Roughly 18,000 people live in Cary, which sits along the Fox River in McHenry County. It was founded in 1841 when William Dennison Cary purchased 82 acres at the location of the current town and built a farm.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
My family has lived in Cary for more than 20 years, which has given us plenty of life experiences that are tied to the town.
So, I spent an hour one Sunday morning cruising around shooting pictures of the places, buildings and landmarks that make Cary unique. Even though it's along a major highway, it still feels like a small town — there's a downtown of small shops, lots of fishing ponds and walking trails and the sounds of children playing soccer, softball and baseball.
And, in case you don't know, there's also a fierce community pride in its high school sports teams. Go Trojans.
Look for a new town gallery every Sunday at dailyherald.com/galleries and on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
On our social media sites, share your favorite Cary photos with us by using #shareyoursuburb.
And tell us what photos are your favorites. Which ones stir a memory for you? Where do you love to go in town?
So here's “An Hour in Cary.”
A banner announcing historic downtown Cary. Many of the buildings in Cary's downtown have a long and rich history.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
Restaurants, retail shops, service-related businesses and a Metra train station are destinations in downtown Cary.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
The Tracks bar and grill is a favorite stop in downtown Cary, especially Friday nights in the fall after Cary-Grove High School football games.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
A pair of cannons anchor the veterans memorial in a Cary.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
The fountain in Cary's Veterans Park. The park is a quiet respite along busy Route 14 that includes a pond and benches.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
The press box atop the home stands at Cary-Grove High School's football field. The Trojans won the football state championship in 2009.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
The archway marking the entrance to Cary Cemetery along First Street. The cemetery dates to the early 1800s, including tombstones of soldiers who fought in the Civil War.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
Looking out over the Cary County Club, which is known for its rolling hills and beautiful vistas. It's a favorite spot for high school prom pictures.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
The view from a backyard overlooking the Fox River near Cary.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
Cary Village Hall and its signature silo.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
The Cary Park District swimming pool next to village hall. The community center and pool were dedicated and opened to the public in June 1978.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
A windmill next to the Cary Park District's dog park.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
The picnic shelter at the Cary Park District's popular dog park. The 18-acre fenced-in park includes a mowed grassy open play area, a field meadow, and a tall grass area with walking trails, as well as a fenced-in small dog area.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
Looking through the fence at the Cary Park District's dog park.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
Cary Fire Protection District's Station 1 on Cary-Algonquin Road in Cary. The nearly 100-year-old fire district protects approximately 35,000 residents covering Cary, Trout Valley and Oakwood Hills, as well as the surrounding unincorporated areas of McHenry and Lake counties.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
Cary has 5.5 miles of trails for walking and biking. A trip along the trails will take you through woods and along farm fields among its venues.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
The pier at Jaycees Park in Cary is a popular fishing spot.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
Several species of fish inhabit Jaycees Park pond in Cary.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
Rotary Bandshell at Lions Park in Cary was constructed through cooperative efforts between the Cary-Grove Rotary Club and the Cary Park District.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
Looking through the backstop of one of the softball/baseball fields at Lions Park in Cary.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
The former Maplewood Elementary School in Cary.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
The window arches at the former Maplewood Elementary School in Cary.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.comOne of the statues on the exterior wall of St. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Cary.
The cornerstone of the old village hall in Cary.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com
The old village hall on Route 14 in Cary that resembles a castle.
Pete Nenni/pnenni@dailyherald.com