Front Street

Previously never photographed part of town

Front Street

One of the original, if not the original, street in town located along the Chicago, Danville, and Vincennes railroad

As you will observe, Front Street has seen its better days and its easy to understand why it isn’t one of the more photogenic spots in town

The railroad embankment acts as a dam for water coursing off the moraine north of town and this area is prone to extreme flooding.  No doubt a major factor in the deterioration of the area

East Main Street on the way to Front St

Someone is holding an Open House

Raleigh arrives at Front Street — the RR embankment/dam can be seen at the base of the former canning company water tower

Front Street heading north

At this point the photos will speak for themselves:

Pictured previously as part of another challenge is the old tomato canning building

No Trespassing — Not Fit For Habitation signs

Front Street seen from the alley side:

On a better ‘front’ — the Down Town Motel has been purchased and is being renovated:

East wing of the motel

West wing of the motel

No longer will it be described as “as a flop house for derelicts” (which it was)

For those familiar with the Canadian TV comedy Schitt’s Creek — which centers on a once extremely rich family losing that wealth and being forced to live in a motel — in a town they bought as a joke — I was almost certain I saw Stevie and Johnny working in one of the rooms 🙂

Maybe they will name it the RoseBud II

See the source image

6 response to "Front Street"

  1. By: Bill Stone Posted: May 4, 2021

    Rich, I’m so glad the Downtown Motel will be ready for me next time I pedal through Hoopeston! Failing that, I can probably sneak into the cute little fixer-upper with the “No Trespassing,” “For Sale,” and “Unsafe to Occupy” signs. My kind of campsite!

    • By: Rich-Illinois Posted: May 4, 2021

      I had that exact same thought!
      Yes, you could easily find accommodations on Front street and who knows what useful items might still be inside? Proximity to the railroad would bring back memories of your Death Valley days. Availability of utilities is questionable.
      Rumor has it Chip and Joanna backed away from that project — Ben and Erin still considering it.

  2. By: Suzanne Posted: May 5, 2021

    A pretty run down part of town – but certainly interesting. Great location for photography.

  3. By: NancyG Posted: May 5, 2021

    I enjoyed seeing part of your town/area Rich and this part looks a bit ‘wanting’.

    • By: Rich-Illinois Posted: May 5, 2021

      Real Estate taxes there average $260.00 a year.
      Average home value is $4,000.
      Just back from taking photos that show the town in a somewhat more favorable light. 🙂

  4. By: gregblood Posted: May 6, 2021

    Big fan of “Schitt’s Creek.” I’m watching the entire series for the third time now, and I’m fascinated by all the very funny people in it, by the unusual quality of the comedy writing, and by how the Rose family has developed from a bunch of selfish individuals into members of the community and a quirkily close family. Good reference for your post, Rich.

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