Harvard-A "Big" Small Town -^•7-vsty fgf) 'V'dri -v mm?? <mt Harvard is a nice, friendly, average American small town. Founded in 1856, it has grown considerably from a very humble beginning into a very busy town of over 5,000 population. A sprinkling of fine industry, a very good location served by railroad, air and main highway have added greatly to the growth of the town. A mayor and council form of city government directs the growth and activities of Harvard and the new Planning Commission is currently working on laying out a future goal for the town. Anyone driving into the city generally is struck by the neat appearnce of the residential area, the compactness of the business district, the fine schools and the large representation of churches. Two of Harvard's largest industries, Starline, Inc. and Admiral Corp. lend greatly to the continued growth of Harvard. Starline has been here for many years, producing barn equipment such as stanchions, drinking bowls and door track. In recent years the firm has branced out into airport hanger doors and farm implement production. A subsidiary, Howard Rotavator, is now located in the same building and makes rototilling equipment with Starline producing the components. Admiral has their entire color production under one roof in Harvard. The firm has experienced a constant growth since locating here in 1947. Early production was in the small table radio field and later graduated to television. Severed additions have been made to the original plant until now it is said to be the largest installation under one roof. Other industry located in Harvard include Butcher Boy Refrigerator Doors; Badger Marine Hardware, Seymour and Peck, Putnam Novelty, Woodmart, Mechtronics and Lanning Bag and Specialty Co. Harvard is blessed with churches of many denominations, including Trinity Lutheran, Methodist, Christ Episcopal, St. Joseph's Catholic, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, the F irst Baptist, and St. Paul's Episcopal. Harvard's civic and fraternal organizations are very active and enjoy a fine hardworking membership that adds greatly to the assets of the town. Included in these are Lions, Rotary, Loyal Order of Moose, Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Masonic Lodge, I.O.O.F., and the Grange. Every organization of any size has its Auxiliary and Harvard is blessed with many such women's groups who do so much in civic projects. Included in these are the Women of the Moose, the Eastern Star, the various Ladies Societies of the Churches, so numerous and so needed and appreciated. Others include the Business and Professional Women, Rebekahs, Women's Relief Corps., Dunham Woman's Club, aind of cour se the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. The Harvard Players do much to lend culture to the area, putting on at least four productions per year. These are well received and give aspiring actors and actresses of all ages a chance to try their hand on the stage, locally. Pride of the Harvard area is the annual Milk Oay celebration held on the first Saturday of June each year. This celebration, had its beginning during the war years and was originated to honor the area farmers who were doing so much to feed the country. That Milk Day has grown to be an outstanding drawing card for the Harvard area is evidenced by the thousands of people who attend the event each year and the dignitaries who vie for the chance to attend. Of course the highlight of the Milk Day observance was the appearance of Lucy Baines Johnson here in 1964. This year's celebration will have Governor Otto Kerner as the Guest of Honor. The Harvard Art League, with its many members is another organization which is doing much to uplift the cultural life of Harvard residents. A monthly display of paintings by area artists is held at the Delos F. Diggins Public Library as well as showings at the First State Bank. ^Harvard has three fine financial institutions with assets in the millions of dollars. The Harvard State Bank and its newly remodeled facilities is\a showplace; the First State Bank will soon break ground for a new building on West Diggins Street, the Federal Savings and Loan is located on the corner of Sumner and Ayer, in spacious attractive offices. Harvard also has a very active Chamber of Commerce, of which Herbert Nelson is president this year. Lowell A. Nye is C of C office manager. This organization, representing the business people and industry in Harvard is constantly seeking ways to promote better relationship between business, industry and the consumer. The City of Harvard, led by Mayor Ronald J. Morris and members of the city council also have the interests of the citizens in mind at all times. Aldermen include, Elmer Molthen and Don Nolan of the 1st Ward, Don Hackman and Roger Vose of the 2nd Ward, Francis Clarke and Ernest Hage, 3rd Ward and Harry Bauman and Kenneth Higgins in the 4th Ward. Harvard boasts a fine Police Department under the able guidance of Chief H. Eugene Brewer. Members of the Police Commission are, John Wandell, Burton Peterson and Dr. Robert J. Ohlenroth. A volunteer Fire Department serves Harvard as well as the rural area. An agreeement between the City and Rural Departments makes possible the finest equipment for both areas. All the trucks are kept in the Municipal Building at Diggins and Division Streets. There are 18 members on the City department, which are led by Chief Clifford Vierck. The rural department has a number of members also. Harvard boasts one of the finest Rescue Squads in northern Illinois, fully equipped and on call 24 hours per day. The Squad truck is also housed in the Municipal Building. One of the biggest assets of the city might be termed the beautiful park facilities, including the recent acquisition, the Lion's Park. The site has playground equipment, picnic area, washrooms and is adjacent to the Harvard Swimming Pool. The pool is just one more part of the>ecreation offering of Harvard. During the summer about 350 boys take part in the Harvard Boy's League baseball program. Most of the games are played at the beautiful Moose Athletic Field on West Diggins Street. Two diamonds here, one with lights, are busy every night of the week as these youngsters take part in the program. Last but not least in the long list of items which makes Harvard a good place to live is the local radio station and the semi-weekly newspaper. Tree-lined streets, well kept lawns, a friendly atmosphere and well planned future growth guaranteed makes Harvard a fine place, not only to live, but to raise a family. 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