County of site: Saline County
Location of site: 1600 Feazel St., Harrisburg
Phone: (618) 253 - 7342
Festivals: Visit the living history and pioneer craft demonstration held the 3rd weekend in May, and the Bluegrass festival held in October on the Museum grounds
The Saline Creek Pioneer Village & Museum is a place to "see and touch memories." Located on the south side of Harrisburg, there is a sign on Hwy 13. The grounds were an original 175 acres when purchased in 1863 by the county for $1,402.50 to be used as a place for those who could not care for themselves. Over the years the aline County Pauper Farm was sold with only 3½ acres remaining today. It is now leased to the Saline County Historical Society and is on the National Register of Historical Places.
As you enter the museum grounds, on the left is a boiler plate jail cell, from the 1860 Saline County Jail. Noted published, Carl Small wrote of it in his book as the "Mean Old jail," and Charlie Birger, Southern Illinois notorious gangster of the prohibition days, was incarcerated here on several occasions.
To the right is the Tourism Center, an original one room log house with plank side-lean-to added on the back. Visitors are welcome to pick up maps and brochures. All the log buildings are original, built in the 19th Century. They were found in Southeastern Illinois, dismantled and restored on the museum grounds.
Around the grounds are scattered historic typical buildings, such as:
The Chenault School built in 1859 and is typical of the one room schools in use as late as 1945. It was donated in 1971 fully furnished with original desks, blackboards, and books. Teachers are welcome to bring their classes here and hold class as it was then, great experience for the students.
The Cain Church came from the Cain Community, 3 miles west. Built in 1871 of a $20 lot as a Society of Friend Meeting House (Quaker) it has since been used by many other denominations. In 1960 it was trapped in by strip mines and in danger of destruction, and no longer in use. so it was donated and moved here.
The Aydelott Cabin built in 1849 in the Sommerset Community. They were French pioneers and credited for the first grist mill in the county. This house is referred to as a "saddle bag" construction. The family lived in this home for over 100 years and was moved here in 1963.
Another log cabin is the Davenport Home built of 20" thick logs. Nearby is the Village General Store and Post Office also in a one room log home, moved here in 1986.
A two story replica blockhouse, the pauper cemetery, and other great interests and adventures to investigate.