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More than fifty years separate (these two aerial views which in­ clude much of the same portion f>f the city of McHenry. The photo at left was taken in the early 'twenties by Robert L. Weber, whose mother, the late Mrs. Nettie Weber, suggested that he take ad­ vantage of an offer by a pilot visiting the city to "take a little ride". Special points of interest in the photo are (1) the North Western depot; (2) the old freight depot served for many years by Joseph Wegener; CD old Alexander Lumber Co. on Main street; (4) the Northwestern.hotel; (5) the old Borden plant, now the site of Tonyaii Construction; and <6) the old Schiessle tavern. Of special interest is the large body of water - the Mill pond - in the background which covered the area now known as Millstream subdivision. At right is an aerial view of McHenry in recent years, snowing a large portion of the west side business district. The pnotograpiier was looking east on Rim street, showing in center of ptioto the intersection of Elm street and Rt. 31. The Northwestern iiotel building (4> in foreground center, gives the viewer a good idea of the relationship between the two pictures as to location. Woat a difference a half century makes in a growing community! INSURANCE b my profession and I've been working at it and eqjoying it for the past Nineteen Years - The word "professional" conjures up in your mind a pretty definite image. You think of a person expert in his field -• knowledgeable, skilled, experienced and tireless. A professional puts a high priority on ' getting the job done right. In the daily pursuit of our profession we have come to realize that there is nothing which gives greater satisfaction than being able to provide our kind of essential, custom-fitted insurance services where they are vitally needed. I will continue, as I have for. the past nineteen years, to bring you proffessional insurance counseling and confidential personal service. Best Wishes McHENRY PLAINDEALER on your 100th BIRTHDAY Your Insurance Planning Consultant C.R. "Chuck" Peterson 3322 ELM STREET McHENRY 385-1331 THE BANKERS LIFE AUGUST 6, W5 - PLAINDEALER CENTENNIAL EDITION PAGE « Half Century Separates Views Of West McHenry Signs Of The Times - 1876 Dateline 1876 -- The town board has appointed Wm. Purdy collector. The receipts r are now being filled out, and taxpayers will find him ready to relieve them for their greenbacks the last of next week at his residence opposite the M.E. church. We are informed that O. Bishop has put seven barber chairs in his warehouse, where with keen razors and good help he will give you a close shave on short notice. No dirty towels used. N-E-X-T. A mistake occurs in the date on the first page of this paper. It reads January 27th, when it should be the 26th. Messrs. Rogers and Saymour, who are located in Stoddard's old store with their steam feather bed renovator, are doing a lively business and give satisfaction to all of their customers. They will remain but a few days longer, and those wishing their beds renovated should call at once. Three Cemeteries Located Within City Of McHenry There are three cemeteries in Owing to the horrid condition of the roads, wood is scarce in this market and one feels himself lucky if he gets enough to scrimp along with. In con­ sequence the girls are obliged to dismiss their beaus early, as it won't do to keep the fires late these times." It is to be hoped that the roads will get in a condition soon, that our citizens may be able to get their summer's supply of wood. McHenry, St. Mary's (Catholic* and Woodland (Protestant), which are--ad­ joining, located on Richmond road, and St. Patrick's church yard cemetery, Washington street. The latter church also has a second cemetery, known as countryside, but it is located outside the city limits. The Protestant cemetery was laid out about the year 1852. Previous t( this the^dead were buried near the mill dam. about a mile north of what was then the village of McHenry. To the new grounds most of the bodies were taken Mrom the old cemetery. RICHARD BISHOP Richard Bishop Early Leader SOUTH McHENRY FROM ON HIGH - The south side of McHenry center of the picture from lower left. McCullom Lake can be seen is pictured in the lower portion of the above photo. The Chicago & in the upper left hand corner. A.P. Freund field is shown in the Northwestern railroad tracks are shown running through the right center of the photo. Richard Bishop was a leader in most every phase of life in McHenry in the early days. In addition to his long civic record, he founded a pickle factory in 1882 employing fif­ teen to twenty people; and a wagon factory that turned out five to six wagons a day. It burned to the ground in 1874 and was rebuilt in 1878. Richard Bishop was born in Gaineslille. Wyoming county. N.Y., Nov. 16, 1824. At the age of 20 he came west to Chicago and by stage to Waukegan. Coming on to McHenry he started as a blacksmith. His fortunes rose until he had a farm of 1,000 acres and several factories. • VIEW WINDING BOONE CREEK - A birdseye view of McHenry from the east side ofthe Fox river, looking west, clearly points out the winding Boone Creek on the left, the Route 120 bridge in the center and the old steel bridge on the right. In 1874 he was engaged in banking at Woodstock, studied law, and was admitted to the bar. On Oct. 19,1849 he married Mary Maurice. They had two children, Ormus and Lola (Mrs. Thomas J. Walsh). 1 . - . . • •V. $ .