Historical Society of Montgomery County

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Hillsboro, IL
Historical Society of Montgomery County

Established in Montgomery County, Illinois in 1913.

05/28/2026

For Sale: 2 children's school desks. Make a reasonable offer.

05/22/2026

Join us at 2pm June 7 at the Challacombe House in Hillsboro for a free program, open to the public, sponsored by the Historical Society of Montgomery County. Laura Keyes, a Looking for Lincoln presenter, will perform as Lucy Pettengill of Peoria, who in 1857 was a station operator on the Underground Railroad. She will share her experiences in assisting freedom seekers.
In the 19th century, many Illinois residents were part of the Underground Railroad, an organized network of secret routes and safe houses that allowed fugitive slaves to escape to the abolitionist northern United States and eastern Canada.
We hope to see you there!

05/18/2026

June is a popular month for weddings so we would like to share your family weddings by displaying your photos throughout the Harkey House during June through at least July. It may be 1 photo or multiples as in the attached example. Bring your photos to the museum at 305 S Broad St, Hillsboro on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 to 1. We look forward to sharing a piece of your family history.

05/13/2026

Did you know we have copies of the Hiltop yearbook in our gift shop! Currently we have about 50 dating from 1903 to 1988. We are open at 305 S Broad St, Hillsboro IL on Wednesdays & Saturdays from 10-2.

05/07/2026

Sending out an "SOS" to our members! We would appreciate any volunteers to assist with set up and take down for the yard sale Saturday, May 9 on the grounds of the Harkey House. Most help is needed from 7 to 10am and 1 to 3pm. Thank you!!

05/02/2026

Just a sampling of the large assortment of treasures available at the yard sale on the Harkey House grounds at 305 S Broad St, Hillsboro, IL on May 9 from 9am to 2pm.

04/28/2026

This postcard, from 1927, shows Hillsboro, Illinois artist Jennie Clark, standing next to her painting of Baseball Hall of Famer “Sunny” Jim Bottomley, St. Louis Cardinal 1st baseman and Nokomis, Illinois native.
Anyone know more about her or what may have happened to this artwork?

04/24/2026

437 SOUTH MAIN STREET - HILLSBORO, ILLINOIS. THE LAST ONE OF IT’S KIND.

This home, constructed circa 1868, is the last private single family residence in what is known as the Hillsboro business district.

Numerous families have called this home over the years and, since first constructed, it has always remained a single family dwelling, lovingly cared for by the Milanos family for many years now. Jerry is gone, but Maxine Milanos keeps the home decorated with flowers and plantings and can often be seen working her garden in the back of the property.

Private residences were quite common in Hillsboro’s early years. Many were intermingled with business buildings on Main St. (formerly Coffey St.) as vacant spaces became retail establishments. Over the years, residences in the business district were destroyed by fire or torn down to make room for general stores, blacksmith shops, gun shops, saloons and billiard parlors, photographic studios, banks, butcher shops, to***co shops etc. The Milanos home is the last of its kind in town.

Are there other towns in Montgomery County whose businesses district still has any single family private homes (not converted into apartments) that were built prior to 1900? If so, please post a photo with location so the home can be featured on this Facebook site.

04/17/2026

FILLMORE, ILLINOIS - HILL BROTHERS BASEBALL CLUB - 1901

Sports teams, sponsored by local businesses, have always been a source of pride for communities throughout history. Contests between neighboring towns drew crowds, sometimes competing for money, a keg of beer, a traveling trophy or simply bragging rights. Rivalries could get quite rowdy at times.

This is a 1901 photo of the Fillmore, Illinois baseball club, sponsored by Hill Brothers. Does anyone know if the Hill Brothers owned a store or possibly grain business in Fillmore in 1901? Do any relatives recognize any of the players?

Back Row - L to R: Hill, Hicks and Short
Row Two: Wilson, Barringer, Livingstone and Cole
Front Row: Kessinger and Plyler

04/14/2026

The Historical Society of Montgomery invites you to attend this FREE event! Refreshments will be served.

Address

305 S. Broad
Hillsboro, IL
62049

Website

http://montgomerycountyhistorical.com/

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