Smiles Day is a tradition in Rushville dating back to 1919. It began as a celebration to honor those who served in World War I. Today, more than 100 years later, Smiles Day is partly a fall festival, partly a high school homecoming celebration, and partly a tribute to military veterans.

Music used in this episode includes: “Making Me Smile” by Max Brodie. Courtesy of Audio Network. “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” Unknown artist. Courtesy of Sound Ideas. “Last Dance” by Tim Garland. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Wy Smile” by Sam Wedgwood. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Watcher on the Rhine” by Tim Garland. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Keep Smiling” by Philip Guyler; John Stax. Courtesy of Audio Network. ”Martial Chorale” by Ceiri Torjussen. Courtesy of Audio Network.

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Camp Ellis was a World War II military training camp that rose quickly from the farm fields and prairies of Fulton County, and disappeared almost as quickly after the war. The camp housed tens of thousands of American soldiers. It also held German prisoners of war – right here in west central Illinois! Featuring first-hand accounts from one of the American prison guards and people who lived during that time.

Music used in this episode includes: “An Opportunity” by Evan Jenkins; Gareth Johnson. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Drum Roll March,” artist unknown. Courtesy of Sound Ideas. “Arrival at the Homestead” by Joe Kraemer. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Critical Pulse” by Philip Guyler. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Candlelight Vigil” by Paul Mottram. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Here Comes the Bride” by Alexander L’Estrange; Ben Perry. Courtesy of Audio Network. “On the Level 3” by Terry Devine-King. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Bugle, American Taps.” Artist unknown. Courtesy of Sound Ideas.

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This episode takes us back to the decades before the American Civil War for stories of the Underground Railroad in western Illinois. Music used in this episode includes: “Wade In The Water” and “We Shall Overcome” performed by Chris Vallillo. Used with permission of the artist. “Nobody Gonna Save My Soul” by Broke Finger and Wayne Murray. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Ceremonial” by Broke Finger and Wayne Murray. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Freightcar Blues” by Jeremy Sherman. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Wade In The Water” by David Tobin and Jeff Meegan. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Heaven Has A Plan” by Blair Booth. Courtesy of Audio Network. “Gospel Build” by Bob Bradley, Lincoln Grounds, and Steve Dymond. Courtesy of Audio Network.

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