The Trail Fall 2014 - E

Transcription

The Trail Fall 2014 - E
relax • savor • explore • experience
the
trail
Fall 2014
A PRODUCT OF
welcome
Fall is the perfect time to get out and explore
northwest Illinois, as well as Wisconsin. If you’re up for
adventure, travel along Great River Road. Designated
as one of America’s scenic byways, the road offers views
of the Mississippi River and plenty of attractions, too.
If you’d rather relax and shop, head to Oregon.
Conover Square offers a mix of privately owned stores,
as well as vintage treasures. Make sure to stay long
enough to explore White Pines Forest State Park. The
385-acre park is a the perfect family getaway.
If you’re prefer an education experience, check out a
tour of historic homes. Each home has a unique story
on the Tour of Historic Galena Homes. Once you’ve
worked up an appetite, be sure to head over to Monroe,
Wisconsin, for some cheese. This year, Monroe will
mark 100 years of celebrating cheese during Cheese
Days, a three-day celebration in September. And don’t
forgot to make a stop in Jo Daviess County at Blaum
Bros. Distilling Co. and savor some high-quality spirits.
Happy trails!
Design
Advertising
Andrea Barthel
Leah Dixon
815.232.0171
Denise Buss
Sarah Hutmacher
Colleen Groves
815.232.0191
Scott Guthrie
815.232.0177
Cover photo:
Autumn in
Green County
Courtesy of:
Green County Tourism
The Trail is a product of The Journal-Standard,
a Gatehouse Media newspaper, located at
50 West Douglas Street, Suite 900, Freeport, Illinois.
© Gatehouse Media and The Journal-Standard 2014
table of contents
relax
10
A Room With a View
on Great River Road
savor
16 Late Summer Debut on Tap for
Freeport’s Generations Brewing Co.
14
18 Say “Cheese”: Monroe Celebrates
100 Years of Cheese Days
A Fall
Family
Tradition
20 Jo Daviess County Evolves
From Whiskey Stills in the Hills
to a Shiny New Distillery
explore
26 On The Trail from
Hanover, IL to Sabula, IA
22
32 Discover Oregon
Explore
Two Wheel Trails
experience
38 Tour of Historic Galena Homes
and Peace In Union: 1865-2015
2014 Tour of Historic Galena Homes
set for September 27 & 28
42 A Different Kind of House Hunter
36
Celebrate
the Splendor
of Autumn
45 Visit Elizabeth
www.journalstandard.com
5
calendar of events
August 29-30
WILHELM TELL FESTIVAL
Wilhelm Tell play, Children’s
Laternenzug (Lantern Parade),
yodel concert, street dance,
Art in the Park. New Glarus,
Wis. wilhelmtell.org
August 30
BRICK STREET SATURDAY
Shop Sidewalk Specials All
Day! Music, arts & crafts,
food booths and more!
Downtown Mount Carroll, Ill.
(800) 244-9594
mtcarrollil.org
August 31
ART IN THE PARK Enjoy
local and regional art while
local musicians perform.
Hands-on activities for
children& adults! Krape Park,
Freeport, Ill. (815) 235-6114
or (815) 235-9755
September 3, Oct. 1
& 22, Nov. 5, Dec. 3
CLASSIC FILM SERIES:
SIDNEY POITIER $5 each
or $20 for the entire series.
Lindo Theatre, Freeport, Ill.
(815) 233-0025
September 5-6
LENA LION’S ANNUAL
FALL FESTIVAL Carnival rides,
games, food, parade, bbq, stage
entertainment. Downtown
Lena, Ill. (815) 369-4611
September 6
TASTE OF FIESTA Arts
& craft and food vendors,
entertainment. Sterling, Ill.
saukvalleyareachamber.com
(815) 625-2400
September 6-7
FALL FESTIVAL Flea markets,
antique tractors. Lafayette
Fairgrounds, Darlington, Wis.
darlingtonwi.org
September 13
PRETZEL CITY BREWFEST
Craft beer tasting,
food vendors 1-6 pm.
Exceptional
Local Wines
Internationally award
winning wines crafted
on-site from Wisconsin
grapes, Fisher King
offers a delicious
selection from dry
reds to sweet whites.
Open Year-round in
downtown Mt. Horeb
Sun-Tue Noon-5 PM
Wed-Thu Noon-8 PM
Fri & Sat Noon-9 PM
Live Music Friday Nights 7-9 PM
FISHER KING WINERY
www.fisherkingwinery.com
facebook.com/fisherkingwinery
102 W. Main St. l Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 l 608.437.6020
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Downtown Freeport, Ill.
(815) 232-9200
September 13
ANNUAL THIRSTY TROLL
BREW FEST Craft brewers
serve over 100 different
beers, live music, food
booths. Grundahl Park,
Mt Horeb, Wis. trollway.com
September 19-21
CHEESE DAYS Music &
dancing, yodeling & alphorns,
live music, food vendors, arts &
crafts fair, parade led by Brown
Swiss cows and much more!
Monroe, Wis. cheesedays.com
September 20
JANE ADDAMS FESTIVAL
Celebrate Jane Addams
birthday with a 5K run/walk on
the Jane Addams Trail. Craft
& art exhibits, folk singing &
lunch at the Cedarville Historic
Museum, 10-4. Cedarville, Ill.
(815) 563-4485
September 21
FALL FESTIVAL Hay rides,
bonfires, music, food &
more! Darlington, Wis.
darlingtonwi.org
September 26-28
OKTOBERFEST Live music,
local food, beer tent, horsedrawn wagon rides & plenty of
family fun. New Glarus, Wis.
swisstown.com
September 26-28
ANNUAL PUMPKIN
FESTIVAL Parade,
entertainment, arts &
crafts, carnival. Warren, Ill.
warrenchamber.org
September 26-28
FALL FESTIVAL Parade,
carnival rides, craft show,
car & tractor shows,
fireworks. Stillman Valley, Ill.
stillmanvalleyfallfestival.com
September 27
FALL NATIONALS
TRACTOR & TRUCK PULL
Green County Fairgrounds.
Monroe, Wis.
greencountyfallnationals.com
September 27
AUTUMNFEST Entertainment,
arts & crafts, food, kid’s
activities, chili contest,
“poopapalooza” cow bingo,
pie contest, Brodhead, Wis.
brodheadchamber.org
October 4
PECATONICA RIVER
TRAIL FALL FLOTILLA
Enjoy the fall colors during a
scenic, leisurely paddle
down the river starting at
McConnell Bobtown Landing.
McConnell, Ill. (815) 232-5340
October 4
CHEESEFEST Hay rides,
free entertainment,
scarecrow contest, arts &
crafts, food. Shullsburg, Wis.
(608) 965-4579
shullsburgwisconsin.com
October 4
FALL FESTIVAL An array of
fall activities including wagon
rides, hay bale maze, music,
gunny sack races, scavenger
hunt, beer garden, bounce
houses& pioneer living
demonstrations at Heritage
Canyon. Fulton, Ill.
(815) 589-4545 cityoffulton.
us/fulton-events.html
October 4-5
ANNUAL FALL HERITAGE
FESTIVAL Experience
Norwegian heritage with
farmer’s market, buggy
rides, quilt show, heritage
demonstrations, Sons of
Norway Host Frokost, an
authentic Norwegian Fall
breakfast. Mt. Horeb, Wis.
trollway.com 1-88TROLLWAY
October 4-5
AUTUMN ON PARADE
Parade, Olde English Faire,
food court, fun zone,
duck dash, auto classic,
tractor show. Oregon, Ill.
autumnonparade.org
October 11, 18, 25
TRAIN OF TERROR
A spooky 4-mile train ride with
scary scenes on both sides
of the tracks, 6-10 pm. Silver
Creek & Stephenson Railroad,
Freeport, Ill. (815) 235-2198
October 11-12
GALENA COUNTRY FAIR
Over 150 vendors offering
arts & crafts, farmers market,
fair food, baked goods, live
entertainment & family fun.
Grant Park, Galena, Ill.
(815) 777-0817
galenacountryfair.com
October 12
SWISS HISTORICAL VILLAGE
MUSEUM HARVEST FEST
Civil War re-enactors, artisan
demonstrations including
blacksmith, cheesemaking,
sausage making, bratzeli,
cookie samples. New Glarus,
Wis. swisshistoricalvillage.org
October 17-19
FALL ART TOUR Get a
behind-the-scenes look at
local artisan’s studios in
Mineral Point, Spring Green,
Dodgeville and Baraboo, Wis.
fallarttour.com
on
e
(the Swiss version of Santa
Claus) Monroe, Wis.
turnerhallofmonroe.org
November 28-30
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SHOW
Original Christmas show
with your favorite holiday
tunes, $20. Mighty Richland
Players Dessert Theater,
Orangeville, Ill. (815) 819-1310
mightyrichlandplayers.com
Fieldstone
Inn
November 28-30
A BIT OF YESTERYEAR
CHRISTMAS - HOME FOR
THE HOLIDAYS Open house
on Water Street, family
activities, holiday tours of
homes, lighted Christmas
parade, fireworks,
Shullsburg, Wis.
(608) 965-4579
nwind..
Come u
. one olive at a time!
December 1-7
SEASONAL SIGHTS &
SOUNDS Parade, caroling,
horse/wagon rides, tree
lighting, and more! Sterling, Ill.
sterlingmainstreet.org
olive at a
October 25
PUMPKINFEST & GHOULISH
GALLOP 2 & 5 mile runs
followed by pumpkin
streetdrags 1 pm, Rocky
Horror Picture Show at
Timber Lake Playhouse 9 pm.
mtcarrollil.org
October 25-November 1
HOLLOWEEN AT THE CAVE!
Cave tours, gemstone trick or
treat, free activities, scavenger
hikes. Mt. Horeb, Wis.
trollway.com 1-88TROLLWAY
November 2
ANNUAL SWISS FEST
Swiss music & entertainment.
Turner Hall, Monroe, Wis.
turnerhallofmonroe.org
November 7-8 & 14-15
GREAT ROUTE 64/84
HOLIDAY SHOP HOP
Visit over 30 shops offering
holiday decor and unique
gift items in 5 communities:
Fulton, Lanark, Mt. Carroll,
Savanna and Thomson.
Maps available at cityoffulton.
us/fulton-events.html
November 28-29
CHRISTKINDLMARKT
Holiday marketplace, handcrafted items, baked goods.
Visit Swiss Samichlaus
December 5-7
FIRE & ICE FESTIVAL
Carriage rides, lighted
parade, memory tree
lighting, shopping specials,
ice sculptures, luminarias,
fire on the Square.
Brodhead, Wis.
(608) 897-8411
December 6
CHRISTMAS WALK &
TOUR OF HOMES Christmas
specials & refreshments,
photos with Santa, strolling
Dickens characters, Festival
of Trees, Tour of Homes
and more. mtcarrollil.org
December 6
ST. NICHOLAS DAY
Holiday shopping specials,
Swiss Church Christmas
Cookie Walk. New Glarus,
Wis. swisstown.com
December 6
CHRISTMAS PARADE
& FESTIVAL Lighted
Christmas parade, lighting
of the famous floating
Christmas trees, caroling,
bonfires, and a visit from
Santa. Darlington, Wis
darlingtonwi.org
1
#
Stop in for the
BEST
COCKTAILS
& STEAKS
2014
2014
HOME OF
MONDAY
$5.00
BURGER
2014
NIGHT!
SERVING
STEAKS
SEAFOOD
PASTA &
MORE!
Private Banquet Room • Nightly Specials
1121 W. Empire Street • Freeport
815-235-8100
map
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advertiser index
Fieldstone Inn ..............6 Clothes Bin .................30 SERVICE
BUSINESSES
Cub Hollow
Barnacopia .................40 Higher Grounds
Antiques ..................13 Bank of Brodhead ......34
Coffee ......................22
Blackhawk Waterway
ACTIVITIES
Coldwell Banker
Generations
Mrs. Mike’s
Convention
Boutique ....................9
Network Realty .......21
Potato Chips ............29
& Visitors Bureau ..... 4
New Glarus Hotel
Brodhead Chamber
Restaurant ...............27
of Commerce ..........34
Freeport Park District ...3 Union Dairy
Ice Cream Parlor .....29
Green County
Tourism ...................18 White Pines Inn
Restaurant .................2
Janesville Performing
Arts Center Irish Fest ..................45 GOLF COURSES
Main Street Monroe ..17 Park Hills
Golf Course ..............3
Shullsburg CDC .........13
Stephenson County
Antique Engine .......33 LODGING
Barnacopia .................40
CHEESE STORES
Decatur Dairy ............35
The Green Door
Freeport Bicycle Co. ...23
Home Decor
& Gifts .....................17 State Bank, Freeport...36
Joanne’s Dress Shop ...17
Kingsley Crossing .......13
Napa Valley Salvage...10
SPIRITS
Famous Fossil
Winery ....................31
Outside the Lines
Fisher King Winery ......5
Gallery.....................21
Galena River
Piggly Wiggly,
Wine & Cheese........44
Brodhead .................34
Generations
Sisters .........................25
Brewing Co. ............37
Chalet Landhaus Hotel
& Restaurant ...........27
Country Inn & Suites
of Freeport ..............48
Galena River
Wine & Cheese........44 DeSoto House ............41
Maple Leaf Cheese,
Super 8, Freeport .......37
Juda .........................34
Super 8, Monroe ........18
Maple Leaf Cheese
& Chocolate ............27 White Pines Inn............2
Roelli Cheese..............13
Shullsburg Creamery .14 ORCHARDS
Edwards
Swiss Colony
Orchard West ..........45
Outlet Center ..........17
Ten Eyck Orchard ......34
CUISINE
Cannova’s Pizza .........38 RETAIL SHOPS
The Artful Gourmet ..25
Culver’s,
New Glarus .............25 Bramble Patch ............26
Edelweiss Chalet
Brenda’s
Country Club ..........27
Blumenladen ...........25
www.journalstandard.com
9
relax
relax
Enjoy your stay along
the Great Giver Road.
Find peace and relaxation
as you watch the beautiful
sunsets and natural
settings offered by these
bed and breakfasts.
10
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Pat Schneiderman
An amazing weekend
trip awaits you in the
southwest region of
Wisconsin. Designated
one of America’s Scenic
Byways, Great River Road
(Highway 35) is a 250-mile
trip from Dickeyville to
Prescott. Whether or not
you travel only a portion
of the road, or the entire
driving tour, you are sure
to enjoy the breathtaking
views of the Mississippi
River along the way. The
trail is identified by white
signs displaying a green
pilot’s wheel with the words
“Great River Road”.
There is much to see and
do along the way. You can
start with the beginning
of the trail in Dickeyville,
Wis. where the Grotto is
located. Along the way,
there is a lead mine in
Potosi/Tennyson, the
Stonefield State Historic
Site in Cassville, museums
in both Prairie du Chien
and La Crosse, numerous
riverboat rides, locks and
dams at Alma, Fountain
City, Trempealeau and
Genoa, cave tours, hiking
and other attractions too
numerous to mention.
If you are a history buff,
don’t miss the site of the
Blackhawk Indians’ last
battle near Victory. And
yes, there are many eclectic
shops and great places to
eat along the way as well.
You may also want to bring
along your bike as there are
100 miles of biking trail,
beginning at the Upper
Mississippi River National
Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
At the end of each
day, you will need to rest
comfortably. We can
suggest a few unique
spots you may want to
try, but there are many
more wonderful Inns,
hotels and bed & breakfast
opportunities along this
drive. For the complete
listing, check
wisconsintourism.com
and click places to stay.
The Newmann House
Bed and Breakfast is
located at 121 N. Michigan
Street in Prairie du Chien,
Wisconsin, in the historic
downtown district. The
community itself is the
second oldest community
in Wisconsin and is rich
in history. The house was
built in 1858, right after
the arrival of the railroad
a year earlier, and is a Civil
War era residence.
Accommodations at
the Neumann House
include three guest rooms
with private baths. Each
room accommodates two
guests. The peach room
is a spacious room with a
king size bed, a claw foot
bathtub, reading space,
cable TV in the room,
A/C and all the necessary
comforts guests need.
The pink room features
an antique dresser and
desk, wing back chair and
a queen size bed with an
iron and brass headboard.
Bath includes a shower,
and again the room has
all the necessary comforts
of home. This room can
also be expanded to a two
bedroom suite with the
second bedroom on the
sun porch. If you’re going
to a college reunion, or
having a mother-daughter
relax
A Room with a View
on Great River Road
PHOTOS PROVIDED
The Belle of Alma room, located inside the Tritsch House, is named for its beautiful view overlooking the Mississippi River. This room is warm
and inviting, and offers great views of stunning sunsets.
outing, then the blue room
may be a perfect fit for
you. It features an antique
wardrobe, twin beds
and shower, along with
standard guest essentials.
Owner Luanne Neumann
feels the morning breakfast
offering is an essential to
any bed and breakfast.
Regional foodstuffs,
including cheese, butter,
apples, cranberries and
breakfast meats, are served
to the delight of the guests.
To make reservations or for
further questions, call
877-340-9971.
Further up the road is
the Four Gables Bed &
Breakfast in La Crosse,
Wisconsin. This house is
a Victorian Queen Anne
home that is listed on
the National Register of
Historic Places. It was
constructed in 1906 by the
Munstock family – from
strawberry money – and
they owned it until 1981.
The Munstock’s only had
one son and didn’t need all
the space the home had to
Four Gables Bed &
Breakfast in La Crosse, Wisconsin
offer, so in the 1930s, they
converted the upstairs to
an apartment. When Jerry
and Nancy Jorgensen
decided to make La Crosse
their home, they purchased
the deteriorated home and
they painstakingly restored
the gem into the Bed &
Breakfast that it is today.
There are two bedrooms
plus a library
on the upstairs
level. The
Roses & Ribbon
bedroom has a
king sized bed,
Louis XV, a
private bath and
whirlpool. The
Trump O’loile
bedroom has a
queen bed, private
bath with a shower. Both
rooms have access to the
library, or ‘sitting room’
where they have internet
and TV as well.
A four-course breakfast
is served at 9 am with
Nancy cooking for you.
She “loves to cook and
never fixes what you can
get at home.” She likes to
make your stay unique and
even provides dessert with
your breakfast! She offers
many signature dishes
including a Vegetable
Frittata. Included in
this yummy offering are
broccoli flowerets, red
potatoes, cheddar and feta
cheese, parmesan cheese,
diced onion, eggs and
olive oil. Guests return
www.journalstandard.com
11
relax
based on hospitality,
1902, the new innkeeper,
accommodations and
Johnny Elliott, is young
food and this B & B seems
and full of energy and
to have it all!
mixing the charm of the
For more information
past with newer updates
or reservations, call
throughout. Gorgeous
608-788-7958.
antiques will allow a step
Heading
north again on
the Great River
Road is the Lucas
House Bed
and Breakfast
in the heart of
Trempealeau.
Though this B &
B was remodeled
and added on to in
2001, the original
The Tritsch House
dining room features a variety of antiques.
home was built in
1895. Old world
charm of a parlor and
back into the last century
pictures of its history will
while still enjoying flat
set the stage for a relaxing
screens and Jacuzzi hot
time where you can enjoy
tubs if you so choose.
views of the Mississippi
Four guest rooms are
River, scenic river bluffs,
available and all have
Lock and
private baths. There are
Dam #6, trains and more.
four porches to enjoy the
This home offers six
view or catch some sun,
guest rooms to choose
or perhaps you want to
from, with all the guest
try your hand at a game
accommodations you
of pool in the parlor.
might expect. Both an
An evening fire in the
upstairs porch and a
backyard fire pit will
main floor porch are
complete a relaxing stay.
popular spots for the end
A home-style breakfast is
of day sunsets. You’re
served in the morning for
sure to enjoy the relaxing
all guests.
atmosphere here as it
To check for availability,
takes you back in time
call 507-450-6573
for a while. For more
or check online at
information, contact
thetritschhouse.com.
owners Tom or Judy Scherr
For a completely
at 608-543-6665.
different experience,
Another possibility for
the Journey Inn Bed &
your rest stop lies in the
Breakfast in Maiden Rock,
river town of Alma, known Wisconsin, provides an
as the Tritsch House. This eco-friendly environment
house is a beautiful Queen
in a natural setting. This
Anne home nestled into
bed and breakfast was
the bluffs high above the
designed as an earth
Mississippi River. Although friendly building on sixty
the house was built in
plus acres of a combination
12
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of hilly, woodland, and
prairie. Its location is
remote, yet accessible, and
features more of a retreat
atmosphere.
Four guest rooms Earth, Air, Fire and Water
– have been created with
the energies of the natural
elements. All have private
baths and some have
private patio/deck space.
Enjoy the meditative
atmosphere or explore
walking trails, hike or bike
amongst the open skies,
flowing water and natural
beauty.
Services of massage, life
coaching sessions, yoga
and meditation classes
are offered at the Inn.
Earth friendly products
are used such as natural
and organic bedding,
cleaning products, healthy
amenities with hand soap,
shampoo and shower
gel. Proprietors Charlene
Torchia and John Huffaker
provide organic and local
whole food breakfasts, and
Fair Trade coffee and tea.
Call 715-448-2424 for
availability and more
information.
Also in the historic
village of Maiden Rock,
you can choose the
Maiden Rock Inn which
is a former schoolhouse,
now converted into the
Inn. Proprietors Gary and
Jennifer Peterson like to
say, this is “where sleeping
in school is cool.”
There are four guest
rooms, all including
private baths, whirlpools,
A/C, TV, fireplaces and
lots of ambiance. Choices
include the Red Clay Room
with queen size bed and
wrought iron headboard
and claw foot tub. The
Sun Shower Room has a
Scandinavian feel, as it’s
decorated in sunny yellow
and blue, and features a
unique rocker, tub and
shower. The Aubergine
Room has a Jacuzzi and
a beautiful view of the
Mississippi River across
the road. Lastly, the Grotto
has a unique landing
outdoors to view the
gardens and is done in
earthy tones with a king
size bed.
Some aspects of this bed
and breakfast are quite
unusual, and perhaps one
of a kind. For example,
there is a gymnasium or
hall, a stage, PA system and
a spiral staircase. The Inn
is licensed for catering and
also has a beer and wine
license, so you could hold
a special small party here.
Come with a group and
reserve the entire Inn.
You can reserve a guest
room by emailing them at
[email protected]
or by calling at
715-448-2608.
There are so many
wonderful places to stay
and so many fun and
interesting things to see
and do that you just might
want to make this a weeklong vacation in itself.
Come out and enjoy the
Mississippi River as you
travel The Great River
Road. Check online for
more information on
possible itineraries and
where you may want to go
and where you may want
to rest each night. We are
sure that this will be a trip
well remembered!
Shullsburg, Wisconsin
...a bit of yesteryear!
Join us for a memorable experience
...at our 2014 events!
CHEESEFEST • October 4
Join your family & friends for a great day in the country.
Enjoy the fall colors as you travel to Shullsburg
for our great event!
• Free live stage entertainment: Tom Black,
Fever River Band, Dylan Doyle Band and Ernie Hendrickson
• Fire Department breakfast • Cheese curd eating contest
• Cheesefest street market • Library book sale • Hay rides
• Say “cheese” photo contest • Scarecrow contest • Raffle
• Food & refreshments • Bus tour of Berry’s Tavern
Historic Water Street, 9 am-4 pm
608-965-3236 or 608-482-1859
Featuring Roelli’s
own handcrafted artisan
cheeses Dunbarton Blue,
Red Rock & Gravity Hill!
“A BIT OF YESTERYEAR” CHRISTMAS
November 28, 29 & 30
Visit our cheese store for
a wide variety of delicious
Wisconsin made cheeses.
15982 Hwy 11, Shullsburg, WI 53586
608-965-3779 • 800-575-4372 • www.roellicheese.com
Open Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 5:30 pm • Seasonal Hours on Weekends
A family tradition of making handcrafted specialty cheeses for nearly 100 years!
Christmas Open House at Water Street
shops and restaurants all weekend.
Saturday, November 29
Holiday Tour of Homes 10 am-4 pm
• Santa’s reindeer at Kingsley Crossing
• Limited edition Red Wing Pottery butter churn
• Lighted Christmas parade 6 pm
Sponsored by the Shullsburg Community Development Corporation
www.shullsburgwisconsin.org
For more information, 608-965-3236 or 608-482-1859
An Extraordinary
Shopping Experience!
Rare finds,
Reasonable prices
Furniture • Primitives • Linens
Glassware • Collectibles • Prints
Kitchen Collectibles • Quilts & Comforters
Stoneware, Crocks & Jugs • Vintage Clothing & Hats
Cub Hollow Antiques
www.cubhollowantiques.com
246 W. Water St., Shullsburg, WI
(608) 965-3236
[email protected]
Summer: Wed-Sun 11 am-4 pm
Winter: Fri-Sun Only
Largest Textile Collection
in the Tri-State Area!
A Little Bit of Everything!
Offering a shopping experience like no other. With over 5,400 sq. ft. of home décor
for inside and outside of your home, jewelry, vintage items, repurposed items, furniture
and more. You can also visit our coffee bar and ice cream shoppe for a yummy treat!
236 W. Water St., Shullsburg WI • kingsleycrossing.com • 608-965-8585
Like us on Facebook to see pictures of new items, current hours and seasonal specials.
savor
savor
A
An absolute necessity for
this time of year...day trips.
Enjoy the wide variety of places
to stop for a bite or a beverage,
apple orchards, Wisconsin
cheese...and don’t miss a late
summer brew debut on tap for
Freeport.
Fall
Family
Tradition
Pat Schneiderman
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Give the
Order your
party trays &
custom gift
boxes today!
See our online store at www.shullsburgcreamery.com
208 W. Water Street, Shullsburg WI • 608.965.3855
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Summer always goes
by too fast, but this year
it seemed to just fly!
Although we may not be
anxious to see the warmer
days get shorter and cooler,
fall is a great time of year
to enjoy outside as well.
In my book, one of the
absolute necessities for
this time of year is to visit
the apple orchards. There
are a number of orchards
in the region and so many
different varieties of apples
to choose from! You’ll find
lots of other “goodies” at
the orchards as well. Once
you’ve tasted a hot fresh
apple cinnamon donut or
bite into that crispy apple
of your choice, you’ll find
yourself returning over and
over.
Let’s take a look at some
of these great places to visit
starting with Edwards
Orchard –located just
outside of Poplar Grove,
IL. There are many
great varieties of apples
to choose from, fresh
donuts, homemade fudge,
pumpkins, gourds, apple
cider, mums and all kinds
of tasty dips, jams and
jellies, soups, cheese, meats
and more. In addition,
many autumn decorative
items are on display for
purchase.
Take along your kids,
your grandkids or a friend’s
kids and you’ll find a whole
other type of entertainment
here. You can take a wagon
ride around the apple
orchard. You can pet the
small farm animals and
play on the wooden toys
in the barnyard. Then you
can grab a sandwich, a
piece of pie, and some hot/
cold cider or hot chocolate
and enjoy the music that’s
playing. Don’t forget to
pick up a pumpkin or two
for decorating as well.
You’ll enjoy your time
at this friendly multigenerational orchard. Visit
savor
edwardsappleorchard.net
for hours and availability.
Edwards also has
another location –
Edwards West, close
to Winnebago, IL. The
address for this one is
8218 Cemetery Road.
This orchard is somewhat
smaller than the original,
but has the same great
apple cinnamon donuts
and lots of apples,
pumpkins and gourds.
They also have fun things
for the kids to do, like
wagon slides, playtime on
wooden climb-on toys and
even play in a corncrib.
You can pick your own
apples, raspberries or
blackberries and pick up a
mum or two for decorating.
Of course pumpkins are
plentiful and you’re sure
to find that perfect one
for your little munchkin.
Be sure to check hours
and availability at
edwardsorchardwest.com.
Another orchard for
your consideration is the
Jonamac Orchard and
Corn Maze located at
19412 Shabbona Road
in Malta, IL. This thirty
year old orchard has
been expanding quickly
over the last few years to
ensure your family has a
great time picking apples,
playing in the barnyard
with small petting animals,
climbing on hay bales and
exploring the barn.
There are 10,000 trees
in the orchard that you
can choose from to pick
your favorite apples – like
Jonamac, Jonagold, Pink
Lady, Granny Smith, Red
and Golden Delicious,
Cortland and many others.
Other tasty goodies include
apple donuts, fresh baked
pies, caramel apples and
fresh baked bread and
fudge just like grandma
used to make.
A highlight of your trip
may be to explore – or get
lost in – the corn maze.
Each year, a new design
is chosen and the corn is
carefully planted in the
spring to resemble the
chosen map. When you’ve
figured that one out, there
is a giant jumping pillow
that’s fun for all ages,
several fun slides for all
age groups, rubber duck
races and a large rope
spider web that invites you
to climb and play on it.
You can make a day of fun
at this apple orchard for
the entire family! Visit
jonamacorchard.com for
hours of operation.
Perhaps you’d like to
take a little drive just north
of the Wisconsin border
to Brodhead, Wisconsin,
and visit the Ten Eyck
Orchard. Located at
W968 Highway 11 and
81, this sixth generation
orchard will fulfill your
every wish for apples.
With over forty acres of
fruit trees and more than
fifty varieties of apples to
choose from, you’re sure
to find just what you’re
looking for on this trip.
There are even antique
apple varieties available at
this orchard.
Walk into the 1919 red
round barn that stores all
your favorite varieties of
apples and enjoy a piece
of history. In addition to
apples, this orchard offers
pears, squashes, pumpkins,
cider and honey for sale.
Stock up and enjoy this
beautiful southwestern
Wisconsin farm site. For
more information, visit
teneyckorchard.com.
GAYS MILLS
In the Driftless
Area of southwestern
Wisconsin, among the
Ocooch Mountains, lies
the small village of Gays
Mills. The village was
settled on the Kickapoo
River and farmers long
ago discovered the valley
offered excellent conditions
for apple-growing. From
an original experiment
with apple growing in the
area to today’s thousand
acres that produce apples
nationally known for their
color and flavor, there
are seven orchards to
visit if you take the trip
to the “Apple Capital of
Wisconsin.”
Fleming Orchards –
offers fresh picked apples,
cider, caramel apples,
honey, jams and jellies,
maple syrup, pumpkins,
squash, gourds, Indian
corn and popcorn. Call
608-735-4625 for more
information.
Hillcrest Orchard
– fresh picked apples,
cheeses, honey, jams
and jellies, maple syrup,
pumpkins and vegetables
and Amish candy. Call
608-624-5753.
Kickapoo Orchard –
In addition to a variety of
apples, there is an apple
gift shop and a small corn
maze. Cider, caramel
apples, baked goods,
cheeses and sausages,
honey, jams and jellies,
mustards and maple
syrup, popcorn and many
gift packages. Call
608-624-3359 for
availability.
Starry Ridge Orchard
– At this particular orchard
you can pick your own
apples seasonally. Call
608-735-4645 for
availability.
West Ridge Orchard
– Apples cider, russet
potatoes, and jumbo
western onions are
available for sale. Call
608-735-4395.
Turkey Ridge Orchard
– Apples, cider, honey,
local jams and jellies,
pumpkins and squash as
well as crafts available for
sale. Call 608-735-4660.
Sunrise Orchard –
Open seven days a week,
call 608-735-4645 for
offerings at this orchard.
On September 26-28,
the village of Gays Mills,
Wisconsin, will hold
their 56th Annual Apple
Festival. Come celebrate
the apple harvest with
parades, carnivals, arts
and crafts, flea markets,
music, dancing, food and
festivities. Check out
gaysmills.org for more
information about the
day’s events.
There are other great
orchards available in the
region and a great source
for finding them is always
your Visitors Bureau or
Chamber in the region you
wish to go. Wherever you
choose to get your apples
this fall, you’re sure to
have some fun and enjoy
the fresh fall air. Get out
there and make a family
tradition this year!
www.journalstandard.com
15
savor
Late Summer Debut on Tap for Freeport’s
Jeremy Sharp
Generations Brewing Co.
is not a traditional bar. It
won’t even be open more
than four days a week when
it finally opens by the end
of summer.
But that’s OK because
Mark and Steven Winter,
the father-son duo behind
the much-anticipated
brewery, know their main
business is making and
distributing beer across
Illinois. Whatever comes
from the 1400 S. Adams
Ave. retail operation will be
almost a bonus.
“The vibe is simple —
focus on the beers, nothing
too extravagant or over the
top,” said Steven Winter,
while construction buzzed
in the main taproom June
26. “It’s industrial. What
you see is pretty close to
what’s going to be here.
It’s not going to be overdecorated or covered up or
anything, We’re just trying
to be a spot for people to
come and experience the
beer and the brewing itself.”
16
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The brewery will
accommodate seating for
100 patrons, with seats
split evenly between the
indoor bar and outdoor
beer garden. Oak beer
barrels and a spot for
bands to play will fill a
second-floor mezzanine
overlooking a lounge with a
bar, tables and chairs, high
ceilings and TV-adorned
orange walls.
Generations Brewing
Co. isn’t meant to be a
restaurant. The outdoor
area will have grill pits and
guests will be allowed to
bring and grill their own
burgers, hot dogs or even
have food delivered.
The main tap room
provides an up close look
at the brewing process via
a large window into the
brewing room.
“I’ve been surprised
about the buzz around
Freeport,” said Mark
Winter, president and CEO
of Winter Construction.
“I knew people would
be hopeful about what’s
happening but it almost
PHOTO BY JEREMY SHARP
Steven Winter, co-owner of Generations Brewing Co.,
stands on the second floor of his new Freeport business overlooking
machines capable of brewing nearly 15,000 gallons of beer a month.
seems like people are
almost as excited about it
as we are. It’s an experience
for people to come visit
Freeport and experience us
as part of Freeport overall.
The Winters are
installing a 10-tap system
at the bar to showcase
all Generations Brewing
Co. beers, including their
flagship Live Free Porter,
an organic porter-style
beer, and Pretzel City
Amber, an amber ale
made with pretzels. Guest
taps for beer from other
breweries and high-end
wines and spirits will be
featured, too.
The 8,400 square
foot facility features six
fermenters capable of
holding more than 1,200
gallons of beer. The
brewery will be capable of
producing nearly 15,000
gallons of beer a month,
but Mark Winter said
plans are to brew only
approximately 40,000
gallons of beer the first year
and build up to production
capacity within four years.
At that point, if all goes
well, the Winters hope
to expand, adding more
employees and fermenters
to increase production.
There’s no grand
opening scheduled yet,
but the plan is to open late
this summer and maintain
hours Wednesday through
Saturday. Mark Winter
said the small, family-run
operation isn’t trying to
compete with other bars in
the area. The idea is to use
the retail operation to show
off their product.
“I’m looking forward to
having the new home in
Freeport and to actually
say that the beer is home
grown and made right here
in town,” Mark Winter said.
“And just having everybody
out and see the place and
to just have fun with it.”
Fall
Fashions
are arriving now at our
new location on the Square!
Expanded Store...
Spacious Location!
Visit our Outlet Center
for a selection
of the best gifts &
merchandise our catalogs
have to offer
at discounts of
25
Jackets • Vests • Sweaters
Dresses • Coordinates
Thymes Collection
Outerwear • Brighton Jewelry
80
Monroe Outlet Center Is Located at the
Corner of Hwy. 69 and 8th Street • 608-328-8572
Store Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 am-7 pm, Sat. 9 am-5 pm, Sun. 11 am-5 pm
Welcome to the new
KITCHEN • HOME DECOR • GIFTS
to
%
Shop for: Clothing, Jewelry, Furniture, Electronics
As well as cheese, sausage, award-winning
chocolates, and so much more!
1618 11th St, Monroe WI
608.325.3900
joannesdressshop.com
Open 7 Days a Week
New Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat 9-5 • Thu 9-7 • Sun 12-4
%
Downtown
Monroe
NEW WORLD SHOPPING - OLD WORLD CHARM
SEPTEMBER
19-21 Cheese Days
4
31
29
NOVEMBER
Shop Small Saturday
DECEMBER
OCTOBER
5
Lighted Christmas
Chili Cook-Off
Parade
Halloween Parade &
Scare on the Square
Farmer’s Market on the Square
Every Wednesday 2-6 & Saturday 8-1 through October 25
3rd Saturday of each month 9-2 November-April
Everything for your home...
table linens • candles & flower
accent furniture • framed art
lamps • unique kitchen items
Mon-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-4 • Sun 1-4
Southside Monroe’s Square • 1606 11th St, Monroe WI
www.thegreendoormonroe.com • 608.325.2424
For more information, contact
Main Street Monroe
608-328-4023
mainstreetmonroe.org
savor
Say “Cheese”
Monroe Celebrates 100
Years of Cheese Days
Jane Lethlean
Elsen Gratz (left) blows the
traditional Swiss Alphorn
For 100 years,
cheesemaking, linked
to Swiss heritage, has
been a celebration filled
with music and dancing,
yodeling, alphorn horns,
cheese curds, a cow milking
contest, a parade led by
Brown Swiss cows and
of course, an old-world
Swiss cheesemaking
demonstration.
Held every other
year, Cheese Days is a
celebration that draws
thousands of people over
AWARD WINNING
Environmentally Friendly.
• Complimentary Superstart® Breakfast
• Secluded indoor pool and spa with patio
• Business Center fax & copy service
• Conference center for up to 60 • Fitness Center
• Complimentary Guest Laundry
• King Executive, Fireplace, Whirlpool
and Extended Stay Suites
• In-room microwave, refrigerator,
coffee maker, hair dryer & iron/board
• High-speed internet access. Voice mail
• HD TV including 8 HBO channels on 32” flat screen TVs
• Large vehicle parking • Secure bicycle storage
• Direct access to restaurants,
Cheese Country and Badger State Trails
Travel Green Wisconsin Certified / EnErGy STar Property
500 6th Street • Monroe, WI 53566
608.325.1500 • 800.800.8000 • monroesuper8hotel.com
there’s an art to it.
a three-day weekend,
all taking place in the
downtown square that
surrounds the historic
courthouse in Monroe,
Wis. This year’s dates
are Sept. 19-21, and
coordinator Noreen
Rueckert said this year is
special since it marks 100
years of celebrating cheese.
The first Cheese Days
festival was held Oct. 28,
1914. The concept was
born out of the notion
that if a small town in
Illinois could have a
festival commemorating
savor
sauerkraut, then a celebration
based on cheese would be an even
better idea. That year, a group of
local businessmen planned the
festivities in just nine days, driving
a roadster through the streets of
Monroe to publicize the event. A
hand-lettered sign attached to the
vehicle proclaimed “First Cheese
Day Committee 1914 — We started
something.”
Interruptions in the festival took
place during World War I and II,
and for 10 years from 1955 to 1965,
the festival was skipped, but the
festival has been growing ever since
it restarted.
Rueckert said this event is the
“oldest food fest in the Midwest that
celebrates local cheese and Swiss
heritage.”
“This is the 100th anniversary of
this semi-annual event,” Rueckert
said. “This is huge — the biggest
thing to take place in Green County,
and people come from all over the
United States to take part in Cheese
Days. The fact that this is something
that ties us to the past, the present
and the future is a great way to
celebrate the Swiss heritage of this
region and of course, cheese.”
In addition to the tried and true
favorites, like a cheese tent filled
with choices of cheese for sale, there
is live Polka and Swiss-flavored
music to fill the air. And, don’t forget
the fresh cheese curds. Rueckert said
more fryers are being added this year
to step up production of the cheese
curds.
There will be three stages to keep
people entertained. Something new
for the entertainment this year is the
addition of 100 accordion players
that will play at the main stage with
the Monroe Concert Band.
There will also be free rides on an
authentic Swiss Postauto Bus Trolley.
This trolley will take people to events
taking place elsewhere in the city.
People can take Polka lessons, milk a
cow, learn to yodel, visit a dairy farm
and participate in kid’s games.
Highlights on the food menu
are cream puffs, crispy wafer-thin
Bratzeli cookies — a traditional
Swiss treat, cheese sandwiches,
hand-battered deep-fried cheese
curds, steak sandwiches still sizzling
from the grill and locally made sweet
and fizzy Blumer’s root beer.
Despite the festival name and all
the wonderful tasting opportunities,
Cheese Days isn’t just about food.
Other returning crowd-pleasers
include polka lessons, vintage
tractor show, carnival, retail tent
with commemorative Cheese Days
merchandise, and the “Heart of
Cheese Days” exhibit sponsored by
Monroe Swiss Singers at Turner
Hall.
For many, the highlight of the
weekend is The Swiss Colony
Cheese Days Parade planned for
12:30 p.m. Sunday. Led by Brown
Swiss cattle festively decorated with
flowers and bells, the giant parade
features marching bands, pipe and
drum units, clowns, horses, dogs,
Swiss entertainers, gymnasts, stilt
walkers, dancers, and giant puppets.
Many parade floats are creatively
and humorously themed to honor
cheesemaking or dairy farming —
like St. Victor School with a dairy
spin on the Golden Rule (Do Unto
“Udders”) and Shakespeare on the
Edge youth theatre group’s entry
seeking Romano instead of the usual
ode to Romeo (“Romano, Romano,
Wherefore Art Thou Romano?”).
For more information and to see
the complete schedule, visit
cheesedays.com.
PHOTOS PROVIDED
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: The Cheese Days
parade was held Oct. 2, 1935 around the
historic square in downtown Monroe, Wis.
The 100th Cheese Days will take place Sept.
19-21, 2014.
The 2014 ambassadors for the 100th
Cheese Days are Sarah Sacker and Breinne
Hendrickson.
The playing of the Alphorn horn is a tradition
at Cheese Days.
The cheese carver is popular at Cheese Days.
www.journalstandard.com
19
savor
Jo Daviess County Evolves
From Whiskey Stills in the Hills to a Shiny New Distillery
Tony Carton
Times were tough in
Jo Daviess County in the
early 1900s and things
weren’t made easier by
government-backed
teetotalers. Long a source
of bootlegged liquor
supply for thirsty Iowans,
East Dubuque resisted
Prohibition until 1919
when the feds stepped in
and padlocks went on the
doors of the town’s taverns.
Mayhem ensued and
East Dubuque rioters took
to the streets, attacking
the fire house and jail with
axes. Both were destroyed
and prisoners freed.
Firemen turned hoses
on the angry crowd, who
responded by chopping
their equipment to bits
before tearing the porch off
the city hall.
Before long, many local
residents simply took
to brewing their own.
Speakeasies and gambling
soon appeared. Whiskey
stills dotted the countryside
and of course the names of
Al Capone and others were,
and still are, whispered.
Folk tales surround the
illegal commerce spawned
throughout Jo Daviess
County by the misguided
Volstead Act. The grandson
of a McConnell beekeeper
recalls gangsters arriving
in the dead of night to
buy his grandpa’s “bee
nectar” when sugar was
regulated. A librarian in
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Galena speaks in awe of her
great-aunt who, as a child,
rode on moonlit deliveries
and more than once was
ordered to get down in the
back seat when bullets flew.
As attitudes changed
and the end of the “dry
age” loomed, conflicting
headlines appeared sideby-side in the April 7, 1933,
Galena Daily Gazette,
stating “Group of women
have exciting time,” and
“Legal beer returns quietly
to Galena,” and “Owner of
moving still taken away,
and Galena men have
exciting time with hijackers after beer.”
Finally, local saloons
threw open their doors
and folks marveled
at the long-forgotten
taste of commercially
manufactured brew.
Today, nearly a hundred
years later, Jo Daviess
County visitors are
marveling at the taste of
the products brewed at
one of the area’s newest
startups, Blaum Bros.
Distilling Co.
Blaum Bros. Distilling
Co. was founded by two
brothers, Matt and Mike
Blaum who were looking
to create a truly unique
product and experience in
historic Galena, Illinois. By
sourcing grains from local
farmers and controlling the
entire process in a purposebuilt facility, they’ve been
able to meticulously
produce the highest quality
PHOTOS BY TONY CARTON
Tour guide and distiller Ted Williams is kept busy in the Blaum
Brothers Distillery Co barrel room.
spirits from their custom,
handmade copper still.
Matt said he and his
brother have a standing
tradition of trading bottles
of well-aged scotch and
they’ve long thought they
would make good business
partners, so the distillery
was a natural progression.
“We were both at a
crossroads in our careers
and we kind of thought this
was the time to do it, so we
finally just drew a line in
the sand and decided to do
it,” he said.
Market research brought
them and their families to
Galena.
“We both had a strong
urge to get back close to
home and close to relatives
especially now that we
have young families,” said
Blaum. “We were both
born in Illinois and when
we looked into different
markets, Galena had the
perfect mix. There is a
lot of history, which is
important to us. It’s a
great place for us to
raise our young families
together, and obviously
you cannot argue with the
tourism base.”
They took over a
structure at 9380 West
US Hwy 20 and started
savor
simply with reasonable
sized batches of vodka, gin
and moonshine. They’ve
since moved on to the
production of whiskeys.
He said folks started
dropping in and asking to
be a part of the process,
so they’ve implemented
bottling parties.
“We do all our bottling
and labeling here on site,”
Blaum said. “We decided
we would bring in 30 or 40
people once a month, order
food and send them all
home later with some sort
of souvenir.”
The idea caught on
and now a waiting list of
volunteers
turns out to
participate
in a sort of
assembly
line event;
Assistant
distiller Chris
Ritenour
runs a series
of tests on
a recently
completed
batch at
Blaum
Brothers
Distilling Co.
PAINTINGS
POTTERY
SCULPTURE
SCULPTURE
JEWELRY
GLASS
GLASS
CARDS
CARDS
Specializing
in
local
putting labels on the
bottles, corking the bottles
and initialing the labels
before packing them for
delivery.
Prior to March 2013,
Illinois only allowed
distilleries to give a patron
three quarter ounce
samples. Since then,
legislation was pushed
through to allow craft
facilities to prepare and sell
cocktails. So, Blaum Bros.
Distilling Co added a room
where people can sit, talk
and taste.
“We’re not going to
keep traditional bar hours
and we’re not set up like
a traditional bar,” Blaum
said. “It’s more like a
cocktail lounge and we
tried to make it really
comfortable. “
Good times are flowing
at Blaum Bros. Distilling
Co. They’re introducing
limited release bourbon
and rye called Knotter,
as in “not our”, to fill the
gap while they wait for
their own whiskeys to
fully mature. Knotter is
temporary and will only
be available until Blaum
Bros. bourbon and rye are
available.
The lounge is hopping,
the tours are busy and if
you’re thinking to join a
bottling party you need to
get your name on the list
pronto.
Stop in and experience
Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Mon-Thu: 10 am-7 pm,
Fri-Sat 10 am-9 pm and
Sun 12-4 pm, or visit them
online at BlaunBros.com.
c
o
l
o
r
GIFTS FOR
FOR
GIFTS
EVERY OCCASSION
OCCASSION
EVERY
DOWNTOWN GALENA
101 S Main St, Galena, IL
CABLE CAR SQUARE
409 Bluff St, Dubuque, IA
otlag.com
otlag.com
www.journalstandard.com
21
explore
explore
Pat Schneiderman
Grab your bike or walking
stick and hit the trails.
Drive down alongside the
Mississippi River, or swing
south and enjoy the parks
surrounding the Rock River.
It’s Our... TENTH
ANNIVERSARY!
Warm up with a
Delicious Hot Drink
by our Fireplace
www.highergrounds-coffee.com
Freeport’s Finest Coffeehouse!
Comfortable Atmosphere!
Convenient Drive-Thru!
1709 S.West Ave. Freeport • 815-297-9441
Mon-Fri 6:30am - 5pm, Sat 7:30am - 3pm • Sun 8am - 1pm
22
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Are you one of those
folks that likes to bike for
hours and hours just to stay
fit? Or are you more liable
to take a leisurely ride for
a half hour to an hour just
for the exercise and to get
outside? It really doesn’t
matter what your biking
experience is because we
can show you some of the
best bike trails around. You
are sure to enjoy no matter
how much experience you
have!
Starting in the Freeport
area, you can begin a
relatively easy ride on the
Jane Addams Trail. This
trail is in development
to go from its current
starting point on the north
side of Freeport to the
downtown Tutty Crossing
site; however, at this time
you need to begin your ride
just off Highway 20, taking
the south exit on Route 26
for a very short distance
to a frontage road by the
Baymont Inn. The Trail
is an old railroad bed that
was converted for biking,
walking, jogging and
snowmobiling some years
ago and is about fifteen
miles in length today. The
ride is relatively flat and
has some areas of shade
and a few rest stops to take
a drink of water or have
that snack or sandwich you
tucked away. There are side
country roads to cross but
all are well marked and
shouldn’t be a problem for
you.
You’ll note some
remnants of ‘history’ along
the trail where there was
a railroad stop or two, and
you’ll pass by the usual
cows and horses, creeks
and fields, and occasionally
get close to civilization,
but keep riding. You can
take the trail all the way to
Orangeville. Stop in a local
eatery there for some good
food and a rest.
Moving further north
from Orangeville, the
trail quickly becomes the
Badger State Trail. You will
need a bike pass on this
trail, but one can be easily
obtained by visiting
dnr.wi.gov. Additionally,
many of the Wisconsin
trails have boxes at the
entrances where you
can register for the day
or an annual pass. The
Department of Natural
Resources also has many
offices throughout the
state where trail passes are
available or you can call
them at 1-888-936-7463.
Cost is $4 daily and $20
for an annual.
Ride forty miles
through farmlands, scenic
meadows, ravines, rolling
hills and several small
communities, and you
will arrive in Madison,
Wisconsin. The trail is a
smooth limestone and has
a fairly level grade to it.
One of the most unique
features to this trail is the
1,200 foot Stewart Tunnel,
north of New Glarus and
south of Belleville. The
tunnel is on a curve so you
are not able to see the other
end when first entering.
Therefore, flashlights and
even walking your bike are
highly recommended for a
short distance.
Just north of the Paoli
area, near Purcell Road, the
trail is asphalt and is also
used by in-line skaters. The
Explore
explore
two Wheel trails
explore
Badger State Trail connects
to the Capital City, Military
Ridge and Sugar River
State Trails, and to the
Madison bikeway system.
The Badger State Trail can
also be accessed in Monroe
at Twining Park, in
Monticello at the rest area
by County Highway C and
EE, in Belleville at Library
Park and numerous access
points in the Madison area.
Remember, you don’t have
to bike a long way – you
just need a plan to get your
Safety Rules
for Bikers
1. Stay to the right
except to pass
2. Bicyclists should
yield to walkers
3. Dispose of all
trash properly
4. Wear helmet
properly
5. Share space and
be aware of other
bikers
6. Announce “on
your left” when
passing
7. Watch trails for
animal holes –
they can tip
your bike
8. Call 911 for
emergencies
9. Report
maintenance or
safety conditions
10. Respect private
property that
adjoins trails
24
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the
fall2014
car or someone to pick
you up at one of the access
points.
Another great biking
trail in Wisconsin is the
Military Ridge State Trail
that connects Dodgeville
and Madison. This trail
runs along the southern
border of Governor Dodge
and Blue Mound State
Parks, passing through
wetlands, farmlands,
woods and prairies. There
are observation platforms
to stop and catch a cool
drink and just to enjoy the
wildlife along the way.
Most of the trail follows
the Chicago and North
Western Railroad corridor
and has a gentle grade of
2 to 5 percent. Sections of
the trail run along the top
of the 1855 Military Ridge,
which is the dividing point
between the Wisconsin
River to the north and the
Pecatonica and Rock River
to the south. Again, the
entire trail is a forty-mile
ride and you will need a
trail pass.
You can access this trail
in Verona at the trailhead
at County Highway PB, in
Mount Horeb’s downtown
area, in Ridgeway near the
restored railroad depot,
in Dodgeville at the DNR
center (where you could
also get a
pass), or in Riley, Blue
Mounds or Barneveld
where there is parking
available along the trail.
Perhaps a slightly
shorter ride is your
preference and the Sugar
River State Trail will fit
the bill perfectly at twentyfour miles in length from
New Glarus to Brodhead.
This trail is really flat and
runs through Monticello
and Albany on the way
to Brodhead; so if you
want to just take an even
shorter ride, plan to get
picked up at one of these
communities
All of the natural
wonders of the countryside
are also viewable during
your ride on this trail.
In addition, there are
fourteen trestle bridges
that cross the Sugar River
and its tributaries. North
of Brodhead, the trail goes
over a replica covered
bridge that’s just another
fun adventure. This bike
trail has been designated
as a National Recreational
Trail.
You can gain access to
this trail in New Glarus at
the depot, in Monticello at
the trailhead near County
Highway EE, in Albany
where parking is available
along city streets, and in
Brodhead at the
southernmost part
of the trail. We’re
sure you’ll have
some laughs and
fun along the way
on this trail!
The Pecatonica
Prairie Trail
spans 29.5 miles
between Freeport
and Rockford, IL.
Trail improvements from
Winnebago to Pecatonica
have recently been
completed and the section
to Freeport is currently
under development. The
Pecatonica River and
several streams trickle
through the countryside
as you bike along this trail.
Scenic meadows, woods,
farmland are all familiar
sites in the rural areas.
This trail is crushed
limestone surface with
asphalt surfaces in the
villages of Pecatonica and
Winnebago. Summer
Park is on the west end of
Pecatonica and restroom
facilities are available
there. Trailheads exist
in both Winnebago and
Pecatonica.
Trail biking has become
a very popular sport for
family entertainment
and exercise and you see
more and more bicycles
on carriers as you travel
the highways today. The
League of American
Bicyclists recently ranked
Wisconsin No. 3 in the
nation for bicycling and
there are miles and miles
of different kinds of trails
in the state for you to
enjoy. You can also locate
mountain bike trails and
off-road trails by accessing
www.dnr.wi.gov/topic/
parks/activities/bike.html.
Check with your
local DNR if you need
additional information or
have any questions for a
specific trail. But whatever
trail you choose to ride
next time, be sure to follow
the safe guides listed and
enjoy the ride!
Sisters
523 First St, Ne w Glarus • (608) 527-5558
Treat Yourself...
for Lunch, Dinner or Dessert!
Full Menu
Available
Unique. Cool. Fun.
1405 Hwy 69, New Glarus WI
608.527.5690 • www.culvers.com
Open Daily 10:30 am - 10:00 pm
BUY 1 GET 1
FREE
Stonewall Kitchen • Robert Rothschild Farms • Spices
William Bounds • Table Linens • Towels • Aprons
Unique Kitchen Gadgets • Gourmet Foods
526 First St, New Glarus
I
608.527.5858
Any 2-Scoop Sundae
facebook.com/theartfulgourmet
2-scoop
Turtle Sundae
Based on purchase at regular menu price. Please no substitutions. Not valid with
any other offerr. Value 1/200 cent. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Valid only
at New Glarus location. Expires 12/31/14. Store NG 042
explore
On the Trail
From Hanover, IL to Sabula, IA
Tony Carton
PHOTOS BY TONY CARTON
View of the Mississippi facing south from
Mississippi Palisades State Park, Lookout
point with the Sabula Bridge in the distance.
The Sunday afternoon drive
is an American tradition. In
horse and buggy days, families
would hitch a team and surrey
to a favorite spot to see the
sights or visit friends. With the
advent of the flivver and later
the touring car, the custom
grew. Let’s honor that tradition
by meandering south along
US Hwy 84 from Hanover, IL,
to Sabula, IA, to casually visit
some favorite spots and enjoy
the open road.
Visit Our New Location
With Even More Pottery.
Next to the Swiss Church
Downtown New Glarus.
102 5th Ave, New Glarus 527-4878 TheBramblePatch.biz
New Glarus’ Finest Cheese and Chocolate Shop
Finest 124 Cheese Specialties from Green County • Fine Wines & Sausages
Old Fashioned Bulk Candy • Unique Flavors of Homemade Fudge
Enjoy Ice Cream in our Homemade Waffle Cones
Home of Schocoladen Confections
554 First St, New Glarus, WI • 608.527.2000 or Toll Free 1.888.624.1234
Open Daily 10 am-5 pm • www.mapleleafcheeseandchocolatehaus.com
~ Call us to order and ship your personalized gift boxes ~
Enjoy a Taste of Switzerland in New Glarus, Wisconsin!
• Authentic Swiss specialties served daily for lunch & dinner
• Dine & Dance every Friday & Saturday evening
to the music of a popular band!
• Enjoy Ticino Pizzeria below the
Hotel Balcony, open daily at 4 pm
• Right in the heart of downtown
100 6th Ave, New Glarus WI • 800.727.9477
608.527.5244 • www.newglarushotel.com
[email protected]
WEEKDAY
PACKAGES:
Brewery • Golf
Biking
Your Swiss Country Home in New Glarus, WI...
Bus &
Group To
urs
Always
Welcome
!
and Restaurant
Whirlpool Suites Available • Wireless Internet Service • Indoor Pool, Sauna, Hot Tub, Steam & Fitness Rooms
Conference & Meeting Rooms • On the Sugar River State Hike & Bike Trail • Alpine Restaurant • Special Group Rates
801 Hwy 69, New Glarus WI 53574 • 800.944.1716 or 608.527.5234
Fax 608.527.2365 • [email protected] • www.chaletlandhaus.com
Edelweiss Chalet
Country Club
A beautiful setting in New Glarus, WI, for any special occasion
Wedding Receptions • Rehearsal Parties • Reunions • Group Events • Private Parties
Capacity for 250+ people
For information, contact 608.527.2315 or [email protected]
W4764 Edelweiss Rd, New Glarus WI 53574 • www.edeweissccc.com
explore
HANOVER
Back Street Players
Founded by locals Frank
McCann, Sheila Cottral,
Sue Wilbricht and Louise
McCormick, Back Street
Players has continued
to thrive. In 2012, BSP
joined 2 other community
theaters to form Northwest
Illinois Theater Coalition
and launched its first
5-show season. The 2013
season featured 4 shows
and the schedule for their
2014 season is on the
drawing board. Like them
on Facebook and watch for
scheduling information.
Visit Historic Sites
The Wapello Land &
Water Reserve
Located along the south
side of Rt. 84, at the south
end of Hanover, the “John
Chapman Archaeological
Site,” is where the
University of Illinois in
2003 excavated significant
artifacts from two different
American Indian cultures
dating back to 1050
AD. The reserve also
receives attention for its
incredible range of native
species. Paths are cleared
and mowed for your
viewing pleasure. Make
time to explore the fully
restored Wapello Prairie
in all its glory.
Upper Mississippi
Wildlife and Fish
Refuge - Lost Mound
Unit
The Lost Mound Unit
of the refuge is on the old
Savanna Army Depot.
The area contains about
7,000 acres of uplands,
28
trail
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fall2014
including the largest
remnant sand prairie
in the state, and 5,500
acres of bottomlands.
The Illinois Natural
Areas Inventory lists it as
a statewide, significant
natural area, with at least
47 Illinois endangered
and threatened plant and
animal species having been
observed at the Depot.
The Lost Mound Unit
contains a seven-mile long
sand dune along the river’s
edge and thousands of
acres of sand prairie and
oak-savanna habitat. The
Thomson Prairie area, 25
miles down river from the
Lost Mound unit, protects
similar habitat. These units
contain some of the last
remaining habitats of their
kind in the state of Illinois.
There are exhibits and
a small gift shop in the
Visitor Center. Savanna
District manages Pools 12,
13 and 14 on the Upper
Mississippi River National
Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
Shop
Botanical Jules
112 Jefferson St
815-591-1005
Open Thu-Fri 10 am-3 pm
Unique floral
arrangements and hand
crafted gifts.
The Hanover Farmers
Market
Corner of Main & Jackson
Open Saturdays 9-11 am
(rain or shine)
The mission of
Hanover Farmer’s
Market is to provide a
friendly, convenient,
and reliable directmarketing connection
between growers and
customers for reasonably
priced Jo Daviess
County homegrown and
handmade items.
Simply Inspired
201 N Washington St
815-541-8400
Open Wed-Sat 9 am-5 pm
Sun 10 am-3 pm
Simply Inspired offers
unique handmade,
handcrafted, repurposed,
or refurbished goods made
by local individuals.
Lodging
The Artful Lodger B&B
500 Washington St
815-591-2365
Set inside a 15-room
Victorian-style mansion,
the Artful Lodger features
six rooms for guests. The
rooms are decorated in
bird themes and include
the dove, the canary, the
mallard, the sparrow, the
house finch and the blue
parrot. The
rooms vary in
amenities and
Hanover, Illinois,
is located in
Jo Daviess County
in the northwest
corner of Illinois,
within five miles
of the Mississippi
River. State
Highway 84, part
of the scenic Great
River Road, runs
through the center
of town.
some come with shared
bathrooms. Disabled
accessible rooms are
available.
Dining
Charlie’s Place
213 Jefferson St.
815-591-3501
Open Sun-Thu 7 am-2 pm
Fri-Sat 7 am-8 pm
Sunday brunch starts 8 am
All-day breakfasts and
homemade soups and
specials – home cooking
away from home.
SAVANNA
Located along the banks
of the mighty Mississippi
River in northern Illinois,
Savanna hosts a multitude
of outdoor recreation and
family fun activities all
year long. From hiking,
biking and golfing in the
spring and summer to bird
watching, to ice fishing
and cross country skiing
in the winter, the Savanna
area hosts a wide variety
of outdoor recreation and
entertainment.
Things To Do
Great River Bike Trail
The Great River Trail
extends 62 miles from the
Quad Cities to Savanna,
providing fantastic birding,
biking, hiking, running
and walking opportunities.
Check greatrivertrail.com
for information
Mississippi Palisades
State Park
16327A IL Route 84
815-273-2731
The Mississippi
Palisades State Park is a
2500-acre park featuring
explore
beautiful scenery,
restrooms, parking, dump
station, boat launches,
camping, canoe access,
fishing, hiking, hunting, a
nature preserve and cross
country skiing. Make sure
to visit the look out points
with views of the Indian
Head Rock formation.
Visit dnr.state.il.us/
lands/landmgt/PARKS/
R1/Palisade.htm for
information
Savanna Historical
Society Museum
406 Main Street
Over 80 mannequins
dressed in authentic Civil
War uniforms, native son &
big-band musician Wayne
King memorabilia, railroad
artifacts and more Savanna
history. Special events
include the Festival of
Trees in December.
Havencrest Castle
140 N 5th St, Depot Park
815-990-7159
havencrestcastle.com
An amazing 2.5 hour
tour through 63 rooms
featuring original art work
and sculptures. Alan and
Adrian St. George spent
over 30 years perfecting
this castle of American
Aristocracy, which is now
open to the public. Call for
reservations.
a large variety of gifts for
the entire family. Engel’s
Jewelry is a full service
jewelry store that features
diamond jewelry, colored
gemstones, Landstroms’s
Black Hills Gold, sterling
silver designs, Personality
charms, watches by Seiko,
Pulsar & Timex. Also fun
costume jewelry in the
latest designs, home decor,
a complete gift department
with gifts for all occasions:
wedding, anniversary, baby
and much more.
Shop
Engel’s Jewelry
311 Main Street
815-273-2321
Family owned and
operated since 1948.
Engel’s Jewelry store is not
just a jeweler, but also has
Land of Oz Dolls
1723 Portland Avenue
815-565-0024
landofozdolls.com
A complete selection
of supplies makes Land
of Oz Dolls, a one-stop
doll making shop. World-
renowned artist,
Connie Zink, produces
museum quality antique
reproduction and modern
porcelain dolls.
River Valley Designs
218 Main Street
815-273-2325
RiverValleyDesignsBT.com
River Valley Designs,
located in downtown
Savanna, will serve all
of your floral and gift
needs. They specialize in
flowers for any occasion:
Weddings, Funerals,
Birthdays, Anniversaries,
Get Well, and many more.
Products include fresh
& silk flowers, green &
flowering plants, balloons
& greeting cards, incense,
Jelly Bellys, Beanpod
Candles, and Willow Tree.
Freeport
Treat yourself to
Stop in for a
tradition...
A Freeport favorite
since 1929
Union Dairy
Burgers
and a cool
• Potato Chips
Regular, BBQ or
Salt & Vinegar
• Pretzels
• Gourmet
Popcorn
ice cream treat!!!
2014
Cheesy or
Regular
70 E. Monterey, Freeport IL
815.232.7819 • www.mrsmikes.com
Available at most area grocers or direct from the plant Mon-Fri 9-5 & Sat 9-2
Come try our Homemade
German Chocolate Cake
a la mode and choose
from 51 flavors of Ice Cream.
Don’t miss our hamburgers
made with local beef and
cheese, served with
Freeport potato chips!
126 E. Douglas St, Freeport
815-232-7099
theuniondairy.com
“A Freeport Tradition”
Open Daily 11 am-9 pm thru Oct 31
No Grill Sundays • Grill closes 8 pm
www.journalstandard.com
29
D esigner-
& GIFT SHOP
inspired
Apparel
and
Jewelry
Neat Repeats
414 Main Street
815-656-0808
Neat Repeats is an
upscale resale shop that
is owned and operated
by The Great River
Outreach. It accepts
donations of women’s
clothing, household items,
decorative accessories,
books, CDs, DVDs, jewelry,
small appliances, shoes,
and furniture, including
sofas, occasional chairs,
tables, dining sets and
more.
Sassy Stems
1029 Main Street
815-273-7668
Stop in and take a look at
all of their unique gifts or
let them know if they can
make a floral arrangement
for you. Beautiful floral
arrangements and holiday
gifts
• NYD Jeans
• Jag Jeans
• Tribal
• Habitat
• Multiples
• Erin London
• Clotheshead
• Much More!
Free Yourself from the Ordinary
15 E. Stephenson | Freeport | 815-235-1168
148 N. Main | Elizabeth | 815-858-3714
Dining
Cafe Crumbles
411 Main Street
815-273-0210
Open Tue-Sun 6:30 am2 pm
Great homemade food in
a great atmosphere. Serves
breakfast all day. Free wifi.
Iron Horse Social Club
314 Main Street
815-273-2600
This unique
establishment caters to
bikers and others who
Savanna is one
of the most
popular towns
for motorcyclists
in the Midwest.
Take time to
visit its many
attractions
such as the Iron
Horse Social
Club & Museum,
Hawg Dogs
and Poopy’s Pub
& Grub.
enjoy motorcycles, good
food, and cold drinks.
Along with the bar and
grill, a vintage racing and
motorcycle museum is
on-site.
Manny’s Pizza
203 Main St
815-273-4259
mannyspizza.com
Famous for tacos and
pizza for over 38 years.
Visit Manny’s in downtown
Savanna in their new much
larger facility for all your
favorites and much more.
Banquet rooms, full service
bar, reception & meeting
space and outdoor seating.
Rt. 84 Coffee and Bristo
734 Viaduct Road
815-273-4528
Open Mon-Fri 6 am-6 pm
Sat 9 am-2 pm
Offering coffee, specialty
drinks, soups, sandwiches,
stuffed potatoes, and
more. Not your typical
coffee shop.
Lodging
Two Wheel Inn
314 Main Street
815-297-2600
Savanna’s newest inn,
located on Main Street,
features two rooms with
multiple beds. Located
above the Iron Horse Social
Club, Two Wheel Inn caters
to motorcycle enthusiasts.
explore
Granny O’Neils
31 Third Street
815-273-4726
Granny O’Neils B & B
is a modern 105 year
old Brick home that is
tastefully decorated with
antiques and collectables.
Bluff Cabins
1000 Calhoun St
815-238-1080
Enjoy a quiet get away,
family vacation, reunion,
or group retreat
SABULA
Sabula, known as the
Island City, has a unique
setting and is one mile
long and .25 miles wide. It
is completely surrounded
by water, with lakes on
the west side and the
Mississippi river on the
other sides.
Sabula is a sportsman’s
paradise. At the south
edge of the island we find
South Sabula Lakes Park
with camping facilities
and a boat marina. For
relaxation, nothing is
better than sitting on the
shore of the Mississippi
watching Big River roll
by. Seven miles north of
Sabula is the Green Island
State Wildlife Refuge, a
3400 acre wetland popular
with fishermen and
hunters.
Things To Do
Bombfire Pizza
516 Pearl St
563.249.8688
Open Thu-Sat 5-10 pm
Sunday 12-8 pm
No matter where you
stop in the tri-state area
and ask about pizza,
folks will tell you to find
Bombfire. Some will tell
you it’s the crust and others
will say it’s the toppings,
but you’ll have to find out
for yourself.
We’re talking pizza
baked in a wood-fired brick
oven and created with
fresh and locally grown
ingredients whenever
possible. Be sure to ask
for the artisan bread
and choose from the list
of spreads and dips to
accompany it.
“We do it the same way
they did in Jesus’ day,”
said Bombfire owner Tom
Holman. “We have better
bricks than they did, but
my oven is a copy of the
ones they used. We use a
zero/zero grind flour that
is imported and it’s the
way folks have baked for
thousands of years.”
Holman is born and
raised in Sabula. He said
he ran off for several years
after college, but came
home to live his dream of
owning a restaurant.
He said people want
consistency, but he prefers
inconsistency.
“In America, we’ve
ruined modern food,”
Holman said. “We expect
everything to be the same;
look the same, smell the
same and taste the same,
but when you make food
right there will always be
little differences that make
good food even better.”
Bombfire pizza toppings
reflect his tastes. “When I
see things I like I include
them,” Holman said.
“Customers will make
suggestions for toppings or
if they ask for something
I’ll find it.”
He said
he would
probably
keep
stoking the
ovens for a
few more
years, but
sees his
future on a
sailboat.
There’s
Bombfire Pizza owner Tom Holman
more on the takes a minute to flash a peace sign between batches
of the artisan bread he serves in his restaurant.
island. A
great walkmarina complete with
up little ice cream stand on campground, and picnic
the main street, one of the
sites.
last commercial fisherman
Take a day off and
will chat with you while
recapture the fun of small
he sits in his back yard
town America, hit the trail
stringing trot lines for his
between Hanover IL and
next day’s work and there
Sabula IA.
is a sand beach at the back
of town across from the
Discover
Famous Fossil
Wines...
Crisp whites,
full-bodied
soft reds & reds &
sweet fruit wines.
Delicious snacks
& fun events.
Open every day 11-6
395 W. Cedarville Rd, Freeport IL 61032 • 815-563-4665
For our wine list & schedule of events,
visit www.famousfossilwinery.com
www.journalstandard.com
31
explore
Discover Oregon
Tony Carton
Nestled in the scenic
Rock River Valley,
surrounded by three state
parks and a state forest,
scenic Oregon, Illinois,
provides unlimited
recreational and artistic
opportunities for everyone.
Oregon residents enjoy
well-defined seasons,
each of which brings
opportunities to engage
in a variety of recreational
activities and cultural
events.
Farmers Markets
Every Saturday through
October, the community
offers a Farmers Market
on the Courthouse Lawn,
beginning at 8:30 am.
Enjoy fresh baked goods,
homegrown vegetables and
fruit, annual and perennial
plants to purchase and
much more.
Chief Black Hawk Statue
Each year, Oregon
celebrates the Native
American and Western
Heritage of the community
through their Oregon Trail
Days festival. Legend has
it that Chief Black Hawk,
as he left the area after the
Black Hawk War, talked of
the beauty of the area and
admonished his captors to
care for the land as he and
his people had.
The event
commemorates the
creation of the Chief Black
Hawk statue, which was
32
thetrail fall2014
designed by artist Lorado
Taft in 1910 and completed
and dedicated in 1911. This
48-foot statue is the second
tallest monolith in the
country and has recently
been placed on the Historic
Preservation National
Register. All monies raised
from the festival are used
to perpetuate the annual
event and help to repair the
100-year-old Blackhawk
Statue. Estimates for
restoration are $350,000
- $400,000. For more
information about
Oregon Trail Days and the
statue’s restoration, visit
oregontraildays.org
White Pines Forest
State Park
Located in the heart of
the Rock River Valley, this
charming 385-acre park is
the south boundary of the
old Chicago-Iowa Trail.
History tells us this was the
principal route east and
west across the northern
part of the state for many
years.
Today, the park provides
the perfect recipe for
family getaways. There
are plenty of outdoor
recreation activities, such
as hiking, fishing, camping
and picnicking. With lots
of serene, picturesque
beauty, and modern lodge
facilities amidst a beautiful
forest, there is no better
way to retreat from the
everyday routine than to
re-discover yourself and
your family among the
PHOTO BY IVO SHANDOR
The Blackhawk statue in Lowden State Park was created by Lorado
Taft and dedicated in 1911. The statue stands 125 feet above the
Rock River and is said to be the second largest concrete monolithic
statue in the world. A restoration project is underway and is currently
expected to be completed by July 2015.
open spaces at White Pines
Among the park’s most
interesting features are the
concrete fords that span
the creeks, allowing the
visitor, quite literally, to
drive through the flowing
streams. Also, newly
added benefits for those
physically challenged
include four concrete
sidewalks leading up to the
stream bank for viewing or
angling.
White Pines Forest lies
in the heart of Black Hawk
Indian country and is rich
in historic accounts of the
warriors who resisted the
efforts of settlers to drive
them from the beloved
Rock River Valley.
With a view to
preserving one of Illinois’
last stands of native white
pines and one of the
southernmost stands of
white pines in the United
States, a movement was
started in the early part of
the 20th Century to set the
area aside as a state park.
Through efforts of Ogle
County nature lovers, a bill
appropriating $30,000
for purchase of land was
explore
passed by the legislature in
1903, but the measure was
vetoed. In 1927, however,
they had more success and
the forest was acquired.
The White Pines Forest
is a perfect place for a
family outing; there are
several shaded picnic areas
along Pine Creek with
water, fireplaces, tables and
children’s playgrounds.
While visiting the park,
stay the night at White
Pines Inn. Originally
constructed by the Civilian
Conversation Corps in the
1930s, it has undergone
an extensive renovation.
To preserve the historic
ambiance of this wonderful
log cabin inn, the original
stone and timbers were
retained and the new
features were carefully
blended to enhance the
original structure.
Numerous homemade
delicacies are offered
at the White Pines Inn
Restaurant. The restaurant
can accommodate up to
223 people with several
meeting/banquet rooms,
with one that can seat up to
125. Wedding receptions,
retreats, seminars and
family reunions are all
handled professionally and
skillfully. The lodge also
offers a matinee dinner
theatre.
For lodge reservations,
call 815-946-3817 or write
White Pines Inn, 6712
West Pines Road,
Mt. Morris, IL, 61054,
[email protected]
or whitepinesinn.com.
For more information
about amenities available
at White Pines Forest state
park visit http://dnr.state.
il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/
r1/whitepns.htm
Shop Oregon
While in Oregon, be sure
to visit Conover Square an
intriguing mix of privately
owned stores and a relaxed
and friendly atmosphere.
Covering two full floors,
numerous owner-operated
shops now call Conover
Square home. Built in
1893, the building is
overflowing with history.
Conover Square is
located at 201 N. Third
Street, Oregon, IL 61061
815-732-3950
www.conoversquare.com
For vintage treasures
including, but not limited
to, an eclectic selection of
vintage and retro items,
furniture, tin toys, rustic
decorations, and handcrafted candles and Cozy
Cubes be sure to visit The
Vintage Cupboard located
in Conover Square at Suite
10 or call 815-732-7100.
For hunting, fishing
firearms and just plain
information about what’s
biting or where to paddle
or hike, stop by Rock
River Outfitters in Oregon
or visit them at
rockriveroutfitters.com.
Let the folks at Eagle
Nest Gifts help you
find all things western
including art, silver and
turquoise jewelry, clothing,
Minnetonka Moccasins and
more while in the Oregon
area. We also specialize
in Rocky Mountain log
furnishings including
Native American, Western,
North Woods and Lodge
accessories. Visit them
at 101 South First St in
PHOTO BY TONY CARTON
Lodging at White Pines Forest state park consists of 13 oneroom cabins and 3 four-room cabins; all cabins have a shower and
other modern amenities. The lodge, though renovated, maintains its
historic integrity, and new features were blended with the old.
Oregon.
Oregon is well-known
for its natural beauty and
its variety of parks and
recreation sites, many
situated alongside the
scenic Rock River. Visitors
can watch for eagles,
take a ride on a genuine
19th century riverboat, or
spend a relaxing afternoon
floating down the river.
The Stephenson County
Antique Engine Club, Inc.
1/2 Mile South of the Stephenson County Fairgrounds
WALNUT & LAMM ROADS • FREEPORT, ILLINOIS
SEPT1:
RR and Museum Open
RIDE THE
OCT 4 & 5:
RR and Museum Open
Homemade Soups
TRAIN
OF TERROR!
OCT 19 & 20
Fall Harvest
Demonstrations/
Sauerkraut & Brats
NOV. 8:
SATURDAY NIGHTS...
October 11, 18, 25
Pancake Supper 3:30-7pm,
Bake Sale (No Museum or Train)
DEC. 5 & 6:
TRAIN OF TERROR RUNS
6:00 PM TO 10:00 PM
ALL RIDES $8.00
Cookie and Holiday Treat Sale (No Train)
Friday 12/5, 2pm - 6pm & Saturday 12/6, 10am - 2pm
thefreeportshow.com For more information call (815) 235-7329 or (815) 235-2198
The Stephenson County Antique Engine Club is a not for profit, educational organization.
Normal hours of operation for the Museum and Train are 11am to 4pm with the Train leaving the depot on the hour.
Admission to the Museum is $4.00 for adults and children under 12 yrs are free.
Regular Train tickets are $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12 yrs.
www.journalstandard.com
33
Come to the
revive. renew. live. breathe. do.
Autumn Fest 2014
Saturday, September 27
Enjoy the small town hospitality of
Brodhead, WI, and its annual Autumn
Fest celebration. Crafts, food stands,
beer tent, and entertainment will be
available for you to experience.
9 am-3 pm
Farmers Market • Pontoon Rides
Vendors & Crafters • Petting Zoo
Food Stands
Chili Contest public voting • Hayrides
Music - Stateline Playboys
10 am-3 pm
11 am-3 pm
classic rock • classic country • polkas
3:15 pm
Duck Races Fundraiser
for Habitat for Humanity
Fire & Ice
Festival
Orchard!
OVER 50 APPLE VARIETIES!!!
New, Traditional
and Antique
Honeycrisp
apples
available after
Labor Day!
Open daily into
November
TEN EYCK ORCHARD
Our Family Farm Since 1839
Hwy 11 & 81, Brodhead, WI • 608.897.4014
Over 100 varieties and styles
of award winning cheese
Made by master cheesemakers from Maple Leaf Cheese
Co-Op and other Green County Cheese Factories
December 5 & 6
Lighted Parade • Children Activities
Fire Rings • Ice Sculpting • Photos with Santa
Food Vendors...and more on Brodhead’s Square!
September 6 - Fall Fish Boil
September 20 - Apple Festival Bazaar
November 1 - Fall Arts & Crafts Fair 9 am-3 pm
Albrecht Elementary and Brodhead Middle Schools
December 6 - Cookie Walk & “Shop at UCC”
Check for details at
www.brodheadchamber.org
• Fresh Cheese Curds
• Aged Cheddars
• Hand Dipped
Ice Cream
• Gift Packages
• Cheese Trays
• Swiss Family
Sausage
• Stump’s
Hot Olives
• Packer, Badger,
& Bear Souvenirs
or call 608.897.8411
We ship cheese & gift
boxes across the continental U.S.
Bank of
Brodhead
806 E. Exchange St • 608.897.2121
www.bankofbrodhead.com
Member FDIC
1604 1st Center Ave • 608.897.2105
www.mapleleafcheesestore.com
W2616 State Hwy 11/81
Juda Wisconsin
Located 8 mi. East of Monroe
608.934.1237
Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-5 • Sun 10-4
experience
experience
Don’t miss the area’s autumn
festivities. These towns
welcome you to stop in and
shop, eat and experience
what makes them special.
If you’re a history buff,
visit the area’s must-see homes.
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36
trail
the
fall2014
Autumn
Celebrate the Splendor of
By Jane Lethlean
With autumn just
around the corner,
organizers in northwestern
Illinois and southern
Wisconsin are putting the
finishing touches on their
fall festivals, making sure
the flavor of the festival
represents the best of what
the fall season has to offer.
There are plenty of
options in this region to
take in the red, orange and
green colors of the season.
There will be apple cider,
pumpkins, pork chops and
even a few cheese curds to
mix things up.
Friday, Sept. 26 with
entertainment at the local
bars. Saturday, Sept. 27
begins with a Run/Walk
at Meridian Park. Then
Main Street comes alive
with vendors selling their
food and wares. Royalty is
crowned at noon, followed
by the parade.
One popular food
offering is Mulligan Stew,
a tradition that dates back
to the beginning of this
festival. Prepared by Rob
Ernst, this secret recipe
is a crowd favorite. Ernst
begins cooking the stew in
a 65-gallon little that holds
150 pounds of potatoes, 50
pounds of onions, a case
of celery and carrots, corn,
peas, stewed tomatoes and
60 pounds of cooked beef.
Ernst said the secret is in
the seasonings.
Events continue through
Sunday, Sept. 28 with an
antique truck and tractor
pull and the annual Warren
Lions Club BBQ.
Warren Pumpkin Festival
For the past 44 years,
Warren, Ill. has held their
Pumpkin Festival. Held
the last full weekend in
September, this is a festival
that draws more than
1,000 visitors. Adorning
the street lights are
cornstalks surrounded
by pumpkins, and don’t
forget the tiered pumpkin
tree that rests along Main
Street.
Organized and
sponsored by the Warren
Chamber of Commerce,
local businesses, and
donations, the event offers
activities for people of all
ages. There is a contest for
pumpkin royalty, a large
parade, plenty of food
booths, carnival rides and
PHOTO BY JANE LETHLEAN
arts & crafts.
Pumpkins are ripe for the picking at
The event begins on
the Pumpkin Festival in Warren, Ill.
experience
Lena Fall Festival
Known as the Cadillac
of small-town festivals,
the 64th annual Lena Fall
Festival will take place
Sept. 7-8 in downtown
Lena, Ill. This is another
festival steeped in
tradition. Organizers boast
the Saturday noon parade
is the largest parade in
northern Illinois.
While some people
come to see the parade,
others love to eat the
pork chop on a stick that
is sold along the parade
route by members of the
Lena Lions Club, which
hosts this festival. This is a
festival that offers Skinner
Amusement rides, games,
stage entertainment and
others try their luck at the
car and ATV raffle.
There will be
entertainment each
night on the main stage
in downtown Lena.
Local bars will also have
entertainment. There
is also a Fall festival 5K
Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. on
Saturday, plus a pork chop
dinner at Lions Park.
Autumn on Parade
Autumn is celebrated
with enthusiasm in
Oregon, Ill. at the annual
Autumn on Parade
festival, held Oct. 4-5. This
festival features a Farmers
Market with homemade
items from more than 175
crafters/farmers and fine
arts vendors, plenty of live
entertainment, a variety of
food, and the ever-popular
Harvest Time Parade held
on Sunday afternoon.
Most of the activities
and vendors will be
found at the Ogle County
Courthouse Square,
located at the corner of
Illinois 64 and Illinois 2 in
downtown Oregon.
According to festival
history, this festival started
back in 1970 by a group of
seven volunteers wanting
to showcase the area’s
many fine homemade
treats, such as bittersweet
and apples. Those seven
vendors sold their items
on Third Street on a rainy
weekend in September.
As the festival began to
take shape, the Farmer’s
Market was moved to the
Courthouse Square, next
to the stately and historic
Ogle County Courthouse.
Since then, Autumn
on Parade, now held the
first weekend of October,
has stayed a volunteerbased organization and
has grown to include other
events like the Duck Dash
and other family-oriented
events.
Oktoberfest
New Glarus, Wis. is
the place to be the last
weekend in September.
Beginning on Sept. 26,
the free events will take
place in the festival tent
in downtown New Glarus.
There is live music, great
food, a big cheese fondue
pot, wagon rides, chainsaw
carving, plus plenty of
family fun. Live Swiss
music will play in the
festival tent all weekend.
Make Super 8 Freeport your choice
for your wedding guests accommodations.
... our professionally trained staff eagerly awaits you!
67 Lavishly decorated guest
rooms, 18 studio suites
w/upgraded amenities
Located in the heart of the
Freeport Business Community
1551 Sleezer HomeRoad
Freeport, IL 61032
815-232-4455
www.supereight.com/33618
www.journalstandard.com
37
Italian cuisine since 1921
Tour of Historic
Galena Homes and
Peace In Union:
1865-2015
2014 Tour of Historic Galena Homes
set for September 27 & 28
Jae Hezlep
sip,
savor &
socialize
stop in for
great pasta,
delicious seafood
and award-winning pizza!
Live Piano Friday & Saturday • Freeport & Neenah
www.cannovasfreeport.com
Est. 1921
Est. 1994
Est. 2005
1101 W. Empire St
FREEPPORT, IL
247 N. Main
GALENA, IL
113 Wisconsin Ave
NEENAH, WI
815-233-0032
38
Like
us on
trail
the
815-777-3735
fall2014
920-886-0325
Galena has a rich
history that is visible in
the city’s architecture,
both in commercial
buildings and in residential
properties where
seemingly every home
has a story. This Fall
the 47th Annual Tour of
Historic Galena Homes
opens the doors to five,
privately owned residences
on Saturday and Sunday,
September 27 and 28 from
9 am-5 pm. Tickets for
the tour sponsored by
Galena-Jo Daviess County
Historical Society in
conjunction with Galena
River Wine & Cheese and
The Trust & Investment
Department of First
Community Bank of
Galena and Apple River
State Bank may be reserved
by calling 815-777-9129
and are priced at $16 if
purchased by September
12 or $17 the days of the
event at all locations.
Included with each ticket
is a free admission to
the Galena & US Grant
Museum. On Saturday
trolley transportation will
be provided with pick-up
points at the Old Train
Depot (101 Bouthillier
Street), the Post OfficeCustom House (110 Green
Street), as well as the
museum and all five homes.
All proceeds support the
Historical Society.
On Saturday from 5:30
to 8 p.m., an evening
reception will be held at
the Turney House, an
elegant stone structure
built in 1835 and located
at 612 Spring Street.
The evening of wine and
hearty hors d’oeuvres
will feature a dramatic
interpretation of John
Turney, written by Ronn
Toebaas and performed by
Mark Haman. John Turney
(1796-1844) was Galena’s
first lawyer, arriving from
Tennessee with his wife,
Nancy Jane, and son,
Henry. His influence in
developing the city of
Galena and its fundamental
organizations make him
one of Galena’s founding
fathers. The house is the
office of Cox and Ward,
attorneys. Tickets for
this special event are $75
per person and include
Home Tour and museum
experience
admissions on either day.
Reservations can be made
by calling 815-777-9129.
Among the houses
featured on this year’s
tour is the Gear Street
School at 535 High Street,
now a residence restored
by Robyn Davis and Tim
Wedeward, winners of
the 2014 Galena Historic
Preservation Award. In
addition, the Casserly
House at 409 Gear Street,
a Queen Anne built in
1889, as the home of the
grocer Thomas Casserly,
will also be showcased. He
and his brothers operated
a well-established grocery
and liquor business in
the later part of the 19th
century and early 20th
century. This home is
now the residence of Terri
Manning.
These present home
owners are connected by
an amazing coincidence.
Terri Manning, a recent
widow from Florida who
accompanied a friend to
Dyersville, Iowa, visited
Galena for the first time
in Spring 2010. She was
looking for a fresh start
and immediately fell in
love with Galena. She soon
returned with another
friend. Together, they saw
five houses for sale and
that day she purchased the
Casserly House. Although
the exterior is historically
accurate, she has
completely transformed
the interior that now
features many different
kinds and colors of marble
and onyx. Her son, Jeff
Julier, who is known in
Naples, Florida for his
art in stone and marble
work came to Galena to
personally design and
install the distinctive décor.
For example, the kitchen
features tumbled marble, a
red onyx backsplash, and a
marble floor. The powder
room floor is white Cabrera
and emerald onyx which he
cut the pieces for, and there
is marble enhancement on
the original fireplace.
Soon after arriving in
town, Terri Manning was
shopping on Main Street
and stopped in at Slumber,
a lingerie and sleepwear
specialty store owned by
Robyn Davis. The two
got to talking and Terri
told Robyn about her
new renovation project.
Robyn shared that she and
her husband had always
wanted to save a historic
building. Terri told her,
“You need to buy the
Gear Street School in my
back yard.” Interestingly,
Robyn’s husband, Tim
Wedeward, has always
had a passion for old
school houses. The couple
looked at the property
that had been abandoned
and was available for back
taxes. By June 2011, they
were the new owners of
what could be best called
a major project. The
previous owner, a theater
first school built on the site
organ repair professional
was the first public school
was also a hoarder. Tim
African-American children
worked on the property
were allowed to attend
every weekend removing
(with Caucasian children)
theatre organ parts
after the Emancipation
and other items piled
Proclamation. The present
from floor to ceiling. In
building on this site was
addition, there was a 25built in 1900.
foot hole in the foundation
The three other homes
and five holes in the roof.
featured this year are:
Because of mold, every
piece of plaster had to be
removed to the studs. By
February 2013, the refuse
had been cleared away, the
roof and foundation were
repaired and the major
renovation began. Robyn
was the general contractor
• The Weber-Rockford
and all tradesmen were
House at 524 South
hired from the local area.
Dodge Street, now a single
The couple moved in on
residence owned by Bryon
August 22, 2013, just in
and Julie Taylor. Built ca.
time for their daughter’s
1840s, this Federal-style
September wedding party.
building is typical of a
Guests on the tour
Double Miner’s Cottage,
will have a chance to
possibly intended for rental
see the former school
by local miners and their
rooms preserved in their
families.
original size and location
but now converted to
two bedrooms, a kitchen,
dining room, office,
parlor, great room, and
1-1/2 baths. There’s also
a staircase to nowhere,
actually to the attic which
has a 15-foot ceiling and
• The Dempsey House at
where the couple has plans 225 Magazine Street is now
to build a master suite,
owned by Tom and Robin
bath, and laundry.
Canode. The structure
The tour guides will
was built ca 1852, Federal
also have considerable
style and was occupied
historical information
from the 1880s to 1970s
about the Gear Street
by multiple generations of
School property which
the Dempseys, a family of
includes that Hezekiah
general laborers. It was
Gear gave the land for the
then converted into a toy
school in 1824. He was a
and doll museum and is
lead miner who struck a
now a private residence.
very rich lode and became
• St. Mary’s Hospital at
one of the richest men in
418 Franklin Street, now
the area. It is said that the owned by Joel and Joellen
www.journalstandard.com
39
experience
Holland. The structure
was built in the mid-19th
century as a part of the
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
campus and the building
served the community as a
hospital in the later part of
that century and eventually
became a residence.
For ticket outlets,
parking availability, free
shuttle transportation
details, and other
information about the
Galena-Jo Daviess County
Historical Society call
815-777-9129 or visit
galenahistorymuseum.org.
PEACE IN UNION:
1865-2015
GALENA HISTORICAL
SOCIETY TO MARK
150th ANNIVERSARY OF
CIVIL WAR’S END
The Galena-Jo Daviess
County Historical Society,
along with a number
of local organizations
and individuals are
planning to host a series
of events marking the
sesquicentennial of the
American Civil War’s
effective conclusion. From
April 9 through April 19,
2015, a series of programs
will both educate and
entertain visitors from
around the nation.
April 9, 2015 will mark
the 150th anniversary of
Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s
acceptance of Gen. Robert
E. Lee’s surrender of
the confederate Army of
Northern Virginia. This
event ushered in the
conclusion of major combat
and signaled the beginning
of both reconstruction and
reconciliation.
Visually, this moment
survives in Thomas Nast’s
Peace in Union, which
depicts the scene in a 9’x12’
oil painting. Herman
Kohlsaat, a notable
Galenian and media
magnate, commissioned
the painting after the
war and donated it to the
citizens of Galena. It now
stands sentry at the Galena
U.S. Grant Museum at
211 South Bench Street
in Galena. The painting
is a nationally recognized
treasure and demonstrates
the importance of Galena
during this crucial chapter
of American History. As
depicted in the painting,
three Galenians were
actually present at the
surrender and a fourth
married into a prominent
Galena family. The
painting is also a reminder
of the many millions of
people who sacrificed so
much of their daily lives in
contribution to the effort
and the emotions they
must have felt at the war’s
end.
Eleven days of
programming are
scheduled to commemorate
this event, the highlight
of which will be a
theatrical production
written by Ronn Toebaas
entitled Peace in Union.
The performances will
be held at Turner Hall
auditorium in Galena
Come visit the Museum at...
Museum of Old Tractors,
Cars and So Much More!
Three levels of unique
antique tractors, cars...
Bed and Breakfast
BARNACOPIA IS AVAILABLE
FOR MANY TYPES OF EVENTS:
2570 N. WESTBRANCH ROAD • POLO, IL 61064
• Weddings
( just off Route 64, in front of Bocker Grain)
• Receptions
• Birthday, Anniversary
Thursday, Friday & Sunday - 1PM - 5PM • $10 Admission (children under 12 are free) • Includes Free Ice Cream!
or Graduation Parties
Hang out in the 50’s & 60’s diner with operating jukebox & ice cream parlor (ice cream only - no other food).
• Club & Organization
Meetings
• Post Prom Parties
• Or any one of your
special events!
Something for everyone to enjoy
Free WiFi is available
Handicapped accessible.
Call for information 815-238-1474 • www.barnacopia.com
The Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society will commemorate
the 150th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War with
eleven days of events, April 9-19, 2015. The event is called Peace in
Union: 1865-2015.
and feature 20-30 local
actors and singers as well
as a small Civil War style
band. The performance
will culminate with a
live recreation of Lee’s
surrender to Grant and will
be given four times: Friday,
April 10; Saturday, April
11, Friday, April 17, and
Saturday, April 18. Each
performance will begin
at 8 p.m., opening with a
short speech by elected
officials describing what
the Civil War – especially
its conclusion and lasting
effects – means to them
as public servants and
community leaders.
Tickets are $10 per person
and reservations are highly
recommended.
A host of other events
including a special dinner
on Thursday, April 9,
served in the DeSoto
House Hotel ballroom
with a performance of
Remembering Old Galena
and a community-wide
tolling of church bells.
The hotel will also be
celebrating the 160th
anniversary of its opening.
Tickets are $35 per person
and available from the
Hotel by calling
815-777-0090.
Other commemorations
will include a Lamplight
Tour of the Grant Home,
a Civil War-era Fashion
Show, a kick-off event for
the Nine Galena Generals
Art Exhibit coordinated
through the Galena Center
for the Arts; a performance
by Women of Courage and
Commitment, a Home
Front Pie Auction at
Gateway to History, and
a Civil War-Era orchestra
performance at Turner
Hall on Saturday, April 18
at 2 pm, which is being
sponsored by the Galena
Festival of the Performing
Arts.
Several of Galena’s
historic museums and
homes will be open for
extended hours during the
celebration period. For
more detailed information
about Peace in Union:
1865-2015, contact the
Galena-Jo Daviess County
Historical Society at
815-777-9129, info@
galenahistorymuseum.org,
or galenahistory.org,
unless otherwise noted.
ILLINOIS’ OLDEST OPERATING HOTEL
Located in the heart of Downtown Galena, the DeSoto House
puts you in the midst of fine antique shops, restaurants,
boutiques, historical points of interest and picturesque
1800’s architecture.
DeSoto House Three Restaurants
Green Street
The Courtyard
The Generals’
Tavern & Restaurant
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Women of Courage & Commitment
will join us for another celebrated season!
September 20th, October 18th, November 15th and a
special Christmas Program December 13th Tickets $15.00
Galena Ghost Tales Come Alive - Saturday, October 25th
Come join us after the Halloween Parade for dinner and a “live” performance.
A unique and spooky time. Cash Bar 7:30 p.m. - Dinner & Theatre 8:00 p.m.
$35.00 per person - get tickets early usually a sold out performance
Swing & Sweets - Saturday, November 8th
Sponsored by DeSoto House and Galena River Wine & Cheese.
Join us for a wonderful evening of dancing & desserts.
River City Six will be here to get you on the dance floor and
Galena area restaurants will be supplying an array of desserts.
Tickets are $20.00 per person and a portion of the proceeds
will go to The Galena Festival of the Performing Arts
Remembering Old Galena - Saturday, November 15th
Join us for Dinner and a fascinating portrait of the town’s colorful history in
an original muscial production written by Galenians Ronn Toebass
and Carole Sullivan. Tickets $35.00
Thanksgiving Buffet - Thursday, November 27th
Join us for our annual Thanksgiving Buffet with all the traditional favorites.
Reservations highly recommended
Luminaria - Saturday, December 16th
Join us for a candlelight dinner in our Courtyard Restaurant enchanted by
white twinkling lights and magical decorations.
230 S. Main Street
www.desotohouse.com
Galena, IL 61036
phone: 815-777-0090
email: [email protected]
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL TOLL-FREE 800-343-6562
experience
A Different Kind of
House Hunter
Pat Schneiderman
If you’re a history buff,
or just have a general
interest in the legacy our
forefathers left us, perhaps
you would be interested
to learn of some historic
homes in the northwest
Illinois and southwest/
central Wisconsin area.
Check these homes out and
perhaps you’ll spend a day
visiting one or more in an
upcoming visit.
First on the list is the
newly opened Frank
Lloyd Wright museum
in Rockford, Illinois.
The Kenneth & Phyllis
Laurent House has
recently been opened
to the public and is
considered one of the 35
best works of Wright’s
career. It’s also the only
building he ever designed
for a disabled, wheel-chairbound individual.
Mr. Laurent met his
future wife when both
were employed at National
Lock in Rockford. Soon
after their marriage,
Kenneth went into the
Navy where he suffered
an injury that required
surgery. Complications
arose and he was left
paralyzed from the waist
down. Hearing about
Wright’s unique design
capability, along with his
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practical and sensible
style of architecture,
Mrs. Laurent urged her
husband to contact Wright
about designing a home
for their particular needs.
Wright agreed but took
some time to think about
it and when he finally sat
down to do the drawings,
it only took him a couple
of hours to complete
the entire floor plan and
perspective drawing of the
house. His genius ability
to perceive in his mind the
entire home is one of the
reasons Wright has been
proclaimed to be America’s
greatest architect.
Wright held a special
place in his heart for the
couple and they kept in
contact over the years
on a regular basis, either
Wright dropping by in
Rockford to what he
referred “his little gem”, or
the Laurents traveled to
Taliesin-Hillside, Wright’s
Wisconsin home.
The home incorporates
thoughtful designs and the
open floor plan that was
needed by Ken Laurent.
The home was occupied
only by the Laurents,
beginning in 1952 through
2012. Wright also designed
furniture for the home and
all of that remains in the
home today. The Laurent
House Foundation owns
the Kenneth
& Phyllis
Laurent
Home today
and operates
it as a
museum. The
foundation
was
established
to purchase
and maintain
this historic Frank
Lloyd Wright home, its
original furnishings and
documents.
The home is open the
first and last weekend
of each month. Due
to parking and space
limitations, the tours
depart from Midway
Village Museum located
at 6799 Guilford Road in
Rockford. Admission is
$15 per person. For more
information, contact Juli
Braken at 815-987-1676.
Next on the list of
historic homes in the
region is the Oscar Taylor
Family Home, which
is also the Stephenson
County Historical Society
Museum site located at
1440 South Carroll Street
in Freeport, Illinois. Oscar
Taylor married his wife,
Malvina, in 1842 and
originally lived in a small
cottage a relatively short
distance from the historic
home that stands today.
Oscar was admitted to
the bar in 1850 and opened
a bank the next year. A
few short years thereafter
he hired a Chicago-based
architectural firm to design
a home for his growing
family. The home was
built from locally quarried
limestone and has walls
that are two feet thick. The
home is two full stories tall
with a full basement and
a full attic. There is even
a cupola above the home
and a rear sunroom that
adds interesting detail. At
the time of the build, the
family had seventeen acres
of land around the home
and named the house
“Bohemiana”.
They considered
themselves nature lovers
and enjoyed planting
flowers, plants and
gardening. Oscar loved
his roses best, but planted
many trees and shrubs
and experimented by
experience
planting non-native plants
as well. Many of these
have survived today in
the grounds around the
home. Though reduced in
size to three acres today,
there are over fifty varieties
and species of trees on
the property. The largest
Yellow Birch in Illinois
(listed on the Illinois Big
Tree Register in 1983)
grows stately near the
Taylor House.
The Taylors had five
children, four daughters
and one son. The youngest
daughter had her wedding
in the garden of the home.
The home is decorated
with furnishings of the
period to reflect the early
years of the family. It
includes maid quarters on
the upstairs level and will
give you a great idea of life
in that time.
A significant aspect
of this home is that it
was a “station” on the
Underground Railroad
during the American Civil
War. Fugitive slaves were
hidden in the basement
behind a secret door that
was fronted with shelving.
The door remains today.
For more information
or to schedule your visit,
phone 815-232-8419. You
will truly enjoy this trip
back in time.
If you’ve been to
NIU (Northern Illinois
University) in DeKalb, IL,
then you probably have
heard or passed by the
Ellwood House Museum,
located at 509 N. First
Street. The home is named
after Isaac Ellwood who
was born in the first half of
the 18th century to parents
of modest means. As an
18-year old man, Ellwood
moved to California with
the gold rush, but just
four years later returned
to the DeKalb area where
some of his brothers
already resided. Isaac was
an ambitious young man
and found work on a large
horse is a breed of draft
horses that originated in
the Huisne River valley
in western France. A fifty
foot water tower is the
only remaining structure
to the stable complex as all
stable buildings have been
demolished over the years.
farm, saved his money
and married. By his midtwenties, he established a
hardware store in DeKalb.
Although Ellwood
tinkered with a way to
improve farmer fencing, he
eventually bought interest
in another farmer’s barbed
wire patent for $265. The
pair formed a partnership
and started the first
barbed wire factory in the
world. In a five year span
Ellwood was well on his
way to becoming one of the
wealthiest men in Illinois.
This wealth enabled him
to build a palatial home for
his family in DeKalb.
The original home
was built in 1879 and
was part of 1,000 acres
that included a large
stable complex known
as “Ellwood Green”. This
was affiliated with the
family’s Percheron horse
business. The Percheron
The museum
site also contains three
other building structures
in addition to the main
house and water tower.
There is a fourteen-foot
tall miniature house and a
carriage house that Peter
Ellwood built for his cars.
His chauffeur had an
apartment on the second
floor of this structure.
Today, the carriage house
contains a collection of
antique carriages and
sleighs, as well as a barbed
wire history museum.
Lastly, there is a museum
house built in 1905 for
Isaac’s wife, Harriett. She
had an extensive collection
of curiosities and items
that she collected while
traveling throughout the
world.
The home’s interior
has remained largely the
same throughout the
years despite a couple of
remodelings. The parlor
was converted into the
library and the library was
converted into the dining
room after an extension
was added.
Theodore Roosevelt
dined in the Ellwood
House dining room while
he was a candidate for Vice
President of the United
States in 1900. Many other
U.S. Senators, Governors
and other notable guests
have been at dinner parties
in the home as well.
Tours of the museum
are available Tuesday
thru Saturday at 1 and 3
p.m. On Sunday, tours
are available at 1, 2 and
3 p.m. A charge of $8 for
adults, $3 for ages 6-17,
and free under age 6. Call
815-756-4609 for more
information.
Within a few miles of
the Illinois/Wisconsin
border, there lies the
small village of Cedarville,
Illinois, and the childhood
home and birthplace of
Jane Addams, founder
of the Hull House in
Chicago and world-famous
humanitarian. Though the
home is privately owned
and occupied, it is one of
the oldest in the village
and has become a historic
shrine, much visited by
admirers of the great
humanitarian.
Jane’s early life was
majorly impacted when
her mother died when
she was just two years
old. Eight years later her
father remarried a woman
who was a driving force
to include culture in the
children’s lives. Jane spent
time on the grounds of the
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home with her siblings,
but was also a voracious
reader. Though she only
spent one year in college
due to health problems, she
was the pioneer for social
workers. She tried to pull
the best out of every person
regardless of their heritage.
She was the first American
woman to be honored with
a Nobel Peace Prize.
The homestead property
is a 5.5 acre site, including
an 1840’s Federal style
house, a Pennsylvaniastyle barn and the remains
of John Addams’ mill
complex. The house was
built in two portions in
1846 and 1854 by Addams
and he added minor
additions in the 1870s.
Addams purchased the
then existing Cedar Creek
Mill, a grist, saw and
linseed
mill that
became
one of the
largest in
northern
Illinois.
He was
active in
politics
all his
life and
was a
delegate to
the state constitutional
convention multiple
times, as well as serving
as Illinois State Senator.
This home was placed on
the U.S. National Register
of Historic Places due to
its significance to industry
and politics/government. It
is also listed on the Illinois
Historic Sites, noted for its
significance as Jane
Addams’ birthplace.
If you visit this historic
community, be sure to
include a trip to the
Cedarville Cemetery just
outside the village limits,
where there is a family
plot for the Addams family
and Jane is buried. Before
her death, the Episcopal
Bishop of Washington,
D.C. offered her burial in
the National Cathedral
beside U.S. President
Woodrow Wilson.
Addams refused the offer
and instead opted to
be buried in the family
plot in her hometown of
Cedarville, Illinois. Though
her funeral was held at
Hull House and attended
by thousands, her body
was transported by train to
Freeport, Illinois, where it
was taken to the Addams
Homestead and then to the
Cedarville Cemetery for
burial.
There is a multitude
of history in northwest
Illinois and southwest/
central Wisconsin for you
to explore. Get out and
visit these spots and in
turn, you’ll learn about
many more historic homes
that you can visit.
Fine selection of Domestic &
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Over 140 Specialty Foods • Custom Trays
Gift Assortments • Olive Oils and Vinegars
Pick one of your favorites, or try something new!
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grwc_ad_Trail_Fall14_7-875x5-187.indd 1
Galena River Cheese
Wine
420 S. Main St., Galena, IL • 815.777.9430
galenawineandcheese.com
7/20/2014 7:44:43 PM
Visit Elizabeth
experience
Tony Carton
Now that “authentic” has become a travel buzzword
for the knowledgeable tourist, the village of Elizabeth
is attracting visitors of all walks with its rich cultural
history, farmer’s markets, craft shows, delightful shops,
eateries and more. Occupying one of the most beautiful
locations in northern Illinois, it is a destination for any
traveler vacationing in beautiful Jo Daviess County or
for those seeking the peace and quiet of living in a small
town.
A mix of retirees, young professionals, blue and white
collar, farmers and urban escapees lends the village an
artsy tone, but with a sense of down-home that leaves
you feeling you’ve always belonged in Elizabeth. Be
sure to visit the site of an important battle during the
Black Hawk War, the Apple River fort. The fort has been
reconstructed and is open for self-guided tours, with
living history from May-October.
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45
experience
Looking for lodging?
Marcotte’s Family Motel
2156 East Route 20
815-858-2217
[email protected]
If you’re coming to
Jo Daviess County for
shopping, sightseeing,
rest or recreation, you’ll
enjoy the beautiful Illinois
countryside. Whether you
want to be active or just
come for the quiet, be sure
to stay at the Marcotte
Family Motel
The Three Elizabeths
Guest House
101 W. Main St.
815-930-0009
thethreeelizabeths
guesthouse.com
The Three Elizabeths
Guest House is located
in historic Elizabeth,
near Galena. Guestrooms
are elegantly decorated
and feature wi-fi and
continental breakfast at
reasonable rates. Event
space is available.
The Three Elizabeths
Guest House is named
in honor of the brave
women who fought in the
Battle at Apple River Fort.
As the story goes, there
were three women named
Elizabeth in the Fort
that wet, Sunday afternoon
in 1832. Hence, each
Guest Room bears
the name of one of
these Elizabeths: The
Elizabeth Armstrong
Suite, The Elizabeth
Winters Guest Room
and the Elizabeth Von
Volkenburg Guest Room.
Oscar Swan Country Inn
3351 Elizabeth-Scales
Mound Rd., Scales Mound
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815-541-0653
oscarswangalena.com
The Inn offers 20-acres
of tranquil country and
breathtaking views with
three bedrooms, plus a
private cottage with two
suites. Their banquet room
for 50 is great for family
reunions, girls’ getaways,
wedding ceremonies,
receptions, and special
events.
The Oscar Swan
Galena is ideal as
a romantic getaway or it
can be a family vacation
house.
Located on top of
Jo Daviess County, the
Inn offers opportunities to
discover the Tri-State area
of IL, WI and IA. The Inn
is near Elizabeth, Apple
Canyon, Hazel-Green and
Galena, while still in a rural
setting.
There is convenient
access to golfing, skiing,
hunting or just hiking,
as well as fine dining and
sightseeing.
Hawk Valley Retreat &
Cottages
888-777-6016
2752 W. Cording Rd.,
Galena
hawkvalleyretreat.com
Minutes from Galena’s
Main St. and downtown
Elizabeth, choose from
three rooms in the main
house or four cottages,
located on ten secluded
acres of meadows, gardens,
a pond, and panoramic
valley/sunset views. You
are invited to stroll the 10
secluded acres of meadows
and gardens with a pond,
walking trails, panoramic
valley and sunset views.
Watch the birds, rock on
the porch, relax in the
gazebo, and make Hawk
Valley Retreat & Cottages
your own private haven.
Shop till you drop
Shopping in Elizabeth
provides an opportunity to
meet the folks who make
the village special. Whether
its vintage treasures,
clothing, gifts or finely
crafted pottery you’ll find it
in Elizabeth.
Cherry Creek Cottage
Gift Shop
106 N. Madison Street
815-858-4022
cherrycreekcottage.com
[email protected]
Open Mon-Fri 10 am-5 pm
Cherry Creek Cottage
carries Crow Canyon
Marble Enamelware plates,
bowls, sugar and creamer
sets, mugs, pitchers, trays,
colanders, roasting pans,
loaf pans, and
canister sets, in
mix and match
marble and/or
solid colors, all
your favorite
colors and
patterns.
Cherry
Creek Cottage
also carries
Harmony
Kingdom,
Hudson Pewter
Collection, Lefton Colonial
Village, Lang & Wise,
Big Sky Bearfoots and
Carvings.
Eshelman Pottery
238 N Main St
815-858-2327
eshelmanpottery.com
Since 1988 Paul and
Laurel have been living
and making pottery in
Elizabeth. They have three
children who all worked
in the pottery during their
years at home.
The clay vessels of
Eshelman Pottery order
and dignify human life.
Clarity is given to simple
forms by contrasting glazed
and unglazed surfaces.
Pure clean glazes render
elegant presentation of
food and drink.
E Town Coffee Co.
141 N Main
815-820-2326
etowncoffeeco.com
Open Mon-Fri 6 am-6 pm
Sat 6 am-5 pm
Choose from the E Town
Coffee breakfast menu
or stop in over lunch for
Panini. Coffees, espresso
drinks, hot drinks, frappes
and smoothies are ready to
go.
PHOTOS BY TONY CARTON
The Grand Antique Co mall is
among the newest additions
to the growing list of shopping
opportunities in Elizabeth.
Elizabeth’s Grand
Antique Co
300 West Street
309-337-9477
ElizabethAntiqueCo
@gmail.com
facebook.com/
experience
ElizabethGrandAntiqueCo
Elizabeth’s Grand
Antique Co. is a 28,000
sq. ft. antique mall of
unique vintage items and
collectibles. There’s always
a bargain to be found at
the Grand Antique mall
Common Cents Resale
136 N Main St
563-583-5414
commoncentsdbq.com
Open Mon, Wed, Fri 12-5
pm, Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun
10 am-5 pm
Common Cents Resale
sells everything from
every day needs like dishes,
furniture and knickknacks
to antiques and
mid-century items.
The Shop on the Hill
504 S Main St
815-858-3815
shoponthehill.com
Open Mon, Tue, Fri & Sat 9
am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm,
Wed by appointment
The Shop on the Hill
antiques was established
in 1975 and is an old style
general line antique shop
that has been in business
for more than 25 years.
Glassware, furniture, tools,
books, primitives, toys,
collectibles and more
You’ll get a taste for
Elizabeth
Holy Mackerel
113 South Main Street
815.858.3636
Open Thu-Sun 5–close
Entrees $16-$38
Enjoy the most unique
dining experience in the
conveniently located town
of Elizabeth. Renowned
Chef Dan Kretschmer and
family provide unparalleled
gourmet cuisine and
thoughtful service inside a
charming, historic church.
Wife, Denise, is the Holy
Mackerel pastry chef.
Famous for her cranberry
white chocolate pecan
bread pudding with a
bourbon sauce, sorted fresh
fruit pies, cheesecakes,
and homemade ice cream
– everything down to her
handmade rolls is prepared
in-house.
Chef Dan’s crew includes
his children, Gwen,
Waylon, Allison, and
Klaus, his daughter-in-law
Gina, and family friend
Katrina. They can be found
throughout the kitchen
and dining room providing
visitors with an unmatched
dining experience.
Welcome Inn
102 North Main St
815-858-2254.
Open Tue-Thu 11 am-9 pm
Fri-Sat 7 am-10 pm
Sun 7 am-8 pm
Entrees $10-$29
The Elizabeth Welcome
Inn is a family restaurant/
supper club featuring
the best American
and European cuisine in
the region complimented
with an all-you-caneat soup and salad
bar. Chef Limani is always
creating unique dishes to
feature as specials.
The Welcome
Inn lounge, besides
featuring your favorite
cocktails, wines and
beer, displays many local
pieces of memorabilia that
highlight the heritage and
history of the railroad that
built Elizabeth.
Jug’s Main Street Tap
200 North Main Street
815-858-3333
Open Mon 9 am-10 pm
Tue-Thu 9 am-12 am
Fri-Sat 9 am-1:30 am
Sun 11 am-10 pm
Best pizza around and
great burgers, great small
town restaurant with great
atmosphere with small
town prices and friendly
small town service
Three Sisters Sweet
Shoppe
224 N Main St
815-858-5033
Three Sisters is owned
and operated by Lara and
Cory Walters. It is named
in honor of their three
beautiful daughters, in
hopes that someday they
will choose to return to
Elizabeth to live, work,
play, and prosper. Stop by
the shoppe for the finest
cupcakes, ice cream treats,
pies and candies.
Broken Yolk
1332 US Hwy 20 W
815-858-9509
Open Daily 6 am-2 pm
The spot for breakfast
in Elizabeth; the coffee
is strong and hot, the
“country cookin’) breakfast
plates will keep you full
all morning. The place is
usually busy so take your
time and don’t forget to
ring the bell on the way
out.
Sharks Roadhouse
1336 Us Highway 20 W
815-858-9898
Open Sun-Thu 11 am-9 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm
sharksroadhouse.com
Sharks Roadhouse is
an ambitious blend of
a biker’s haven crossed
with the excitement of a
sports bar basted in that
eclectic friendliness only a
hometown joint can offer.
Comfortable enough for
family dining, yet still the
place to be every night for
the most fun and coldest
drinks in town.
The 1876 Banwarth House & Museum
is open on Saturdays from 9 am until 3 pm for guided tours.
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