Last updated: 1/23/2010
9 E. Front Street
P O Box 254
Newark, IL 60541
PO Box 254
Newark, IL 60541
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Marilynn Thompson
phone:
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Van Mathre
phone:
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Fern Dell has purchased an old store building at the corner of Front and Jackson Streeets in Newark. The building consists of 3 rooms, the front room has been refurbished with a new floor, lighting, fans and paint from top to bottom. It is in the process of being fitted with showcases full of artifacts and partitioned alcoves with specific interest items from donated collections. There will also be a miniature display of the Midland Railroad, which has fame as being the shortest railroad in the world. It ran two miles, from Newark to Millington, Illinois. Pictures are being hung and a large mural of Newark, painted by the Newark High School art class will be transferred to the museum in the near future. The remaining two rooms of the building are being transformed into an office and meeting area and a large working area.
Formed in 1985, and incorporated in the State of Illinois, the Fern Dell Historic Association started when the 1-room Fern Dell School was donated and moved into Newark near the present day grade school. A few years later the run down Misner Blacksmith Shop was purchased and completely renovated to a working shop, currently with a blacksmith on duty daily. Still wanting to have a museum for general artifacts, we kept looking for the "perfect answer". It was found when the owners of the Leland Hatchery Store finally agreed to sell to us in 2008. This building became our possession April 10, 2008 and volunteers worked steadily to get it ready for the grand opening, held on July 4, 2009. The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 pm during the spring, summer and fall months. Open by appointment any time.
Pictures,books, family collections, items depicting the farming area of the community. Railroad pictures, articles, mini display. Indian artifacts, Norwegian artifacts as this originally was a community of many ancestors of Norway.
Books of local cemetery listings. Plat books, Kendall & LaSalle County history books.
Access: General Public, Students, Members
Appointment required: False
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