Dixon in Lee County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

212 West First Street

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 8, 2023

1. 212 West First Street Marker

Inscription. Violinist Orville Westgor came to Dixon in the 1920s to direct the pit orchestra at the new Dixon Theatre. He later taught music at Dixon High School, composed the DHS Loyalty Song, and established a general music store at this location in the 1950s, where it remained for several decades.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.

Location. 41° 50.583′ N, 89° 29.072′ W. Marker is in Dixon, Illinois, in Lee County. Marker is on West 1st Street east of Peoria Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 212 W 1st St, Dixon IL 61021, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 214 West First Street (a few steps from this marker); 202 West First Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 115 South Hennepin (within shouting distance of this marker); 105-107 South Peoria Avenue (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Christian Church (about 300 feet away); 115 West First Street (about 300 feet away); 113-121 West Second Street

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(about 400 feet away); 105-107 West First Street (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dixon.

Regarding 212 West First Street. It was built in 1912, a decade before the Dixon Theatre hired Westgor as lead violinist and orchestra conductor. He joined the Dixon High School faculty in the early 1930s, and began selling musical instruments from his home after leaving teaching in 1945. Westgor opened his first downtown store in 1949 and moved it to this building in 1959, where he remained for 30 years. Sources: National Register nomination, Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society

Also see . . .
1. Dixon Downtown Historic District (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination for the district, which includes this building. (National Archives) (Submitted on August 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Musical career blossomed at an early age for Orville Westgor (PDF). Profile of the musician, educator and businessman that appeared in the Aug. 21, 1976 issue of the Dixon Evening Telegraph. (Newspapers.com) (Submitted on August 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 8, 2023

2. 212 West First Street Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.