Halloween Prank

 

In late October of 1911, Lewis C. Bishop arrived at his Barber Shop on Water St. (Riverside Drive) to find his shop had been the victim of a Halloween prank!

 

Hanly Mill Article by Sandy Landen Machaj

Our own Sandy Machaj wrote a wonderful article regarding the history and designation as a landmark of the Hanly Mill for the Hi-Liter Newspaper.  Click here to read the article on their website:

Hanly Mill In McHenry Hi-Liter Article

Interview With Bea Justen by Nancy Fike

Please enjoy this interview with Bea Justen by Landmark Emeritus, Nancy Fike. Mrs. Justen lived in the Dr. H. T. Brown house her entire life. She shares some interesting and insightful stories about McHenry during her lifetime. Enjoy!  (Click on each image to enlarge it.)

Or click here to read via a PDF file:  Interview with Bea Justen

 

 

The Solon Mills Depot

Built around 1902, the old Solon Mills Train Depot was once located just north of Rt. 12 and North Solon Road.

Around 1900, The Milwaukee Railroad laid tracks through Solon Mills and it was hopeful that the little village would grow and prosper.  There were at the time, stores, inns, a school and a Methodist church.  There were several saw mills, a grist mill and a cheese and butter factory in this location.

The North Western Railroad however, had tracks going through Richmond so the growth of Solon Mills declined and eventually stopped.

The Train station was relocated to Route 12 and Route 31.  It became the Depot Restaurant and served the community for 50 years.

The restaurant closed in 2021 and it was hoped that the building would be relocated once again.  The W.A McConnell Foundation went through great lengths to raise money for the move however, a new location has not become available for this little historic building and now, it seems all hope is lost and the building will soon be razed.

Women’s Air Service Pilots of World War II Presentation

 Please join
The McHenry Area Historical Society
for a presentation on the WASPS

Judy Porter of McHenry will speak on the
Women’s Air Service Pilots of World War II

October 8th at 10:00 a.m.
at the McHenry Savings Bank
353 Bank Drive

 

The Hanly Mill Is Now Plaqued!

The Hanly Mill is now plaqued!!

 The top one was added by Jim Althoff after he renovated it.  

Presenting The Plaque To The Althoff Family At The Hanly Mill

On May 16, 2022, the Hanly Mill, located at the intersection of Crystal Lake Road and Mill Street in McHenry was designated as a landmark by The McHenry Landmark Commission and The City Of McHenry.

On September 29th, we presented the plaque to the current owners, the Althoff Family.  Patti Althoff Siwicki and Katy Althoff were given the plaque by Ward 1 Alderman Victor Santi:

Katy Althoff, Patti Althoff Ziwicki and 1st Ward Alderman Victor Santi.

The McHenry Landmark Commission

It was a lovely day for the presentation.  I will post a photo of the plaque as it appears on the mill building later this week.

A huge thank you goes out to Pat Wirtz for being our official photographer!!!