Scherer Real Estate
Lee Scherer Broker 618-869-2446; Kevin Scherer Associate 618-843-4672; Walt Haner Associate 618-456-3609
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Olney, IL Area Guide
Olney might not be as big as some cities, but it has a claim to fame no one else does. Olney is home to the White Squirrels and people come from all around to see them. They run free in Olney and have even made the national news!
The squirrels aren’t the only thing Olney has going for it though. It offers to its residents a fine school system, private schools and a community college. Just west of Olney, about ten miles, is an all weather airport and in town you’ll find plenty of things to do and see, such as the Heritage House, Richland County Historical Museum and you don’t want to miss the annual Olney Arts Council Fall Festival or their Christmas light display.
With fun things to do, a great civic organization and great schools, Olney is a wonderful place to raise a family and enjoy the small town life without giving up any of the amenities you want. Come give us a visit, we’ll welcome you like you already live here and before you know it, you’ll be wondering why you don’t!
History
Around 1815, Thaddeus Morehouse of Vermont arrived by wagon in Richland County and built a stagecoach route that ran from Vincennes, Indiana to St. Louis, his log cabin did double duty as both a hotel and a tavern.
Richland County was created as a county in 1841 when it was formed by the partitioning of Edwards County. The town was named after Nathan Olney, Judge Aaron Shaw’s friend and incorporated in 1848. In 1856, Olney was host to separate political rallies for both Abraham Lincoln and Douglas, and the Olney paper is said to be the first paper to endorse President Lincoln.
Through the years, Olney grew and nearly 1000 residents served in WWI. WWII brought note to Olney again as Richland County may have been the only county to produce four generals. The first census in Richland County was conducted in 1850, registering 4,012 people. One hundred years after that first census, Olney was the population center of the United States.
Attractions & Activities
From the historical Heritage House to the Richland Heritage Museum, Olney’s attractions bring visitors year round. To find out more about things to do in Olney, visit: http://www.travels.com/attractions-olney-il-us/
Parks & Recreation
Six parks are just waiting for you to enjoy in Olney, from City Park, that sits on 55 acres to the Alvin Musgrove Park, with big plans for that 20 acres. Everything from picnic tables to ball fields grace the Olney parks and we know you’ll enjoy every minute of your time here. For more information, visit: http://www.ci.olney.il.us/Visitors/Parks.htm
Events Calendar
Whether you’re dying to attend the Olney Arts Council Fall Festival, the Christmas Lights event, you’ll love the food, fun, arts and crafts that are the cornerstone of events in Olney! For a complete list of events, please visit: http://www.ci.olney.il.us/Visitors/Calendar.htm
