Festival offers glimpse into Lisle’s past
For the last 27 years, Lisle Depot Days has shown there’s nothing wrong with getting a history lesson with your festival fun.
The annual celebration of Lisle’s town history returns this weekend with a long list of activities, attractions and pioneer craft demonstrations. It also will give festival-goers a glimpse of what life was like more than 100 years ago.
“It’s not your typical festival,” said Mike Toohey, superintendent of recreation for the Lisle Park District. “(Other festivals) have big bands, lots of food and beer tents. We don’t do any of that. This is more of an educational-type festival that’s fun.”
Depot Days runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18., at the Museums at Lisle Station Park, 921 School St. Sponsored by the Lisle Heritage Society, the Lisle Park District and Friends of the Lisle Library, the free event is expected to attract hundreds of visitors.
“It has a very hometown feel to it,” said Heidi Otto of the Lisle Heritage Society. “It’s small, but it’s not tiny. It’s educational, but it has an entertaining bend to it.”
Festival highlights include a petting zoo, hayrides, pioneer children’s crafts and games, an automobile display, a model railroad display, and an exhibit about the history of dairy farming in Lisle.
On both days of the festival, 3 p.m. walking tours of the Lisle Pioneer Cemetery will give people the opportunity to learn about the men and women who are buried there.
“There’s lots of history about the people the streets are named after,” said Wayne Dunham, president of the Lisle Heritage Society.
Visitors also will have the chance to tour the museum buildings at Lisle Station Park, including the Netzley/Yender farmhouse, the Beaubien tavern, the blacksmith shop and the train depot, where an 1881 Chicago, Burlington and Quincy caboose rests.
“It is definitely for families,” Otto said. “The children can touch and see things that they don’t do every day.”
About 30 demonstrators will be on hand to show the skills people needed to get by in the 1860s. They will demonstrate how to grind corn, weave baskets, make ropes and do other pioneer crafts.
Free samples of homemade pie and cornbread made in the summer kitchen will be handed out. If you are still hungry, food items will be sold by Wheatstack restaurant.
“People can even bring their own food and have a picnic,” said Dunham, adding that picnic tables are available.
In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, the re-enactment group Taylor’s Battery will fire a cannon every hour on Saturday.
“They don’t fire a projectile, of course,” Dunham said. “But this thing does make a huge noise.”
Musical entertainment will be provided by musicians from the Chicago-based Old Town School of Folk Music. In addition, the Friends of the Lisle Library will present a used book sale.
“There really is something for everyone,” Dunham said.
If you go
What: Lisle Depot Days
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18
Where: Museums at Lisle Station Park, 921 School St., Lisle
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 968-0499 or lisleparkdistrict.org