Editing Ludlow, Illinois (section)

== History ==
Once named Pera Station, Ludlow, a prairie town in northern [[Champaign County, Illinois|Champaign County]], [[Illinois]], has a rich history dating back to its days as a stop on the [[Illinois Central Railroad]]. This settlement played a crucial role in connecting the region's rural communities and facilitating trade between Urbana and Loda.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last1=Bateman |first1=Newton |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ohUVAAAAYAAJ&q=ludlow+&pg=PA813 |title=Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois |last2=Selby |first2=Paul |last3=Cunningham |first3=Joseph Oscar |date=1905 |publisher=Munsell Publishing Company |pages=813 |language=en}}</ref> The village was renamed ''Ludlow'' in 1868 after James D. Ludlow,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=About Us {{!}} Village of Ludlow |url=https://villageofludlow.com/about-us |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=villageofludlow.com |language=en}}</ref> a shareholder in the [[Illinois Central Railroad]]. The construction of the railroad brought about a significant influx of settlers to Ludlow, many were attracted by the area's fertile soil and vast prairies.<ref name=":0" /> The early years saw rapid growth, with James Ludlow donating land to the village for its expansion. The village grew to include two churches, becoming a hub for community gatherings and worship. The village continued to expand including a hardware store, as well as two blacksmith shops were established.<ref name=":1" /> Additionally, the "Ludlow Co-Op Elevator Company" was formed in 1904, the company has continued to serve the community and has since grown, expanding to 11 locations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-17 |title=About |url=http://www.ludlowcoop.com/about/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Ludlow Co-Op Elevator Company |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1949, a fire department was formed to service the residents of Ludlow, known as “Ludlow Fire Protection District". In the late 1970s, Ludlow received significant funding after an arson attack. This funding assisted in critical infrastructure upgrades, which had a lasting impact on the town's development and growth. The funds were used to renovate roads, upgrade drainage systems, and install curbs, among other projects including, building a new community center.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hinton |first=Dave |date=2015-06-10 |title=Ludlow community center, target of arson, was underinsured |url=https://www.news-gazette.com/news/ludlow-community-center-target-of-arson-was-underinsured/article_970941e5-a4a8-5c72-a2d0-4443833c06b7.html |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=The News-Gazette |language=en}}</ref> Ludlow continues to grow and evolve, with police services and a local post office.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.referenceusa.com/UsBusiness/Result/49846b597b1248159ebdae24365b3ec0 | title=Data Axle Reference Solutions }}</ref>[[File:Ludlow grain elevator.jpg|left|thumb|156x156px|Ludlow, Illinois grain elevators.]]