A Town At A Crossroads: Effingham, Illinois 4K.

[@ChrisHarden]

EVERYTHING THAT I USE IN THE FIELD: Main Camera: amzn.to/3iS4vvF Side Cameras: amzn.to/2WuCYIs Media Mod for Camera: amzn.to/3j7CMGF Lav Mic: amzn.to/3lsMkz9 Drone: amzn.to/3ITcKBV SD Cards: amzn.to/3C2co9O Camera Mounts: amzn.to/2UXVR6p Cables Required for Longer Recordings: amzn.to/3BYnr3Q Computer: amzn.to/3787b2j External Hard Drive: amzn.to/3lb23Tf WHAT I USE AT HOME: Computer: amzn.to/3rKIdiN Sound Mixer: amzn.to/3C15Ubx Microphone: amzn.to/2VaCjvo Microphone Accessories: amzn.to/3v7A35Z INTERACTIVE MAP that shows you all of the places that I've made videos on: (Doesn't always work on mobile devices. Will always work on PC.) www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?hl=en&mid=1Lhzf04ocimPu-ROkg4cfXEYEvKMNnlI5&ll=43.06219876674538%2C-83.82163216337808&z=10 SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTACT INFO: Email: [e-mail] On Twitter: twitter.com/Chris_Harden55 On Instagram: instagram.com/c_harden7/?... On Facebook: facebook.com/ChrisHardenYT/ DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. As an Amazon Associate I do earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. As always, thank you for supporting my channel!

[@bradwallace7700]

The school on your left is the former Effingham High School. It is now a junior high housing grades 6-8. The last high school class to graduate from that building was my class (1998). The new Effingham High School is straight across the highway to the west. It opened in 1998. I was a teacher at that school from 2003-2013.

[@Zubenelshamali]

Effingham looks as neat as a pin; no graffitti, neat well maintained homes and landscaping.

[@brianw3903]

I lived in Effingham for 21 years, I now live in San Diego CA. I must say that I do miss it from time to time.

[@1L6E6VHF]

13:50 Last year it was a bean field, this year a cornfield, next year, a bean field. One crop provides nutrients for the other, which, the following year, provides nutrients for the next.

[@henrysiemer5320]

you forgot about the wheat

[@jamesdinkelmann8704]

Effingham is hard to beat when it comes to rural towns. They are definitely a true diamond in the rough.

[@bradwallace7700]

Great video! I currently live near St. Louis, but Effingham is my hometown. Some of the kindest, friendliest, and most hard-working people I have ever encountered call Effingham home. Two large factories (Fedders/Norge and World Color) once dominated the local economy. Both had well over 1000 employees and paid high wages. Effingham’s boom is often associated with the interstates, but these employers also had an impact. Both have closed in the last twenty years, and Effingham has had to attract new jobs. Again, great video!

[@ChrisHarden]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@ATamandua]

People from Jewett who worked there (Fedders/Norge) used to call it "the Norge", as I recall.

[@outmywritemind1739]

World Color became Quad Graphics in 2010, my father got a job in maintenance soon after it opened. They sent him back to college to get certified in stuff he had already learned by the time he was 40 and paid for him to do it on the clock for them. The plant's shutting down first of the year now because it doesn't do much for the economy anymore

[@ATamandua]

- My Mom grew up in Jewett (Cumberland County) almost straight east from Effingham by 10 - 12 miles. We stop at that Dairy Queen at the 15:31 mark - its ice cream is delicious by DQ standards (not trying to put them down). - She was a tyke when the old St. Anthony's Hospital burnt down. Obviously, it very much shook the area; my grandmother almost fainted hearing the news. There are some very poignant stories from that disaster/tragedy. - Effingham is also a railroad crossroads with the old Pennsylvania (now CSX) and Illinois Central (now Canadian National) rails which you cross over frequently. Notice the wonderful flyovers. Those didn't exist until a few decades ago. There are tales of the police arresting Illinois Central engineers who would park their 180 car trains, blocking several roads back then. - Very clean town. Heavy German population much like around St. Louis. The phone book used to have a raft of fascinating surnames.

[@donnacish]

I live and work in effingham the last 38 years . I’m a travel agent and my husband is retired but worked for the postal service . Great place to raise your kids . Little crime and friendly people and you drove right by my church at the water tower , New Hope church .

[@barbc1958]

That was the Effingham Junior High School It use to be the High School the new Effingham High School is across the stop lights before you turned right .

[@krishnandumakhal300]

Good work buddy. I just wait for your videos...It's soothing and entertaining to watch your every video....Particularly the statistics given by you throughout the length is additional knowledge boostering.....Please do visit Utah, Wyoming and Idaho......

[@ChrisHarden]

Thanks, that means a lot. I can’t wait until I get a chance to head out that way. I’ve been to Colorado but none of the other Rocky Mountain states.

[@erikriza7165]

i lived in Effingham for awhile. long time ago. it is a pretty neat and well-kept town. St, Anthony Parish and St. Anthony High School

[@craignovy2090]

Wow....what so many wonderful Illinois small towns looked like 50-60 years ago. A wonderful nostalgic trip in that regard. Besides being a significant crossroads it looks like there is a lot of community pride. I salute this community for overcoming the high taxes and negative general business climate of Illinois! Great video!

[@BL-no7jp]

Effingham has come a long ways from where it was whenever my family moved in this area inn1972. Effingham had only one traffic light. It’s a much better place than a city or a rural ghetto. During the worst recessions and outsourced jobs, this area did evolve to becoming stronger than ever. People took care of one another.

[@zubairrazzaq6271]

I must say watching this video if you get a great idea of these smaller towns and mid-sized cities in Illinois great work great video👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@donnacish]

You didn’t film the big giant cross !!! Best thing about Effingham as far as making us known along with lake Sara just ten miles outside of the city .

[@kendalson7100]

Looks like a very nice small American town.

[@Jay-L]

Just found your channel! Illinois is so much more than the Chicagoland area. Furthest I ever travel in IL is Joilet.

[@robbysams6439]

Time to get out and explore! The people of Chicago may not be as friendly, but you'll be hard-pressed to find an unfriendly face south of I-80. Southern Illinois with the Shawnee Forest is simply beautiful!

[@Splinterverse]

You should cover Teautopolis next. It's not far from Effingham and has a lot of history as well.

[@ATamandua]

Agreed 100%.

[@astralgary.]

I'm glad you did the where the Effingham am I joke. Didn't want to say that. Looks okay nice green and open space

[@RjAllen420]

Love ur channel! I live in Decatur/SPRINGFIELD area .enjoyed ur video of Decatur. The videos of similar size 2DECATUR are great. Good 👍

[@mikeholtorf3456]

A buddy of mine drives from Calhoun county to Effingham to work on the ambulance. He loves working in the big city.

[@erikriza7165]

that's funny, i once lived in Effingham, and i once lived in Calhoun county

[@jaloria]

These are good videos as are others in your series, a snapshot in time. i'm from fayette county and have lived in effingham for 27 years now, longest anywhere. lot of people from the surrounding counties and communities, commute to work to effingham or do their shopping or eating out in effingham. Another reason why the roads are so busy especially keller drive, fayette avenue or banker street.

[@dougsharp8817]

Lived in Effingham 28 years now

[@tailwaggindragon]

I've lived in Effingham for 17 years now. Longest I've been in one spot since I was kid

[@nottthereyet4872]

Been to Effingham many times! 👍

[@DennisJohnsonDrummer]

Such a great video picture quality. What is your set up? Thanks for sharing your travels.

[@paulmadkow9143]

Been to effingham many times. The Camp Lakewood RV park is very nice. It's about a mile north of Walmart.

[@Sgt_Kilborn]

Tolliver & Co. Barbers specialize in men's hair and will give you the best shave you've ever had, and Niemerg's Restaurant has excellent food and dining atmosphere at a reasonable price.

[@zakkwyldesliver]

South side of town used to have Deb’s Wings & Subs. Had lemon pepper wet before it was a thing because of that HBO show. When B Dubs came to town, it put them out of business, which is a shame because Deb’s was 10x better than any chain restaurant.

[@user-jw6fp1pd9e]

Have to agree Deb's lemon pepper wings were great . Had lots of business. No idea why it shut down

[@zakkwyldesliver]

​ @Ass Hole I think her husband or son got sick and then soon after B Dubs came to down and they decided it wasn't worth the hassle. I can't swear to it, but that seems what I was told. Plus, the mall dying and businesses moving from the south side to the north side by Walmart didn't help. Taco Rail shut down too.

[@robertspeicher5047]

Stopped for the night in Effingham, 1968. Headed for New York. Traveled on route 40.

[@richardm3023]

Back in the late 80's/early 90's a lot of teenage "Effers" would come to Charleston, (where Eastern Ill. Univ. is located) because you could get into the bars there if you were 18.

[@squatchthumper7537]

It still is a "Sundown Town", including Teutopolis

[@goldtopazasylum]

i was hoping to see some sort of info. stuff on the gigantic cross, we first seen it when we went down to Centralia

[@jwhardig]

I've lived most of my life in Effingham.

[@Dog.soldier1950]

In 1864 my great grandfather enlisted in the union army from effingham

[@killerz4227]

Hey just saying at 17:12 that was actually the junior high school (6-8 grade) the actual high school is that large brick building across the street

[@carlvitko1355]

You should do a U.S 45 drive starting in Chicago all the way to Southern Illinois

[@mike89128]

Quad Graphics at one time 30 years ago, printed all the Sunday Newspaper advertising inserts, including Parade Magazine. I used to drive from Chicago with printing proofs before they went into production. That was one lonely drive, but good money at the time.

[@marksnyder8189]

The standard joke is that the city was called simply "Ham" before the interstates were built. I got an awesome pair of cowboy boots at a truck stop there in 1995. I was a new driver for JB Hunt. We wore tan and dark brown. I wore size 10 EE or EEE. Cowboy boots are the best for truckers because they position your feet right for the pedals. I despaired of finding a matching color pair that would fit me. I was also short of cash. There was a place in the truck stop selling cowboy boots. They had a discount table. I wandered past and saw a perfect pair of brown and tan boots. I picked them up. They were 10 EE! It's not common and you never find them on sale. I bought them for $20 🤠. I never think ill of Effingham.

[@LydiaTaylorMusic]

I graduated from EHS in 2017

[@JoannGillespie-e8e]

I was born in Effingham Illinois and lived other towns in Illinois. Now I'm in Kansas

[@TheRealKozyy]

My hometown

[@DeeMoback]

Effingham holding up pretty good.....but I remember when smaller towns were busy.....it's like this all over country....small towns devastated..... Florida, Georgia is ruined..... I count 8 small towns near where I live now that are boarded up...... 3 are completely vacant, empty

[@paullindstrom7635]

So where can I get some "Flaming Hearts" , fan gear ?

[@donnacish]

They sell it at fast stop gas station here in effingham . On route 33 just down the road from Homewood grill , best ice cream in town !!!!

[@aleahcunningham754]

I live here lol I work at the Walmart he drove by

[@JoannGillespie-e8e]

Should drive the old 40 from effingham back towards Vandalia

[@ashtinharrison5185]

I'm in Vandalia!

[@Oliver-kv2mm]

Did you stop at The Effinghouse Restaurant?

[@Woodyperckerhead-ni3ti]

I have to visit effn leagal It’s super nice 👍

[@willpolanin9387]

My brother lives near Effingham

[@jr1479]

No Lake Sara?

[@ChrisHarden]

Lake Sara isn't apart of Effingham. It's several miles to the west of the city.

[@leovangogh6917]

Lake Sara is the best part of the Effingham area🦉🌼🌹🌷🦋

[@leovangogh6917]

I enjoy all of your videos about the town's in Illinois. Thank you for doing a great job!!🌍🌎🌏🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@HigherPrime8]

@@ChrisHarden Technically it isnt "part" of the city limits but it is considered Effingham if you live here.

[@mitziobrien7292]

Whats the largest town between Effingham and Marion?

[@ArcadeDoggo]

Mount Vernon I think

[@Mrtraveler01]

@@ArcadeDoggo Yep. Its definitely Mt. Vernon. Its basically like Effingham because both I-57 and I-64 go through there.

[@jamesdinkelmann8704]

@@Mrtraveler01 but Mt Vernon is more economically depressed than Effingham

[@Mrtraveler01]

@@jamesdinkelmann8704 Also true. More like a Bizzaro-Effingham moreso an actual replica of it.

[@kepperMN]

Mt Vernon used to have 17,000 population, but has shrunk to about 15,000 as it is more economically depressed. Effingham is over 12,000 and thriving! I lived in the Southern Illinois area for 50 years. Retired to Minnesota to escape the Hot & Humid Summers LOL

[@johnsmallberries3476]

it's weird - after watching your videos I feel as thought I've actually been to these places and driven through them (a few of them I have). These would be awesome in VR.

[@ChrisHarden]

Yes they would be.

[@Marienel1972]

I used to live in Effingham Illinois

[@ChrisHarden]

So you’re from effing effingham?

[@erikriza7165]

There is a best ever fried chicken place in Effingham. can't remember the name of it.

[@lol-pz1ni]

Effingham takes it's name from one of my ancesterors lord Effingham. He was against the American revolution and supported the colonists in their struggle against taxation. There is a monument in Rotherham England called Boston Castle that marks his support for the colonists.

[@josephherrmann6304]

Trucks make Effingham-no mention of it here.

[@kolbybyer2755]

Go to Marlin, TX.

[@LakesideAmusementPro]

I lived in Effingham for a while and it was a great town to live in. Too bad it’s in Illinois.

[@stephenharrison2823]

I live there

[@SFDaily92]

The effingham IL County Police department is Corrupt with racial discriminating officers. I’ve been there a few times knowing the area from college near Eastern Illinois University at Lakeland College in Mattoon,IL . However the Effingham County States Attorney and public defender’s are overall fair. From Peoria,IL enjoyed both videos.

[@iammattworkman938]

I grew up here

[@EnoYaka]

where i get my weed from, nice dispensary.

[@cathyjackson9588]

They kill my baby in that state i want justice but i don’t remember the hospital name 😭😭 my first baby September 30 i was feeling some cramps at 20 weeks and they gave me a pill and my water broke sigh 😔

[@craigbarnes8325]

Methingham

[@elmerlarimer9026]

my dad from Effingham ill

[@pattylugo5163]

Children of the corn live there .. lololo

[@donnacish]

That corn helped my dad buy a house and a car with cash !!!!

[@pompompurintea2102]

Theres no place like home

[@elmerlarimer9026]

C A Larimer 1911 2002 thank you

[@heavymetalzombiepilot4049]

Effingham used to be a Sundown Town, I am half Native American I currently live in Effingham, growing up here I have even been discriminated against and have seen African American teenagers get called racial slurs to their faces even in the public school system, white teenagers could go up to a black student and call them a racial slur and the teachers wouldn’t do anything about it, unless you were popular or your family had a lot of money you could be discriminated against in the school system even if you were white, if you’re a minority you’re expected to be overly friendly or else you run the risk of having the police called on you and have them intimidate you; nowadays Effingham is more classist towards everyone, if you’re poor and white you’re discriminated against just as if you were a minority. I remember in the mid to early 2000’s that a certain government building here displayed a confederate flag, not sure if they were made to take it down or what but they also carved swastikas around the wooden frame of an Asian immigrant’s store in a local mall, I can’t even leave a criticism of the journalism on the local newspapers Facebook page without it being deleted by the editor of the page but people can post long derogatory and hateful comments on there whenever they post the mugshot of someone local.

[@HigherPrime8]

Its weird ive lived here 33+ years and never experienced anything you just mentioned.

[@heavymetalzombiepilot4049]

@@HigherPrime8 I guess it’s a different experience for everyone but yeah some of the stuff I have been victim to and the things I’ve seen happen to others minorities in the town is very subtle but it’s definitely still very much alive in the community.

[@joehutmacher3323]

Being from Teutopolis I felt the discrimination first hand. They would call me a Pearhead right to my face. 😂

[@DonCHICHARRON420]

damn u ant even drive by the nike store? wack

[@ladychaille]

I may be wrong, but I believe that store closed quite a while back.

[@DonCHICHARRON420]

@@ladychaille damn that hugggge nike sign always stood out to me the few times i was in town

[@trishaaaify]

Boos butcher block showroom had moved into there

[@marlandtownsend4715]

Ewe Blab...... LOL 😅😅😅

[@robertspeicher5047]

P

[@michaelgwfrogwelge]

no

[@awick_69]

This place isn’t real

[@ethankiser3823]

simulation town nothing is real

[@longlovinfamily]

One of the biggest child trafficking locations

[@danieleirhart8424]

tf?

[@donnacish]

Not that I know of !!!

[@lynncibelli3534]

Never heard that Effingham had been a sundown town. What a blight on that small town.

[@HigherPrime8]

Any facts to back that up? Been here a long time and never once was a child abducted here...

[@jumbo55ful]

support Effingham. not many people know that it's sister city in Ukraine is Effingpotroast.