Historic Powers-Walker House to host old-fashioned fun this summer
Step back in time at McHenry County Conservation District's historic Powers-Walker House at Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road in Ringwood.
This summer, the monthly events will allow visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in a historical experience. Each event is free with no registration required. Learn more at mccdistrict.org.
On Sunday, May 21, visitors can experience the Greek Revival 1854 restored house and learn more about the resident families that called this area home in "Just Who is Samuel Walker?" from noon to 4 p.m. The program will feature Samuel Walker, a prominent and influential man who owned the house in the late 1800s. Volunteers in historical attire are available to answer your questions.
On Sunday, June 4, take a break from modern life with "Ice Cream Social of 1858" and enjoy the simple pleasures of an old-fashioned ice cream social. From noon to 4 p.m., fresh-scooped ice cream and old-time games will be available. Various historical characters will share stories of their lives, including a cavalryman and his horse heading off to defend the frontier.
On Sunday, July 9, the "Living History Open House: Over There & Over Here" will feature the Miller family who inhabited the area during the World War I era. Volunteers in historical attire will be on hand to answer questions. From noon to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy the wartime memorabilia and listen to the stories of both the homefront and the soldiers' perspective from this important conflict that changed our world.
The final summer program will be the "Life and Times of World War II" from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13. This open house features the Schaeffer and Steinmetz families, who lived in the area during the World War II era. Volunteers in historical attire will be on hand to answer questions and share the experiences. Visitors can view war-era memorabilia and hear the stories of the soldiers' during this time.
The McHenry County Conservation District currently owns and protects over 25,700 acres of open space which provides wildlife habitat preservation, educational opportunities and recreational amenities for the citizens of McHenry County to enjoy.