Historic Delavan

Historic Delavan

Delavan has preserved much of its historic architecture, and unlike many cities in the area it can be easily recognized in a turn of the century photograph. Delavan's vision is to preserve the past, and incorperated it into a city that can serve the needs of a modern community.

Part of the process of continued preservation of these landmarks and structures is recognition by the National Register or Historical Places. Delavan has many fine examples on display for visitors who are interested in the history of early Illinois.

Before restoration

The oldest iron truss bridge in the area

National Register of Historical Places

Third Street Bridge ** (added 1999 - Structure - #99000586)
Also known as 090-9912
Third Street, between Pine and Elm Streets, Delavan, Illinois
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Kellog Bridge Company
Architectural Style: Bridge
Area of Significance: Engineering
Period of Significance: 1875-1899, 1900-1924
Owner: Local Gov't
Historic Function: Transportation
Historic Sub-function: Pedestrian Related, Road-Related
Current Function: Back in Use and completing the Delavan Loop!

After restoration

National Register of Historical Places

Delavan Commercial Historic District (added 1991 - District - #91001687)
307, 309--324, 400, 401, 404--410, 412 and 414 Locust St., Delavan

Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event

Architect, builder, or engineer: Corwine,W.A.

Architectural Style: Queen Anne, Italianate, Early Commercial

Area of Significance: Architecture, Commerce

Period of Significance: 1850-1874, 1875-1899, 1900-1924, 1925-1949

Owner: Private

Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Social

Historic Sub-function: Financial Institution, Meeting Hall, Professional, Specialty Store

Current Function: Commerce/Trade

Current Sub-function: Professional, Specialty Store

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From Fiji to Florida to Fresno, Calif., Andrew Carnegie built 2,509 libraries between 1881 and 1917

Library System Name:

Ayer P.L.D.

Phone: 309-244-8236

Mailing Address:
P.O. 500
Delavan, IL 61734-0500

Physical Address:
208 Locust Street
Delavan, IL 61734-0500

Carnegie Library Ayer Public Library Historic Significance:	National Register of Historic Places 200 Locust St. Delavan Event
Area of Significance:	Education
Period of Significance:	1900-1924, 1925-1949
Owner:	Local Gov't
Historic Function:	Education, Social
Historic Sub-function:	Library, Meeting Hall
Current Function:	Education, Social
Current Sub-function:	Library, Meeting Hall

Let there be libraries

Carnegie opened his first public library in his hometown, Dunfermline, Scotland, in 1883. Rather than his name, he had a motto -- "Let there be light" -- carved within the Gothic-arched entrance; nevertheless, the three-story, turreted stone castle of a building announced that the weaver's son had done rather well in America.

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