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Walking tour to explore East Dundee Sunday

Haeger Mansion on Hill Street, village hall and the original police station, and Rosie O'Hare's Public House will be the focus of an historical walk slated to depart from The Depot in East Dundee at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 7.

All three buildings have a story to tell and local author and historian Phil Aleo will be on hand to tell the tales of days gone by.

According to Aleo, "Each of the places on this walking tour date from the 1800s and each is unique in its own way. The Haeger Mansion was one of the first residences in the area to have cool running water available in the house. Village hall also had a pumping station and a bell in its 'steeple' that was used to alert residents of fires in the area. The original police station still has the steel cages dating from the 1890s that were used to house criminals and Rosie's was used to hide liquor during the Prohibition."

And there's more. Along the route, Aleo always paints a vivid picture of an area that drew colorful entrepreneurs, pioneers and religious leaders alike.

The 60- to 90-minute tour, offered rain or shine, will proceed at a leisurely pace but does include an uphill climb. It will depart from The Depot, 319 N. River St. Participants are asked to wear comfortable shoes. 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, 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," a historical book on the history of Durango, Colorado. For more information visit www.Aleopublications.com.

The Dundee Foundation, along with Neu Family Dental, has presented an event each week throughout the summer months. Remaining events and their dates include Tail Waggin' Tuesdays, Aug. 9; Wine Down Wednesdays, Aug. 17 and Thirsty Thursdays, 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. Heritage Fest will be held Sept. 16-18 in both East and West 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.

Rosie O'Hare's Public House will be one of the stops on the historical walk with local historian Phil Aleo on Sunday, Aug. 7. Daily Herald File Photo
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