Displaying 1 of 1 2008 Format: Book Author: Bial, Raymond. Title: Champaign / Raymond Bial. Publisher, Date: Charleston, SC : Arcadia, c2008.. Description: 127 p. : chiefly ill. ; 24 cm. Series: Images of America Images of America. Subjects: Champaign (Ill.) -- History -- Pictorial works. Contents: The early years, before 1865 -- Years of growth, 1865-1890 -- Coming of age, 1890-1920 -- A bustling city, 1920 to present. ISBN: 9780738551883 0738551880 System Availability: 1 Current Holds: 0 # Local items: 1 Place Request Add to My List Share Expand All | Collapse All Availability Syndetics Unbound Summary The low-lying prairie on which Champaign came to be established was once described as "one vast pond where the mud turtle and water moccasin luxuriated, the mosquito wound his bugle, and the frogs gave a rival symphony." From humble origins as a stop on the Illinois Central Railroad called West Urbana, the cluster of buildings quickly became a bustling town of square storefronts, with horses and wagons hitched along wood-plank sidewalks. Gradually rising above muddy thoroughfares, Champaign grew into a charming city in which trolleys rumbled along brick streets. Elegant homes were built and churches established, along with shops and stores, and municipal services and utilities, not to mention parks, opera houses, and confectioneries. Large Cover Image Librarian's View Displaying 1 of 1
