Browse Items · Decatur Public Library Local History Photo Collection

Dr. Laren Spear's Oral History

This is the oral history of Dr. Laren Spear. He was interviewed by Betty Turnell in 1978. The interview covers his time as a minister.

Tags: archery, baccalaureate speaker, Betty Turnell, Bloomington IL, Burma, Charles Spear, childhood, christian work, Council of Churches, Dakota Wesleyan University, Decatur High School, Decatur IL, discrimination, District Superintendent, Dr. Laren Spear, English major, Evanston IL, Farmers, First Methodist Church, Garrett Theological School, heart attack, Hospital Chaplain program, Illinois Wesleyan University, interview, Kintner Gym, latin services, Long Creek Church, Lucille Pagel, ministry, Minnesota Methodist, missionary, oral history, pastor, preacher, Preachers' Aid Society, race relations, Ray Spear, recording, Recreation, relationship with Catholics and Black Churches, religious education program, retirement, Rosebud Indian Reservation, Sam Hale, School of Religion, South Dakota, St. Joseph IL, St. Paul's Methodist Church, St. Thomas Catholic School, Summer Institutes, vacation bible school, White River SD

Photograph of Melvin B. Rucker and his Corn Judging Class

Photograph of Melvin B. Rucker and his corn judging class from the Decatur Farmer's Institute taken in 1910.

Tags: 1910, Class, Corn, Decatur IL, Farmer's Institute, Farmers, Herald and Review, Institute, Judging, Melvin B. Rucker, Melvin Rucker, Photo File: Schools, Rucker, school, Schools

Photograph of Farmer's Market 1911

Public market of 1911-1913. Decatur housewives used to go to the east side of Central Park for direct-from-the-farm produce. This picture was taken in November of 1911 and not an auto truck in sight.

Tags: 1911, Central Park, Decatur IL, Events, farm, Farmer's Market, Farmers, Festivals, horses, Housewives, Market, park, Photo File: Events/Festivals, Produce

Photo of Clay Robinson Dairy

Photograph of the Farmers inspect herd at the Clay Robinson Dairy, photo taken 8/26/1938.

Tags: 1938, BS362, Business, Cows, Dairies, Dairy, farm, Farmers, Macon County

Browse Items (4 total)

Dr. Laren Spear's Oral History

Photograph of Melvin B. Rucker and his Corn Judging Class

Photograph of Farmer's Market 1911

Photo of Clay Robinson Dairy