History in
Starved Rock
County
In the heart of Northern
Illinois is nestled the hidden
gem of Starved Rock Country
(SRC). The area is full
of colorful human-interest
stories—real stories of innovation,
grit and vision. For
travelers and tourists, SRC’s
public art, historic homes,
and gardens are a great way
to sample the local lore.
Driving State Route 23 takes
travelers to three communities
with story-laden public
murals. Starting in the south,
Pontiac has 23 murals highlighting
the romantic and
nomadic charm of historic
Route 66, and several ‘sculptures’
of the iconic cars that
traversed its streets. The murals
recount Pontiac’s commercial
history and the city’s
Lincoln connections. There is
a different story behind each
mural and car.
Streator, 26 miles northwest
of Pontiac, has 18 murals
honoring favorite sons (Clyde
Tombaugh, the discoverer of
the planet Pluto, ice cream
franchisee Burt Baskin,
and other celebrities), and
Streator’s unique industrial
heritage. There is a giant 60
x 80 foot mural of a 1920s
building façade, with indirect
lighting behind its faux windows.
Many Pontiac and Streator
murals were produced during
Walldog Festivals in 2009
and 2018 respectively that
brought together hundreds
of artists from around the
country. Ottawa, 15 miles
north of Streator, has 8 more
murals and mosaics produced
by local artists, with a new
one taking shape on the wall
of the Central Life Building.
All Route 23 murals are in
the host cities’ downtown
districts, making them easily
accessible on foot.
Ottawa is also home to the
Reddick Mansion. William
Reddick’s rags-to-riches
story is compelling, but his
1858 mansion stands out for
other reasons. Opulent private
residences were rare in
Illinois before the Civil War,
and this ornate Italianate
structure includes elaborate
cornices, ceiling medallions,
marble fireplaces and some
original woodwork. Located
in downtown Ottawa, it is not
clustered with other homes
of well-to-do local businessmen.
Its imposing size, rich
red brick, and cream Lemont
limestone trim make a statement
to passers by, perhaps
because it showcased Reddick’s
unrealized political
ambition to become Illinois’
governor.