Writing a script: need info on Southern, IL (Springfield, East St. Louis: motels, houses)

[TrixxiSpumoni]

I am originally from Springfield, but have lived in California for over twenty years. My father was born in West Frankfurt and my grandmother lived in Bush, and later, Herrin. I remember these areas well, however, I imagine they have changed drastically. I have been reading these posts and notice that Marion seems to be on the rise in a big way. Unfortunately, I don't remember much of Marion. I recall trips to Carbondale and Crab Orchard Lake. I know the Bloody Williamson story, as well as the history of Charlie Birger and the Sheltons.

I do remember this area as being rural, other than Carbondale. I also remember there was a real love of country music and Jesus -- not necessarily in that order.

I'm mostly interested in an area near the Big Muddy as scene location, and my first question is, if I set the location as Murphysboro, how close is that to the river? Would it be wiser to set the location between Carbondale and Murphysboro? Is that area still rural and woodsy? Are there an abundance of barns and old wooden structures in that area?

I've found a Big Muddy Blues Festival online, as well as a dozen other events and companies named "Big Muddy" something. Is this like the Lincoln thing in Springfield, right down to the community college and motels?

It is not my intention to present Southern Illinois as some backwoods swamp with Larry the Cable Guy on every corner. I'd like to get this right, and the posts are a mixture of old south/progressive, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Also -- this might be a stupid question, but do they still have Piggly Wiggly's?

Thanks so much.

[myrc60]

You can probably go to Piggly Wiggly's website for a location check.

[linicx]

I haven't seen a Piggly Wiggly in Illinois for years. It doesn't mean you can't find one once in a while, it means I don't know where to look. A&P and Jewell Osco are gone too, for the most part.

I stayed in Marion one night a few years ago because of car trouble. The folks were friendly and the car was repaired at a fair price. But the town wasn't memorable. Carbondale is a college town that didn't have a very good reputation a few years ago; I hope that changed. Nevertheless it is a neat area to write about.

Create your own city from your memories. If that isn't enough there is a lake, Shawnee National Forest and the confluence of the Ohio and Old Muddy - all in the general area. Bring your pole and go fishin' here. Maybe you'll catch your next big story.

[mdz]

There's a piggly wiggly on algonguin road inbetween 25 and 31, but it's a bit far removed from Southern IL

[kmm8]

I live between Carbondale and Murphysboro. The Big Muddy is just east of Murphysboro. When it's high, there are a few Murphysboro houses and businesses that can get flooded. The area between these two towns is still fairly rural and wooded and you can see some old barns. Murphysboro has much less business development than Marion. The "Route 13 corridor" between Carbondale and Marion is developing fast, but the development along Route 13 between Carbondale and Murphysboro is very light. No Piggly Wigglys in So. IL. The most prominent local chains are Kroger and IGA. There is a Tom's Mad Pricer and a Kroger in Murphysboro. Hope this helps!

[kmm8]

Also-- the main cultural symbol of So. IL is "Little Egypt." Business names (Egyptian Photo, Pyramid Apts.); sports teams(SIU Salukis); town names (Cairo, Karnak) reflect this. Big Muddy isn't something I've heard used a lot, though any Southern Illinoisian would know what it refers to and consider it a name that reflects our area.

[TrixxiSpumoni]

Originally Posted by kmm8

Also-- the main cultural symbol of So. IL is "Little Egypt." Business names (Egyptian Photo, Pyramid Apts.); sports teams(SIU Salukis); town names (Cairo, Karnak) reflect this. Big Muddy isn't something I've heard used a lot, though any Southern Illinoisian would know what it refers to and consider it a name that reflects our area.

I guess I'm confused about "Little Egypt." I thought that was the Shawneetown area, but it sounds like "Little Egypt" includes Jackson County?

I've found the Big Muddy Music and film festival, as well the Big Muddy Coal Company, although these are probably closer to East St. Louis.

Is the river itself accessible from the road, or do you have to drive in?

Thanks so much. Your information was invaluable.

[Katiana]

There is a "Bg Muddy" River in Illinois. 'The Big Muddy' is also the nickname of the Missouri River.

[JimSearch]

I am from Springfield, Il. Left in the 1950's for Arizona. I am doing research on my father who was born in Hamilton County (1916-no town listed). Family in Thompsonville (Maybe some Thompsons) & West Frankfort. I have information he worked for Charlie Birger or in a bar Birger owned or was associated with in the 1930's in Havana, Il.

He was also was a muscian, played around Springfield (Mable's? Rose Garden), was on WLS(?) "Tennessee Three"(?). Same time as Jimmy Dean, George Gobel, etc. He traveled with Rusty Draper to California - not on a 747 --- nearly made it. I know he was back in Springfield during WWII. I have not been able to find any information specific to these activities. Where should I look? Where can I find Illinois records for this time period?

JS

[TrixxiSpumoni]

I would start by contacting the Illinois State Historical Society. Also, if you look online, there are books on Illinois history, and one link leads to another.

I've never heard of Charlie Birger being associated with a club in Havana. His own place, Shady Rest, was between Harrisburg and Marion, near Crab Orchard Lake. His story can be found in "A Knight of another Sort: Prohibition Days and Charlie Birger," by Gary DeNeal.

This forum is a good place to be, as there are many people here from southern Illinois and Springfield who can probably help.