Mattoon has been slowly declining in population since 1970. Mattoon isn't a bad city by any means, but it follows the trend of rural Illinois towns struggling to attract new jobs. The city has a drug problem, but the crime rates in Mattoon are not as bad as other drug infested rural towns. Mattoon has potential to turn things around economically, as it's home to the headquarters of a major retail chain and is located only 10 miles west of a city of similar size in Charleston. ==================================================================== EVERYTHING THAT I USE IN THE FIELD: Main Camera: amzn.to/3iS4vvF Side Cameras: amzn.to/2WuCYIs Media Mod for Camera: amzn.to/3j7CMGF Lav Mic: amzn.to/3lsMkz9 Drone: amzn.to/3ITcKBV SD Cards: amzn.to/3C2co9O Camera Mounts: amzn.to/2UXVR6p Cables Required for Longer Recordings: amzn.to/3BYnr3Q Computer: amzn.to/3787b2j External Hard Drive: amzn.to/3lb23Tf WHAT I USE AT HOME: Computer: amzn.to/3rKIdiN Sound Mixer: amzn.to/3C15Ubx Microphone: amzn.to/2VaCjvo Microphone Accessories: amzn.to/3v7A35Z INTERACTIVE MAP that shows you all of the places that I've made videos on: (Doesn't always work on mobile devices. Will always work on PC.) www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?hl=en&mid=1Lhzf04ocimPu-ROkg4cfXEYEvKMNnlI5&ll=43.06219876674538%2C-83.82163216337808&z=10 SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTACT INFO: Email: ChrisHardenYT@Gmail.com On Twitter: twitter.com/Chris_Harden55 On Instagram: instagram.com/c_harden7/?... On Facebook: facebook.com/ChrisHardenYT/ DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. As an Amazon Associate I do earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. As always, thank you for supporting my channel!
Mattoon is not as bad as some of the towns you visit. I was surprised that you didn't mention the Burger King which is a somewhat famous corporate law case, because the shop in Mattoon was started before the "Home of the Whopper" the corporation can't put a store within a certain radius of Mattoon. The town is also the home of Lenders Bagels, and they have Bagelfest every summer. Also, Rural King is great, dogs are welcome and free popcorn and coffee!
As a resident of Mattoon, I’ve seen a boom of new businesses recently. I’d say it’s anything fading. It’s not like Chicago where you have everything under the sun, but we have what we need :) if you want new things to do, the neighboring towns also have other things! You just have to be creative and leave no stone unturned when exploring around town. I’ve always really found good times wherever familiar faces are.
We moved to Mattoon seven years ago and have been happy there. It is very close to Lake Shelbyville so if you like fishing or boating it is close by, plus two small lakes to the south. Mattoon does have a nice college too. You didn't show the pool but when it was built it was the largest in Illinois. There are a lot of new businesses in the couple years since you made this video. When we were moving here we looked at houses in Charleston also and there were a lot more run down houses and messy neighborhoods in Charleston. If you look at a realtor site you will see less than 20 homes for sale in this town of 17K so I guess people don't want to move out. My neighbors listed their house last month and it sold in one day. I would also like to say that they expanded the police force and there is not such a drug problem.
My dad's dad's side is all from Mattoon. He worked for the railroad and eventually transferred to New Orleans and met my grandma, hence why my family is from Louisiana. My grandad grew up on Pine Street. He was born in 1906. I'd really love to visit the area. The house is still there today.
Grew up here. Elementary, middle school, high school. Haven't been back in about 5 years I think. Was great pretending to drive around the roads I remember so well while 11 hours away. Thank you
I like your choice of music for this video, it gives it a very surreal feeling as you are driving through the city. It kept me interested and attentive.
I live in Mattoon and think it really depends on what part of town you live in as to what your experience is, as is the case for all towns, large or small. We like living here and have nice neighbors. I thought it was unfortunate that you passed by the original Burger King without mention, maybe you didn't know. The franchise had to get permission to use the name from our Burger King. I was hoping you would show Lake Land College also. You were on Lake Land Blvd. at the very end and it's one of the largest employers in Mattoon so that's where I thought you were headed. It's a beautiful campus and they prepare many of the students for transfer to EIU, U of I, etc. Nice video though! I was surprised to see our little town even mentioned. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! It's not always easy to know everything about every town when making videos on places, and I appreciate you being polite about it as not everyone on this platform is, lol. I'm getting better at it though, and can understand some disappointment if I don't show something that's unique to their town. The original burger king is something that was definitely worth mentioning.
Some points: 1. Since 2010 Charleston population declined -8.37% and mattoons -5.87%. 2. Mattoon’s lakeland college has a student population of about 4,500 and eiu in charleston about 7k. 3. Much of the decline in population for mattoon has been the reduced number of students at lakeland, in 2012 lakeland had 8k students,so a decline of over 40%, this alone would give us a large part of the decline for mattoon in the past decade 4. Median age in mattoon is about 40 and charleston 26, so we are looking at one city more dependent on students than the other. In fact ,subtract the students,and the two cities are about ewual in size with the more permanent type residents. 5. The reason for the mainstreet in mattoon ( Broadway) to be in poor shape is most businesses are moving to the east side of town,which has been growing at a very good rate this past decade. The reason is to capture more of the charleston shopping ,but note its in Mattoon and attracting shoppers to mattoon ( not in charleston are we seeing this surge). Mattoon is flourishing well in east side businesses. Also, we are seeing a long term trend of the two cities in time becoming one,much like champaign-urbana,as mattoon continues to build new businesses and growth toward the east side. 6. About 2;3 of large cities ( over 50k) have lost size since 2010. Some near to Mattoon,like springfield and decatur,have not really fared better than mattoon ( and remember charleston lost at 8.37%,much worse than mattoon). For the area,Mattoon has weathered the statewide decline better than most. 7. One could argue being overly dependent on a university ( like charleston) can also be bad, if numbers decline,as they have,it will hurt them worse than cities less dependent on one business or few business. I believe about 1/3 of charleston residents are in poverty by latest census,likely due to large number of college students.8. Mattoon has some attractive features, the pool mentioned in video is largest public pool in illinois,at about 1,200,000 gallons. The mattoon train station is a stop for the “city of new orleans”. One of the most famous rail routes known. The home of abe lincolns father and step mother is only a few miles outside if mattoon. These and other unique features make Mattoon a place many visitors may want to visit. Its older median age ( 40 to 26 compared to charlestin) probably also means the streets are safer and less parties. Many good things wbout Mattoon to see, a video featuring all these things would be something i may mske myseld in time. Not knocking this video,it did a good job with the basic facts and some features, but much also positive to be seen here as well.
Here's a fun fact. The original Burger King was built in Mattoon, and there are no other BK's allowed within 50 miles of it due to the original license agreement.
@@budgettaxi1754that must be a recent change because they used to buy it at My Store. I hope they do get the meat from Morgan's Meat Market though because the quality of pretty much everything at My Store has gone down dramatically since the new owners bought it. I won't shop there anymore.
It would be nice to mention that when the Lytle Park pool was built it was the largest swimming pool in Illinois. It may still be, as it has over an acre of surface area. You could have shown the original location of Rural King too.
I've spent nearly every summer vacation of mine in Mattoon. I was curious to see if any videos regarding the town surfaced online because I'll be going back again this summer. Back in *around* 2008? 2009? My memory is foggy here considering I'm still young, there was still a barren selection of things to do. I mean, it *IS* a midwestern town, so you can't really do much. The "shopping" district here is a very small selection. So considering that time has most certainly passed, I can see the stagnation in city development. * Dollar Tree * PetSmart * Walmart Things like that have either stayed in the town or packed up since. Last time I did visit, I noticed that the original Rural King was now a cargo center and a new store was erected across town. I think there's a Jo-Anne's fabrics and Marshals, too. Don't account me for that, though. Mattoon, at least to me, was more of a "Let's find a hotel/fast food joint here" or "Off the exit" sort of town. It is certainly interesting, but there really isn't much to do. I always visited my family here, so I always felt occupied because I was with cousins and grandparents to keep me busy. It's like my second home.
Born & raised there & was lucky enough to move away at the end of 1976. Was a great manufacturing town & had lots of great memories but would not even consider ever going back to live. Just visit family & friends!
I grew up in Arcola which is 13 miles North of Mattoon. In the 1950s & 60s, Mattoon was the place to shop in the downtown business district. Just about every store in the Downtown - Wards, Sears, Penneys, Ben Franklin, Mens & Ladies Clothing stores, Book Stores, Comic Book Shops, Record Stores, Ice Cream Parlors, Skating Rink, and more! Gills Diner downtown and Gills Drivein several blocks North plus two Movie Theaters downtown! I believe Mattoon had two Drivein Theaters too on the East Side. The Cross County Mall destroyed the Downtown!
Im from the mattoon area an was lucky enough to get out. I can say without a doubt that you got it pretty well right. Glad to see you didnt fall asleep at the wheel due to bordom.
My parents are from there and I lived there for a few years. I loved it because it was home to me and a huge part of my childhood but yeah, it was so boring.
Most of these small towns were a lot more self supporting in many of the services we all have become to expect. I live in a small town such as Mattoon and the biggest loss was supermarkets, drug stores, and clothing stores to be replaced by larger towns Walmart's and Targets. Drive around and see the large homes once owned by the business men who owned these stores. Our small town is now loosing the bank, mostly because of online banking I guess. No shortage of convenience stores/gas stations. Dollar General just built and opened, providing the only real store left in town that once had car dealers/movie theater/and all sorts of clothing and shoe stores, all gone now.
I’m also from mattoon, and it’s too bad you didn’t go to Burger King it’s the original founded in 1952, 2 years before the franchise and there was a lawsuit. The franchise cannot build within 30 miles of the original which is why Charleston does not have a Burger King. Also part of your history missed the old coal mine below the city( abandoned circa 1888) and the infamous Mad Gasser of Mattoon. Then there’s the single oil pump in Lytle Park next to the pool both circa 1940. The pump has been going strong for the better part of a century. Part of the profits from the pump go back to the park for upkeep of the pool and grounds. There’s also the old hospital located near the county market that is supposedly haunted. Ashmore Estates a mental institution regularly took in patients from mattoon general. Ashmore Estates however has been confirmed to be haunted through various investigations over the years. But if you were to dig in deeper you’d probably have an hour long video. Any way thanks for the snapshots of our Midwestern lives.
I lived in Mattoon for over 30 years. It's was a nice place to raise my kids. There's more to do than you showed. There's 2 big parks & a few smaller ones. There's a skating rink, movie theater, ball parks, skateboard park, & a mall. The grade schools are new and really nice. There's a good community College and hospital too. Sadly you didn't point out any of the good places that you passed while driving in circles. The biggest reason for the population drop is due to the closing of some good paying factory jobs.
My partner is from the outskirts of Mattoon and at least coming from someone who's from a more denser area of the country, I really love how open it is out there. Being able to see to the horizon on land can be beautiful when development is taking away every patch of green at home. I guess that doesn't make Mattoon any more special than other small rural towns, but I think it's a real asset of these places.
Born & raised in Mattoon. The 60's were fun driving up & down Broadway & eating at Gills where my older brother car hop. You missed the other park, you didn't say anything. You missed the brick paved roads too. Mattoon Lake was a place to be during the summer with its train ride & beer parties, city shut down the old lake road years ago. Left Mattoon when I was 18yrs.
I grew up in Mattoon, and it’s such a shame what it’s become. Sure, there’s a community college and lots of little businesses there, but no places to build a career like there used to be. All the factories shut down, and the jobs went with them. It’s sad.
I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, with snow covered mountains to the east of me and the beautiful Pacific Ocean to my west, California once, and still is beautiful, however things are out of control out here in paradise and Matoon sure seems like a beautiful and quaint place to live.
I will say I’ve lived in Mattoon my whole life and I’m only 14 and I still live in Mattoon and some of these things are not true like Mountain Dew drinkin hillbilly’s or what ever it’s not true and some things are true
Already I like your vid. Some of my ancestors/relatives are from Mattoon. Raised in nearby Decatur I've been to Mattoon a lot in the '50s & I've done research on my ancestors. Back in c1908 my aunt (then she was 9) was hit & killed by a train at the train station (she stood too close to the tracks). Anyway I find your vid is a thumbs up. I live in Colorado now so I haven't been back there since the mid '50s. Any vids on Colorado? :D Yeah, I'm that old :)
I was born and raised there. It would have been nice if you could have driven through the nice parts of this town! The country club or Wabash ave which have some very nice old big houses! Even crestmore subdivision which is right across from rural king and the mall. It was nice to look at this on RUclips though. Since I have moved to Florida. Thank you!
I live here and we love to drink beer and fish. We have Wonderful Lake Mattoon to play at to take boats to.. I like to take my canoe out. I am not a Meth head. I have not touched a drug in 16 years and I am losing teeth. What this country needs is better Dental care available for folks. So don't go Assuming Sht. There's all kinds of farm animals. There's The Races folks to go to. Partying in the cornfields I remember a few times waking up in the cornfields lol . Blasting Music. Have Dirt bikes races close. Four Wheelers. Drive in movie in the park. Movie Theater. And Yes us Hillbillies have a Library. And a stupid Golf course 🤣😂🤣
As many small towns in the Midwest go, Matoon is a pretty typical one. I know plenty just like it all over Ohio. Matoon is in far better shape than Cairo is.
It is absolutely fair to paint the school in that light. They might have only had one shooting so far but the conditions that led to the culture that created it have only worsened. American kids everywhere have less of a reason every year to feel safe in school but Mattoon especially is a case of insisting you turned the stove off and not bothering to check
@@diegokasady There is a lot of drug related crime especially on the north side of town. It’s safer the closer you are to the university. The biggest problem is there aren’t many good jobs available. The poverty is bad in Charleston/Mattoon.
I watched this video, it bring me back to my childhood town Mattoon. I missed my home town Mattoon. I haven't visited Mattoon since both my parents passed away or should I say my mom passed. away.
Hey there at some point could you maybe check out Grand Rapids Michigan it is a really nice city with medium sized buildings tons of medical and most of the buildings are modern too I enjoyed video have a nice day or night!!!
I was born and raised in Mattoon. I have family there. My father runs a business and has for almost 40 years. I got married and moved away. But I miss that place. I am going back with my wife in July to visit my family and relax a bit. Does Mattoon need an upgrade? Sure it does but nice good people live there too. This town will ALWAYS be my home! 😃
You need to redo this video. Mattoon is certainly not fading. So much has changed. And for the record, Mattoon is a better place to raise a family than Charleston imo.
There’s so much you left out that you could have talked about but that’s okay lol those train tracks by motomart used to be a turn table, we annually host bagel fest, every Friday night we have car show/meet during the warmer seasons, we are home to the original Burgwr I omg that is not apart of chain
I haven't lived there since 1985, but back then the OG Burger King was some of the worst food ever inflicted on mankind. I got food poisoning twice as a kid from that place.
I just remember soggy fries and really greasy burgers. I always preferred McDonalds but mom and dad had the local civic pride thing and would take us there a lot. We'd also go there for milkshakes if we won our JC league games...the shakes were pretty solid. It was also the high school hangout spot on weekends back in the day. Still true?
WHY do you keep driving down Marshall Avenue? Every time you circle into that neighbourhood, you risk getting boxed in by a freight train on the Decatur line. And why didn't you take a little trip south of Charleston Avenue on the east side? See some of the fine 1920's and 1930's homes and brick pavements in the Lumpkin Heights neighbourhood.
@@ChrisHarden There is nothing wrong with driving in circles, but the railroad crossings in that neighbourhood are a nightmare, because you would get stuck, with no way around, and every time you drive down Marshall Avenue, you risk getting stuck at one of those crossings.
Eastern isn't that great, glad Mattoon didn't acquire it. Lake Land College is tons better! Born and raised in Mattoon, can't say its wonderful, but its home!
There is a very large, modern movie theater. Lots of nice bars and restaurants. We like Mexican food and there are six places to choose from. Mattoon is right next to one of the largest lakes in Illinois, Lake Shelbyville and lots of people have boats and go fishing. We never go to Charleston for things but a much bigger college is just to the North in Champaign and there is lots of entertainment there.
People shouldn't be mad at you for giving information about the city, you didn't have anything to do with the stats, you just state the facts about the town
Original Burger King. And it’s nothing like the Burger King you’re familiar with. You WONT be disappointed. And I’m kinda of a food snob. You’ll love the burgers
The school shooter was only behind bars during his court hearings this was post 9 months ago he was a year before in July he was on vacation in golf shores
Despite what this video says about mattoon especially as opposed to it's neighbor 10 miles east. It's not a bad place. Can it be better? Yes. Problem is that the city has had many chances to better themselves but they either shit their nest or do things half assed. It's definitely one of those places that you want to get away from but yet drawn back to.
Some people love living in Chicago, but I can't even conceive of living in those areas. Maybe the small towns of which there are thousands just in the mid-west (once thriving) are gone for good. My neighbors son, a college student, wants the big city life. Maybe down the road he will rethink it all and want to live in a small town again.
We are gonna go down in June and see others around it not Charleston yet. shocking you didnt go down the road with the oldest Burger King !!!! i want to try their burgers since they are the oldest Burger king and actually cant have no food chain in 20 miles! the park you went by far as i learned has 1 million galloon POOL its bigger than a football stadium! and a oil well thats been pumping nonstop far as i know for over 60 or something years or so. For the first time it be a just to go in and see Burger King .. Seeing Casey and others. But i know many people knock smaller towns. But most depending on the town itself is cooler than many bigger i hate to live or see Chicago, especially with Mary Lightfoot there wanting Police to first ask to go after a criminal before they do anything. Most smaller towns yea may not have the big skyscrappers and major big things but many are kept as cool older look which is really cool most new stuff new buildings are just boring no natural to it no cooliness no unique the cool older downtowns have that charm . Why historical stuff is so cool . But yea gonna se ealot of things in early june. Mattoon be a 2 parter. 2nd time when i go on Arthur trip and the pool and oil will be for that trip No time for that this time with everything else. Casey, Thomas Lincoln site Martinsville Effingham cross at crossroads, Lerna fastest soda machine Candy kitchen in Tuscola, some small little towns indian store in St. Elmo, Altamont biggest miller lite can , mater Vandalia the courthouse st. louis arch replica the Dragon etc so ya. Shame you didnt drive by Burger king.
locals refer to it as methtoon. due to the meth labs. i went to high school near mattoon and thats what everyone in my town called it and my friends from mattoon. lol.
Mattoon has been slowly declining in population since 1970. Mattoon isn't a bad city by any means, but it follows the trend of rural Illinois towns struggling to attract new jobs. The city has a drug problem, but the crime rates in Mattoon are not as bad as other drug infested rural towns. Mattoon has potential to turn things around economically, as it's home to the headquarters of a major retail chain and is located only 10 miles west of a city of similar size in Charleston.
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Luckily if they build the sports coliseum there planning on. it'll be a boom town. Its projected most state sport games will be held there.
Mattoon is not as bad as some of the towns you visit. I was surprised that you didn't mention the Burger King which is a somewhat famous corporate law case, because the shop in Mattoon was started before the "Home of the Whopper" the corporation can't put a store within a certain radius of Mattoon. The town is also the home of Lenders Bagels, and they have Bagelfest every summer. Also, Rural King is great, dogs are welcome and free popcorn and coffee!
As a resident of Mattoon, I’ve seen a boom of new businesses recently. I’d say it’s anything fading. It’s not like Chicago where you have everything under the sun, but we have what we need :) if you want new things to do, the neighboring towns also have other things! You just have to be creative and leave no stone unturned when exploring around town. I’ve always really found good times wherever familiar faces are.
We moved to Mattoon seven years ago and have been happy there. It is very close to Lake Shelbyville so if you like fishing or boating it is close by, plus two small lakes to the south. Mattoon does have a nice college too. You didn't show the pool but when it was built it was the largest in Illinois. There are a lot of new businesses in the couple years since you made this video. When we were moving here we looked at houses in Charleston also and there were a lot more run down houses and messy neighborhoods in Charleston. If you look at a realtor site you will see less than 20 homes for sale in this town of 17K so I guess people don't want to move out. My neighbors listed their house last month and it sold in one day. I would also like to say that they expanded the police force and there is not such a drug problem.
Mattoon holds a special place in my heart.
My dad's dad's side is all from Mattoon. He worked for the railroad and eventually transferred to New Orleans and met my grandma, hence why my family is from Louisiana.
My grandad grew up on Pine Street. He was born in 1906. I'd really love to visit the area. The house is still there today.
Grew up here. Elementary, middle school, high school. Haven't been back in about 5 years I think. Was great pretending to drive around the roads I remember so well while 11 hours away. Thank you
That’s one reason why I make these!
I like your choice of music for this video, it gives it a very surreal feeling as you are driving through the city. It kept me interested and attentive.
I live in Mattoon and think it really depends on what part of town you live in as to what your experience is, as is the case for all towns, large or small. We like living here and have nice neighbors. I thought it was unfortunate that you passed by the original Burger King without mention, maybe you didn't know. The franchise had to get permission to use the name from our Burger King. I was hoping you would show Lake Land College also. You were on Lake Land Blvd. at the very end and it's one of the largest employers in Mattoon so that's where I thought you were headed. It's a beautiful campus and they prepare many of the students for transfer to EIU, U of I, etc. Nice video though! I was surprised to see our little town even mentioned. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! It's not always easy to know everything about every town when making videos on places, and I appreciate you being polite about it as not everyone on this platform is, lol. I'm getting better at it though, and can understand some disappointment if I don't show something that's unique to their town. The original burger king is something that was definitely worth mentioning.
Some points: 1. Since 2010 Charleston population declined -8.37% and mattoons -5.87%. 2. Mattoon’s lakeland college has a student population of about 4,500 and eiu in charleston about 7k. 3. Much of the decline in population for mattoon has been the reduced number of students at lakeland, in 2012 lakeland had 8k students,so a decline of over 40%, this alone would give us a large part of the decline for mattoon in the past decade 4. Median age in mattoon is about 40 and charleston 26, so we are looking at one city more dependent on students than the other. In fact ,subtract the students,and the two cities are about ewual in size with the more permanent type residents. 5. The reason for the mainstreet in mattoon ( Broadway) to be in poor shape is most businesses are moving to the east side of town,which has been growing at a very good rate this past decade. The reason is to capture more of the charleston shopping ,but note its in Mattoon and attracting shoppers to mattoon ( not in charleston are we seeing this surge). Mattoon is flourishing well in east side businesses. Also, we are seeing a long term trend of the two cities in time becoming one,much like champaign-urbana,as mattoon continues to build new businesses and growth toward the east side. 6. About 2;3 of large cities ( over 50k) have lost size since 2010. Some near to Mattoon,like springfield and decatur,have not really fared better than mattoon ( and remember charleston lost at 8.37%,much worse than mattoon). For the area,Mattoon has weathered the statewide decline better than most. 7. One could argue being overly dependent on a university ( like charleston) can also be bad, if numbers decline,as they have,it will hurt them worse than cities less dependent on one business or few business. I believe about 1/3 of charleston residents are in poverty by latest census,likely due to large number of college students.8. Mattoon has some attractive features, the pool mentioned in video is largest public pool in illinois,at about 1,200,000 gallons. The mattoon train station is a stop for the “city of new orleans”. One of the most famous rail routes known. The home of abe lincolns father and step mother is only a few miles outside if mattoon. These and other unique features make Mattoon a place many visitors may want to visit. Its older median age ( 40 to 26 compared to charlestin) probably also means the streets are safer and less parties.
Many good things wbout Mattoon to see, a video featuring all these things would be something i may mske myseld in time. Not knocking this video,it did a good job with the basic facts and some features, but much also positive to be seen here as well.
I live there to
Here's a fun fact. The original Burger King was built in Mattoon, and there are no other BK's allowed within 50 miles of it due to the original license agreement.
Also the hamburger meat is bought fresh from the local Morgan's meat market. So much better than any other fast food.
There is a franchise BK 22.13 Miles away north in tuscola.
@@WrenchKing250 perhaps the arrangement has lapsed since I attended school in Charleston 30+ years ago.
It's 20 miles not 50 but still valid. We have The Burger King whereas the chain name is Burger King.
@@budgettaxi1754that must be a recent change because they used to buy it at My Store. I hope they do get the meat from Morgan's Meat Market though because the quality of pretty much everything at My Store has gone down dramatically since the new owners bought it. I won't shop there anymore.
It would be nice to mention that when the Lytle Park pool was built it was the largest swimming pool in Illinois. It may still be, as it has over an acre of surface area. You could have shown the original location of Rural King too.
Agreed, he must of been totally lost going down the same streets.
I took my first swim lessons at Lytle Park Pool. That was 1964.
@@kevinconnelly7684 Yes, I did too! I don't remember the year but it was around that time. Great memories of Lytle Park Pool!
I've spent nearly every summer vacation of mine in Mattoon. I was curious to see if any videos regarding the town surfaced online because I'll be going back again this summer.
Back in *around* 2008? 2009? My memory is foggy here considering I'm still young, there was still a barren selection of things to do. I mean, it *IS* a midwestern town, so you can't really do much. The "shopping" district here is a very small selection. So considering that time has most certainly passed, I can see the stagnation in city development.
* Dollar Tree
* PetSmart
* Walmart
Things like that have either stayed in the town or packed up since. Last time I did visit, I noticed that the original Rural King was now a cargo center and a new store was erected across town. I think there's a Jo-Anne's fabrics and Marshals, too. Don't account me for that, though.
Mattoon, at least to me, was more of a "Let's find a hotel/fast food joint here" or "Off the exit" sort of town. It is certainly interesting, but there really isn't much to do.
I always visited my family here, so I always felt occupied because I was with cousins and grandparents to keep me busy.
It's like my second home.
Born & raised there & was lucky enough to move away at the end of 1976. Was a great manufacturing town & had lots of great memories but would not even consider ever going back to live. Just visit family & friends!
I grew up in Arcola which is 13 miles North of Mattoon. In the 1950s & 60s, Mattoon was the place to shop in the downtown business district. Just about every store in the Downtown - Wards, Sears, Penneys, Ben Franklin, Mens & Ladies Clothing stores, Book Stores, Comic Book Shops, Record Stores, Ice Cream Parlors, Skating Rink, and more! Gills Diner downtown and Gills Drivein several blocks North plus two Movie Theaters downtown! I believe Mattoon had two Drivein Theaters too on the East Side. The Cross County Mall destroyed the Downtown!
Im from the mattoon area an was lucky enough to get out. I can say without a doubt that you got it pretty well right. Glad to see you didnt fall asleep at the wheel due to bordom.
My parents are from there and I lived there for a few years. I loved it because it was home to me and a huge part of my childhood but yeah, it was so boring.
Fun fact Lincoln’s parents are buried in Cole’s county outside of mattoon/Charleston
Most of these small towns were a lot more self supporting in many of the services we all have become to expect. I live in a small town such as Mattoon and the biggest loss was supermarkets, drug stores, and clothing stores to be replaced by larger towns Walmart's and Targets. Drive around and see the large homes once owned by the business men who owned these stores. Our small town is now loosing the bank, mostly because of online banking I guess. No shortage of convenience stores/gas stations. Dollar General just built and opened, providing the only real store left in town that once had car dealers/movie theater/and all sorts of clothing and shoe stores, all gone now.
I’m also from mattoon, and it’s too bad you didn’t go to Burger King it’s the original founded in 1952, 2 years before the franchise and there was a lawsuit. The franchise cannot build within 30 miles of the original which is why Charleston does not have a Burger King. Also part of your history missed the old coal mine below the city( abandoned circa 1888) and the infamous Mad Gasser of Mattoon. Then there’s the single oil pump in Lytle Park next to the pool both circa 1940. The pump has been going strong for the better part of a century. Part of the profits from the pump go back to the park for upkeep of the pool and grounds. There’s also the old hospital located near the county market that is supposedly haunted. Ashmore Estates a mental institution regularly took in patients from mattoon general. Ashmore Estates however has been confirmed to be haunted through various investigations over the years. But if you were to dig in deeper you’d probably have an hour long video. Any way thanks for the snapshots of our Midwestern lives.
Where can I read more about this
@@ASAManifesto any local newspaper or historical sites
I'm currently a Mattoon high school student, this town is fading, and its fading fast. The people here are really something else honestly.
I lived in Mattoon for over 30 years. It's was a nice place to raise my kids. There's more to do than you showed. There's 2 big parks & a few smaller ones. There's a skating rink, movie theater, ball parks, skateboard park, & a mall. The grade schools are new and really nice. There's a good community College and hospital too. Sadly you didn't point out any of the good places that you passed while driving in circles. The biggest reason for the population drop is due to the closing of some good paying factory jobs.
I remember an Amtrak conductor referring Mattoon as Toon Town during a station stop announcement
My partner is from the outskirts of Mattoon and at least coming from someone who's from a more denser area of the country, I really love how open it is out there. Being able to see to the horizon on land can be beautiful when development is taking away every patch of green at home. I guess that doesn't make Mattoon any more special than other small rural towns, but I think it's a real asset of these places.
Born & raised in Mattoon. The 60's were fun driving up & down Broadway & eating at Gills where my older brother car hop. You missed the other park, you didn't say anything. You missed the brick paved roads too. Mattoon Lake was a place to be during the summer with its train ride & beer parties, city shut down the old lake road years ago. Left Mattoon when I was 18yrs.
I grew up in Mattoon, and it’s such a shame what it’s become. Sure, there’s a community college and lots of little businesses there, but no places to build a career like there used to be. All the factories shut down, and the jobs went with them. It’s sad.
I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, with snow covered mountains to the east of me and the beautiful Pacific Ocean to my west, California once, and still is beautiful, however things are out of control out here in paradise and
Matoon sure seems like a beautiful and quaint place to live.
I will say I’ve lived in Mattoon my whole life and I’m only 14 and I still live in Mattoon and some of these things are not true like Mountain Dew drinkin hillbilly’s or what ever it’s not true and some things are true
Already I like your vid. Some of my ancestors/relatives are from Mattoon. Raised in nearby Decatur I've been to Mattoon a lot in the '50s & I've done research on my ancestors. Back in c1908 my aunt (then she was 9) was hit & killed by a train at the train station (she stood too close to the tracks). Anyway I find your vid is a thumbs up. I live in Colorado now so I haven't been back there since the mid '50s. Any vids on Colorado? :D Yeah, I'm that old :)
I was born and raised there. It would have been nice if you could have driven through the nice parts of this town! The country club or Wabash ave which have some very nice old big houses! Even crestmore subdivision which is right across from rural king and the mall. It was nice to look at this on RUclips though. Since I have moved to Florida. Thank you!
The low birth rate in rural areas is killing these little towns. Kids are staying home longer, marrying later and having few to no children.
Rural King is great.
I used to live in Mattoon from 1980 to 1985, got married and moved away, but my family still lives not far from Peterson park.
I live here and we love to drink beer and fish. We have Wonderful Lake Mattoon to play at to take boats to.. I like to take my canoe out. I am not a Meth head. I have not touched a drug in 16 years and I am losing teeth. What this country needs is better Dental care available for folks. So don't go Assuming Sht. There's all kinds of farm animals. There's The Races folks to go to. Partying in the cornfields I remember a few times waking up in the cornfields lol . Blasting Music. Have Dirt bikes races close. Four Wheelers. Drive in movie in the park. Movie Theater. And Yes us Hillbillies have a Library. And a stupid Golf course 🤣😂🤣
As many small towns in the Midwest go, Matoon is a pretty typical one. I know plenty just like it all over Ohio. Matoon is in far better shape than Cairo is.
there are quite a few gorgeous older homes in Mattoon
Mostly along Western Avenue, I think.
Everything good that’s left represents the past. Houses were built when McDonalds was everyone’s dream job.
It is absolutely fair to paint the school in that light. They might have only had one shooting so far but the conditions that led to the culture that created it have only worsened. American kids everywhere have less of a reason every year to feel safe in school but Mattoon especially is a case of insisting you turned the stove off and not bothering to check
I like your videos bro make me feel like I'm playing gta just driving
Im from Mattoon, and currently live here. This town does suck, highly recommend anyone thinking about moving here to reconsider.
Glad we escaped that dump and moved to Tennessee.
What about Charleston any opinions would be appreciated
The only difference between Mattoon and Charleston is Eastern Illinois University.
Shane Webb is there bad crime in Charleston or anything else you can tell me
@@diegokasady There is a lot of drug related crime especially on the north side of town. It’s safer the closer you are to the university. The biggest problem is there aren’t many good jobs available. The poverty is bad in Charleston/Mattoon.
I watched this video, it bring me back to my childhood town Mattoon. I missed my home town Mattoon. I haven't visited Mattoon since both my parents passed away or should I say my mom passed. away.
Not me waiting for someone having the same name as someone in my class
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Hey there at some point could you maybe check out Grand Rapids Michigan it is a really nice city with medium sized buildings tons of medical and most of the buildings are modern too I enjoyed video have a nice day or night!!!
It’ll be a while but stay tuned!
I was born and raised in Mattoon. I have family there. My father runs a business and has for almost 40 years. I got married and moved away. But I miss that place. I am going back with my wife in July to visit my family and relax a bit. Does Mattoon need an upgrade? Sure it does but nice good people live there too. This town will ALWAYS be my home! 😃
Did you drive around in circles? I saw that same Caseys on 16/Marshall at least 3 times...
My goal was to give you nightmares about the Casey’s on 16.
@@ChrisHarden Getting stuck at that railroad crossing is the REAL nightmare!
That shits closed now!
Rural King has recently invaded Missouri, though I haven't visited one yet.
Cassie Edwards, a well known romance writer, lists Mattoon as where she lives with her family...
You need to redo this video. Mattoon is certainly not fading. So much has changed. And for the record, Mattoon is a better place to raise a family than Charleston imo.
I use to live in Mattoon and you hit it right on the head!!! Methtoon central where you go to lose your teeth and become a tweaker! 😂
What? No mention of the Mad Gasser?
He didn't research any of our awesone history
Yes town famous beacuse that mad gasser farley lywellyn
So, what do people outside of rural Illinois do for fun besides Walmart and McDonald’s? (Asking for a friend..)
😅 i hope your joking
Work hard and play hard.
Ahhh Mattoon gotta love the smell of Meth in the air 🤣
Andy Weaver and Mike Weaver like to make fake profiles of Facebook and pretend to be a woman so they can catfish people.
Can you please do a video on LaSalle County? I love your videos
I’ve made videos on Peru, Ottawa and La Salle!
Ah, 17:12. If only we could just go back to $2.11 gal gas.
Only if we could go back to a $1.77 a gallon
There’s so much you left out that you could have talked about but that’s okay lol those train tracks by motomart used to be a turn table, we annually host bagel fest, every Friday night we have car show/meet during the warmer seasons, we are home to the original Burgwr I omg that is not apart of chain
Cleveland Guardians staff assistant Kyle Hudson
Did you go by riddle elementary school?
There's a bowling alley, skating rink
typo in the title it’s actually spelled METHTOON
Haha i love how he didn't mention we have the original burger king and find me I'll show you cool places to go it's not as sad a town as it seems
I haven't lived there since 1985, but back then the OG Burger King was some of the worst food ever inflicted on mankind. I got food poisoning twice as a kid from that place.
@@JonnyQuest4000 weak stomach
I just remember soggy fries and really greasy burgers. I always preferred McDonalds but mom and dad had the local civic pride thing and would take us there a lot. We'd also go there for milkshakes if we won our JC league games...the shakes were pretty solid. It was also the high school hangout spot on weekends back in the day. Still true?
@JonnyQuest4000 I can respect that it's allot better these days the fries used to be good not so much these days though
@@jonnyebbert2595 was when I was a teen but not so much anymore sadly but still busy as ever
WHY do you keep driving down Marshall Avenue? Every time you circle into that neighbourhood, you risk getting boxed in by a freight train on the Decatur line. And why didn't you take a little trip south of Charleston Avenue on the east side? See some of the fine 1920's and 1930's homes and brick pavements in the Lumpkin Heights neighbourhood.
Because I drive in mad circles yo. That's what I do. Come on now.
@@ChrisHarden There is nothing wrong with driving in circles, but the railroad crossings in that neighbourhood are a nightmare, because you would get stuck, with no way around, and every time you drive down Marshall Avenue, you risk getting stuck at one of those crossings.
@@ladymacbethofmtensk896 Haha I got you.
When you drive bus or car 3 hours from.chicago to mattoon ?
I live in Mattoon
Isn't nothing but a rear view town. High rent for houses that haven't been updated, money scandals, with nothing to offer.
Tell me more about the money scandals.
As a resident of Mattoon for over years this is the home of the. Drug dealers but I don’t care I love this town more than anything
That's what happens to downtowns when everybody is shopping on Amazon and eBay
Is that a bad thing?
Yeah if you go to City Hall you could probably buy those lots for $100 since they're owned by the government
Eastern isn't that great, glad Mattoon didn't acquire it. Lake Land College is tons better! Born and raised in Mattoon, can't say its wonderful, but its home!
lake land college is better than eiu? are you sure you are not smoking something?
Looks like a happening place. I wonder what people do after 5PM
Meth. Jk.
Who knows, but there probably aren't too many options.
@@ChrisHarden we play basketball at the YMCA. Do sports. Watch movies at home. Lord of people smoke weed, fight, other stuff
There is a very large, modern movie theater. Lots of nice bars and restaurants. We like Mexican food and there are six places to choose from. Mattoon is right next to one of the largest lakes in Illinois, Lake Shelbyville and lots of people have boats and go fishing. We never go to Charleston for things but a much bigger college is just to the North in Champaign and there is lots of entertainment there.
Starting to fade? Its a dump.
We get called methtooners, mattooners, toon towners
What a lovely sight at 8:40
$2.19 for gas is a dream today
People shouldn't be mad at you for giving information about the city, you didn't have anything to do with the stats, you just state the facts about the town
I want to see Peru Illinois
Original Burger King. And it’s nothing like the Burger King you’re familiar with. You WONT be disappointed. And I’m kinda of a food snob. You’ll love the burgers
The school shooter was only behind bars during his court hearings this was post 9 months ago he was a year before in July he was on vacation in golf shores
Try Summit Illinois
Hummm, Harden.. Harden, I seem to remember going to school with a Harden. Yes. In Mattoon!!! Just where are you from????
At 16:24 he passes my house lol
What no mention of Bagelfest!
i saw my grandmothers house
EEEEEEE
Yeah you messed up missing burger king dawg
Yup.
Honestly if im gonna work in mattoon i would work with my dad bc he has a great paying job at mpmi
Despite what this video says about mattoon especially as opposed to it's neighbor 10 miles east. It's not a bad place. Can it be better? Yes. Problem is that the city has had many chances to better themselves but they either shit their nest or do things half assed. It's definitely one of those places that you want to get away from but yet drawn back to.
Some people love living in Chicago, but I can't even conceive of living in those areas. Maybe the small towns of which there are thousands just in the mid-west (once thriving) are gone for good. My neighbors son, a college student, wants the big city life. Maybe down the road he will rethink it all and want to live in a small town again.
Rural King runs Mattoon, they own a lot of land and also have the political capital to get support.
We also have birthed multiple pro athletes no legends just pros other than romo playing at eastern
Town was famous beacuse mad gasser 1944
Idc ill always love my home with a passion haha
Well hell I live off of mac and cheese
We are gonna go down in June and see others around it not Charleston yet. shocking you didnt go down the road with the oldest Burger King !!!! i want to try their burgers since they are the oldest Burger king and actually cant have no food chain in 20 miles! the park you went by far as i learned has 1 million galloon POOL its bigger than a football stadium! and a oil well thats been pumping nonstop far as i know for over 60 or something years or so. For the first time it be a just to go in and see Burger King .. Seeing Casey and others. But i know many people knock smaller towns. But most depending on the town itself is cooler than many bigger i hate to live or see Chicago, especially with Mary Lightfoot there wanting Police to first ask to go after a criminal before they do anything. Most smaller towns yea may not have the big skyscrappers and major big things but many are kept as cool older look which is really cool most new stuff new buildings are just boring no natural to it no cooliness no unique the cool older downtowns have that charm . Why historical stuff is so cool . But yea gonna se ealot of things in early june. Mattoon be a 2 parter. 2nd time when i go on Arthur trip and the pool and oil will be for that trip No time for that this time with everything else. Casey, Thomas Lincoln site Martinsville Effingham cross at crossroads, Lerna fastest soda machine Candy kitchen in Tuscola, some small little towns indian store in St. Elmo, Altamont biggest miller lite can , mater Vandalia the courthouse st. louis arch replica the Dragon etc so ya. Shame you didnt drive by Burger king.
He did drive by Burger King, but didn't mention it. Its on Charleston Ave.
Why doesn't anybody want to live in those house who owns those houses and lots
Hey! We have a bowling alley!
1:05 Not much to do in Mattoon? What kind of entertainment were you looking for?
Never had much except good basketball team
and the didjits
25 minutes from my house.
The hometown Of SFC Michael E. Drum.
But thus totem is doing everything but going down yeah alot happens here but where doesn't it
Went there once never again
Don't they have a dog food company there
I went to Lake Land College in Mattoon IL, I now live in NYC, people who grew up there are kinna wierd, Mattoon always gave me Jeppers Creepers vibe.
Well, given that the Mad Gasser was a Mattoon resident...
Yes local.chemistry student
locals refer to it as methtoon. due to the meth labs. i went to high school near mattoon and thats what everyone in my town called it and my friends from mattoon. lol.
Dang... I should’ve called it methtoon in the video at least once!
It's probably much worse in the middle of nowhere, officially called the Village of Westfield.