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News and Events
Vibrant, Resilient, Still Here: Contemporary Native Americans in Illinois
The lands along the western shore of Lake Michigan once were home to the Potawatomi, the Kickapoo, the Peoria, the Sauk and Meskwaki, the Myaamia and the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ.
There were Ho-Chunk living in this area long before there was a casino. And there were Menominee.
Spinning wheel of death churns my computer and in Asia
Russia, which has repeatedly denied that it plans to invade its neighbor, sent troops Monday into southeastern Ukraine under the auspices of keeping the peace.
Still, after seizing Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and fomenting ethnic divisions and separatist tactics in the industrialized Donbas region, concerns that the fighting might escalate into a larger war are growing.
Can Richmond reboot without sacrificing its roots?
Richmond could be the next Huntley. Really.
Meteoric development occurred years ago in Lake in the Hills and then Algonquin, particularly along the Randall Road corridor. Huntley, sparked by the addition of Del Webb and its proximity to the tollway, stepped to the fore next.
But most recently, developers have turned their attention to Richmond.
Could historic reuse finally be catching on in McHenry County?
Perhaps it’s the skyrocketing price of building materials, a shortage of labor and/or supply chain issues that have prompted this rebirth of reuse across McHenry County.
But I’m not one to look a gift reindeer in the mouth. We local history types are happy to take a win where we find it.
The W.A. McConnell Foundation saved Richmond’s oldest building and now is hard at work trying to save the circa 1902 Solon Mills train station – formerly the Depot Restaurant.
History and economic reuse combine in Cary
Like the Chicago Bears, wins for historic preservation can be hard to come by. But I was encouraged after learning that the village of Cary had worked out a deal with McHenry County to save the current village hall and repurpose it as a police training facility.
Coping with bus shortages demands going back to the blackboard
I have been following with interest all the angst surrounding the bus driver shortage in McHenry County and across the country. A little research confirmed that the cause is complicated.
Illinois school districts do require masks, including inside confined spaces like buses. But they do not mandate COVID-19 vaccines. The unvaccinated have the option of taking weekly COVID-19 tests, offered for free and – in many cases – at the district. It’s as seamless as it can get. But all of this belies the ongoing challenges of attracting bus drivers.
Autumn Drive 2021
Autumn Drive, Oct. 15-17, was a unadultered success thanks to all of the volunteers and attendees. Perkins Hall, the 1885 Seneca Township Hall which served as the geographic heart of the event, was bustling all day. Despite the loss of Ginger Blossom, which is closing its doors in Richmond, and a family emergency which pre-empted our kettle corn vendor from participating this year, their replacements stepped in admirably and stepped up to the plate. Thanks one and all!
Recap of events from Cider Fest 2021
Society marks 44th annual Cider Fest under blue skies! View photos of the event:
2021 Apple Bake-off results
Donna Adams of Richmond edged out perennial pie champion Jim Ratway of Woodstock Oct. 3 for the top apple pie, at this year's Apple Bake-off. A special thank you to all those bakers who participated!
The American Civil War Soldier
Local historian and re-enactor Ed O'Brien presents The American Civil War Soldier. Learn what life was like for the average Civil War soldier – from training, to camp life, to the battlefield. Although no battles were fought in Illinois, McHenry County more than 2,500 men into the Union ranks – most of them serving with 15th, 95th and 36th infantry regiments, as well as the 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment. Also learn how McHenry County supported the northern home front, and what life was like for soldiers returning home after the war.
Preserve Memories of 9/11, local landmarks
"I was listening to WFMT classical music when the broadcast was interrupted to announce a plane crash in New York. I felt it was bad, but [it was] not until I went to church for a staff meeting – and saw everyone watching TV and then saw the second c crash – did I realize how tragic it was. Our staff meeting never happened. We just stat staring and not believing what we were seeing on TV. We were stunned. ... I think we all realize that life is short and we must live now and cherish every day we have with family and friends."
Historic camp jeopardized by bad decisions, saved by a good one
The Boy Scouts of America boasted about 5 million members in the 1970s. Today, there are about 2.2 million. To say a lot has changed is an understatement.
Learning how to “stalk” as part of my Second Class badge certainly carries a different connotation nowadays. And since 2019, girls have been allowed to join Boy Scoutss. Really? I thought that’s why they had Girl Scouts.
McHenry County’s first courthouse to become tavern
McHenry County’s first courthouse is returning to relevancy, although for a markedly different purpose.
Skokie-based Kopley Group plans to turn the 1838 structure – originally located in what is now Veterans Park – into a tavern showcasing the building’s history at the county’s first government center, said Ross Polerecky, the city of McHenry’s director of community development.
When Lake County split off from McHenry County in 1839, the county seat moved farther west to Centerville, what is now Woodstock.
Heritage Fair 2021
Best of Show: 1957 Mercury Monterey, owned by John Sobieszczyk, Hampshire
People's Choice: 1925 Ford T-coupe, owned by Rudy and Penny Stynowski, Hampshire
Rudy and Penny Stybnowski have been “scrounging up” accoutrements for their Model Ts at antique stores throughout the Midwest. Their inventory includes spark plugs, polish, tire repair kits and warning reflectors.
Transparency needed around Richmond, Cary historic sites
Weeks later, the public still knows next to nothing about plans for modifying Richmond’s historic Memorial Hall.
Thanks to the recently released minutes from a special, April 10 board meeting, we know that owner Sam Everly wants to create a venue for “weddings, parties, village community events.” We also know he would like to host food trucks and a weekend farmers market.
Adopt a book, turn a page in history
The Buffalo House tavern is long gone, but its memory lives on in a 6-by-15-inch business ledger. The ledger dates from the early 1900s and kept track of patron’s drink bills.
The “Buffalo House” in Lily Lake was opened Michael L. Worts as a combination tavern and hotel in 1901. The decision to build a tavern hotel on the east shore of Lily Lake was a wise one since the main wagon route between Chicago and Lake Geneva, Wis. followed today’s Darrell Road and Route 120 west through McHenry. On top of that, Lily Lake was a destination for fishermen in the 1890s.
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