Brief ILASCO History
About
The Village of ILASCO was created when large numbers of immigrants came to work at the newly built Atlas Portland Cement Plant near Hannibal, MO in 1903.
DID YOU KNOW?
ILASCO is named for the ingredients used to produce cement
Iron, Lime, Aluminum, Silica, Carbon and Oxygen
They came from Romania, Slovakia, Italy, Poland, Croatia, Hungary, and Ukraine. The cement plant employed 2,500 people in the early years and produced cement for the Panama Canal, the Empire State Building, Locks & Dams on the Mississippi River, and to the overall growth of this nation. The Company Town was dissolved in 1963.
Residents frequently toiled long hours in hazardous conditions, earning roughly 11 cents an hour. Most did not speak English when they arrived in America. They were housed in company housing on cement plant property. Despite these challenges, they integrated into the local community, striving to create better lives for themselves and their families. Their collective focus was on education, freedom, and the pursuit of opportunity.
IAHPS Mission
The ILASCO Area Historical Preservation Society is dedicated to the commitment of preserving and promoting the rich historical heritage of our community. Our mission focuses on the following key objectives:
Preservation of History: We strive to safeguard the historical structures, sites, and artifacts of the Ilasco area, ensuring that the legacy of our ancestors is maintained for future generations. We actively seek to document and archive the stories and histories that shape our community’s identity.
Maintenance of Monuments: We are dedicated to the ongoing maintenance and restoration of historic monuments, markers, and sites within our jurisdiction. Our efforts will ensure that these symbols of our past remain accessible and respected as integral parts of our community's landscape.
Community Education: We aim to engage the community through educational events that highlight the significance of our local history. By fostering an appreciation for our heritage, we encourage current and future generations to understand and value the contributions of those who came before us.
Commemoration of Ancestors: We honor the memory of our ancestors by ensuring their stories and contributions to the Ilasco, Hannibal, New London, Marion County & Ralls County, Missouri areas recognized and celebrated. Through community events, storytelling, and collaborative projects, we create opportunities for people to connect with their heritage and honor the lives that shaped our community.
Together, we are committed to creating a vibrant awareness of our past, encouraging community involvement, and cultivating a shared sense of pride in the Ilasco area's unique history.
Nonprofit
Board of Directors
The Ilasco Area Historical Preservation Society was established as a Missouri non-profit organization on December 8, 2000, with the formation of a dedicated board of directors. Established to ensure the care and maintenance of the Ilasco Village Memorial Monuments and document and preserve the astounding history of the Ilasco area, including its people, institutions and culture.
In June 2001, the society received federal tax-exempt status, qualifying as a public charity, which allows all donations made to the organization to be fully tax-deductible for contributors.
In 2002, the board of directors voted to offer paid membership to the community, further expanding participation in the society’s initiatives.
In early 2003, the decision was made to create a quarterly newsletter, with the inaugural edition distributed to society members in May of that year. Since its inception, this newsletter has been recognized for its historical significance; it is archived by both the State Historical Society of Missouri and the Hannibal Public Library, where it has become a valued component of the permanent historical record of the state.
