The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum endeavors to be a hub for collection, preservation and educational outreach reflecting McHenry County’s history.
The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum endeavors to be a hub for collection, preservation and educational outreach reflecting McHenry County’s history. |
Established in 1963, our members, staff and volunteers have a 60-year track record (60 YEARS!) rich in preservation, education, and entertainment contributions to McHenry County. We create learning experiences and events. We focus on local culture, organizational and family history. We collect and care for notable artifacts. We participate in the activities of like-minded organizations, throughout McHenry County. |
Your membership in the McHenry County Historical Society is always welcomed and appreciated! In addition to the knowledge that you are joining collective efforts to shape our county's future without forgetting its past, membership benefits include the following: Free admission to the Museum. Up to three complimentary research requests (copying and image fees still apply). Subscriptions to the monthly newsletter and The Tracer, a quarterly magazine. Reduced rates for special programming throughout the year. |
The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum Board of Directors is responsible for fulfilling the organization's mission. Directors provide governance, leadership, and vision, ensure the organization's vitality and growth, represent the museum to the community, and accept the organization's ultimate legal authority. |
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Join our board, and help us make history! |
The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum extends a warm welcome to individuals of all ages and abilities. |
Graphical overview of Museum Buildings, Exhibits and Videos
Hours, Address, Map and other attractions in Union IL
Help MCHS preserve its collection by adopting an endangered book
Help MCHS preserve its collection by adopting an endangered donation
Help MCHS preserve its collection by adopting an endangered artifact
When you visit the Museum, don't forget to visit our Gift Store!
Presentations, Lectures Historical impressions/Impersonations
Learn more about our available educational programs!
Thank you for considering a donation to the McHenry County Historical Society.
Museum Hours |
Living at the turn of the century in Marengo |
Video shows the process of moving an 1870's Italianate Bay window from a house in Richmond owned by MCCD, to Union IL. |
Learn more about the Gannon Cabin, built in 1843 and currently a permanent exhibit at the McHenry County Historical Museum. |
Ongoing Series of Postcards selected by Kira Stell, and cross posted on our Facebook pages. |
Our Don Peasley Exhibit Opened on May 4th 2014 |
Perkins Town Hall is located at 3600 Franklinville Road in Woodstock, IL
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Rare limestone construction |
Riley Methodist Church, built in 1898, is ideal for a wedding, baptism or any religious event. |
1895 West Harmony School |
Museum Quiz Answers |
Our Research Library is by appointment only after completing a research request. Once a request is completed, we will begin research and contact you about what we've found and then schedule an appointment if needed. Research Request fees are waived for MCHS Members, but copying and image fees still apply. There is a $30 research request fee for use by non-members. |
Reference Materials available in the MCHS Research Library - I. Countywide Resources |
Reference Materials available in the MCHS Research Library - Historical Special Editions of Local Newspapers |
Reference Materials available in the MCHS Research Library - Local Histories |
By comparing data from an 1872 Atlas, and modern maps, we can see how mcHenry County has developed over the past 138 years. |
court cases |
On this Day in McHenry County History |
The small independent drug store has disappeared along with the remaining “independents.” Richmond once could boast the location of “Mc Henry County’s largest drug store.” |
Life Before Women’s Suffrage |
Remember onion plasters, mustard plasters, oh how they burned our chests! But they would cure a chest cold, wouldn’t they? |
Chart of Birthplaces of McHenry County Residents according to the 1850 Census. |
Chart of McHenry County Occupations listed in the 1850 and 1870 Census |
Chart of Cultural Sites Listed in the 1872 McHenry County Atlas |
Cultural Sites Listed in the 1892 McHenry County Atlas |
Chart of Cultural Sites Listed in the 1908 McHenry County Atlas |
Digital Scrapbook Collection |
“Forgotten McHenry County” documents remnants of our past, be it ghost ads on buildings, addresses on transoms, post offices no longer in existence, slaughterhouses, distilleries, outside cellar doors and even corncribs & outhouses. |
“Forgotten McHenry County” documents remnants of our past, be it ghost ads on buildings, addresses on transoms, post offices no longer in existence, slaughterhouses, distilleries, outside cellar doors and even corncribs & outhouses. |
“Forgotten McHenry County” documents remnants of our past, featuring Lustron Homes- All Metal Pre-Fabricated Homes, Post WW2 |
“Forgotten McHenry County” documents remnants of our past, be it ghost ads on buildings, addresses on transoms, post offices no longer in existence, slaughterhouses, distilleries, outside cellar doors and even corncribs & outhouses. |
“Forgotten McHenry County” documents remnants of our past, be it ghost ads on buildings, addresses on transoms, post offices no longer in existence, slaughterhouses, distilleries, outside cellar doors and even corncribs & outhouses. |
“Forgotten McHenry County” documents remnants of our past, be it ghost ads on buildings, addresses on transoms, post offices no longer in existence, slaughterhouses, distilleries, outside cellar doors and even corncribs & outhouses. |
“Forgotten McHenry County” documents remnants of our past, be it ghost ads on buildings, addresses on transoms, post offices no longer in existence, slaughterhouses, distilleries, outside cellar doors and even corncribs & outhouses. |
“Forgotten McHenry County” documents remnants of our past, be it ghost ads on buildings, addresses on transoms, post offices no longer in existence, slaughterhouses, distilleries, outside cellar doors and even corncribs & outhouses. |
“Forgotten McHenry County” documents remnants of our past, be it ghost ads on buildings, addresses on transoms, post offices no longer in existence, slaughterhouses, distilleries, outside cellar doors and even corncribs & outhouses. |
Historic Links of interest n McHenry County |
How to Confirm the Age of Your Historic Home |
Dates of Original Land Purchases in McHenry County 1839-1850 (Chart) |
Many of the small independent jewelry stores in McHenry County have disappeared along with the independent clothing boutiques and drug stores. Those that remain conduct business in a much more complex environment than in the 1950s. |
McHenry County in the Twenties was still dominated by the specialty store. Most any item that a family needed could be had by going downtown. |
Those first automobile tourists traveled with everything, including the kitchen sink. Their car was a home-away-from home because these were the days before motels. |
McHenry County Youngsters have always found a way to keep busy when not in school or doing homework. What did kids do before video games became so popular? |
Reference Materials available in the MCHS Research Library - McHenry County Conservation District |
To obtain a photocopy of an obituary, please: Send the name and date of the obituaries you want along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to McHenry County Historical Society, P.O. Box 434, Union, IL 60180. |
Newspapers, local history books and documents. |
McHenry County |
Sears sold these “Modern Home” kits from 1908-1940. |
McHenry County Wartime Data from 1846 - 2003 |
Graphical View of All Available Preservation Online
View working barns in the Lake County and McHenry area
Thank you for your interest in the McHenry County Historical Society's Barn Registration Program. Unfortunate as it is, this program may become the only record of barns that once predominated |
Common sense approach – always start with the least invasive treatment but if you aren’t sure what to do, don’t do anything. Instead, contact the McHenry County Historical Society. |
Nothing is more beautiful than seeing the sunset behind a McHenry County barn. |
This was a prevalent Northern Illinois style barn from time of settlement in 1830's through probably the 1860's while wheat was grown and before dairying took over in 1870's. |
Plaquing an historic site or structure is an excellent means of calling attention to the heritage of McHenry County. |
Preserve the Past by revealing your place in History. |
Graphical overview of News and Current Events
Check out our Museum Fundraisers and local history events!
History-packed quarterly magazine – 16 pages of news, articles, interviews
Raices Latinas hosts first farm tour June 8, 2023 |
History an economic driver |
Village-owned bridge failing |
Marengo Athletics one of earliest county clubs |
Depot restaurant reaches end of line |
New Raices Latinas group builds bridges |
East Palestine, Ohio, derailment shows lessons from past crashes not being learned fast enough |
Public access to digitized records |
Long-time dairy farmer leaves legacy |
Newest quilt has gals in stitches |
Open House provides thread to past |
Hurry in for the holidays |
Iconic theaters going dark |
Story behind Christmas lighting illuminating |
County has tie to Revolutionary War |
Mysteries linger |
Rare barn under threat |
Weather cooperates for Oct. 2 event |
Library celebrates 40 years of connecting people to their past |
Illinois Arts Council helps fund first-of-its-kind event |
2 p.m. Aug. 20 |
Big crowd shows up at Pistakee Bay |
July 10 marked return to the Good Ol' Days |
Stop war, make pie |
Antique cars add polish to 35th annual fair |
Vintage base ball visits Fox River Grove |
Outdoor event gets 5 stars |
New art show part of opening |
Remembering those who served |
Flags for freedom |
7 p.m. April 11 |
Dependable Wi-Fi remains elusive |
3 p.m. April 25 at the museum |
Past can predict future, if we learn from it |
Development pressure underscores need for a plan |
Cary’s effort to save the former senior center example of historical buildings getting another life |
History catalyst for economic development |
Still time to view Smithsonian exhibit |
Good weather, large crowds make return of Autumn Drive memorable |
Society marks 44th annual Cider Fest under blue skies |
Around the Clock captures Apple of My Eye Award for top commercial pie |
County played key role in preserving Union |
Painful memories, pleasant present |
Legacy of Camp Lakota carries on |
History infuses economy |
Car owners brave overcast skies, light up Main Street |
Disclose plans ... please |
Sponsor Restoration |
Buy a sandwich, save a building |
Richmond residents propose nonprofit |
Take a walk on the historical side |
Holst underscores care of clothes |
Voting a sacred trust |
Listen to the April 5 recording |
Operational grant helps MCHS |
Civic participation needs protections |
Sampler Lecture picture perfect |
February chill record setting |
CL doctor, station owner nabs crooks |
County leader in organic ice control |
Algonquin's Diane Perrone this year's winner! |
See MCHS artifacts put to use |
5-part series explores food history |
MCCD staff recommend maintaining just six of 27 historic structures it owns |
Sweetened offers due Dec. 22 |
1930s' radio show still celebrated |
MCHS strikes gold |
TB remains a problem |
Coal speculators flamed out |
Coventry on the cusp |
Historical Society hosts Veterans Day thank you |
Female vote has come full circle |
Legacy gift |
Volunteers make garden bloom |
Action needed to save structure |
Clear skies, enthusiastic visitors combine for great day |
Sept. 19 attendees learn about bees |
COVID could signal return of rationing |
Picture your past, adopt some art |
Color your world purple and gold Wednesday |
Questers "Adopt An Artifact" |
As in the Civil War, Lincoln resilient |
McHenry East High School graduate earns scholarship |
Union School marks sesquicentennial |
The "new normal" actually is old |
Get your corn dogs, funnel cakes |
CONGRATS Paula Goepfert of Woodstock!!
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Historic observatory could reopen |
Operational relief grant approved |
History resources available at a social distance |
Dairy farming under threat |
Masking up to stay healthy |
Chronicle history while you have time |
Free pioneer crafts for kids |
Manufacturerers have retooled production before |
/research-libraryWarning signs for pandemic were there |
Veterans program full of stories |
Pandemic nothing new |
NAAC leaving Woodstock |
19th Amendment 72 years in the making |
Old courthouse, turned bar, on tap to be repurposed |
Local "roadshow" a hit among collectors |
Hospital logistics, environment can make you sick |
Crystal Lake City Council approves church plan |
Council to consider Jan. 7 |
Huntley wants to expand, reimage its downtown |
Frosty not melting away |
Mary & Doug Noe named Volunteers of the Year |
Quilt "forest" 2019 |
Last 1st Friday on Dec. 6 |
Dean Foods files for bankruptcy |
Frosty is "the man" |
Hand dyeing fabric key to creativity |
Historical buildings can be made functional |
Ford School added to county landmark list |
Historic Sites Committee landmarks chapel site |
E-cigarettes latest in long line of deadly "remedies" |
Ladies Circle dissolves, two historic sites preserved |
Enthusiastic crowd listens to tales of woe |
All Seasons edges stiff competition to win Apple of My Eye |
Another Cider Fest in the books |
Harvard lodge building at crossroads |
Would be "Mrs. President" was a diehard suffragette |
History lovers visit Island Lake on Sept. 18 |
MCHS plaques 90th structure |
6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 |
Chapel open to all in need |
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Vintage carousel reborn in Volo |
Annual meeting held Aug. 19 |
Bookstores find the goirng tough |
Historic school, would-be museum torn down |
Rare passenger bus latest project |
Ratway edges tough field |
Global warming a new reality |
Technology help people visualize history |
Classic vehicles play it cool on hot day |
Heritage Fair outlasts heat |
Civil War Days canceled |
Homemade candy shop marks 100th birthday |
June 15 program marks 75 years since Normandy invasion |
Keeping the Peace Down on the Farm |
Capital bill could help fund rail expansion |
McHenry residents try to save 1st courthouse |
Lakewood saves its silo |
Take a video tour |
April 25 at the museum |
County real estate market mixed |
Peek into the American Indian Way of Life |
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 3 |
In-school programs for first- through fifth-graders |
Renewed recycling key to staving off landfill threat
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Depot resolution adopted |
Audubon shares stories with county |
Joint Council Tour March 20 |
Fabric donor receives block |
Unusal bike developed in Huntley |
Full house hears about famed White City |
Railing for rail |
Enthusiastic crowd participates |
Money to fund school outreach |
Curtiss legacy continuing |
Tour history |
Five candidates approved |
Railing for mass transit |
2020 quilt a 1930s bow-tie pattern |
Bell ringers ring up donations |
2019 |
Every wall needs a gate |
Here here, pass the beer |
Madrigal Performance |
Folks still are talking about the snowfall of 1936
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Hebron Library |
2018 |
Hebron Library Fundraiser Nov. 17, 2018 |
Quilt program draws enthusastic crowd |
2018 |
Bake-off on point for taste |
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Halloween, costumes remain popular |
Historic House recognized on Sept. 29 |
Representatives from the McHenry County Historical Society and the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission visited the Boone County Museum of History: |
Hardware family exiting the business |
Newspapers and the communal history they chronicle are disappearing – not only current mastheads but the many publications that have been relegated to memory. |
History isn't always pretty |
Logic Puzzle Museum a fun diversion |
Little Schoolhouse on the Prairie |
Cities drawn into redevelopment |
Quilt winner selected |
Dairy Dilemma |
We scream for ice cream |
Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's Heritage Fair Car Show. It was the largest yet! |
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A slice above |
Bridging generations |
Shall We Give A Dam or Not? |
This "dish" meant touching home |
This church had many foundations |
Pistakee Panache The McHenry County Historical Society marked its 55th museum year with an opening soiree Friday, May 4, at the museum. |
May 20 |
Riverside was go-to destination |
Historic Ag Day |
Orchard Beach Hotel |
Corn perfect fit for prairie |
Could cold beer be sold here? |
Donny Discovered |
Huntley seeks proposals |
Admiring Adelia |
New approach to repurposing old |
Large crowd marks state bicentennial, transportation hubs |
Antiques Great Show |
Korean conundrum |
Ignore at your peril |
Moose on the loose |
Detailed Plan |
This year's Rock Around the Quilted Tree theme is "Blue Christmas. Twenty-one quilts were entered in this year's seasonal show. |
Switzer, Fiske leave a legacy in their wake |
F.E. Rawson general store is seen in Greenwood |
Crystal Lake McDonald's in 1961 |
Climb aboard Christmas Tree Ship on Nov. 19 |
"Serial Quilter" comes clean |
Old jail landmarked |
Historic Halloween 2016 |
Eugene V. Debs speaks to a crowd |
Bull Valley has every right to celebrate its 40th birthday |
40th event |
Teaching teachers |
"A two-hour tour ..." |
Landmark status to the William H. Coventry House and Barn |
Let's play two |
Kurt Pearson, McHenry resident and Crystal Lake native, began researching Swedenberg about 5 years ago.... |
Everyone loves history, right? |
Big Schook Day |
Fox River watershed |
Back-to-school |
History Repeats |
68% shopped online... |
Woodstock High School graduate earns scholarship |
Jean Turner, Huntley |
Heritage Fair Hootenanny |
Banking on Clams |
Sears Holding Corp. |
Hub-bub over the wording |
Must have been the shirts |
Gen. John L. “Black Jack” Pershing |
Alden depot dismantled |
Nancy Roozée named Woman of Distinction |
3 p.m. Monday, May 15 |
Wine tasting, taste for history key
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Ernest Freeberg talks about Eugene V. Debs |
6 to 9 p.m. Friday |
Pistakee Bay takes center stage |
Historic Huntley High School demolished |
WWI and Peaceful Protest |
There are so many barns across McHenry County |
Call to Action! |
Historic house razed |
Lehmann mansion in Lake Villa |
Dyer addresses full house |
"Forever Poppies" |
Many attended March 20 lecture |
Reviving Newspapers |
Record Turnout! |
Performers called county home |
On the radio |
A Volunteer Valentine |
The Golden Tornadoes of 1920 |
Built between 1861and 1862 |
MLK lessons |
Stitch in Time
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Heaven City |
First quilt show in the books Arlen Bird, Union, earned top honors as show champion for her "American Glory" quilt, a reproduction of a quilt first stitched in the early 1800s. |
Seeking good coffee |
Historial Society helps Salvation Army |
Helping Others |
Display continues through December |
Demolished |
Quilt Presentation |
Historians among honorees |
Presidential straw poll a dead heat |
Traditions continue |
Oct. 12 event draws full house |
2016 |
On the circuit So if you’re trying to bring religion to a bunch of pioneers scattered across hell’s half acre, what do you do? You bring the shepherd to the flock. |
Hops could replace roses as county's signature crop |
Heritage Quilters strut stuff |
Poster art program draws interest |
Quick view of the 2016 Heritage Fair Car Show. |
It was a "corker" |
You the "Poké" Man! |
Historical Society at the county fair |
Centennial celebrations |
After 145 years, Haeger Potteries closed its East Dundee factory June 30 in what company President Lexy Haeger Estes characterized as the company’s “most difficult” decision. |
Preservation ordinances |
Beer has a history all its own A crowd thirsty for beer knowledge gathered at the museum July 24 to hear home brewer Dave Oberg pontificate about something he knows a lot about: Beer. |
Romans in Romania |
Sweet treat |
See Photo Gallery for Event Highlights |
A tale of two schoolhouses |
Pringle pageant a rousing success! |
Pringle pageant captures a century of progress, 1836-1936 |
History re-created An energetic crowd turned out Thursday, June 16, to witness history: The release of Eugene V. Debs from the McHenry County Jail in Woodstock on Nov. 22, 1895. |
Thank you McHenry County! |
Eugene V. Debs |
Milk Center of the World |
Stengele, Mack and Viger Honored |
Railroads developed McHenry County |
History protected |
Lakewood Farms placed on list |
History celebration starts April 29 For historical events marking Look at Local History Month click HERE |
Book her, Dano! |
Sampler Lecture Nearly 100 people attended the fourth and final Sampler Series lecture on Monday, April 18, at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum. |
Super Supper |
Music part of farm life |
March 30 |
County records storage shown |
MCCF invests in the community |
Members get sneak peek |
History minded quilters earn award |
Radio program |
Published Feb. 1, 2016 in the Northwest Herald |
Valentines Day |
By KURT BEGALKA |
Appraisals fill popular need |
Future TV Special |
Dec. 9 Lunch |
Raffle Quilts |
These trees sparkle |
Radio history |
The McHenry County Board is accepting applications from individuals interested in appointment to the McHENRY COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION. One position is available for a |
Veterans honored with quilts |
Tickling the ivories |
Tabletop history |
Window to the past |
Ghost stories with Jim May |
Museum serves slice of history, apple treats on Oct. 4 |
Mail Order Phenomenon |
McHenry County Joint Council of HIstoric Groups fall meeting |
C & NW Historical Society |
Special tour of Queen Anne masterpiece |
The Peterson farmstead is located at 2903 Vermont Road. |
Historic farmstead to be plaqued |
Author Dave Lester speaks. |
Grand champion Jim Ratway won the 2015 Pie Bake Off |
Henry Kenyon shares a cold beverage in our brewing exhibit. |
Kyla Singleton, History student and Crystal Lake resident. |
Midnight Carboys |
Annual favorite: the Perkins Players performers, circa 2015. |
Civil War base ball game ends in tie. |
From Museum Opener May 1st |
Division medal winners Bob and Chris Frenz |
Coventry farmstead protected |
Countywide tour of history related events |
A large crowd was on hand Tuesday night, April 14, for the third of four Sampler Series programs at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum. |
Palm Sunday in 1965 |
About 85 members viewed the private collections |
Part of the 2015 Sampler Series |
Focuses on the Standard School Program in Illinois |
A 1946 Chevy pickup captured Best of Show honors. |
A Musical History of McHenry County." presented by Speaker Mary Ellen Heelan, of Cary. |
Highlights from February 28th event |
Archival storage sites maintained by the C & NW Historical Society |
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McHenry County was WWII home of German POWs, Japanese-Americans. At a time when some in this country feel a sense of antipathy toward Arab-Americans living among us, it is worth remembering that during World War II a number of Japanese-Americans – as well as German prisoners of war – were working and living in McHenry County. |
Rankin/Bass Productions historian and archivist Rick Goldschmidt |
Estate Planning can benefit future generations, leave a lasting legacy. |
The Huntley High School Treble Choir entertains volunteers |
For a donation to the Historical Society, take a photograph of you and/or yours standing next to or sitting on this historic ride! |
2014 |
Tour of the Old Courthouse on the Woodstock Square |
Don Purn (left) and Bob Frenz educated students on the Civil War |
Quilt Drawing Followed Debra Henniger Presentation |
Historic Halloween is presented every October |
Grand champion honors for Mary Argall's Candy Apple pie |
Volunteers from Grace Lutheran Evangelical Church in Woodstock |
Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce |
MCHS presented the historical plaque on Sunday, June 29 |
Register Now for our 2014 Summer Sunday Series Return to the Classroom |
Includes Quilted Barn Locations in McHenry County! |
May 31 bus tour of historic, one-room schools in McHenry County |
MCHS plaqued the 113-year-old George Burger house May 2014 |
Overview of the 2014 Sampler Series, 4 great presentations. |
Chris Frenz was among those who volunteered to teach students at the 2014 Ag Day, April 15-17, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock. |
Camp Algonquin is on the 10 most Endangered Historic Places |
Have an original piece of art showing portraying a historic structure, landscape or vista? Contact the Historical Society to find out how we help each other – and further historic preservation. |
MCHS Committee plaqued the El Tovar Theatre, Feb. 8, 2014 |
MCHS President Bob Frenz accepts certificate from Rich Carter |
DECEMBER 2013- The unassuming gravestone with the surname “Sayer,” found in McHenry’s St. |
The city of Woodstock has begun the process for the acquisition, restoration, preservation and reuse of the historic old McHenry County Courthouse built in 1857. |
More than 200 people celebrated golden anniversary of the McHenry County Historical Society |
In late summer, while the cicadas drone, come and see the annual Afternoon Sing-along at the 1895 Riley Church, 9316 Riley Road, Marengo |
Cottonwood sculpture gets new life. |
About 66 yrs ago, the Ford School, c.1886, was about to be torn down... |
Part of our past is taking root in Lake in the Hills. |
If you have completed a renovation project, large or small, on your older home in the last two years that is in keeping with the historic character of the building, submit a nomination to the McHen |
157-year-old structure |
MAY 2013 - John Strohm began his presentation with panache. |
MCHS presented a plaque at the Josephine and William Lorimer Jr. House May 2013 |
Alden Methodist Church |
Alden railroad station |
FEBRUARY 2013 - Examples of old mills repurposed interesting ways are not hard to find: A sawmill turned into a restaurant in downstate Urbana, an 1857 feed mill in Mazomanie, Wis., converted into |
FEBRUARY 2013 - The debate raging in Congress over the federal deficit and its possible effect on the social safety net isn’t all that different than what occurred a century ago. |
The Mineola was built in 1884 |
On November 30, 2010 the Union Fire Dept. had the 1867 limestone building so they could put in a septic field for their adjacent fireshouse. |
When you support the McHenry County Historical Society, many benefits become yours. |
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