Strawn, Illinois: Difference between revisions

In an effort to attract people to the town, Strawn decided that every alternate lot would be offered free of charge to anyone who would erect a house. The houses had to be of a specified size and they had to be finished quickly; Strawn was emphatic that he did not want “shanties” either as homes or as places of business. E. H. Roberts bought the first lot on the first day they were offered for sale. Many doubted Strawn would be a success. The surrounding area of had a reputation for being poorly drained, which prompted the following verses published in the 1878 county history,

The frogs are hatching their spawn

In the streets of the village of Strawn:

And their music down there

Fills the ambient air

From the coming of night to the dawn.