My dad and mom, Guy and Bobby Wooters owned and operated the Southside Journal for about 4 years in the early 1960s. They sold the paper to Tom and Mary Lou Alender and I believe that is when Don Heimburger came into the pictiure as becoming owner when the Alender's sold it to him.

Posted by johnj229 on June 12, 2006 at 6:29 PM

Congrats to Tolono

I loved growing up here. Tolono has a special place in my heart. My most vivid memory is playing on the all star baseball team when I was about 10 or 11. My Dad helping with the Civil Defense. My mom as a crossing guard on rte 45. I want to thank all who helped my family when times were tough and during the times when my mother was sick and both my parents died. Thanks again for the great memories God Bless

Always a Tolonoian,

Todd DeJarnatt

Posted by tdejar1 on June 14, 2006 at 9:04 AM

The things I remember about growing up in Tolono are: getting ice cream at the little place by the railroad tracks, working at J's True Value, getting pretzel rods at Maggio's when it was where Radamaker's is now, eating at the Villager, taking dance class with Chris Poor....those are just a few!

Posted by areinhart on June 14, 2006 at 2:17 PM

I helped my Dad, Ray, plant 500 trees in Westside Park in the '50's. Only 4-6 survive to this day. Nevertheless the Scout cabin and Little League baseball diamond have great memories. Also remember the Volunteer Firemen sponsored Monday night movies in the summer...in a vacant lot downtown...with the best popcorn ever popped.

'Twas a joy to grow up in Tolono, in the great Midwest...at the intersection of the Wabash and Illinois Central Railroads. I still play UofI marching band music in my car!! John Heimburger - Houston

Posted by johnheimburger on June 16, 2006 at 8:38 PM

No better memories than eating at Monical's before Friday night football. Monicals might be what I miss most about Tolono.

Having been away for nearly 20 years I can tell you one thing I've learned. My friends from home, including my Tolono friends like Chuck, Jamie, Tim, Jeff, Vince and anyone I might have missed: I think they used to use words like "salt of the earth." Great people. Great place to grow up.

Although I'm actually from Philo, I still refer to the whole area as "home." Always will be.

Posted by illiniguy88 on June 17, 2006 at 2:32 PM

I lived in Tolono from 1961 to 1964, best years of my life, we lived next-door to the Houston-MeHarry house. I think about Tolono and those years almost everyday. I played baseball and basketball at the grade school as well as Unity. Loved bowling at Unity Lanes. I had many friends, and when we left I sure missed those friends. If I had a choice of where to live today, believe me it would be Tolono. If anyone needs a reference on the perfect town to live in, call me I know the place.

Posted by Kashkat on October 15, 2006 at 8:15 AM