Stephen R. Frank, Mayor Phone: 217-488-6312 E-mail: village@newberlin.il.us

The entire area surrounding the present day Village was first known as "The Prairie Country" because of its vast areas of native, un-wooded grassland.

Most of the early settlers to the area were farmers from Kentucky and Tennessee. Many other settlers followed, mostly of Irish and German descent.

The first settlement in the area was laid out in 1833 and was called Berlin. The railroad played an important roll in the development of the area when it was laid out two miles to the south of Berlin. Many residents and businesses moved closer to the railroad. The new settlement was called New Berlin.

The Village of New Berlin was laid out and platted in 1838 and was incorporated in August 1865. Production agriculture has and remains to this day the backbone of our community. However, in recent years our community has become a convenient, quiet and safe residential haven for commuters to Springfield and Jacksonville.

Picture Gallery

	New Berlin is located on the highway originally named Coast-to-Coast Highway 10. This is a picture looking east down the main street in town. Many buildings shown here still serve the business community.

1956 Downtown Fire

	On November 17, 1956, a fire destroyed several New Berlin businesses. In this picture, fire blazes in Radiker's Store and Rodell's Theater. On the other side of the fire is the Midway Cafe and Sturm's Tavern.
	Pictured here is Bob Cody, who is assisting a fireman on the roof of Sturm's Tavern and the Midway Cafe.

Businesses in History

This is a information packet produced in 1924 listing New Berlin businesses at the time. Also included are the driving distances from New Berlin and railway fare prices.

C.B. Warren & Sons

	Charles Boynton (C.B.) "Doc" Warren owned the C.B. Warren & Sons car dealership in New Berlin from 1915 to 1942. It was located at the northwest corner of Olive and Illinois streets.
	This picture taken in 1930 shows: (L-R) Gottlieb DeMuth, Parts Manager; Raymond Colvin, Sales Manager; Jim Martin, Salesman; and C.B. Warren, Owner in the office of the dealership.
	Here, C.B. Warren and Ray Colvin are pictured in the showroom with several 1933 Plymouth Cars.
	In the shop area, next to a 1925 Dodge Coupe are pictured: Carl Gebhart, Raymond Colvin, and Gottlieb DeMuth.

Stapleton's Rodeo

	The Stapleton Rodeo was located west of New Berlin where The Still is now.
	The Grandstand at the Rodeo.
	Carson Dodd with his horse, Alice.

The following advertisement was printed in the New Berlin Tribune on Friday, July 23rd, 1926. Click on the image for a larger view.

Present-Day Weather Conditions in New Berlin:

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