The Staley Museum in Decatur, Illinois
The Staley Museum opened its doors to the public during the summer of 2015. We are excited be a full-fledged member of our community. Here you will find updates and news about the museum and exciting events going on.
The Staley Museum and this web site are both works in progress. We encourage visitors to continue to check back with us and see how we are progressing. We would also like to encourage visitors to the site to share any stories or information they may have regarding Staley history.
Photos, documents, articles and memorabilia are all welcome and appreciated. Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the Staley museum may contact us through via the Artifact Donation Form found on this site. Also, for anyone in our area who wishes to be a Volunteer at the museum and offer their time and/or expertise, please go to the Volunteer Form and fill out your information so that we may contact you personally. We invite you to Contact Us.
Visit the Staley Museum
The Staley Museum is open year-round
Tuesday – Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Last Sunday of the month (March – November): 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
Admission
Adults: $3
17 & under: $1
Location
361 N. College Street
Decatur, IL
The Staley Story
A.E. Staley was a big man with big dreams and had the determination to make those dreams a reality. Although he did not arrive on the scene until the 1900’s, his impact of Decatur was such that he is counted as one of the founding fathers. The largeness of his dreams and of his civic minded generosity has contributed in major ways to the city we know today.
It was A.E.’s pioneering vision in the area of soy beans, both the cultivation and processing, that gave Decatur the name “Soy Bean Capitol of the World.”
In the period of one decade, 1920-1930, A.E. Staley made significant contributions to the community of Decatur, being the driving force behind the creation of Lake Decatur, the Staley viaduct, the Staley Office Building, and the formation of the Decatur Staleys football club, later to become the Chicago Bears.
The story of A.E. Staley is one in which the city of Decatur has the right to feel great pride. It is a story which forms a major part in the industrial and agricultural history of central Illinois. We look forward to sharing that pride and history as we work toward the opening of the Staley Museum.
The Staley Office Building: Inaugurated in April, 1930
Also known as “The Castle in the Cornfields”
Photo courtesy of the Hieronymus Mueller Museum
The Staley Office Building: Inaugurated in April, 1930
Also known as “The Castle in the Cornfields”
Photo courtesy of the Hieronymus Mueller Museum
Mr. Staley Was Here!
Where will Mr. Staley be tomorrow?
Hint:
Tomorrow Mr. Staley will visit a business that supports learning & play alike. A place that feeds the imagination of the young & the old & everyone in between.
Don’t miss out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram 😊
Support local! ♥️
Just For Fun 😊
Mr. Staley Was Here!
Mr. Staley got wind of a longstanding Decatur tradition and he really wanted to see it for himself.
The Bikini Tree located in Fairview Park.
The Bikini tree has a 60 year tradition in Decatur.
Beginning back in 1959 and every year since, the Bikini tree has been anonymously painted several times a year in all manner of bikini colors & styles. Over the years the tree has sported bikinis that reflected current events and pop culture.
No one knows who is responsible for the artwork, but people in the community have carried on this tradition for 60 years!
Recently the tree was newly painted in a red bikini with white specks and green fringe…A Strawberry Motif? …. and as a special addition, a heart with “ Decatur” written in the center, like a tattoo. “Love Decatur”.
Mr. Staley thought this was great fun!
Support Local! ♥️
Play Local! 😊
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
From 1923 to the 1980s, the Staley company held contests for the best flower and vegetable gardens. Winners even received a cash prize for their efforts!
Right now we have three special exhibits on Staley gardening on display--stop by and check them out before they're gone!
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 1-4PM
Admission: $3/Adult, $1/Child
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Shout Out to Museum Volunteers:
Debbie & Randy Niles
Jane & Tim McCollom
Jack Vance
Larry Adams
Today we held the first of two scheduled museum clean up days. This team of volunteers really made the work move fast and efficient.
Some were cleaning up the carriage house,
Some the butler pantry. Others were hauling stuff out of the basement. Most of the stuff went into the dumpster, but some was loaded up into Debbie & Randy’s truck for donation.
Randy brought his tool box and did a bit of repair work too
The museum was humming with activity.
It was a great morning ! 😊
A huge Thank You to our Volunteers! ♥️🙏
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you, Laura! It was a pleasure!
Awesome and way to go Randy and Debbie Clark Niles and all the other volunteers...
Looks great
Thank You, Primient, for making this wonderful event possible. ♥️
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
0 CommentsComment on Facebook