Save the Spring - Restoration 2012

    In 1833 an agreement made between the Peoria County Commissioners, and Stephen Stillman, a man of some enterprise, provided the exclusive rights to bring water from a natural spring in the West Bluff to the Peoria public square. 

    A vaulted brick reservoir was soon constructed, concealed in the gentle slope of the Bluff's hillside. Wooden pipes were laid to supply drinking water to nearly 40 homes and the city's original courthouse, where the Lincoln Douglas Debates were held.

    1892 Lydia Moss Bradley, founder of Bradley University and owner of the land, sold her deed to Preston Clark. Preston Clark is responsible for the patented name Peoria Mineral Springs. Clark ran a successful bottling business here for many years to come. (video filmed in 1984)

    ATTENTION:  The Peoria Mineral Springs brick reservoir has collapsed! We need your help to restore and preserve this Historical Monument!

    Over 30,000 GALLONS a DAY is going to waste...

    Support the PMS FOUNDATION
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peoria Mineral Springs Foundation

Peoria Mineral Springs Collapse
Recently Peoria Mineral Springs suffered significant damage to it's over-flow system.  This caused the water table to rise substantially and one of the entrance walls to collapse.

We are currently seeking to form a not for profit corporation to obtain professional and financial help to revive the springs functionality. Working with City of Peoria, the Peoria historical community leaders and volunteers, our goal is to restore Peoria Mineral Springs as a historic site, rich in history and importance, to be preserved for posterity.

Contact: Tobias Traynor Jr.
               Telephone:  309-922-7783
               Charles Traynor                                                       traynor.charles@gmail.com
               pmsfoundation@gmail.com
               Telephone:  309-361-9836

 
Facts :

This is the oldest historic site in the tri-county and perhaps the State of Illinois. The Spring dates to pre-history and the reservoir, brick   and mortar, are circa 1834.

Peoria's Water

Peoria Mineral Springs Access Panel
Ancient man believed free-flowing springs to be the blood of Mother Earth.  Ever since, he has been intrigued with it's mysteries.
 
The last glaciers left the Peoria valley some 14,500 years ago, leaving free-flowing springs from the west bluff.
 
Peoria Mineral Springs provided natural spring water by gravity flow, down to Hancock Street, nearly 2 miles away. Peoria's population increased to the point that the spring could no longer support the demand. From the early 1850's several firms claimed the label and bottled and sold the water.
 
These businesses went on for many years.  Then the spring lay dormant until the Traynor family purchased it and gave it new vitality.  In 1976 the Family opened the Spring to the public as a Bicentennial event.  Later it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and still claims that status.
 
Download National Register of Historic Places Documentation for Peoria Mineral Springs

Peoria's History

Peoria Mineral Springs, free-flowing for more than 14,500 years, is Peoria's oldest landmark. The purity of the mineral spring water enticed many brewers and helped to create Peoria's successful brewery industry.
Peoria Mineral Springs became the site for the first utility, Peoria Water Works.  A house on the site was built to be the headquarters. The Spencer Street Hill, which runs by the house, is Peoria's only remaining cobblestone street. - Peoria Chamber of Commerce
Peoria Mineral Springs at Clark & Co.Peoria Mineral Springs Soda at Clark & Co.