the more tragic episodes in Gridley’s history took place on 3 September 1946. Striking railway workers had attempted to shut down the Toledo Peoria and Western Railroad. In response the railroad loaded a train with fourteen workers and four armed guards who were tasked with keeping the tracks open. Striking workers followed the train in automobiles, driving along U.S. Route 24, which paralleled the tracks. Whenever the train slowed it was pelted with rocks. At Gridley the train stopped and a gun battle erupted. When it was over, two workers were dead and three were wounded. A jury later found that the guards were acting in self-defense, and were therefore innocent. However, for the most part Gridley was peaceful, with a flourishing civic life. The Fourth of July was celebrated with races. There were Saturday night band concerts in the park, which by the 1940s had given way to free movies. Many recreational improvements were made. For example, in 1937 the old clay pits from the tile factory were bought by the town for use as a skating rink. and in 2001 the Gridley Telephone Museum opened. Notable people Wilbur J. Cash (1887-1956), banker, farmer, and politician, was born in Gridley. Helen F. Holt (1913–2015), Secretary of State of West Virginia. She was born and raised in Gridley. Lynn C. Sieberns (1889-1962), member of the Illinois Senate from 1933 to 1941. References External links May 1901 fire ravaged Gridley - Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois newspaper) Villages in McLean County, Illinois Villages in Illinois Populated places established in 1869 1869 establishments in Illinois