Perkins' Players to ask 'Should We Give a Dam or Not?'

The McHenry dam, a structure that we've come to take for granted, wasn't always there. In fact, it almost wasn't built in McHenry at all.

The McHenry County Historical Society's Perkins' Players explores this question at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, when it presents "Should We Give a Dam or Not?" at Perkins Hall - the society's 1885 former Seneca Township Hall at 3600 Franklinville Road.

The program re-creates a 1911 meeting at the Riverside House in McHenry. The temporary wooden dam installed just south of town in 1907 is failing.

And the state - shockingly - is dragging its heals when it comes to settling on a location for new, more permanent version.

The Lake County contingent wants it sited further north - something those in McHenry County adamantly oppose.

Who can make the strongest case? How will the necessary money for the dam's construction be raised?

At this point, Illinois has not committed to funding or managing anything.

Needless to say, it promises to be a raucous evening of fact finding.

Audience members are invited to dress in period fashion, as well, and interact with the actors. Park along Garden Valley or Perkins Roads and be mindful of traffic on Franklinville Road.

Each year, the historical society strives to re-create an interesting and historically significant event from the county's past. Previous topics have included the McHenry County Poor Farm, the rise of women's organizations in mid-19th century, controversy surrounding "dirty dancing" in the 1920s and consternation in 1906 involving newfangled automobiles - i.e. "devil wagons" - and most recently a hair-brained scheme to grow pearls in Fox River clams. Admission is free, but donations gladly are accepted. Refreshments provided.

There are no restroom facilities so plan accordingly. In the event of severe weather, visit www.GotHistory.org or call the office at (815) 923-2267 to learn if the event is being postponed.