The Invisible Illinois Project

POLO, IL: Nestled quietly among the cornfields of northwestern Illinois, Polo may be a small dot on the map, but don’t let its size fool you—this town packs more charm into its 2.3 square miles than some cities do in a hundred. With a population just tipping over 2,000, Polo is the kind of place where everyone knows your name, your dog’s name, and probably your preferred order at the Casey’s on Division Avenue.

No, Polo, Illinois was not founded by horse-riding aristocrats with mallets in hand. Sorry to disappoint, but there’s no evidence of a secret polo league hidden behind the local high school. The town was actually named after Marco Polo, the legendary Venetian explorer. Why? Perhaps the founders had grand dreams of discovery. Or maybe they just thought it sounded cool. Either way, the name lends the town an air of adventure, even if the farthest most people travel is to Rockford for a Target run.

Even though it oozes vintage Americana, Polo isn’t stuck in the past. The historic downtown boasts beautiful old brick buildings that now house everything from cozy diners to quirky shops. There’s a delightful blend of old-school charm and new-world spirit. You can grab a hand-scooped ice cream cone while streaming your favorite playlist—just make sure your phone’s charged; cell service in the countryside can be, shall we say, adventurous.

Polo, Illinois might not have skyscrapers or sandy beaches, but it has heart—and lots of it. It’s the kind of town that sticks with you, like the taste of homemade apple pie or the warmth of a sun-soaked porch swing. Whether you’re passing through or planting roots, Polo offers a slice of Americana that’s equal parts wholesome, quirky, and endearing.

PAW PAW, IL: A Village in Lee County. As of the 2020 census, the village was home to 830 people, down from 870 at the 2010 census.

Paw Paw, a tiny village nestled in Lee County, boasts a heritage deeply intertwined with its natural surroundings and early settlers. Named for the once-abundant pawpaw trees, Paw Paw was formally established in 1882, though its roots trace back to a time when it served as a pivotal point along Native American trails and stagecoach routes.

In its early days, Paw Paw gained notoriety as a hub for less savory activities, earning a reputation as a gathering place for horse thieves and counterfeiters. Despite these colorful beginnings, by 1878, Paw Paw had evolved into a thriving community with essential amenities—a railroad connection, two newspapers, and three churches. The village celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2007.

However, Paw Paw's journey has not been without challenges. In June 1890, a devastating cyclone swept through the village, leaving destruction in its wake. Among the tragic casualties were fourteen lives, including seven schoolchildren who perished when the cyclone destroyed the local schoolhouse.

Despite these hardships, Paw Paw has persevered, marking milestones such as the construction of its iconic water tower in 2007 and garnering federal attention in 2005 for its unique place in American history.

Today, Paw Paw is quaint and quiet, a village that seems to hum in a slower, gentler rhythm. The water tower stands tall, rooting for the Bulldogs with hometown pride. The church sign offers invitations to bingo nights and pancake breakfasts. A vintage Buick Riviera sits for sale nearby, not far from an cozy antique shop filled with relics of the past. Yet despite these touches of charm, the town feels suspended in time—perfectly preserved, but with an air of stillness, like a fly caught in amber.

Found this interesting article: https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-tribune-the-magical-fire-hydrant-of/171612398/ Not sure if the fire hydrant described in the article is the one we have in our first photo.