Granite City, Illinois is the second largest of the Metro East cities, right behind Belleville, IL. This steel- working town was founded in the 1890s by the Niedringhaus brothers. The German boys worked at a steel and tin mill in St. Louis when they discovered European producers had formulated a way to enamel iron, and subsequently, William learned to enamel tin. Using this new method, cookware could have a fresh new look. After Frederick ran and successfully joined Congress in 1889, he pushed for a new tariff on iron and tin. With this, their business took off. The National Enameling and Stamping Company (NESCO) and the St. Louis plant needed to expand, and farmland on the Illinois side of the river was cheap and fertile. Frederick and William bought 3,500 acres of land and soon laid out the buildings they would use for their new plant. On excess land, they grew trees and laid out a street sequence using the alphabet and a number system. Niedringhaus Avenue was the only street with a full name, which is still there today. Their factory employed over 2,400 people and 33 acres. The brothers sold newly-built homes to their employees to live within city limits, and thus, Granite City was born.
Due to nonstick and aluminum cookware growing rapidly in the early 30s, NESCO had to split. Their steelworking empire was failing. In February of 1956, the New York Shipworking Company (which owned NESCO at the time) announced the closure of the Granite City plant. Afterward, the remaining industrial buildings were used as storage containers. Unfortunately, in 2003, the plant caught fire in one of the most devastating events Madison County has seen. Massive flames destroyed what was left of the impressive empire. The only remaining piece of the once-great company was one brick tower, which was demolished on November 12, 2003.
Granite City now hosts coffee shops, restaurants, and lots and lots of parks.
A Novel Idea Bookstore and More is a quaint little shop on the corner. Inside, the walls of books engulf the cozy interior. Adjacent to the reading rooms, a vinyl shop shows off rows of vintage records and band shirts. A Novel Idea hosts Meet-The-Authors, book fairs, and just about any other book-related event you can think of.
Just down the hall and through the door is The Boardgamery. What better than a coffee shop, book store, and board game collection, all wrapped up in one? The Boardgamery contains a coffee shop, ice creamery, a vintage candy store, and hundreds of board games to choose from. They also host game nights, tournaments, and open mic nights. Or, just a quiet place to study and work, like any good coffee shop does.
You're in luck. Granite City has over 175 acres of land dedicated to the great outdoors. Out of the 13 parks in the city, Wilson Park is the largest, boasting 74 acres of activity space. What kind of activities in the parks, you ask? Some of these include 16 baseball fields, 6 lighted tennis courts, 3 soccer fields, 3 1/2 outdoor basketball courts, 2 indoor basketball courts, 10 playgrounds, 1 indoor skating rink, 1 swimming complex (with a water slide!), fountains, flags, trails, and much more!
Parents and children alike flock to the outdoors all year round for things like dance classes, golf lessons, figure skating lessons, concerts, and line dancing.
If you aren't satisfied yet, Horseshoe State Park is only 10 minutes away, with another 1,200 acres of Mother Nature to show off. Bring a good pair of walking shoes!
So many things to do, so little time! Granite City is special because it has an excellent law firm just around the corner. TorHoerman Law is a highly successful team of attorneys based in Edwardsville, IL; St. Louis, MO; and Chicago, IL. Our lawyers have been nominated for some of the top spots on the big lists. Eric Terry, Jacob Plattenberger, Kenneth Brannan, Chad Finley, and Tor Hoerman have the honor to be some of "2019's Super Lawyers". Furthermore, our namesake Tor Hoerman is ranked in the "Top 100 Lawyers in Illinois" as well. A great Granite City Injury Lawyer is the key to success for any little accidents you run into. Personal injury, bicycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, and medical malpractice are all indeed possible in a big city. Citygoers can rest easy knowing they have a solid Granite City Injury Lawyer right at their fingertips.
Granite City is like many other cities in that accidents happen. In 2017, there were 2 fatal accidents (wrongful death lawsuits). One of them involved a drunk driver. With the steel mill so close by, large trucks can be hazardous to smaller cars and other drivers. The train in town can also cause accidents to unsuspecting drivers and pedestrians on the tracks. Being aware of your surroundings and other people could mean the difference between life and death.
Some helpful guides for car accident lawsuits:
The fire department in Granite City originally started with only volunteers. Eventually, it made its way to part-paid and part-volunteer work. Today, working men and women help keep you safe 24/7. Originally on 19th and State Street, the department has moved across town to 2220 Rock Road. The original house is now used as the GCFD Museum. Fire Chief Vince Martinez makes sure his 54 firefighters, paramedics, captains, and shift commanders are always ready and willing to help you. If the situation is not an emergency, contact the department at (618) 876-4545.
The Granite City Police Department originally started as a one-story building with only 1 holding cell, way back in 1896. In 1916, the department purchased another property. At length, the department moved again to the now-modern building. The holding cell capacity has expanded from just one up to 11 cells. Citizens can rest easy knowing they are under the supervision of Police Chief Kenneth Rozell. His team of detectives, administrative staff, active officers, and special unit members is here for you. Contact the department at their non-emergency line: (618) 877-6111.
In the State of Illinois, the statute of limitations is two years after your accident. This means that two years from now, it won't be possible to file a lawsuit. The key to successfully filing and completing a civil lawsuit is to act quickly and find a good personal injury attorney.
After you find an attorney, propose your case to them. They may accept your case, and you can move on with the processing. If not, talk to them and see what options are available.
Once you and your attorney have looked over the evidence of your case (for example, photos and medical records), a period of "litigation discovery" will begin. Litigation discovery is a period of time when all parties involved in an accident go over and exchange the information they have all provided to their attorneys. This helps to figure out damages.
During the discovery period, most cases will be resolved. But if you end up in court, the outcome of the trial may be affected by whether damages are compensatory or punitive.
In a civil lawsuit, your attorney will help you receive compensation by showing that you aren't liable for your injuries. TorHoeman Law's practiced attorneys are here to be of every assistance to you. Contact us today--you can trust us to work hard for you and your case.
For additional information, see the following:
For additional legal practices in Granite City, IL, visit the following pages:
"About Uncle Linny's Restaurant In Pontoon Beach IL." Uncle Linny's Restaurant, Food, and Brew. 16 July 2019 https://unclelinnysrestaurant.com/about-uncle-linnys-restaurant/.
"Granite City Works." U. S. Steel. United States Steel Corporation. 16 July 2019 https://www.ussteel.com/locations/granite-city-works
"History." Welcome to Granite City, IL. 18 July 2019 http://www.granitecity.illinois.gov/departments/fire_department/history.php
Manuel, Jeff, and James Parrill. "The National Enameling and Stamping Company (NESCO) – Madison Historical." Madison Historical The National Enameling and Stamping Company NESCO Comments. 05 July 2017. 17 July 2019 https://madison-historical.siue.edu/encyclopedia/national-enameling-and-stamping-company-nesco/
"Novel Idea Bookstore & More." Facebook. 16 July 2019 https://www.facebook.com/novelideaandmore/
"Sports & Recreation." Welcome to Granite City, IL. 16 July 2019 http://www.granitecity.illinois.gov/departments/economic_development/quality_of_life/sports_and_recreation_facilities_outdoor_activities.php
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