The Empire, The Colony and McHenry Theater

 

 

 

Located on Green Street in the same location as our McHenry Theater sits today, the Empire Theater was built in 1918 by John and Mattie Smith. 

 

 

 They sold the Empire in 1934 to RJ Miller who changed the name to The Colony in 1939.

 

On 3 November, 1951 the theater burned down.

 

 

A new theater was built and the Grand Opening of The McHenry Theater was held on 9 February, 1955.

 

 

 

The most recent remodel was completed in 2018.

 

On a side note, RJ Miller was also the original owner of the Skyline Drive-In Theater opened in 1951. Today we know it is The McHenry Outdoor Theater.

 

Ref: The McHenry Plaindealer

The McHenry Train Depot

The Chicago & Northwestern Train arrived in McHenry in the year 1854.  Senator George Gage who owned the property in the main street area was instrumental in bringing the railroad to McHenry.

 

In 1908, a train loaded with cattle came into McHenry from Crystal Lake.  It was headed toward Ringwood but crashed just south of the depot after taking the curve to fast.

 

The engineer, A. Jewell from Chicago avoided death by jumping out the locomotive's window.  The conductor was also able to jump to safety but unfortunately, the fireman Ernest Auler was not able to escape in time.  

Despite everything, the wreck was cleaned up by the end of the day.

Although the original train station was not damaged in the wreck, our current train depot built in 1910.

Ghosts Of McHenry

We can all agree that the George Stickney house in Bull Valley is likely the most haunted building in the McHenry area.

We also know that the historic Gale House and Volo Antique Barn is haunted.

 

But are there other haunted homes or buildings in the McHenry area?  

We would love to hear your stories if you live or work in a historic home or building and have noticed unusual occurrences!

If you have a ghostly story to tell, please email us!  We'll research it and may include it in upcoming articles!

Hanly Mill Landmark Plaque

On May 16, 2022, the little Hanly Mill on the corner of Crystal Lake Road and Mill Street became a designated historical landmark in the City Of McHenry!

 

We just received the plaque!

We will be having a ceremony when the plaque is attached to the building in September or October.  I will post more information when it becomes available.