The United States wasn't in the First World War for long, but when it did become involved, the nation fully immersed itself in the conflict. Overall, the county bought over $5 million in liberty war bonds and raised over $100,000 in donations. Not bad for a county with 33,000 people according to the 1920 census.… Continue reading Armistice Day & the “Home-Coming For The Boys”
The Fire and Rebirth of St. Mary’s Catholic Church
In April of 1918, Peter Sheid, a popular blacksmith who once lived in McHenry and Crystal Lake, passed away. On April 11, his funeral service was held at St. Mary’s Church. While helping prepare the grave, N.J. Justen noticed smoke pouring from the roof of the Church. He sped over and alerted Rev. Edward Berthold,… Continue reading The Fire and Rebirth of St. Mary’s Catholic Church
The Riverside Manufacturing Company
During the mid 1940s, McHenry was going through somewhat of an economic boom, mainly brought upon producing war materials for the front. It was this opportunity that brought Sam & Madeline Nathanson to McHenry from Chicago. Sam was involved in the clothing manufacturing business since he started working. After selling their shares of a company… Continue reading The Riverside Manufacturing Company
The Original St. Patrick’s Church (1853-1946)
On a bittersweet day in June 1946, the old St. Patrick’s Church was torn down. To many of the older St. Patrick parishioners, this was where they were baptised and married. In its 93 years, the building had served its parishioners well, but was replaced in 1922 by the Church that still stands today. Soon… Continue reading The Original St. Patrick’s Church (1853-1946)
The Flash Flood of 1898
During Friday night and into Saturday morning of June 29 & 30th, 1898 much of the midwest experienced torrential downpours in such a great amount that flash flooding was prevalent in several areas. From North Dakota all the way through Ohio, the weather ran rampant on small towns and cities alike. Most estimates guess that… Continue reading The Flash Flood of 1898
Decoration Day in 19th Century McHenry
Following the Civil War, the nation was looking for various way to heal itself and deal with the carnage it had just gone through. Decorating the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers with flowers became the tradition that we now call Memorial Day. Declared by General John Logan in 1868, Decoration Day (or what is… Continue reading Decoration Day in 19th Century McHenry
Jessie Owens Speaks In McHenry
In the spring of 1957, the McHenry Rotary Club held its second annual sports banquet. For the previous year the event only allowed the parents of the athletes and Rotary members. The event was so well attended that the club decided to open up the event to the public and sell tickets. Also, the banquet… Continue reading Jessie Owens Speaks In McHenry
