Ila celebrates 100 years

About 60 people, including a number of local officials, attended the event to hear Clyde Fitzpatrick, a former principal and teacher at the old Ila High School, share some of his memories of the town, which boasted the first school lunchroom in the county and the first gymnasium.

There was also a sewing plant for many years, as well as car dealership and a cannery, to name a few of the businesses that have made Ila home over the years.

Fitzpatrick also shared some funny antedotes, including the town’s first name – Opossum.

Another scheduled speaker, former state representative Louie Clark, was unable to attend.

William Smith, a former mayor, told of growing up in Ila, spending summer days playing ball in cow pastures (they had to be careful where they stepped) and listening to gossip on winter evenings around a pot belly stove in McGinnis Store.

“My wife and I have traveled all over this country and not found a place we love better than Ila,” Smith said. “I want to finish my life here and be buried somewhere around here.”

Ila is a “family affair” in many ways – the current mayor, Mike Coile, has held the position for eight years. His dad, Darrell Coile, who was also at the celebration, is also a former mayor. Smith’s dad also served as mayor. Mayor Coile said he remembers going out with his dad to work on the water system when he was just a teen. “Somebody told me, ‘you need to learn this water system,’” he said smiling. “I guess they figured my time was coming.”