The facelift of a Kewanee boiler destined to become part of the Kewanee Boiler Workers Memorial is finished thanks to the work of MTM Trailer Manufacturing in Kewanee.
The boiler made its way back home from North Carolina last year in November where it was in service for more than seven decades. Over the last three and a half months, employees of MTM have sandblasted, repaired and painted the Type C boiler, according to a press release from Kewanee Preservation Society.
The memorial will be located on a small triangle of land at Rose and Franklin streets in front of the former Kewanee Boiler Manufacturing plant. A 35-foot flag pole, constructed by Mark Washburn, flies both Old Glory and the boiler flag and was installed on the property in December.
Planned additions to the memorial area, designed by landscape designer Kathryn Dieter Newman, include a 50-foot sign that hung on the main building, limestone artifacts from the main office and additional boilers of different sizes and types, all acquired by the KPS.
LeeAnn Bailleu, secretary and treasurer for the KPS, said it’s nice to live in a community that really comes together to get projects such as the memorial done.
“Midwest Trailers really took it to heart in making the old boiler look like new again. So many families over the 130 years that Kewanee Boiler was operational have a connection to this company. It’s nice to know it will live on for future generations to know the history of the town and their ancestors,” she said.
The boiler will be transported to the memorial site by Joe Chamberlain, who will also be overseeing the blacktop parking lot. Until the boiler finds its permanent spot, it will be on display for people to view.
Mark Mikenas, president of the KPS, is still seeking donations for the cause. Anyone who would like to donate to the Boiler Workers Memorial can send a check to the Preservation Society at 113 E. 2nd St., Kewanee, IL, 61443. The Kewanee Preservation Society, is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization committed to the cause of historic preservation in Kewanee, IL.
