Plaqued Structures of McHenry County

A historic preservation plaque is a commemorative plate installed on a building or site to honor its historical significance, which can include its age, association with notable people or events, or architectural importance. Preservation plaques are honorary and do not prevent owners from making changes

Plaque #	Year Plaqued	Property Name	Address	City	Township	Year Built	Description
1	1980	Fred Hatch Upright Silo	801 Main Street	Spring Grove	Burton	1873	The first tower silo in America was erected by Fred L Hatch and his father, Lewis, in 1873 in Burton Township. It was built inside the barn. Original rock and mortar, now crumbled, is all that remains. Plaque removed.
2	1980	Richmond Mill Site	5604 Mill Street	Richmond	Richmond	1844	The mill, built in 1844, by Cotting and Purdy was 35 x 40', 2 1/2 stories high. It was destroyed by fire in 1925. The plaque is on the site. It was an example of early water-powered, grain and flour mill. It was one of the earliest in area. It is presently a restaurant.
3	1980	Congregational Church of Algonquin	109 Washington Street	Algonquin	Algonquin	1868	A prime example of midwest small church architecture. The congregation was formed in 1850 with the church being dedicated in 1868. It was remodeled in 1913, 1959, 1960 and 1975. It has been in constant usage ever since. Stained glass windows and shingle siding are noteworthy.
4	1981	Gannon Log Cabin	6422 Main Street	Union	Coral	1847	It is the last free-standing log cabin in the county. This 18' by 20' cabin was built in 1847 by Luke Gannon for a large family. Evidence exists that there was a loft for children and a stovepipe exiting out of the roof.
5	1981	Cold Springs School House	9313 Bull Valley Road	Woodstock	Dorr	1870	A typical one-room school house where ail 8 grades were taught by the teacher who saw to heating the school as well as teaching. Education was important to early settlers. Boys often went to school only in winter so as to help on farm. A cold spring crossed north of the property giving it its name.
6	1982	Greenwood School	4617 Greenwood Road	Woodstock	Greenwood	1859	Pre-Civil War 2-story Federal brick school house. One through 8 grades were on first floor and High School on second floor. It was used continuously for 89 years, until 1948. All original except front doors.
7	1982	Riley Township Hall	2913 Riley Road	Riley	Riley	1868	Oldest town hall plaqued by MCHS and was the first town hall in the county. It was opened only for town meetings and funerals. Pump and well were added in 1871. By 1878, the town hall was used for church services until church built in 1898, and is still in use.
8	1982	John A. Kennedy House	17817 Route 14	Woodstock	Hartland	1853	Greek Revival brick house of pre-Civil War style. Built 1853 along a stage coach trail (present Route 14). It was said to be used as an inn for women travelers. Kennedy's large family also lived in this gable front and wing house with pediment gable window.
9	1982	First Congregational Church of Huntley	9 North Church Street	Huntley	Grafton	1863	One of the oldest sanctuaries in continuous use in McHenry County. Built during the Civil War at cost of $620 on land donated by Thomas Stillwell of Huntley.
10	1982	Muller Chapel	Wilmot & Ringwood Roads	Johnsburg	McHenry	1878	Widowed Mary Nett Miller built the chapel in 1878 in fulfillment of a promise to the Blessed Mother if she could raise her family "in the fear and love of God". Family services and weddings were held here. (This was built on their farm.)
11	1983	Alden Methodist Church	16503 Route 173	Alden	Alden	1863	Early Methodists of Alden constructed this church at a cost of $2,000, $500 of which was raised by a railroad excursion to.Rockford to the camp of the 95th Illinois Civil War volunteers. Despite necessary additions, the church architecture remains the same.
12	1983	Rodolphus Hutchinson Farm	10308 Route 14	Harvard	Chemung	1840	One of the oldest and largest examples of "carpenter Gothic" or "Gothic Revival" in the county. It is constructed of brick with many gables. Each spire or finial at top of each gable is different and of a different meaning. Often served as a territorial court house and a supposed stop on the underground railroad.
13	1983	Deep Cut School House	3425 Deep Cut Road	Woodstock	Hartland	1874	When townships were laid out, Section 16 in each Twp. was saved for the location of a school (640 acres a section). Deep Cut school was used until 1946. It was named after its location in an area where the Northwestern Railroad cut through a hill.
14	1983	Prescott-Whittemore House	13520 Marengo Road	Huntley	Grafton	1841	Whittemore came to settle in 1838, and in 1841 built this stone home. It was used as a hotel for the first 10 years. Whittemore became a wealthy farmer of the area and named Grafton Township after Grafton, New Hampshire.
15	1983	Chemung Methodist Church	Route 173	Chemung	Chemung	1873	Fine example of small church architecture. Although built in 1873, the congregation held services from 1844 in a local log cabin. Stories are told of a beautiful 8-lamp kerosene chandelier and a ladies' aid ice cream social that netted $8.00.
16	1983	Robert Richardson House	9407 Richardson Road	Spring Grove	Burton	1863	Brick Greek Revival style house with twin circular chimneys and 10 main rooms with original faux-grained woodwork. The house is original except for modern kitchen in 1959. Robert Richardson, a brick mason, came to site in 1846. The Richardson family still occupies the house.
17	1983	Simon Wheeler House	2110 South Country Club Road	Woodstock	Dorr	1867	This is a unique all stone house with a low-pitched hip roof and half circle portico.
18	1984	Charles Cotting's #90	Mill & Main Streets	Richmond	Richmond	1844	When Cotting and his wife came to Richmond, which he helped lay out and plat, there were but 2 log cabins in place. This building with stone foundation was across from his mill and probably was a storeroom at one time. This house is thought to be the oldest frame house in Richmond.
19	1984	William C Rider Cabin	1114 South Fleming Road	Woodstock	Dorr	1845	Original cabin dates from 1838-1846. William Rider came from Virginia and through the U.S. Government Land Office purchased the land for $50. Subsequently it was remodeled into a sided cape cod house. In 1981, the Toblers discovered the cabin and removed the siding and additions. Craig and Rachel Hallenstein bought cabin and began restoration, adding many interesting and artistic touches, yet keeping the cabin as an integral part of the home.
20	1984	Charles Cotting House	East Mill Street	Richmond	Richmond	1865	Excellent example of a well-to-do merchant's frame home in the Itaiianate style with an ornate trim including a square cupola. Built in 1865 and was occupied by Cotting until he died in 1883 and in continue family ownership for over 100 years.
21	1984	St. John's Church Site	2303 West Church	Johnsburg	McHenry	1842	The site of where this present third church (of Gothic architecture) was of importance to the first exclusively German Catholic Community of Johnsburg who recreated their German roots here. The first structure was a log cabin (1842), and subsequently 2 more structures were built on the same site.
22	1984	L.B. Peatt House	3920 Greenwood Road	Woodstock	Greenwood	1862	The land for this large upright and wing farmhouse purchased by Lewis Peatt in 1844, from which he went west to the gold fields. Returning he married Margaret Whiston and fathered 7 children. Family members stayed on the farm and one eventually became a barn-storming pilot in the 1920's
23	1985	Barnard's Mill	7514 Barnard Mill Road	Wonder Lake	Richmond	1866	Presently the Old Mill Inn. Built in 1866 by a carpenter named Northrup who used local white pine from the area which was cut and hewn on the spot Power came from the Nippersink Creek. Barnard bought the mill in 1884, working it until 1918. Later his son and daughter-in-law started a boarding house to feed the Wonder Lake "dam" workers. After that it was sold in 1945 and continues to serve the public.
24	1985	Willard Bloodgood House	642 East Washington	Marengo	Marengo	1871	A well preserved four-square home with a pyramid hipped roof and wrap-around porch. It was the home of Willard and Nancy Bloodgood. He owned a bootery in Marengo and became assistant general auditor of the North Western Railroad.
25	1986	A.B. & Arvilla Coon House	320 South State Street	Marengo	Marengo	1872	A beautiful Italianate style home (decorated in the period by the present owners) was home to lawyer, A.B. Coon, and his young, active evangelist wife. A. B. Coon surveyed and platted the town of Marengo and was a lawyer active in state affairs. Dentil mouldings are under the eaves. Tall narrow windows and a balconied front porch with decorative columns are characteristic of this style.
26	1986	First United Methodist Church of McHenry	3717 West Main Street	McHenry	McHenry	1859	(Site and facade) Meeting since 1844, the Methodist congregation built this church in 1859 on land deeded to them by George and Martha Gage. It was built by the men of the church. The roof is also the ceiling in that there is not an additional interior ceiling. It originally had a wood-burning stove for heat and used candles for light. Plain glass windows were later replaced with stained glass windows. In 1886, a belfry was added and the same bell still rings for services today.
27	1986	Seth Lewis House	553 East Grant	Marengo	Marengo	1872	Charming Victorian Gothic Revival house built for Seth Lewis, a Marengo banker who supposedly never lived in it because his wife died. It was later sold to Knowlton Bartholomew, who gave it to his daughter, Bessie Crissey. It was remodeled in 1914. Elaborate vergeboards and finials decorate the gables and dormers. A quatrefoil window is in the peak of the gable with gothic windows throughout.
28	1986	Cary Cemetery	1st & Pearl Streets	Cary	Algonquin	1843	This is the final resting place of William D. Carey, according to Carv Me Back by Betty Freeman. Carey was the town's founder, who purchased the property that the cemetery occupies from the U.S. Government in 1843 and 1845. Many early burials date back to the late 1830's and early 1840's. Plaque is on a rock.
29	1986	Sarah Gibbs House	10313 West Street	Richmond	Richmond	1886	This unique home is one of few examples of Second Empire architecture in the area with its mansard roof. It has 7 gables which is an innovative variation of this style. Widow Sarah Gibbs had the house built at the age of 71. Her husband, Herman, was a decedent of a Revolutionary War general and was the town's inn-keeper. The stained glass windows across the street in the church were dedicated to Sarah by her granddaughter.
30	1987	Samuel R. Morris House	17907 Harmony Road	Harmony	Coral	1854	Greek Revival home with frieze windows under the roof and return cornices as typical of this architectural style. Morris arrived in 1837 with his family. This house has been kept in excellent repair and has log beams for support (Post and Beam construction).
31	1987	Seneca Town Hall	Franklinville & Garden Valley Rds.	Franklnville	Seneca	1885	This town hall is 100% original and typical of austere midwestern township hall. It was completed in 1885 at a cost of $620.
32	1987	Franklinville Meth. Episcopal Church	3708 Franklinville Road	Woodstock	Seneca	1849	Oldest surviving church building in the county. It was built in the then-popular Greek Revival style and is well preserved excepting the missing steeple. Presently it is used as a residence. In 1995, the door was altered and a side-light added.
33	1987	Greenwood Town Hall	4314 Greenwood Road	Woodstock	Greenwood	1887	Simple adequate building that served all requirements of a village town hall that was built at a cost of $443.54. It is still used as a part of the political process at election times as a polling place.
34	1988	William D. Hall House	201 Garfield Street	Harvard	Chemung	1902	Home built in the Prairie style by architect, Myron Hunt, who was an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a very large, formal house with beautiful interior woodwork and built-ins typical of this style. Stucco was used for the upper story and huge boulders from local farms were used on the lower level.
35	1989	Riley Methodist Church	Riley Road	Riley	Riley	1898	A good example of turn-of-the-century church architecture, but unusual in its layout of angular seating. This church played an important part in the community for special events (i.e. graduations, meetings, etc.) because of its seating capacity. It is sided and has simple stained glass windows.
36	1989	William Coventry House	7704 North Route 14	Harvard	Chemung	1855	This house is predominately Greek Revival with evidence of Italianate brackets under the entablature (possibly added later). William Coventry was a prominent farmer who saw the changing of farming into a marketing process as Harvard grew rapidly due to the railroad centering there. In 1994, Motorola bought the farmland including the house.
37	1989	Ridgefield Presbyterian Church	8505 Church Street	Ridgefield	Dorr	1874	This church stands at the end of a broad street. The church's beautiful architectural design makes a commanding appearance. Originally, there were two similar towers - one at each side of the front facade. One remains, but the other is missing due to wind damage. The sanctuary is excellent in its simplicity. Many prominent people of the area worshiped in this church.
38	1989	Francis Patrick House	321 East Washington Street	Marengo	Marengo	1886	A jewel of Victorian architecture built by Frank Patrick, who upon coming to Marengo, became a very successful entrepreneur and businessman. The 16-room house is notable for the beautiful oriel window, gable ornamentation, spindle work and grain painting on the interior to look like various woods. Tom Reed, local teacher, has been restoring this home since 1979.
39	1990	Frank Heath House	162 Rosedale	Crystal Lake	Algonquin	1928	Ordered from Sears, this Willard Model, "Honor Built", home is a wonderful example of a mail-order home of the time and was built by the "orderer". All parts were delivered on-site including fireplace, hardware, fixtures and blue prints which the present owner still has. All parts are still original.
40	1990	Charles R. Andrews House	19419 Route 173	Alden	Alden	1870	Built by a lumberman in the days when Alden was a busy and thriving community with a railroad station, this is a noteworthy example of an old in-town home with Greek Revival characteristics. These can be seen in the corner pilasters and porch columns. It is still in its prime condition with original and nicely done woodwork, window and door framing in its interior. It was sold to C.R. Andrews, a Civil War veteran, who lived out his life in this house.
41	1991	Columbus Wallace House	36 North Virginia Street	Crystal Lake	Algonquin	1855	The oldest Greek Revival cobblestone house in Crystal Lake was constructed for C. Wallace and his family by stone mason, Andrew Jackson Simon, of smooth rounded, wave-washed Lake Michigan stones brought by wagon to the site. Notable is the fact that there were no fireplaces, but an iron stove was instead. Hannah Beardsley Wallace was the bride in the first marriage solemnized in the township in 1839. She was also the first teacher in Crystal Lake in the original log schoolhouse. The present owners, Roseanne and Don Wolf, Wolf Real Estate, promises future repairs and restoration.
42	1992	William Gardner House	4219 West Solon Road	Solon Mills	Richmond	1850	In 1850, this substantial cream brick house was built by William Gardner on his 160 acre farm. The brick was made nearby. William came from Scotland by way of Montreal and Quebec to Solon Mills with his bride. A carpenter and cabinet maker, William handcrafted all of the woodwork which remains today. The house was built in two sections - a square portion with 9' high ceilings and a rectangular portion with T ceilings. A widow's walk graced the roof at one time. The present William Gardner was born in this house and his son farms next door with 3 grandsons making up the sixth generation on this farm.
43	1992	Huntley Gazebo (plaque rescinded)	Huntley Town Square	Huntley	Grafton	1900	Gazebo razed November 22, 1993. Plaque rescinded January 23, 1994
44	1993	Algonquin Village Hall	2 South Main Street	Algonquin	Algonquin	1907	An excellent example of midwestern Prairie architecture in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright. This is evidenced in simplicity of structure, hipped roof,"leaded" type windows, stone inset decoration above and below windows and doors. It has been in continuous use by the municipality for civic administration. It was built in 1907 on the site that was dedicated to the Village for municipal use in 1846.
45	1993	Daniel Quinlan house	311 West Judd Street	Woodstock	Dorr	1912	This is an example of Prairie style architecture built by Quinlan who opened the first real estate office in McHenry County. All of the original woodwork and stained glass was restored by the Billimacks, the 1994 owners when it was plaqued.
46	1994	Oak Glen School	1005 Algonquin Road	Fox River Grove	Algonquin	1846	This is a typical one-room school house. All the original framing was done with 2x6 timber cut upstream on the Fox River and floated down to this site. This school had the largest enrollment in McHenry County from 1913-15.
47	1994	Levi Seebert House	312 West Main Street	Cary	Algonquin	1847	This is a Gothic Revival house that was totally remodeled to the Craftsman Bungalow style in the 1920's. This cedar shake house has been in the Krenz family since 1915 except for an eleven year period. The Seebert's were one of the early settler families of Cary.
48	1994	James Harvey Philp House	314 Washington	Algonquin	Algonquin	1886	This is a Folk Victorian gable and side wing house with a historically sensitive addition put on in 1982 including a wrap-around back porch. James Philp, an early settler and blacksmith, built this house for his son, James Harvey, as a wedding present. This Folk Victorian house has several bay windows with contrasting paint highlighting the Italianate brackets, pilasters and lintels.
49	1995	Frank & Louisa Newman House	20605 Brink Street	Harvard	Chemung	1873	Frank Newman was also one of the masons on this brick Italianate house. Bricks inscribed with the Newman's children's names, as well as the other mason, W. Hammon, are clearly visible. The terra cotta bricks were thought to be made on site, which was known as the Old Harvard Brickyard. Newman and Hammon were Civil War veterans served in the same unit. This brick farmhouse was built in a less common front gabled Italianate style. Distinguishing features are the gentle segmented arches over the tall, narrow windows and the simply detailed bay windows.
50	1995	The Community Church of Richmond	5714 Broadway	Richmond	Richmond	1902	This turn-of-the-century church is the only original church in Richmond still standing. Beautiful stained glass memorial windows highlight the first settlers and important people of the Village. The church has a long and rich history of serving the community. It has been a site for scouting groups as well as a state-approved child-care center. This eclectic frame church has many Queen Anne elements. The most distinctive architectural feature is the recessed Gothic arch gables with flared eaves and brackets. Other features are its multi-level roof, asymmetrical layout and the square bell tower placed asymmetrically on the front facade.
51	1995	William & Dagmar Wascher House	404 West Main Street	Cary	Algonquin	1925	This simple brick Tudor Revival home is rich in details. Two stained glass windows flank the massive chimney. Delicate wrought iron work accentuates the width and breadth of the chimney by contrast. The arched woodburning fireplace accentuates mimics the arched doorways. There are the original oak floors throughout the house. The perfectly proportioned garage is a smaller version of the house. This is the first Tudor Revival house plaqued by the Historical Society.
52	1995	Holcombville School	6310 Crystal Springs Road	Crystal Lake	Nunda	1858	This Greek Revival one-room schoolhouse is unusual in that it is built in decorative German style brickwork. Normally, these schoolhouses were simple frame structures. Holcombville School is believed to be the only one-room schoolhouse in McHenry County that has not been converted to residential or commercial use.
53	1996	Arthur & Augusta Mickelson House	40 Pomeroy Avenue	Crystal Lake	Algonquin	1913	This is a two-story bungalow with a full-width columned front porch. It was built as "Modern House No. 124" in the Sears and Roebuck Home Catalogue. Decorative stone work can be seen in the foundation, fireplace & chimney of this classic frame bungalow. Another upgrade feature was the maple and ash parquet floor in the living room. The spacious foyer and restored staircase makes this a welcoming home.
54	1996	Christopher Walkup House & Site	2809 Country Club Road	Woodstock	Dorr	Circa 1869	This site is rich in its heritage. It dates back to when is was part of the original "Virginia Settlement" in 1836. Christopher Walkup was the first postmaster of the Elysium post office in his home. The Crystal Lake-Ridgefield Presbyterian Church was established on this site. In addition, this was a stagecoach stop on the Lake Geneva run, as well as a Temperance Inn. Architecturally, the 22-room Walkup House is an excellent example of Italianate style architecture. It has the typical low hipped roof with decorative brackets, tall narrow windows with hooded crowns, and an impressive double front door.
55	1996	Frank Tomisky House	22 High Road	Cary	Algonquin	1893	This frame Queen Anne has won a Chicago area "Painted Lady" contest and an award for its interior as well as a preservation award. The Tomisky's built their home next to their general store when High Street was West Street. At one time, the home was converted into a boarding house for gravel pit workers. The Pradelski's restored the house and converted it into "Cheryl's Victorian Closet", a women's clothing boutique and consulting business. Significant Queen Anne details include the use of patterned shingles to embellish surface texture, a beltline dividing the two stories along with decorative porches.
56	1997	Pistakee Yacht Club	3300 North Rocky Beach Lane	McHenry	McHenry	1900	The Pistakee Yacht club has a Victorian style pavilion clubhouse with a distinctive Iramoya or Japanese Tea House-style roof. At one time, the clubhouse was used to house the sailboats until the boat house, along with its own railroad was built in 1910. The railroad no longer exists. Henry Hertz, Illinois State Treasurer along with 7 other gentlemen organized the yacht club and the club was built on land belonging to Hertz's wife, Mary. Membership rolls included such notables as meat packer Oscar Meyer, Chicago Mayor Fred Busse, Congressman and later Senator William Lorimer and numerous other Cook County officials.
57	1997	Bauman Barn & Site	7908 South Union Road	Union	Coral	1910	The Bauman Barn was constructed in 1910 on property owned by Herman Bauman since 1895. Four generations of Baumans have worked this dairy farm. The intact original barn frame was shipped by rail from the East Coast, ready to assemble on site, with total construction of the barn costing approximately $3,000. The frame is entirely of mortise and tenon, using no nails or bolts. It is a typical gambrel silhouette with board and batten siding, the most predominant barn style in McHenry County.
58	1998	Enos Conley House	10706 Woodstock Street	Huntley	Grafton	1905	This Queen Anne Victorian house has been in the Conley family since it was originally built. The wraparound front porch with Tuscan columns and turned balustdes, a hallmark of Queen Annes, has been restored. Other significant features include a curved front window, beveled glass windows and working pocket doors with beveled glass. Enos Conley built most of the bridges in Grafton Township, working out of his home.
59	1998	Andrew McAnsh House & Site	2911 Bay View Lane	McHenry	McHenry	Circa 1890	What was once a summer house on Pistakee Bay has been fully restored to its glory when the servant's quarters, coach house, fountains, gold fish ponds and chapel were in full use. The house is in the Neo-classical style. Multi-paned transom lights and pilasters surround the French doors that look out on Pistakee Bay. Ten Ionic columns line the full porch that wraps around the back of the house. Stucco and wood shingle siding clad the dormers of the clapboard sided house. All of the interior woodwork has been carefully and painstakingly restored. Movie stars as well as mobsters were reportedly guests at this home. This is the first Neo-classical house the Society has plaqued.
60	1998	Charles Kruse House	5509 Kenosha Street	Richmond	Richmond	1916	Fine craftsmanship is evident in this brick Prairie style house which sits high on the hill overlooking the main street. Quoins adorn the corners of the house while limestone square blocks highlight the beveled glass windows. The restored roof retains the look of the original roof tiles and copper gutters while preserving the original wooden beadboard on the wide eaves. The interior boasts fine oak plank flooring, pocket doors and woodwork. A built-in buffet with stained glass and a "hob-nob" built-in surrounds the fireplace hiding the radiators and log holders. An early innovative feature is the central vacuum system. Charles Kruse was a prominent businessman who owned the hardware store and built what is now known as the 1905 Emporium. He was also the Richmond Bank president and was responsible for stimulating the economy form 1932-33 during the Depression.
61	1998	William B. Woodbeck Barn	1112 South Fleming Road	Woodstock	Dorr	1890	(circa 1890) This gable roofed, English bank barn was converted into a residence in 1980. William H. Woodbeck. a Civil War veteran farmed the 60 acres with his wife, Matilda and four children. The main timbers are old growth, virgin white pine in this post-and-beam constructed barn. The craftsmanship is of the highest caliber. Although, today it is a home, the ambience of the barn Is still strongly felt from the interior as well as the exterior. An openess permeates the home with its vaulted ceilings and flowing circulation. Evidence of the milking parlor can still be seen on the lower level, the hay track in the peak and the brick foundation of the silo defines the herb garden.
62	1998	Mount Auburn Cemetery	East Brink Street	Harvard	Chemung	1867	This cemetery is a tribute to the founding fathers of Harvard and the successive generations of residents buried there. It rivals larger, well known cemeteries with its sheer beauty and tranquil grounds. Simple stones to the elaborate monuments and mausoleums can be found. The residents of Harvard participated in building the chapel by bringing large and small stones for the building in 1936. They have created a landscape of magniflctent gardens, shrubs and trees that has become home to nearly 100 species of birds.
63	1999	First Presbyterian Church of Marengo	203 West Washington Street	Marengo	Marengo	1898	Originally, the church was built in 1853. However, it was rebuilt in 1898 to accomodate the growing congregation. Rather than completely demolishing the old church and constructing a new building, stones form the original foundation were saved and all of the "fit stones" from the old church were put into the foundation of the new one. The architects, Tumbull and Jones of Elgin borrowed elements from various Romantic styles when they designed this church. Foremost is the Moorish style square bell tower. The graduated arched door surround has a Richardson style influence and these arches are repeated throughout the church. Gothic Revival elements can be seen in the parapeted walls and decorative patterns of constrasting brickwork. The octagonal sanctuary has coffered oak paneling with egg and dart molding.
64	1999	West Main Street School	441 West Main Street	Cary	Algonquin	1888	For 61 years, this brick 2-storey, 4-classroom school served the elementary school children of Cary. In 1950, the Curtiss Candy Company purchased West Main Street School and it continued to be used as a school. It became Curtiss College where young men form all over the United States came to learn about artificial insemination of cattle. In 1958, the Village of Cary purchased the school. It was used by the Cary-Grove Evangelical Free Church from 1959 to 1961. In 1962, the Village Hall and police department were housed in the school. In 1979 it became the Cary Senior Center.
65	1999	Prentice Smith Barn & Site	167 Country Commons	Cary	Algonquin	1890	(circa 1890) Once a dairy barn and then a horse barn, today, it stands as the Trout Valley Association's Center. On the exterior, this Dutch gambrel roofed barn retains the spirit of a barn. It still houses horses on the lower level while the main level has been converted into a recreational hall. The original beams and structure can still be seen in the loft as well as the Starline hay carrier. This barn is unusual in that the exterior was stuccoed in the 1920's when John Hertz, founder of the Yellow Cab Company owned the farm and he had all of his buildings stuccoed. In 1943, the farm was sold to Otto Schnering of the Curtiss Candy Company and it was once again used for cows.
66	1999	L.B. & Anna Covell House & Site	5805 Broadway	Richmond	Richmond	1900	(circa 1900) This house is an example of late Victorian Queen Anne architecture transitional to Colonial Revival. The site also includes the original coachhouse and privy/chicken coop/woodshed. LB., a prominent farmer as well as township supervisor and director of the school board built this house when he was in his 50's. Outstanding features include the 3 sided wraparound porch, the leaded glass, beveled windows, 5 two storey bay windows, 7 elaborately decorated gables and tower. A 5 pointed upside-down star, symbol for the Eastern Star, of which Anna was an active member, can be found in the granite foundation.
67	1999	The Hoy House	10802 N. Woodstock Street	Huntley	Grafton	1904	The predominant style of the Hoy House is Colonial Revival Foursquare with Prairie style influences. Colonial Revival elements include the hipped roof along with the Tuscan columns, balustrade, Palladian window and sunburst pediment. The wide waves and beltcourse in the house are indicative of the Prairie style. William Hoy was Huntley's bank president.
68	1999	Christopher Sponable House	326-328 Rowland Ave.	Marengo	Marengo	Circa 1840	This unusual Greek Revival home had 3 entrances with Greek Revival door surrounds. On one gable end is a full pediment while a cornice return is on the other gable. The typical Greek Revival wide band frieze at the roof line and the pilasters on the corners decorate this simple clapboard home.
69	2000	Carr-Harrison Cemetery	Barnard Mill Road	Ringwood	McHenry	Circa 1840	This a double family cemetery which is till an active family cemetery. This nicely maintained cemetery contains graves of Civil War Veterans as well as those of the original farming families that created it.
70	2001	Welch-Haeger Cemetery	74 Meadow Hill Rd.	Barrington Hills	Algonquin	1842	This neighborhood burying grounds is adjacent to a country school house that has gone under a variety of names. The most prominent name is David Haeger, a farmer whose family went on to create Haeger Pottery. William Welch was the first owner of the property.
71	2001	Thomas Stillwell Huntley House	10904 S. Woodstock	Huntley	Grafton	1856	This Greek Revival transitional to Italianate house is an imposing house befitting of the founder of Huntley. A major renovation occurred in 1906 when an addition nearly doubled the size of the house. At that time the house was stuccoed and the Italianate brackets and double storeyed porches were lost.
72	2002	Martin Stafford House	600 N.Hart	Harvard	Chemung	1902	This turn of the century house has Queen Anne and Prairie style influences. Its most unique features are its pagoda roof, topped with a finial and three eyebrow windows. Martin Stafford has a history of designing and building in Harvard, notably the Frank F. Axtell home and the Hunt, Helm & Ferris factory. His houses can also be found in Lake Geneva, Woodstock and Chicago.
73	2004	Barrett House	362 Melrose Lane	Lakewood	Algonquin	1927	This Spanish eclectic style house was designed as a one-third scale model of John Barrett's villa in Portugal with the interior laid out like a cross. Arched doorways, wrought iron fixtures and window grilles, a terra cotta chimney and Spanish tile roof are just some of its architectural elements. John. L. Barrett helped organize the Village of Lakewood in 1933, was trustee & Village President ad Vice President of International Harvester.
74	2005	Kotrba House	2907 Regner Rd.	Pistakee Bay, McHenry	McHenry	1922	An elaborate summer home such as this was indicative of the era of the 1920's when the wealthy from Chicago would build in the Pistakee Bay area and create their own social life, complete with the Pistakee Bay Yacht Club. This Mediterranean style home has arched windows with rusticated stone surrounds and a terra cotta tiled roof On the elevation facing the bay, the primary facade, there is an impressive castellated parapet above the arched entrance surrounded by stone tabs.
75	2005	Roxburgh House	102 Maple St.	Crystal Lake	Algonquin	1927	This Sears catalog house, the Hamiliton, is in the bungalow style. It has all of its original windows, doors, hardware and flooring along with the fireplace which has chamfered bow-tie brackets. The home has been continuously in the same family except for the original owners, the Roxburghs.
76	2006	Abbott-Austin House & Site	382 S. Tryon	Woodstock	Dorr	1883	This is one of the few Steamboat-Gothic style homes in McHenry County. It is reminiscent of the interior of barges that served as theaters on the Mississippi River. Elaborate spindle-work friezes and brackets adorn the wraparound porch. Other decorative elements include brackets under the eaves to the hooded crowns over the windows. Barton Austin owned a grocery store on the Square in Woodstock for 35 years and was a prominent businessman. His son, Barton Austin Jr., a successful landscape architect designed the grounds for the home as well as Chester Gould's, Resurrection Center, numerous North Shore homes and the Little Mountain National Park in British Columbia.
77	2007	John J. & Barbara A. Smith House	235 West Main Street	Cary	Algonquin	1904	When Mr. & Mrs. Smith retired from their dairy farm on the outskirts of Cary, they built this fine house. This cottage size Queen Anne style house with its romantic characteristics is a fine expression of the Machine Age and Railroad Era of McHenry County. An interesting feature is the etched glass scene on the entry doors. During a period of the house's life, the second floor rooms were rented to railroad workers. The house remained in the Smith family until 1985.
78	2008	Spring Grove Fish Hatchery	2314 Hatchery Road	Spring Grove	Burton	1914	The Spring Grove Fish Hatchery was the first fish hatchery in the state of Illinois. It was chosen because of its natural cold water springs which produced over 300 gallons of water a minute. At its height, the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery produced as many as 35,000,000 fingerlings. Now, there are three other hatcheries in Illinois. Today, the Fish Hatchery is being restored to a nature and interpretative center where visitors can learn about the history and workings of the hatchery, the natural environment and heritage of the area.
79	2009	Edward H. Cook House	10813 N. Woodstock Street	Huntley	Grafton	1896	This elaborate Queen Anne home displays the social success of the Cook family. The wraparound front porch, steeply pitched roof and irregular shape along with its asymmetrical footprint are all hallmarks of the Queen Anne style. This lovely home has wonderful leaded glass windows, a large curved double hung window reflecting the curve of the porch and Palladian windows. The Cooks opted for a more classical look with the Tuscan columns and raised relief ornamentation on the exterior. However, they did bring spindlework into the interior. Mr. Cook was quite prominent in Huntley as well as the county. He was County Coroner for 17 years, postmaster, druggist, farm auctioneer and funeral director in Huntley. He was also Fire Chief, Clerk of Grafton Township and a village trustee plus a member of several organizations.
80	2010	Lizzie & Avery Nutt House	11701 Prairie St.	Hebron	Hebron	1907	This simple Queen Anne style home with its wrap-around porch, steeply pitched roof & asymmetrical footprint is celebrated its pristine condition. The craftsmanship of this home is outstanding with even molding details carried on into the cabinets & closets. To step into this house is to step back in time with its original doorbell, gas spigots, wooden duct work and furnace plate.
81	2010	Dr. Franklin & Mrs. Rilla Alford House	1110 South Shore Drive	Lakewood	Grafton	1957	This contemporary home defines the Mid-Century Modern style. It was designed by one of McHenry County's architects, John Vincent Anderson. With its open-plan and abundance of floor to ceiling glass windows beneath the cantilevered roof-line, this new International Style is evident. When Dr. Alford opened his private practice in Crystal Lake in 1926, there were only two other physicians in Crystal Lake. Both he and his wife were very community and service minded.
82	2011	Metro Bowl	77 E. Brink St.	Crystal Lake	Algonquin	1956	Metro Bowl embodies an era. As you step through the door, the TV series, "Happy Days" comes to mind. Jim Contos' maternal grandfather, Bill Metropulus opened the four lane "Crystal Pocket Billiard and Bowling Alleys" on Williams Street. In 1955, Bill and Mary Metropulos moved their home to make way for the new ten lane Metro Bowl. They carefully brought over the 4 original lanes which is now lanes seven, eight, nine and ten. Jim Contos proudly deeps his vintage AMF pinspotters whirling away and his hardwood lanes professionally oiled to perfection. Other pieces of history have been kept like the original non-electric cash register, the original bowling lockers and the chute and receptacle where the beer bottles were sent down when bottles were returnable.
83	2011	Bettendorf Castle	418 Concord Ave.	Fox River Grove	Algonquin	1932	This castle is really a testament to one man's vision of creating his humble home into a castle. Ted Bettendorf s memories of roaming through the ruins of the once grand 11^th Century Vianden Castle in Luxembourg as a child inspired him to build his own castle on the bluffs of Fox River Grove. This lifelong undertaking is amazing because of the fact that it was the work of just one man who built it by hand. He quarried the materials from his own property as well gathering stones from nearby areas and quarried in his Model T truck. Using a slip-form construction, he worked on his castle for 36 years until he died at the age of 78. He was also active in the community and opened his grounds for visitors.
84	2013	Josephine & William Lorimer Jr. House	615 Lake Ave.	Crystal Lake	Algonquin	1929	This distinctive house is in the first Federal Revival style which we have plaqued. Local builder, W. Frank Robbin worked on the design with Josephine. This home's striking elements are its truly magnificent white portico with its four square columns, the centrally located Palladian window and unique white glazed local brick Duntile walls. William Lorimer Jr. was son of Senator William J. Lorimer who also served in the House of Representatives for several terms. Lorimer Jr., a Chicago businessman joined his father here in the William Lorimer Lumber Company. It was often referred to as "the White House".
85	2013	El Tovar Theatre	26 N. Williams St.	Crystal Lake	Nunda	1929	Elmer Behrns was the architect for El Tovar as well as 8 other theatres in Illinois, including the Miller Theatre in Woodstock. During the 1920’s, the era of Grand Palaces of Theatre when exotic styles were favored, the El Tovar was created in the Spanish Mission style. Much of the façade as well as the interior is still original. Tiles from local businesses, American Terra Cotta as well as Duntile were used on the façade. The mosaic floor was also created from American Terra Cotta tiles. Eight thousand people attended the grand opening in 1929 and the theatre has been an integral part of the community since its inception except for the period of restoration into the Raue Center for the Arts. Elmer Behrns was the architect for El Tovar as well as 8 other theatres in Illinois, including the Miller Theatre in Woodstock. During the 1920’s, the era of Grand Palaces of Theatre when exotic styles were favored, the El Tovar was created in the Spanish Mission style. Much of the façade as well as the interior is still original. Tiles from local businesses, American Terra Cotta as well as Duntile were used on the façade. The mosaic floor was also created from American Terra Cotta tiles. Eight thousand people attended the grand opening in 1929 and the theatre has been an integral part of the community since its inception except for the period of restoration into the Raue Center for the Arts.
86	2013	George Burger House	524 Clay Street	Woodstock	Dorr	1901	This impressive Queen Anne house made a remarkable recovery after being a multi-family dwelling. It has all the hallmarks of a Queen Anne from the wraparound front porch, steeply pitched roof and irregular shape along with its asymmetrical footprint. A unique feature is its square bay with its multi-sided turret. The fish scale siding in the peaks and the beautiful leaded beveled glass windows are other exceptional elements. It was built by Schneider and Clark. George Burger was a coal & implement dealer with community interests having served on the Woodstock Board of Education & was nominated as a Woodstock Alderman for the North side.
87	2014	St. John the Baptist Catholic Church	2302 W. Church St.	Johnsburg	McHenry	1902	This is the 4th St. John’s Church to be built on this site. After the tragic fire in 1901, this magnificent church was built. In the European Gothic style with its cruciform floor plan, 45 foot vaulted ceiling, 7 steeples and Gothic stained glass windows and rose window made in Germany, this church resonates the grand European cathedrals. The focal point of St. John’s is located at the end of a long and wide approach, the sanctuary. The area in and around the sanctuary includes the beautifully ornate main altar and left and right flanking altars, all with colorful, and inspirational statuary. The altars and flanking confessionals were meticulously hand carved, stained and gilded in Germany, then reassembled in Johnsburg. Word has it that many of the parishioners, German immigrants helped build today’s church.
88	2015	William & Elizabeth McConnell Homestead	6119 Broadway Road	Richmond	McHenry	1852	William and Elizabeth built a Greek Revival home in 1852. Of particular note is the unique triangular pediment window in the east gable highlighted by the larger pediment in the gable on their home. This five bedroom, 2-story residence was crafted of the finest materials available, a fine reflection of the McConnell’s success. McConnell, a farmer donated land to build the first schoolhouse in Montelona (later known as Richmond) Township and he helped establish and erect the first township church. He was Richmond’s first justice of the peace. Besides establishing a cheese and creamery factory in Richmond, William became postmaster, school director, associate county judge, state representative and legislator, county board chairman and, eventually, county commissioner.
89	2018	Dan & Lorena Andrew House	441 Lawndale Ave.	Woodstock	Dorr	1958	This Prairie style ranch home was built by architect William Fyfe who studied at Taliesin in Spring Green, Wis. under Frank Lloyd Wright. Fyfe not only included the traditional Wright hallmarks, such as the central hearth and wide overhanging eaves, but he also brought the outdoors in. There also is a clear separation between public and private spaces. The Andrew House has many custom features in the kitchen and laundry room, unique tube lighting in the hallways and bathrooms, pocket doors in various areas and vents throughout. All were unique features for 1958.
90	2019	Fred A. Walters House	241 Hoy Avenue	Woodstock	Dorr	1894	This is a simple Queen Anne with a wrap-around porch which was restored from a duplex back into a single family home. Fred A Walters was a real estate agent. He went on to become an alderman & Mayor of Woodstock in 1903 He was also Dorr Township Supervisor, a banker, merchant and leading citizen of Woodstock.
91	2019	Chapel Hill Chapel Site	2500 N. Chapel Hill Rd	Johnsburg	McHenry	1843	Fredrich Schmitt from Rhineland, Germany made a vow that if he and his family arrived safely to America, he would erect a chapel in honor of the Immaculate Conception in thanksgiving for his safe voyage. The chapel has been transformed from the original log cabin chapel on his farm to a 16’x22’ brick chapel in 1853. In the early 1950’s the brick chapel was encased in concrete block and a little later enlarged to 16’x28’. Services are currently held once a year. The chapel is always open.
92	2022	Pink HarriSon's Cabin #8	804 Harrison Lane	Johnsburg	McHenry	1933	Frank and Christine HarriSon bought her parents Pistakee Bay summer home, which evolved into Pink Harrison's Resort. In 1932, they purchased a parcel of land across the street, which became known as "The Cabin Lot", building 13 cabins and a bath house. Equipped with amenities including sink w/ running water, linoleum flooring, a gas stove, electric lights, a comfortable bed,separate men's and women's bath house w/ flush toilets and linen service. This nondescript little fishing cabin has survived the test of time, representing the resort that was once known as "The Playground of Pistakee Bay" .
93	2024	Claude & Ede Brown House	564 South Shore Drive	Lakewood	Algonquin	1924	A 1920’s Hollywood style, a mix of Art Deco, Traditional and Modern. Claude K. Brown was a Commercial Artist in Chicago and upon moving out to their new home on the shores of Crystal Lake, became very involved in the community – including the forming of Lakewood. There are several examples of original American Terra Cotta in and around the home, from small architectural inlays to large decorative pottery pieces. The living room, includes a 2-story high wood truss beamed ceiling and a Juliet balcony overlooking from the second floor. The kitchen includes St. Charles all metal cabinetry, preferred cabinetry of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe. At one point the original tile roof was removed and replace with black asphalt shingles. At some point, the original red clay roof tiles were removed and black asphalt shingles installed. Thankfully, the current owners found red clay roof tiles which matched the original design and had them reinstalled.
94	2024	Jonathan F. Wolcott Homestead	17408 Kunde Road	Union	Seneca	1855	This Early Greek Revival style home contains much of its original ornamentation. The exterior includes decorative cornice work at the roof line, the elliptical fanlight with sidelights on the front door and the entry porch supported by round prominent columns. The interior includes decorative wood ceilings, symmetrical room layout and the typical six panes per sash windows. The original property included 120 fertile acres. Today 25 acres remain of the original farm,which have a striking resemblance to the 1872 lithograph depicting the Residence of J F Wolcott. The barns timber post and beam construction are representative of the English Barn. Remnants of the milking room and the pump room remain. The Hay Trolleys in the main barn date back to the early 1900’s. The grove of oak trees still remains and has provided much sustenance to the property throughout the years. The Kishwaukee river runs along the north side of the property, having changed its course throughout the years, creating a backwater area and a pond, complete with an old log cabin hunting shelter.