Nestled just four short miles south of Virden, Girard, Illinois, stands as a testament to American pioneering spirit and industrial evolution. This charming village of approximately 2,200 residents boasts a rich history, dating back to its earliest French settlers and continuing through its pivotal role in the nation’s coal mining industry and its memorable connection to the iconic Route 66. Explore the compelling narrative of Girard, Illinois, from its humble beginnings as a mill site to a vibrant community defined by resilience and historical preservation.
The Genesis of Girard: From Mill to Township
The story of Girard, Illinois, begins with a French pioneer named Girard, who established a sawmill on the banks of Mill Creek. By 1834, the fertile lands attracted a growing number of settlers, including W.T. Bristow, Daniel Black, Elisha Smith, Dr. Edwards, and Colonel George Mather. This growing population also spurred the development of infrastructure, with a stage line connecting Springfield to Alton, Illinois, running through the area along an old Indian Trail. This historic path would later become Illinois State Route 4 and, famously, a segment of Route 66.
In 1834, Dr. Edwards and George Mather attempted to formalize the settlement by laying out a townsite, naming it Girard. However, this initial plat was never officially recorded, leaving the nascent community in an unofficial status for over two decades. A mile and a half north of the current town, John Henderson established a significant stage stop in 1835, which he later sold to John Virden, namesake for the nearby town of Virden. Despite the unrecorded plat, the community continued to grow, evidenced by the construction of a schoolhouse in the southwest corner of Girard Township by 1843, where Elizabeth McCullough became the area’s first teacher.
The Railroad’s Catalyst: Girard’s Official Birth
The true impetus for Girard, Illinois, to formally establish itself arrived with the construction of the Chicago & Alton Railroad in 1852. This new railway brought renewed interest and investment. In the spring of 1853, Barnabas Boggess and Charles Fink successfully laid out a new townsite, largely encompassing the land from the unrecorded 1834 plat. Lots were then actively sold for $20 each, marking the official commencement of the town.
Early development swiftly followed the platting. Barnabas Boggess was instrumental in relocating the first homes from rural areas to line the town square. Sam Boggess also contributed by constructing a dwelling that simultaneously served as Girard’s first boarding house. J.S. Warfield built his home and established a vital blacksmith shop, while Harriet Purdy opened the first privately operated school.
By 1854, the town’s commercial landscape began to flourish. Alfred Mayfield opened a General Store, and W.E. Eastman established a drug and merchandise store. J.W. Woodruff built a warehouse and shipped the first carload of wheat from Girard. Daniel Macknett founded a lumberyard that operated for over a century until 1893. The year 1854 also saw the establishment of the town’s post office and its first hotel, the Girard House. The town was officially incorporated on February 14, 1855. This period also witnessed the construction of H. Hall’s first flour mill on Mill Creek and the erection of the first church building, shared by all denominations until individual congregations could build their own.
Industry and Expansion: The Coal Mining Boom
Girard, Illinois, experienced significant industrial growth with the establishment of William Lancaster’s brickyard in 1857, which operated until 1898 and supplied materials for many of the durable brick buildings still standing today. The same year, the community saw the launch of its first newspaper, the Girard Enterprise, followed by the long-standing Girard Gazette in 1879, which continues to operate today.
Public education advanced rapidly with a public school constructed in 1858, supported by property taxes. This wooden schoolhouse served all grades until it burned in 1870, necessitating a new facility.
A cornerstone of Girard’s commercial history is the Deck Drug Store, initially founded by Dr. Clark in 1865. Lewis Deck joined in 1884, eventually becoming the sole owner. The Deck family operated it for three generations until 2001. After a brief closure, the building was repurposed as Doc’s Soda Fountain and Deck’s Pharmacy Museum, offering old-fashioned treats and a wealth of pharmacy memorabilia.
Further enriching the town’s commercial and cultural fabric, the Bowersox Clothing Store opened in 1867. F.W. Ring arrived the same year, opening a bakery and restaurant, and organized a renowned band that became the best in Central Illinois.
The true driver of economic expansion for Girard, Illinois, was the sinking of the Girard Coal Mine in 1869. Over the years, Girard became home to nine different mines, collectively employing up to 600 men at their peak. The closure of the Girard Coal Mine in 1922 delivered a significant economic blow, though one mine continues to operate today.
By 1870, Girard boasted a population of approximately 1,500 people and a diverse economy including three steam flour mills, a butter and cheese factory, numerous merchandise stores, a lumberyard, two hotels, and five churches. A new two-story red brick school was built in 1870, and the State Bank of Girard opened in 1873.
In 1879, a fire in a coal mine shaft, while men were below, prompted townsfolk to pour salt into the shaft, an ingenious act that helped extinguish the fire and saved lives. Further industrial diversification occurred with a Lock Factory established in 1880, operating for 40 years. Dodson’s Opera House, opened in 1893, became the town’s cultural heart, hosting various performances and later featuring first-run movies.
Resilience and Reconstruction: Fires and Economic Shifts
During its prosperous coal mining years, Girard, Illinois, had a vibrant public square lined with diverse businesses. Many initial wooden structures were lost to fire, but were rebuilt with more resilient brick, showcasing the town’s determination. Major fires in March and October 1909 destroyed frame buildings and ten brick businesses respectively, the latter suspected to be the work of a burglar. Another fire in 1910 consumed several buildings, including the Girard House Hotel.
In 1921, State Route 4, the first cement highway in Illinois, was constructed through Girard, leading the town to pave its streets around the square and oil/rock other roads.
The year 1922 was challenging for Girard, Illinois. The closure of the Girard Coal Mine delivered a severe economic blow, compounded by a mining disaster in December. An explosion in an unused part of the mine terribly burned several men, resulting in one fatality and 16 injuries.
The Historic Route 66 Era and Modern Resurgence
A notable, albeit brief, chapter in Girard’s history unfolded in 1926 when Illinois State Route 4 was designated as the iconic Route 66. This designation brought a surge of travelers through Girard, Illinois, for four years. However, in 1930, Route 66 was realigned, diverting main traffic away. Despite this, the legacy of Route 66 remains integral to Girard’s identity. Following World War II, Girard, like many small towns, experienced decline as residents shopped in larger cities. However, the town’s spirit of preservation has allowed it to endure.
Girard Today: A Glimpse into the Past
Today, with a population of approximately 2,200, Girard, Illinois, continues to offer numerous captivating glimpses into its rich history. Visitors exploring the town square will discover several well-preserved historic buildings. The Ring Building on W. Center St. showcases distinctive Mesker ornamental sheet metal and cast-iron facades. Nearby is the handsome former People’s Bank building, constructed in 1919, a casualty of the Great Depression. An old brick building on the northeast corner features a faded “ghost sign,” designating it as the former Hall Brothers Lunchroom.
For a taste of classic Americana, the iconic 1950s Whirl-A-Whip Drive-In at 309 N. 3rd St. remains a beloved local institution, serving food and 50 flavors of ice cream in the summer.
A visit to Doc’s Soda Fountain/Deck’s Drug Store Museum at 133 S 2nd St on Girard Square is an absolute must. This establishment, once operated by three generations of the Deck family for 117 years, now offers delightful soda fountain treats and a fascinating, free drug store museum, preserving a significant piece of Girard’s commercial heritage. It is a wonderful example of historical preservation.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Girard, Illinois
From its origins as a French settler’s mill to a bustling railroad and coal mining town, Girard, Illinois, has woven a compelling tapestry of American history. Its story is one of pioneers, industrial growth, community resilience in the face of disaster, and a brief but significant moment on the legendary Route 66. Today, Girard proudly preserves its past through its historic architecture and beloved local establishments, inviting visitors to step back in time and appreciate the enduring spirit of this charming Illinois village. It stands as a vibrant reminder of the communities that built America, a place where history is not just remembered, but actively celebrated.
