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.

Art In The Park

The McHenry Area Historical Society and the McHenry Landmark Commission will have a booth at Art In The Park on Saturday July 16th.

Please stop by and say hello!  You can also pick up our 2023 McHenry Calendar!

The Old Iron Bridge

In 1836 when our early settlers came to McHenry, the Fox was crossed by using an Indian Ford and a little later, by Indian Canoes. Later in that year, a Ferry Boat was built near Burlington Wis and purchased by the citizens of McHenry in 1837.  

It was used until 1842 when the first bridge was built across the Fox. According to The McHenry Plaindealer, this was located at Elm Street. This bridge was carried away by a freshet (flooding of the river due to heavy rain or melting snow) in the Spring of 1849. 

McHenry citizens rebuilt it in May of that year. By 1852, that bridge had deteriorated so a new bridge was built at Pearl Street. In 1880, that bridge was replaced with the old Iron Bridge. 

The current bridge was dedicated in December of 1977.

Now Available - 2023 McHenry Area Historical Society Calendar

 Our 2023 McHenry Area Historical Society Calendar is now available:

 The 2022 calendar features 13 historic photos of our most recognizable landmarks.

Calendar pages include all US holidays, season changes and religious holidays. 

 

You can order it from the McHenry Area Historical Society online store.