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News and Events
Only you can ensure local history will be barn again
Twenty years ago, meteoric growth gripped McHenry County before a tightening economy and the pandemic intervened. While growth can be a very good thing for jobs and tax revenue, it also can pose a significant threat to local historical landmarks.
2022 Cider Fest im-press-ive
Thanks to everyone who attended and volunteered Oct. 2 at the 45th annual Cider Fest. Blacksmith Sam Johnson, flintknapper Richard Hamilton and Civil War reeneactor Chris Dosch wowed the crowd with their knowledge. Children's sack races and cakewalks were popular, as was the return of Cider Fest tradition: our barn-raising demonstration. Fantastic food, a bounty of baked goods and enthusiastic buyers at the White Elephant, vintage clothing and books, mum and fabric sales, as well as for the silent auction, added to the atmosphere and made the day a special one.
Research Library's 40th Anniversary
Kudos to Library Committee and staff for pulling off a wonderful celebration September 8th marking the 40th anniversary of the McHenry County Historical Society's Research Library.
Craig Pfannkuche, genealogist and president of Memory Trail Research of Wonder Lake, urged the roughly 60 attendees to “feel the stories” inside the library.
Joie de Vivre a treat
Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Creole culminated an evening of Creole and Cajun music Aug. 5 on the museum stage. Thanks to all those who attended, in person or online via Facebook. And a special thank you to Victoria's Sweets and Eats for their excellent Cajun fare that included gumbo, jerk chicken and red beans and rice. Ça c'est bon!!
Available on the MCHS YouTube channel:
A Road By Any Other Name
UNION – Ever wonder why certain roads in McHenry County have certain names?
Ernest J. Varga project/design engineer with the McHenry County Division of Transportation, will answer that question and many others during a special program at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at the McHenry County Historical Museum, 6422 Main St. in Union.
Harrison Resort cabin plaqued
The Tim HarriSon family and the McHenry County Historical Society invite the general public to attend the plaquing ceremony of Cabin No. 8 at the former Pink Harrison’s Resort, 804 Harrison Lane in Johnsburg. The plaqing will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 16.
BY PATRICK T. KING
JOHNSBURG – The public is invited to join the McHenry County Historical Society for the plaquing of a unique structure: the restored Cabin No. 8 at Pink Harrison’s Resort on the shores of Pistakee Bay.
35th Annual Heritage Fair
The 35th Annual Heritage Fair was back and better than ever. Thanks to all of our volunteers, sponsors and - of course - those who took the time to visit the museum on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. We deeply appreciate the support and passion for local history!
Heritage Fair 2022 Pie Baking Contest
Thanks to all the 2022 Heritage Fair bakers who stepped up, swallowed hard and put their pies under scrutiny. It was an especially tough competition this year, with a tie among two apple pies for first place in the fruit/mixed fruit division. But after all was said - and tasted – rookie pie baker Victoria Hucek of Huntley emerged as the grand champion. She received a blue ribbon, commemorative rolling pin and her name added to the permanent Heritage Fair Pie Baking trophy.
Other winners by category were:
10th annual Heritage Fair Car Show
The Heritage Fair Car Show marked its 10th anniversary July 10 with a rousing show beneath sunny skies run by TJs Klassics from Huntley. More than 100 sports, classic and antique cars participated along downtown Main Street, with the top 20 vehicles earning trophies – plus special trophies for the Best of Show winner. Haden Tipps of Janesville, Wis. also crafted one-of-a-kind People's Choice award.
Best of Show winner Scott Schifferer sent his dad, Ken, out to Omaha, Neb., 18 months ago to buy the 1969 Buick Skylark.
Club Nine smoked by the Salmon
The McHenry County Historical Society's 1858 base ball club, the "Independants," made a game of it, but in the end were outdone by timely, two-out hitting by the Chicago Salmon. For all their "ginger," the home team fell 16-7. The clubs took the field before a large and enthusiastic crowd at at Algonquin Road Elementary School – several of whom were recruited to play by the customary no-glove rules of the time. We are optimistic that will become an annual event.
Toasting a successful museum opening!
The museum opened June 3 with an extravaganza of music, food, fellowship and – of course – a smorgasbord of beers to tempt one's palate. Special thanks to Holzlager Brewing Company, Scorched Earth Brewing Company, Sew Hop’d Brewery and Taproom, ShadowView Brewing, McHenry Brewing Co. and Crystal Lake Brewing for donating product and servers for the evening. Also, special thanks to Fire & Smoke BBQ Company & Julie Ann's Frozen Custard for the wonderful eats and the Corner Boys for setting just the right vibe musically.
Give a home where a buffalo can roam
Billie the buffalo has been kicking up a lot of dirt in nearby Wauconda.
Not to be confused with Billy Buffalo, mascot of the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills, this Billie is a different type of hero: a 1,300-pound American bison which had managed to elude authorities in Lake and McHenry counties since escaping from the Milk and Honey Farmstead in September.
Consider her a regular Billie the Kid.
Gazebo Valor Quilters Mark Memorial Day
The Gazebo Valor Quilters honored about a dozen veterans the afternoon of May 19 at the McHenry County Historical Museum. Since 2011, this volunteer group has given away about 3,390 quilts to deserving men and women – presented with a smile and plenty of hugs.
More than one of the recipients commented that hugs were in short supply while they were on active duty!
Michael Pedone, an Army veteran, said he wished he had such a quilt to keep him warm when he was on duty in Alaska.
Ukraine past and present voiced in verse
CAPTION: Built by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century, the Saints Peter and Paul Garrison Church in Lviv was damaged during World War II and used to store more than 2 million books during the Soviet Era. The United Nation’s cultural agency, UNESCO, has reported that 29 religious sites, 16 historic buildings, four museums and four monuments are confirmed to have been damaged in Ukraine – despite the best efforts of its citizens. Outdoor monuments and statues across the country and the interior of historic churches have been braced with sandbags.
The Eastland: An Unparalleled Tragedy
Even a light rain could not dampen spirits of the thousands who gathered near the Clark Street bridge the morning of July 24, 1915. The S.S. Eastland, the first of five ships chartered by Western Electric for a trip across Lake Michigan – ferrying employees and their families to Washington Park in Michigan City, Ind.
Then it all went wrong.
Will the FCC finally get the signal?
In the rush to exploit 5G technology, those living in unincorporated McHenry County have been left in the lurch, waiting for a promised expansion that may never arrive.
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