1968
The City Council purchased a site on West Jefferson St. as the location for the new City Hall. Plans to demolish the existing structure were considered.
The boundaries of Washington were increased by some 260 acres following the adoption of four annexation ordinances by the City Council, including area along Woodland Trail, the vicinity of Westwood Subdivision, and south of the Hillcrest Golf Course, and from North Cummings Lane to the Central Illinois Light Co. substation.
Ground breaking ceremonies were held for the new Danforth First National Bank building to be built on S. Main St.
With the Fair Housing Act of 1968, realtors could no longer discriminate against potential renters or buyers based on the color of their skin, and the black populations in predominantly white areas began to increase. Glenn & Sandra Roberson moved into a home just outside of the city limits on Hollands Grove Lane in 1968 with their sons Lance, Eric, & Keith. Glenn had taken a job as a counselor at I.C.C. and the President of the college at the time, Dr. Kenneth Edwards, wanted him to live closer to the college. As a result, Edwards enlisted the help of the Archdiocese of Peoria to make sure that the purchase of the home and sale of their old home wasn’t impeded in any way. The Robersons represent the first African-American family to purchase a home in Washington Township.
Norm Martin and Mr. & Mrs. Laban Lytle were the 1968 recipients of the Washingtonian Award.
A new commercial building was built at 126 Walnut, which would be known for decades as Marci Pizza.
Our Savior Lutheran Church on Kingsbury Road was dedicated.
Miss Frances Whittaker made plans to prepare to step down from the position of music director at Washington Community High School, a position she had held for 24 years. A surprise retirement reception was held at St. Pat's.
The Womens AAU State Basketball Tournament was held in the WGS gymnasium in 1968 and 1969.
Dedication services were held at the new St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Officiating at the ceremonies was Bishop John B. Franz.
The Washington Knolls subdivision sees a large push of development as homes start to creep down Knollcrest Drive.
