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Curing the common cold, 1890s style

Long before there were cough drops, decongestants and zinc pills, there was warm lemonade, chicken jelly and arrowroot gruel.

Those 19th century cold remedies were on display Sunday when Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago hosted “Farmhouse Tour: Curing a Cold in the 1890s.”

The educational program at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County site highlighted the ways the area’s early settlers dealt with the common cold, from odd concoctions like chicken jelly, i.e. chicken stock and gelatin, to something modern doctors would never suggest — candy.

“It’s really wonderful to connect people with the past because history is today,” said the forest district’s Amy Caponigro. “We still have a lot in common with those of the past.”

The program will continue through February at the Kline Creek farmhouse, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago.

Amy Caponigro of the DuPage County Forest Preserve District prepares oatmeal biscuits Sunday as she conducts the “Farmhouse Tour: Curing a Cold in the 1890s” event at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Patrick Kunzer/for the Daily Herald
Amy Caponigro of the DuPage County Forest Preserve District rings a bell Sunday as she conducts the “Farmhouse Tour: Curing a Cold in the 1890s” event at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Patrick Kunzer for the Daily Herald
A “sick tray” includes warm lemonade, chicken jelly, water, candy and more. Patrick Kunzer for the Daily Herald
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