Dundee churches open doors for walking tours Sunday
Immanuel Lutheran, First United Methodist and St. James Episcopal, three of Dundee's historic churches, are the focus of a walk slated to depart from The Depot in East Dundee on Sunday, July 10.
All three 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 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, it undertook several building campaigns culminating in the present church located on Van Buren and Main streets. Meanwhile the Baptists had established their church in West Dundee in 1850 on the grounds where St. James Episcopal now stands. They sold their building to the Episcopal congregation in 1864 when they built and moved to the church that now houses First United Methodist in West Dundee.
This is the second of three historical walks being offered this year in a series that has already explored the history of Dundee's pubs. The third in the series, to be held on Aug. 7, will explore Rosie O'Hare's Public House, East Dundee's village hall and old police department and the first Haeger mansion on Hill St.
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 will begin at 11 a.m. at The Depot, 319 N. River St. in East Dundee, continue to St. James on Washington Street in West Dundee, then on to First United Methodist on Main Street and end at Immanuel Lutheran on Main Street in East Dundee.
The excursion will last from 60 to 90 minutes and goes rain or shine. Participants are asked to wear comfortable shoes as this walk is longer then those offered in the past.
There is no participation fee; however a suggested donation of $5 to the Dundee Foundation is welcomed.
Born in Chicago and raised in the Dundee Township area, Phillip A. Aleo is a photographer and historian who has researched subjects ranging from ancient to local history. His published books include "Galena, Illinois - A Timeless Treasure;" "The Midwest Motorsport Legend Meadowdale Raceways;" "Dundee Township - Moments Frozen in Time;" "The Chateau Louise," and "The Historic Business District of Carpentersville," as well as "The Strater Hotel Story," an historical book on the history of Durango, Colorado. Get more information at www.Aleopublications.com.
Discover Dundee 2016 Sizzlin' Summer Events
The Dundee Foundation along with Neu Family Dental presents an event each week throughout the summer months. Events and their dates are: Motor Mondays, Aug. 1; Tail Waggin' Tuesdays, July 12 and Aug. 9; Wine Down Wednesdays, July 20 and Aug. 17; and Thirsty Thursdays, July 28 and Aug. 25. The Depot Market is held every Saturday through October from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Farmers Market is held every Sunday through September from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monthly "Lunch in the Park" and "Concerts in the Park" are held during the months of July and 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, visit the community calendar on the village website at 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 more information about the Village of West Dundee, visit www.wdundee.org.