About the Society

The Chenoa Historical Society was founded in 1990 by a group of interested citizens who felt it was important that some effort be made to collect and preserve memorabilia and historical material related to the Chenoa community. The Society is now incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois as a not-for-profit organization.

Article II of the Bylaws of the Chenoa Historical Society states: "The purpose of the Society shall be to research, find, collect and preserve whatever relates to the natural, industrial, agricultural, civil, military, political, social, educational or religious history of Chenoa, McLean County, Illinois. Further, the purpose of this Society shall be to promote and disseminate knowledge of these subjects by meetings, publications and any other means available when possible and feasible. In addition, the purpose of this Society shall be to maintain a library containing pertinent historical materials, appropriately and accurately indexed and catalogued. The establishment of a museum and other historical items and exhibit shall also be the aim and plan of this Society."

The present home of the Chenoa Historical Society is at 239 Green Street in a building first constructed in 1939 by Dr. C. R. Kerr as an office. The building was unfinished when, in 1940, Kerr's Army reserve unit was sent to the Philippines where he served as a medical officer. After surviving the Bataan death march, he died in a Japanese prison camp.

The building was later finished and became the Chenoa City Hall. Since 2004, the site has been occupied by the Historical Society. More information about the Society may be obtained by contacting one of the following:
C. Merle Parry - Phone (815) 945-4931
Joyce Nagel - Phone (815) 945-5163
Victor E. Bell - Phone (815) 945-7356
Francis Vercler - Phone (815) 945-4174

Society Activities

The Chenoa Historical Society has begun the acquisition and collection of materials of historical significance to the people of Chenoa and to all those who have significant connections with this community. A library is in process of being developed. Programs of historical interest are held quarterly which are intended for members and for the general public as well. A long-range plan is to establish a museum in Chenoa which would feature the history of this community.

Support and Finance

The Chenoa Historical Society is solely dependent upon gifts and contributions from members and friends for operating revenue. The support of all interested persons is invited and any contributions made to the Society will be greatly appreciated.

Consider becoming a member of the Chenoa Historical Society. Yearly dues are $10.00 for an individual or a family unit. A lifetime membership in the Society can be purchased for $200.00. As noted above, the $10.00 membership fee is renewable annually.

Two Railroads Crossing

The story of Chenoa began in 1854 when Matthew T. Scott, who had acquired thousands of acres of land in this area, laid out lots and streets for a town. The location was at the place where the T.P. & W. and the C. & A. railroads intersected. This land was prairie wilderness at that time. The Indians who had hunted and lived in Illinois country for many years had been moved by the U. S. Government to regions west of the Mississippi by the time Chenoa was founded. Soon the tough prairie sod was broken by the plow which made acres and acres of land available for farming. J. B. Lenney came from Pennsylvania to the new town of Chenoa and in 1855 put up the first building here which was called "The Farmer's Store." J. B. Lenney took an active part in the development of the town and is referred to as the "Father of Chenoa."

Latest census figures show the population of Chenoa to be 1850. The Chenoa Centennial was celebrated in 1954. The town is situated in a highly productive agricultural area. Two currently active businesses here are notable due to their longevity. They are Schuirman's Drug Store (now Chenoa Pharmacy) and Union Roofing. The latter company today is one of the largest roofing contractors in Illinois. Several small manufacturers operate here and a number of antique dealers are Chenoa-based. A well attended July 4th celebration is held in Chenoa each year.

Chenoa has been home to many and is an example of small-town America where cultural and social norms and traditional values of home, church and school combine to foster fine community spirit, cooperation and friendship in a rural setting. The town is located on historic U.S. 66, and was the former home of Steve's Cafe, a popular eating place on the route for many years.

Modern times have brought many changes. Small towns, like Chenoa, stand as symbols of the American character and those great ideals of freedom, equality and justice for all.