Written and submitted by Marilyn Shelley, Sec./Treas.
Marla Vizdal presented a program on the history of Vishnu Springs at the Colchester Area Historical Society April 14 meeting. Located northwest of Tennessee, Illinois, Vishnu Springs was a 19th‑century resort known for its mineral springs. The property was purchased by Ebenezer Hicks in the 1840s and later developed by his son, Darius Hicks, who built a hotel in 1889–90 and laid out a small town.
The site is now owned by the Western Illinois University Foundation and operated as the Ira and Reatha T. Post Wildlife Sanctuary.
Marla is always looking for personal photos and stories of Vishnu that may be hidden away in someone’s home. If you have something and would like to share it, she can be reached at [email protected].
During the business meeting, Catherine Louderman outlined activities planned for Colchester Zip Code 62326 Day. Craig Rigg will present a program on the Smith Sisters at the July 14 meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Colchester City Hall Community Room.
