Freeport Township in Stephenson County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Robert J. Schmelzle
(1915-2012)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2023
1. Robert J. Schmelzle Marker
1956-1986
Mr. Schmelzle headed the Lincoln-Douglas Society during the Freeport and nationwide 1958 centennial celebrations of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. His leadership was crucial in the planning and execution of a full week’s worth of events that were fondly remembered by Freeporters even decades later.
From 1959 until 1980, Mr. Schmelzle kept the Society “alive” by filing the annual paperwork to retain its not-for-profit status and charter. During those “idle” years, his dedication was of vast importance in maintaining the legal and financial foundations of the Society.
Placed here in honor of Robert J. Schmelzle by the Lincoln-Douglas Society — 27 August 2012
Erected 2012 by Lincoln-Douglas Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1958.
Location. 42° 18.031′ N, 89° 37.168′ W. Marker is in Freeport, Illinois, in Stephenson County. It is in Freeport Township. Marker can be reached from East Douglas Street (Illinois Route 75) just east of North State Avenue, on the left when traveling east. The marker is mounted at
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Richard F. Sokup (here, next to this marker); Douglas Re-elected (here, next to this marker); The Legacy Remains (here, next to this marker); Lincoln and Douglas in Debate 1858 (a few steps from this marker); Freeport Commemorates (a few steps from this marker); The Debates and the Media (within shouting distance of this marker); The Freeport Lincoln-Douglas Debate (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Debate Square (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Freeport.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. 2nd Lincoln-Douglas Debate • Freeport, Illinois
Also see . . .
1. Robert J. Schmelzle 1915-2012 (Illinois State Bar Association). Excerpt:
Bob served his community in many ways. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Freeport YMCA, and the boards of Freeport Memorial Hospital and the Sleezer Home. In 1958, he served as chairman of Freeport’s week-long Lincoln-Douglas centennial celebration and was president of the Lincoln Douglas Society.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2023
2. Robert J. Schmelzle Marker
2. The Lincoln-Douglas Society of Freeport, Illinois. Excerpt:
Our Mission: To educate and encourage the general public to think, study and acquaint themselves with the history of our county, state, and nation, and historical events, especially in connection with the lives, works and deeds of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas.(Submitted on September 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 26, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2. submitted on September 27, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
