Finding whimsy and history in public art in the Tri-Cities

Their names may not be familiar to everyone in the Tri-Cities area, but their work should be. We walk by it often, almost taking it for granted.

Ray Kobald and Joe Gagnepain, both of St. Charles, Larry Johnson of Geneva, and former St. Charles resident Guy Bellaver are just a few of the local artists who have left us sculptures that will stand well beyond our time here.

Two weeks ago, I wrote about the “Sculpture in the Park” display in St. Charles, but we are blessed in the Tri-Cities to have what amounts to a “Sculpture While We Walk” aspect of our lives nearly anytime we stroll around our downtowns, parks, libraries or government buildings.

We see the contributions of these men — like Kobald’s sculpture of Col. Edward Baker sitting on a bench in front of the Hotel Baker in downtown St. Charles, or his large turtle in Mount St. Mary Park; Bellaver’s “Reflections” sculpture near the St. Charles Municipal building, or his Ēkwabet (Watching Over) along the Freedom Walk in St. Charles; Johnson’s “Prairie Girl” in the sensory garden at Peck Farm Park in Geneva; or Gagnepain’s metal Fox Cycle between Pottawatomie Park and the Freedom Walk in St. Charles.

Many other pieces throughout the area feature different artists, and I wanted to mention a couple that always catch my eye. One can certainly be described as tucked away and maybe not as noticeable, while the other tells an interesting history story.

First, the one tucked away. It’s called “New Friends” by George Lundeen and can be found in Delnor Woods on Fifth Avenue in St. Charles. It was donated to the St. Charles Park District in 2019 by Marco and Patricia Muscarello and family “in appreciation for 40 years of enjoying St. Charles.”

The sculpture, set near a pond in the park, shows two youngsters interacting with birds that, in one interpretation, apparently are their new friends.

The one with a history story attached can be found near Geneva’s Mill Race Cyclery and the Fox River. Those passing by may not be interested in what looks like a bunch of rusted metal parts on display, but the pieces that used to power the Bennett Mill in Geneva played an important role in the town’s history.

The Geneva Historical Society presented the piece, called “The Mill Flower Sculpture,” presumably because the mill pieces create the look of a flower. This is not to be confused with “flour” and the fact that the pieces were from the main drive shaft, beveled gears and pulleys that transmitted power from water turbines to operate the rest of the Bennett Mill machinery that produced flour and other products. The mill was located on the site of this structure.

The rest of that story? The mill, which began operating in 1865 for owners Henry and Charles Bennett, closed in the 1950s, and a fire destroyed it in 1971.

A list of enjoyable local art pieces could go on and on, of course. Whether it’s the “Rain Man” near the Geneva train station, a sculpture of kids at play near a playground by Batavia’s city hall, or the newest pieces outside of the Geneva Public Library, we all should see something we would eventually tab as favorites.

The fascinating Fabyan estate

One of the most fascinating stories in central Kane County is that of Col. George and Nelle Fabyan and the 325-acre estate they owned on the west side of the Fox River in Geneva.

Today, nearly 120 years later, it is Fabyan Forest Preserve, with many of the structures and interesting features of yesteryear still in place from the Fabyan Villa, to the Bear Cage and Japanese Garden.

None of it would be available for us to enjoy if not for Darlene Larson, who formed the Friends of Fabyan nonprofit to restore and preserve the property in 1971, while also engaging other community organizations to bring the Fabyan estate back to life.

The Geneva History Museum is telling Larson’s story through “Saving Fabyan’s Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story” — the museum’s featured exhibit until Dec. 21.

A children’s hands-on exhibit about the Fabyan estate will be offered through Aug. 24.

Information is available at GenevaHistoryMuseum.org or (630) 232-4951.

Batavia eateries progressing

More than a year ago, I wrote about many new restaurants preparing to call the Tri-Cities area their new home.

Two of those mentioned were Dave’s Hot Chicken and Everdine Grilled Cheese, both completing paperwork at that time to establish locations in Batavia.

It has taken longer than expected, but we can see the progress on Dave’s Hot Chicken in the Batavia Jewel parking lot on Randall Road.

I notice many folks on social media platforms are still baffled about what is coming to that location, mainly because the building has assorted bright colors. Just remember, this is a place that had its start in California, so the motif might reflect that.

As for Everdine, to be located in the former Hot Pan location at 227 W. Wilson St., we are seeing a little more activity on the building than we have in the past year. And the “opening soon” sign remains in a prominent spot on the building.

Both of these operations are popular in Naperville, and we suspect the same is likely to happen here.

To market we go

Those who love browsing around local farmers markets surely have figured out something that just dawned on me.

If you were inclined to spend a lot of time at these markets in the Tri-Cities, one could do so four days of the week.

Batavia hosts its farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while St. Charles offers one on Fridays, and Geneva stages its French Market on Sundays near the Metra station.

The Batavia market along North River Street from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays takes place only through Aug. 28. The Saturday market, from 8 a.m. to noon, is held through October.

St. Charles’ market unfolds from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays through October at 307 Cedar Ave., while Geneva’s market is held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, with an April to November schedule.

Some significant backing

The word “grant” is music to the ears of social and charitable organizations, but it also hits all of the right notes for small businesses.

It’s probably why Kristen Desler, assistant director for Batavia MainStreet, was pleased to announce three Batavia businesses received grants from American Express and Main Street America.

The downtown businesses — Limestone Coffee & Tea, Sturdy Shelter Brewing and Sidecar Supper Club — each received a $10,000 Backing Small Businesses grant.

All three are women-owned businesses in Batavia.

More impressive numbers come into play when considering the Backing Small Businesses program has issued more than $9 million in grants since launching in 2021, helping 1,180 small businesses nationwide. This year’s recipients represent small businesses across all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Ceremony for Steve

A note from St. Charles swim instructor Peter Leonard informed me that his intention to have a picture-hanging ceremony for the late Steve Maxwell at the Swanson Pool in Pottawatomie Park took place in late May.

It was his way of honoring Maxwell, who swam at the pool for decades, but added the special touch of singing songs to the lifeguards.

“Singing Steve,” as he was known by lifeguards, was especially remembered for singing the national anthem at the pool’s closing for the summer.

He sang mostly in the lifeguards’ break room, where his photo is now mounted.

This is especially uplifting because Maxwell, who died last December at age 70, dealt with developmental disabilities, making his commitment and love for St. Charles maybe not so easy to express. Other than through his fondness for swimming and singing for the lifeguards. And people noticed.

Down on the farm

It’s hard to say if an adult rarely exposed to country or farm life would remember enjoying a hayride around a farm as a youngster.

We took our son on a few of those rides offered by our friend Dave Corron when his family lived on Corron Farm at 7N761 Corron Road in Campton Hills — and he included the wagon rides during Labor Day and other holidays.

That spirit continues as Campton Township Parks and Open Space hosts its annual Corron Farm Prairie Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at the historic farm.

As with any event with the Corron name attached, attendees can expect music, wagon rides, a barbecue, kids’ activities and farm tours.

The free event is open to the public and no registration is required.

dheun@sbcglobal.net