Oakwood High School - Acorn Yearbook (Fithian, IL)

Page 22 text:

Transfor- mations Startle Oakwood The Village of Oakwood has noticed some transformations lately: one of the more beautiful is the new Floyd Lee home. It replaced the old Masonic Temple, but retained much of the original brickwork, (see photo and inset above) Another transformation is that of the closing of the old part of the building at Oakwood Grade School. This closing and busing of some students to Newtown caused much concern among Oakwood parents, (see photo at right) 16

Page 21 text:

The Singing Bridge, located on the Catlin-Oakwood road over the Salt Fork River, sang because of the passing of vehicles over its metal floor. Death of Bridge Silences “Singing” The Singing Bridge was a one-lane bridge and very unsafe. It was recently replaced by a two-lane concrete structure bridge. The old bridge was eventually torn down. 15

Page 23 text:

The old salt kettle. 4 miles east of Oakwood on U.S. 150. Salt kettles were used to gain pure salt from the earth. Saline water was taken from deep wells and boiled until all the water evaporated. One could get approximately two ounces of salt from a gallon of water. In 1824, Major John W. Vance came from Ohio and purchased the claims to the salt springs. He brought 24 kettles from Louisville. Kentucky, to the mouth of the Stony Creek. From there they were hauled by ox teams to the present place five miles west of Danville. The salt business was a booming one until 1830, when salt fields were discovered in western Illinois and the business slumped. Good Luck Class of ’81 LINCOLN HOUSE RESTAURANT k Home Made Cinnamon Rolls k Home Made Dinner Rolls - ★ Steaks ★ Chicken k Chops k Catfish HOURS 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Monday thru Friday 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Saturday 1-74 OGDEN EXIT DGDEN, IL PHONE 582-2600 STATE BANK OF OAKWOOD 106 South Oakwood Oakwood, Illinois 61858 MEMBER F.D.I.C. AREA CODE 217—354-2161, 354-2162, 354-2351, and 354-2352. 17