Welcome to Lebanon, Illinois, founded in 1814, and then became a city in 1874. If you want to sound like a native use ‘none’ instead of ‘non’ at the end of the city’s name. A lot happened in that time. It was a brewing, manufacturing, and milling town, with flour mills, distilleries, five hotels, nine saloons and saw mills.
I have a great fondness for the paver street because my husband and another worker laid all of those pavers (by hand!) on Main Street. At the end of the street, there are bricks with my children’s names printed underneath. It was a big day for them. We took them out of school for the laying of the last row and the newspaper took their photo!
Charles Dickens made his way to America in 1842, traveling as far west as St. Louis—a big adventure for the time. Later that year, he published his book American Notes, about his experiences during the trip. On April 12, 1842, Dickens and his 13 companions stayed at the historic Mermaid House Inn before heading out the next morning. During his visit, he explored the town and wrote about his “Jaunt to the Looking Glass Prairie and Back,” capturing the charm of the area in his notes.
Just a year later, in 1843, Dickens penned what would become his most beloved work, A Christmas Carol. Some believe his visit to Lebanon sparked inspiration for the story—a fun piece of local lore that adds to the magic of his time here. A Christmas Carol is performed every holiday season at Lebanon’s own Looking Glass Playhouse, keeping the connection alive and well.
I wonder if Dickens went through this door. I find the architecture of the town fascinating.
Lebanon is also home to Illinois’ oldest college and Methodist-affiliated university in the United States, McKendree University.
If you’re ever driving on I-64 in Illinois, this is a fun town to explore. It’s rather fun to think you’re walking the same streets as Charles Dickens. *It’s not far from Scott Airfield Base.
So how does this town play into what I’ve written? So glad you asked! The Small Town Series have novellas related to a town not far from here. Trenton, Illinois.
