See storefront displays from ’40s to ’60s in Union
Submitted by McHenry County Historical Society
The McHenry County Historical Society invites you to “Christmas on Main Street” featuring storefront window display items from the 1940s through the 1960s. The free open house runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at the museum, 6422 Main St. in Union. Admission is free.
This year’s Christmas display carries visitors back to a picture-perfect, circa 1950s, Main Street around Christmas. Board member Dave Harms of Crystal Lake, with the help of antique dealer Lynne Eltrevoog of Marengo, has compiled another must-see display featuring a selection of rare, vintage radios, including a working 1951 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer model; Frosty the Snowman and Bozo the clown memorabilia; a 50th anniversary erector set; vintage sporting goods and games; a 1947 Daisy Red Ryder BB gun; and more.
View the old-fashioned Christmas tree lot and see a vintage Salvation Army uniform and kettle, on loan from the Salvation Army’s office in Des Plaines. All donations placed in the kettle will benefit the Salvation Army.
In addition, several paintings from local artists will be on sale. Half the proceeds from these original works will benefit the historical society.
For information, visit www.gothistory.org.
Harms, who has put on holiday displays at the museum for the past seven years, has collected Christmas memorabilia since 1980. He has been a member of Golden Glow of Christmas Past, a worldwide club for collectors of antique Christmas items for more than 30 years.
The display will remain up for viewing during special museum hours from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. That will continue through Jan. 10, with the exception of Dec. 24, 25 and 31; as well as New Year’s Day. Weekend visits will be by appointment only. Call the historical society at (815) 923-2267 for information.