Wauconda historical society announces spring, summer events
Wauconda Township Historical Society has announced several 2016 spring and summer events.
Events are held at the historic Andrew C. Cook House, 711 N. Main St., Wauconda; the Wauconda Area Library, 801 W. Main St., Wauconda; and Wauconda Township Hall, 505 W. Bonner Road, Wauconda. For information, call (847) 526-9303 or visit www.wauconda-history.org.
• May Day, 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 1, Andrew C. Cook House: Learn about the origins of the old-fashioned May Pole as the kids dance around it and play other games. Inside the Cook House, volunteer/member Beth Van Dyke will present the history of popular vintage parlor games from the 1800s to World War II. After Beth's presentation, ladies can join in a game of Bunco (call (847) 526-9303, email wths@wauconda-history.org or message on Facebook to make a reservation). Gentlemen can play horseshoes in the backyard. Cook House tours will also be available after the presentation.
• Garden Club Plant Sale/Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15, Andrew C. Cook House: The Plant and Garden Club of Wauconda will host its annual plant sale. Most of the plants are locally grown. Guided tours of the interior of the newly refurbished Cook House will be available during the sale.
• Remembering Les Paul with Steve & Johnnie, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, June 5, Wauconda Township Hall: Chicago radio legends Steve King and Johnnie Putman - the husband and wife duo best known as "Steve & Johnnie," longtime overnight radio hosts from WGN AM Radio - have written "A Little More Les," a book of their memories of a friendship with an American icon Les Paul, who was a Grammy winning, multimillion selling hit maker. "A Little More Les" includes interviews and photos and will be available to purchase and signing. Reservations are required. Call (847) 526-9303, email wths@wauconda-history.org or message on Facebook.
• Wauconda Family Album with Neville Carr, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, June 12, Wauconda Area Library/Lincoln Room: Carr will give an hour presentation of historic photographs of Wauconda. Wauconda Family Album is published by the Wauconda Township Historical Society. After Carr's presentation, there will be a tour of the Cook House next door hosted by the Wauconda Township Historic Society.
• Andrew C. Cook House open house during Waucondafest, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, June 26: Take a complimentary tour of the Cook House. Check out the newest acquisition, a circa 1852 antique square grand piano, and learn about the Cook family and the home they built.
• Library Outdoor Summer Concert, 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, July 7, Andrew C. Cook House/Library grounds: In partnership with the Wauconda Area Library, the Wauconda Township Historical Society will offer complimentary tours of the Andrew C. Cook House before visitors enjoy another concert under the stars on the library grounds, topped off with complimentary ice cream.
• Wauconda/Island Lake Sea & Shore Sunday, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, Andrew C. Cook House: Partnering with the Historical Society of Island Lake, many artifacts and memorabilia of Island Lake and its history will be showcased and explained in the Cook House. Solve the mystery of the identity of Major Lenox Lohr and learn about the "castle house" on Island Lake. After a tour and display, depending on weather conditions, enjoy a one-hour, docent-guided historic pontoon boat tour of Island Lake. Reservations are required. For reservations and information, call Liz, (847) 609-9050.
• Annual WTHS Ice Cream Social, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, Andrew C. Cook House: Picnic with the historical society at the second annual WTHS Ice Cream Social featuring ice cream, pie, lemonade, vintage children's games, strolling songs and music provided by the Wauconda High School Chorale Group, tours of the Cook House and many more surprises.