McHenry historical society offers lecture series

Submitted by McHenry County Historical Society

The McHenry County Historical Society will host a series of local history lectures as part of its annual Sampler Lecture Series.

This year marks its 26th year and is titled “Local Stories Regional Impact.” The lectures will be at 2 p.m. at the society's museum, 6422 Main St. in Union.

Monday, March 19, features local historian, family researcher and public speaker Craig Pfannkuche, who will discuss “The Chicago Farmer Movement.”

During the 1930s and '40s, large numbers of Chicago's successful business leaders and public figures bought land in McHenry County. Land values had dropped and transportation by train and hard roads made it easy to get back and forth to the city.

This return-to-the-farm movement brought hobby farms, game preserves, hunt clubs, exotic animals, as well as jobs to this county known primarily for dairy farms. The audience will discover who some of these famous people were and where they settled.

The next program takes place Tuesday, April 3, when participants will actually tour an original Chicago Farm Movement property, now owned by Ronald and Barbara Parrish of Bull Valley. The farm once belonged to well known Chicago attorney Kenneth Morton Fiske, a 50-year partner in the Chicago firm of Defrees and Fiske. Participants for this program must also sign up for the March 19 program.

The final presentation takes place Monday, April 16, when Al Jourdan of McHenry, a major strategist of Illinois Republican Party, shares his memories of public figures he came to know during his long career.

As McHenry County Republican Central Committee Chairman, county auditor from 1968 to 1997, head of the Illinois State Republican Party for two years, advisory to governors and friend of presidents, Jourdan offers a rare inside look at public figures.

To register for the McHenry County Historical Society Sampler Lecture Series, call the society at (815) 923-2267 or visit www.mchsonline.org.

The series tickets are $35, $30 for members of the historical society. Individual programs are $10. Tickets for available seating can be purchased at the door for each program except for the April 3 house tour. Participation in the tour is limited to 50.