Sandra Workman ABR, CNHS, QSC, RCC, ePRO

Located 50 miles due south of Chicago on the historic Dixie Highway, the city of Momence is the oldest town in Northeastern Illinois, being established in 1834. Early settlers called Momence the "Border Town" to describe it's position between 1800's civilization and the American frontier.

When fur trader Gurdon Saltenstall Hubbard first ventured into the region to establish a trading post, most of the area was still wilderness, prairie, woodland, and marsh. The area was home to the Native American Pottawatomi, whose chief was Momenza, which inspired the name "Momence." The trail Hubbard established between Chicago (Ford Dearborn) and Vincennes Indiana later became the Dixie Highway, which bisects the town as well as the Vincennes trail.

With the rich land for farming, the construction of mills, and treaties with the Pottawatomi, the town moved one mile downstream to its current location. Much of the original 19th century business district, surrounded by Victorian neighborhoods, remains intact to this day. The City of Momence has a population of approximately 3,200, with the surrounding Momence and Ganeer townships providing an additional 7,500 people to the immediate area. The population of Kankakee County in its entirety is approximately 103,800 residents.

The Gladiolus Festival has been held each August in Momence for nearly 70 years. This festival draws visitors from across the country with multiple parades, antique auto, truck, and tractor show, flea market, craft show, carnival and other daily events.

Momence is easily accessible by Illinois Routes 1 and 17, and Route 114. Interstate 57 is just 10 miles to the west, while Interstate 65 in Indiana is just 20 miles to the East. You can also connect to Interstate 394 approximately 15 miles North of Momence off of dixie Highway.

Manteno Illinois is located approximately 40 miles south of Chicago's loop and has approximately 7,000 residents. I-57 runs north and south along the west side of Manteno for easy access to Chicago or south to any number of shopping or attraction sites. Manteno is considered one of Kankakee County's fastest growing communities with a combination of industrial and agricultural occupations. The are also home to Sears and K-Mart Distribution Centers, and Diversatech Industrial Park on the east side of town which contains many diversified industrial plants and warehousing complexes.

Manteno was named after a half-indian maiden, daughter of Francois Bourbounnais, Jr., one of this regions earliest settlers. You can find out more information on this gentleman by visiting

Oliver W. Barnard, an early settler in this area, spells her name *Mantenau* in one of his books. Other 19th century books spell it *Mawteno* and *Manteno*. Because of her indian blood Manteno (spelled *Monteno* in the treaty, but considered incorrect, as the clerk also misspelled *Bourbonnais* was given a section of land, now part of northeastern Kankakee County, by the treaty of Camp Tippecanoe of december 20th. 1832.

Incorporation as a village came in 1869, and progress quickly followed. Postal service arrived in 1870, telephone communication was added in 1883 and the Village Hall and a water works building were constructed in 1895.

As the 1900's arrived, Manteno's identity as a railroad/agricultural town was established. At that time, the village boasted 932 inhabitants. By 1920 the population had reached 1,182; there was a Businessmen's Association; Main Street was paved and the Manteno State Hospital, later to become the largest in the world, was begun.

Stop by and visit Manteno Illinois. It's a growing community but still has the small town feel. There are currently 52 active Residential listings in Manteno priced from $139,000 to $439,000.

As a Limestone Township - Now Village of Limestone resident for 28 years I thought I would post some information for others. Please click the above link if you would like to be directed to the Village of Limestone webpage.

Limestone Township covers 41.4 square miles in Kankakee County, Illinois. According to the 2000 US census, has a population of just over 4,600. It is the 5th most populated township in the county. In November of 2006 76.28% of the voters in Limestone Township voted to incorporate the Village of Limestone.

HISTORY: Limestone Township was named in 1833 when Iroquois County was formed. The name originated from the vast amounts of limestone found in the area. It is believed that the first few settlers were Robert Buck Hawkins, Micah Jepson Hawkins, Joel Baldwin Hawkins and Alanson Hawkins. At the time what was to become Limestone Township was known as Hawkins Grove of Iroquois County. When Kankakee County was formed in 1853 Limestone Township was taken from Iroquois County into the newly formed Kankakee County.

The quarrying of Limestone Started in 1853 when Illinois Central Railroad opened the first quarry in Limestone Township at Wiley's Creek. Quarrying had become a large part of the history of Limestone from that point on.

Many of the relatives of the first settling families of Limestone Township still reside in Limestone today. Even after more than 170 years later, Limestone continues to exist as a peaceful farming and residential community. Just as it was in the beginning founding years, it remains a community built on hard work and dedication by the residents and farmers in the area to promote a quality of life that is valued by all that reside in Limestone.

Housing prices in the Village of Limestone range from $124,000 to $600,000.

The Vision

The vision for this Village is to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of life that is cherished by its residents and neighbors. By working as a community to preserve open space and protect natural resources while embracing change that is well-planned, the Village can strive to create a balance of family, agriculture, business, industry and recreation for present and future generations.

Image B: Map of Limestone

Map of Limestone

The highlighted (yellow-tone) area in image B is the incorporated Village.

Board of Directors

From the November 15th public meeting the Village of Limestone residents elected the following individuals to be the Interim Board Members.

• All Real Estate is local.
• Our area is still very affordable
• Mortgage rates at near historical lows
• A great selection of homes on the market
• 5% increase in home value from 2006 to 2007
• Home ownership is the key to long term wealth!