Lutheran, Methodist churches open doors for walking tour Aug. 8
Immanuel Lutheran and First United Methodist, two of the first churches established in the Dundee area, are the focus of the free historical walk slated to depart from The Depot in East Dundee at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8.
Both churches date back to the 1800s and have intertwining histories. According to documents, the Methodists were worshipping in East Dundee as far back as 1835. They eventually built a small frame church on Van Buren Street in 1859 on the same block where Immanuel Lutheran School stands today. After worshipping in another site on Main Street, they eventually moved to their present location in West Dundee in 1922. Immanuel Lutheran was built in 1862. Over the years, the church expanded many times to accommodate its growing congregation. It undertook several building campaigns culminating in the present church located on Van Buren and Main streets.
The walk is the last in a series that has already explored the two earliest pubs in the area and the Haeger mansion and factory. Phillip Aleo, local historian and author, serves as the chief guide. Along the route, Aleo paints a vivid picture of what life was like back in the 1800s in an area that drew visionary entrepreneurs, pioneers and religious leaders alike. "We want our group to have a pleasant experience while we're walking and talking our way around town. Our walks are done at a leisurely pace and we always try to make them interesting and relevant," he said.
The walk begins at The Depot, 319 N. River St. in East Dundee, continues on to Immanuel Lutheran on Main Street (Route 72) in East Dundee and then on to First United Methodist, also on Main Street in West Dundee. Both churches will be open so visitors can see their interiors. The tour will be held rain or shine.
Other Saturday activities planned at The Depot include the Dundee Township Library presenting a talk on genealogy and how to discover your family history on Aug. 22.
Back by popular demand, MIR Appraisal Services will be on hand for an antique appraisal faire scheduled for Sept. 19. Visitors will also be able to explore the many items for sale at the Depot Market, now in its 26th year, open every Saturday through Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, call The Depot at (847) 426-2255.
Born in Chicago and raised in the Dundee Township area, Aleo is a photographer and historian who has researched subjects ranging from ancient to local history. His local books include "The Midwest Motorsport Legend Meadowdale Raceways"; "Dundee Township Moments Frozen in Time"; "The Chateau Louise" and "The Historic Business District of Carpentersville." Get more information at www.Aleopublications.com.
Discover Dundee 2015 Sizzlin' Summer Events
The village of East Dundee is presenting an event each week throughout the summer months. Events and their next dates are: Motor Mondays, Sept. 7; Tail Waggin' Tuesdays, Aug. 11 and Sept. 15; Wine Down Wednesdays, Aug. 19 and Sept. 23; and Thirsty Thursdays, Aug. 27 and Oct. 1. The Depot Market is held every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Farmers Market is held every Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch in the Park and Concerts in the Park are held during August at various locations throughout Dundee.
About the Village of East Dundee
The village of East Dundee is home to 3,000 residents. Its downtown plan is to create a "culinary" district consisting of the right mix of restaurants, retail and community events to serve as a destination attraction for both residents and regional visitors. For more information on the plan, and all East Dundee events, please visit the community calendar on www.eastdundee.net.
About the Village of West Dundee
The Village of West Dundee, with a population 7,331, offers a small-town atmosphere and regional conveniences. The community is showcased by the beautifully maintained turn-of-the-century architecture in the downtown historic district, adjacent to the picturesque riverwalk. For information about the Village of West Dundee, visit www.wdundee.org.