January 2001

There soon will be a new addition to the Ilasco Historical Monument Site. Plans for a granite bench to be placed at the site are being finalized.

The bench, to be made from Georgia gray granite, will be approximately three feet high and four feet wide and will have Ilasco family names inscribed thereon. Names of individuals and families with ties to Ilasco will be inscribed into the granite in exchange for a $100 donation which will pay for the cost of the bench that is to be placed next to the flagpole at the site.

Roy Brossi of Hannibal Monument will inscribe the names and do the placement of the bench. Bergman Nurseries is to provide paving stones and additional landscaping for the bench. This is all to be completed in March.

Sally Polc of the Ilasco Area Historical Preservation Society said that the response for names to be put on the bench has been fantastic. Many people regretted not having their family names inscribed on the original monument which was dedicated in October 1999. They have now been given a second opportunity. The bench will accommodate approximately 50 names.

There are only a few spaces available for those who would like to have a family name to be inscribed on the bench. The names to be inscribed will be listed alphabetically with no provision for names to be added later. The deadline for submitting names is Feb. 10. This will be the last opportunity for people to record names at the Ilasco Monument site.