Cider Fest 2015

Museum serves slice of history, apple treats on Oct. 4

Visitors braved overcast skies and cool temperatures to sample homemade apple goodies, watch a blacksmith at work, talk to Civil War re-enactors, take a turn at cranking a turn-of-the-century apple press and tour the museum during the 28th annual Cider Fest on Sunday, Oct. 4. Jim Lacher of Huntley made three trips to the musuem – hauling a 1931 Bradley tractor, 1935 McCormick-Deering W30, a Weber hay wagon dating to about 1800 and an International hayloader built sometime between 1938 and 1953.

Guests listened to German music, attended a mock 1895 class in  West Harmony School, built a miniature barn, sampled gourmet-topped apples and campfire apple compote, and shopped for one-of-a-kind items at our bi-annual White Elephant Sale. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the historical society and a special thanks to Lang's Orchard in Woodstock and Country Donuts in Crystal Lake, which donated the apples and cider doughnuts, respectively.

APPLE BAKEOFF results:

Eileen Lane of McHenry was named the grand champion of this years Apple Bake-off. Other winners, in order of finish were: Pies – Lane; Jean Turner, Huntley; Jim Ratway, Woodstock. Cakes – Nancy Hoadley, Woodstock; Laurie Cisneros, Marengo; (tie) Turner and Mary Argall, Union. Other – Kelly Liebmann, Wonder Lake; Tome Duong, Elkhorn, Wis.; Lisa Bergbreiter, Woodstock.