News Release:

Bernadotte Historical Society Organized To Preserve Historical Heritage and Landmarks

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Stu Harrison, 309-338-4449

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On March 31st, 2010, the Bernadotte Historical Society officially became an Illinois non-for-profit corporation with its mission to promote Bernadotte history and to restore its landmarks.

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"The Bernadotte Historical Society, Inc. was organized not only in hopes of restoring the 1905 Historic Pratt Truss iron bridge, but also to instill in the public's mind the values and benefits of historic preservation and create an awareness of the ultimate consequences of neglect of these aspects of civilization," stated Dawn Stambaugh, the newly elected President of the Society, and the former chairman of Save the Bridge Committee. "The purpose of the Society is care and preservation of those objects and mementos of historic heritage that are worthy of preservation, particularly those that have association with Bernadotte and its environs," She added, "The Bernadotte Historical Society, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation and is totally separate from the Fulton County Board's 'Save the Bridge Campaign and Committee'."

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Stambaugh continued, "Many members of the Save the Bridge Committee felt it was time to break away from the County Highway's Save the Bridge Committee. When the Fulton County Highway Dept declined to remove the debris from the bridge or pay for its removal, members of the now Historical Society took on the project and are paying for removal of the debris. As of this date, no funds have been transferred from the County's Bridge Plank Fund to the Bernadotte Historical Society. We are hopeful the Fulton County Board will transfer Bridge Plank donations to the Society. However, right now, the Society removed the debris and we will raise our own funds to pay for those costs."

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Stambaugh shared, "The Board of Directors of the Bernadotte Historical Society decided it was time to get things done. A bank account has been established at Ipava State Bank for donations. The Board wants to promote and encourage citizens to fund, endow, give, bequest or offer any legitimate material support necessary to carry out the expressed aims and purposes of the Society. Donations can be sent to the Bank, or to: Bernadotte Historical Society, Inc. P.O. Box 314, Ipava, IL 61441. The Society will also be seeking memberships. The yearly membership donation is $10/year per person, or there is a one-time donation of $100/person for a lifetime membership, or $150/couple lifetime membership."

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Stambaugh continued, "It appears that the Fulton County Highway Dept is no longer interested in restoring the bridge. We have asked the County Board via a letter to William Kuhn, County Highway Engineer, to consider transferring ownership of the bridge to the Bernadotte Historical Society. Stambaugh remarked, "The Historic Bernadotte Bridge needs repaired and maintained not removed."

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Bernadotte is known for many other historical facilities besides the 100 year old, Iron Pratt Truss Bridge, such as the historic Grist Mill site where the Bernadotte Public Park and Dam are now located. Bernadotte has the distinction of having once been considered as the site for the capital of Illinois, prior to the capital being located at Vandalia in 1820. Vandalia was selected over Bernadotte by the difference of one vote in the state legislature. In addition, remnants of the World War II Camp Ellis Prisoner of War Camp water supply still remain next to the Bernadotte Dam. The huge concrete wall known as the Camp Ellis Firing Range still remains on the hilltop above Bernadotte on Rifle Range Road. The area is also known as part of the historic-Indian Woodlands Period. Artifacts are consistently found throughout the Spoon River Valley near Bernadotte.

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The historic Spoon River Bridge is a national historic site currently being recognized, by Landmarks-Illinois, as one of the Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. It is number six in the top ten list of endangered places in Illinois. In the past, Bernadotte Bridge has served as a pedestrian connector during the popular Spoon River Drive, which draws thousands of tourists every October and contributes greatly to the county's economy. The bridge area is also well-known for its popular and successful fishing throughout three seasons of the year.

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The officers of the newly elected Society are: President, Dawn Stambaugh; Administrative Secretary & Financial Treasurer, Stu Harrison; Recording Secretary, Mary Dueshane. Besides these officers who will also sit on the Board of Directors, are the following elected Directors: Bill Swango, Henry Frakes, Marcus Boyer and Greg Lasswell.

Persons interested in either becoming a member of the Bernadotte Historical Society, Inc. or in making donations, may call 309-224-5065 or 309-647-7312 and leave a brief message. In addition, interested persons may contact us at Bernadotte Historical Society, Inc., P.O. Box 314, Ipava, IL 61441.

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The old bridge, damaged by an ice floe in 2015, has been moved to dry land. When repair is complete, it will be transformed into a memorial for veterans, and moved to a permanent location a short distance south of where it now rests. The moving and repurposing will be videotaped. The processes should be very dramatic!