Cycle into History with the Mattoon Public Library

For Immediate Release – June 17, 2021

MATTOON – With a theme of “see what was in our neighborhood,” a Saturday morning bike ride promoted by the Mattoon Public Library Local History Center combines a slow-paced bicycle ride with a fun look back at yesteryear.

“Cycle into History,” is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 26, beginning at the library, 1600 Charleston Avenue, then taking participants on a 90-minute, 5-mile route. Riders will make frequent stops along the way, stopping to share stories and old photographs at significant places important to the community’s development.

History Center volunteer curator Chris Suerdieck is leading the ride. The 4-room history center at the library will be open after the ride. The center has a variety of storyboards and related items that trace Mattoon’s rich heritage.

Riders may sign up on Facebook at https://fb.me/e/1twn4aajp or arrive 15 minutes early to sign up. Question may be emailed to LocalHistory@mattoonlibrary.org.

“People who visit the History Center often have good memories of a place they or a family worked, a place where they hung out, a certain event or just smile about a favorite Mattoon memory,” Suerdieck said. “This ride takes participants for a first-hand look at some of the places discussed in those personal memories and other sites important to Mattoon development. The format allows people to enjoy each other’s stories in an engaging, relaxing way.”

The history center in the library basement has been developed over nearly 4 years. It features Suerdieck’s original and ongoing research with library archives and memorabilia contributed by Suerdieck and others. Typically, first time visitors make a remark along these lines: “This is fantastic. I had no idea this was here. I need to come back and bring ….”

The library has supported the efforts by making available and remodeling the space to facilitate professional layout and easy access.

It is hoped the ride will complement the history center development and be something that can be done multiple times, both by groups and individuals.