Aldermen approve giving $30,000 from Economic Growth Fund to Adams County Bicentennial Commission

QUINCY — Former Quincy Mayor Chuck Scholz explained some of the plans the Adams County Bicentennial Commission has for next year during Monday night’s Quincy City Council meeting at City Hall.

Aldermen voted 13-1 to approve a disbursement of $30,000 from the city’s Economic Growth Fund to help support the commission’s efforts to mark the 200^th anniversary of the creation of Adams County. Jeff Bergman (R-2) was the only no vote.

Scholz said the commission has raised nearly $350,000 for a half-million-dollar budget. The inaugural gala is set for Jan. 18, 2025, at the Armory in Quincy. Chautauqua festivals, historic schoolhouse tours and village celebrations also are scheduled throughout the summer of 2025, with a finale celebration scheduled for Sept. 6, 2025, at the Adams County Fairgrounds.

Scholz told aldermen every Quincy schoolkid will get a permanent timeline of the history of Adams County. Every fourth grader will receive a video that he called “an educational experience.” 

“Now in our curriculum, they learn about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad,” Scholz said. “We want them to know that we have that here in Quincy with Dr. Eells and David Nelson and so forth.”

Scholz also said a book chronicling the county’s history is being commissioned for the first time in at least 50 years.

Because the funds from the city are coming through the food and beverage tax — money used to attract people to Quincy — Scholz said several events next year will attract people to Quincy and “leave a historic legacy.”

He said signs are being purchased to mark various important events, such as places where presidents have spoken. A historical marker will be placed at Bethel AME Church to recognize the only black regiment from Illinois in the Civil War. Other markers are planned for Madison Park, Washington Park and the former Lincoln School, among others.

Scholz said most of the money the commission has received so far is privately donated.

“We’re just now in the community making our calls on various businesses,” he said.

The largest donation thus far is $100,000 from Knapheide Manufacturing. The Adams County Board has donated $55,000, and Quincy Recycle has given $50,000. The Moorman Foundation has given $25,000, and Ursa Farmers Coop and Liberty Bank have donated $20,000 each.

“We expect that quite a few more will join the list,” said Bryden Cory, commission treasurer and Adams County treasurer. “I think it’s a worthwhile effort to support.”

Cory said he grew up in Quincy and was educated in Quincy but eventually left Quincy.

“I moved back when I realized what a fantastic place it is to have a family and raise kids, and I think it’s generating a spirit of pride and appreciation for Adams County,” he said. “It is very important to have children who grew up here appreciate this place and value it as a place that they want to remain or come back to after they go to school or the military or what have you.”

Cory said all but $500 of the $18,000 spent so far has gone to local businesses.

Alderman Mike Rein (R-5) said $500,000 is “a lot of money” and wanted to know more about what it was being spent on.

“We have a budget, and we could go through it,” Scholz said. “A lot of it is entertainment, bringing in some main entertainment and attracting a lot of people into the community.”

Near the end of his presentation, Scholz said a ruler with the county timeline on it is being created to be given to students.

“So when they study World War II, they’ll know Paul Tibbets is from Quincy, Illinois,” he said.

After Scholz finished speaking, Rein asked, “Who’s Paul Tibbets?”

“He ended World War II,” Scholz said. “Of all the people who have been born in Quincy, no one had more impact.”

“Exactly how did he end World War II?” Rein asked.

“He dropped the bomb,” Scholz replied. “He not only was the pilot, he was in charge of delivering the ordinance. He selected the crew, oversaw the construction of a plane, the whole thing.”

“The A-bomb on Japan,” Rein said.

“What was the name of the plane?” Quincy Mayor Mike Troup asked.

“The Enola Gay, because (Tibbets’) mother, Enola Gay, was a Quincyan,” Scholz said.

“All right. Very good. Thank you,” Rein said.