Montrose's History, Upcoming Sesquicentennial to be Featured Thursday at Courthouse Museum

The story of Montrose’s 150-year history will be the subject of this week's Effingham County Museum historical presentation. The event will be held Thursday at 7pm when people gather on the second floor of the Effingham County Museum.

This month's presenters will be Mrs. Kelly Thoele and Montrose Fire Chief Chris Overbeck, one of the leaders of Montrose Sesquicentennial activities.

Mrs. Thoele, a history teacher at St. Anthony High School, will be offering a brief history of Montrose from its inception in 1870 until the present. This will include information on Lawrence Sherman, a longtime politician from the region who is buried in Faunce Cemetery.

Sherman served four terms in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1897 to 1905. During his second term in 1899 he was chosen as the 40th Illinois Speaker of the House. In 1901, he became the second Republican to serve two terms in that office, and the fifth overall. Sherman became the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, serving from 1905 to 1909. In 1912 he became a member of the United States Senate and served until 1920.

Chief Overbeck  will talk about some of the events being planned for the 150-year commemoration, culminating with a big celebration to be held this August.

The Museum encourages the public to attend the event and learn. There is no admission charge.