McHenry historical society to present play

Submitted by McHenry County Historical Society

Once again the McHenry County Historical Society is opening the doors of its original 1885 Seneca Township building, Perkins Hall, for a one-time only performance titled “Stay Off My Property — McCullom Lake, 1940.”

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, volunteer performers will take an audience back before World War II when an issue flared up over who had legal access to the fishing and boating and swimming opportunities offered by a local vacation destination called McCullom Lake.

Identified as nonnavigable by the first McHenry County surveyors, the lake property owner paid taxes on it as “swamp” land. It was, therefore, private property. Summer residents, however, were under the impression that their newly developed subdivisions on and around the lake guaranteed them access. The performance is based on the facts of a lawsuit that took place surrounding this issue.

Those taking place in the performance include: Sandy Ciampi and Norm Vinton of Crystal Lake; Terry Counley, Shirley Leader and Marty Lenzen of McCullom Lake; Bill Busse, Dave Gelwicks and Karen Scully of McHenry; Leon Von Every of Ringwood; Jerry Draffkorn of Wonder Lake; and Don Perkins of Woodstock.

Perkins Hall is at the southwest corner of Franklinville and Garden Valley roads in rural Woodstock. There is no charge for the performance, but the audience is asked not to park on Franklinville Road. Perkins Hall does not contain bathrooms.

For details, call the historical society at (815) 923-2267 or email info@mchsonline.org. Period costume is always welcomed. Visit mchsonline.org.