Stop by Pringle School's 150th birthday party Aug. 20

The McHenry County Historical Society invites the community to the Pringle School 150th Birthday Party from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. Admission is free.

Located just west of Route 23 in Marengo, Pringle School was built in 1867 from limestone quarried at Garden Prairie and transported by wagon to land donated by the Patterson Pringles. It is one of four one-room schools built along a trail that was to become River Road and the third building in that district.

Pringle School operated until 1951 when it became part of the Hawthorn School District on Carmack Road. The McHenry County Historical Society acquired Pringle School from the DiBona family of Marengo in November 2002. Donations and volunteer efforts are being utilized to restore and preserve this building as an historical landmark.

It will begin at 1:15 p.m. with a welcome and overview.

A box lunch auction (reminiscent of basket social) will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by a birthday party with cake at 2 p.m.

There will be live music by the Kishwaukee Ramblers featuring Amy Beth and Neal Brown from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Check out the "walnut sale"; students used to collect and sell black walnuts as a school fundraiser.

Displays, a video, and excavated artifacts will be on display throughout the day.

Learn about the proposed restoration plans and how you can help!

There will be a port-a-potty on site.

Visit www.gothistory.org.