Streator in LaSalle County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
George "Honey Boy" Evans
America's Greatest Minstrel
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2021
1. George "Honey Boy" Evans Marker
The home lodge of
George “Honey Boy” Evans
America’s Greatest Minstrel
"His faults we have written upon the sand, his virtues upon the tablets of Love and Memory."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 41° 7.326′ N, 88° 50.059′ W. Marker is in Streator, Illinois, in LaSalle County. Marker is at the intersection of North Park Street (Illinois Route 23) and East Hickory Street, on the left when traveling north on North Park Street. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, directly in front of the Elks Lodge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 North Park Street, Streator IL 61364, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Colonel Ralph Plumb (within shouting distance of this marker); Streator Baseball (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); American Heroes Mural (about 600 feet away); The Flight of the Vin Fiz (about 600 feet away); Streator Civil War Memorial (about 700 feet away); Dedicated to the Soldiers, Sailors, and Patriots of the American Revolutionary War
this page online
Also see . . . George "Honey Boy" Evans (Find a Grave). He first appeared in amateur theatricals, then joined a Minstrels' group in Chicago in 1892. Evans was a composer of songs and monologues. He authored the immensely popular song "In the Good Old Summer Time." He was the outstanding black-face comedian of his day, touring until his death at 45. A memorial to Evans is at the Streator Elks Lodge, where he was a member. (Submitted on November 3, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2021
2. B.P.O.E. Lodge No. 591 (southeast elevation)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2021
3. George Evans Mural
Welsh-born George Evans was the first Streator man to take to the stage and became the most beloved minstrel, performer & songwriter in America. Enjoying his success did not diminish his love for Streator and brought his company to perform here each year.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2021
4. George Evans Mural Dedication
Streator Walldogs
Mural Festival 2018
Celebrating Streator’s Sesquicentennial
George "Honey Boy" Evans
In Memory of
Earl & Gertrude Ayers
Sponsored by:
Sherman & Marilyn Ayers Weiss
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 310 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 3, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
