July 16, 2012, By Mike Fak, April 17th 1943 was the first splendid day of the year in Central Illinois. Temperatures rose to the mid seventies for the first time since late last September and everyone was looking forward to another summer season on the square.

As always during spring and summer, the farmers started coming to town just after 3:00 in the afternoon. Being late to the square would mean parking blocks away from all the activity so being early was better than being late. (Click for more)