Tour century-old schools on a bus in McHenry County

Those who were unable to make the April 26 open house at the century-old Ridgefield School will get another opportunity to visit the school at 8617 Ridgefield Road Saturday, May 31.

The McHenry County Historical Society and McHenry County College are collaborating to host a one-of-a-kind, one-room school tour on a bus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. across southeastern McHenry County. You have until Friday, May 23, to sign up for a firsthand look at the restoration process of Haligus and Ford schools, built in 1861 and 1886, respectively. See the Crystal Lake Academy, now owned by St. Mary's Episcopal Church. It is one of the oldest buildings, circa 1852, in the county.

Finally, eat lunch at seldom-seen, historic Turner Camp in Algonquin. Tour a portion of the 102-acre grounds and learn about the history of the German Turner movement and its ties to gymnastics. The Turners reached the Chicago area in 1852. Many chapters, known as "Turnvereins," became active in labor and socialist movements, women's suffrage and against Temperance.

For more information, to check availability or to request a brochure, or to RSVP to the trip preview through McHenry County College, call Claudia Terrones at (815) 455-8782 or visit www.mchenry.edu/Trips/index.asp. The cost, including a guided bus tour and lunch, is $49.