This Week in Galesburg History- Sept 14, 2026

 

 

“This Week in Galesburg History” 

Proposal to reduce divorce rates

WGIL Radio programming schedule

Local QB Club meeting on Mondays

Rubber Duck Race

New Tennis Courts at GHS

Knox Faculty gets high marks.

This is a look back at the history of Galesburg (and the world). What was going on 100 years ago, 75 years ago, 50 years ago, 30 years ago, 20 years ago, and 10 years ago this week? 

“This Week in Galesburg History” appears on Mondays on the WGIL website and the Massey Basketball Blog.

100 Years Ago- 1926

With concern about divorce rates, the Peoria Baptist Association made a proposal to marriage laws that the Galesburg paper feels is worth considering. The proposal would require a minimum of a four week waiting period when applying for a wedding license. 

75 Years Ago- 1951

WGIL maps out their schedule for the listeners. Pretty much the schedule is set up with half-hour programs. A listener can pick out when news and sports will be broadcast, as well as knowing when the music of their preference will be played. 

50 Years Ago- 1976

The Galesburg Quarterback’s Club had their weekly Monday meetings, where the Knox and GHS football coaches could recap the games of the previous week. Knox had not played yet but Coach Al Reilly reported, “I am optimistic.” GHS was coming off 21-20 loss to Alton at Alton. Coach Kelly Kane quipped, “The Alton timekeeper must have suffered rigormortis of the hand when Alton scored with no time left in the first half.” Despite the tough loss, Coach Kane felt Galesburg and Rock Island would be the favorites to win the WB6.

30 Years Ago- 1996

Karen Hawkinson, the President of the Galesburg Schools Foundation reported that the annual Duck Race and Great Cardboard Regatta had netted $25,000. Over 7,000 people had paid $5 for a duck. The winner was Lombard teacher, David Sharp, who netted a $3,000 prize for the winning duck. 

20 Years Ago- 2006

The Streaks girls tennis hosted their annual invitational on the rebuilt tennis courts. The 8 new courts, along with a new tennis shed cost $700,000. An opposing parent commented, “These are nicer than a lot of colleges.” 

10 Years Ago- 2016

Knox College got raves from three different magazines, who evaluated colleges in the United States. Knox received particular high marks for the quality of the undergraduate faculty and for the success level of Knox grads. One of the magazines, the Washington Monthly ranked Knox 13th nationally.