Funks Grove, Illinois – Maple Sirup Country
Nestled in the heart of McLean County, Illinois, southwest of Bloomington and easily accessible via the historic Route 66, lies the unincorporated community of Funks Grove. This charming locale, intrinsically linked to the nearby town of Shirley, owes its origins and development to the pioneering spirit and enduring legacy of the Funk family. More than just a geographical point on the map, Funks Grove represents a tangible connection to Illinois’ rich agricultural past and the enduring tradition of maple sirup production.
The story of Funks Grove begins in 1824 with the arrival of brothers Isaac and Absalom Funk, who ventured westward from Kentucky seeking fertile lands, abundant timber, and a reliable water source. Their initial settlement quickly attracted other family members, including Robert and Dorothy Funk Stubblefield, who journeyed from Ohio to join the burgeoning community. While the Funk name may not be universally recognized in Illinois history, their influence on the region is undeniable. Isaac Funk, in particular, proved to be a visionary entrepreneur, amassing approximately 25,000 acres of land and establishing one of the Midwest’s earliest cattle-feeding operations. Furthermore, Isaac and Absalom Funk played a pivotal role in the development of Chicago, then known as Fort Dearborn, by constructing a meat-packing house that contributed significantly to the city’s early economic growth.
The impact of the Funk family extended beyond agriculture and industry, reaching into the realms of law, politics, and education. Abraham Lincoln, the future president of the United States, served as the family’s attorney, forging a bond that would have lasting consequences for the region. Lincoln and Isaac Funk collaborated to ensure that the Chicago & Alton Railroad, a vital transportation artery, would traverse the area, diverting it from its originally planned route through Peoria. Isaac Funk himself served as an Illinois State Representative and Senator, actively shaping the state’s legislative landscape. He also demonstrated a commitment to higher education by co-founding Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, an institution that continues to thrive today. Isaac and his wife, Cassandra, raised ten children, each of whom would assume prominent leadership roles in various sectors, including government, banking, universities, and private enterprise.
LaFayette Funk, Isaac’s son, continued the family’s tradition of agricultural innovation and civic engagement. He made significant contributions to the cattle industry, co-founding and managing the Chicago Union Stockyards, a hub of livestock trading and processing. Like his father, LaFayette also served as an Illinois State Senator, further solidifying the family’s presence in state politics. In 1863, he built a stately home in Shirley, Illinois, for his wife, Elizabeth. This residence is now recognized for its historical significance, as the couple was known to have provided refuge to escaped slaves on their farm during the Civil War, a testament to their commitment to social justice. The home stands as a reminder of a turbulent period in American history. Today, it is open for tours, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Funk family and their contributions to the Underground Railroad.
DeLoss Funk, LaFayette’s son, embraced technological advancements, constructing a power plant for the homestead in 1905. He further modernized the Funk farms by wiring them for telephone service, connecting them to the wider world. Another of LaFayette’s sons, Eugene, along with eleven other Funk family members, established Funk Bros Seeds in Bloomington in 1901. This company, now operating under the name Ciba Seeds, continues to be a major player in the agricultural industry, a testament to the family’s enduring legacy of innovation. The Funk family was also instrumental in introducing the first modern soybean crushing plant to the Midwest, pioneering hybrid corn development, and implementing other advancements that transformed agricultural practices in the region.
While the Funk family’s contributions to Illinois’ development may not be widely known, Funks Grove is synonymous with one particular product: maple sirup. A simple, rustic sign bearing the words "Maple Sirup" marks the entrance to this unique destination, where a natural maple grove, dominated by sugar and black maples of impressive size, thrives amidst the prairie landscape. The actual site of the sirup operation lies approximately a quarter of a mile to the south, beckoning visitors to experience the authentic taste of Funks Grove maple sirup.
Turning west at the sign on Funks Grove Road leads to the quaint hamlet of Funks Grove. Here, the old Walker Store stands as a relic of the past. It once served as a grocery store and gas station, later transforming into an antique store. Though filled with dusty relics, it is now closed. In the center of the clearing, the historic depot stands as a testament to the area’s transportation history. Originally the passenger depot in nearby Shirley, it was relocated to Funks Grove, while the original Funks Grove Depot is located at the Funk’s Grove Camp to the south.
Continuing westward, the road passes by functioning grain silos, eventually leading to the old cemetery and Funk’s Grove Church, which dates back to 1845. Adam Funk, Isaac’s father, selected the site for the cemetery and became the first to be buried there in 1830. Early church services were initially held in the homes of the Funk and Stubblefield families before a log school building was constructed in 1827. Services were then held at the schoolhouse. Although the original log school building is no longer standing, its location is marked by a large stone just west of the church. Robert Stubblefield spearheaded the construction of a "real" church building, and he, along with Isaac and their sons, erected the current structure in 1864-65. The church, along with an outdoor "chapel" and the cemetery, is managed by the Funk’s Grove Cemetery Association. The church, featuring its original walnut pulpit and altar rail, white pine pews, and original glass, is open year-round and is available for weddings.
Approximately one mile down the road lies the original homestead site of Robert Stubblefield. Today, a rustic barn, standing in the middle of a field, is all that remains. Nearby once stood the Burger Sawmill and Farm, but only a sign marks its former location.
The Sugar Grove Nature Center, located just south of the old townsite of Funks Grove, protects over 1,000 acres of the largest remaining intact prairie grove in Illinois. It offers over five miles of trails and hosts various events throughout the year, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.
After exploring the historical sites of Funks Grove, visitors can return to Route 66 and continue south to Funk’s Grove Camp, the heart of the maple sirup operation. The Funk family has been utilizing the abundant maple trees in the area to produce syrup and maple sugar for generations. In 1891, Arthur Funk, Isaac’s grandson, capitalized on this tradition by opening the first commercial sirup camp. His brother, Lawrence, took over the operation in 1896, and in the 1920s, Hazel Funk Holmes assumed responsibility for the sirup production.
The arrival of Route 66 around this time propelled the maple sirup business to new heights. Demand for the product soared, and the sirup was often sold out before the end of the season.
When Aunt Hazel was ready to retire, she entrusted the grove and the surrounding farm to her nephew, Stephen Funk, and his wife, Glaida, in 1947. However, before transferring the operation, she established a trust to ensure that Funk’s Grove Pure Maple Sirup would continue to be produced for generations to come. The trust stipulated that the trees, despite their considerable value, would only be used for maple sirup production. It also mandated that the spelling of the word "Sirup" remain unchanged.
The reason for the unique spelling is rooted in historical context. According to Webster’s Dictionary, "sirup" was the preferred spelling for the product made by boiling sap, while "syrup" referred to the end product of adding sugar to fruit juice. Although the "i" spelling is less common today, the United States Department of Agriculture and Canada still use it when referring to pure maple sirup. Hazel Funk Holmes, whose trust safeguards the timber for maple sirup production, insisted on the "i" spelling throughout her life, a tradition that continues at Funk’s Grove.
In 1988, Stephen Funk retired, and his son Michael and wife, Debby, took over the business. Today, the seventh generation of Funks carries on the tradition of producing maple sirup at this historic location, a place that evokes a sense of stepping back in time, yet is conveniently located just miles from Interstate 55.
The Funk family also continues to farm approximately 2,000 acres of the original homestead and manages a herd of around 1,000 head of cattle, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to agriculture.
Visitors are encouraged to continue their journey down Route 66 to explore more vintage glimpses of the "Mother Road" in McLean, Atlanta, and Springfield, Illinois, each offering unique insights into the state’s history and culture.