fertilizer company, elevator, tavern, bank, electrical contractor, building contractor and plumbing contractor. Though some of these businesses are relatively new, the First National Bank was begun in 1911. Hardy Fertilizer Co. celebrates its fortieth anniversary in the year 2000. Though shopping malls, discount groceries and interstate highways have ended some of the commercial trade in Mt. Auburn, construction of such new enterprises as the new three-hole golf course and new fire station, both completed in 2000, new gas station built three years ago and the recently acquired village hall, along with about thirty-five building permits issued for new homes or major remodeling projects, indicate the growth in the village of approximately 550 people and the commitment of these residents to their home on the hill. Picnic An annual event is the Mount Auburn Picnic. Started in 1887 in Morganville by 13 men including Hi Montgomery and T. A. Montgomery, the picnic was moved to Mt Auburn in 1919. Currently the event is held in the Mount Auburn city park. References Villages in Christian County, Illinois Villages in Illinois Populated places established in 1839