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Fifteenth in a regional history series by Virginia Differding and Walter Wallace, prepared as a Bicentennial contribution from Northern Illinois University. ~ Ed.) Finding out what the Illinois Indians were like before con­ tact with Europeans can be tricky at best. Nearly all we know about them was written by Frenchmen, who of course had an important role in Europeanizing the Indians. The Illinois' society seems to have involved a group of overlapping relationships to self, their god, family, clan village, subtribe and tribe. Each male, at least in theory, could consider himself the equal of any other male and the Illinois' political structure and religious beliefs exemplify this equality among men. As a male-dominated society, such equality was not extended to women. The Illinois had few formal political organizations and no real centralization of authority such as we're accustomed to today. Strongly averse to anyone's being made subservient to another, their style is characterized by historian Raymond E. Hauser as "a cultural view that every in­ dividual must regulate his own affairs, without the in­ terference of others but ac­ cording to the accepted tribal ways." The only legitimate sources of authority they accepted, Hauser believes, were the individual's own judgment and guidance by the manitou, the supernatural being or deity the Illinois believed was in control of natural forces. Thus governing was by community opinion rather than arbitrary decision-making by one or by a minority. Not that there weren't dif­ ferences in status, since men did earn positions of esteem through their skills in hunting and warfare. Such respect gave them no real tribal authority, however, and even tribal chiefs were more like what we might call a coordinator. Chiefs presided over village feasts or headed war parties, but took no initiating role at* meetings. They were selected on the basis of ability to secure a tribe's well being, which is why hunting and warfare skills were so highly valued. INGS TOME- Most issues were decided by councils, the particular issue involved determining who would attend a council meeting. If about the summer hunt or a religious ceremony, perhaps the whole village would attend; if concerning a war party, only the warriors might attend. The chief acted as moderator " and as spokesman to other tribes or to the French. Though there were no written laws, certain acts were con­ sidered anti-social and were punished as crimes. These included murder, adultery, misconduct on a communal hunt and robbery if from another member of the same tribe. Widowers who remarried too quickly or to someone outside the former wife's family were violating accepted patterns and likely to find their lodges subject to raiding and general harassment by female relatives of the deceased. The same individualistic spirit exercised in deciding tribal issues also applied to religious beliefs, each Indian having his or her own personal manitou. Such deities came to in­ dividuals through a dream-fast experience during adolescnece, when both males and females left the tribe for periods of fasting and meditation. When a symbolic figure such as a bird or an animal appeared in a dream, it was considered a sign of a man-manitou relationship. The young adults then returned to the tribe, but from then on carried with ther?i an object of veneration such as feathers or part of the hide of their symbolic figure. Meditation and fasting was continued throughout life, particularly before hunts and battles. Each personal manitou also acted as an instrument through whom the individual was able to communicate with the superior deity, or "master of life." The Illinois' religious beliefs also included a conviction that a spirit or soul could be tran­ sferred to another upon death, which partially explains their cannibalism. By eating the flesh of a brave warrior, they believed they would gain that person's bravery and spirit. Life after death also was expected, their heaven a land reached by crossing a wide river. The Illinois' heaven had an abundance of everything good -- laughter, joy and warmth, but to get there required tribal assistance through carefully ritualized mourning. Burial was in cemeteries and items that might help the deceased on the heavenward journey were placed in graves with bodies. The French apparently could not or would not comprehend belief in a personal god or collective leadership and though they considered the Illinois extremely hospitable and of good character, they also felt them too independent and lawless. Since Illinois men performed almost no manual labor, playing athletic games, gambling, dancing, or engaging in religious activities when they weren't hunting for meat for the tribe or making war, the French called them gentlemen. As boys, much of their time was spent practicing with bows and arrows and learning hunting, survival and martial skills. After their first meditation- fasting, tattoos decorated their backs. As adults, tattoos were added in front, their faces were painted and they adorned themselves with feathers and jewelry. For Illinois women, life was much different. From girlhood on, females were trained in house and field work, their gender assigning them their tasks of planting, cultivating, harvesting and preserving crops. They also performed most of the other manual labor, carrying the reed mats and poles and rebuilding the lodges each time the tribe moved and skinning and hauling the dead animals after each summer hunt. Women also kept the lodges clean, prepared all meals and even poled the long dugouts while on hunts. The men rode in back and steered. While Illinois men relaxed in leisure during the winter, women seldom stopped working, cleaning, taking care of children and preparing food. Generally, women did not even eat with men and spoke with an accent different than that used by men. Courtship was initiated by the male and conducted under the supervision of a woman's brother. A suitor began by sending gifts to the brother, who returned them if the marriage offer was rejected. If accepted, the wife's family gave gifts to the suitor^family. Marriages, at least the first for an individual, seem to have been based on mutual feelings of love and lasted usually as long as both parties remained interested in each other. If incompatible, divorce was allowed. Polygamy was practiced, partly because women out­ numbered men, and it was not unusual for men to take as many wives as they could provide for, sometimes as many as ten or twelve. The wives often were related women - sisters, aunts and even widowed mothers - so that being from the same family to start with, har­ monious working relationships g e n e r a l l y e m e r g e d . Quarrelling or fighting thus remained at a minimum, at least until the French in­ troduced Indian men to alcohol. The Illinois apparently also had great love for their children and usually kept families small. Parents refrained from corporal punishment and did not try to force children into things against their will, just as the adults did not accept other adults over them as figures of authority. 'Children learned by ob­ serving older youngsters and adults with the natural wish for acceptance probably inspiring "proper" behavior. The earliest years were very important, the babies* remaining with the women as^i they worked, often strapped to-^ cradle boards on their mothers' i backs. After the first fasting and meditating, adolescents ^ s e l e c t e d n e w n a m e s f o r t themselves. Full maturity was not I recognized until about age 25,' the traditional age fori marrying. F r e n c h m i s s i o n a r i e s ; discouraged both premarital sexual experimentation and* polygamy, resulting in Indians - marrying at younger ages (18e for girls, 20 for boys) and in sA more "virtuous" state. Older Indians resented suchj outside interference and changing of traditions, one. complaining that, "In these days when the Indians are becoming more and more foolish, they think themselves wise enough at 16 and 17 to do things which were formerly prohibited at that age." NEXT: The Illinois Leave Illinois STATE MUSEUM Entries are now being ac­ cepted for the biennial Illinois State Museum Crafts exhibition to be held Feb. 13 through March 20, 1977 at the museum in Springfield. The deadline for entries of ceramics, weaving, textiles, jewelry, metal work, woodwork, glass and other craft media is Dec. 31, 1976. Write Illinois Crafts 1977, Art Department, Illinois State Museum, Springfield, II. 62706 for entry forms and more details about the competitive exhibition. Lossmann'* Meats, fish & Deli 5000 W. ROUTE 120 McHENRY, ILL Mon. thru Sat 9:00 to 6.30 385-3401 We Accept Food Stamps /"• to 8:0" Sun. 9:00 to 5:30 WHERE EXTRA QUALITY AND SERVICE IS OUR BUSINESS In Our Deli Always sliced fresh for you MF.LTS LIKE BUTTER MUNCHEE CHEESE |PR0V0L0NE CHEESE! BOLOGNA N^w ENGLAND HAM QQC SAUSAGE KUJHT m SPECIAL SLICED BONE-IN SMOKED HAMS PRIME RIB of BEEF BEEF TENDERLOIN ROASTS FRESH TURKEYS STEAK OF THE WEEK PRIME--BONELESS--2% FAT BUTT STEAK 00 EA. $1.90 IF YOU BUY 10 OR MORE FRESH SPICED CORNED BEEF BRISKE1 GREAT FOR SNACKS! SPREADABLE MERKfS CHEESE The Sea Cove WHERE YOU CAN BUY FRESH FISH 7 DAYS A WEEK AT REALISTIC PRICES (Fresh Makes A Difference) FRESH GOLDEN mm RAINBOW TROUT LB *2 99 GOLDWATER »A LOBSTER TAILS EA.*8 LIVE OYSTERS DZ *179 CLAMS DZ. 89 $189 B.l For a Well-Appreciated Gift, Give a Lossmann's GIFT CERTIFICATE HERRING IN WINE OR CREAM SAUCE .LB. LUTEFISK S159 WHILE IT LASTS , • 1 33 LB. Jt We Also Carry SMOKED CHUBS SHRIMP EELS WALLEYE TFpfm.rr CRAB LEGS SALT HERRING SALMON HALIBUT SQUID SCALLOPS WHITEFESH SNAILS FROG LEGS Wonder Lake SECTION 2 - PAGE 1 - PLAINDEALER-WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15,197# Tuesday, Dec. 21, the Scouts fviary Jean Huff 728-0267 Band And Vocal Concert To Be At Harrison School The sounds of Christmas music will be heard in the Harrison school gymnasium Sunday, Dec. 19, when the bands and choruses of the school will present their annual Christmas concert. The program will begin at 3 p.m and a special feature will be the Miss chorus, which includes singers from the Wonder Lake community. Mona Brown, vocal director and Tom Rome, band director at Harrison have been working very hard with the children and the Mass chorus and the results of their efforts are sure to 9apture the audience and leave them with the Christmas spirit! BIRTHDAYS Best birthday wishes to Jean Decker, Dec. 16. Happy bir­ thday to George Hartmann, Dec. 18. Happy tenth birthday to Katie Gibbons, Dec. 18. Happy sixth birthday to Jen­ nifer Hallerud, Dec. 18. Happy birthday to Stella Amundsen, Dec. 19. Happy fifth birthday to Patrick Sowers, Dec. 19. Happy birthday to Brenda Berlin, Dec. 19. Happy six­ teenth birthday to Nancy Hartmann, Dec. 19. Happy birthday to Sonia Miller, Dec. 19. Happy sixth birthday to Kimberly Powers, Dec. 20. Happy fourth birthday to Carrie Gallagher, Dec. 21. SCOUT GIFT Cub Scout Pack 145 of Wonder Lake will give all of the people in Wonder Lake a present Saturday, Dec. 18. Sounds impossible? Not so. This gift to you and me will be a Christmas tree in Wonder Center at the corner of Hancock drive and Wonder Lake road. At 1 p.m. on the eighteenth, the Scouts will be decorating the tree with ornaments that they have made. In a com­ munity effort, the men's Social Athletic club of Wonder Lake have donated all the lights for the tree and Bill Sullivan, owner of the Wonder Lake, hardware will pay for the electricity for the lights and donate the space for the tree. On the following Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m., there will be a tree lighting ceremony at the center. On this evening the Scouts will also bring their contribution of canned goods for the needy in Wonder Lake. The food will be taken to the Legion hall where the Legionnaires will put together and distribute the baskets. The Girl Scouts in Wonder Lake have been invited to share in the tree decorating and lighting service. SCHOOL PROGRAM An important part of Christmas in Wonder Lake for folks who have young children, is the annual lower grades Christmas program at Harrison school. The gym was decorated with wreaths and trees and presents hanging from the ceiling Thursday, Dec. 9, and even the "standing room only" was crowded with proud parents and relatives of the youngsters. Mona Brown, Harrison vocal music teacher, directed each class from the kindergarten through the fifth grade in their performance of two favorite Christmas songs. Special in­ strumental music was played by the fourth and fifth grade instrumental ensemble. The lower and middle grade staff at Harrison includes Mavis Bagby, Diane Cashen, Jean Eder, Jean Etten, Joyce Fielder, Eileen Franks, Carol Hartley, Karen Kohn, Linda Lundborg, Donna Maris, Bonnie Miller, Marlys Newcome, Shirley Peterson, Carol Pritchard, Martie Raasch, Connie Sandman, Carol Thomas and Peggy Waelchli. GIRLSCOUTS Christmas in Wonder Lake will be a little brighter this year because of a project our local Girl Scouts are undertaking. On 21, will meet at Harrison school at 6 p.m. and break up into smaller groups who will travel to different areas of the lake to sing Christmas carols to the shut-ins and elderly. Later they will return to the school for treats of hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. If you know of someone who is confined to their home or is alone or lonely or would enjoy the sweet voices of young girls spreading the joy of Christmas, please call Scout Leader Lucy Coleman at 653- 9676. HAPPINESS IS... Happiness is . . .having a Snowmobile Safety course available for our youngsters,.., Mrupnrv b e c a u s e o f t h e e f f o r t s o f \ Laker's Snowmobile club (now, how about one for some of us parents!) Happiness is...a C h r i s t m a s p r e s e n t f r o m someone who "didn't have to". Happiness is . appreciating Marlys Newcome, middle grades math teacher at Harrison school, who you will usually find after school, giving extra help to a roomful of her math students. Happiness is...praying that the gas company won't send the bill 'till after Christmas (It's gonna be a dilly!) Happiness is...while missing all of our good friends who have moved away from Wonder Lake in 1976, meeting new neighbors and friends who also have much to contribute to our c o m m u n i t y . H a p p i n e s s is...talking about memories of Christmases past. Happiness is...a home that is celebrating baby's first Christmas. COMMUNITY CALENDAR Dec. 15, Laker's Snowmobile meeting Dec. 18, Cub Scout Pack 145, presentation of their gift to Wonder Lake, 1 p.m. Wonder center Snowmobile Safety class. Wonder Lake inn 8 a m to 4 p.m. Dec. 19, Harrison school £hristmas concert, 3 p.m. N a t i v i t y L u t h e r a n c h u r c h Christmas program 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Girl Scout Christmas caroling, 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 22, Cub Scout tree lighting ceremony, Wonder Center. Early dismissal, Harrison school HERE AND THERE IN BUSINESS Sister Of Local Resident Authors Health Record Book Eleanor Dunn, born on the site of O'Hare Airport, has written a book in which the reader also writes facts that can save money, health, even life itself. It is entitled "Your Lifetime Health Records Book" (McGraw-Hill). The author is a sister of Mrs. Herman Lacy, Eleanor Dunn has written on pharmaceuticals and clinical tests to inform doctors. When she learned of the great need for patient records, inadequate in most doctors' offices, she p r e p a r e d " Y o u r L i f e t i m e Health Records Book" so patients could cooperate with their doctors and safeguard their health. EDUCATIONAL) iCollege Honors | HONOR ROLL G a i l G r i f f i n , f r e s h m a n , daughter of Mrs. Judith Griffin of McHenry has received a 3 - 3.49 average placing her on the honor roll at Lake Forest Academy-Ferry hall in Lake Forest for the first trimester as announced by Allen G. Vickers, headmaster. ' - ' MASS TRANSIT MAP The Illinois Department of Transportation has produced a new, comprehensive map and guide to public transportation routes in Illinois. The map charts air, bus and railroad passenger routes and provides i n f o r m a t i o n r e g a r d i n g s c h e d u l e s a n d t e r m i n a l locations. For a free copy of the new map write Public Tran­ sportation Map, Department of Transportation, 2300 Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, II., 62764. ALL ABOARD! FOR McHENRY SAVINGS & LOAN 3rd ANNUAL MODEL RAILROAD SHOW HURRY I LAST CALL. SHOW CLOSES DEC. 18 Bigger & Better than Than Ever In Our Lobby • Operating HO Train & Trolleycar For The Kids • Valuable Collectors Trains For Dads Plus Imported German Trains NOW DURING REGULAR LOBBY HOURS UNTIL DECEMBER 18 ffnTH 1 . 1 1 1 i e-tv McHENRY S A V I N G S | 4 t 0*1 MIICUTIM J McHenry Savings W m A N O I u A N A S S O C I A T I O N ^ ^ 1209 North Green Street 10520 Mam Street • > McHenry Hhnqis Richmond Illinois 385 3000 678-2061 . «o »«0 OOO SAVERS HOURS 9 00 a m to 4 30 p m Monday Tuesday and Thursday 9 00am to 8 00 p m Friaa, 900am to 3 00 pm Saturday McHenry Drive In Window open Wednesday 9 00 a m to 7 00 p m Closed Wednesday in Richmond McHENRY MONEY MACH'M<- OPEN MRS A DAY EVERY DAY1 jticplel