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gpr,.i ;V;> i<;.„.,,, •, •r-^rr- - "' 5 Twenty -1 • . -' J M'HENRY PLAOTJEALEJU-MXTnTrH ANNIVERSARY > » **• - ^ " •' 'V- 'V WtnrwUy, June «, in V ** _j_ RfcMEMBER WAY BACK WHEN-- Skating on the old wdll pond, with a big bonfire to get farmed by, was popular? McHenry Ice *?. > •' '* t' Qhas. Vnti, proprietor of the'MclletirV' I'c<5 ^Cr^am ' Co.. came to McHenry ill 1911^ He occupied the tele-, phpne company -building^ a few jnqnths before/ opening^ -the ieo cream pa'iioic on the corner of "Green and Elm streets, also making ice cream, and in 1917 started the ice cream factory fVu* the site of Bishop s old iHill. Mr. IlniirJias since devoted his entire tirije and interest to the making of '^Mclieury rce Gieam," which has developed into an eritefprising hiisiness, having customers, all over northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. His-son, Felice, assists his father, at the. plant and his daughter, • ' • ••• -y . '• Tjanra, arts as bookkeeper. REMEMBER WAY BACK WHEN-- yi -- The merry-go-ronnd, opposite the Empire Theatre, was an annual occurence in McHenry? PETER GIES SHOE "STORE AND REPAIR SfiOP Men's Also Children'» 6hoes Shoe Repairs of Ml Kinds by Workman 1 . of 12 Years' Experience Only Best of Materials Used. ' Quick Service . Elm Street McHenry REMEMBER WAY BACK WHEN-- The Johns burg bridge went out? That was a long / •time ago. V'.'.;-': CENTRAL GARAGE Jbr Economical Tr»ntfortsti0» Then come to the NEW Pavilion u. aia FRED COLBY WRITES PROM CALIFORNIA The Central Garage at Johnsburg is owned and operated by Fred J. Smith, a mechanic of 17 years' ex perience. In 1929 h<$ purchased the garage, which he has successfully conducted ever since. In* 1932, when the pavement was put in, Mr. Smith had his garage, completely modernized. It is also a Standard Service Station. , . ' • • * Art Klein, Mr. Smith's assistant, has been with bin. since 1929 and before that had many years of experience in automotive work. Your car will receive the best of attention when left with the Central Garage for any kind of repairs* Burlingame, California May 22, 193o Mrs. Lillian Sayler--^ r Dear Madam: . : Your letter of recent date received and the first recollection that it recalls (if the writer is whom I think) is a little retiring golden haired girl nd hard-to believe now an agressive newspaper" reporter. (Notice I did r.ot say hard, boiled!) > Then it takes me back to the, time the Yftri Slykes came to McHenryr the old brick school house with two rooms, afterward • three, with S. D. Baldwin, principal, Ada; Granger intermediate and Etta Torrence, primarv\. Our drinking water was carried buckets r ftbm . Muhson's welt with the wlndiass and , oldf -oaken bucket nd drank from a tin or cocortut shell dippet". " Speaking of MnMtinSon I caft see 'hi|rn day after day sitting oh the rail of1 the old wooden bridge fishing >ery patiently. Then there was the old "black muck" swimming hole in the mill pond just back of the Mb nson house, and truly named as such until the boys hauled gravel in an old scow to cover the mud. A great many of the boys that congregated there have now passed to the beyond, others scattered to the four winds and I think few left in McHenry. Of these boys that congregated there I think Bob Madden stands out most in my recollecTion for, handicapped as he was with his short limb he entered into all sports with the more fortunate ones: 1 Sports such as they were, cine and two, old cat, square base, baseball (until Charley Fay came along to McHenry we knew nothing of league ball), shimmey, prisoners base, pull away, and marbles. We had no athletic instructor? <>r coaches in those days. \ Then the business activities, Owen Bros, mill and general store. In the mill were Shel. Collier and John Hogan, who always had pehrfies for the kids that came with the grist. Hanly's mill not forgetting A. H/s shawl, Perry Hardware, O. W. Owen Jewelry, Smith Bros. Dry Goods, Tyler Howe, Larry Stoddard and Ben Gilbert, groceries, . Jake Story Furniture, Herm Snyder, lumber and cheese factory, at what is now Orchard Beach. Hank Wightman, livery, and host at the Riverside Hotel, Henry Colby, drug store and postoffice, Bob Wnght and Fred Schnoor, shoe maker, Chas. Curtis in the log meat market, Hankins, Walsh, harness makers, R. Bishop, Gifford, and Perkins, wagon makers, Corey's brick yard where th« nigh sehool now stands, Jarve Torrence with his trotting horse, "Peavine", Cap. Hill of the Mary Griswold, and few will believe that in 1881 the Mary Griswold steamed around the east end of the old iron bridge, (this was soon after a huge cake of ice of 2 or 3 acres and 30 inches thick struck the bridge and leaned it at about a 30 degree angle), Bill Langham, the calf buyer, Cowdry with hifc wagon load of tin warp and traded for paper rags, Bill Tilton and Joe Draper!, blacksmith shops. One day in the early *80's, I was in Tilton's shop to have some work done' on a corn cultivator and Uncle Billy on a keg of horseshoes and he said to me, "Well boy, how is the corn crop? I said, "not what it should be as it was not "knee high". He said, "They used to tell me that if the corn stood four inches high in the stalk by the 4th of July and it was not too hot, or tpo cold, too wet or too dry, and the frost held off long enough, we were pretty sure to get a pretty fair crop of corn." .. - So much for McHenry as I remember the early days. I have been away (except for visiting now and then) for over 50 years and except for tha first year or two have been a subscriber to the Plaindealer. The first twenty-two. years were spent in Chicago. AfteT the earthquake and fire in San Francisco we came here twenty miles from San Francisco where we have seen a community grow "from j few hundred to a city of 15,000. Have been on the Public Library board for yearly twenty-six years and both Mrs. Colby and I are active in other organizations. Surrounded bfy our children and.; grandchildren we are truly happy and lopk forward each week for the Plaindealer. White the names that firemeritioned novv- are strange to us we still think of it as our home paper, ' and the items of twice told tales are read with-interest.., .. .v ' Very truly yours, ' : FRER T. COLBY • P. S. These memories are as vivid to Mrs. Colby as myself. Her maiden name was Clara I. Wright. '-k mond H. Owens is in Chicago, his sister, the artist, Clarabelle Owen, is in Los Angeles, Calif. These two are the only surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Owen and the only other living descendants are the children of Charles P. and Nellie O. Waite. PLAINDEALER IS FOR PLAIN FOLKS, APTLY SAYS REV. H. P. MEYER , In addition to what you have of news' of otir Lutheran Church may I briefly add the following?. Ever since 1891, Zion Evangelical Lutheran church had its own church building ^hich; is still in use' and serves also as a land mark of West McHenry. ./ " • - ; - V ' Many pi M^Heni'y's, pioneer residents who have seen McHenry grow «^d:Iw,e,;.:s6me of whom have depart-: PLAINDEALER MS / HAD ONLY 4 OWNERS ? ~ IN 60 YEAR CAREER One of the oldest newspapers in the county, the McHenry Plaindealei was founded in 1875 by J. VanSlyke. Before coming, to McHenry he was foreman of the Canton Plaindealer office at Canton, N. Y., and it was probably from this publication that the Plaindealer received its name. In 1898 the Plaindealer passed into the possession of a stock company under the name of the McHenry Plaindealer Company, with its directors and stockholders being, F. K. Granger, James B. Perry, W. A. Cristy, of McHenry, C. H. Donnelly and L. T. Hoy of Woodstock, and M« F. Walsh of Harvard. < The first manager of the paper under the new arrangement was James Walsh, brother of M. F- Walsh. He was succeeded by E. J. Hazel, who is still in the newspaper business. The next manager was C. D. Sehoonmaker, who later went to Genoa and who wa? succeeded by Frank G. Schreiner, who became the owner of the paper Nov. 1, 1906. He conducted the paper for about >ninefceeu y^ears (in the bank building on Green street and on July 1, 1925, sold out to the present owner, Chas. F. Renich of Woodstock. Thus, in a few short lines is written the facts of the life of the Plaindealer, which has existed for sixty years. _Complete editions of each year's issue are bound and placed upon the book shelf at the Plaindealei office, where they may be used for reference or as historical records ol the growth and development of th« city of McHenry. REV: HERMAN P. MEYER ed this life, others'who have brought us reminiscenses of church and community life are counted in its membership. Visible blessings as to growth in the congregation have been experienced by this church whose message proclaims the unchangeable Christ for a changeable and passing world. At present the congregation numbers some eighty souls. Services are conducted every Sunday in German and English alternately. During the summer time seryices are conducted at 8:Q0 a, m. and Sunday school after the services. OWEN FAMILY LONG PROMINENT HERE REMEMBER WAY BACK WHEN-- ' ^ The old Fox was located in Mike Conway's grove? FOX PAVILION Where one is always assured of the be|t music and good clean entertainment and table service. " Come where smart people meet. Small admission charge for all ^Yaning dancing, 25^ ' «-* Dancing Every Saturday Night "*\ until Summer Season opens. "Staff of the ' -\ri • Phone 330 Daniel Owen and his son, Edwin M. Owen, came to this 'part of fhe country from LeRoy, N. Y., in 1837 •nd to McHenry in 1838. There were four brothers, Herman N, Oliver W., Edwin M., and Harvey and two sisters, Mary and Lodenne Salisbury, later Lang. The Herman Owens lived where T. J. Walsh now lives and their old house was moved next west of Jacob Justen's. ; O. W. Owen lived at th^ foot of Wautyegan street whtere Mrs. E. Knox and family now lives. The Langs lived in the brick porticoed house afterwards occupied by the Schnorrs. * The main part of the E. M. Owen house is said 'to he the oldest house in town. George Owen is now retired and living in Elgin, a brother, Ed, is also retired and living in Oakland, Calif., •Lewjs is in Cushing, Okla., where he is postmaster and interested in oil. A sister, Mrs. F. H. Schnorr is in Spencer, -la., Charles S. Owen is in Chicago,, and Amy O. Chapell in Tulsa, Okla., with her two sons. Ray- Greetings to The McHenry Plaindealer on its fi0th anniversary! To chronicle ^e events of days and years is the humble task to which you have devoted yourself in unselfish service during the past six decades. As a paper of news set up in good common, "plain" form you have acted as a PLAINDEALER, bringing to the homes what proved of interest and thus established yourself as a desirable paper in good standing. As the community's newspaper you have also rendered service to our Evangelical Lutheran Church in bringing the announcement of its services to. the public. It i$ our wish that you continue to serve in this capacity. Mindful of your service and devotion for the promotion of a better McHenry, we cordially extend our sincere best wishes. HERMAN P .MEYER Fasto.r of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church , West McHenry M'HENRY IS GATEWAY TO FOX LAKE REGION There are more than fifty lakes in the Fox River region, among them being Fox Lake, the largest inland lake in Northern Illinois, Pistakee, Grass Lake, Long Lake, Round Lake and many others. Grass lake is noted for its lotus beds which usually begin blooming in July and continue into August. The two thousand acres of lotus blossoms which convert Grass Lake into a veritable flower garden are famous throughout the country, and attract many to this region. ( With 60,000 acres of lake watth and mote than lQO miles of sandy beaches for the enjoyment of vacationists, this region attracts many visitors each year. REMEMBER WAY BACK WHEN-- The "Mary Griswold" carried passengers and freight to the lakes and Wilmot? FOR COTTAGES, FARM HOMES, ETC. At Prices Somewhat Similar To Tbat of 20 Years Af»: Also tor good islmblu with insurance companies thathave been in business for over a century. See Your LocAl REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE COMPANY - & CO., Riverside Drive Phone 8 REMEMBER WAY BACK WHEN-- Wm. Althoff started his shoe shop in , Johnsburg and made many a pair of wedding boots for the young men? This was kb October, 1878, 56 year^ agfe^These ^boots^ were up to s^^ printed their names in with zinc points. In those days a young fellow was~not considered dressed up if he didn't have a \ In 1893 Mr. Althoff started a general merchandise store ijrnd is still in the same business, likes to meet his old friends, as well as the young, and. always has a pleasant smile for the kiddies. He desires to thank the people here and neighboring towns for their patronage in the past. Wm. Althoff GENERAL MERCHANDISE Phone 600-R-l Johnsburg REMEMBER WAY BACK WHEN-- - Ed Hanly drove one of the first automobiles with the big, buggy-sized wheels and small, hard tires? B. R Freuod Sales NASH mi LAFAYETTE SALES AM) SERVICE *, X/ , , t,he New Nash 400 with the. • ;' MONITOR SEALED MOTOR. ' ^ \ S new, oil display at ".our shoWroom'on Pearl Street, with 'Adams & Freund. " ^ Phone 185 or 90-R ASK FOR DEMONSTRATION--NO OBLIGATION REMEMBER WAY BACK WHEN-- Frank and Stretcher Bennett and Sox caught red horse on the old Fox River bridge? HARDWARE AND BOAT SHOP ELTO OUTBOARD MOTORS 1R FISHING TACKLE '•w Riverside Drive REMEMBER WAY BACK WHENThe old cannon was dragged out and fired off at any kind of a celebration at Johnsburg? SCHAEFER'S STORE J JOHNSBURG, ILL Ben J. Schaefer, proprietor of a general store at Johnsburg, started business there in 1916, when he launched a store in George Wirfs old building.- One year later lie purchased the John C. Debrepht store, where he lias conducted his business ever since. This building was formerly a brewery, operated by John Frett. The town of Johnsburg was named after A^r. Frett, from his first name. The building now occupied by Schaefer's store is probably the oldest in tin? territory, built in 1837. 1 As the years passed, Mr. Schaefer has constantly improved the store, thoroughly remodeling the place and bringing it up to date. The store has been conducted by Mr. Schaefer and his own boySj they going in a* they grew up and finished school. Mr. Sehaefer adds that he ho}>es, after he has retired from business that others may follow and keep the old building going another 98 years.. • REMEMBER WAY BACK WHEN-- .,-,~The morning passenger locomotive called for help from Dodge's cut, and most of the larger school boys went and helped to put her back on the rails, then the conductor said all that want a free ride to Chicago and back get aboard. The next morning they got a free lecture from the teacher, Mr. Nickles. Ringwood, IH. Established 1890. Fifteen acres hardy nursery stock. Full line in fruit, shade, flowering and weeping trees, evergreens, small fruits, climbing vines, roses, hedge plants, perennials, garden roots, etc. Come to the Nursery and get stock fresh from the ground. ' Price list mailed on application. /! ! Phones: McHenry 665-J-I--947 I. V. BUCKLAND, Prop.