The Preston Family has been involved in ESL for over 100 years. Everything from buildings to impacting the culture and success of ESL.
Janfrey believed in East St. Louis, and he was committed to helping it be the best that it could be. This is exhibited through his involvement in Pop Myles Athletic Club, the Community Education Center, the United Black Contractor’s Association, the East St. Louis Artist Guild and more.
He passed in March of 2020 from cancer as COVID was starting to impact our lives so he was not honored in the manner that he should have been for his accomplishments. As the family has cleaned out the house, we have found so much rich history on East St. Louis that we feel must be shared – articles on ESL going back to the 1950s, blueprints and supporting documentation on buildings in ESL going back to the 1950’s, charters for organizations like Pop Miles and more. In addition to being an architect and builder, Janfrey Preston was an artist in his early years so putting his work on display would also be of interest.
In talking with members of the East St. Louis Historical Society, they feel that the information that we have discovered must be shared with the public. It is with this in mind that we are packaging this exhibit to share with the public.
The exhibition
Art on Exhibit
Janfrey Preston was an artist in his early years and was a founding member of the East St. Louis Artist Guild. The presentation will include putting some of his artwork on display. This ties to the rich history of creativity associated with East St. Louis through artists like Lincoln Walker and Edna Petty.
Miles Davis
Janfrey would have called himself Miles Davis’ #1 fan. With this in mind, we would share history and articles on Miles Davis, pieces of his Miles Davis collection highlight other artists from ESL like Ron Carter, Russell Gunn, Andre Delano and more. Overall purpose is to shine a light on the impact ESL has had on music locally, nationally and globally.
Janfrey loved jazz and consistently gave his time and money to support music in ESL. He was one of the chaperones that went with the Lincoln Jazz Band to tour Europe in the 1989.
Construction on Exhibit
Preston Construction was started by Joseph Preston, Sr. in the 1930’s. Mr. Preston was an advocate in the area for black contractors and lead the way with the Illinois Craftman Association that worked to teach craft to black people so they could be employed. In an environment that was not friendly to black construction professionals, Preston Construction exceled and built many buildings in ESL that included Officer Funeral Home (twice), Dr. Woodson’s home, Greater New Hope Baptist Church, Dr. Frazier’s medical office and much more.
Janfrey worked as a teenager in the family business and eventually became the President of the company where he continued to lead the way and create opportunities for black craftsmen. He helped to found the United Black Contractor’s Association, Inc. in 1969. He helped to ensure training was available to blacks in various construction crafts. He then hired these trained blacks and positively impacted employment in ESL.
Through the years, the family has built houses, medical offices, churches, funeral homes and more. As Janfrey worked for Fleming Corporation and ultimately FlemCo, he was the construction manager for many schools within School District #189, the Bi-State Plaza, State Community College and more.
For this display, we have a variety of documents that include blueprints, supporting documentation and drawings.
Why East Side for this Exhibit?
The answer to this question is simple. Janfrey graduated from East Side as did all three (3) of his children. The last project that he worked on before retiring was the remodel at East Side where he was responsible for overseeing over 80% of this construction - East St. Louis Sr High School Career & Technical Education Addition (2009-2010) and Main Building Improvements & Practice Gym Addition (2011 – 2012). He was the Construction Manager for Clyde C Jordan Stadium (1985). Beyond this, he was the Construction Manager via FlemCo for many of the schools that were built in ESL in the 2000’s.
Janfrey believed in ESL and was committed throughout his life to improving the city. With this rich tie to School District #189, we are happy that the district wants to help the family tell this positive story about ESL where the public will be able to look around and see what citizens of ESL have done and can do. We want to inspire students across the district to attend and hopefully be inspired to be the best that they can be.
