Hispanic Mural by Francisco Vargas

The initial wave of Hispanic immigration into Arcola is rooted in the opportunities for employment with broom manufacturing. In 1969, 7 men were recruited from Cadareyta, Mexico to come Arcola to work in the broom factories. The men shared a simple apartment overlooking Main Street and were joined later by their families in the early 1970s. This lead to a steady migration into the community as others came to Arcola to seek opportunities for their families. While the employers have diversified, many are still employed in an expanded household product industry as manufacturing expanded from simple corn brooms to the manufacturing of mops, brushes and other cleaning items. Many of the original families still have strong ties to the Arcola community, having been a part of the community’s fabric for multiple generations. In the 2010 Census, Hispanics accounted for nearly 40% of Arcola’s population and account for nearly 50% of the student population in the Arcola School District.