Historic Lighting: A Bright Spot in Vermilion

“Give light, and the people will find their way.”
Ella Baker

Yesterday morning, Haley the Intern, Mae the Dog and I had a Nancy Drew adventure. We drove all around town counting historic light poles. Starting in Victory Park and heading as far north as we could without getting wet, from the east to west boundaries of Harbourtown and those that light up our public parks. Vermilion has come a long way in 20 years adding ambiance and atmosphere through lighting Liberty Avenue, Main Street and parks with 106 historic-themed light poles.

The first few poles, some flanking the bridge and others in a park, were added by Friends of Harbourtown under Diane Chestnut’s leadership. Funding for the majority was organized by Main Street Vermilion leaders, like Nan Gregory and former Mayor Eileen Bulan, two of the founding members of the organization, in partnership with a host of generous corporate and community donors whose names you’ll find on light poles.

It took 20 years and four project phases for what lights our way today. It was all privately funded at an estimated cost of more than $325,000. The City of Vermilion has served as a diligent and important partner in the maintenance of the poles, including repairs and changing light bulbs.

The light poles are also essential, reliable fixtures in holding 162 (maybe more) hanging baskets of flowers planted, hung, watered and trimmed by Vermilion in Bloom volunteeres from now until October and most flying American flags, that wave throughout the summer, which an independent group of volunteers unfurl daily. Additionally, Vermilion in Bloom has committed to the continued maintenance of the poles by painting and touching up 10 each year.

While Hayley, Mae and I were just after a number we also were reminded of what people can accomplish in their communities when they work together. Historic lighting projects certainly sheds plenty of light on that.

Marilou Suszko, Executive Director