July 10, 2025
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Streator nativity’s history dates back to 1960s

Light Up Streator volunteers handle putting up the display annually

By Derek Barichello
The nativity scene at the corner of Bridge and Monroe streets in Streator.

The nativity scene at the corner of Bridge and Monroe streets in Streator. (Derek Barichello)

The Streator nativity scene at Monroe and Bridge streets has a history dating back to the 1960s.

The city displayed the nativity in the southwest corner of City Park for about three decades, before it was put into storage for fear of repercussions of displaying religious imagery.

In 1997, the nativity was donated to Light Up Streator, which with the help of Mike and Margie Pavlik restored the crèche and Cathy and Dave Reed repainted the figures. The nativity was displayed at the corner of Main and Bloomington streets where Eagles Club is located.

It was moved recently to the corner of Monroe and Bridge streets across from Streator Home Savings Bank. Janice Green volunteered to restore the figurines to their current status.

A photo provided by Darcy Mollo shows the nativity scene displayed in the City Park. It was put on display for about three decades beginning in the 1960s.

A photo provided by Darcy Mollo shows the nativity scene displayed in the City Park. It was put on display for about three decades beginning in the 1960s. (Photo provided by Darcy Mollo)