Depot Days in Lisle brings visitors back to the past

Six-year-old Sheila Davidson is glad she can get milk from a carton.

The Naperville girl had just witnessed a cow-milking demonstration courtesy of Maggie the Milking Cow, a new attraction at the Depot Days festival in Lisle.

"It was interesting, but I wouldn't want to do it for real," she said Saturday. "It seems too hard and too messy."

Old-fashioned cow-milking was just one of the vintage traditions on display during the festival's first day on Saturday. Visitors also got a look at corn-grinding and blacksmithing, then enjoyed a hayride or two.

The festival, a joint effort of the Lisle Heritage Society, the Lisle Park District and the Lisle Public Library, attempts to keep people in the present from forgetting the traditions of the past.

"This is what life was like decades and decades ago," said Marilyn Cawiezel, a 50-year resident and a member of the heritage society. "We try to make sure people are aware of that."

Saturday morning's downpour kept the crowd small in the early going, but people started to show as the weather cleared a bit at midday.

Depot Days continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday with more historical demonstrations, a petting zoo, hay rides, music, tours of the vintage railroad caboose on site and more. Food will be available, and a craft fair will run throughout the day. The event takes place at 921 School St. in Lisle.

Wayne Dunham, a member of the heritage society, said planning for next year's event will take place shortly after this year's festival ends.

"It's close to a yearlong process," he said. "We're already thinking about different things to do. We might try to put on a pioneer luncheon next year."

More information about Depot Days can be found at lisleparkdistrict.org/depotdays.