LaSalle/Peru, Illinois Full Episode | John McGivern's Main Streets

Explore the twin cities of #LaSalle and #Peru, Illinois, where history, industry, and natural beauty blend along the Illinois River. In this episode, discover how LaSalle and Peru earned the nickname “Zinc City,” tour the historic Hegeler Carus Mansion, and see how the famous Westclox factory site has found new life with museums, studios, and more. Venture inside Mays Nails, a fifth-generation factory that still makes specialty nails with American steel. Experience the area’s aviation passion at the TBM Avenger Reunion, and learn about the region’s canal legacy with a mule-pulled boat ride on the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

You’ll also visit Starved Rock State Park, the most visited park in Illinois, known for its waterfalls, canyons, and scenic views of the river. Take a peek at a boutique camping spot that turns “roughing it” into a stylish getaway. Meet the local community at St. Hyacinth Church, and stop by LP High School’s stunning Matheson Memorial Auditorium. From Maud Powell’s musical legacy to the Pistol Shrimp baseball team at Schweickert Stadium, you’ll see why LaSalle and Peru are full of surprises, culture, and Midwestern charm.

0:00 Intro
3:29 Hegeler Carus Mansion - an architectural and publishing landmark
5:38 Westclox Factory - now home to the Westclox Museum and more
6:46 Maze Nails - family-owned nail factory ‪@mazenails6386‬
10:52 TBM Avenger Plane - celebrating WWII torpedo bombers
13:16 Starved Rock State Park - waterfalls, canyons, and scenic river bluffs‪@starvedrockvideo‬
13:50 I and M Canal - mule-pulled tours through living history‪@imcanalnationalheritageare9379‬
15:57 Violinist Maud Powell
16:19 Camp Aramoni - Boutique Camping in the Illinois Valley (a new spin on the great outdoors)‪@camparamoni3638‬
18:29 Thyme Craft Kitchen
20:40 Schweickert Stadium
22:10 Realtor Martha Moscosa/St. Hyacinth Church - community and heritage
23:35 Matheson Memorial Auditorium at LP High School (grand historic venue) ‪@LPCavaliers‬


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