Simon of Troy

DownLeft points us to an article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch detailing the opening of a museum dedicated to the life and service of another of Illinois' great and humble leaders.

A museum honoring the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon will open Saturday in Troy, Ill., the city where Simon made a name for himself battling corruption on the pages of a weekly newspaper he took over at the age of 19.

Items from Simon's time as the publisher and editor of the old Troy Tribune, now the Troy Times-Tribune, will be on display at the museum, including his old desk and a camera he purchased for the paper.

Additionally, more than 100 other items relating to Simon's life have been donated, including personal correspondence, campaign-related material and family photos.

"It's a wonderful thing for us," said Sheila Simon, his daughter. "Dad had a great connection with Troy. He dropped out of school to start a newspaper and just fell into a wonderful community. From time to time I run into folks who say they are inspired by him one way or another, and I hope having a museum there will allow dad to inspire other folks."

Be sure to follow the link to the rest of the story. If for no other reason, there's a great picture of a 22 year old Paul Simon.