E. J. “Zeke” Giorgi Center, 200 S. Wyman Street, built by Sjostrom & Sons, Fall 1987-1989

The original name of the State of Illinois Office Building, when it was dedicated by Governor Jim Thompson Dec. 3, 1989. Renamed the E. J. “Zeke” Giorgi Center and dedicated by Governor Jim Edgar Jan. 6, 1994. Zeke Giorgi had begun lobbying for a state building in Rockford back in 1975.

Photographed by Jean Lythgoe, November 16, 2021

State Housing Board’s Certificate of Necessity authorizing the creation of the Rockford Housing Authority, July 11, 1951

Sources: Letter donated by library patron 9/22/2021, article Rockford Morning Star, July 14, 1951

County’s First Census in 1835

Source: Rockford Register-Republic, May 3, 1940

Early Day Rockford Narrowly Escaped Going to Wisconsin

Source: Rockford Register-Republic, May 10, 1940

Veterans Who Have Passed–Lester “Chris” Christeson

Source:  Rockford Register Star, July 29, 2020.

Winnebago County, Illinois map, 1870

Source: 1870 Winnebago County, Illinois Map, showing former townships of New Milford (annexed 1916)  and Guilford (annexed 1929), now part of Rockford Township.