MCHS Literary Salon Returns

The Madison County Historical Society will host another Literary Salon on Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of Immanuel United Methodist Church at 800 N. Main Street in Edwardsville, Illinois. The Community Room is on the lower level with entry on the south side of the building.

The topic for this event, “Illinois Poets,” will include the work of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and biographer Carl Sandburg who was often called the “poet of the people.” Emeritus Professor Jeffrey Skoblow, who organized two previous Literary Salons for MCHS, reaches out to friends, as well as students attending SIUE and Edwardsville High School to recruit a group of poetry readers who are enthusiastic about the works they present. Both previous events were well attended with appreciative audiences.

Skoblow taught a variety of subjects in the English Language and Literature Department at SIUE before his retirement. Although he is formally retired from the classroom, he continues to inspire and educate area residents by demonstrating the excitement that can be found in literature. He is also well-known for his participation in plays and other performances, his most recent being in “I’m John Keats: A One Act in Five Odes.”

The MCHS Literary Salons are offered at no charge to the public, although donations are always welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

The Madison County Historical Society is a 501(C)3 charitable organization reliant on donations and memberships for funding. MCHS has been dedicated to the preservation of Madison County artifacts, photographs and stories since 1921. Area residents are encouraged to visit the Madison County Archival Library at 801 N. Main Street in Edwardsville, Illinois, to learn more about the story behind their historic building or about their family history. The library is open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun. 1-4 p.m. For more information, call 618-656-1294.