A Vision Built on Decades

Today, I’m thinking of (and, I’m ever so thankful for) all who have created a strong foundation for architectural preservation in Schuyler County. Over the years, there have been many devoted citizens and grassroots organizations who have played an important role in renovating and saving many historical buildings in Rushville and Schuyler County. 

There is a group who actively cares for and preserves the 1882 Phoenix Opera House.  The Phoenix Opera House and the Phoenix Opera House Block were added among the prestigious historical structures on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1980’s. In 2003, a group of citizens saved and restored the White Oak School built in 1874.  It also sits on the National Register of Historic Places.  And yet, another dedicated group continues to lovingly care for and preserve the Princess Theatre built in 1916.  Recently, the Good Book Building on the square’s north side (built in 1927 as the Bank of Rushville) was restored and repurposed to stimulate economic development in downtown Rushville.  The 1857 Schuyler Jail Museum is maintained by a core group of dedicated volunteers.  The Moreland and Devitt Drugstore and their iconic turret has been preserved as an integral part of Rushville’s downtown square since the building’s construction in the late 1800’s.  There’s so much beautiful, rich architectural history in Schuyler County!  So much of it wouldn’t be in its present-day condition without dozens of loyal citizens.  This post is dedicated to all those architectural enthusiasts – their hard work, vision and the eternal inspiration they’ve given us!

Schuyler Isley, President and Founder