Around Momence

By: Kevin Mcnulty Sr.

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Synopsis: As evidenced by the historic record of Burt E. Burrough's book entitled Tales of an Old Border Town and along the Kankakee (1925), the city of Momence owes its origins to the flow of the Kankakee River through eastern Kankakee County. This diverse tributary linked marshy areas in Indiana to the adjacent fertile fields on the Illinois side. Momence became a beacon, providing traders with the latest conveniences and a break from the frontier. Years later, the historic Dixie Highway crossed the river at Momence, assuring a modern era for the city. In her writings of 1983-1984, the great educator and historian Kay Hess revealed the community spirit, entrepreneurial zeal, and celebratory nature of Momence through the many personalities of this rural city. Today, as Momence approaches its 200th year, massive urban sprawl promises to wash over this ever-changing community and add to its history.