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Nearly 70 people turned out on a cold, overcast morning for the re-dedication of the historic Sweep Pole Well. Photo by John Lotz
Rededication of historic well draws big crowd  Share
In 1840, Joseph Guinnip moved to Marshall, IL, where, five years later, he dug a public well that would be used by locals and pioneers for years to come. The ''sweep pole'' design used for this historic well literally dates back thousands of years and can be traced back to the early Egyptians. However, its role in America and in Clark County was of particular significance to the early pioneers; thus, Guinnip's well was originally dedicated to his memory-and that of the pioneers who used it-by the DAR (Daughters of the Revolution) in 1938. And now, more than 70 years later, this historic well has been restored and rededicated by the DAR and Joseph Guinnip's own descendents here in Marshall. Thus, on a cold and windy Saturday morning, a surprisingly big crowd of nearly 70 people turned out for the rededication ceremony, acknowledging the significance of the well itself, as well as those who dedicated their time and energy to preserve it. First and foremost among those people was none other than Don Guinnip, the great-great grandson of Joseph and the driving force behind the sweep pole well's restoration and rededication. After briefly discussing the early history of the well and his family, including a story about how ''the well almost met its demise in 1969 when planners slated I-70 to come through here (the area where the well still stands).'' Next, Don introduced Sue Guillmette and Kay Snedeker of the DAR who presided over the dedication, after which Kaysi Hilbert read a poem simply titled ''The Sweet Pole Well,'' a poem that was written by Kaysi's great-great grandmother Daisy Braynard prior to the first dedication in 1938. Following Kaysi's reading, Marshall's senior alderman Terry Clatfelter praised the Gunnip's, the DAR and the entire Rededication Committee for their dedicated efforts in planning this event and insuring the well's legacy and continued place in Marshall history. The committee consisted of Charlie Gamm (Historical Society), Damien Macy (Rotary and Historical Society), Sue Guillmette and Kay Snedeker (DAR), Jeff Murphy and Fred Eitel (Rotary), and Mary Lou Cornelison (Marshall Chamber of Commerce).
John Lotz is a staff writer for the Marshall Independent.
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