Upcoming Events & Activities
Memorial Day Parade - Monday, May 27th
The Crystal Lake American Legion Post #171 will conduct its annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, 2013. The parade will begin at 11AM from Crystal Lake Central High School. The parade route will be east on Franklin Avenue, north on Williams Street, and west on Woodstock Street to Union Cemetery. Following the parade, a memorial service will be held at Union Cemetery, located on Woodstock Street. In the event of inclement weather, the Memorial Day parade will be cancelled and the memorial service will be held in the Field House at Crystal Lake Central High School.
Brick to be Presented to Honor John Larimer
A number of new brick pavers are being added to the Union Soldier Statue concourse, including one for Navy sailor John Larimer. John was killed in a senseless act of violence at a Colorado movie theatre last year. During his final minutes of life, John used his own body to shield his girlfriend from flying bullets, but was killed in the process.
A framed replica of John's brick will be presented to his parents at the Memorial Day service on May 27th.
Hop on the Trolley! - Sunday, June 9th
Where in Crystal Lake can you find an antique Chicago street lamp? What part of town was known as Swedenberg? Which house was home to a family with 14 children? Hop aboard a trolley with the Crystal Lake Historic Peservation Commission and find out.
On Sunday, June 9th, the commission's 16th Annual Heritage tour will take passengers back in time to visit the former community of Swedenberg.
Timed, round-trip tickets are now available for ten dollars at Heisler's Bootery, 50 N. Williams Street. On the day of the tour, any remaining tickets will be sold at the downtown Crystal Lake gazebo. Trolleys will depart from the gazebo every half hour from 10AM to 2PM. Each tour is about 45 minutes long. Tour participants will also receive a keepsake booklet of fascinating facts and vintage photos. Purchase tickets early so you aren't left behind! Questions? Call 815/479-0835 or email info@cl-hs.org
2013 Summer Sundays - June, July & August
June 2nd, July 14th, & August 11th (1:00pm - 4:00pm)
Colonel Palmer House, 660 East Terra Cotta, Crystal Lake
June 2, 2013 - "Chewing the Cud: Cows on the Farm"
Come join us on the farm as the Palmer House presents livestock farming in the late 1800's. Hands-on demonstrations include butter and cheese making. Enjoy a wagon ride around "Palmer's Corner" and even watch a barn raising.
July 14, 2013 - "Prairie Life: Its People, Plants & Purpose"
Before the settlers arrived, what did the land hold and how did its indigenous people live? Step back into presettled McHenry County and discover its natural wonder.
August 11, 2013 - "Weaving a Tale: Coverlets, Quilts, and the Art of Storytelling"
Before the age of radio and television, passing information from person to person was done orally through storytelling. Meet us under the shade of Colonel Palmer's oaks and sugar maples for an afternoon of storytelling. Historians of coverlets and quilts join us to share how they "weave a tale".
Johnny Appleseed Festival - Downtown Crystal Lake
Saturday, September 28, 2013 (9am - 4pm)
The Crystal Lake Historical Society will be demonstrating its antique apple cider press and apple peelers in the Brink Street Market.
Dearly Departed
"Tragedy at the Ice House"
Friday, October 25th & Saturday, October 26th
Tickets go on sale September 15th! This is a sell-out event!