Fulton County is in the middle of what is called Spoon River
Country. The Spoon River is a tributary of the much larger Illinois
River. It is said that the Spoon River was named by the Native
Americans possibly as far back as12,000 years ago. The Natives
at the time used the mussel shells found in the river as utensils
and evidently the main utensil must have been spoons. Visitors
to the area can still see how these Native Americans lived by
touring the Dickson
Mounds Museum just a few miles from Havana, IL.
The Spoon River winds through the hills of Fulton County giving
the already picturesque view the beauty of running waters. This
region is so beautiful during autumn when the leaves of the
many thousands of trees that blanket the area change their colors,
that thousands of people from all over the country descend upon
this county touring what is called the Spoon
River Scenic Drive.
During the first two weekends in the month of October hundreds
of vendors from all over the area setup shop in large tents
in every town in the county and along every highway. Visitors
will find anything from the crafts of the local artisans to
the homemade cooking of local churches. Every historical site
is
opened for visitors, local actors put on theatrical
productions, and musicians fill the air with melody. For anyone
wishing to have a down-home good time October is the month
of the Spoon
River Scenic Drive.
To learn more about the Spoon River and Fulton County try
finding a book called “A Spoon River Portrait Its History
and Festivals” by Marjorie Rich Bordner. The book is out
of print but the last time I checked there were still used copies
for sale at Barnes & Noble's Online Store, or the next time
you are in Canton, IL try looking up the author.
