“Angel of Hope” Statue

Located near 100 N Water St, Rockford, IL 61107.

The angel, Hope, stands over four feet tall and at the base, “Forever in our Hearts” is inscribed. Rockford Memorial Development Foundation gave the statue to the Rockford Park District and families to have a peaceful place to remember children they have lost.

More than 100 communities have installed similar angel statues, which are inspired by the book “The Christmas Box” by Richard Paul Evans. In the book, a woman mourns the loss of her child at the base of an angel monument.

Christine Tillou had been a fan of Evans’ work and first contacted the Rockford Memorial Development Foundation about erecting a statue in Rockford.

The city’s statue — the 37th to be erected — was installed May 04, 2003. The Angel of Hope statue is in Waterside Park near State and Water streets. The sculpture provides a place for families to honor children who have died, lost in miscarriage or still born.

“We liked that it was centrally located, and it’s accessible, yet it has an air about it that’s very private,” Tillou said. “People are continually visiting it. I’m very grateful that it still exists.”

Source: Wright, Leanne. “Angel of Hope Statue.” Clio: Your Guide to History. August 4, 2017. Accessed August 3, 2023. https://theclio.com/entry/44259

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Four-foot- bronze angel atop a granite base. Inscribed: “Forever in Our Hearts. With hope in her wing, may anyone who has ever felt the loss of a child find this pace to mourn and heal.” (The word “hope” is hidden in the angel’s right wing.) Inspired by the best-selling novel, “The Christmas Box,” by Richard Paul Evans.

Source: Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Rockford Public Art Trail.” Website Accessed 8/3/2023. https://www.gorockford.com/things-to-do/public-art-trail/

Boulder Monument for Ulysses S. Grant’s Visit to Rockford in 1880

Boulder Monument for Ulysses S. Grant’s Visit to Rockford in 1880

Enjoy these newspaper articles gathered on the boulder commemorating Ulysses S. Grant’s 1880 visit to Rockford.

The boulder bearing a bronze plate was dedicated on September 16, 1929 at Fair Grounds Park.

Current location: As of May 12, 2023, the Rockford Park District stated the boulder is currently at the Talcott-Page Park Maintenance Shop secured behind a fence.  Rockford Park District staff said it was removed from Fair Grounds Park after “some kids rolled it down the hill.”

Source: The Rockford Register-Gazette, Sep 14, 1929,  page 6.

Source: The Rockford Morning Star, Sep 17, 1929, page 1.

Source: The Rockford Morning Star, Sep 17, 1929, page 1 and continued on page 2.

Source: The Rockford Register-Gazette, Sep 17, 1929,  page 7.

Source: Sunday Register Star, “Rockford’s Hidden History,” July 2 1995, page 17.

Source: Sunday Register Star, “Rockford’s Hidden History,” July 2 1995, page 17.

Veterans Who Have Passed–Michael J. Delany

Source:  Rockford Register Star, Mar. 8, 2020.