attend. Thank you! August / September 2020 ArtNature & GardensEvents for Children & FamiliesCharity Events ART Decatur Airport Exhibit – AugustDecatur Airport, […]
Living The American Dream
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By Jan Mathew | Photography by Kathy Locke Visit the Hieronymus Mueller Museum and you’ll step into the rich story of a man heralded as a creative genius, prolific inventor and community champion. Chapters, as viewed through Mueller Company’s lens, are historical snapshots only Decatur can share. Within this panorama, the angle that Museum Director […]
Calendar – June / July 2020
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SPECIAL NOTICE Due to the alert status of COVID-19 and influenzas in Illinois, we do not have a calendar for June/July 2020 events. We will post events as they become available once again. Thank you!
in this issue: June / July 2020
![contents-featured contents-featured](https://decaturmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/contents-featured-1024x607-320x189.jpg)
features Together, six feet apartAs we navigate our way through the effects of COVID-19 one thing is certain – the only constant is change. This issue documents the incredible moments that are making history in Decatur. Take care and be well. cover illustration by Shani Goss Portrait of a PandemicImages capture the essence of […]
Hidden in Plain Sight: WPA Park Pavilions
![wpapavilions WPA Pavilions in Decatur, Illinois](https://decaturmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/wpapavilions-1024x538-320x168.jpg)
Beyond merely utilitarian function, WPA projects are aesthetically pleasing constructions that were built to last. Many of these gems are still in use today, although residents often fail to appreciate their historic significance. Before the dawning of “economic stimulus packages,” Grandpa had to put in a full day’s work before Big Brother would spare him […]
Atomic Mission
![atomicmission atomicmission](https://decaturmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/atomicmission-1024x538-320x168.jpg)
The Manhattan Project, so named because the first plan originated in that “district,” was America’s top-secret mission to harness nuclear energy into a massively powerful bomb and end World War ll. The mission’s leaders were Dr. Leo Oppenheimer on the science side, and General Leslie Groves on the management/military procurement and coordination side. The rest, […]
Weathering The Storm
![howtoweatherastorm howtoweatherastorm](https://decaturmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/howtoweatherastorm-1024x538-320x168.jpg)
When talking to Decatur resident Karen Hurley about the April 19, 1996, tornado she and her family survived, the key word is obvious: “Survive.” Yet after the dark eerie clouds, blinding rain, and devastating winds passed, the initial reaction was an odd sense of denial. Both Hurley and fellow local survivor Brad Storm didn’t grasp, […]
How-To Make the Perfect Cheese Toastie
![howto-toastie How to make the perfect Cheese Toastie](https://decaturmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/howto-toastie-1024x538-320x168.jpg)
Decatur resident Jim Friesner recalls ordering a cheese toastie when visiting Chicago a few years back. “The waitress laughed,” he recalls. “(I guess) it’s only called a cheese toastie in Decatur.” While wait staff outside our area may discern you mean a grilled cheese, “cheese toastie” generally requires an explanation or, at a minimum, earns […]
How-To Win At Gin
Gin rummy comes with a pretty straightforward set of rules: A 52-card deck; aces played low; and the objective of improving your hand by forming spreads and runs (melds), discarding uncooperative cards (deadwood) and, ultimately, outscoring your opponent. But for one of Decatur’s longest-running cadre of card sharks, the heart of the game is more […]
How-To Hit Green Lights
When I was a kid, I thought my aunt was a witch. Not a broom-riding, cackling, pointy-hat-wearing witch, but a normal-looking witch with special powers. At least that’s what she told me. As a six-year-old, I watched her take out her teeth and make slugs disappear by pouring salt on them. In the days before […]
in this issue: April / May 2020
features Let’s Go ExploringIt’s the perfect time of year to get up and get going, so be prepared to try something new this spring. We did the research to help you gear up for adventure, learn the ropes and have fun in the process. Enjoy! cover illustration by Shani Goss Stand Up SummerThe opening […]
Calendar – April / May 2020
SPECIAL NOTICE Due to the alert status of COVID-19 and influenzas in Illinois, events listed on this calendar are changing on a daily basis. We suggest calling ahead to confirm details and cancellations before making plans to attend. Thank you! April / May 2020 Art Concerts, Live Music & Movies Comedy & Theatre History & […]
Here & There – Greenville, North Carolina
Located 85 miles west of Raleigh on what locals refer to as the “Inner Bank,” Greenville has a population of 92,156 and is the 10th largest city in North Carolina. Rated in the Top 50 Most Livable Communities, the largest employer is Eastern Carolina University with a student enrollment over 25,000. Downtown Greenville underwent a […]
in this issue: February / March 2020
features Decatur Icons Webster’s Dictionary defines an icon as a person or place that is revered or idolized – a definition that applies to many during Decatur’s 190-year history. We remember the accomplishments of great men and women whose significant contributions in Decatur have influenced the course of history here and around the world. cover […]
Here & There – Top Ten Best Small Towns to Live in 2020
Every year the rankings are released for Best Cities to Work, Best Cities to Attract Millennials, Best Cities to Raise Families, Best College Towns…you get the idea, the lists go on and on. This year Thrillist (the epitome of list makers) came up with a new one – Best Small Towns to Move To (Before […]
Calendar – February / March 2020
SPECIAL NOTICE Due to the alert status of COVID-19 and influenzas in Illinois, events listed on this calendar are changing on a daily basis. We suggest calling ahead to confirm details and cancellations before making plans to attend. Thank you! February / March 2020 ArtConcerts, Live Music & MoviesComedy & TheatreHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents […]
Only in Decatur: Dec/Jan 2020
Wishing you don’t shoot your eye out this holiday season. Photography by Rachel Holden
Calendar – December 2019 / January 2020
December 2019 / January 2020 ***HOLIDAY EVENTS*** ArtConcerts, Live Music & MoviesHistory & MuseumsNature & GardensEvents for Children & FamiliesSports, Health & FitnessFestivals & ExpositionsSpecial Events HOLIDAY EVENTS Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 30Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary Anderson Plaza. Start a new family tradition with cookies and cocoa, holiday music and […]
in this issue: December / January 2020
features Christmas Classics Every family has their favorites – time honored holiday traditions that bring joy to our celebrations and create the magic of the season we all cherish. Elaborate Elf AdventuresSupposedly Fun Things’ holiday edition explores the craze that is keeping parents of young children up even later than usual during the entire Christmas […]