Hispanics a vital part of Arcola community

The industry that put Arcola on the world's radar also brought in skilled laborers whose presence still make it one of the most diverse communities in the area.

Arcola's first Hispanic residents were skilled broom makers who arrived in the 1970s.

"Originally ... we could not get trained broom makers in the U.S.," said Tim Monahan, president of the Thomas Monahan Co. "So skilled workers from Mexico got permits and moved to Arcola to alleviate the shortage."

At last census, Hispanics comprised about 20 percent of Arcola's population, said City Administrator Bill Wagoner, but he said Hispanic students make up as much as 40 percent of elementary classes.

Hispanic residents are as much a part of Arcola as anyone else.

"They're all good workers; they're all good people," Monahan said. "They've been good citizens. I don't even think of them as Hispanic anymore."

A downtown community center, called Mi Raza, provides Hispanic residents with health information, AIDS testing, English and citizenship classes. Director Tim Flavin said he believes Hispanic residents have the fresh perspective any immigrant group would on coming to the U.S.

Hispanic residents are opening new businesses and making Arcola a better place, Flavin said.

"It really brings a fresh and vibrant feel to the community," he said.