Elk Grove Historical Society celebrates 40 years

Four decades ago, a group of volunteers came together to preserve Elk Grove Village's history.

It's an effort that continues today, and that will be on display Sunday at the Elk Grove Historical Society's longest-running event, Pioneer Day, an afternoon of historical crafts and games, re-enactors in period clothing, and a petting zoo.

"Our mission here is to preserve our past and look to the future," said Darlene Greaves, one of the original society board members who is still involved in the organization as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Greaves remembers then-park Director Jack Claes asking her to join the society board in 1975 because of her institutional knowledge and experience starting other organizations in town, including the public library, Christus Victor Lutheran Church and a women's club. Greaves has been involved in community activities since moving to Elk Grove in 1957, one year after the village's incorporation.

"As our name implies, we are 'The Exceptional Community,'" said Greaves, in reference to the town's slogan. "This is where I belong. This is home."

The original nine board members were tasked by the park district to maintain materials of historical significance to Elk Grove Village and Township, and to find a building where those artifacts could be displayed.

That opportunity came months later, when the Maioriello family decided to donate the historic Schuette family farmhouse they owned near Arlington Heights Road and Clearmont Drive. The two-story building was moved on March 24, 1976, to its current location at 399 Biesterfield Road, making room for the new Grove Memorial Chapel that was about to open.

The farmhouse, believed to have been constructed in the 1850s, has been restored and contains some of the original furniture made by pioneer Henry Schuette, including a desk and rocking chair. Other original settler families, such as the Busses and Cosmans, also donated furniture that is displayed inside.

Attendees of the 37th annual Pioneer Day, scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, can get an idea of what it was like to live in the 1800s, organizers say.

There will be candle and scarecrow making, along with other crafts, led by those dressed as 1800s-era residents.

"The historical re-enactors do a great job of engaging. They try to make the history relevant in (children's) lives," said Audrey Ko, coordinator of the Elk Grove Historical Museum.

The museum's orientation building, located near the farmhouse, just wrapped up an exhibit on music involving people from Elk Grove, and curators are now working on an exhibit that will provide an overview of the town's history set to open next May, Ko said.

The farmhouse is open for tours from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.