Merry Christmas!

Inspirations Vinyl

Inspirations Vinyl can be found on the 4-way stop, 102 W. Cumberland Rd. Owners Dan and Teana can help you with any sign or design project you may have. They also offer a variety of items in their store including craft and scrapbooking items, candles, wood items, crocheted items and more.

For more information, e-mail them at inspirationsvinyl@usa.com

The Open Door

The Open Door sits on the corner of Main St. and Adams St., previously Railroad Street Cafe. New owners, Viennia and James Petty have created a homey atmosphere, serving a "from scratch" menu. The diner is open Tuesday through Saturday, serving breakfast and lunch, with a daily lunch special.

They are also open Friday evenings until 7 p.m.

Santa at the Library

Santa and one of his elves made an appearance at the Altamont Public Library to help kick-off the Christmas Season!

LYF Holiday Bazaar

To help kick-off the Holidays, the Immanuel Lutheran Youth Group hosts a Holiday Bazaar. Crafters and home businesses set up booths in the Church's parish hall for an afternoon. This year a bake-sale and lunch were also included. Admission is free.

Halloween Parade

The Halloween Parade is a yearly event, this year sponsored by the Masons. Judging is held in different categories and awards presented. This year's parade featured several marching bands, floats, tractors, horses, and, of course, people in costumes.

No parade in Altamont would be complete without Mr. Wendling and his high wheel bicycle!

Century 21 Realty Concepts

Debby Frailey and Sallie Trier have a total of 37 years experience in Real Estate helping their clients sell or purchase real estate. They both work in the Effingham and Fayette County areas and will also refer their clients to other agents if they are moving out of the area.

"OUR VISION: Century 21 Realty Concepts will be the most preferred real estate company in Effingham County as we continue to focus our attention on life’s Golden Rule – treating our customers and clients as we would like to be treated.

305 E. Cumberland Rd. Altamont, IL 62411
PH: 618-483-3000

Debby Frailey
cell - 217-254-0554 www.debbyfrailey.com
debfrailey@mchsi.com

Sallie Trier
cell- 618-483-3000
www.century21altamont.com
strier@mchsi.com

Dr. Charles M. Wright's House

One of Altamont's treasures is the Wright Mansion. It was built in 1889 by Dr. Charles Wright and was later occupied by his son and then his grandson, both also named Charles. It was the first home in Altamont to have a gas lighting system, indoor plumbing and a central steam-heating system. The house is one of only two buildings in the county to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Charles II was also a doctor. A medical office is present on the second floor of the home and early medical equipment is preserved there.

The home features beautiful marble fireplaces in several of the rooms. Many of the three generation's treasures are on display in the home. Tours are conducted during the summer, at Christmas, and by appointment.

The house is partially supported by a trust fund set up by the last Charles Wright. A community Board of Advisers volunteer their time to maintain the property, conduct tours, and hold fundraisers.

For more info and pictures, check out this article at Exploring Illinois.

JJ's Best Buys

"Don't spend more than you have to!" Found on Rt. 40, across from the Grade School, JJ's Best Buys is owned by Jim and Becky Jewell. They offer used furniture and appliances. They also offer used and wholesale appliance parts.

For more information, call 217-690-2408 or e-mail jewells89@frontiernet.net

The Rock Fitness Center

The Rock Fitness Center is owned by Dr. Rob Frost and his wife, Leigh. The Fitness Center features a wide variety of fitness equipment. Different memberships are available-- single and family. For a $2.00 fee, a 24 hour access key is offered for those who like to work-out early or late!



For more information, call 618-483-3103. The Rock Fitness Center is located on Do It Drive, behind the Home Center.

Effingham County Fair

The Effingham County Fair is held each year during the first week in August. It is an agricultural/4-H fair and is one of the larger fairs in Southern Illinois.

The Effingham Fairgrounds features a large Grandstand where concerts are shown, along with the annual Fair Queen pageant, tractor pulls, a rough stock rodeo, and the demo derby.
The fairgrounds features several exhibit halls and animal barns along with a carnival. And, of course, there is lot's of fair food!

Becker's Wash-and-Dry Laundromat

Becker's Laundromat is located on Rt. 40, across from Effingham Co. Antiques. It features front-load and top-load washing machines and two walls of dryers. The prices are reasonable and the building is very clean. Folding tables, wheeled "baskets", soda and snack machines, laundry supplies and a change machine are also available.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day festivities in Altamont seem to grow a little each year. The morning started with a parade at 10 o'clock. This year the Color Guard and Grand Marshall lead the parade while Emergency vehicles from surrounding towns joined our own. The local Patriot Guard Riders joined in, followed by the High School Band.

Other participants included the ever popular Shriners, the Boy Scouts, several church groups, the Jeep Club, local businesses and clubs, antiques cars and tractors, with the horses bringing up the rear. The parade ended at Union Cemetery where a service was held at the Veterans' Memorial. Later a dinner was served at the VFW.

This year, the Boy Scouts held a pork burger sale on the Triangle. Pork burger season has officially begun!

Blossom Paradise

Blossom Paradise is located on Main Street, just south of the Triangle. Owners David and Ruth Smith offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor plants, cut flowers and custom-made arrangements. They also own the Tropical Sno that sits next to the flower shop, which is open during summer afternoons.

On the Rox Pub and Grub

Owned for the last 4 years by Chris (Mey) Cripe, On the Rox is located two miles east of Altamont on Rt. 40 (next to Gregory's Flea Market). She offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with free music on Saturday nights after 9 pm. There is also a beer garden out back.

Schultz's Dairy Bar and Pizza

The Dairy Bar has been a fixture in Altamont for a long time. It is now called Schultz's Dairy Bar and Pizza and has been owned by Deb and Al Schultz since 1988. Along with the usual Dairy Bar fare, they offer sandwiches, plate specials and pizza. They have steak dinners on weekends. Dine-in or carry-out is available. Deb's Catering is also a part of the present business.

Luke's Bar and Grill

Luke's can be found on Adams St. facing the railroad track. The bar has been owned by Travis Voelker since 2000. The business was previously know as Stone's, and Hodson's before that. Travis has remodeled the bar and kitchen and added a banquet room to the back that has a second bar and a stage for DJs or live bands. They offer a full menu with daily lunch specials.

Gregory's Flea Market

You can probably find anything at the Flea Market! Although "officially" open April 1 through October 31, the vendors usually stay open as long as the weather allows! Located just east of Altamont on Rt. 40 at the former "Goersville" area. Open on Satudays and Sundays.

http://www.gregorysfleamarket.com/

Altamont Pharmacy

The Altamont Pharmacy is found on 3rd St. in the former Three Sons store. The business has been owned by Doug Phillips since 1986. In addition to carrying pharmaceuticals, they also offer cards, giftables and candy. They are open Monday through Saturday and offer delivery for those who need it.

Dollar General

Dollar General can be found uptown on the east side of the Triangle in the spot that was once Dr. Oder's office, and Dr. Phillips before that. It's open 7 days a week, every day of the year.