Learn about 'Chicago's Poison Banquet' at Algonquin library Jan. 22
The Algonquin Area Public Library will host a variety of programs this month, including a program on "Chicago's Poison Banquet," a Mario Kart Tournament, "Ice Fishing 101," a jigsaw puzzle tournament, and more. For information or registration, visit www.aapld.org.
'Chicago's Poison Banquet':
Historian Tara Cajacob recounts a Gilded-age tale of "Anarchy, Arsenic and the First Red Scare," when hundreds of Chicago's most illustrious residents were poisoned at a banquet in 1916. Upon the discovery of arsenic in the soup, a nationwide manhunt commenced to find the Anarchist Chef. The program will be 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Harnish Main Library. Registration is required.
Mario Kart Tournament:
Adults are welcome to join the Mario Kart Tournament from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, in the large meeting room of the Harnish Main Library, 2600 Harnish Drive. Adults love video gaming too! All abilities welcome to attend as a team or individual.
Ice Fishing 101:
Tom Stewart, retired senior ranger for the Kane County Forest Preserve, an avid fisherman, and the president of the Izaak Walton League, will lead "Ice Fishing 101" from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, in the large meeting at the Eastgate Branch Library, 115 Eastgate Drive. Get started on some great family fishing adventures through the ice. Learn from an expert how to build your own ice-rod, discuss tackle needed, bait, where to go, and safety precautions. Registration is required.
Jigsaw puzzle tournament:
Gather a team of 2-4 members for a Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, in the large meeting room of the Harnish Main Library. Ten teams (minimum of 2 and up to 4 people) race against each other to complete the same 500-piece puzzle. Prize awarded to the team for the fastest completion time. Snacks and drinks provided. Patrons may also bring in their own food. Registration is required.
Find Your Roots in Naturalization Records:
With Genealogist Steve Szabados, find your immigrant ancestors naturalization papers and see the beginning of your roots in America in "Find Your Roots in Naturalization Records" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, in the large meeting room at the Harnish Main Library.
This program will begin with an overview of the history of the naturalization process and the requirements your ancestors had to meet in order to apply. Learn where your ancestors were naturalized which is the key to finding their documents. Traditional and online sources are discussed. Registration is required.
Prohibition Era Gangsters in McHenry County:
Retired history teacher Craig Pfannkuche will talk about McHenry County's most lawless era, the 1920s to early 1930s, in "Prohibition Era Gangsters in McHenry County" from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Harnish Main Library. Speakeasies flourished, raids were common, and little stopped the rush to drink! All attendees may enter the door prize drawing. One of the most hellacious tavern/brothels in the county, according to Pfannkuche, was The Bubbling Over, located west of Woodstock on Route 14 on the way to Harvard. The saloon attracted carloads of local residents and vacationers that participated in illegal activities which reportedly included drinking, gambling, and prostitution!
Pfannkuche is also a volunteer researcher for the McHenry County Historical Society. Registration is required.
Family Movie Night
The After Hours Family Movie Night continues with the PG-rated "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, in the large meeting room at Eastgate Branch Library, 115 Eastgate Drive. Bring the whole family to see the live action Dora movie! Pizza will be served. Registration is required.