The research and information and images in this article have been frozen in time since 2015. The pages of information have been brought out of the vault, and the old images will help to bring this memory back to life. This particular project taken on by Katy Whittington, about the Old Six Mile Museum and its history was never brought to completion due to the lack of communication required to finish the project. Although the project isn’t as extensive as Katy would have liked, I feel the information and images are still worth sharing.
General Information and History
This is the Emmert-Zippel house. It was built in 1837 by Mr. Emmert. William Emmert had come here from Tennessee in a covered wagon with his mother, Christina, and four teen-aged sisters when he was a young boy. His father died of cholera, so William and his mother had to fend for themselves. She remarried, but William, at age 13, went out on his own. They say he may have worked for his sister who had married Mr. Stallings and ran the Stallings Roadhouse. After he worked for her for a time he started farming on his own and was a very successful farmer.
He owned the land that is now owned by the Old Six Mile Historical Society. At one time he owned the land all the way to Nameoki Road. He built this house which consisted of just the front rooms. He and his first wife had four children. After her death, he remarried, and they had nine more children making it necessary to build additional rooms. The house has the same plan as Lincoln’s home in Springfield, Illinois which was built in 1837. Mr. Emmert loved horses and had an extensive racehorse track that was popular all over the area,
including St. Louis.
Mr. Emmert sold the property to a German immigrant, Mr. August Zippel in 1884. One hundred years later, in 1984, the property was purchased by the Society. It is not clear which of the two men added the Travelers’ Room. The original two rooms were used as combination rooms. Most dwellings of that time had only a kitchen/living room and a bedroom. Mr. Zippel added the back porch and removed the second floor porch at the front of the house.
Mr. Emmert had built just what he thought he needed to take care of his family. We have explored information about the way the house was built, but there were no house plans on record in the 1830s. It is supposed that as his family grew, he added the kitchen and perhaps the summer kitchen. It is said that sometimes the summer kitchens were called “borning rooms”. Babies were born there, then taken upstairs. It is not known which of the two men added the Smokehouse. The house was built in the Federal Style but was later remodeled to Victorian. The things we have on display are mostly Victorian. It is said that the Emmerts decorated in Federal Style and Zippels in Victorian.
(Tap on image buttons below) To open additional images and information pages.
Recently elected President, Anthony Padgett of the Old Six Mile Historical Society and his new board have a renewed energy and passion to put this Granite City gem back into the spotlight. Once again, the grounds may produce a bountiful harvest with the help of the community, and the museum hold gatherings and tours that will bring the museum back to life.
State Senator Erica Harriss and the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are pleased to announce that more than a dozen Small Equipment Grants have been awarded to fire departments across Madison and St. Clair counties, which make up all or part of the 56th Senate District.
“These departments are the backbone of emergency response in our communities,” said Senator Harriss. “This funding will help ensure they have the tools and equipment they need to respond quickly and safely. I’m proud to support the brave men and women who protect us every day.”
2025 Small Equipment Grant Recipients Include:
Madison County:
Long Lake Fire Protection District – $25,965
Mitchell Fire Protection District – $26,000
Fosterburg Fire Protection District – $8,684
Roxana Fire Department – $25,149
Alton Fire Department – $26,000
Worden Fire Protection District – $26,000
Hartford Fire Department – $26,000
Maryville Village Fire Department – $15,265
Grantfork Fire Protection District – $25,002.20
South Roxana Fire Protection District – $25,557
St. Clair County:
Belleville Fire Department – $15,315
St. Libory Fire Protection District – $25,800
Mascoutah Fire Department – $25,812
Marissa Volunteer Fire Protection District – $25,200
The OSFM received 347 applications requesting a total of $7.7 million in funding during this grant cycle.
Determined to pass this tradition along, Mayor Parkinson, alongside his dedicated team, is excited to host a delightful Easter breakfast for the children of Granite City that is entirely free of charge to families. This heartfelt event is the mayor’s personal gift to the community.
On this special day a delicious breakfast of pancakes and sausage will be served, and children will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny himself. Families attending will also receive a free photo capturing this memorable visit. To add an extra layer of joy, Billie’s Kids, a cherished local charity known for its support of area children, will generously provide each child with a gift to commemorate the occasion.
Tickets for the Easter breakfast are free but required to reserve your spot. Simply follow the provided link to secure your tickets while time slots remain available. The Easter breakfast will be Saturday April 12, 2025, and will take place at The Mill Events Center, 1311 E 20th St., Granite City, IL
Mayor Parkinson invites all Granite City families to join in the celebration and create a memory that children will cherish for years to come. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and the joy of coming together as a community for this magical springtime event.
Tap the link to reserve your tickets. https://themill.events/easter-breakfast/
Starting March 28th, Amazon is implementing a significant change to its Alexa privacy guidelines. Voice recordings from Alexa-enabled devices, such as Echo smart speakers and displays, will now be sent to and processed in the cloud. This marks a departure from the previous option that allowed users to process voice commands locally on their devices.
Amazon states that this change is necessary to support the advanced generative AI features of Alexa+, the company’s upgraded voice assistant. While the company assures users that voice recordings will be encrypted during transit and deleted after processing, the update has raised privacy concerns among some users.
Previously, users could opt for a “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” setting, which ensured that voice commands were not transmitted to Amazon’s servers. However, this option will no longer be available. Instead, users can choose a “Do Not Save Recordings” setting, which deletes recordings after processing but still requires them to be sent to the cloud.
Amazon emphasizes its commitment to user privacy and security, highlighting that these changes are designed to enhance Alexa’s capabilities while maintaining robust privacy protections. However, the update has sparked discussions about the balance between technological advancements and user privacy.
For those who value privacy, this change may prompt a reevaluation of their use of Alexa devices. As the digital landscape evolves, it remains crucial for users to stay informed about how their data is handled and to make choices that align with their comfort levels.
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is offering an exciting opportunity for undergraduate students to gain hands-on experience in government, and public affairs through a Legislative Internship at her district office in Edwardsville.
“This is a great opportunity for students who are passionate about public service and want to make a difference in their community,” said Senator Harriss. “Interns will play a vital role in engaging with constituents and ensuring everyone’s voices are heard in the 56th District.”
This paid internship will allow students to connect directly with constituents through various forms of community outreach. Interns will develop valuable communication and problem-solving skills while gaining insight into the legislative process.
Students may also apply for academic credit based on their university’s guidelines. Those interested in applying or seeking more information should contact Haden Jones, District Operations Specialist, at hjones@sgop.ilga.gov or call 217-782-5247.
Mayor Mike Parkinson and the city of Granite City are excited to announce a city-wide “Clean Up Day” scheduled for Saturday, May 17th, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This event is a golden opportunity for families, clubs, and organizations—such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, area churches, youth groups, or even groups of friends, to unite in the spirit of community and civic pride.
Volunteers are asked to gather at the Leaf Depot at 9:00 AM, where the Public Works Department will provide trucks to assist with waste removal. There will be three clean-up sites; Century Drive, the staging area will be at the Leaf Depot, 23rd Street and Nameoki Road, the staging area will be at the Park Grill, and the former Long John Silver’s Building, staging will be in the parking lot. Mayor Parkinson emphasized the significance of the initiative, saying, “This is the perfect time to come together, roll up our sleeves, and make Granite City shine.”
The city invites everyone to participate, turning the day into not just a cleanup effort but also a moment to strengthen connections among neighbors. With spring in the air, it’s an ideal occasion to declutter, refresh, and beautify our surroundings.
Mark your calendars, rally your team, and join us for this rewarding event. Together, we can achieve the changes we seek and ensure Granite City remains a place we are all proud to call home.
Please contact bwhitaker@granitecity.illinois.gov for more information.
The Granite City community is abuzz with anticipation as the long-awaited Five Below store finally opens its doors at 3405 Nameoki Road. Known for its vibrant and affordable merchandise, this new addition to the city is sure to become a favorite destination for shoppers of all ages.
The grand opening celebration kicks off on Friday, April 4, at 10 a.m. and continues through Monday, April 7. The event promises a weekend full of fun and festivities, including engaging activities and trivia with prizes to delight attendees.
Highlighting the weekend is Saturday, April 5, when visitors can enjoy free hot dogs from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (limit two per person). Additionally, shoppers can grab a free drawstring bag while supplies last, making the experience even more exciting.
With this much-anticipated launch, Five Below brings a new wave of energy and excitement to Granite City. Don’t miss the chance to join the festivities and explore all the store has to offer!
Mayor Mike Parkinson of Granite City, Illinois, is gearing up for reelection, and his tenure has been nothing short of transformative. Since taking office in April 2021, Parkinson has reinvented the city, shedding its long-standing image as merely a steel mill town. His vision for change and growth has infused Granite City with a renewed sense of purpose and energy, making it a beacon of progress and potential.
Parkinson’s leadership has garnered widespread support, with endorsements from key figures and organizations, including the Granite City Police Officer’s Union PBPA Unit 15, Madison County Auditor, Madison County Sheriff Jeff C. Connor, and local entrepreneur Brenda Whitaker, who also serves as the Director of Arts, Entertainment, and Tourism for the city. Lifelong residents and business owners have also rallied behind the mayor, reflecting the community’s confidence in his ability to lead.
Over the past four years, Parkinson has tackled long-standing challenges with determination and passion. His open-door policy and commitment to transparency have resonated with residents, who appreciate his hands-on approach and personal connection to the community. Whether addressing critical issues or engaging with citizens during his personal time, Parkinson’s dedication to Granite City is evident.
As the city continues to evolve under his leadership, the sky truly seems to be the limit. With a proven track record and a clear vision for the future, Mayor Mike Parkinson’s reelection campaign is poised to build on the momentum of his first term, ensuring that Granite City remains a thriving and dynamic community.
Throughout the last 19 years of providing the community website GraniteCityGossip.com we have witnessed many elections come and go. Mike Parkinson was first elected April 2021, and it has been an exciting time for Granite City ever since. The city’s newly elected mayor hit the ground running with an energetic focus to awaken the city from its long slumber, and after 4 years, he hasn’t slowed down yet. Like us, the mayor was born and raised here and his dedication and commitment to the betterment of the city and its future is reflected through his pride and actions and for these reasons, we are endorsing Mayor Mike Parkinson for re-election.
Lorri Tanksley, Katy Tanksley Whittington and staff www.GraniteCityGossip.com
When John “Eric” Foster was approached by two township trustees to run for the Nameoki Township Supervisor position in 2021, he was actively representing his constituents on the Madison County Executive Board and managing the demands of owning and operating his own private business. However, upon learning about “the township’s dire financial instability, fiscal decline, and lack of essential services”, he found the “state of the township deeply disturbing”. The township faced a severe financial shortfall, with insufficient funds to meet payroll for the Highway Department and township office staff. Nameoki Township Highway employees had been laid off for over ten months due to a lack of operational funds, and many critical projects had been abandoned.
Recognizing the urgent need for strong leadership, Eric stepped up to make a difference. He assembled a committed and experienced team who shared his vision for the township to join his ticket and rolled up his sleeves. Once elected, he immediately halted unnecessary spending to stabilize the township’s finances. Through effective management of taxpayer dollars, Eric achieved a remarkable 500% increase in the township’s account balances compared to when he took office. This financial turnaround allowed him to aggressively pursue the completion of abandoned projects and undertake much-needed repairs and maintenance. Additionally, under his leadership, the township reduced the tax levy in two of the past three years, directly benefiting residents.
Eric prioritized rebuilding relationships with neighboring municipalities, county governments, and other agencies, which had been strained due to past fiscal irresponsibility. By creating collaboration and ensuring the necessary equipment was available and operational, he restored trust and enabled the township to fulfill its obligations. His efforts addressed critical issues such as flooding, road surface repairs, and storm drain maintenance, with many more improvements on the horizon.
A champion for the township’s senior citizens, Eric acknowledged the “many seniors whose needs had been overlooked for decades.”, He and his trustees implemented programs like day trips, coffee and donut mixers, themed luncheons, Nameoki Township’s monthly Senior Cinema Day and other initiatives to foster fellowship and community among seniors. These efforts, along with securing a township van, continue to enrich the lives of many and demonstrate his commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of the community.
As we approach the upcoming election, Katy Tanksley Whittington, Lorri Tanksley and the staff at GraniteCityGossip.com wholeheartedly endorse John “Eric” Foster for re-election as our Nameoki Township Supervisor. A proven leader who is sincerely committed to making Nameoki Township the best it can be. Eric’s strong work, determination, and established experience make him the ideal candidate to continue leading our township toward a brighter future. His entire ticket has received endorsements from every countywide elected official, which would be inclusive of Thomas A Haine (States Attorney), Chris Slusser (Madison County Board Chairman), Patrick Mcrae (Madison County Circuit Clerk), David Michael (Madison County Auditor), Linda Andreas (Madison County Clerk), Nick Novacich (Madison County Coroner), and Sheriff Jeff Connor.