The new Hampshire water tower next to the new high school.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
A lot has changed in Hampshire and Hampshire Township since Zenas Allen was the area's first settler in 1836. Progress has brought the village and the surrounding areas to have a much more modern look than the Hampshire of old, when milk factories and other agriculture-based businesses drove the area's economy.
Established as a village in 1876, there's rich history in Hampshire that blends perfectly with today's newer structures.
Not many towns still have a thriving car dealership right in the middle of the business district. That's just part of what makes Hampshire unique.
The village itself, according to the 2010 census, had a population of 5,563 which was a 123 percent spike from the 2000 census.
Hampshire has always had a rich tradition of high school athletics, highlighted by three football state championships.
We took some time recently to roam around the community, taking photos of things both historical and modern.
Look for a new "Icons of ..." town gallery every Sunday at dailyherald.com/galleries and on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. On our social media sites, share your favorite Hampshire photos with us by using #shareyoursuburb.
Hampshire was established as a village in 1876.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Hampshire Village Hall on State Street.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
The former Hampshire High School, built in 1948, became Hampshire Middle School when a new high school was opened west of the village in 2008.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
The new Hampshire High School opened in 2008.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Gehringer's Welding Service on the north end of State Street was established in 1933.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Looking south on State Street in Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
The Rose Garden Restaurant on State Street was for many years the Wilcox Pharmacy.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Fenzel Motors on State Street still thrives today despite auto malls and larger dealerships in the area.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Fenzel Motors on State Street still thrives today despite auto malls and larger dealerships in the area.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
The Hampshire Fire and Rescue Department on Washington Ave.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
The U.S. Post Office on Washington Ave. in Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Allen's Corner Restaurant opened in 1921 on the corner of Allen Road and U.S. 20. In 1836, Zenas Allen became Hampshire's first settler.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Block's Country Market, at 199 Maple Street in Hampshire, has an actual butcher shop inside a grocery store.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
The Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library on State Street in Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Dreymiller and Kray, a full service butcher shop, on State Street in Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Tuscany Woods on Illinois 72 was one of the first residential developments outside of Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch is a popular destination for many from miles afar. It is located on Illinois 47 just east of Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch is a popular destination for many from miles afar. It is located on Illinois 47 just east of Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
The Doty Cemetery on Allen Road in Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
The Hampshire town cemetery on Getzelman Road.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
The Hampshire Center Cemetery on Harmony Road.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Small but still vibrant, the Fredrick Funeral Home at 284 Park Street in Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Zion United Methodist Church, 170 years old, is at 157 W. Jefferson Ave. in Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
The First United Methodist Church at 207 E. Grove in Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
Bruce Ream Memorial Park in Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
The Red Ox Restaurant is a popular gathering place on Illinois 72 in Hampshire.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
You can't go through Hampshire without stopping at the Chick N Dip on the corner of Illinois 72 and State Street.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com
This home on the corner of Walker and Allen roads was the first Hampshire school house, built in 1890.
John Radtke/jradtke@dailyherald.com