A Weekly Note from Mayor Gary L. Graham
“Traditional Values, Progressive Thinking”
Citizens of O’Fallon will join thousands of individuals around the country during the month of May as part of a nationwide celebration of Historic Preservation.
The theme of the celebration this year is “Making Preservation Work! “ Since 1971, The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sponsored this celebration. Every community has a spirit of place that identifies it as special and unique. It may be a building or a monument or a street, a public square or a stretch of lakeshore or a view of distant mountains. It sets the community apart from every other. It attracts tourists, contributes to the area’s stability and livability, and gives residents a sense of connection with their shared heritage.
In honor of National Historic Preservation, the City Council and I, at the April 16th City Council Meeting, issued a Proclamation declaring the month of May 2007 as National Historic Preservation Month.
It is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by many dedicated individuals in helping to preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped O’Fallon, and I encourage residents to recognize and participate in this important celebration.
As part of the celebration, on Saturday, May 5th at 11:30 a.m., the O’Fallon Historic Preservation Commission will hold an award ceremony at the American Legion - Grange Hut, 209 E. 5th Street in O’Fallon Community Park. The public is invited to attend the ceremony and refreshments will be served. The historic American Legion – Grange Hut was given the City’s highest preservation honor and designated as a Local Historic Landmark by the City Council at the April 2, 2007, City Council Meeting. Following the award ceremony, there will be an annual landmark tour of local designations. The tour will end with an open house hosted by Paulo’s at the Mansion restaurant.
Please join us on May 5th in celebration of O’Fallon’s history. Citizens joining together in these types of celebrations are what helps us to maintain our sense of “small town” feel and is yet another example of why O’Fallon is such a great community in which to live.
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