MPLD Local History Blog

During McHenry's heyday as a resort town, one of the most popular attractions were the lotus beds at Fox Lake, Pistakee Lake, and Grass Lake. Seeing a great business opportunity,…

In February 1929 it was announced that the company of Jones & Winter would be building a giant man-made lake. When finished it would be the second largest lake in…

During the 1880s and 1890s, McHenry county had a law enforcement officer, by the name of Lefe Benthusen. Before many of the technologies we think of today, Benthusen often had…

In March 1951, Mr. & Mrs. John Justen received some of the worst news that a soldier's parents could receive. Their son Gerald, known as Jerry by his family and…

In the early morning of Sunday, October 20, 1935, Wendell Martin was driving down Rte 14, heading to Heartland from his home in Watseka. He was staying in Heartland while…

George Gage was one of the most prominent people in McHenry during the 19th century. He and many other of McHenry County's founders saw the importance of getting a railroad…