More maps for Chester Welcome Center visitors
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ In addition to the large Chester wall map described last week, two more large wall maps will be displayed in the Chester Welcome Center. A large 4' x 6' wall map of the State of Illinois will be matted, framed and displayed near the front entrance. This informative and impressive map was donated by Representative Dan Reitz for display in the new facility.
A large Randolph County wall map will also be framed and displayed. Sites of interest to travelers will be marked and an informative legend will tell about the marked sites. The sites will be designated by categories with color coded icons to help the visitors plan their stops in Randolph County.
Some of the Historical Sites to be highlighted include: Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, Garrison Hill Cemetery, Covered Bridge over Little Mary's River, Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, Kaskaskia Island, Kaskaskia, Liberty Bell of the West, Immaculate Conception Church, Charter Oak School, Creole House, Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, Shiloh College, Kane Hill School, Roscoe Misselhorn Art Gallery, Convent of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, Burlinghame House Underground Railroad Stop, Modoc Rock Shelter Marker.
Randolph County has many nature and recreational sites of interest to area residents and travelers. Some of these sites to be highlighted include: Randolph County State Recreation Area, Kaskaskia River Lock and Dam, Turkey Bluffs State Fish and Wildlife Area, Piney Creek Ravine State Nature Preserve, Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge, Baldwin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area, World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Chester Country Club, Pyramid Oaks Golf Course, North County Country Club, Sparta Country Club, Kaskaskia Marina and Boat Ramp, Chester Boat Ramp, Kaskaskia Lock and Dam Boat Ramps.
Additionally, these public sites will be marked on the large 2' x 3' Randolph County Map: Chester Bridge, Modoc Ferry, Southwestern Illinois College, Randolph County Courthouse, Chester Chamber of Commerce, Chester Memorial Hospital, Red Bud Regional Hospital, Sparta Community Hospital, Popeye Character Trail.
Volunteers continue the work of gathering photos, compiling accurate information and writing text for the interior displays at the new center. The City of Chester appreciates the efforts of these generous volunteers. The Western Egyptian RSVP office is currently scheduling volunteers to work at the Chester Welcome Center. Please call 965-9523 or 826-5114 to offer to serve as a volunteer.