Letters

Bloomington and Spoon River

EDITOR: In the preface to Robert Bray's wonderful essay about Bloomington and author Harold Sinclair (January 1984), reference was made to the legendary literary country surrounding the Spoon River. Mr. Bray suggested that the typical literary tourist may visit this area which is "off the interstate" and not "much out of the way" perhaps with the hope of catching a glimpse of the "real America." These words held a special significance for me as I am a latter-day settler of western Illinois.

Today we in western Illinois are sensitive to our "out of the way" label, and as to whether or not we are the "real" Americans, claim probably shouldn't be staked. However, western Illinois probably does represent the largest cohesive chunk of real estate within Illinois which was a part of the "real" American Frontier.

If one wishes to find the "real" Spoon River country, he or she will have to spend more than a day here. It will probably take years. This is a subtle place. One needs to slow down to find that country. One needs to meet the descendants of her pioneers. Perhaps, after all, it's only a state of mind. The fee for that real estate may be free, but few will pay the price.
     Bill Jacobs
     4th Ward Alderman
     Macomb

March 1984/Illinois Issues/5