George Harrison's Benton Adventure: The Story of 113 McCann Street
The album "The Boys Of Dungeon Lane" by a former Beatles member is a tribute to his early days in Liverpool with George Harrison and John Lennon. The musician visited Benton, Illinois, in 1963, where he camped, played music, and experienced American culture. The house where he stayed is now up for sale in Benton, a town known for its coal mining history.
The house at 113 McCann Street in Benton, where George Harrison stayed, was almost demolished in 1995 but was saved by activists, including Harrison's sister. The house, built in 1935, was later turned into a Beatles-themed bed and breakfast but is now listed for sale at $105,000. There are discussions about protecting the house from demolition by a new owner, but the city council has not made a decision yet.
The interest in restoring the house to its Beatles glory is uncertain, with some locals feeling the obsession has faded over the years. Despite the historical significance of Harrison's visit to Benton, there may not be enough momentum to preserve the house as a Beatles landmark. Harrison's trip to Benton was a rare moment of obscurity before the Beatles' fame skyrocketed, and he enjoyed simple activities like camping and trying root beer for the first time.
During his visit, Harrison bought a Rickenbacker guitar and interacted with locals, including a radio interview with a teenage host. The musician's brief stay in Benton left a lasting impression on those who met him, even though he never returned to the town before his passing in 2001. The legacy of George Harrison's visit to Benton remains a unique chapter in the town's history, connecting it to the iconic Beatles era.