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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.

Staley Topics

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

Staley office building

The Staley Office Building: Inaugurated in April, 1930
Also known as “The Castle in the Cornfields”
Photo courtesy of the Hieronymus Mueller Museum

Staley Museum Latest News & Happenings

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🍀From the Staley Journal, The Safety Bird column:

Wednesday, March 17. St. Patrick's Day. Green is a color that wears well the year round--grass, Christmas trees, the "go" signal, folding money... And the Green Cross for Safety reminding us that life is good and worth living--and worth safe habits in our thoughts and actions.

🍀Did you know the Staley Journal was originally crafted to be a safety magazine for company employees?
... See MoreSee Less

March 17th, 10:00 am
🍀From the Staley Journal, The Safety Bird column:

Wednesday, March 17. St. Patricks Day. Green is a color that wears well the year round--grass, Christmas trees, the go signal, folding money... And the Green Cross for Safety reminding us that life is good and worth living--and worth safe habits in our thoughts and actions. 

🍀Did you know the Staley Journal was originally crafted to be a safety magazine for company employees?

There's still time to visit our Women's History exhibit!

Museum Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 1-4PM
Admission is $3/adult, $1/child
... See MoreSee Less

March 16th, 10:00 am
Theres still time to visit our Womens History exhibit!

Museum Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 1-4PM
Admission is $3/adult, $1/child

What is your favorite pie? Mr. Staley's favorite was coconut cream. He harvested fresh coconuts from his estate in Miami, Florida and had them brought back by train to Decatur. Once a year, the company held "Coconut Pie Day" and served free slices, made from Mr. Staley's harvest, to every employee. ... See MoreSee Less

March 14th, 10:00 am
What is your favorite pie? Mr. Staleys favorite was coconut cream. He harvested fresh coconuts from his estate in Miami, Florida and had them brought back by train to Decatur. Once a year, the company held Coconut Pie Day and served free slices, made from Mr. Staleys harvest,  to every employee.Image attachmentImage attachment

Women’s History Month at the Staley Museum — Employee Sharon Cogburn

Sharon was hired on at the Loudon, Tennessee plant in 1983. After going through the grueling hiring process set up to hire 250 employees out of 14,000 applicants, she was given a job in the Syrup refinery.

One of her favorite memories took place the first week on the job. The rotovac conveyor that fed the furnace had stopped working and refinery employees were sent in pairs to dig the carbon filter and feed the furnace. They had to dig for half an hour until the next pair came to relieve them. Sharon was partnered with a man named Richard. Together they dug non-stop without a break, even though they knew they could take one if needed. Later, exhausted after their efforts and in a conversation in the team room, they both laughed at the situation. Sharon hadn’t wanted to take a break and appear weak and Richard didn’t want to take a break and appear less than able.

Richard laughed and said, “there we were digging and digging and she wouldn’t quit!”

“I couldn’t quit first!” Sharon said.

Sharon eventually moved to a job in the lab and this year she retired with 40+ years of service!
... See MoreSee Less

March 12th, 10:00 am
Women’s History Month at the Staley Museum — Employee Sharon Cogburn

Sharon was hired on at the Loudon, Tennessee plant in 1983. After going through the grueling hiring process set up to hire 250 employees out of 14,000 applicants, she was given a job in the Syrup refinery. 

One of her favorite memories took place the first week on the job. The rotovac conveyor that fed the furnace had stopped working and refinery employees were sent in pairs to dig the carbon filter and feed the furnace. They had to dig for half an hour until the next pair came to relieve them. Sharon was partnered with a man named Richard. Together they dug non-stop without a break, even though they knew they could take one if needed. Later, exhausted after their efforts and in a conversation in the team room, they both laughed at the situation. Sharon hadn’t wanted to take a break and appear weak and Richard didn’t want to take a break and appear less than able. 

Richard laughed and said, “there we were digging and digging and she wouldn’t quit!” 

“I couldn’t quit first!” Sharon said.  

Sharon eventually moved to a job in the lab and this year she retired with 40+ years of service!

Don't forget, Daylight Savings time starts today!

Set your clocks and then step back in time with a visit to the museum!

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 1pm to 4pm.
Admission $3/adult, $1/child

Cover from the March 1924 Staley Journal.
... See MoreSee Less

March 10th, 10:00 am
Dont forget, Daylight Savings time starts today!

Set your clocks and then step back in time with a visit to the museum! 

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 1pm to 4pm. 
Admission $3/adult, $1/child

Cover from the March 1924 Staley Journal.
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