Perusing North Kewanee Avenue it is interesting to know that the city of Kewanee in Illinois shares the same name. Kewanee is a city in Henry County Illinois. It is not located near North Kewanee Avenue. The Winnebago word for greater prairie chicken is Kewanee. The population of Kewanee was 12509 in the 2020 census.
Kewanee has a total area of 6.61 square miles according to the 2021 census. 6.60 square miles is land. 0.01 square miles is water.
Many interesting facts surround the city of Kewanee. Kewanee was once known for its fire-tube boiler industry. The Kewanee Boiler Corporation manufactured and sold boilers throughout the world for over one hundred years. The company shuttered in 2002. However, boilers manufactured in Kewanee are still in common use. The Kewanee High School athletic teams are nicknamed the Boilermakers. In 2023, the boiler shop burned down. Now it has a sign that says Kewanee Boiler Workers Memorial dedicated to over 130 years of boiler-making.
Kewanee was home to minor league baseball. The Kewanee Boilermakers minor league baseball team played in the Central Association from 1908–1913. In 1948–1949, the Kewanee As rejoined the Central Association. Kewanee was an affiliate of the Philadelphia Athletics 1948–1949. Kewanee minor league teams played at Terminal Park 1908–1913 and Northeast Park 1948–1949.
Kewanee has many different types of parks in the immediate area. They offer a variety of activities. Boating, camping, hunting, fishing, playgrounds, and baseball fields are available. Parks inside the city limits are run by the Kewanee Park District.
Kewanee has had two school districts. This dates back to when the community of Wethersfield was a separate municipality. Though the towns merged long ago the two school districts both remain in the city. They are divided at Division Street in the middle of Kewanee. Kewanee School District 229 has around 2015 students. Wethersfield 230 has about 600 students. The two schools enjoy a friendly rivalry. Black Hawk College-East Campus is recognized nationally for its equestrian program. It is also known for its livestock judging teams.
Hog Days is the most notable festival held in Kewanee. It is held annually on Labor Day weekend. Events include a carnival, mud volleyball, and a parade.
Many notable people hail from Kewanee. Walter T. Bailey was the first African-American graduate of the University of Illinois School of Architecture. B. Frank Baker was a member of the Illinois Senate and served as its mayor. Neville Brand was an actor and decorated World War II veteran. Richard Estes is an artist. Em Lindbeck was an MLB outfielder for the Detroit Tigers and mayor of Kewanee. Amber McReynolds is the chief executive of the National Vote at Home Institute. Marjabelle Young Stewart was a writer and expert on etiquette. Teresa Sullivan was President of the University of Virginia 2010–2018.
The Kewanee Amtrak station serves trains on the Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr daily. The current station was completed April 13 2012. While not directly related to North Kewanee Avenue the avenue shares a namesake with a town of rich history and unique distinctions.