News and Events
Memories of Wartime in Hampshire – 1944-45
As a 12-year-old boy, John Fenzel Jr. was able to meet the “enemy” on friendly terms – from the safety of his hometown.
A newsboy for Hampshire druggist George Wilcox, the young Fenzel was tasked with delivering copies of the Chicago newspapers – the Daily News, Herald-American and Tribune – to the German POW camp in town. Located on the eastern end of Keyes Avenue, Camp Hampshire housed 260 German prisoners, with 50 enlisted men and officers as guards.
Misery Loves Company: Coping with Pandemic Then and Now, 1918 and 2020
BY EMILY DATTILO
“May you live in interesting times.”
- English saying, uncertain origins
The above quote has been on my mind a lot lately. Though I’m young, I’ve been blessed with a more or less boring life thus far. This month life has grown a lot more interesting thanks to a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Old courthouse in Woodstock seeks new image, uses
Since taking ownership of the former McHenry County Courthouse and Sheriff’s House in December 2011, the city of Woodstock has sunk an estimated $3.5 million into stabilizing the buildings – everything from window replacement to tuck pointing; heating and ventilation upgrades, new front steps and, repairs to the roof and cupola.
But there are indications that all of this time and money might finally pay off – although not without some collateral casualties. Northwest Area Arts Council, a loyal tenant for 30 years will move out at the end of 2020.
Goddard as Alice Paul brings audience to its feet
For historic dramatist Leslie Goddard, there was an immediate connection with the firebrand Alice Paul.
Keeping our past present requires imagination, commitment
A developer wants to turn what some previously characterized as a bug bed-infested flophouse, into a uniquely historic destination.
The challenge is to preserve the underlying history.
The McHenry Landmark Commission and city officials have been meeting with Chicago-based Copley Equity Partners LLC as they formulate plans for reviving what was the county’s first courthouse.
8th Annual Antique Appraisal Day
Unseasonably warm weather and plenty of publicity combined to make this year's Antique Appraisal Day a success.
Sick and tired of medical mayhem? Do your homework
Back in the day, a person could find out a lot more about local hospitals. And that is a good thing. After all, it’s not like you are going in for an oil change.
Society thrives built on the bricks, mortar of public involvement
I am encouraged that the latest redevelopment of a historic structure might well become the norm in McHenry County and not an aberration.
The Crystal Lake City Council overrode its planning commission Tuesday night and approved a plan, pending a little bit of internal paperwork, that will convert the historic Immanuel Lutheran Church and school into apartments.
Adapting history requires imagination, creativity in Crystal Lake and elsewhere
An ordinance allowing rezoning and redevelopment of the former Immanuel Lutheran Church property for use as apartments was continued until the next Crystal Lake City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7.
Following a denial by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 9, developer True North Properties Inc. must secure a super majority of the City Council (five of seven votes) to move forward. Holiday absences prompted its decision to wait.
History key in keeping any downtown vibrant
Huntley is in the unique position of being able to reimage its downtown, and Village Manager Dave Johnson said that historic preservation will integral to that plan.
“We want to create this sense of place and continue what we started,” Johnson said. “Unlike Harvard and Woodstock, Huntley’s downtown was small and very modest. We’re creating something. We’ve got the opportunity to create a new downtown. We’re enhancing what is there and looking to bring some 20 acres into the downtown.”
50th Anniversary of Frosty the Snowman
"There's always that element of magic that you can't duplicate," said Rick Goldschmidt Oak Lawn historian and biographer for Rankin/Bass Procduictions Inc. "It comes from the heart."
Such is the case with Frosty the Snowman – the Rankin/Bass classic first aired 50 years ago this month. Frosty was conceived earlier in the 1950s, part of song made famous by Gene Autry, but it was the creative team at Rankin/Bass that rounded him into form.
Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
A thank you to our volunteers:
Trying to quantify your value to this organization is virtually impossible.
It transcends money, although that is significant. The Washington-based Independent Sector estimates that value, by the way, at $25.43 an hour. Volunteers contribute an estimated $203.4 billion to the United States through their time, talent, and effort.
Your impact transcends time and effort. It transcends your many and varied skills … and, might I add, you cookie bakers deserve a raise. Just sayin’ …
2019: 4th Annual Rock Around the Quilted Tree
2019's themes included Log Cabin patterns, snowmen (50th anniversary of Frosty the Snowman) Heirloom (pre-1965) and Just For Show (log cabin or snowmen, no judging).
Ribbons were warded in each of the four categories for first and second place, as well as a “people’s choice” and “judge’s choice” selected from among all the entries. The exhibit remains open through Jan. 3, with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
History needs to be prominent in Dole’s future
Some like it. Others don't. But there’s no disputing the fact that the old Dole mansion has a new look about it.
After joining forces three years ago in the photography business, Nancy Merkling and Janet Kay weren’t looking to run a historic arts center. But when the managers of the former Lakeside Arts Park left the scene, the duo – who had a photography studio in the building - was quick to fill the void as co-executive directors and embrace a new branding strategy. Rather than “Lakeside Legacy,” the complex simply became known as “The Dole.”
Civics does the body good
Caption: The annual milk drinking contest in 1959 featured former White Sox owner Bill Veeck (left) sipping the cream of the crop during the 18th annual Harvard Milk Days.
With the next election nearly upon us, it’s not all that surprising that an old history guy’s fancy can turn to politics … in particular, knowledge about the American political system.
Back in the day, they referred to it as “civics.”
Frosty Christmas memorabilia from 2019
UNION – It first aired on Dec. 7, 1969 – 50 years to the day that the McHenry County Historical Society will mark the occasion honoring Frosty the Snowman.
Dave Harms and Lynne Eltrevoog, historical society and Golden Glow of Christmas Past members from Marengo, have compiled another must-see display of all things Frosty – from slippers to ties to string lights, movies and more – at the museum, 6422 Main St. in Union.
After all, when you’re talking Christmas characters, there are none bigger than Santa, Rudolph and Frosty. There’s magic in that ol’ black hat.
- ‹ previous
- 7 of 26
- next ›
© 2025 MCHS- All Rights Reserved.