Free tours of one-room school at open house in Marengo

The McHenry County Historical Society's 1867 limestone one-room school will be open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8.

There is no charge to examine this unique historical remnant from an early period of local history.

Pringle School is at 21596 River Road, Marengo. Visitors are asked to park on the front lawn of the school.

In 2002, the historical society acquired this little school building and volunteers have been working each summer since then to restore the building to its 1860s appearance.

The school operated until 1951 when the district was consolidated into Hawthorn District 17.

Once each year, the society provides a public opportunity to see the restoration progress from year to year.

Those who attended Pringle are especially welcome during the Aug. 8 open house to share recollections and personal experiences.

Copies of the Robert Frenz book, "Historic Country Schools of McHenry County, Illinois," will be available for sale at $34.95.

For information regarding this program or other activities of the McHenry County Historical Society, call (815) 923-2267, or visit mchsonline.org.