Upcoming Events & Activities
Annual Meeting & Program
The Crystal Lake Historical Society is hosting its Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 1PM at Park Place (406 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake). There will be a very short business meeting, followed aby the program "Cemetery Art at Crystal Lake's Union Cemetery", presented by Laurel Mellien.
February's ice and snow melt away as board member Laurel Mellien guides a Power Point virtual tour of Crystal Lake's Union Cemetery. The program will discuss the history of the cemetery, as well as, the significance and symbolic meaning of the headstone artwork. Open to the public. Please join us!
Mother-Daughter Tea
Mrs. Palmer would be very pleased to see her parlors busy with good conversation, fragrant smells and sumptuous goodies. Moms, daughters, grandmothers, aunts and nieces are welcome. A presentation and exhibit of dolls and doll quilts will be given by Barbara Peterson of Attic Window & Doll Hospital in Walworth. Girls are encouraged to bring their favorite doll. Recommended for ages 4 and up with an adult. The afternoon event also includes house and Palmer family history given by Sandy Price. Sunday, April 15, 2012. Two seatings (12:30PM and 3PM). Check the Park District website for additional information and registration.
Summer Sundays (1-4 pm) FREE
June 3, 2012 - "A Day on the Farm: Fowl, Feathers, & Honeybees" will feature the contribution of our feathered friends and honeybees to pioneer life. Walkup Heritage Farm will bring their chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Learn about the care of these animals and the products they provide. Demonstrations of early and modern bee keeping will be presented. In addition, hands-on farming chores will be demonstrated by our Palmer House staff.
July 15, 2012 - "World War II" - Young men gone to war, rationing, oil & scrap metal drives, victory gardens, swing music, Hollywood and Rosie the Riveter during the WWII era will be the topic of this Summer Sunday. Members of various re-enactor groups will bring this time in our history to life on the lawn of our historic home. From the warfront to the home front; great sacrifice by residents of our community was a way of life during the early 1940's.
August 12, 2012 - The Civil War - This summer is the 150th anniversary of the second year of the Civil War. The young men from McHenry County filled the entire quota required with volunteers. Re-enactors including the 8th Illinois Cavalry will bring this era to life with encampments, drills, and demonstrations of the care of military horses, cannon and weaponry. Th Palmer House ladies will give a fashion demonstration of ladies and children's clothing from "The Era of the Hoop".
Independence Day Parade
Sunday, July 1, 2012 - The Society's float in this year's parade will feature a portrayal of Crystal Lake's first wedding.
Johnny Appleseed Festival
Saturday, September 29, 2012 - Join Society members as they demonstrate an antique apple cider press and apple peeler at the Johnny Appleseed Festival in Downtown Crystal Lake.
Harvest Tea
Sunday, October 7, 2012 - The Colonel Palmer House and grounds will be dressed out in the bounty of the fall harvest. The gardens provide all the beautiful fall decor and the crisp fall air and the crunch of the leaves under foot welcome you to the cozy, warm, bright parlors of the Palmer House. Enjoy a sumptuous luncheon tea, a presentation on the "Art of Tea" by Vern DuPlain and an exhibit of hats from an era gone by. Palmer family and Palmer house history will be given by Sandy Price. Two seatings (12:30PM and 3PM). Check the Park District website for additional information and registration.
Dearly Departed
Friday, October 20th & Saturday, October 21st
The Mystery of the Body in the Lake - A major mystery in the 1920's gave the local townspeople plenty to speculate about. A body was found floating in our lake? How did it get there? Who was the victim? Was a crime committed? It was during this time of prohibition that the underworld, corruption, and sale of bootleg alcohol became part of our resident's lives--even in McHenry County. Become part of the story as you move through the historic home and meet with early 20th century residents as they reveal the facts of the matter.
A Candlelight Christmas
Friday, December 7th & Saturday, December 8th
Ice Industry & Skating Party - The Candlelight Presentation at the Colonel Palmer House has become a local holiday tradition. This year we learn about the very important ice industry in Crystal Lake as the townspeople prepare for a Victorian holiday in the 1870's. Enjoy the home as the warm glow of candles, the fresh scent of pine and the tempting aromas of home cooking put you in the holiday spirit during this 45 minute performance. Be involved as the ice companies prepare for their busy season and the farmers and their families anticipate some extra income as they go to work on the ice harvest. Meet early residents during this wondrous seasonal presentation and become part of an ice skating party as you begin your holiday season.