MPLD Local History Blog

In February of 1936, McHenry experienced some of the worst weather in the town’s history. The city did have some terrible winters in the past, 1889 and 1918 were noted…

In early 1958, Governor William Stratton set up a commission to make the Fox River area more attractive to boaters and vacationers. The commission, known as the Development of the…

In 1927, the McHenry Fire Department needed a new fire truck as theirs' was involved in an accident and needed to be replaced. The community was able to come together…

Although he isn’t known today outside of magicians, in his day, Ralph Pierce was a well-respected performer who came to McHenry at least three times. Pierce’s magic performances took him…

When the Mill Dam was constructed in 1851, the buildup of water behind it formed the Mill Pond. For many years, the fact that the dam was there was all…

When McHenry was first being settled, the largest business in town was the Owen Brothers Mill. Established in 1851, the brothers ran their business until they sold it to Richard…