Every year since 1985, the 103 year-old Illinois State Historical Society has honored Illinois businesses and not-for-profit organizations that have operated continuously in the state for 100 years or more. Last October the Society gave out 37 Centennial Awards at a banquet held in Chicago's Palmer House hotel. Each award recipient received a plaque signed by Governor George Ryan and ISHS President Rand Burnette. In coming months, Illinois Heritage will profile each of the 2001 Centennial winners. For more information about the Centennial Awards Program, please visit our website at www.historyillinois.org, or call the Society office at 217-525-2781.

The Chicago Yacht Club set sail in 1875, four years after the Great Chicago Fire, Moored at the foot of Monroe Street, the Yacht Club's club house has been a landmark on the lakefront for nearly 100 years. Famous for its spirited annual sailing race to Mackinac Island, the Club in recent years has become better known for its youth and handicapped sailing programs and innumerable club activities.

The Family Service Center of Sangamon County is one of the oldest social service agencies in the state. At the height of the American Civil War, Springfield's community leaders established the Home for the Friendless, a refuge for widows and orphans. The new century brought new social concerns and the Home evolved into the Children's Service League, which later merged with the Family Welfare Association and the Springfield Day Nursery Association. Today, as the Family Service Center of Sangamon County, this strong community-based social service agency continues to meet the needs of struggling families.

12 ILLINOIS HERITAGE

The East Fox Lake Cemetery Association of Lake Villa was incorporated in 1878, but its history dates to 1855, when the first English settlers arrived in Lake County. Charged with the maintenance and financial security of the cemetery, the association started selling lots 124 years ago. Simultaneously, the Lady's Cemetery Association began landscaping the burial ground with native evergreens and trees, which still adorn the rolling landscape. Today the cemetery board consists of relatives of those buried in East Fox Lake Cemetery.

The weekly newspaper Fisher Reporter first rolled off the presses in 1891. 110 years later the Reporter still brings community and local news to this small, east-central Illinois community of 1,500. The long line of editors and publishers is dominated by the Sparks family, who published the paper from 1946 to 1995, and still keep a strong voice in the paper through Jessie Sparks' popular "Remember When?" column. Today the paper serves Fisher, Mahomet, and Gibson City.

Counseling and Family Services Incorporated of Peoria was established in 1901 as a not-for-profit charity. Since its beginnings, CFS has been an active voice in its community for the promotion of relief services and the preservation of family life. Offering adoption support, family therapy, and employee counseling, it has helped thousands overcome some very adult problems with a combination of professional skill and wisdom and childlike optimism.

Incorporated in 1893 as the National Association of Agricultural Implements Manufacturers, the Chicago-based Equipment Manufacturers Institute has served more than 4,100 member corporations throughout its 108-year history. An association with worldwide membership, EMI hosts an annual convention that brings together business leaders Irom the global marketplace. They share a common interest: Serving humankind by making equipment available to produce food and fiber, housing, and transportation.

ILLINOIS HERITAGE 13