Alton, Illinois, is a city located on the Mississippi River in Madison County. It is approximately 18 miles north of St. Louis. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,676. The city is part of the River Bend area and the Metro-East region of the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Robert Waldow statue
Located near the Alton Dental School, the Robert Waldow statue is an iconic symbol of Alton. It was designed by William Shearburn and was originally part of a traveling exhibit. In 1996, the Crown Vision Center bought the statue and put it on display in its lobby. It remained there for fifteen years before going into storage.
The Alton-Godfrey Rotary, the Optimist Club and the Junior League helped raise the money for the statue. Other organizations contributed, including the Olin Foundation and the Upper Alton Business Association. This effort was documented in a Guinness World Records entry submitted by Glen Carbon resident Jason Voigt.
The statue is named after Robert Waldow, who grew to eight feet, eleven inches tall. His uncontrollable height arose when he was a child. It was only later that he learned he had an overactive pituitary gland, a problem that can now be corrected in modern times.
Wadlow, who grew up in Alton, died at age 22, so the statue was named in his honor. The statue is located near the SIU Dental School, which was his former school. The statue is a life-size bronze statue that depicts Wadlow. In 2002, Wadlow’s house was moved to the spot behind the statue, and his chair was placed next to it.
Wadlow was taller than the average person, but he worked in a shoe company and traveled 300,000 miles. In addition, he was the world’s largest Boy Scout. His uniform required 14 yards of 36″-wide material. He also became a national celebrity, but he had to sit in the back row in movie theaters. In Alton, the movie theater even made a special section for him.
Nan Elliott Memorial Rose Garden
If you’re looking for an oasis where you can relax and enjoy the local scenery, you should check out the Nan Elliott Memorial Rose Garden, which is located at Gordon Moore Community Park. Dedicated in 1980, the garden is home to 150 varieties of roses and 1,600 rose bushes. The gardens are a beautiful backdrop for weddings and other special events. The garden is also home to a volunteer group, ACSL, who dedicate their time to the park and its residents.
Visitors can walk through this beautiful garden and observe roses in full bloom from May to June. The garden is located in a beautiful, historic setting surrounded by ochre-colored battlefield fields. The roses are a sight to behold and provide an unforgettable setting for many events. The roses also commemorate the Illini Indians, who feared the “Piasa,” a man-eating bird before they met white pilgrims.
In addition to roses, the garden has other attractions for visitors. For example, you can check out the Alton Pottery Display, which features ceramic fish, or go for a stroll through the Gordon Moore Community Park. If you’re looking for a relaxing place to relax after a long day of sightseeing, make sure to check out the Nan Elliott Memorial Rose Garden.
Another place to visit in Alton is the National Great Rivers Museum. Located right on the banks of the Mississippi, this museum is a great place to learn about water and conservation. It also features a working dam, the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. You can even try to tow a boat through the locks!
The Nan Elliott Memorial Rose Garden has a long history. For decades, generations of music lovers have made the journey to this park. This long-standing tradition is officially kicked off every Memorial Day weekend. This year, the first carillonneur will be Susan Parton Stanard, and there will be fifteen other carillonneurs alternating throughout the summer.
Another popular attraction in Alton is the Jacoby Arts Center. Formerly Jacoby’s Furniture, the Jacoby Arts Center features exhibitions and a gift shop. The Jacoby Arts Center features local artists and craftsmen who create beautiful pieces. It’s also a great location for weddings.
