In addition to the various improvements previously mentioned in this Chapter, a number of other accomplishments were made by the Village in the years following incorporation. In November, 1954, the Illinois Power Company, which had served the community for a number of years, was granted an electrical supply system franchise in the Village and was contracted to install 34 street lights, primarily along Main (Illinois Route 161) and Commercial Streets. Since that time the Village has continued to improve its street lighting system. In February, 1955, the Village Board appointed William Haar as Village Marshall and in March, 1955, established the office of Police Magistrate, which was subsequently filled by Vincent Brendel. In May, 1957, the Village Board authorized an audit of Village records by Jack D. Huggins, a Certificate Public Accountant from Belleville (who still serves as Village Auditor). In October, 1957, at its first meeting in the new Village Hall, the Village Board granted a telephone exchange system franchise to the Lookingglass Prairie Telephone Company, which had served the community for a number of years. In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, the Village turned its attention to traffic safety problems, particularly at the intersection of Main (Illinois Route 161) and Commercial Streets and at the Southern Railway crossing on Commercial Street. While minor safety improvements were eventually made, the Village has continued its efforts to eliminate the still existing problems at these locations. In January, 1963, the Village Board authorized the Illinois Power Company to construct a gas supply system in the Village. Construction was begun in May, 1963, and completed that fall. In April, 1967, the Village Board and the Albers Commercial Club agreed to install name signs on Village streets, with each paying 50 percent of the project cost. In December, 1972, Joseph B. Lager retired as Postmaster after serving in that capacity for 44 years. The Post Office was subsequently moved from Lager’s Store and relocated temporarily in the Village Hall on October 26, 1973. Meanwhile, the Commercial Club financed the construction of the new Post Office, which was opened on November 3, 1974. In the fall of 1974, curbs and gutters were constructed on six blocks of Village streets as part of a continuing street improvement program. It is anticipated that the Community Plan prepared by the Village Planning Commission will help the Village Board to identify future community improvement projects to be undertaken.

(Note: All information on this page was taken from the Albers Centennial Book.)