McHenry farm presentation looks at wartime life in 1940s

The Landmark Commission of the city of McHenry is sponsoring "The Home Front at the Petersen Farm" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 27, at McCullom Lake Road, one mile west of Route 31.

The event takes a look at Illinois wartime life in the 1940s. Exhibits highlight the sharing and sacrifice families faced during World War II - a time of ration stamps, war bonds and "Rosie the Riveter."

Displays include farm and military equipment, photographs, posters and a Victory Garden. See farm animals and demonstrations of canning, pie making, quilting, wool carding and lace making. Children will learn how to make cornhusk dolls. There will be hay rides through the forest and children's games on the lawn.

Admission and parking are free. Vendors will be available for refreshments. For details, call (815) 363-2100.

The Petersen Farm, along with its outbuildings and oak savannah, is being developed as an agricultural museum and resource center. It promotes tourism within the area and preserves the flavor of life in McHenry County in the mid-1800s.

The city of McHenry Landmark Commission helps to enforce the historic preservation ordinance and offers education, guidance and technical assistance to building restoration efforts by McHenry property owners.