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News and Events
Conservation demands we save the family farm
Published Feb. 1, 2016 in the Northwest Herald
When the conservation of a natural woodland or vista butts up against the need to conserve historic structures, which emerges unscathed? Ideally, both do.
Each are unique examples of a bygone era continuously under threat from development. Each have untold cultural significance, speaking to who we were, are and hope to become. Each are irreplaceable and represent a valuable legacy for future generations.
"Will You be mine" stands the test of time
Published in the Northwest Herald on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016
Students go to the wall for art history
By KURT BEGALKA
Every day we stand witness to the fallout from the ongoing struggle between preservation and progress: Books vs. Nooks, photographs vs. Photoshop, oaks vs. edifices – just to name a few.
But it’s not just that historical buildings are being leveled faster than ... Too late. Sometimes, actually most times, the things inside the building matter just as much. Tree trunks no longer double as joists in basements or crawl spaces. And where are you going to find solid maple doors, leaded glass and brass fixtures anymore?
Volunteer Appreciation
Dec. 9 Lunch
The historical society hosted a full house Dec. 9 for its annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch. We were honored to host the Marengo Community High School Choir, directed by Todd Stellmach.
A special thank you goes out to "Party Girls" Marcia Lockwood, Mary Jane Schuring, Diane Urban and Coral Scranton for organizing the the lunch – ably assisted by Office Manager Nancy Roozée. Thanks also to Mike DeRose of StoneBakers Pizza for catering the event. Following a trivia contest compiled by staffer Jess Cunny, the program got under way.
Homage to the aluminum Christmas tree forest of 2015
In 2015 Marengo residents Dave Harms and his antiquing partner, Lynne Eltrevoog, brought about 70 aluminum trees, manufactured between 1958 and 1969, to the McHenry County Historical Society Museum as part of that year's Holiday Open House. Up until this year, when COVID-19 intervened, the dynamic duo staged public displays at the museum for 13 years. Harms began collecting Christmas memorabilia in 1980, when he first set out to find a lighted tree stand like the one his grandparents used when he was a child.
Society on WXMR airwaves
McHenry County Historical Society former Administrator Kurt Begalka talked history Dec. 3 with Kevin and Mike, co-hosts of WXMR 94.3 FM’s morning drive program, “Morning Frontier.” Topics ranged from the current aluminum Christmas tree forest, running Tuesdays through Fridays through Jan. 8 2015 to Marengo trivia. Listen to the interview
County preservartion commission seeks applicants
The McHenry County Board is accepting applications from individuals interested in appointment to the McHENRY COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION. One position is available for an appointment term expiring on November 26, 2020. Attorneys, architects, engineers, real estate professionals with knowledge of historic preservation, and individuals with a demonstrated interest in pre-history, history or architecture are encouraged to apply. A completed application, along with a resume, should be returned to the County Board office.
Civil War quilt program
Veterans honored with quilts
More than 100 people packed Eckert Hall Nov. 11 for the first, of what we hope are many, Valor Quilt presentation as part of our annual Heritage Quilters quilt raffle and program. This year's Civil War-themed effort was spearheaded by Sandy Schweitzer, Holly Scott and Carol Sek – punctuated by a special guest appearance from Mary Ann "Mother" Bickerdyke, as portrayed by Crystal Lake's Kathy Jayko.
Afternoon Sing-along
About 30 people attended the society's annual sing-along Nov. 8 in the 1895 Riley Methodist Church. A special thank you to our musiican/facilitator Mary Ellen Heelan, a board member from Cary, who not only donated her services for the afternoon but did a stellar job on both keyboard and accordian. Also, thanks to volunteer Janet Hayes for her assistance in readying the church and helping with refreshments. And, finally, thanks to everyone who spent a couple hours on a beautiful November day raising their voices in song – from hymns to Broadway favorites.
Marengo History window
Window to the past
Those interested in getting a sneak peek at Marengo history should stop by the former Levin's Dry Goods store, 212 S. State St. in Marengo, through the end of October. McHenry County Historical Society volunteer and former intern Paige Giacomo of Spring Grove compiled a collection of images and artifacts for Settlers' Days.
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.
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