Guestbook

It's fun hearing that the old Vishnu hotel is being given a level of recognition. I came from Chicago to go to school at Western Ill Univ and during my stay heard stories from locals about Vishnu. After asking around for some time I was given an approximate location of where it stood. So my wife (girlfriend at the time, and Colchester native) and I went out to take a look. "Enchanted" is the only way to put it, and as many people before us we added our names to the walls. With any luck our next visit out to see family around the area will allow us to show this landmark to our young boys (and maybe even add their names near our own). You have done a wonderful job with this website and have helped to fill in some of the mysteries (both good and bad) behind this historical area of Illinois. -The Spear Family

The open house on October 18th is an opportunity for those of you who have been wanting to see Vishnu to get a chance to come out and visit. The hotel is "not pretty" right now with all the vandalism and deterioration which has occurred over the last years. The bottom floor of the hotel will be open for you to go through. Thanks again for your interest and support of the Ira and Reatha T Post Wildlife Sanctuary. Hope to see you on the 18th. (Rain date Oct. 25th.)

Vandals ruining a good thing I guess.No Respect for History I guess.Sad...Really Sad... Matt

This is such a beautiful place i would love to volunteer to help with any work that you have up there. Hope to get to see this place some day.

Hi - It is so sad to see the place in such disrepair. Piece of history is gone. Are you planning any volunteer work there ? I am over 50 but can help still.

Thanks for this great Website. Hope to get more information and an image to you for your registery shorty.

I lived on the Post farm with my mother , father and 2 brothers from 1950 thru 1955. I remember on several occassions Bertha inviting us boys to spend the night with her in the hotel. There was a large pond that the springs fed into that had lots of gold fish. I remember picking many buckets of blackberries and taking them home to my mother and also sharing them with Bertha.

My family runs a farm west of Vishnu Springs. My dad took me to Vishnu sometime during the 1970's -- I recall people living there but I was more struck by the history associated with it. At one point I petitioned the state to preserve the property -- I am pleased that WIU -- my dad's alma mater -- has intervened. Perhaps it can again be in part what it was 150 years ago. Regards -- Mike Campbell.

I was transfering old slides to digital from the early 70's and found my Vishnu Springs photos. We had great times there in the early 70's, the bean bashes, great local bands and hanging out in the woods. The newer photos are sad with all of the vandalism that has taken place a the hotel. Thanks for posting this site and keep us informed if there is indeed a work day to help clean and restore the area. When I am in the area I still make the drive out to the entrance just to see if it is open.