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Morris History |
Technology |
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After crossing the river for many years by ferry, a wooden toll bridge was built at the end of Calhoun Street in 1856 and then replaced by steel in 1900. By 1933, barge travel had increased and a third bridge was built at the end of Division Street, much higher than the earlier bridge. It had faithfully served Morris until Fall 2002. A fourth bridge has been constructed by its side and was completed in 2004.
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Fine quality clay found below coal veins attracted capitalists to Grundy County. The quality was considered one of the best in the U.S. The Steep & Washburn Tile Factory (above) on Quarry Street operated from 1891-1901. Jugtown, in Goose Lake Township, was a boom town of 40 potters and their families in the 1850's. |
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In 1883, Morris had its first telephone switchboard installed (bottom). Farmer lines often had up to 20 parties on one line - listening was called "rubbering". In 1906, the Chicago Telephone Company building (left) was constructed behind the Baum's building facing Main Street. It was the largest suburban telephone exchange in the nation at that time. The current building on Jefferson was constructed in 1958 with automatic operators. By the mid-1960's every home had its own private line.
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Dresden Nuclear Power Station was the first privately financed, full-scale nuclear plant in the U.S. It was put into service in 1960 and to this day furnishes energy to much of Chicago and Northern Illinois. The orginal "ball", however, is not in operation. |
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City of Morris • 320 Wauponsee Street • Morris, IL 60450 • (815) 942-0103
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