Just last week, the Everett McKinley Dirksen Congressional Center in Pekin celebrated its 50th anniversary celebration with an open house, on Tuesday evening, 19 Aug. 2025, where precious papers and artifacts were brought out to be viewed by the event’s attendees.
The open house was took place exactly 50 years to the very day — and even day of the week — after the academic research archive was formally dedicated by U.S. President Gerald Ford during a visit to Pekin, hometown of the late U.S. Sen. Everett Dirksen (1896-1969), former Senate minority leader. The Dirksen Center is the nation’s only independent congressional archive — other such archives are affiliated with a university. The center houses the papers and other archival materials of Sen. Dirksen as well those of U.S. Representative Robert Michel.
Since 2003, the Dirksen Center has been located in its own building at 2815 Broadway. Prior to that, however, the research archive occupied its own two-storey wing of the Pekin Public Library building at 301 S. Fourth St. The construction and dedication of the current Pekin Public Library and Dirksen Congressional Center was so significant an event in Pekin’s history that it brought two sitting U.S. presidents to Pekin in a little over a two-year period.
On Friday, 15 June 1973, Pekin was visited by President Richard Nixon, who came to unveil and dedicate the cornerstone of the new library and Dirksen Congressional Center. Nixon came to honor the memory of an old friend and fellow Republican.
Nixon had come to Pekin in 1973 at the invitation of Dirksen’s widow Louella. After Nixon’s return to Washington, D.C., however, his presidency foundered due to the Watergate scandal. Facing impeachment and the probability that he would be removed from office by the Congress, Nixon resigned the office of the presidency on 9 Aug. 1974, whereupon Vice President Gerald R. Ford became president.
The following summer, Mrs. Louella Dirksen invited President Ford to visit Pekin to dedicate the new Everett McKinley Dirksen Congressional Research Center, along with the new library building in which the Dirksen Center was housed. The date for the dedication ceremony was set for Tuesday, 19 Aug. 1975 – not coincidentally, that was 73 years to the day since the cornerstone of the 1902 Pekin Carnegie library was dedicated and laid.
Much of President Ford’s dedicatory speech was a recollection of the years that Ford spent in Congress when Dirksen was the Senate Minority Leader. “I learned a lot from Ev, and it is only fitting that others also should learn from him.”
Planning for a research center to house Dirksen’s papers began in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and overlapped with the Pekin Public Library Board’s plans for a new and much-needed larger library for Pekin. The Library Board’s official meeting minutes from those years tell the story of the planning and hard work that brought the new library and the Dirksen Center from mere ideas to reality.
Following are extensive excerpts from the Pekin Library Board’s meeting minutes that pertain to the preparation for the new library and research archive. Most notable is a minute from the board meeting of 9 Jan. 1964, when the library board was told that the groundwork was being laid for a Dirksen Center which would be a part of the hoped-for new library:
Library board meeting 9 April 1959:
“The Board discussed the possibility that the First Presbyterian Church might be interested in selling their Parsonage at some future time. Mr. [Albert] McDonald [Board President] was to find out from Mr. Henry Toel if this is so, and Mr. [Dean] McNaughton [Board member] was to find out from Mr. Alfred W. Black if the Library Board can get an option on the Parsonage.”
Library board meeting 14 Jan. 1960:
“It was moved by Mrs. [Robert] Dunlevy and seconded by Miss [Josephine] Jubain that the following resolution be adopted – that the Pekin Public Library should purchase for $17,000.00 the Manse of the First Presbyterian Church – the Church is to retain occupancy through Dec. 31, 1960 – and the Library is to borrow the $17,000.00 from the City of Pekin at 5% interest. The Library is to repay the loan out of the 1960-1961 fiscal year’s tax money. Motion carried.”
Library board meeting 14 April 1960:
“Mr. Alfred W. Black – the City Attorney – come (sic) to the meeting to report that the title to the Presbyterian Manse (336 Broadway) was now clear and that he had the City of Pekin’s check for $17,000.00 in his possession. It was moved by Mr. McNaughton and seconded by Mrs. Dunlevy that the Vice President – Mrs. G. R. Hackler – be authorized to execute a note to the City for $17,000.00. Motion carried.”
Library board meeting 10 Nov. 1960:
“The Board discussed plans for the new building. Mr. [John] Velde [Board President] reported that the Library Consultants in Detroit were interested in the Pekin Library. These matters will be discussed further at the next board meeting.”
Library board meeting 8 Dec. 1960:
“It was moved by Mrs. [G. R.] Hackler and seconded by Mrs. [A. Dyce] Bailey that Mr. Velde should get in touch with Mr. Al Jost in connection with bids for tearing down 336 Broadway (former Presbyterian parsonage). Motion carried.”
Library board meeting 12 Jan. 1961:
“Mr. Velde presented the three bids that the Library had received for having 336 Broadway torn down. They were: Charles Helmig Co. – $500.00 – James N. Miles – $2,100.00 – and J.D. Privett – $950.00. The Board decided to accept the bid from Charles Helmig Co.”
Library board meeting 13 April 1961:
“Mr. Velde presented a letter from the Library Consultants in Detroit stating that they did not recommend trying to build an addition onto the present library building and that their services would not be available for doing so. However, they would be very much interested in planning a new library building for Pekin. The Board discussed the matter and decided to write to them again to secure their services in planning for a new library building.”
Library board meeting 8 June 1961:
“Mr. Alfred W. Black – the City Attorney – attended the Board Meeting. He stated that at the present time – with the facts they have – the City Administration is against a bond issue to raise money for a new library building – and would not support it. If the Library Board wished to go ahead with it anyhow, he reminded them that this City Administration – or a future administration – would not feel obligated to grant the library approximately $90,000 per year, as it has been doing. (The present agreement was to hold operating expenses at about $40,000.00 per year and put the rest in a building fund). He emphasized that he and the City Administration realized the need for a new library and wanted Pekin to have one. The Board agreed that having a bond issue without the backing of the City Administration would not be at all advisable. . They plan to present more facts to the City Administration in the hopes of changing their views.”
Library board meeting 10 Sept. 1962:
“In addition to the regular meeting, a special meeting was held to decided whether to try to rent 334 Broadway (the Pollocks having now moved out of it) or to have it torn down. The Board Members went to inspect the house. After discussing the matter, they decided that it would be better to have it torn down and extend the parking lot to the alley, and that Mr. Velde should get in touch with Mr. Al Jost in connection with bids for tearing the house down.”
Library board meeting 11 Oct. 1962:
“On Sept. 27, 1962, the Board of Directors attended a special meeting called by Mayor J. Norman Shade in the city council chambers.
“The Mayor outlined a plan for a long-term library improvement program. He then recommended to the library board that its first attempt be directed toward buying at a fair price the property of the First United Presbyterian Church.
“The Board Members approved a motion to make an offer to the First United Presbyterian Church for the property, and Mrs. G.R. Hackler, Vice President of the Board, appointed Dean McNaughton to deliver the proposal to the session of the church and to negotiate with them for the property.
“At the Oct. 11 meeting Mr. McNaughton reported having talked with the church officials and said he thought the negotiations would take some time but that everything would work out satisfactorily.”
Special library board meeting 8 Nov. 1962:
“The Board of Directors of Pekin Public Library met with Mayor J. Norman Shade in the city council chambers on November 8 at 5 P. M. for a special meeting. All nine members were present.
“Mr. McNaughton reported on the results of his negotiations with the officials of the First United Presbyterian Church. Mr. [William J.] Reardon read the principal points from the agreement he had drawn up. The important points from this agreement were, as follows:
“The Library would pay the sum of $69,000.00 for all the property of the First United Presbyterian Church to the Church on or before December 1, 1962.
“Possession would remain with the Church for three years from that date – providing they used it as a church and didn’t assign the rights to anyone else.
“The Church would pay no rent during the three years.
“The razing and leveling of all buildings on the Church property must be completed within the three years.
“There would be joint negotiation between the Library Board and Church Officials about the cost of the razing, and the Church is to pay the first $4,500.00 of the cost of razing and leveling the buildings and the necessary site preparation.
“The Church must carry liability insurance.
“The Church must furnish a title guarantee policy.
“The Church can remove its furnishings from the buildings.
“Neither the Church nor the Library has to pay taxes – so no tax problem is involved.
“After a discussion period, it was moved by Mr. McNaughton and seconded by Miss Jubain that the Board accept the contract as is – $69,000.00 to be paid by Dec. 1, 1962, the Church to have three years occupancy, the first $4,500.00 of the demolition and site preparation charges to be paid by the Church, etc. On roll call all Directors present voted ‘Aye.’
“Mr. Velde reported that only one bid had been received to tear down the Pollock house at 335 Broadway and prepare the land for a parking lot. This bid was from Chas. Helmig Co. and was for $693.00.
“It was moved by Mrs. Bailey and seconded by Mrs. Dunlevy that the bid be accepted. On roll call all members present voted ‘Aye.'”
Library board meeting 15 Nov. 1962:
“It was moved by Miss Goldsmith and seconded by Mrs. Dunlevy that Mr. John E. Velde, Jr. and Mr. Dean McNaughton should be authorized to make the necessary financial arrangements most favorable for the Library in purchasing the First United Presbyterian Church property. All members present voted ‘Aye.'”
Library board meeting 9 Jan. 1964:
“Mr. Velde announced to the Board that plans are under way for creation of the Everett McKinley Dirksen Center as part of a new $450,000 Pekin Public Library. The Center is to be located next to the present library building on the property which the Library has already purchased from the Presbyterian Church. The Center will house the Senator’s books, photographs, collection of important historic papers, etc.
“Mayor Shade has named Dean McNaughton, John E. Velde, Jr., and Arthur Ehrlicher of Pekin; Walter V. McAdoo, Harry J. Neumiller, Louis B. Neumiller, J. Russel Coulter, and J. Fletcher Lankton of Peoria as members of the Dirksen Center Committee. McNaughton will serve as secretary and Ehrlicher as treasurer.
“Plans are to raise a minimum of $250,000 from contributions from friends and supporters of Dirksen throughout the nation for establishment of the Dirksen Center. The Pekin Library Board has $100,000 saved from operating budgets of years past. An additional $100,000 will be required to finance the project, and it is expected that this sum will come from additional savings from the library’s operating income. All properties acquired by the Library’s Board over the past 4 years are already paid for. A trust fund has been established at the Herget National Bank in Pekin to accept contributions to the Everett McKinley Dirksen Endowment Fund. Construction of the new building is expected to begin in the spring of 1966 and be completed by the spring of 1967.
“After much discussion of this wonderful news, the meeting was adjourned.”
Library board meeting 14 Jan. 1965:
“The Library is to store various papers, tapes, photographs, etc. belonging to Senator Dirksen until the new Library can be built. The Board decided to have storage cupboards with doors that could be locked built in the recesses on each side of the entrance doors in the Children’s Dept. It was agreed to have A. Lashbrook and Son build them, and the cost should be around $200.00.”
Library board meeting 11 Feb. 1965:
“The storage cupboards with doors that can be locked have now been completed. Miss Goldsmith reported that she and Jane Coons and Norma Engelhorn packed the various papers, tapes, photographs, etc. belonging to Senator Dirksen into dustproof boxes and locked them in the cupboards on Feb. 10. A list of the materials is in the Library safe.”
Library board meeting 20 May 1965:
“Mr. Velde told the Board of his discussion with the Mayor and that they agreed that the time had come for the Library to hire a professional librarian – a man. Mr. Velde assured the present librarian that this would mean no loss of position or salary for herself and the other members of the present library staff. He felt, however, that a trained man was needed to get the building program under way, make speeches, deal with library consultants and architects, etc. All the Board Members present agreed that this was so.”
Library board meeting 9 Sept. 1965:
“Mr. Velde reported to the Board that the Annual Meeting of the Dirksen Memorial Committee had been held at the Library at 9:00 A. M. on Aug. 2. He said that $5,00.00 (sic – $50,000) had been received for the Dirksen Fund and that four people had promised to give $25,000.00 each.”
Library board meeting 14 Oct. 1965:
“It was moved by Mrs. Hackler and seconded by Mrs. Bailey that the Library should offer $16,000.00 to purchase the Eidenmiller house at 332 Broadway. Motion carried.”
Library board meeting 18 Nov. 1965:
“Mr. Velde informed the Board that the Library now had an opportunity to purchase the property at 304 South Capitol from Mr. Julius Janssen for $16,000.00. This would give the Library an outlet for parking on South Capitol Street. He also informed the Board that the price of the Eidenmiller house at 332 Broadway was $18,000.00 and that they would not accept less. Since a quorum was not present, it was decided that Mr. Velde should talk to the other members of the Board – and – if they agreed – should go ahead with the purchase of both properties.”
Library board meeting 9 Dec. 1965:
“The Board approved the action taken at the last meeting, at which a quorum was not present, in purchasing the properties at 332 Broadway and 304 South Capitol.”
Library board meeting 13 Jan. 1966:
“Mr. Velde reported that the Presbyterian Church was going to pay for the razing and leveling of the old church and other buildings on the property. Therefore, the Library paid the Church the $4,500.00 Note Payable plus $472.50 interest.
“The Board also agreed to get an estimate from the Chas. Helmig Co. to have the property at 332 Broadway razed and leveled. (The estimate was for $690.00, and it was accepted).”
Library board meeting 23 June 1966:
“Mr. Velde presented a bid from the Chas. F. Helmig Co. totalling $2,340.00 for the demolition and filling the basement at 304 S. Capitol and also for preparing both the lot at 304 S. Capitol St. and the lot at 332 Broadway for parking lots. It was moved by Miss Jubain and seconded by Mrs. Bailey that the bid be accepted. Motion carried.
“In speaking of the new library building to come, Mr. Velde said that this fall he thought the Library should hire a Library Consultant, as this should be done approximately six months before the hiring of an architect.”
Library board meeting 8 Sept. 1966:
“The Board authorized Mr. Velde to hire the Detroit Library Consultants – Mohrhardt and Ulveling if possible – or, if not, to hire another firm he knew about.”
Special library board meeting 3 Oct. 1967:
“The Board met at the Library. Architect Ted Johnson of Pekin was in attendance. Others present were: President J. E. Velde, Bernice Hackler, Josephine Goldsmith, Virginia Heiple, William J. Reardon, Helen Bailey, Josephine Jubain, and acting Librarian Norma Engelhorn.
“The President announced that we were in the process of interviewing architects for the forthcoming new library for Pekin. He asked Mr. Johnson to speak to us of his thoughts on the proposed Library after viewing the consultants’ schematic drawing.
“Mr. Johnson said that each building and site have problems which require its own special solution. He said he would be pleased to work with the consultant and develop drawings and commended the Board on proceeding with a consultant. Working drawings are the important thing in the whole program. He estimated the needs of Pekin Library to be a building of 40,000 square feet and stated that the average cost would approximate $25.00 per square foot, depending on the construction, mechanical equipment, air conditioning, landscaping and exterior site work.
“Concerning architects fee: Current schedule of A.I.A. Up to $100,000 8%; a building $500,000 to 1 million would be $38,000 for the first $500,000 plus 7%
“Concerning mechanical work: Associated Engineers in Peoria and Buchanan-Bellows of Bloomington do his work.
“If there is any structural problems he would call on a consultant. There would be an analysis of soil.
“Questions:
“What do you do in the way of supervision?
“We prefer to call it administration of the contract. Part of that is supervision, which means that the architect will be inspecting the job anywhere from once to five times a week. Most projects require 3 or 4 times a week. The office is constantly involved with the problems of the contractors, also with the paper work and shop drawings.
“What do you think is the best way to give a contract – to one general contractor or let him divide it up?
“From my viewpoint it is best just to deal with one contractor. From the standpoint of bidding you would be money ahead by breaking it down into separate contracts, such as general construction, plumbing and heating, and electrical. Ask for breakdown on bids – separate and combined.
“What do you think about a clerk of the works?
“It is a good idea. He is on the job 8 hours a day. Can help schedule the work.”
Special library board meeting 4 Oct. 1967:
“The Board met at five o’clock P.M. on October 4, 1967, in the library. Architect Al Jost of Pekin came to the meeting. In attendance were: President J. E. Velde, Bernice Hackler, Josephine Goldsmith, Vera Dille, Helen Bailey, Virginia Heiple, Dean McNaughton, Josephine Jubain, acting librarian Norma Engelhorn.
“Al Jost said he would very much like to work with us as the architect for the new Library. He said he had a small office, 3 full time employees. One employee is now in the U.S. Military Service and will be back next March. He consults with established consulting engineers, for mechanical and electrical work on any larger jobs. We try to give it all the time needed, research the job as required, and will be glad to work with any consultant that we have.
“Questions:
“Do you feel that we would be better off to let a general contract and plumbing and heating contract, and an electrical contract?
“Take separate bids on plumbing separate on general construction, ask the contractor in the general contract what fees they would ask for adding these other contractors. One prime contractor would get better coordination. With an estimated 40,000 square feet including the Dirksen wing, a rough estimate would be $800,000.
“Do you think we should have a clerk of the works?
“Unless it turns out to be complicated structure it should not be necessary. The simpler you keep it the better off you will be. (Mr. Velde said that the consultants stated that it should be as open as possible so that it can be enlarged).
“Concerning fees: Be the standard schedule of fees set up by the Central Illinois Chapter of Architects. 7% rate. $12.00 per hour for additional services.
“Do you usually employ a specific firm for mechanical matters?
“Use 6 or 8. We will work with anyone you desire.
“How are we on time?
“Six months would be adequate.
“Mr. Velde stated that the Dirksen committee would pay its own way for brick and mortar. We are also hopeful for some Federal money, which has been 25% but it is somewhat less now.”
Special library board meeting 10 Oct. 1967:
“The Board met at five o’clock on October 10, 1967, in the office of Harold H. Kuhfuss. Mr. Hackler and Mr. Lee were in attendance representing John Hackler and Company, Architects. Others present were: J. E. Velde, Josephine Goldsmith, Helen Bailey, and Josephine Jubain.
“Mr. Hackler had a screen set up and projected film presentation of some of the buildings which the Architectural firm had supervised. He stated that they had a staff of from 15 to 20, including civil engineer, site engineer, and architectural section. They used the best consulting firms.
“Questions:
“Do you think we are better off to divide up our contracts?
“I think it is a great deal better to have interrelated dealings. You might save 2% to 5% on construction costs on multiple contracts. Mechanical and electrical firms do not like to bid under a general contract.
“Concerning supervision. Full time field inspection, get regular coverage 2 to 4 times a week.
“Concerning fees – Schedule of the Central Illinois Chapter of Architects. For a job of the size of Pekin Library the basic rate would be 7.4%, with a credit for any service which would normally be included in the fee for consultant work we do not have to perform.
“Mr. Hackler concluded that he feels that his firm offers a unique set of circumstances – we have the resources and experience which cannot be matched in this community.”
Special library board meeting 14 Dec. 1967:
“The Board met at five o’clock on December 14, 1967, in Pekin Public Library. Mr. Terry of Lakton (sic – Lankton), Ziegele and Terry, Architects of Peoria, was in attendance. Others present: J. E. Velde, President; Dean McNaughton, George Stolley, Bernice Hackler, Josephine Goldsmith, Vera Dille, Helen Bailey, Virginia Heiple, Josephine Jubain.
“Mr. Terry stated that his firm has been in business since 1932. 35 people are on the staff, 13 registered architects and several registered engineers. We do not specialize in any one particular type of building – number of schools, court houses, manufacturing and office buildings, educational work at various levels, hospitals, Galesburg Library, Bradley University Library addition, main library at Western State, addition at Normal for Illinois State.
“The contract for architectural service does not specify the quantity of work. Depends on professional integrity of architect. We should contact prior clients and find out if they received more than adequate service. Member of American Institute of Architects and we subscribe to the mandatory ethics of the Institute.
“Concerning fees: Central Illinois Chapter of the Institute sets up the minimum fee in its booklet, copy of which was given to Mr. Velde.
“Concerning cost: $16.00 to $25.00 per square foot, depending on materials with which it is constructed and the refinements that go into the mechanical drawings. This would be construction costs – not fees, or furniture or furnishings.
“Concerning inspections: Periodic inspection. Some require full time supervision, but that would be an extra charge for the salary of the man, over and above our fee.
“Question: Do you advise multiple contracts or use just main contractor?
“For multiple contracts: 1. You would save money; 2. You would be able to decide who the sub-contractors would be. For main contractor: 1. Get a better coordination of job. 2. Makes the job move faster.”
Library board meeting 8 Aug. 1968:
“A letter from Kriegsman Transfer Co., accompanied by a bill, was discussed. As most of this storage was for the Dirksen Memorial wing, it was felt that the Dirksen portion of the bill should be paid from the Dirksen Memorial Endowment Fund.”
Library board meeting 12 Sept. 1968:
“The storage bill for the Dirksen materials has been sent to the Dirksen Endowment Fund.
“There will be a meeting of the Dirksen committee in December.”
Special library board meeting 30 Oct. 1968:
“A special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Pekin Public Library was held at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 1968.
“Members present were President John E. Velde, Jr., Miss Josephine Jubain, Miss Josephine Goldsmith, Mrs. G. R. Hackler, Mrs. A. Dyce Bailey, Mr. George Stolley, Mrs. James Heiple, Miss Vera Dille, and Mr. Dean McNaughton.
“Mr. Velde gave the names of the five firms which had been interviewed for consideration as the architect for the new Pekin Public Library. Those five firms were Phillips and Swager, Al Jost, Ted Johnson, John Hackler and Company, and Lankton, Ziegele and Terry.
“On the first written ballot the firms were to be listed in order of preference, with the two firms receiving the greatest number of votes to be voted upon again. John Hackler and Company and Lankton, Ziegele and Terry received the most votes.
“On a written ballot John Hackler and Company received a majority of the votes.
“Mr. McNaughton moved that we engage Hackler as an architect as the result of the second balloting that provided him with a majority of the nine (9) members of the Board. Miss Jubain seconded the motion. The motion passed, with Mrs. Heiple recording a no vote.
“A discussion was held concerning the Dirksen Wing. . . . .
“Mr. Velde was to phone all architects concerning the final choice of architect for the new building.”
Library board meeting 14 Nov. 1968:
“Mr. Velde reported on a meeting held with Mr. William K. Alderfer, State Historian and Executive Director of the Illinois State Historical Society. At this meeting discussion was held concerning the Dirksen Wing and papers. Mr. Alderfer stated that we would need about 10,000 volumes concerning this period of history, in order to make the papers useful to scholars. There is possibly a need for an archivist. Mr. Alderfer will co-operate with us in every way. Also, contact is being made with the Senator’s office in Washington in order to determine the amount of material which will be placed in the Wing.
“John Hackler, architect, reported that he will be in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the first or second week in December. He will arrange to meet with the consultants at that time. Mr. Hackler suggested that a formal agreement between his firm and the Board be delated until he had met with the consultants and found out what effect the consultants’ work will have on the fee.”
Library board meeting 14 Dec. 1968:
“The architects have asked the Board to authorize a site survey and preliminary soil investigation. Miss Jubain moved that the Board authorize the architects to have the site survey and soil investigations completed. Mr. Stolley seconded. The motion carried.”
From that point, the library and Dirksen Center project began to move out of the planning phase and into the phase of tangible on-site work.
