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Treasures - The Col. Benjamin Stephenson House

The Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House was built in 1820 and has been authentically restored. Col. Benjamin Stephenson was a true public servant at the federal, territorial, and town levels. The Stephenson House is a hands-on learning center, bustling with activities from the Stephenson era that will entertain and educate visitors of all ages. 409 South Buchanan, Edwardsville. www.stephensonhouse.org

Treasures - Edwardsville Cathcart's Cafe

In the 1930's, Cathcart's Cafe was "the main place for high schoolers." It was located on East Vandalia Street at Brown Street. It was also a popular restaurant for travelers along U.S. 66. They had a long counter and three or four nickel slot machines. Customers' cars were parked all the way up to St. Boniface.

Treasures - Edwardsville Tuberculosis Sanatorium

In May 1926, the Madison County Tuberculosis Sanatorium, located on 50 acres of land adjoining Troy Road South of town was opened. Designed for 90 to 100 patients, the three story structure, which had been built on land undermined by the Donk Coal Mine, began to sink a few weeks after it was opened. The structure was saved by exceptional engineering and in the 1960's became the Madison County Nursing Home and remained open until 1997. The structure has since been torn down and many businesses are now present in that area such as Dierberg's, Red Robin and more.

Treasures - SIUE Groundbreaking

Following passage of a bond issue, designs for the initial buildings at SIUE were approved on May 26, 1962. Morris authorized invitations for bids on a library building and a combination general classroom and office building on February 20, 1963. Contracts were approved on April 26, and ground was broken in May 1963. Subsequently, additional contracts were awarded for a science laboratory building, a communications building, and a university center or student union.

Classes began in Edwardsville on Thursday, September 23, 1965. Individuals, labor groups, and corporations contributed more than $432,000 to help make the new campus a reality. But it was the determination of Delyte Morris that brought all the ingredients together and produced a new institution to serve the residents of southwestern Illinois.

SIUE Archives - Stephen Kerber, Publisher

http://www.siue.edu/~skerber/SIUE_History.html

Treasures - Watershed Nature Preserve

Watershed Nature Preserve was founded to preserve and restore local ecosystems. As part of the Cahokia Creek Watershed, it is comprised of over forty acres of wetlands, prairies, and upland and lowland forests. The trails are free to the public and accessible from dawn to dusk. 1591 Tower Road, Edwardsville. www.watershednaturecenter.com

Treasures - The Wildey Theatre

The Wildey Theatre opened in 1909 as an opera house and a second floor meeting hall for the Independent Order of Oddfellows, the Wildey has undergone many transformations throughout the years. Located in Downtown Edwardsville on Main Street, the Wildey closed as a full-time movie theatre on March 8, 1984 after more than 400 people attended the movie "The Big Chill." The Edwardsville Historic Preservation Commission later designated the Wildey Theatre as a "Local Landmark" in 1986. Recognizing the importance of the Wildey Theatre to the overall downtown development efforts, the City acquired the property (or theatre) in 1999 with a state grant. The City has now finished the renovation and the building has been restored to its 1930's art deco look. The theater now serves, once again, as a venue for live performances and classic films. 252 N. Main Street (Rt 143), Edwardsville. www.wildeytheatre.com For more historical information about the Wildey Theatre please visit www.historicwildeytheatre.com.

Treasures - Yanda Log Cabin

The Yanda Log Cabin is believed to have been built by blacksmith William Yanda in 1853. An immigrant from Austria, William, his wife, Annie, and their ten children lived in the cabin. The cabin was passed down through the Yanda family until the Village of Glen Carbon purchased it in 1989. The cabin was restored for the Village's Centennial Celebration in June 1992. 151 N. Main St., Glen Carbon. www.glen-carbon.il.us/thevillage/yanda.htm

Treasures - YMCA Esic

The Esic Center YMCA located at 1200 Esic Drive is one of two dynamic YMCAs that serve the greater Edwardsville community. Mission: The Edwardsville YMCA is dedicated to enriching the lives of all individuals and families in the communities we serve through programs and services based on Christian principles that promote a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. To learn more about the Edwardsville YMCA and its programs, visit www.edwardsvilleymca.org.