A closer look at two of the more interesting buildings in the 300 block of S. Locust. Both buildings are contributing properties to the Delavan Commercial Historic District that was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1991.
On the left is 312 S. Locust, a two-story building constructed in 1891 that originally was a meat market. Subsequent tenants included a restaurant, furniture store and pastry shop. Apartments are located on the second floor. This historic building is currently for sale.
On the right is 314 S. Locust, better known as the home office of The Delavan Times, a weekly newspaper that has been published since 1874. The first floor of this building was constructed in 1890, with the second story added in 1891.
Plans were announced in 2015 to create a museum in the building that illustrates the historic contributions of small newspapers in Central Illinois, and informs the community about the responsibility of newspapers in a democracy. Funds for the project were being sought through grant money and private donations. At present, it appears that project is on hold.
Delavan, with a population of 1,924 at the 2020 census, is part of the Peoria Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is a rural, agricultural community, that derives its name from Edward C. Delavan (1793-1871), a wealthy businessman from Albany, New York who devoted much of his fortune to promoting the temperance movement.
Loading contexts...
