1961

Don Guedet ran for Mayoral re-election in 1961 against Independent Monroe "Jack" Presley and his slogan "Let's clean up Washington."  Guedet would win another four years by a 60-40% margin over Presley.

The very first Washingtonians Awards were given out this year, with Glenn Harkins and Louise Harte being the first recipients.

Liberty School, at the corner of Dutch Lane and the Metamora Blacktop, the last one-room school in Tazewell County, closed its doors and consolidated with Pleasant View.

Thompson's Food Basket opened in Sunnyland at 2421 Washington Road.

New phone numbers and direct dialing came to Washington as the phone company moved from South High Street to its new building at 507 Peoria Street.  Detailed instructions were needed to teach residents how to make a phone call:

The new Faith Lutheran Church at the corner of Washington and School Streets is dedicated.

The westward migration of businesses continued as Baurer Furniture opened in 1961.

Bill Maher purchases the Lyons Drug Store in Sunnyland and starts a 30 year-run at the location.

Van's Dari-Castle opened in Sunnyland at the current location of Kirk's Korner Tap.

Back to 1960 --- On to 1962