John

E.

Hallwas

John Hallwas has promoted the humanities in the City of Macomb through his work as both teacher and writer. Among his books, he has written many that eloquently champion the history and heritage of Macomb, Western Illinois University, and McDonough County. Such titles as McDonough County Heritage (1984), Macomb: A Pictorial History (1990), The Bootlegger: A Story of Small-Town America (1998), and McDonough County Historic Sites (2002), have fostered a local appreciation for the area's heritage and promoted a sense of community in its residents. Mr. Hallwas has also written extensively in the local papers, serving as columnist on historical topics for both the Macomb Journal and the Macomb Eagle. What's more, when Macomb has had an historical moment to celebrate a building dedication, such as Macomb's renovated City Hall; or a time capsule opening, such as the Macomb Public Library's event; or a milestone, like Western's Centennial Founder's Day--Mr. Hallwas has delivered insightful and often moving speeches. Over the years, Mr. Hallwas has volunteered on a wide range of local committees and boards that promote aspects of local culture, including the McDonough County Historical Society (of which he is past president), the L.I.F.E. (Learning is Forever) Adult Education program, the Macomb Heritage Days planning committee, and the Macomb Cultural development committee.