Iroquois Township was created in 1858, from the west part of Middleport Township. The township name is derived from the Iroquois River, which flows across the northeast quarter of the township.
The first settlement in Iroquois Township was made on Springs Creek, north of the present site of Crescent City, in 1835. John and William Flesher and Levi Thompson and their families came that year creating the "Flesher Settlement." The Pierce brothers, William, John, and David, settled in the big bend of the Iroquois River, on the eastern edge of the township, late in 1835. This was called the "Pierce Settlement."
Agriculture and its related businesses are the chief industry of the township.
Crescent Township was created in 1869 from the west part of Belmont Township. It was first called "Grenard," for Elisha Grenard, the first supervisor of the township. Later, the township took its present name from the town of Crescent City, located on its northern boarder.
John Johnson was the first settler, taking up land on the sand ridge in the northeast corner of the township, in 1846. Joseph Myers took up land, next to Johnson in 1848. The early settlements were all along this ridge.
Crescent City is the largest settlement in Crescent and Iroquois Townships. Crescent City was incorporated January 9, 1885. Before incorporation, this area was served by a post office and a railroad station. Also, this area was served by churches of several denominations.
The town of Crescent City has been served by many businesses since its early days of existence. Businesses were started to fit the needs of the area people. Businesses included livery stables, lumber and grain services, ice service, blacksmith, harness makers, grocery stores, banks, taverns, hotel, service stations, telephone service, farm implement service, restaurants, and a tile and brick factory. This area's main production is farming. Businesses involving farming became very important to the area. The tile and brick factory was also important due to the fact that the land in the Crescent City area had been swampy. Much draining tile had to be used to drain the land so it could be used for farming and living on.
The lives of many people are affected by schools and education. In 1870 Crescent City built a two story grade school building. In 1898 a new brick building was built.
In 1918 Crescent City High School was started. This was a two year school which expanded to a three year school in 1920. In 1940 a four year high school began, which is the present day Crescent-Iroquois High School District #252.
In 1946 Crescent Community Consolidated Grade School #275 was organized. Crescent City Grade School consolidated with rural schools to form the school. The rural schools of Columbia, Cleveland, Search, Kelly, Gilchrist, and Washington were included. Part of Woodworth, Prairie View, Schoon, Maple Grove, Liberty Lane, Benjamin, Hitchcock, Centennial, West, Blue Grove, and Prairie Center also combined with them.
On Father's Day, June 21, 1970, Crescent City was struck with a disaster. On this day, a train carrying propane tankers derailed and exploded. Twelve cars derailed along the business district of town. Five propane tanks eventually exploded sending flames towering upward and debris outward. firemen from throughout Iroquois County and neighboring counties were summoned to help. In all, three-hundred firemen from fifty surrounding communities in addition to Civil Defense and policemen aided in the emergency.
The entire town was evacuated. Eighteen businesses and twenty-four homes were destroyed by fire. Fortunately no one was killed. Sixty people were injured, mostly with burns.
Although 90% of the business district was destroyed, the town rebuilt with new businesses. Signs of the railway disaster can still be witnessed, but, the town is still slowly growing.
(from Iroquois County History 1985 page 87 transcribed by Carrol Mick)
Peter's Feed and Produce, Crescent City
Jacob G. Peter of Fairbury purchased CESCO Feed Company from Carl Stansbury of Crescent City and moved his family to the community in 1944. He renamed the business Peter's Feed and Produce and operated it until 1964. As well as selling feed, he bought and sold poultry and eggs, butchered poultry, and operated a portable feed mill for a few years. this was located in two buildings near the center of town. One was a large brick building with three apartments upstairs, and there was an attached smaller building on the west. He later sold the large building to Wilfred and Cora Beland. Both of these buildings were destroyed by fire in the explosion of June 21, 1970.
(from Iroquois County History 1985 page 88 transcribed by Carrol Mick)
Henry Leiding's Blacksmith Shop
Henry Leiding, born Oct. 31, 1886, started in the blacksmith shop, working for George Clark in 1911. This was located on the corner of Rt. 24 and N. Colfax St., Crescent City, on the west side of the street.
The Hank bought out George Clark in 1912. He lived with his parents, Fred and Friedereka Kappe Leiding and brothers and sisters on a farm, 6 miles southwest of Crescent City. He would either ride his horse or his motorcycle tot he shop each day. One day he came walking because his horse threw him and got away.
His brother Bill started working for him in the winters in 1924. He started working steady for Hank in 1937. Many days they would shoe horses all day and came back after supper to finish.
Hank built the new shop in 1940 on the corner of N. Colfax and Crescent St. He sold the business to Jerry Wall in 1943 or 44. He died May 4, 1976.
(from Iroquois County History 1985 page 88 transcribed by Carrol Mick)
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