February 7

MATTOON - Bernie DeBuhr thought he was going to receive an award on Saturday for operating the oldest operating family-owned business in Mattoon and one of the oldest in the state.

He didn't know the award was Mattoon's civic award, the annual award presented by the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce to someone who's played a substantial role in the community over many years.

Not until Lew Stiff, DeBuhr's neighbor for more than 35 years who made the introduction, started talking about a business with a tin ceiling did DeBuhr realize he was to become the 42nd recipient of the civic award at the event at the Ramada Inn.

Stiff called DeBuhr the "mayor of Western Avenue," a great guy whose influence in the community goes well beyond an 85-year-old business that now covers five generations.

DeBuhr said Mattoon is a good community because of people like the several hundred in attendance at the dinner. In accepting the award he changed a few words in a column he read recently, saying: "If I were to die and go to heaven, I'd look around and say, 'Gee, ain't it beautiful but it ain't Mattoon."'

DeBuhr started work at the feed and seed business at age 16. Some 55 years later, he still works six days week and carries goods to cars for customers.

"He's the walking historian of Mattoon, Illinois," Stiff said of DeBuhr. "He knows every one of you, and every one of you knows him."

Stiff noted the DeBuhr store had an oil floor and tin roof, and an old cash register he called Y2K compliant because it was built in the 1890s and still works today.

"The store is a success despite chain stores, catalogs, mergers, whatever they may be," Stiff said.

DeBuhr is low-key, yet Stiff said, "you'd be amazed how many checks he's written" for various causes. "It's hard to find how many boards he's been on."

The list would include the First Federal Savings and Loan board from 1975-99, the city's revolving loan fund board for nine years, the Dodge Grove Cemetery Board, the. Mattoon Library Board, the Chamber of Commerce board and United Way. DeBuhr has coached youth baseball and organized some of the finest parades ever in the city, including the 1955 Centennial parade.

When Interstate 57 closed and the hotels filled a few years ago, Stiff said DeBuhr was the first to open his home. He also opened his 'home to foreign exchange students, and has been a member of the Baptist church all his life, -playing a major role in things 'such as constructing a new church building on South Ninth Street.

DeBuhr said being included on the list of past civic award recipients is good company.

Earlier, outgoing chamber President Jim Cudahy and new President Laura ZuHone gave remarks. Cudahy, plant manager at Lender's bagels, said it was an eventful year in 1999 that also was a learning experience for him personally about the scope of activities the chamber promotes in the community. He said Mattoon is rich in its foundation from a business and industrial standpoint.

"You also realize it's rich in its people, there are a lot of caring, dedicated people," Cudahy said. "There are a lot of generous people, both in giving money and giving time."

Cudahy praised past community leaders such as Mel Lockard and Harry Niemeyer, who died in the past year, calling them "architects of what we have today."

He encouraged current leaders to work even harder to spur further growth and development, noting "the world is good because people have rocked the boat. You need to stay involved, you need to stand up."

ZuHone outlined some of the plans for the coming year, including formation of business councils for various segments of the community and formation of division leaders in the chamber.

Chamber board member Rich Fanelli presented an award to Pat Franz of Elasco as the first ambassador of the year.

Comedian Ken Savara provided entertainment.

Used with permission from Mid-Illinois Newspapers
Publishers of the Mattoon Journal Gazette and the Charleston Times-Courier

Back To News Index

Coles Together
400 Airport Road
Mattoon, Illinois 61938
(217) 258-5627 FAX (217) 235-9492