Two restored historic homes and a business landmark will be featured on the O’Fallon History Walk that starts downtown at the O’Fallon Station at 2 p.m. Oct. 12, rain or shine. There is no admission charge.
Sponsored by the O’Fallon Historic Preservation Commission, the course will be a short walk on the presidential streets, at homes located at 109 and 212 W. Washington St., and then the History Museum at the intersection of State and Lincoln streets.
“This walk will take you to some of our most historic sites and structures, where you will meet notable residents from the past and present,” said Valerie Hancock, commission chairman. “Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun and educational outing, this event is perfect for all ages.”
Connecting with and preserving the town’s heritage is important to the commission, as well as the nonprofit O’Fallon Historical Society.
“O’Fallon is a vibrant community, and it’s important to know what we were, and how we became what we are now,” Hancock said. “History isn’t just about the past — it’s a living legacy that connects us to our roots.”
Steve Brown, a commission member whose home at 212 W. Washington St. is on the walk, said he grew up in O’Fallon, when the town population was 5,000.
“It’s 30,000 now, and most don’t know the history, so this is a good opportunity to find out about the traditions and background,” Brown said.
109 W. Washington St.
This property was once a blacksmith cottage. Robert and Mary Nan Jordan are retired musicians who performed with the Air Force Band of Mid America, which is based at Scott Air Force Base.
They will join another musician to perform a piece by a female composer of the 1800s, Louise Farrenc. The trio will play clarinet, bassoon and piano.
“It’s a lovely piece,” said Steve Brown, who will play with the Jordans Saturday.
The home of Robert and Mary Nan Jordan at 109 W. Washington St. will feature musicians performing. Lynn Venhaus
212 W. Washington St.
Steve Brown lives in the Tiedemann House, which is in the National Register of Historic Places. That prestigious recognition was bestowed in 2020 by the National Park Service and is based on the property’s historical, cultural, and architectural value, as well as a commitment to preserve our shared heritage.
The house was built in 1884 for local merchant Ernst Tiedemann, a member of the city’s board of trustees. Architect Henry E. Peipers of St. Louis designed the house using elements of the Italianate and Queen Anne styles.
The Italianate features include the front porch, three-sided bay window on its front facade, and its arch windows. The Queen Anne influence is in the wooden balustrade on the porch and the gabled dormers with half-moon windows on each side of the roof.
Three actors will portray the Tiedemann brothers, who were political refugees from Germany, and left there in 1848. Two became involved in city government while one fought in the Civil War, leading a black regiment. The family ran the Tiedemann Mill.
The actors are Tim Ripplinger, Jeff Skoblow and Greg Conroy.
O’Fallon History Museum – 101 W. State St.
Constructed in 1904, the building was the home of the First National Bank. The O’Fallon Public Library occupied the second floor from 1930 to 1945, and again from 1962 to 1995. Since 1996, the building has been home to the O’Fallon Historical Society’s Museum.
Historian Brian Keller will discuss the banking business in O’Fallon at this stop on Saturday. Fun fact: The bank was never robbed at this location. But there are new tidbits to share.
“It’s a colorful history,” he said.
Historic Preservation Commission
The Historic Preservation Commission has 10 voting members appointed by the mayor with consent of the council. They recommend the adoption of ordinances by the council to designate areas, places, buildings, structures or other objects, including city-owned property, that have significant historical, architectural or aesthetic features as the city’s landmark sites.
The commission recommends measures to protect those portions of the city that have significant historical, architectural or aesthetic features; and to hold public hearings on issues affecting proposed or designated landmark sites or structures.
O’Fallon Historical Society
Founded in 1988, the organization operates as a not-for-profit and is 501(c)3 tax-exempt. It is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the town and the surrounding area.
The O’Fallon Historical Society Museum is located at 101 W. State St. downtown and the hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m., and by appointment. Tours are available and admission is free.
It also operates the Scale House at First and Apple streets and the Caboose in the 100 block of West First Street.
The Society can be contacted during museum hours by calling 618-624-8409 or anytime via email: ofallonhistory@gmail.com.
Pub Table Historian
The next Pub Table Historian is Thursday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m. at Gears Bar and Cafe inside Bike Surgeon. This month, by request, they’ll talk about the early days of cars in O’Fallon and where you could get them.
Food and drinks are available for purchase, and all ages are welcome.
Pub Table Historian is a free monthly history talk sponsored by the O’Fallon Historical Society. It is generally held on the second Thursday of each month, but not always, and covers different topics relating to the history of O’Fallon and the surrounding area. It’s an informal evening, and questions and comments are welcome and encouraged.
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