MILTON – For more than a decade, Milton native Doug Welch has devoted himself to preserving the cityÃÛèÖÊÓÆµ rich history. This includes safeguarding the legacy of Milton College and ensuring the preservation of the Milton House, the stateÃÛèÖÊÓÆµ last certified underground railroad station that remains open for tours.

Author Roxane Gay in Coleman hall on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois on January 31, 2014. (Jay Grabiec)