Our Town's road trip is visit to past
Updated: September 7, 2012
ARCOLA -- A trip to Our Town this week has been a visit to the past. The quaint community has lots to see, do and offer visitors. It's the Broomcorn capital of the world proving old fashion has a place in today's modern world. WCIA-3's Jillian Deam takes us on a road trip.
Broom makers aren't satisfied to keep things the same.
"I think people appreciate that a functional item can be so beautiful that people consider them to be artwork."
Artists from around the world document Arcola's history in murals around town.
"Everybody who sees the murals really enjoy them. We get a lot of feedback about how beautiful they are, but how attractive the town has been as a result."
New businesses have a place in this village as well. Many people encouraged Shelley Thomas to share her special talents with everyone.
"If they buy a jar of my salsa, and they like it, they comment about it to me. It really makes me feel good that they take away that they really like my product."
If you're hungry for some home-style comfort food, walk into the Dutch Kitchen, and you'll feel right at home.
"It's still the same decor and the same pictures. Just your basic, home-style cooking. You know, mashed potatoes, vegetables. The thing we try to do is make everything taste as good as we can."
The Arcola Foundation is a group of families and businesses which are proud to invest in the town's future. It hands out thousands of dollars in scholarships each year.
"It means a great deal. You know how tuition is nowadays. We pay directly to the school they're going to."
And for some unparalleled fun, you can't forget about the home-grown, world-renowned Lawn Rangers.
"You're only young once, but you can always be immature. So, we've got a lot of guys in that category."
The highly-specialized group requires physical stamina and mental strength since only the best are inducted into the group.
"We've been going, this is so amazing to me, this is the 32nd year in the Broomcorn Festival. A lot of marriages don't last that long."
"It's a collection of funny [people who have a good sense of humor."
So, whether you're interested in checking out a part of Central Illinois you've never seen before, reminiscing about days-gone-by or being fascinated by the highly-skilled Lawn Rangers, Our Town Arcola could be your perfect destination.
Broom makers aren't satisfied to keep things the same.
"I think people appreciate that a functional item can be so beautiful that people consider them to be artwork."
Artists from around the world document Arcola's history in murals around town.
"Everybody who sees the murals really enjoy them. We get a lot of feedback about how beautiful they are, but how attractive the town has been as a result."
New businesses have a place in this village as well. Many people encouraged Shelley Thomas to share her special talents with everyone.
"If they buy a jar of my salsa, and they like it, they comment about it to me. It really makes me feel good that they take away that they really like my product."
If you're hungry for some home-style comfort food, walk into the Dutch Kitchen, and you'll feel right at home.
"It's still the same decor and the same pictures. Just your basic, home-style cooking. You know, mashed potatoes, vegetables. The thing we try to do is make everything taste as good as we can."
The Arcola Foundation is a group of families and businesses which are proud to invest in the town's future. It hands out thousands of dollars in scholarships each year.
"It means a great deal. You know how tuition is nowadays. We pay directly to the school they're going to."
And for some unparalleled fun, you can't forget about the home-grown, world-renowned Lawn Rangers.
"You're only young once, but you can always be immature. So, we've got a lot of guys in that category."
The highly-specialized group requires physical stamina and mental strength since only the best are inducted into the group.
"We've been going, this is so amazing to me, this is the 32nd year in the Broomcorn Festival. A lot of marriages don't last that long."
"It's a collection of funny [people who have a good sense of humor."
So, whether you're interested in checking out a part of Central Illinois you've never seen before, reminiscing about days-gone-by or being fascinated by the highly-skilled Lawn Rangers, Our Town Arcola could be your perfect destination.
