Theater troupe examines FDR's New Deal in new production

The McHenry County Historical Society will present "The National Recovery Act of 1933: Square Deal or Raw Deal?" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, at the old Seneca Township hall, at the corner of Franklinville and Garden Valley Roads southwest of Woodstock.

Now called Perkins Hall, the venue's namesake theatrical troupe - the Perkins Hall Players - will examine the controversy that swirled around President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal plan to encourage fair labor practices, create jobs and restore a competitive balance in the marketplace.

On this night in 1934, in the wake of an impassioned Memorial Day speech by former state Rep. William M. Carroll, Woodstock Mayor William R. Burns has agreed to moderate a discussion about this controversial federal economic policy at a nearby town hall. The society's intent is for you to "sit in" on this meeting between those who consider the National Recovery Act an essential step in the nation's economic evolution and opponents who dismiss it as socialistic tool that stifles free enterprise.

Sound like any current federal programs you know about?

Period clothing is encouraged for this free event. Light refreshments to follow. Keep in mind there are no restrooms and to avoid parking along busy Franklinville Road.

Each year the historical society strives to re-create an interesting and historically significant event from the county's past. Previous topics have included the McHenry County Poor Farm, the rise of women's organizations in mid-19th century, controversy surrounding "dirty dancing" in the 1920s, consternation in 1906 involving newfangled automobiles - i.e. "devil wagons" - and, last year, the feud around the creation of Lily Lake (now Lakemoor).

For information, call (815) 923-2267 or visit gothistory.org.