Augustus “Gus” Belt (1895-1954) and Edith Pressler Belt (1896
– 1973) After several failed business ventures in Bloomington, Gus and Edith Belt
acquired a Shell Oil station at the corner of Main and Virginia Streets in
Normal which they turned into a successful drive-in that served hamburgers and
milkshakes. And thus, was born Steak n’ Shake in 1934. What started as a single
restaurant grew into a nationwide chain, which Edith continued as chairperson
after Gus’ death in 1954. The Belt’s are visiting voices from East Lawn Memorial
Cemetery celebrating the 90th anniversary of Steak n’ Shake. Visiting Voice
Angeline Vernon Milner (1856-1928) or Ange (as she was
known to most), is one of Illinois’ most famous librarians. Milner became
Illinois State (Normal) University’s first full time librarian in 1890, serving
nearly 40 years. Her passion for library science drew national attention and
shaped the curriculum of the university. Milner was a founding member of the Illinois branch of the American Library Association and instituted the idea of teaching college
students how to use library resources in their studies, a practice she outlined
for other teachers’ colleges to follow. Fan Favorite
Georgina Trotter (1836-1904) and Sarah Raymond Fitzwilliam (1842
– 1918) Bloomington businesswoman, Georgina Trotter, was the first woman
elected to the Bloomington Board of Education in 1874. She served alongside her
close friend Sarah Raymond Fitzwilliam, who became the first female superintendent
of Bloomington Public Schools that same year. These women had an uphill battle
to prove they were worthy of these positions. Together, they worked side-by-by
side to improve the quality of education students received in Bloomington
Public Schools and to improve the lives of others in the community.
June Crandall (1878-1910) a Kentucky native, came to Bloomington
in 1898 and began working as a miner at the McLean County Coal Company on the
west side of town. He was one of the early labor union and Socialist party
leaders in Bloomington, being deeply concerned about the exploitation of the
American working class. Crandall fought hard on various platforms, including
politics, to improve the quality of life for his fellow workers and their
families.
Julius Witherspoon (1859-1906) relocated to Bloomington from
Arkansas at the age of 24. He worked for the Bloomington Police for eight years
before enlisting in the military in 1898. Witherspoon was made captain of his
regiment, Company G of the Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was the
only regiment of Black troops officered entirely by Black men. His unit was
stationed in Cuba for garrison duty for the duration of the Spanish-American
War. After returning to Bloomington, Witherspoon worked as a liveryman. But
poor health (due to the war) cut his life short, and he passed away in 1906. Fan Favorite
Eva Jones (1930-1987) was a woman who never turned away from challenging situations or tough decisions. She was the first Black individual to be elected to the Bloomington District 87 Board of Education (1971) and Bloomington City Council (1979). She brought a new voice to the mix during a period of increased racial tensions and provided much-needed representation for the Black community. Jones’ influence permeated throughout the community because of her work with the local YWCA, League of Women Voters, and the United Way.
