June 2022 Newsletter

 

The McHenry Area Historical Society Newsletter

Dear Members,

Welcome to summer, as we enjoy the warm weather after our volatile spring. We are again able to hold our June meeting in Veterans Park as we did last year. As we continue to fight the Covid-19 battle, I hope that all of you are doing your best to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe.

See you on June 11 at 10 am.

Greg Lofgren, Pres. 

Summer Meeting

Join us for our summer meeting, June 11, at 10 AM in Veterans Park. Since this meeting falls between Memorial Day and Independence Day, it is only fitting that this meeting will honor those who have served in the military.

Our speakers will include Ronnie Reber representing the McHenry VFW post and Lee Lexow representing the McHenry American Legion Post. They will share with us a bit of their history in the service and the history of the VFW and American Legion in McHenry. Perhaps there will be another speaker but it has not yet been confirmed. Join us as we share the memories and learn more about these organizations.  

We will meet in the shelter in the park, near Pearl and Court Streets where we can enjoy being out of doors. Bring a folding chair and if it is a warm day, bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated. No food or drink will be provided.

In honor of Memorial Day here is a short quiz about this day.

1.       When was Memorial Day declared a national holiday?

A.      In 1950 when Pres. Harry Truman declared it a National Holiday.

B.       After the Civil War.

C.      In 1971 by a declaration of Congress.

2.       Who does Memorial Day Honor?

A.      All those who have served in the military.

B.       Those who died while in the service defending their country.

C.      Only those who served in the Army.

3.       Was this day always known as Memorial Day?

A.      Always known as Memorial Day.

B.      Originally known as Decoration Day.

C.      Originally known as Veteran’s Day.

Thank you Pat Wirtz

The April meeting concentrated on board games. Not the board games that we enjoy today, but board games that Pat Wirtz has collected over many years. Many of the games are over 100 years old.

Pat shared the history of the games and brought a large number of them which were placed on display, while he shared their history.

Thank you, Pat, for sharing your collection with us.

Quiz Answers

1.C Although the day had been celebrated unofficially for many years, it was often celebrated on different days depending on the state. In 1971 Congress officially created Memorial Day as a Federal Holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday in May.

2.B Memorial Day is the holiday to honor those who perished in service to their country. Veteran’s Day, in November, celebrates all who have served the nation.

3.B Originally the day was known as Decoration Day in honor of placing flowers on the graves of those who had died in the Civil War by family members.

Visit our Facebook page for more McHenry history

McHenry Area Historical Society on Facebook 

 Membership Renewal

Please remember to renew your dues. Dues will be increased slightly in 2023, because of increased costs. So, renew now and take advantage of the lower rates.

Please mail to Danielle Miller, 1411 N. Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050 or bring to the June meeting.

Please Print

Name___________________________________Address______________________________________ City, State, Zip_________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone_______________________________Cell Phone__________________________________ EMail_____________________________________________________________________________

Membership: Individual $15______ Family $25_____Lifetime $250______Senior (60+) $10 ____ Student$10___ Contributing business (Owner and spouse) $75___