Meet early Algonquin residents at annual cemetery walk

Connie Donner could tell you stories about the village of Algonquin.

The lifelong resident and former village trustee has her own history here.

But on Saturday, she'll be spinning tales about the first days residents were able to read by electricity instead of candlelight. And showing time-weathered photos of the town's very first stoplight.

Donner will portray Seraphena Thomas, one of five historical figures to be brought to life by the Algonquin Historic Commission for its fifth annual Historic Cemetery Walk.

"You need to find out where you've been to figure out where you're going," Donner said.

"There's a lot of history in this town if you look for it."

Indeed.

Thomas was the wife of entrepreneur Dorr Thomas, who was credited with bringing electricity to the village and starting the first meat market -- one that stayed in business for more than a century.

Others to be "resurrected" at Algonquin Cemetery for the event include Mary Helm, whose family was involved in several of the village's early businesses, and Anton Fitzek, who built and ran the largest retail general store in town.

Not to mention Richard Gillilan, who is credited as being one of the first settlers in McHenry County, having arrived with his parents as a child in a covered wagon, said Jeff Jolitz, chairman of the Algonquin Historic Commission.

"It's kind of a nice variety this year," he said.

"It's really a fun event."

Jolitz himself will discuss the local dairy industry while portraying William Nason, who was superintendent of the Borden milk factory.

Over the years, the event has included representations of war veterans, teachers, farmers and socialites.

"We're trying to encourage people to learn local history and to have a greater appreciation for the history of the community," he said.

Depending on the weather, the popular event draws several hundred people of all ages interested in doing just that, he said.

The crowd often includes people who are relatives of those being portrayed -- resulting in some interesting conversations, he added.

"Everybody walks away telling us they learned something they didn't know," Jolitz said.

The cemetery walk runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the cemetery, at Route 31 and Cary-Algonquin Road.

Limited parking is available at the cemetery, or you can park at the village hall or historic village hall and take a shuttle bus to the event. Shuttles will begin at 11 a.m. and run about every 20 minutes, Jolitz said.

Tickets are not required, but suggested donations of $1 per person or $5 per family or group will be accepted.

Funds are used to defray costs of the event and to help commission members in their mission to document and preserve local history, Jolitz said.

If you go

What: Fifth annual Historic Cemetery Walk, held by Algonquin Historic Commission

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Algonquin Cemetery, corner of Route 31 and Cary-Algonquin Road

How much? Suggested donation is $1 per person or $5 per family

Call: (847) 658-4322