In 1869, the Illinois Central Railroad was completed through Lincoln Township, and a village, platted by that company, was called Orchard. It was named after Moses Orchard, the first permanent settler who gave the land for the village site. The usual pioneer town businesses were started.
In the fall of 1869, G. A. Wright with
Moses Orchard started a grain business, and in 1878, built a large round elevator. In later years two elevators were in operation. Today Earnest Smolik operates the elevator, a well stocked hardware store and a modern feed store.
After the fires in 1889, in which all but one of the places of business, and some of the homes, were destroyed, Orchard came back with numerous business places and seemed to thrive beyond expectations, until the thirties, when cars and better roads spelled the doom of the small town.
The Congregationalists organized a society in 1878, having services in a school house. The present church was dedicated in November, 1903.
The post office was established in 1869. The office was in George Worseldine's store with Ira Davis as Postmaster. The present post office is in the former bank building, with Bernice Lack as Post Mistress. The bank had closed when E.C. Clapper, the banker, retired in the 1930's. The town of Orchard experienced some excitement when the bank was robbed in the early teens. The robber was apprehended and tried in the courts at Osage.
As always, a blacksmith shop was one of a community's first necessities. William Julian and Sig Harlis are numbered among the first blacksmiths. After World War II, Ronald Harlis operated a garage.
Orchard had a number of general stores, and a butcher shop operated by Orville Evans. Now, Evan's Brothers store is the only grocery store in town. In 1920, A. E. Wetter purchased a garage from William Spurbeck and added a blacksmith shop, later he converted it to an implement business and repair shop.
Adrian's plumbing and heating has become a strong business in Orchard. It is engaged in the installation and service of water systems, sewer systems, furnaces, air conditioners and electric wiring.
In 1961, the Orchard school was closed. The gymnasium section of the school unit has been retained by the town of Orchard as a community center. It is used particularly by the youth of the community.
Orchard holds an Annual Orchard's Day. This is a community celebration, in which all the groups and organizations take part in a festive event, culminating in the crowning of Miss Orchard.
Orchard has had some sort of fire protection since 1918. The first was a chemical tank holding 30 gallons. It was mounted on wheels and was pulled behind a car. It was used on many occasions. In 1964, the town bought their present fire engine, which is manned by a volunteer fire department. In 1960, Orchard installed a water and sewer system, and also mercury vapor lights for the streets. The streets are black-topped.
Orchard has a tavern and eating house operated by Gary Kluender. It enjoys community support, and caters to the needs of local people and visitors.
The American Legion and Auxiliary hold an important place in the social life of the community. But these groups, together with the Ladies Aid, are treated in more detail in the chapter on Clubs and Organizations.
Reproduced with the approval of the Mitchell County Historical Society; from THE STORY OF MITCHELL COUNTY 1851-1973, and MITCHELL COUNTY MEMORIES 1946-1996.
LOCATION: Approximately - 320th St at Noble/Orchard Road. West Lincoln Township.
Please respect landowners property, ask before you enter.
Transcribed in July 2002 by: Neal Du Shane
Contact information:
ORCHARD MASTER MCHS.doc