While we are still looking for a permanent home for Pillsbury artifacts, a small selection of them has been incorporated into a new pop up art exhibit downtown. Details of the exhibit, Absence and Presence, are attached. Over this past year we established a number of collaborative relationships with artists and the Adams Family downtown. We are excited that our artifacts can continue to be utilized in a new exhibit.
The historic downtown location of this exhibit is the abandoned Cliff Hotel in a portion of the Kidzeum building. The space is remarkably preserved and will be on full display. The project is designed by Robert Mazrim, who has recently curated and produced artwork for a number of events at the abandoned Pillsbury factory, as well as the “Pillsburied” exhibit at 413 Adams Street downtown.
Please, consider attending on December 4th & 6th from 5:30 to 8:30pm.
Thanks for being a part of this important community project.
Moving Pillsbury Forward is moving ahead with requests for proposals on both remediation and demolition of site structures now that all of our compliance reviews have been completed. It has been a long haul getting to this point. We appreciate everyone supporting and hanging in there with us. We look forward to 2025 being the year where existing environmental site hazards are alleviated and demolition of large structures brings a sense of renewal to the area. This is the moving forward we have all been aiming at for over 5 years now! Here is the link for any company interest in completing a proposal:
Now, we are asking former Pillsbury employees to join us for one last group photo in front of the employee names wall on Friday, November 22 at 1:00pm. The Pillsbury employee names wall was created this past Spring by local artist Jen Santarelli. She is the granddaughter of longtime Pillsbury worker Walter Santarelli who began his career in 1941. We have over 1300 names on the wall formally titled “Roll Call”. The community response to this installation these past several months has been wonderful.
The plan is to have our preservation photographer, Ben Halpern, take a high-resolution group photo for the official archival record. The group photo (and all other preservation photos) will soon be archived and publicly available at the Lincoln Library Sangamon Valley Collection. This image, to be taken on-site, with the names and the employees is sure to be a powerful statement about what our Springfield PIllsbury plant meant to us as a community.
Employees and families are welcome to come to the Dock #107 entrance (corner of 16th St. and Phillips Ave.) beginning at noon on Friday, November 22. We are glad to have individuals and families take personal photos with the wall this one last time. Our scheduled rain date (if the weather will not allow for a good photo) is Friday December 6 at 1:00. Note: The wall area is accessible by ramp for those with mobility issues. We will have volunteers present at Dock #107 to arrange access.
A limited number of engraved Pillsbury bricks will be available during the photo event on Nov. 22
Thanks for being a part of this important community project.
Moving Pillsbury Forward had a 1972 issue of The Springfield Communicator donated recently. This is the employee newsletter that came out periodically at the Springfield Pillsbury Plant. This issue is filled with names of employees that either retired or had big anniversaries (25,30,35, and 40 year) in 1972. There are more than 150 employees listed.
Special thanks to the family of William “Willie” Kunz for providing this issue for us to have and share. Willie came to Pillsbury in 1947 after his service in WWII and celebrated his 25th anniversary in 1972. He eventually retired after more than 30 years of service at Pillsbury. We are sure that many of the folks we talked to this past year or so will remember him.
One of the most impressive things we have learned while interacting with former Springfield Pillsbury employees and their families is that it was a great place to work because of the people. Many of the employees played on the softball team, in the bowling league, golf league, or hunted and fished together on their days off work. It was like a big extended family. We love that this was a hallmark of our Springfield Pillsbury for several decades.
Thanks for being a part of this important community project.
Moving Pillsbury Forward hosted a series called “Tuesdays at the Dock” last year in August and September. We invited former Pillsbury employees and families to come and share their stories with us. The response was great. We learned a lot about the site and what made it such a great place to work. We recorded several interesting interviews during the series.
On Tuesday, October 15 at 5:30pm the Sangamon County Historical Society has invited us to talk about what was learned and why it was important for our overall project. The presentation will take place at the Springfield Art Association at 700 N. 4th St. This is free and open to the public.
Springfield has a rich history of manufacturing. The Pillsbury Plant is perhaps the last, and certainly the largest, remaining example of Springfield’s mid-twentieth century manufacturing at its best. And it will soon be physically gone. We are grateful for this opportunity presented by the Sangamon County Historical Society. We hope you can attend.
Thanks for being a part of this important community project.
Moving Pillsbury Forward does work throughout the Pillsbury Neighborhood even though our primary focus is the demolition and redevelopment of the former Pillsbury property. We want to do our best to improve the neighborhood and the quality of life for the folks that live there. Here is a case study for how things tend to play out…over…and over again.
In May of 2021 we cleared a vacant lot at the corner of 14th St. and Phillips Ave. The legal address is 1324 Phillips Ave. (PIN#14270280011). At the time, it was a County Deed Trustee lot that had been reclaimed by the local government for non-payment of back taxes. As volunteers, we chose to mow and remove trash from this lot because we recognized that this corner lot was a bus stop for elementary school children and the sidewalk was not accessible. In working with longtime Pillsbury Neighborhood Association President John Keller, we learned that he had cleared this same lot about ten years prior for the same reason. He let us know that this lot had been vacant and problematic for many many years.
We researched this one recently utilizing the Sangamon County Tax Parcel Viewer site Parcel Viewer (sangamon.il.us) In a short time we found that a bank had repossessed the property in 1996. By 1998 the small home had been demolished. Then, an investor purchased the lot from the bank. Nothing was built, taxes were not paid, and the lot was reclaimed for back taxes for the first time. And, again it was purchased by an investor, nothing was built, taxes were not paid, and the lot was reclaimed for back taxes for the second time. Moving ahead two more cycles, a new investor purchased the lot in 2021 shortly after we (volunteers) cleaned it up. And, here we are again…only this time in the fourth cycle…and 26 years later.
Well, the new investor from 2021 is at least currently paying the $127 annual property tax bill. However, he is not caring for the property (mowing, drainage clearing, junk removal, etc.). And, the City Of Springfield has cited the owner for these issues (the are 4 shown on their website), but the process could take months. So, volunteers cleaned it up again this month so the kids at the bus stop could stand on the sidewalk rather than in the roadway. Will the cycle end…no. When the leins from citations are eventually applied to the property the latest investor will almost assuredly walk away and a fifth cycle will begin.
Yes…this is a broken system. The only light at the end of the tunnel is changing the system. Let’s get busy and make some changes! We have several good ideas for changes. We understand the complexity of the situation. The kids at the bus stop deserve better. Let’s resolve within ourselves to do better.
If this case study has motivated you to act, here is the next step: Reach out to us at MPF through our email address () and we will facilitate formation of a working group to focus on this issue. There are dozens of these vacant lots in our community with similar issues.
Thanks for being a part of this important community project.
Public Notice U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Moving Pillsbury Forward – Springfield, Illinois Public Hearing/Meeting Monday, September 30, 2024, 6pm Lincoln Library (Carnegie Room North) 326 S. 7th St.; Springfield, IL Public Comment Accepted Until Noon on Friday, October 18, 2024
Moving Pillsbury Forward, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been awarded two Brownfield Cleanup Grants from the United States Environmental Protection Agency for activities associated with the remediation of the former Pillsbury Mills Plant site, located at 1525 E. Phillips Avenue, Springfield, Illinois.
Pursuant to the Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. EPA, Moving Pillsbury Forward is required to obtain public input related to the cleanup alternatives and the proposed action plan for cleanup and remediation activities on the site.
Starting Wednesday, September 18, 2024, a draft of the Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup and Alternatives (ABCA) for the site will be available for public review at DelGiorno Law Office, LLC; 2160 S. 6th St., Ste. D-1, Springfield, IL 62703 during normal business hours. The draft document is available for public review – click here…
Moving Pillsbury Forward will also present and discuss the ABCA, as well as accept and consider public comments at a Public Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Lincoln Library (Carnegie Room North), 326 S. 7th St.; Springfield, IL 62701. If you need accessibility or language accommodations for the Public Meeting, please contact Chris Richmond, Moving Pillsbury Forward’s Board President, at 217-899-2749 or by email to .
Moving Pillsbury Forward will consider, respond to, and/or incorporate all substantial written comments on the DRAFT ABCA documents that are received by noon on Friday, October 18, 2024. Written comments should be directed by email to Chris Richmond at or by US Mail to: Moving Pillsbury Forward, P.O. Box 404 Springfield, IL 62705
September 6 – September 28 Artist Reception: Friday, September 6, 5:30-7:30 PM
Friends,
Moving Pillsbury Forward partnered with community artists a year and half ago at the Pillsbury site. We facilitated a welcoming space for them to work and create. We harvested greated industrial elements for use in sculptural pieces. We trusted that the results would be great.
Now, in partnership with the Springfield Art Association, the artists works are going on exhibit in the MG Nelson Family Gallery at the Springfield Art Association (700 N 4th St.). Please consider joining us to celebrate their works this Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 on opening night.
September 6 – September 28 Artist Reception: Friday, September 6, 5:30-7:30 PM
This show is the third in a series of art exhibits created from and about the ruins of the Pillsbury Mill factory in Springfield. The work includes depictions and interpretations of the abandoned factory, and sculptures and collages created from objects and materials found on site. In most cases, the subject matter focuses on the nature of the ruined built environment as it is today, and also the commercial and social legacies of the factory and its products in this community and in American culture in general. The exhibit also includes artworks rescued from the rubble of the Adams Street fire, where the preceding exhibit was mounted.
The exhibit is an invitational one, featuring the work of numerous area artists who have visited the site for inspiration. It was curated by Robert Mazrim, who has been harvesting and exhibiting the aesthetic potential of the Pillsbury brownfield reclamation project for the last year and a half. Art from the collapse of 20th century industrial America.
Thanks for being a part of this important community project.
Moving Pillsbury Forward partnered with the Pillsbury Neighborhood Association, SIU-Med Student Volunteers, and City of Springfield Public Works on Saturday, August 24th, to clean up the streets and alleyways throughout the Pillsbury Neighborhood. The weather was great. The clean up crews worked hard. And Lasagna Lady, Beth Ballinger, served up a terrific lasagna lunch. Yes, it was a success!
Each year, the SIU-Med Students take part in a day of service in the Enos Park and Pillsbury Neighborhoods. SIU-Med coordinates the event and arranges lunch for the volunteers. The two neighborhoods benefit from their labor and, hopefully, the students benefit from getting into the neighborhoods and seeing the environmental health challenges (and solutions) that are a part of everyday life in an older and underserved neighborhood.
We are thankful for having these lasting partnerships. This was our fourth year of the cleanup partnership and we know it makes a big difference for the residents.The Pillsbury street and alleyway cleanup resulted in proper disposal of 30 cubic yards of litter and trash, 11 televisions, 12 mattresses, 14 car tires, and 20 pieces of overstuffed furniture (sofas, chairs, etc.). Most of which had been fly-dumped in the area over the past few weeks.
Thanks for being a part of this important community project.
Moving Pillsbury Forward has partnered with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra for a truly special event at Pillsbury (1525 Phillips Ave.) on the evening of September 14. The great community response to our arts events at the site over the past year have been an incredible addition to the overall Pillsbury Project. While we remain focused on seeing cleanup, demolition, and renewal at the site, we have also seen what the addition of arts can do in improving the overall quality of life in our community. And…that is where our partnerships with the community are most meaningful. We hope to see you on September 14.
Go Beyond the Stage with your Illinois Symphony Orchestra at the Pillsbury Factory
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO) goes Beyond the Stage with new concert experiences that take YOU to unique venues for immersive, themed ensemble performances. From factory and warehouse settings to mansions and yoga studios, Listen Live, be surprised, and experience the artistry of the ISO like you have never experienced it before. Executive Director Trevor Orthmann states, “We are very excited to launch our Beyond the Stage performances at the Pillsbury Factory, working with Moving Pillsbury Forward, to create an experience combining music, art, and food in this unique setting.”
Our inaugural Beyond the Stage concert experience is set for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the former Pillsbury Factory located on the northeast side of Springfield, Illinois. The ISO’s Percussion Ensemble and Piano Trio, featuring Piano, Violin, Viola, will perform in the C-mill of the old Pillsbury Mills. Local Artist Robert Mazrim said, “the musicians will be surrounded by the spray-painted murals created by local artists, as well as the rich patina of the 87-year-old factory floor, which will provide for a unique acoustic experience beyond the traditional concert hall.”
This ticketed event includes the performance experience and hors d’oeuvres catered by Conn’s Catering along with a cash bar. The event is co-hosted by Moving Pillsbury Forward with all the event proceeds supporting the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.
Go Beyond the Stage on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Pillsbury Factory. Gates will open at 6:00 PM with the performance beginning at 7:00 PM. Purchase tickets at ilsymphony.org/Pillsbury. Single tickets are $40 per person prior to the event and $50 per person at the gate (Cards Only).
Beyond the Stage at the Pillsbury Factory is in partnership with Moving Pillsbury Forward. Vice President Polly Poskin said, “we are thrilled to partner with the ISO on this next concert experience. It’s like having a prime seat to the premier of this new immersive concert experience.” Proceeds from the event will go to support your Illinois Symphony Orchestra.
For more information about the ISO, go to ilsymphony.org.
Thanks for being a part of this important community project.
On July 4, 2023, during the aftermath of the derecho, Kaye Barnes of Operation Taproot placed the first plants of the Pillsbury Mills Community Garden. Even with the late start, the garden provided nearly 200 pounds of produce to the Pillsbury Mills neighborhood before the season ended. This year with a full season of growing to work with, the 15 standing bed garden is on track to produce double that amount with nearly 70 pounds of produce already distributed.
The Pillsbury Mills Community Garden is a collaboration between the SIU School of Medicine Office of Community Care’s Operation Taproot and Moving Pillsbury Forward. With the full support of the MPF team, Operation Taproot is able to care for the garden directly on the mill grounds. There, the Office of Community Care team grows fresh produce for distribution within the neighborhood and connects with community members.
I personally want to thank the Moving Pillsbury Forward team for their unwavering and generous support for Operation Taproot and the Pillsbury Mills Community Garden. Without this support, the community garden would not have happened. Thank You!
Kaye Barnes
Operation Taproot is an initiative of the SIU Office of Community Care that places Community Health Workers in community gardens to be a visible resource for those who are facing social challenges to their health. You can find Operation Taproot representatives at Pillsbury Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9-11am, and at the Enos Park Neighborhood garden on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9-11am
Thanks for being a part of this important community project.
