The Trail - Fall 2012 by Joe Tamborello

relax • savor • browse • explore • experience

the

trail Fall 2012

A PRODUCT OF

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trail fall2012

the

table of contents

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9 Designer Creates Exotic Getaways 14 Illinois’ Oldest Hotel Still Bustling

On The Trail: The Great River Road

savor 15 Easy Pickin’s: Orchards in Full Swing 19 Positively in a Pickle 21 Take Part in Galena’s Nouveau Wine Weekend 26 Otto’s Place Cafe & Lounge 27 Take the Trollway Through Mount Horeb 28 Apple Canyon Lake Hosts its 34th Annual Ice Cream Social & Craft Fair

Indulge Your Love of Chocolate

browse 32 A True Relic 38 Depot Museum Lauds Railroad Past

36 A Pioneer of American Studio Glass Makes Home in Cedarville

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40 A Surprising Delight: Elizabeth, IL 42 Take a Glimpse into Galena’s Past with the Tour of Historic Homes 48 Reminiscing About Riding the Rails 48 ‘Eternal Indian’ at Lowden State Park 50 Enjoy the Colors of Fall 51 Travel Back to the 1800s at the Banwarth House and Museum

Twenty Dirty Hands Pottery Tour

experience 53 54 56 58 60 61 62

American Picker Opens Space in Illinois Warren Pumpkin Festival A ‘Hands-On’ Celebration of Autumn Massbach Ridge Winery Hosts Annual Grape Stomp Ride the Trail of Terror if You Dare Duck into Hanover for Mallard Fest Morseville Stages Annual Civil War Re-Enactment

Mount Carroll, Illinois... Brick Streets & Country Charm www.journalstandard.com

Design

Advertising

Andrea Barthel Denise Buss Sarah Hutmacher Andrea Altensey

Mike Cowan 815.232.0177 Leah Dixon 815.232.0171 Colleen Groves 815.232.0191 Jennie Cowan 815.275.0388 General Manager Michele Massoth 815.232.0121

Cover photo: Autumn in Green County, courtesy of Billy Schmidt

The Trail is a product of The Journal-Standard, a Gatehouse Media newspaper, located at 27 South State Avenue, Freeport, Illinois.

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ast the big buildings and traffic noise, lost in a cozy corner of America, sits a Trail full of life, history and passion. The cool fall wind and sounds of nature are soothing enough to put you into deep relaxation. So much so, you could close your eyes and be forever content. Except then you would miss the wide array of bright colors filling the vast, rolling landscape. It’s the colors of the season that will pull you in, but it’s the destinations, people and experiences that will make your trip a memorable one. There is great food and drink to be savored. There is history and art to be enjoyed, with place to be explore and events to be experienced. The Trail is a welcome and worn path through beautiful landscapes and towns, and it leads to complete satisfaction.

Fawn’s At “The Barn”

women’s clothing jewelry purses gourmet food giftware for the home wedding gifts ACROSS FROM COUNTRY INN & SUITES 1650 HANCE DRIVE FREEPORT 815.297.7050 TUESDAY - FRIDAY 10-5 SATURDAY 10 - 2

calendar of events August 31 - September 2 WILHELM TELL FESTIVAL Wilhelm Tell play, Art in the Park. New Glarus, Wis. wilhelmtell.org swisstown.com September 1 BRICK STREET SATURDAY Shop Sidewalk Specials All Day! Cake walk, car/truck/ tractor show, ping pong drop, face painting/henna tattoos, library book sale & more! Downtown Mount Carroll, Ill. (800) 244-9594 September 7-8 LENA LION’S 62ND ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL Carnival rides, games, food, stage entertainment, parade, bbq. Downtown Lena, Ill. (815) 369-4611 September 14-16 GREEN COUNTY CHEESE DAYS Cheese tent, parade, entertainment, beer garden, vendors, carnival. Monroe, Wis. cheesedays.com

September 16 FALL FESTIVAL Hay rides, bonfires, music, food & more! Darlington, Wis. darlingtonwi.org September 22 GREEN COUNTY FALL NATIONALS TRACTOR & TRUCK PULL Green County Fairgrounds. Monroe, Wis. greencountyfallnationals.com September 28-30 OKTOBERFEST Live music, local food, beer tent, horse-drawn wagon rides. New Glarus, Wis. swisstown.com September 29-30 PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Parade, entertainment, arts & crafts, carnival. Warren, Ill. warrenchamber.org September 29 AUTUMNFEST Entertainment, arts & crafts, food, kid’s activities, chili contest, “poopapalooza”

cow bingo. pie contest, Brodhead, Wis. brodheadchamber.org October 6 CHEESEFEST Free entertainment, hay rides, scarecrow contest, arts & crafts, food. Shullsburg, Wis. (608) 965-4579 October 6 FALL FESTIVAL An array of fall activities including wagon rides, hay bale maze, music, gunny sack races, scavenger hunt, bounce houses & more. Fulton, Ill. (815) 589-4545 cityoffulton/fulton-events October 6 FALL HERITAGE FESTIVAL Experience our 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 6-7 GALENA COUNTRY FAIR Over 150 vendors offering arts & crafts, farmer’s market, fair food, baked goods, live entertainment & family fun. Grant Park, Galena, Ill. (815) 777-0817 October 6-7 AUTUMN ON PARADE Harvest time parade, Olde English Faire, food court, fun zone, duck dash, auto classic, tractor show. Oregon, Ill. autumnonparade.org October 7 SWISS VILLAGE HARVEST FEST Civil War re-enactors, artisan demonstrations including blacksmith, cheesemaking, sausage making, bratzeli, cokie samples. New Glarus, Wis. swisshistoricalvillage.org October 14 STEPHENSON COUNTY BARN TOUR Spend a leisurely afternoon in the country on a self-guided tour of five unique barns in Stephenson County where

you will learn the stories behind their distinctive charm. Stephenson County, Ill. (815) 235-2165 October 27-29 HALLOWEEN BALLOON FESTIVAL & PARADE Spectacular hot air balloons lined up along the Galena River, parade, balloon glow & “trick or treats”. Galena, Ill. (815) 777-9050 October 27 UFO DAY Food stands, parade, fun runs. Belleville, Wis. belleville-wi.com November 4 46TH ANNUAL SWISS FEST Turner Hall, Monroe, Wis. turnerhallofmonroe.org November 10-11 MINING TOWN CHRISTMAS Old fashioned mining town Christmas. Downtown Shullsburg, Wis. (608) 965-3236 November 23-24 CHRISTKINDLMARKT Holiday marketplace, hand-crafted items, baked goods. Monroe, Wis. turnerhallofmonroe.org November 23-25 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 December 1 ST. NICHOLAS DAY Holiday shopping specials, Swiss Church Christmas Cookie Sale. New Glarus, Wis. swisstown.com December 2 CHRISTMAS PARADE & FESTIVAL Lighted Christmas parade, lighting of the famous floating Christmas trees, caroling, bonfires, and a visit from Santa. Darlington, Wis. darlingtonwi.org

advertiser index ACTIVITIES Blackhawk Waterway CVB Trail of Terror......................... 20 Brodhead Autumn Fest .......... 57 Carroll County Tourism .............7 Dixon Welcome Center ........... 49 Freeport Park District Art in the Park......................... 3 Green County Model Railroaders ........................... 56 Great Rt 64/84 Holiday Shop Hop .............................. 33 Main Street Monroe................ 45 Mt. Carroll Chamber ............... 35 Mt Horeb Chamber of Commerce ........................ 55 National Historic Cheesemaking Center ......... 46 New Glarus Oktoberfest .......... 11 The Next Picture Show ........... 49 Park Hills Golf Course............... 3 River Ridge Craft Fair...............41 Rock Falls Tourism .................. 62 Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home & Visitor’s Center ...... 49 Shullsburg CDC .......................31 Stephenson County Antique Engine Club .............18 Swiss Historical Village........... 24 The Toy Train Barn ...................14 Warren Pumpkin Festival........ 37

Charlie’s Bar & Grill ................ 35 Chocolate Temptations ...........16 Chuck & Shirley’s.................... 34 Culver’s, New Glarus .............. 25 Deininger’s Restaurant & Bistro Bar .......................... 24 Fieldstone Inn ..........................19 Frank O’Dowd’s ....................... 63 Higher Grounds Coffee........... 26 Mrs. Mike’s Potato Chips .........12 New Glarus Hotel Restaurant ............................ 22 One Eleven Main ..................... 63 Otto’s Place Cafe & Lounge ... 59 Puempel’s Olde Tavern ........... 22 Sportsman’s Bar & Grill ......... 24 The Driftless Area Stillroom... 34 Union Dairy Ice Cream Parlor......................................12 Water Street Place...................31 Wheel In ................................... 30 Vinny Vanucchi’s ..................... 63

Clothes Bin & Gift Shop ......... 39 Coughlin’s Christmas Store ... 50 Cub Hollow Antiques ...............51 Dabluz Boutique ..................... 34 Dreams Boutique .................... 59 Esther’s European Imports .... 22 Fawn’s at the Barn .................... 6 Frank Jewelers .......................... 2 Historic Hotel Glenview .......... 34 Ideas ‘N Designs ..................... 34 Joanne’s Dress Shop .............. 43 Luecke Antique Mall ............... 45 Luecke’s Diamond Center ...... 45 LuLu’s Clothing & Gifts .......... 59 Lynch Gifts .............................. 23 Market Street Commons ....... 34 Merlin’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop .......................21 Nancy’s Ladies Apparel .......... 43 Olson’s Christmas House....... 55 Olson’s Flowers ....................... 55 Piggly Wiggly, Brodhead......... 57 Risken-Lee Shops ................... 30 Sequel’s Fine Interior LODGING Consignments ...................... 43 AmericInn of Monroe.............. 44 Sugar River Shoppe ................ 25 Best Western, Galena ............. 58 The Green Door Chalet Landhaus ..................... 22 Home Decor & Gifts ............. 43 Country Inn & Suites Wild Birds Unlimited ............... 59 of Freeport ............................ 64 Ludlow Mansion ...................... 54 Risken-Lee Holiday House ..... 30 SERVICE BUSINESSES Super 8, Monroe ..................... 44 The Apple River State Bank ... 37 Bank of Brodhead ................... 57 First Community Bank ORCHARDS of Galena ............................... 37 Edwards Orchard West ............61 Hoskins Building Center ........ 39 Ten Eyck Orchard .................... 57 State Bank of Freeport ........... 28 Stonehall Bicycle .................... 54

CHEESE STORES Alp & Dell Cheese Store ......... 44 Decatur Dairy .......................... 29 Maple Leaf Cheese, Juda........ 57 Maple Leaf Cheese & Chocolate .......................... 23 Roelli Cheese Haus ..................31 Swiss Colony Outlet ............... 44 RETAIL SHOPS Bramble Patch ........................ 23 Brenda’s Blumenladen ........... 25 CUISINE Baumgartner’s ........................ 45 Carlotta’s Studio ..................... 53 Bella Food & Spirits ................ 34 Charlotte Arvelle Glass........... 35 Brick Street Coffee ................. 34 Cherry Creek Cottage ............ 39 8 thetrail fall2012

SPIRITS Fisher King Winery.................. 55 Massbach Ridge Winery ......... 39 New Glarus Brewing Co. .......... 11 Primrose Winery ..................... 24

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verage days are fraught with problems and nuisances of life from work to school to home. Even just getting somewhere can be a daily hassle. But escape is closer than you think. Relaxation can be found on the rolling hillsides of northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin painted with the reds and yellows of fall. When you reach the area, all of those daily problems will slowly be lost to a mere memory. Waiting for you at your destination is calm, relaxation in a historic and comfortable setting. Along the Trail, you can stay in the same places that many historic icons also came to relax, from Abraham Lincoln to Mark Twain. But while the venues are full of history, the amenities are fully modern and envisioned to make your stay amazing. Look at the map on page 4, close your eyes and point. Wherever your finger lands, you will be pointing to the perfect place to relax.

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Designer Creates Exotic Getaways “Gary enjoys his work so much,” she said. “It’s not a job; he Best Western Designer its an adventure.” Inn and Suites in Galena, He spends 290 days a year Ill. has added a new room working in the hotels. Each to their fantasy suite options. fantasy suite takes five to six The Crystal Cave is just one of months to complete, and he’s the fantasy suites that have been done everything from sculpting completed by Gary Strobusch. walls to specialty lighting. A The Strobusch family is from sculpture artist, he said he Wisconsin, and this is one of two picked that talent up from his hotels they own and manage. grandmother. They also own a hotel in Toledo, Between the two properties, Iowa. he’s put together six fantasy An award-winning designer, suites, each with very distinctive Gary has designed and themes: Hearts Delight, Roman manufactured over 70 different Palace, Crystal Cave, Pearl under theme suites in the 30 years he’s the Sea, Rainforest and Arabian been working in the industry. Nights. The Galena hotel has Owner of Rainbow Nights, the three specialty suites so far: interior decorator, designer and Hearts Delight, Roman Palace manufacturer, brings fantasy and Crystal Cave. suites to life. He makes the “I like to bring a natural furniture, sews the bedspreads setting into the place I’m and curtains, and does working on,” he said. He uses everything he can to transform rocks in the fireplaces and the room into another world crystals on the walls, and one for guests of the hotel to get of the suites has a waterfall. away from it all. He’s worked all Mirrors, mood lighting, over the country and has been electronic showers and a built featured in many publications in sauna are just some of the including People Magazine. special touches he’s added to the Shannon Strobusch is his suites. daughter-in-law. She helps Now in his 50s, Gary has no manage the hotels and is plans to slow down. He’s always involved in the business end of thinking about the next room things. he’ll do. “My favorite room is the one I’m working on,” he said. The Best Western Designer Inn and Suites is located 9920 W. US 20 in Galena, Ill. For more information, visit www.bestwesterndesigner inn.com. t By Kim Sigafus

PHOTO BY KIM SIGAFUS

The Crystal Cave is the latest fantasy suite put together by award-winning designer Gary Strobusch. It was done for the Best Western Designer Inn and Suites in Galena, which he owns. Strobusch designed this suite with a heart-shaped bed and hand-made bedspread. There is a specially-made pink glass mirror above the bed.

www.journalstandard.com

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Trail

On the

The Great River Road

PHOTOS BY TONY CARTON

The Native American pathfinders along the rock palisades of the Mississippi River did as presentday hikers do - in coursing the bluffs, they took the paths of least resistance. The trails at the Mississippi Palisades, especially the park’s southern routes, put you in touch with the past.

By Tony Carton

ake Highway 20 west from Freeport to Stockton turn south on Highway 78 to Mt. Carroll, west on 52 to Savanna’s Mississippi Palisades State Park, cross the river on 52 to Sabula, Iowa and stay on Highway 52 (Great River Road) north through Bellevue and St. Donatus to Mississippi Abbey and Crystal Lake Cave. Let’s Go! MISSISSIPPI PALISADES PARK Palisades is a word used to describe a ridge of lofty steep cliffs usually bordering a river. The Mississippi Palisades State Park fits that definition exactly. In 1973 the US Department of the Interior recognized the area about 3 miles north of Savanna, Illinois as a national treasure and designated the acreage

as a national landmark. The park is home to a series of caves and sinkholes. Over the years, erosion has formed intriguing rock formations, including the Indian Head and the Twin Sisters, a group of humanoid figures lining the bluff tops. Wooded ravines, highlighted with white birch and dotted with lush green ferns give way to slopes covered with blooms of trillium, shooting star and dozens of other native wildflowers. The Palisades Park houses a wide variety of wildlife including numerous wild turkey, waterfowl and in the winter months, a large colony of Bald Eagles. There are also white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, muskrat, fox and occasionally, even a badger. The best way to see the park’s wide assortment of plant and animal life is to use its rugged 13-mile trail system. Trails are marked and graded according to I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream so make it a point to stop at Kountry Korner at the crossroads in Sabula (Iowa’s island city) for a twisty cone. Hint: a medium twisty is close to a quart of ice cream.

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difficulty to make your visit more enjoyable. There are camping, picnic areas with shelters, numerous restroom facilities, a marina, a small grocery and a series of spectacular scenic overlooks. There are four well-developed lookouts and each is unique and worth the trip. The Mississippi Palisades Park is an absolute must see for every member of the family. Please take some care to preserve this natural jewel. Keep your pets leashed, stay on the designated trails, don’t pick any wildflowers and do as the Indians did; leave only footprints. Cross the river on the scenic Hwy 52 bridge and head through Sabula north to: BELLEVUE – ONE OF IOWA’S BEST KEPT SECRETS There are nearly 300 cities along the Mississippi River, yet only one, Bellevue, means “beautiful view.” We have included a stop in Bellevue with this On the Trail to let you see what is called Iowa’s most beautiful area. The town of Bellevue could easily be a day’s trip all by itself. Within minutes of quaint downtown Bellevue there are ten major recreation areas. Take your pick; launch a canoe, hike, fish, picnic, golf, explore or use one of the

three state wide bike trails that intersect near Bellevue. Trout fishing is extraordinary here. Numerous stocked streams compliment an abandoned trout hatchery and there is a continuous open trout season in Bellevue. A license and trout stamp is required. Make time to visit Lock and Dam Number 12 located downtown. It takes about an hour to feed the nearly 1200 feet of barge pushed by one of the hundreds of tug boats that traffic the gorgeous Mississippi River. During the winter months visit the open water area surrounding the locks to watch the incredible fishing

HOW MANY MORE MILES? Freeport to Mississippi Palisades State Park, Savanna, IL - 56 miles Savanna to Bellevue, Iowa 22 miles Bellevue to St. Donatus, Historic Luxembourg Village - 10 miles St. Donatus village to Mississippi Abbey - 5 miles Mississippi Abbey to Crystal Lake Cave - 3 miles

Approximate Total Distance - 96 miles

Come and enjoy New Glarus lively, fun-filled

Oktoberfest September 28-30, 2012

Music, dancing, food & events in downtown New Glarus Free admission to all weekend activities

Live Bavarian, Polka, Rock & Blues Music Great food, street vendors, plus New Glarus award-winning restaurants Beer tent serving five New Glarus Brewery beers on tap Horse-drawn wagon rides • Chainsaw carving The Big Cheese Fondue Pot, sample Switzerland’s national dish! Antique tractor pulling :

Plenty of New Glarus Gemutlichkeit For more information, visit www.swisstown.com or call our Chamber office at 800.527.6838

Visit our hill-top brewery... and try one of our six award-winning beers: Spotted Cow • Fat Squirrel • Raspberry Tart Stone Soup • Two Women • Wisconsin Belgian Red We also offer a variety of seasonals to complement holidays & a selection of surprises to keep it interesting!

Daily Tasting Tours: 10 am - 4 pm Tasting Room Samples...$3.50, includes three 3 oz. samples of our World Class Beer & a commemorative tasting glass

Gift Shop: 10 am - 4 pm 2400 Hwy 69, New Glarus WI 608.527.5850 • www.newglarusbrewing.com

Sponsored by New Glarus Brewing Co.

relax technique of the American Bald Eagle. Do not miss a visit to the Nelson Unit of the Bellevue State Park located just south of town on Highway 52. The Nelson Unit offers The Bellevue State Park is home to the state’s largest butterfly garden. It is a must see for the whole family.

spectacular scenic overlooks, picnic sites and houses the state’s largest butterfly garden. You will not believe this one! Numerous antique and craft shops, as well as restaurants and unique lodging sites, dot the town and join with the recreational facilities to offer something for each and every member of the family. It will be easy for you to just stay in Bellevue. I have to recommend a whole weekend to even begin to experience all that is Bellevue. Continue north on Hwy 52, 10 miles to: THE HISTORIC LUXEMBOURG VILLAGE – ST. DONATUS, IOWA The first settlers of the historic St. Donatus village were from Luxembourg. They had left their homeland

There are nearly 300 cities along the Mississippi River, yet only one, Bellevue, means “beautiful view.”

Treat yourself to

to build homes and raise families in the heritage of their European culture. Peter Gehlen came to St. Donatus from Olm, Luxembourg over 150 years ago. He is considered to be the areas first settler. The inn he built from the native limestone still stands and has been restored. It serves now as a bed and breakfast. Kim Simon is the innkeeper at the Gehlen House Inn. She operates an antique and gift shop at the Inn and she has set up a small museum of early St. Donatus memorabilia. The Gehlen Barn stands

PIT STOP!!! Savanna - numerous facilities at the Mississippi Palisades State Park

Bellevue - Roadside rest areas, Bellevue State Park, Lock and Dam no.12 St Donatus Village - Kalmes Restaurant and Olde Tavern Crystal Lake Cave

Freeport Stop in for a

A Freeport favorite since 1929

tradition... Union Dairy Burgers

• Potato Chips Regular, BBQ or Salt & Vinegar

and a cool

ice cream treat!!!

• Pretzels • Gourmet Popcorn

Try an Ice Cream Cake or Ice Cream Sandwich!

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

Now serving Chicken Strips, Pork Tenderloin Sandiches, & Chocolate Cake Shakes!

126 E. Douglas St., Freeport, IL 815-232-7099 www.theuniondairy.com “A Freeport Tradition”

Open Daily 11 am-9 pm No Grill Sundays • Grill closes at 8 pm

relax directly behind the Gehlen House Inn. When it was first built, the native limestone barn housed livestock on the first floor and grain and feed were stored in the lofts. The Gehlens lived on the second and third floors. The barn is being restored for tours. Another fine example of mid-19th century Luxembourg architecture is the rectory at St. Donatus Church. It was built in 1857 to serve as a combination church, rectory and school; it too is built with native limestone and covered with stucco. In Luxembourg, homes and buildings were stucco as a sign of affluence and to seal the mortar between the stones and protect the building from the effects of the weather. At St. Donatus, the stucco has been retained for historical rather than aesthetic reasons. There are 18 original stone structures still standing in the town today including the blacksmith shop, the old smoke house and Tetes Des Morts, a high school for boys built in 1875. Many of the other original homes have been sided or otherwise altered. At both the north and south ends of town there are spectacular churches. The red brick church building with the towers touching the sky is St John’s Lutheran and the limestone church covered with stucco is St. Donatus Catholic Church. High atop the hills surrounding the town, immediately above St. Donatus Church is the Pieta Chapel. The Pieta Chapel was built in 1885 and was modeled after the Chapel de Bilchen at Viaden, Luxembourg. The parish also houses The Outdoor Way of the Cross. Built in 1861 by Father Michael Flammang, The Way of the Cross consists of 14 brick alcoves each containing an original Parisian lithograph depicting Christ’s agonizing journey to his crucifixion. This year’s Good Friday service on the hill among the Way of the Cross alcoves drew nearly 5000 visitors to the tiny historic village. The village of St. Donatus hosts several events annually, and in June the tiny hamlet will

to be a crystal chandelier that fills the entire ceiling and reaches almost to the floor. The formation in the Chandelier Room is still actively growing. There is also the Pipe Organ. This formation was made by water running down the walls of the cave and it resembles a gigantic pipe organ in an old cathedral. Several other rooms featuring formations that have been enhanced by lighting plus a visit to the underground lake round out the balance of the 3/4 mile, 45 minute guided tour. There is an admission fee hold Luxembourg in America of Dubuque, Iowa. and a light wrap or sweater is Day. A buffet of traditional Their main means of support necessary. foods will be served at the is the production and sale of Outside the cave, amenities Kalmes Restaurant and Olde Trappistine Creamy Caramels. include restrooms, picnic Tavern and a full schedule of As Cistercians, they follow the grounds, shade trees, a snack activities is planned for the day. Rule of St Benedict, written in The entire village is on the the sixth century. There is much bar and a gift shop with souvenirs. Crystal Lake Cave is National Register of Historic to visit here and the lifestyle open in May on weekends and Places. The people of St. practiced at the Abbey is most daily from Memorial Day until Donatus are proud of their interesting and unique, but it Labor Day. heritage and welcome all visitors is a cloistered order and you to their Little Luxembourg in should call ahead for proper America. visiting hours and decorum. At Now, head north to visit Dubuque or Galena or just stay the very least, visit them on the on Hwy 20 and return home to Hwy 52 north approximately web and if you agree with me Freeport. t 5 miles, watch for the sign for: that Bellevue is a beautiful, but well kept secret, try this one; the Trail is a feature designed to OUR LADY OF THE indulge in the chocolate covered On get you out of the house and take you MISSISSIPPI ABBEY caramels, but whisper about the down the road to some of the most Ten years ago, at Christmas Irish Mints. beautiful and interesting spots in the Midwest. It will always reflect curiosity I chanced upon a National The Abbey store will and wonder as well as the author’s love Public Radio story that told of a re-open in September. of the upper Midwest. Look for this Cistercian nun who had finished www.monasterycandy.com is feature in the Trail magazine and take a her days work and gone to bed available year round for your whole trip or any part of one. Just have worrying about the financial convenience. fun. Feel free to spin off the beaten or security of the convent’s prescribed path and discover a world of your own. If you have ideas for On the new commercial enterprise; Continue on Hwy 52 north Trail excursions please contact us at The hand-dipped candies. Early about 3 miles to our next Journal-Standard offices in Freeport. the next morning she awoke destination, Crystal Lake Cave. You never know where we will go next. and went to the candy shop to find literally hundreds of CRYSTAL LAKE CAVE orders waiting to be filled. In 1868, miners in search It seems that on the previous of lead drilled forty feet into WHY DON’T YOU day, MSN had declared the ground and instead of JUST PULL OVER www.monasterycandy.com to finding rich lead deposits they be one of the ten best sites on discovered a beautiful natural AND ASK? the web for Christmas shopping. cave. The rooms and passages Stockton, IL – Stockton On the Trail will not drive of the cave contain not only Shell Station up the Great River Road in thousands of stalactites, Iowa without stopping at the stalagmites and anthodites Mt. Carroll - Mobil station Mississippi Abbey and its candy (rare cave flowers) but also Mississippi Palisades shop. an underground crystal clear ranger station or any of Our Lady of the Mississippi lake. Apparently the lake was a dozen service sites in Abbey is a cloistered, monastic formed through seepage and it Savanna, IL community of about 30 maintains a constant level of the Bellevue - Visitor Center Trappistine nuns of the Order purest water. across from Lock & Dam of Cistercians of the Strict There are a number of or State Park ranger station Observance. The Abbey is outstanding attractions situated on a farm on a high inside the cave including the St Donatus - Kalmes bluff overlooking the Mississippi Chandelier Room in which a Restaurant and Olde Tavern River, about seven miles south cluster of stalactites appears There are 18 original stone structures still standing in St. Donatus today, and the entire village is on the National Register of Historic Places.

www.journalstandard.com

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Illinois’ Oldest Hotel Still Bustling Desoto House Hosted Lincoln, Twain By Kim Sigafus

he doors of the DeSoto House Hotel in Galena, Illinois, have seen a lot of visitors walk through them in its 157 year history. Walking into the lobby is like stepping back into a time of horsedrawn buggies and ladies wearing fancy hats; a

The Toy Train Barn “Visit A World In Miniature”

Come on out and see the ever changing layouts and displays! Operating Model Train Layouts of All Scales Be sure to ask for Jan’s free “I Spy” game card and hunt for scenes and details throughout the layouts W9141 Hwy 81, Argyle WI • 608-966-1464 Open year round 10 am-5 pm • Adults $5, Children Under 10 $3 Call ahead to inquire about availability of train rides

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PHOTO BY KIM SIGAFUS

The DeSoto House Hotel in Galena is the oldest running hotel in the state of Illinois. When built, it was an impressive five stories. Later, two stories were removed during a renovation.

time when it was frowned upon for a woman to show her ankles, and where women didn’t come in through front door. They entered through a side door and immediately went into the ladies parlor rooms. The oldest operating hotel in the state of Illinois, it was named for Hernando DeSoto. He is believed to be the European discoverer of the Mississippi River. The hotel has seen more than one owner, and has been updated throughout the years, keeping to its grand dame status among hotels. One major change has been enclosing the open courtyard in the middle of the hotel. It’s now an atrium where breakfast is served to hotel and public guests and a place for special events. Notable guests The one thing that has remained constant is the grand staircase that cascades down

from the second floor to the lobby. It’s this staircase that guests like presidential hopeful Stephen Douglas descended on his way to the now-famous Freeport, Illinois, debate with Abraham Lincoln in 1858. Lincoln also stayed at the hotel. On July 23, 1856, he spoke from the balcony in support of presidential Republican candidate John Fremont. The hotel also served as Ulysses S. Grant’s presidential campaign headquarters. “President Grant stayed at the hotel two years before his death,” said hotel desk clerk and Galena historian Scott Wolf. Mark Twain was also among notable guests of the hotel, as was William Jennings Bryan. More recently, Kevin Costner and Burt Lancaster stayed at the hotel in the late 1980s, during the filming of “Field of Dreams.” Scenes for the movie were filmed in Galena. t

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t is hard to describe biting into an apple picked fresh off the tree. It is an assault on the senses from the snap of the apple to the feeling of juice running down your chin to, of course, the fresh, sweet taste. In this section of the Trail, we look at destinations that will leave you full and satisfied. Take a chocolate tour across the Trail, sampling from the finest sweet shops around. Then stop for some ice cream or bring home a jar of gourmet jalapeno pickles. Wash it all down with locally made, nationally recognized wines. Or if beer is your thing, Wisconsin’s Thirsty Troll Brew Fest will have the pint that fits your palette. These destinations are easy to find, just follow your nose. Traveling the Trail, there is no doubt that you will find something to savor.

By Janice Myelle

all is here, the leaves are changing from green to reds, oranges and yellows. Farmers are busy with the harvest. And area apple orchards are open seven days a week offering families homegrown apples and more. EDWARDS ORCHARD Edwards Orchard West, 8218 Cemetery Road, Winnebago, Illinois, is celebrating its 22nd year in business. “It’s a working farm,” owner Mike Edwards said. “We have the apple orchard; we have a playground in back of the barn and a petting farm. We have a couple of corn cribs that have a wood troth with loose shell corn and sand toys that they can play in. We have a farm tractor display that kids and parents can sit on.” Edwards said that they built a little schoolhouse complete with desks for families to enjoy. They have an old dairy/hog barn that houses apples, cider, craft items,

jams and jellies, Wisconsin cheese and more. “We have a doughnut kitchen where we make apple cider doughnuts,” Edwards said. “You get them warm for the most part. We’re making them throughout the day.” Edwards said they grow 18 varieties of apples. There is a small charge for the weekend pony rides. Folks can enjoy a hayride through the orchard. When the season has ended for the pick-an-apple, families can still pick-a-pumpkin. Edwards Apple Orchard is opened from 9 to 6 p.m., Monday-Sunday through November. They are located in Winnebago, Ill. Just follow US 20 East to Winnebago Corners and turn left at the stop light. Continue north on Winnebago Road until the road Ts. Follow it to the right (IL 70) for about one block. Turn left on Cemetery Road. There is a sign at the turn. For more information call (815) 963-2261 or

savor

Easy Pickin’s:

Orchards In Full Swing www.edwardsappleorchard. com. They are also on Facebook.

CURRAN’S ORCHARD Curran’s Orchard, 6385 Kilburn Avenue in Rockford, Ill. is open from 9-6 p.m., MondaySunday into December. “We have fresh baked apple pies, apple doughnuts with little pieces of apples in the doughnut mix, award-winning cider, honey from the orchard, jams, jellies, salsas, pure maple syrup from my second cousin in northern Michigan, sandwiches, nachos, barbecues and hotdogs. On the weekends we grill beer-batter brats and burgers,” Owner Pat Curran said. Curran said they also have an animal corral and a children’s maze made out of straw. It is only two bales high. They have large climbing bales for bigger children and a corn tunnel. “Basically, it’s a 20-foot teepee made out of corn and tunnels,” Curran explained. There are also complimentary hay wagon rides on the weekends along with

face-painting. “We have an apple sling-shot where you fling apples at a target with this big launcher,” Curran said. “If you hit the target, you get a couple more apples. If you hit the bulls-eye, you get a dozen doughnuts free. It’s one dollar for three apples.” Curran’s Orchard also has pick-your-own apples, pumpkins and raspberries. There is a charge for the things you pick. Curran is planning on having gourmet caramel apples that typically weigh about one pound. They are located in Rockford. Just follow US 20 east to Business US 20 and turn left on Meridian Road. Travel about three miles to IL 70, (it is the first stop sign you come to), and turn right for about a half mile. For more information call (815) 963-7848 or www.curransorchard.com. Their Facebook page is updated daily. t

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relax

Indulge Your Love of

Chocolate

their money on very high quality chocolate, but you don’t have to t’s a well established fact that go to Switzerland to get good most people love chocolate. chocolate. According to the Aphrodite Located in Northwest Illinois Artisan Chocolatier website, the and Southern Wisconsin, there average U.S. citizen eats over 12 are some fine chocolatiers pounds of chocolate products handcrafting confections high annually, but the British and in cocoa solids with deliciously Swiss top the league, with the different fillings. Here are five Swiss consuming a staggering places that are sure to satisfy: 22 pounds per person per Chocolat By Daniel in Rockford, year. The bulk of the money Illinois, Chocolate Temptation spent by the average Briton in Monroe, Wisconsin, Maple and American is spent on mass Leaf Cheese and Chocolate produced low chocolate, high Haus in New Glarus, Wisconsin, fat, high sugar products. The Chocolat’ in Galena, Illinois and Swiss, on the other hand, spend Candinas Chocolatier in Verona,

By Jae Hezlep

Wisconsin. If you can’t stop by in person, know that all take orders for delivery right to your doorstep.

chocolate. They contain no wax, preservatives, artificial flavors, corn syrup, or added sugar. Daniel Nelson, a certified graduate of the prestigious Ecole Chocolat Professional School of Chocolate Arts in Vancouver, British Columbia and Valrhona’s famous L’Ecole Du Grand Chocolat in France, started his business in Rockford five years ago and has since developed almost 500 different recipes. When asked whether he preferred light or dark

CHOCOLAT BY DANIEL is handcrafted for the pure pleasure of indulging in the world’s finest chocolate. All the company’s Europeanstyle truffles, gourmet chocolates, specialty chocolates and desserts are made fresh to order PHOTOS PROVIDED from the highest quality All of the European-style truffles, gourmet raw Belgian, French, chocolates, and specialty chocolates at Chocolat by Daniel in Rockford are made by Swiss, and Venezuelan hand from the world’s finest ingredients.

Fine Chocolates, Desserts, and Gourmet Coffees

Chocolate and Espresso Bar

Specializing in exquisite handmade artisan chocolates 1004 17th Avenue, Monroe WI • 608.328.2462 Tuesday-Friday 8:30-5:30 • Saturday 8:30-4:30 Closed Mondays & Sundays

savor customers will find 12 coffee drinks, blender drinks, to 14 different varieties chocolate drinks, lemonade, at any given time, teas, and sodas. A wide some dark chocolate, selection of ice cream flavors some milk chocolate, and specialty sundaes are a few white chocolate. among other menu choices. Two of the new filling For more information, call flavors Gretchen (608) 328-2462. has developed are Lavender Vanilla and MAPLE LEAF CHEESE AND Hot Cha Cha, a flavor CHOCOLATE HAUS, owned spiced with cayenne by Barbara High Kummerfeldt pepper. When asked and Steve Wisdom, is the home what her personal of Schocoladen Confections. favorite truffle is, Since they purchased the business in 2001, the sweets These ultimate truffles are a hallmark of Gretchen said, “It Chocolate Temptation in Monroe where depends on the have become Steve’s specialty. customers will find 12 to 14 different varieties day” and mentioned Well, actually, it’s the fudge. In at any given time. peanut butter in milk his role as fudge master, Steve chocolate and dark has refined the process, created chocolate, Daniel said, “It’s like chocolate covered by dark new recipes, and developed saying you prefer your water chocolate as two of her favorites. several new fudge flavors. In wet,” as if there was a choice There are also sugar free fact, he was the first to make other than dark. chocolates as well as chocolate a dark chocolate fudge, a Chocolat by Daniel also honors cremes, nuts, caramels, and confection that is very chocolaty, special requests, including gertles, which are bite-sized creamy, and smooth without putting a ring inside a chocolate turtles. Chocolate covered being bitter. His method is also clamshell for a gentleman’s cherries and chocolate caramel different. Steve’s fudge is 65 proposal. Teas, by reservation apples are often available percent chocolate and is poured with two weeks’ notice, are also along with chocolate covered into lined pans, rather than onto available. strawberries, in season. a marble slab. Chocolat By Daniel is located One of the special services Steve produces 200 to 300 at 211 East State Street in Chocolate Temptation offers is pounds of fudge a week during Rockford, Illinois. The store is Chocolate Enrobed Champagne the summer and fall seasons. open Monday – Thursday from Bottles, or any beverage bottle He uses a secret recipe and says noon to 8 p.m. and on Friday for that matter. Customers that the timing of when the and Saturday from noon to 10 provide the bottle of liquid, fudge is ready to be poured is p.m. For more information call which they wrap with food critical. Fudge is also sensitive (815) 969-7990 or visit grade cellophane, dip in either to temperature and humidity. www.chocolatbydaniel.com. dark or milk chocolate and then There are some 40 flavors in add a protective wrap. his repertoire including four CHOCOLATE TEMPTATION Located at 1004 17th Avenue sugar-free selections. is a family business begun in Generally, there are 25 on the Courthouse Square in 1995 by Scott Buol, a former Downtown Monroe, Wisconsin, varieties to choose from at cheese maker, and his wife any one time in season and Chocolate Temptation is open Robbyn which they operate with each month Steve creates a Tuesday though Friday from their daughters Gretchen and special flavor. New this year is 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Amy. Specializing in exquisite, Lavender Chocolate fudge. The on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. handmade artisan chocolates, store’s biggest seller, and Steve’s to 4:30 p.m. They also serve desserts and gourmet coffees, signature fudge the Buols make fine chocolates is dark chocolate. for people who want the very Some other best. Gretchen, a chocolatier, popular fudge started her confection career as offerings range a teen, working summers in a from Cassisnoir fudge shop in Wisconsin Dells. (black currant), After about two years, she was fresh crushed diagnosed with diabetes and strawberry, and took a job as a Duck driver in Irish cream to the resort area. After attending bubble gum, college in Madison, she joined creamy tea, the family business. One of her jalapeno and first memories of chocolate is cayenne. There’s at her Grandmother’s where even a caramel she would find small pieces of Steve Wisdom, fudge master at Maple Leaf cashew version of chocolate throughout the house. Cheese and Chocolate Haus in New Glarus, has some 40 flavors in his recipe repertoire including turtle fudge. Ultimate truffles are a When asked four sugar-free selections. hallmark of the shop where

what was the most interesting special request, Steve told about bacon, beer and cheese fudge and the Belgium Red (cherry ale), bacon chocolate fudge he made for a community Polka Fest. “The fudges were good, but time consuming to make,” said Steve. In addition to homemade fudge, the gourmet shop sells imported goodies from 11 countries including bulk candies, fifteen different ice cream flavors, and some 100 cheeses, 98 percent of which are produced by Master Cheese makers from Green County. Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus is located at 554 First Street in New Glarus, Wisconsin. For more information, call (608) 527-2000 or toll free at 888- 624-1234 or visit www.mapleleafcheeseand chocolatehaus.com. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except during January, February, March, and April when the shop is closed. CHOCOLAT’, a boutique of artisan chocolates from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Venezuela, and the United States with some confections made right on the premises, is another tempting stop on this tour. Owned by long-time Galena merchant Bonnie Bellendier and managed by Lisa Steinle, Chocolat’ evokes the deco style befitting European ambience. Over 225 flavors of chocolates are featured, each worthy of the gallery presentation as works of art. Flavors range from black currant, chili, and coconut haystack to tiramisu, orange caramel, burning passion, pomegranate, and chocolate mousse. Spirits are also represented as fillings in the chocolates: Grand Marnier, Cognac, and Baileys; as are wines including Port, Cabernet, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Champagne. There are Belgian sugar free and vegan chocolates, too. When Lisa was asked about her first memory of chocolate she said she remembered the bags of small, assorted Hershey bars her mom used to buy.

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savor the ring in chocolate, told her his love liked birds, and he’d be back in about an hour. True to his word, he returned with his intended to a store filled with other customers. He got down on one knee – everything stopped—and he proposed and gave her the confectionery gift -- Lisa had hidden the ring in a wire bird’s nest filled with shredded paper and chocolate robin’s eggs. She accepted his proposal and presumably they’re living happily ever after. Chocolat’, located at 229 South Main in downtown Galena, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to chocolate candies, there are strawberries hand-dipped in Swiss chocolate in season. Also The flavors from Chocolat’ in Galena are so featured are 100 decadent they are called “The eighth deadly sin.” percent Kona and

She also commented that the ones she and her family really liked were the darks. She still personally favors dark chocolate, particularly sea salt caramels, after midnight, and whiskey truffles. And what about special requests? Once someone asked for chocolate covered bacon, but according to Lisa, the most memorable special request was when a man about 30 years old rushed into the store with a ring in hand, asked Lisa to hide

The Stephenson County Antique Engine Club, Inc. 1/2 Mile South of the Stephenson County Fairgrounds WALNUT & LAMM ROADS • FREEPORT, ILLINOIS

OCT 6 & 7:

Homemade Soups

RIDE THE

OCT 20 & 21

TRAIN OF TERROR!

NOV. 3:

October 6, 13, 20

Chili, Sauerkraut & Brats

Fall Pancake Supper and Bake Sale

DEC. 7 & 8:

Cookie and Holiday Treat Sale

SATURDAY NIGHTS...

TRAIN OF TERROR RUNS 6:00 PM TO 9:00 PM

ALL 3 NIGHTS

Cost for $8.00 per ride for all riders!

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 $3.00 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, cab rides are $15.00 per person per ride

trail fall2012

the

distinctive. All are in the same shape, a squircle which is a square/circle. Packaging is also untypical. A Mod-style, circa 50s and 60s, wrapping that features recycled materials was introduced in 2004. Varieties vary daily and there CANDINAS CHOCOLATIER are normally between 11 and 15 varieties available at any is the last, but by no means least, stop on the chocolate trail. one time. Some chocolates are This small company is dedicated laced with spirits while others are blended with caramel, fruit to making the finest chocolate purees, or nuts. Others are anywhere. To founder and infused with herbs, spices or just chocolatier Markus Candinas, this means creating the freshest a plain milk or dark chocolate filling. Ginger is a new flavor confections; composing a harmonious blend of rich flavors and Markus has also developed an Elder Flower chocolate and smooth textures for a taste with a subtle orangey flavor. that defies description. Some other popular choices are Markus grew up in Madison, caramel and raspberry truffles, Wisconsin, and remembers along with hazelnut pralines. going to Switzerland with “Although most of our his parents to visit relatives customers prefer the when he was five or six years assortments, we can do old. There he tried many new customizations,” Markus said. foods and even at such a young When asked what one of the age, Markus recognized the differences in European cuisine. most interesting special requests have been, he indicated that As he grew older, he developed a customer once asked about an appreciation for all artisan customizing a white chocolate foods – cheeses, wines, and truffle with an initial in blue to chocolate. match wedding colors. Markus learned his trade as Candinas Chocolatier’s a chocolatier in a three-year factory and retail store is apprenticeship program in located at 2435 Old PB in Switzerland. This intensive, Verona, Wisconsin. Hours are confectionery education served Monday-Saturday from 9:30 as a springboard and enabled a.m. – 5:00 p.m. There is also him to work next to the best in a retail boutique located at 11 his field, and eventually lead one of the finest confectioneries West Main Street in Madison, Wisconsin, which is open in Europe. After living in Monday-Friday from 10:30 a.m. Switzerland for six years, he until 5:30 p.m. and on returned to Wisconsin and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. opened his own business in or more information, visit Verona in 1994. www.candinas.com or call Candinas Chocolatier has (608) 845-1545. t shown its dedication towards the finest confections by using the finest ingredients, domestic and imported. This means they have no preservatives, which means they must be eaten right away, but that has not proven to be a problem. Because of this, Candinas Chocolate is only available at the Verona location and at their retail boutique in The configuration of the chocolates by Madison. Candinas Chocolatier are all the same The configuration of distinctive shape called a squircle. Candinas their chocolates is also Chocolatier is located in Verona and Madison. flavored Columbian Coffees, hot chocolate, and ice cream creations including malts. For more information, visit www.letusemptyou withchocolat.com or call (815) 776-7777.

Positively

Pickle in a

By Dave Manley

few years ago, Bill “Gramp’s” Brickner was selling pickles at a farmers market in Bloomington when a couple came up, made a purchase, and then drove off in their car. “Twenty minutes later, they pulled back up, and she jumped out and says, ‘I need another jar of these, we already ate them all,’” Bill said with a laugh. Bill and his wife, Janet, have a lot of these stories about their pickles. What started as a hobby in 2005, has become Gramp’s Gourmet Foods, a successful business that has grown — quite literally — by word of mouth. Another time, at a Woodstock farmers market, a man kept eating samples. His family couldn’t pull him away, he said it reminded him of pickles that he would get long ago when he was a Chicago police officer. Janet said that his daughter just called the other day to place an order to surprise him for his birthday. “It’s so much fun,” Bill said. “We do the shows and people taste the pickles, and it is always enjoyable.” Just a Hobby “This never started out to be a business, this was just a hobby,” Janet said. Bill has always loved to cook, so much so that Janet said he should have probably been a chef. And he started to make pickles in the couple’s kitchen, which he then gave to family, friends, and his clients (he was selling insurance at the time). “He enjoys cooking and used to just make (pickles) to give to his clients,” Janet said. “Soon, more clients would ask him for different flavors.” Everyone, who had tasted them, started asking for more. Bill’s children encouraged him

to sell his pickles at a farmers market. That was in 2005. One successful farmers market led to another and another. “And the business started to grow,” said their daughter, Bette Brickner Trimble, who serves as the COO of the business. “At the time, we kept laughing about (the success). It just seemed unreal.” The advantage of the farmers markets, Trimble said, was that they could give people samples of their pickles. “Once people taste it, they realize that it is something special,” Trimble said. Pickles Everywhere Quickly, the business grew too big for the kitchen, the couple even burned out their electric stove from overuse. Bill and Janet decided to build a small, certified kitchen in their utility room. The Brickners, Trimble, and their son-in-law, Larry Werner, would take shifts canning and cutting pickles. Trimble added that she noticed the growth of the business mostly “during those weeks that I had to get up here at 3 a.m. to start canning.” And it was taking over their home, too. “The whole house had become a pickle factory,” Janet laughed. They incorporated in 2007, becoming Gramp’s Gourmet Foods, Inc. “It was like having a tiger by the tail,” Janet said. “You can’t do anything — you’re scared to hang on, but you don’t want to let go.” With the help of friends, family, and contacts they had made over the years, the Brickners started selling at more and more farmers markets and craft shows — from Chicago to Iowa. Last year, they decided to expand and built a new building behind the school in Scales Mound. It’s a little strange to all of them how much the business

savor has grown. Trimble said that a neighbor told her that she missed seeing the light on in the basement when they were making pickles late into the night at the house. “When I sit down in the morning and look into that little room, I can’t believe how far we’ve come,” Bill said.

both natives of Scales Mound. They have been married for 56 years, have four children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. “We love the town,” Bill said. “For what we do, the business just fits here. There was never any question of going anywhere else.”

True to Their Roots Trimble said that while they have grown to meet the demand, the product has stayed the same. They hand-cut each pickle, which Trimble said is all about quality control — some are great to cut for spears, others for chips, and some just don’t make the “cut.” They now employ eight part-time workers. “We are careful to stay true to the fact that it is all handmade,” Trimble said. Janet added: “Our attitude has been to use people not machinery.” That “attitude” is not just about their product, but also their town. Bill and Janet are

A Variety of Flavors The “original” sweet pickles are still their best seller, but they have expanded to make six types of sweet pickles, six types of sour pickles, six types of beets, and “Apple Pie in a Jar” — a drink that was passed on to Bill from a friend in Warren. The couple also sells Martha’s Hot Mustard, and they are working on other products, too. “There’s so many things that (my dad) still wants to do,” Trimble said.

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Looking to the Future Bill and Janet both say that the success of the business is due to the hard work of their

daughter. “We couldn’t have done any of this without her,” Janet said of Trimble. “She is the future of the business.” They continue to sell at farmers markets and craft PHOTO BY THE JOURNAL-STANDARD Bill and Janet Brickner stand inside of their Scales shows throughout Mound pickle business, Gramp’s Gourmet Foods. the region, To find out more, or to and are in a few area stores in order products, see their Freeport, Galena, Stockton, and website at www.grampsgourmet Dubuque, Iowa. And Trimble foods.com, or give them a said they are looking to expand call at (800) 277-3135. to get their products in more “It is always a learning stores, as well as starting to experience, but even on a bad organize “pickle” fundraisers day, this is fun,” Janet said. t with local organizations and schools.

savor

Take Part in Galena’s Nouveau Wine Weekend By Janice Myelle

he Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery opened for business 25 years ago. They were looking for a way to involve the community and introduce their wine to the area. The family-owned business decided to take a horse-drawn wagon full of people down Galena’s Main Street and hand out bottles of wine. The event was based on a French Nouveau tradition. Galena Cellars General Manager, Karan Lawlor says that her sister-in-law and wine maker Chris LawlorWhite wanted to follow that French tradition when the first Nouveau celebration took place in November, 1985. One wagon pulled by a team of horses took Nouveau celebrates down Main Street in Galena. “They harvest the grapes. They crush them and then they ferment them and make the wine really, really quickly,” Lawlor, explained. “It’s basically supposed to be a barometer of that year’s harvest of grapes.” She described the wine as being a young and fruity red wine. “It got the community involve involved with the winery,” Lawlor said of that first event. “We ended up making posters and handing out wine. All of the Main Street businesses got a bottle of wine.” The poster and bottle label are new every year. “One of Chris’ friends was a French gentleman,” Lawlor says of the first designer. “He decided he would like do the art work for the label and poster. He did it for 10 years.” The event has grown. Last year there were three wagons and a trolley. This year’s wagon trip down Main Street is on Friday, November 16. The

wagons will leave the winery parking lot sometime between 2-2:30 p.m. There is usually music and singing along with the tradition of passing out bottles of wine. There is no cost to ride. After the parade there will be wine, cheese and music at different restaurants throughout Galena. The Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery is also serving a luncheon of peasant stew in a bread bowl on Saturday along with the Nouveau PHOTO BY THE JOURNAL-STANDARD wine. Lawlor said other area Ashley Williams of Galena Cellars pours a glass of wine in the store’s wine tasting room. restaurants are also serving luncheons. enjoy a relaxing visit to the on peasant stew and a wagon The Galena Cellars Winery Galena Cellars vineyard. Plan ride to complete your visit. t is located at 515 Main Street, Galena. They offer a retail shop For All Your Floral Decorating & Gift Giving... See Merlin! and a wine tasting room. Lawlor says they grow grapes at the vineyard located at 4746 North Ford Road, Galena. The University of Illinois also has an experimental vineyard to develop grape varieties that will grow in the Midwest. They offer vineyard tours along with a wine tasting room. Vineyard lodging is available by calling (800) 397-WINE. She says the view is beautiful. SEPTEMBER 7th & 8th Lawlor encourages people to check out other events at www.galenacellars.com. They started a murder mystery dinner theater, spa days with Studio One Spa and Salon, paint and pour with local NOVEMBER 9th & 10th artist Sandra Principe and a fall festival on September 29 and 30 all at the vineyard. Ten years ago they opened a store at 477 South Third Street, Dodson Place, Geneva, Illinois. The “Geneva Festival Apply of the Vine” is September clusions Apply - 12/31S /1o2me Ex t Both Stores s n o si u 7-9. There is food and wine s cl e Good a ires 12/31/12 Some Ex s • Offer Expir p re tasting, flower markets, Offer Ex Both Sto s t a r e d o o w G o l F antique carriage rides, family 300 Mix Street use & Greenho games, live entertainment, and Oregon, IL 61061 an arts and crafts show. (815) 732-2969 • (888) 616-8340 Plan on traveling to the rolling hills of Jo Daviess County and

Merlin’s

Greenhouse & Flowers 815.732.2969

Fall Open House

Christmas Open House

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Step back in time... visit one of the oldest taverns in New Glarus • Swiss Cow Bells • Victorinox Knives • Cuckoo Clocks • Fondue Supplies • European Jewelry • Raclette Grills • Folk Wear Soup & Sandwiches I Enjoy Our Beer Garden Featuring New Glarus Brewery Beers Folk Art Wall Murals, Painted in 1913 Original Ice Box & Back Bar 18 6th Avenue, Downtown New Glarus www.puempels.com I www.facebook.com/puempels

WEEKDAY PACKAGES: Brewery • Golf Biking

...Plus much more! Shop in our store or visit our online catalog at

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523 1st St, Anderson Mall, New Glarus WI • 608.527.2417

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801 Hwy 69, New Glarus WI 53574 • 800.944.1716 or 608.527.5234 Fax 608.527.2365 • chalet@chaletlandhaus.com • www.chaletlandhaus.com

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 hotel@newglarushotel.com

Bus & Group To urs Always Welcome !

New

Department 56 items have arrived!!!

New Glarus’ Finest Cheese and Chocolate Shop Finest 100 Cheese Specialties from Green County & Around the World Fine Wines & Sausages • Old Fashioned Bulk Candy Unique Flavors of Homemade Fudge • Homemade Waffle Cones

Home of Schocoladen Confections 554 First Street, New Glarus, Wisconsin • 608.527.2000 Toll Free 1.888.624.1234 • Open Daily 10 am-5 pm

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Open Daily 10 am - 5 pm 600 1 St, New Glarus WI • 608.527.5106 st

Sportsman’s Bar & Grill Families Welcome! Extensive Menu Daily Specials Carry-Outs Home-baked Bread

You’ll love our Holiday, Autumn, and Apfelmost wines! www.newglarusprimrosewinery.com

• Wine Sampling - Take home your favorite! • Ask about our customized wine labels • Stop in and enjoy wine by the glass • Taste our “Chocolate Cherry” • Buses & groups welcome 500 First Stret New Glarus WI 53574 608.527.5059 primrosewinery@charter.net Will UPS All Wines Master Card & Visa Accepted

Deininger’s Restaurant & Bistro Bar

Homemade Pizza

over 1 lb cheese on a 14” pizza

7 oz Ground Chuck Burgers 7 New Glarus beers on tap Always a home-baked cookie for dessert with pizza, baskets & sandwiches Grill open daily until 1 am Friday & Saturday until 1:30 am Custom pool cues for sale - over 300 on hand!

506 First Street, New Glarus, Wisconsin 888.814.6275 • 608.527.2225

Harvest Fest Swiss Historical Village

Sunday, October 7 • 10 am-4 pm Come and enjoy:

• Old-time craft demonstrations • Cheesemaking in our 1890s era cheese factory • Sausage maker in our sausage shop • Special foods

Traditional European Country Style Cuisine ~ A warm & inviting atmosphere

119 Fifth Ave, New Glarus WI • www.deiningers.net • 608.527.2012

Serving Dinner Thursday through Sunday beginning at 4:30 pm Sunday Brunch/Lunch 11:30 am-2:00 pm

• Stroll the grounds and buildings at your leisure & chat with our guides about the unique history of New Glarus

Swiss Historical Village • 612 7th Ave, New Glarus WI 608.527.2317 • www.swisshistoricalvillage.org

Treat Yourself...

for Lunch, Dinner or Dessert! Full Menu Available

1405 Hwy 69, New Glarus WI 608.527.5690 • www.culvers.com Open Daily 10:30 am - 10:00 pm

BUY 1 GET 1

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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 12/31/12. Store NG 042

Free-spirited and affordable Barns by Billy Schimdt

Promoting American Made Fashions and Gifts

Ladies Fashions & Accessories

Michael Nowak Pottery

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Sugar River Shoppe Closed Tuesdays - call for hours

108 5 Avenue, New Glarus Wisconsin • 608.527.4290 • www.sugarrivergallery.com th

savor

Otto’s Place Café & Lounge By Mike Cowan

tto Sallman intended to open a restaurant on Bouthillier Street across the street from the Train Depot in Galena. It may have taken nearly 112 years for the restaurant to open, but today you can dine in style at Otto’s Place Café and Lounge. Owners John Slimp and Dan Wentz had been living part-time in Galena for a number of years when they learned that the original two-story brick building in the heart of a quiet neighborhood was up for sale. They decided to become permanent residents

of Galena and take the plunge as entrepreneurs in their newly remodeled restaurant which took four months to complete. John enjoys relating a bit of historical research for his guests at Otto’s Place. “Otto Sallman’s intent was to have a restaurant here. An article we found from the Galena Daily Gazette dated October 20, 1899, headlined, ‘Otto Sallman’s Restaurant Handsomely Equipped.’ The article went on to state that ‘the lower floor is divided up into a sample room, buffet, ladies’

stop in today...

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Scones, Mufﬁns & Pastries

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1709 S.West Ave. Freeport • 815 -297-9441 Mon-Fri 6:30am - 5pm, Sat 7:30am - 3pm

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• Sun 9am - 1pm

PHOTO BY MIKE COWAN

waiting room and a restaurant with a kitchen attached from which will be served lunches and meals at all hours.” Sallman, however, ran into financial difficulties which prevented him from opening the restaurant. “Upon further investigation,” John continued, “we learned that Otto lived upstairs in this building, next to the train tracks for years. Sadly, he was never able to open his much acclaimed establishment. Ironically, Otto was killed on Chicago railroad tracks in 1914.” Over the years the historic building has housed a store featuring handmade baskets, a bakery, grocery store, pizza parlor, furniture store, antique shop and even a record store. John and Dan gave much thought on how to name the new restaurant. They concluded that it would be appropriate to honor the man whose original vision was to open a restaurant for Galenians and visitors alike. Thus was born “Otto’s Place Café and Lounge.” Since becoming full time residents and opening Otto’s Place, John and Dan’s desire has been to become an active and contributing part of the Galena community. John tells his guests, “we both left our corporate jobs to do what we both love doing best. Dan’s passion as an experienced gourmet chef is cooking. My passion is meeting and talking with people. We figured we might as well put the two

together and open Otto’s Place!” Otto’s Place is a Café and Lounge focusing primarily on breakfast and lunch, but quickly becoming the “in” place for dinner. The comfortable, stylish restaurant offers food options and an atmosphere not provided by other restaurants in Galena. Dan has developed an ever changing menu focusing on healthy home cooking, organic and vegetarian options, featuring local products where and when possible. For example, Otto’s Place has collaborated with the awardwinning Roelli Cheese Haus in nearby Shullsburg, Wisconsin. Master cheesemaker, Chris Roelli, has produced a new “cheddarized” bleu cheese that affords a unique buttery, earthy taste for the amazing appetizer platter. This is an establishment where you can come for an appetizer, enjoy a relaxing meal, a piece of homemade dessert, a cup of coffee, or a good glass of wine or spirits and actually enjoy the conversation of the people you are with. Imagine that -- an actual conversation in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere! “I have heard so many comments, John said, “especially from women’s groups, that there is no place in town for them to meet where they don’t feel like they are in a ‘bar atmosphere.’ Otto’s Place is your retreat from the madness. We are happy to be the next chapter in the Book of Otto.” For more information on Otto’s Place Café and Lounge, visit www.ottosplace.com. t

savor

Trollway

Take the

Through Mount Horeb

PHOTO BY MIKE COWAN

By Pat Schneiderman

f you’re looking for something different and fun to do for a day and you wouldn’t mind tasting a couple of ‘special brews’ and get a few laughs in, and maybe even a picture with a troll, then get ready for the 10th Annual Thirsty Troll Brew Fest that will be held in Mount Horeb on September 8 at Grundahl Park. The Mount Horeb area was settled by people of English, German, Irish Norwegian, Scottish and Swiss descent, but in the late 1800s more than 75 percent of the community was Norwegian. According to Scandinavian folklore, trolls are usually smaller beings, similar in size to dwarves or elves, and dwell in mounds or near the sea and are known to have developed semi-magical powers such as prophecy and shape-shifting. Since Mount Horeb is close to Blue Mounds, it apparently seemed natural that they would be a part of

this community as well. In the mid-seventies, owners of a Scandinavian gift shop called Open House Imports started placing trolls they had imported from Norway out on their lawn to entice visitors into the shop. The little statues caught everyone’s attention and passing truckers and visitors have made it a popular attraction. According to legend, trolls have long, crooked noses, only four fingers and toes, a long bushy tail, and they live to be hundreds of years old. Most trolls seem a bit shaggy looking and may even be slightly frightening, but they are mostly good-natured and naïve – according to legend. The same legend will tell you that you may be wise to maintain a good relationship with trolls as they are known to be guarding treasures of gold or gemstones. The people of Mount Horeb believe their gemstones are the friendly people and wonderful attractions of the community. Local woodcarver, Michael Feeney, AKA the Troll Carver of Mount Horeb, has produced many ‘little fellows’ that are speckled around town such as The Chicken Thief and The Accordion Player. After

the Wisconsin DOT decided to create a bypass around the town in the 80s, concerned businessmen created a theme to “Take the Trollway Through Mount Horeb” and with the talent of Mike, fifteen life-sized whimsical trolls line Main Street for all the visitors to enjoy. Ten years ago, the local Chamber of Commerce started the Troll Brew Fest with eight brewers and about 200 people – a time for the troll folklore to be experienced and enjoyed. This year between 25 and 30 brewers will be represented and a crowd of approximately 1,500 people will attend the fun-filled event. To commemorate the 10th

music will be provided by The Pints and Jim Curley, bagpiper, will be on hand entertaining attendees. Brewers lined up for the event are coming from all over including Madison, Milwaukee, Rhinelander, New Glarus, Green Bay, Galena and Chicago, just to mention a few. There will be over 100 different beers to choose from and you’re sure to have a good time so you may want to check out some lodging for the event by contacting the Chamber of Commerce at www.trollway.com. There are free rides anywhere in Mount Horeb from 4 to 6 p.m. by contacting www.eschinsurance.com. The festivities run from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday only so get off your couch and go ham it up with the Trolls of Mount Horeb. This is truly a signature event for the town that you won’t want to miss on September 8. t PHOTOS PROVIDED

year, a special brew from the Grumpy Troll will be brewed and Jorgen the Troll - and mascot – will be on hand to have your picture taken. Live

www.journalstandard.com

savor

Apple Canyon Lake Hosts its 34th Annual

Ice Cream Social and Craft Fair PHOTO BY TONY CARTON

Tony Carton

raditionally, an ice cream social is an 18th century planned event with a primary focus of serving ice cream to guests. Socials were a summertime special event and usually hosted by a neighborhood or church and held in ice cream gardens that were common at the time. Not to be out done, Apple Canyon Lake will host its 34th annual Ice Cream Social and Craft Fair with a temporary twist.

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Due to construction of a new pool at the clubhouse complex beginning the second week of August, the Apple Canyon Lake Recreation Committee’s Ice Cream Social and Craft Fair will relocate temporarily to the Apple River Stagecoach Event Center at 446 East Hickory Street, Apple River, Illinois. Most everything else remains the same. Desserts and home-made pies are the order of the day and the kitchens available at the event center lend themselves perfectly to the task of presenting pies, cakes,

ice cream treats and more. We all know to eat dessert first, but eventually you will want to move on to a bratwurst or pulled pork or the salads and hot dish areas for fuller fare and then, because you can, a second pass at the dessert table is always a good idea. There is a huge indoor dining area that this year will be surrounded by craft booths that are packed with everything from plants to jewelry to baked goods to woodworking and more. Apple Canyon Lake Communications Director Cynthia Donth-Carton said the social is an opportunity for folks to come out from the city, visit friends and maybe take something homemade back home. “This is traditionally a huge event where we serve between 600 and 800 guests,” said Donth-Carton. “There is something for every member of the family. We know we have space for as many as 60 vendors this year and many of those spaces are already signed up and with more than a month to go before the social, this could be a record setting year.” She said in addition to lunch and the desserts, past socials have seen activities including drum circles, a petting zoo, solar observations, kite flying demonstrations and much more. “This is a volunteer staffed event and our recreation committee really goes all out to see everyone has a great day,” Donth-Carton said. “It’s a three day weekend so folks come in from all around the tri-states. It’s the end of the summer season so it’s usually a big family bash with folks just getting together to enjoy the start of

the fall season at Apple Canyon Lake.” She said that with the current rise in locally produced foods the farmer’s market vendors at the social are more popular than ever. “We are expecting several nurseries and lots of our best gardeners to bring their finest produce to the market again this year,” Donth-Carton said. “Shopping with our ‘farmers’ is a great way to throw together a salad or the freshest sliced veggies for later in the evening when the family is settling in and checking the fridge for quick ‘regret free’ snacks.” She said the social is the Recreation Committee’s largest fundraiser with past profits from the event going toward enhancements at the clubhouse, including the new flat screen television and DVD player, stove, freezer, coffee station, and more, as well as yearly, generous donations towards the fireworks fund and the future Memorial Pavilion slated for the Clubhouse Terrace. “Our Recreation Committee has chosen not to look the temporary relocation of the social as a challenge, but rather as an exciting change,” said Donth-Carton. “We have decided to look at it as not being “harder” to pull off, just “different and we can do different.” “Who knows,” she added. “Different could turn out better.” Save the date, mark your calendars, call your family and friends, and don’t miss the 34th Annual Ice Cream Social and Craft Fair at the Apple River Event Center, 446 East Hickory Street, Apple River, IL, on Sunday, September 2, 2012, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. t

• Unique clothing boutique, sandals and handbags • An eclectic selection of gifts, garden items and candles • Shop the oldest commercial structure in Shullsburg • This historic property dates back to 1842! • An irresistible offering of Annaleece Swarovski crystal jewelry

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Best Burgers and Reubens East of the Mississippi!!! Site of the 1925 Bank Robbery

Join us Saturday, September 15 for our

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Featuring Roelli’s own handcrafted artisan cheeses Dunbarton Blue, Red Rock & Gravity Hill! 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-Sat 8:00 am - 5:30 pm • Seasonal Hours on Sundays

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...a bit of yesteryear!

“Rare ﬁnds, reasonable prices.” STONEWARE, CROCKS & JUGS PRIMITIVES • GLASSWARE COLLECTIBLES • FANCYWORK VINTAGE CLOTHING & HATS RETRO 50S-60S ITEMS • PRINTS FURNITURE • QUILTS & COMFORTERS

Join us for a memorable experience ...at our 2012 events! Cheesefest • October 6, 9 am-4 pm

Cub Hollow Antiques

Free Live Stage Entertainment • Local Favorite The Wundos The Rockabilly Junction Band (formerly The Swamp Bottom Boys) David Landau for the Kids • Alice in Dairyland Cow Milking Contest • Fire Department Breakfast Cemetery Walk • Cheese Curd Eating Contest Arts & Crafts Market • Hayrides • Scarecrow Contest Rafﬂe • Libary Book Sale • Food & Refreshments

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Join your family & friends for a great day in the country & enjoy the fall colors as you travel to Shullsburg for our great event!

(608) 965-3236 Summer: Wed-Sun 11 am-4 pm Winter: Fri-Sun Only

Largest Textile Collection in the Tri-State Area!

“A Bit of Yesteryear” Christmas Thanksgiving Weekend Christmas Open House - Shops & Restaurants

Saturday, November 24 Events Holiday Tour of Homes (Pending - Please check website for details) Pasty Luncheon 11 am-1pm (Centenary UMC) Limited Edition Red Wing Pottery Salt & Pepper Shaker Set Lighted Christmas Parade 7:30 pm

Sponsored by the Shullsburg Community Development Corporation www.shullsburgwisconsin.org For more information, call 608.965.4579

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ooking for something unique, something made by hand from craftsmen and artisans? Or maybe you want to get lost searching through antiques of all kinds. Northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin are a treasure hunter’s dream destination. In Freeport, search through two huge floors inside an antique mall that was once home to a turn-of-the-century dance hall and college. Get lost in a maze of antiques and knick knacks of types. Want to know more, just ask the owner, whose family built the building 1892. Or travel the Trail further west to see glass art work made right before your eyes and browse one of the largest glass collections in world. When you reach the Mississippi, you can get lost again, this time searching through an antique mall that features items from the History Channel’s “American Pickers.” There is so much to see along the Trail, take some time to browse.

the pride the builders took in its construction. he floors creak deeply The bottom floor is home to with every step you take Luecke Jewelers and has been, in a way that is distinctly in part, since 1921. The antique impressed upon your memory. mall fills the second and third It’s the kind of sound that will floors. stay with you for years; the same When you pass the open street way that memories of summer entrance to the antique mall, a bring back the smell of fresh wall of red stairs seem to lead to cut grass. Luecke’s Antique Mall the ceiling. At the top, Charlie in Freeport, Ill. is one of those Luecke, 81, sits behind a desk, places that after you discover working. He gives a pleasant it, you want it to remain a welcome to everyone who secret. As if telling anyone enters. — increasing the foot traffic People linger in and out, — would somehow diminish disappearing down one hallway everything that you love about or another. Others want to see it. something specific in a glass Still, to hide it would be an case in one of the rooms in injustice to anyone looking to be the back. Luecke has to search proud of something in Freeport. through a mess of keys to find The Blust Building, located the right one. along East Main St., is A few men come in looking overwhelming, inside and out. for a specific chair from 1921 to The building is tall and wide. complete their antique dining The window panes are painted room set. a light blue and surrounded by The guest book lists people bright white arches that pop out from all over the world. The from the orange brick. There are last people to sign were from details everywhere, evidence of Ireland. Almost every state is By Dave Manley

trail fall2012

the

A True Relic

Antique Mall Built in 1892 Something Special listed, along with almost every town in Illinois and Wisconsin. Luecke said that about half the people who come to the antique mall are from outside the area. A young couple came up the stairs and Luecke greeted them, taking the woman’s coat and PHOTO PROVIDED hanging it up. “Have you been here before?” He asked. “No,” they replied in unison as their eyes searched all over. “Well then, you are in for a real treat,” Luecke laughed. “Just head through there and keep taking rights, you should be able to see everything that way.” Every hallway leads to another room, which leads to another. Each room is filled with mountains of different items. Many antique dealers have their wares on display throughout the building. The second floor was built in 1892 to be eight apartments. The third floor — also now part of the antique mall — housed a small college and a dance hall. There is a musty smell of something old. It’s not a bad smell and almost makes your senses feel welcome. There is something to look at in every corner. Salt shakers, glassware and LIFE magazines are everywhere. There is a display of antique postcards. A local public school directory from 1939 sits on one

table. Old license plates of all colors hang on a display in a hallway next to a stack of 8-track tapes. If you are looking for the 8-track player, it is upstairs on the third floor. A rusted, old hand mixer, a few Brownie cameras from the 1950s and a children’s book about Michael Jordan are among many items sitting on a board, which is laid across an old claw-foot cast iron bathtub in one of the old apartment bathrooms. The architecture is “pretty much all original” to 1892, Luecke said. He added that many of the radiators are original from when the building was heated by steam. Though the heat was converted to gas a long time ago. One of the apartments still has an original copper bathtub. In another apartment, Luecke moved some items aside to show a beautiful marble sink, original from 1892. Luecke’s great-greatgrandmother, Margaret Blust,

browse originally operated a boarding house at the property. “It was mostly German immigrants that came to stay there,” Luecke said. “They would board there until they could get settled in the area.” In 1892, Blust decided to build a new building, the Blust Building. She left the building to her four children, and Luecke’s grandfather, Eddie Blust, bought out his siblings. He ran a dry goods shop on the first floor. Luecke’s father, Robert, started a small jewelry store out of the dry goods business in 1921. When Blust decided to close the dry goods store in 1951, Luecke’s father expanded the jewelry store. It has been in the space ever since. Luecke worked in the store with his father. His daughter, Marcia, runs the jewelry store today. When Luecke thinks about the building — about his childhood — his first thoughts are about the hallway, the entrance to the antique mall. “Right here, this hallway was always a central area,” Luecke

said. Luecke can remember walking up the stairs as a kid, there was a glass atrium overhead and sunlight would cascade down. People would head through the hallway to the third floor college everyday. “In the hall, you would smell the aroma of people cooking in all of the apartments,” Luecke said. “And the atrium would throw light everywhere.” Each of the eight apartments had front and back door and windows that looked out into the hallway. Luecke said this was to give, “a little town effect.” The apartments were occupied into the 1990s, before the building was turned into an antique mall. A sign hanging on the wall states that one resident lived there for 60 years. A door in the back of the hallway leads to the third floor, which was once half dance hall, half business college. The room of the dance hall is large. Four massive, arched windows cast light throughout the room. Up a small, open set

of stairs leads to the bandstand. Luecke said all sorts of dances, weddings and other events, happened in the space. “I can remember my grandpa oil mopping the floors of the ballroom,” Luecke said, explaining that his grandfather used a mop soaked in oil to preserve the floors. The third floor is staggering. The east part of the floor was Brown’s Business College, which ran from 1892 to 1955. Luecke said that when the building was built, the space was designed to accommodate the school. A door at the top of the stairs, leading to another room has frosted glass and still reads “College Office, Walk In.” The glass panes above each doorway still have the titles of each room: “Office”, “Class Room”. The office is now filled with holiday decorations for sale. The ceiling of the room is high and well-lit by a stunning glass atrium. The second floor atrium was closed off because of concerns from the fire inspector years ago.

Luecke said that he would often see obituaries in The Journal-Standard that “mentioned someone who attended the school.” Though he saw much more years ago, today he doesn’t see as many. Of all the things to look at while wandering through the labyrinth of stuff, the views out of the window may be the most amazing. Every window shows another side of the old downtown. They are views that are seldom seen. Many are partially blocked by antiques, which adds to the mystic. With the sound of traffic outside and the creak of the floors, one could close their eyes and be brought back to a different time. It’s one thing to read about history, but it’s something entirely different to stand in the middle of it. Luecke’s Antique Mall is located at 10 W. Main Street in Freeport, Ill. For more information, contact (815) 233-0021. t

Great Route 64/84

Holiday Shop Hop

Lanark - Mt.Carroll Savanna - Thomson - Fulton Come Enjoy our Warm Hospitality! s More than 30 shop showcasing

at Gift Ideas

Gre Holiday Decor and

! 2 WEEKENDSay s

Fridays & Saturd ber 9 and 10 2 and 3 AND Novem

November

SHOP DESCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE AT:

www.bwcvb.com/shophop or call 815-589-4545

PHOTO BY THE JOURNAL-STANDARD

Charlie Luecke stands at the entrance of the antique mall. Luecke’s great-great-grandmother built the iconic Blust Building in 1892.

and at All Participating Shops where you see our Kangaroo Logo! Paid for by Carroll County Hotel/Motel

www.journalstandard.com

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Wine tastings in the shop or on the patio. Great gift ideas!

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Discover Discover Discover Mount Carroll Mount Carroll Mount Carroll Brick Streets & Country Brick Streets & CountryCharm Charm Brick Streets & Country Charm

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Memorial Day --Mayfest, •• Farmer’s Memorial Day Weekend Weekend Mayfest, Market, Saturdays May thru Oct (downtown) - 8 to Noon Entertainment, Beer & Wine Garden, Bike Ride, Arts & Crafts, Entertainment, Beer & Wine Garden, Bike Ride, Arts & Crafts,

Car Show and more! Open Mic Night, 2nd Thursdays (downtown) - year-round - 6 to 9 pm Car Show and more! • Farmers Market - Saturdays May-October Art Walk,Market 3rd Thursdays - Apr thru Oct (downtown) -- 6 to 8 pm • Farmers - Saturdays May-October 8-Noon, Downtown 8-Noon, Downtown Brick Street Saturday, Sep 1st (downtown & around town)-- all day • Car Cruise Nights • Car Nights Car23/Aug. Cruise,20/Sept. Sep 22nd24 (downtown)-5 to 9 pm June Cruise 18/July - 5-10pm June 18/July 23/Aug. 20/Sept. 24 - 5-10pm • July 4 - Parade, PorkGolf Chops, Fireworks Brick Street Classic, Oct 6th (Oakville) • July 4 - Parade, Pork Chops, Fireworks • July 23 - Highway 64Oct & 78 Festival Octoberfest, 27th (downtown)-- all day • July 23the- Highway 64 &perennial 78 Festival Junk in truck, cookouts, swap & more! Junk in the truck, cookouts, perennial swap & more! Historic Tour,Saturday Oct 27th (downtown) -- (Call for times) • Sept. 3 -Cemetery Brick Street • Sept. - Brick Street Great3Route 64/84 Shop Saturday Hop, Nov & 3rdshow, ANDbicycle Nov 9 & 10 Downtown carnival games, antique car2nd & tractor races Downtown carnival games, antique car & tractor show, bicycle races & more! (several towns)-- 9 to 5 pm & more! • Oct. 28 & 29 - Octoberfest Christmas Walk, Dec 1stMore (downtown & around town)-- all day • Oct. 28Cemetery & 29 - Tours Octoberfest Historic & Historic Cemetery Tours & More of Homes,Walk Dec 1st (around town) -- 10 to 2 pm • Dec. 3Tour - Christmas and Tour of Homes • Dec. 3 - Christmas Walk and Tour of Homes Enjoy always our brick streets, quaint self-guided tour of There’s so much going on thatdowntown, we can’t even mention it all here! Enjoy our brick district streets,and quaint self-guided tour of historic our downtown, genuine friendliness. Call us at district 1-800-244-9594 or visit our website at and ourcall genuine friendliness. Forhistoric more information 800-244-9594

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A Pioneer of

American Studio Glass

Makes Home in Cedarville PHOTOS BY KIM SIGAFUS

Daniel Edler is a pioneer in American Studio Glass. He grew up and went to high school in Freeport and now makes his home in Cedarville.

His Journey Edler became interested in ucked away behind North art in the first grade, and was Stephenson Street (Hwy. recognized by his teachers 26) in the peaceful town for his skills throughout his of Cedarville, Illinois, is a small school years at Freeport High studio which houses the work of School. He had a senior one of the pioneers of American showing of his paintings there. Studio Glass. Daniel Edler is He was also interested in known for the fine glasswork electronics at that time, and he hand-forms from molten was offered a scholarship crystal. He runs an international for electrical engineering at glass business out of his small the University of Illinois. He town art studio, and was one of decided to go that route, and the first artists to make a living signed up for school. Two out of glass art. When he’s not weeks before he was supposed creating, he’s promoting his to start, he changed his mind works, doing public relations, and switched to art. He says he running his business, and never looked back. traveling across the nation Edler went on to earn exhibiting at top art shows. In his Bachelor of Arts at the between all that, he’s also raised University of Northern three kids with his wife Roberta, Iowa, graduating in 1962. whom he met in college. Eventually he went on to study Edler is considered one of architecture. the most skilled glass artists In 1964, Edler got involved in the nation. Internationallyin a glass workshop taught known, he has worked all over by Harvey Littleton. The the United States and England. glass movement was started His work is prized by many in Madison, Wisconsin, by collectors, and even former Littleton, and became a major President George Bush Senior movement. Getting involved acquired a piece for the art with the movement, he helped collection at the White House to found the Glass Art Society while he was in office. His wife, in 1972, of which he is now a Barbara Bush, sent Daniel a charter member. note saying how much they “There are now groups all over admired the piece. the world,” he says. “Including England, Japan, Holland, and By Kim Sigafus

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Germany.” He returned to the University of Iowa to earn his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Visual Art and earned a MFA degree in pottery and sculpture. By this time he was running a small pottery business and teaching at Scattergood in West Branch, Iowa. In 1968, he took students on a school trip to a glassblowing studio in Rochester, Minnesota. He wanted to introduce the students to this form of art, and learn how to set up a glassblowing studio back at school. Edler developed his glassblowing craft so well he was invited to be a guest artist at the Stuart and Sons Crystal Company in Stourbridge, England. From there, he traveled around Europe and was a guest artist at many famous glass working schools and companies. When he returned to the United States in 1972, he received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to work as a resident glassblower for the State of West Virginia. In 1973, he was employed by Fenton Art Glass Company to develop a contemporary glass product line. After a year, he decided

to establish his own studio. In 1974, he chose Cedarville and opened shop. His Studio Work Forty-eight years of work has taken him from painting to pottery, blown glass to glass sculpture work. All his pieces are unique and creative. His basic intent is to translate a mental picture into a physical object of beauty that will bring pleasure to someone’s life. “My approach to my work is swift and efficient, precisely timed like music,” he says. “It is disciplined because it has to be; it’s controlling hot liquid glass.” Over the years, he has introduced and dropped many styles, and has developed his own unique style of glass. His glass today falls into roughly nine different series. They are Planetary Plain and Sea & Sunset Series, Florals, Alligator Glass Series, Metallic Sparkle Series, Optic Series, Silver Trail Series, Paperweights, Vertebrate Series and Sculptures. “Much of my blown glass work is highly dependent upon the use of color,” Edler says. “I use liquid color much in the same way as a painter. In the Planetary, and Sea & Sunset Series, the designs are depicting other-world landscapes and

browse seascapes using vibrant colors and a lot of fluid detail.” The Alligator Series is one of his most recent. It involves the use of surface or suspended chrome flakes on or in the crystal. He developed this technique a few years back and believes it is totally unique to his glass. They are available in metallic yellow, green, ruby, emerald, and sapphire blue. His Metallic Sparkle series plays on the uses of various colors lined with a metallic silver glass which develops a mirrored look to the work. “A recent addition to the paperweight line is the Snail weight,” he says. “These pieces are built in four or five layers of thin color and canes with a surface of opal white and usually two-color bands. The hot glass is formed into a cone shape and pulled out and coiled back on itself to form the snail shape.” Sculpturing In the last few years, Edler has started doing

glass sculpture work. His education in architectural art is prominent, as the sculptures are architectural in form. The works range from table top size to 14 feet in size. The sculptures are being used commercially and well as in private collections. One of his large sculptures hangs in the atrium of the administration building at Highland Community College in Freeport. He’s also sold work to Honeywell and Mitsubishi. Out of all the 16,500 pieces of artwork he’s sold over the years, he likes his sculptures the best. “The sculptures are made from many different types of glass and laminated together with a variety of epoxies. I use hot formed sections combined with plate, vitralite, laser reflector, sheet art glass, and glass tile. The sculptures are made in several styles: the Psychic Sail Series (the mind travel machine), the Cascade Series (a symbol for moving water), the Totem Series, the Bird Series, and the Geo

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Series.” Edler’s glass has been featured in art publications such as the International Design Journal. His works are displayed everywhere from individuals homes, to art galleries and museums around the country. His pieces are popular as personal gifts as well as corporate gifts. His glass is identified by my name, the year with copyright sign, a six digit registration number, and often a title engraved on the bottom, side, or base of each piece. Studio Tours Like most artists, he enjoys talking with visitors about his work, and invites people to visit the studio in Cedarville to view his art. He suggests calling ahead to be sure he’s in the studio and not out showing his work. He can be reached at (815) 563-4601. His studio is located at 100 North Stephenson Street. t

SATURDAY

Dan has worked with glass for 48 years. He blows glass as well as does glass sculpting work. He has a studio in Cedarville where he displays his art. His workspace is in the back where big kilns are kept.

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Depot Museum Lauds Railroad Past

PHOTO BY TONY CARTON

Village of Elizabeth. Speers said the depot was he Chicago North divided into three rooms: the Western Railway train waiting room for passengers, rumbled through the the middle room for the station town of Elizabeth, Ill. for almost agents office and the larger 90 years. Its main cargo was baggage room that had three freight. Chickens, eggs, cans big doors on three sides. full of milk and even a house “(Freight) was the bulk of from the Sears Catalog would be their business in a small town moved by train. Passengers also like this, even though there traveled the rails. A lot of this was some passenger traffic,” he history has been captured in explained. “(The train) went the original railroad depot (now from Chicago to Minneapolis, a museum) located at 111 East the original line. In later years Myrtle Street in Elizabeth. they also had a branch that went The Chicago Great Western to Kansas City and another Railway Depot Museum that went to Omaha. The four is owned by the Elizabeth primary depots were Chicago, Historical Society. They also Minneapolis, Omaha and own the History House on Main Kansas City. (It went) through Street. Jerry Speer of Elizabeth South Freeport, German Valley, is the curator for both museums. Pearl City, Kent, Stockton, “We’ve been gradually restoring Elizabeth and on to Dubuque, this building, which was in Iowa.” really bad condition but now The museum contains some its on the National Register of original chairs and benches Historic Places,” he said of the in the waiting room and the depot. “That happened in 1996 original 1888 station agent’s and the museum opened as a desk and telegraph equipment museum in 1997.” in the office. There are 10 It was the depot for the operating trains of five different Chicago Great Western Railway. scales. It would have opened in 1881 Winston Tunnel Exhibit and it would have served “The Winston Tunnel is the through 1969 when the railroad largest tunnel in Illinois. It’s was essentially taken over by a over one-half mile long,” Speer rival railroad, the Chicago and explained. “So when you’re Northwestern, added Speer. In talking about the light at the 1972 they tore up the tracks. It end of the tunnel you almost had been used as storage by the don’t have any.” By Janice Myelle

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The tunnel was started in 1887 and finished in 1888. It is located in the area of Chestnut Mountain Resort, Galena, Ill. and is now abandoned. “This tunnel was a huge deal-breaker for this railroad,” Speer continued. “They assumed when they started digging it would be like most of these hills. It would be limestone like the shorter tunnel in East Dubuque, Ill. This tunnel doesn’t have a lining because it’s solid rock. The Winston Tunnel had no limestone. It had to be completely lined with brick which more then doubled the cost and took more then a year to construct. They say over 350 men working in three roundthe-clock shifts.” He said the hill was full of sticky clay and became a maintenance nightmare because of the many springs located in the hill. The water would drip in the winter and cause massive ice to form. Men had to chip the ice along with using a lot of salt. The salt caused the brick lining to erode which became expensive to maintain. “So in some ways you could make a case for the fact that among other things, the primary cause of them going out of business in 1968 (was the Winston Tunnel),” he added. “Nobody knows why they built it. Its named after the Winston

Construction Company.” Speer said the Elizabeth Historical Society owns about 7,000 artifacts. They are housed in the train depot and also the History House located at 231 North Main Street in Elizabeth, Ill. Kennedy Flowers One of the newest exhibits in the History House is the dried roses and greens from the bier that President John F. Kennedys body rested on when it was in the White House. Some of the flowers were dropped when the casket was moved from the White House to the Capitol rotunda. A White House staff member swept them up. He sent some to his friend Percy Hutchison, who was the Jo Daviess County treasurer. The exhibit features the dried flowers and a photo of Hutchison holding the flowers along with a period newspaper covering the assassination of President Kennedy. The Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum and History House are open weekends, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., May-October or year-round by special appointment. For more information call (815) 858-2343 or visit www.elizabethhistorical society.com. t

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long the Trail, you will find many places that seem untouched by time, as if you have just become the first to discover them. And fall is the best time of year to explore this beautiful part of America as the rolling hillsides change color daily. Yellows, oranges and reds dot the landscape as if a painter was working on a masterpiece. Area state parks give you a chance to stretch your legs and hike through the changing foliage. The first thing you will notice is the quiet. Then you start to pick up the chirping of birds, the bubbling of streams and the rustling of leaves. The Trail doesn’t just lead to nature, but also to history. Tour historic homes, learn about the area’s rich railroad history, or take a pottery tour. There is much on the Trail to explore.

By Mike Cowan

he Columbus Day weekend in October brings a number of surprising delights for visitors to northwest Illinois. For many years the Galena Country Fair has drawn crowds from all over the Midwest. Now a complimenting attraction for 17 years is the 2012 Elizabeth Autumn Craft Fair held at River Ridge High School over the same weekend, October 6 & 7. Located just 14 miles east of Galena, Elizabeth, Illinois, is proud to present a first-class exhibition of artisans from

the tri-state area and beyond. Just in time for holiday giving or home decorating, you’re sure to find unique homemade items crafted to meet every need. Spacious River Ridge High School boasts of two modern gyms fully stocked with pottery, baskets, folk art, photography, dried flowers, furniture, children’s items, Christmas ornaments and decorations, yard art and much more. Outdoor exhibits at the Fair include the bounty of harvest from the farmer’s market overflowing with colorful gourds, pumpkins, homemade country breads and pies, jams, canned food items and a wide variety of vendors specializing in outdoor fall and winter goods or services. Another surprising delight at the Elizabeth Autumn Craft Fair is the outstanding food court. Here, you’ll find a Clothes Bin

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A Surprising Delight: Elizabeth, Illinois popular crowd favorite – a delicious turkey and dressing sandwich, home baked treats or a pumpkin roll for snacks. All food is prepared and offered by school organizations using Cherry Creek Cottage many popular local recipes. The Fair is coordinated by sweats, hoodies and t-shirts PTO volunteers and all funds commemorating the early raised benefit the students of days of Elizabeth high school the River Ridge school district. football teams known as the Prospective vendors may call Terrapins. Look for Robert Aimee Martell, 815-990-9494 Duncan prints, beautiful, or visit www.riverridge210.org/ framed rural scenes and plenty district_210/ptp/pto.htm. of hard to find gifts such as woven rugs, quilts and lovely Four Unique Boutiques small designer table lamps. Delights for visitors to Contact Patsy at 815-858-2535. Elizabeth do not end with the Just across Main Street, The Autumn Craft Fair. Nestled Clothes Bin, 148 North Main in downtown Elizabeth Street, is owned and operated are four exceptional shops by Judy Meyerhofer, who – each offering distinctive is celebrating her 28th year merchandise with friendly of serving customers who owner-operated customer appreciate quality, affordable services. prices and a relaxed, pleasant Patsy Schaible, owner of shopping experience. Something Special Dress Shop, “Our customers are the 127 North Main St., invites reason we do what we do every visitors to browse through day, and we love it,” Judy said. a wonderful selection of “Right now, our Erin London women’s clothing that range line of trendy apparel, Keren in style from classic styles by Hart, Tribal, and Not Your leading Canadian designer Daughter’s Jeans are very Joseph Ribkoff, to modern fun popular, along with great multiples and even plus sizes outerwear and sweaters for up to 3X. A full selection of seasonal transition.” mother-of-the bride dresses The Clothes Bin staff and outfits are a regular understands the importance of feature at Something Special. suggesting fashion accessories Alterations are also available. that enhance and complete any The eye of discerning choice of outfit. Shoppers will customers at Something Special find an attractive selection of will be drawn to a section handbags, scarves, costume devoted to Elizabeth Terrapin jewelry – necklaces, earrings

explore bracelets, pendants and watches. “Our clients have told us that they like how we display and present a complete “look” that combines separates and accessories,” Judy explained. For “any occasion” gift giving, the Clothes Bin carries a collection of Christian jewelry, home décor items, designer scented candles, Door County gourmet coffee and much more. Contact Judy at 815-858-3714. A few doors up the street from the Clothes Bin, visitors will find Village Treasures, 134 North Main St., a quaint gift shop operated by Karen Wand. “We specialize in home accent pieces that reflect our rural Midwest heritage,” Karen said. “Look around and you’ll see “primitives,” small braided rugs, table runners, candles, rural wall art, and a full line of greeting cards to go with gifts for special occasions.” Village Treasures is a charming shop that can

from ABC blocks for children to Woolrich outdoor wear for men and women.

whisk customers back to a time that was far removed from today’s hustle and bustle. As you browse the store, it is reminiscent of the old general store so prevalent at the turn of the twentieth century. Contact Karen at 815-858-3749. From Village Treasures, it’s a short walk to Cherry Creek Cottage, 108 North Madison St., housed in the ground floor of the historic Continental Hotel, built in 1894. Shop owner Sally Wurster brings over 35 years of experience in offering retail items that range

PHOTOS BY MIKE COWAN

Village Treasures

Treasures are found around every corner in several charming rooms filled with gifts, home décor, gemstone jewelry, folk art, collectibles, bath and body products, kitchenware, and

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featuring over 90 Artisans Handmade Crafts Food Court Live Entertainment

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especially first quality women’s apparel. “Scarves are all the fashion now for almost every outfit” Sally said. “At Cherry Creek Cottage, you can bring friends and have some fun sharing ideas of how to wear your scarves. By appointment we do demonstrations to show you different ways to wear scarves, how to tie them and use all the exciting colors, fabrics and designs. A well-chosen scarf can instantly change the appearance of a new or existing outfit.” The key for shoppers at Cherry Creek Cottage is personal service that cannot be found at larger chain stores. “We will do our best to help you find your treasure as well as guide you to other fine shops and sites to visit in the area,” Sally concluded. “Remember, no matter where your expedition begins, the experience does not have to end.” Contact Sally at 815-858-2422, or visit www.cherrycreekcottage.com. t

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Take a Glimpse into Galena’s Past with the

Tour of Historic Homes

By Kim Sigafus

he City of Galena, Illinois, rose from the banks of the Galena River in 1826. Galena was named for the natural mineral form of lead that the Native Americans had discovered and were mining in the area. By the 1850s, Galena was the busiest port between St. Paul, Minnesota and St. Louis, Missouri. It wasn’t an uncommon sight to see as many as fifteen steamboats docked along Water Street. Galena was shipping out 54,000 pounds of lead. The population had grown to 14,000. Galena has worked hard to maintain their charm of over the years. Although the population has dropped to a more comfortable level, over 85% of the buildings downtown are considered to be in a National Register of Historic District. Along with the wonderful, eclectic shops lining the main street, one can see the beautiful mansions that line the river and bluffs that once belonged to the prominent families who made Galena the city it was in its heyday. The Tour of Historic Galena Homes is back again this year. In its 45th year, the popular “private home tour” gives visitors a chance to view these beautiful homes of “times gone by.” The tour will be held on September 29 and 30, and gives visitors the chance to peek inside these privately-owned homes which are normally not open to the public. The tour is being offered through the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum. “We will have shuttles running between the homes from 9 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 29,” museum Director Nancy Breed says. “People can park at the old

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train depot on Bouthillier Street. No one has to wait more than 15 minutes for a ride.” Davis Creek Cottage is on the tour this year. It’s owned by the Eichlers. The family bought the house in 2009 and started renovations. They later renovated the cottage on the property. “Both buildings were severely

The House of Seven Gables is on the private home tour this year. Owners Judith Sutcliffe and Sandra Scott love their house and are looking forward to sharing its history with visitors.

wanted to be a part of the tour as it’s a fundraiser for the museum.” The original PHOTOS PROVIDED home built on the It took eight months to completely renovate property was brick. the wonderful old cottage on the Eichler’s It burned down in property. It’s now used as a guest house. 1880. The current home was built in neglected,” says Phil Eichler. 1881. The Coates bought it in “We spent eight months 1994 and started renovations. renovating the house, and then “We like old houses, even if started on the cottage. The it’s a lot of work,” says Steve. cottage is on the tour this year.” “We like taking them apart and The family has done some fixing them back up.” research on the property. One of renovations was to put “We believe the cottage was a porch back onto the house built around 1840 by John they discovered was originally Paul DeZoya, who bought the there. They also added a quiet main house in 1837 or 1838 sitting area in the backyard from Captain David Bates, filled with flowers and lots of the original builder,” says greenery. Phil. “Since Bates owned the The House of Seven Gables is riverboat, The Galena, he built another of the homes open for the main house to face the visitors that weekend. Owners river.” Judith Sutcliffe and Sandy Scott Some of the homes featured have a very unique property. on the tour this year include the “We love this quaint old house Coates home and the House of with all its nooks and crannies,” Seven Gables. The Coates home says Judith. “We enjoy is owned by Steve and Maren sharing it with others who Coates. Steve is the president enjoy Galena’s architectural of the historical society, and treasures.” this is the first time he and his From the research they have wife have had their home on done, they have discovered the tour. the stone miner’s cottage was “We’re both interested built about 1832. It’s now the in history,” Steve says. “We kitchen. There is a stone-walled

room directly below it they use for gardening storage. In the 1850s, a substantial two-story addition was built in front of the cottage. The ground floor was done in native limestone and the second story is brick. Stone walls and colorful flower gardens line the sidewalks on both sides of the house. Behind the house is a steep hill with huge moss-covered boulders and many tall woodland trees. Five homes will be featured on the tour this year. Tickets for the tour can be purchased through the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum located at 211 S. Bench St. Ticket prices are $17 for adults, and children under 10 are free. There is no cost for the shuttle. Admission to the historical society’s museum is included in the ticket price, an $8 value. If tickets are bought before September 15, visitors will receive a dollar off their ticket price. Tickets can also be purchased at the homes on the weekend of the tour. For a complete listing of the homes featured on the tour, or for more information on the special weekend, please call the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum at (815) 777-9129. t

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NEW WORLD SHOPPING - OLD WORLD CHARM

SEPTEMBER 14-16 Green County Cheese Days 14-15 Minhas Brewery Oktoberfest 22 Fall National Tractor & Truck Pull

Main Street Children’s Halloween Parade

NOVEMBER 4 Swiss Fest (Turner Hall) 23-24 Christkindlmarket (Turner Hall)

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DECEMBER Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade, Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting on the Square Old Year’s Night

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Farmer’s Market on the Square Wednesday afternoons & Saturday mornings through Oct. 22

Pirates on the Square through Oct. 6

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Twenty Dirty Hands

Pottery Tour view the wonderful works of these local artists. he beauty and tranquility In its thirteenth year, visitors of Northwest Illinois in get the chance to pay a visit October is something to private potter’s studios that the locals look forward to every normally stay closed to visitors, year. It’s the time when leaves as well as established studios start to turn beautiful colors, the that have been welcoming air is crisp and the temperature visitors for years. It’s a chance has cooled down. This is a to buy some unique pottery, and great time for a leisurely drive see where it was made. Visitors through the hills and valleys of will see everything from rustic the Galena area for the Twenty pottery fired in wood-fired Dirty Hands Self-Guided kilns to more modern works. Pottery Tour. Although visitors will see an October 12, 13, and 14, visitors eclectic array of pottery, all of are welcomed into six of these the artists’ tableware pottery is studios to view the work of 11 dishwasher and microwave safe. potters. The tour is scheduled The tour was started by from 10 to 6 p.m. daily, which Delores Fortuna and Bill gives people plenty of time to Farrell. Farrell, now retired, By Kim Sigafus

PHOTO BY KIM SIGAFUS

The tour will feature not only the pottery of very talented artists, but the work spaces in which the pottery was made. Visitors will get the chance to see artists hard at work on their next creations. Pictured above is Joe Pinder of Pinder Pottery in Galena.

A “Must See” in Monroe...

The National Historic Cheesemaking Center

& Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory See a wheel of Swiss Cheese made right before your eyes each year on the second Saturday in June

GUIDED TOURS: $5 Admission • Cheesemaking Museum • Imobersteg Farmsetead Cheese Factory • Restored Milwaukee Railroad Depot • Authentic Ribsider Caboose • National Museum of Historic Cheesemaking • Green County Welcome Center • Milk House Gift Shop

Step back in time more than 100 years to experience a historic onekettle farmstead cheese factory that produced Brick, Swiss, and Limburger using milk from the 40 cow herd of the Imobersteg Farm. The facotry and original equipment sat untouched from 1917 until 2010 when it was relocated here to Monroe.

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explore was the head of the ceramic department at the Art Institute of Chicago. Delores has been an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Ceramics at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago since 1998. She spends her time between Chicago and a home studio in rural Galena, Illinois, and her studio is one of the six open for a tour. Other potters included on the tour are: PINDER POTTERY Featuring the work of Joe Pinder 14 Butternut Lane, Galena (815) 776-0390 Pinder has been making pottery since 1985. “I have a background in sculpture,” he says. “My advisor in college thought I’d do well in clay work, so I started doing that.” He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Art in 1987 from North Central College in Naperville. He studied pottery under Paul Eshelman while attending school. He has a fondness for nature and early pottery, and his primary concern is with form, strong lines, and sound proportions. His studio is located in the Galena Territory. ESHELMAN POTTERY Featuring the work of Paul Eshelman with guest artist Doug Reynolds 238 N. Main, Elizabeth (815) 858-2327 Eshelman has been a potter for 24 years, having started in 1988. “I’ve been on the pottery tour since the beginning,” he says. “It’s a real opportunity for visitors to see the nitty-gritty of a studio.” Eshelman uses simple forms in his work, and is guided by the utilitarian objects such as those produced by American Shakers to guide him aesthetically. He received a B.A. in art from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and an M.F.A. in ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island.

His guest potter, Doug Reynolds, will be displaying his work in the Eshelman studio during the tour. Reynolds Pottery and Arts in located in Waverly, Iowa. Reynolds describes his work as “simple.” He likes making pottery that he hopes will become part of someone’s everyday life. STUDIOWORK Featuring the work of Adrienne Seagraves with guest artist Steph O’Shaughnessy 130 N. Main, Elizabeth (815) 858-3588 Seagraves is originally from Chicago. She attended Washington University in St. Louis where she earned a BFA in painting. In the mid-nineties, she started working with clay, and opened her studio and gallery in 2001. Most of her stoneware is fired in an electric kiln or occasionally wood fired in a shared kiln. “Along with my pottery I show the work of other local potters, painters and photographers,” she says. “My intention is to keep the creative process fresh and challenging through experimentation and observation, and to share the variety of ceramic form created by other potters.” Steph O’Shaughnessy throws pots at the Seagraves studio. She makes functional pottery as well as abstract vessels and sculptures. She grew up on the east coast in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Her interest in pottery started when she moved to Galena in the late 60s. “I began to learn to make pots on my own, dug local clay, made a wheel and built a kiln,” she says. “But from the beginning, it has been the encouragement and generosity of other studio potters and teachers that has nourished and inspired my lifelong passion for clay.” FORTUNA POTTERY Featuring the work of Delores Fortuna 7213 W. Buckhill Rd., Galena (708) 524-1422

Delores dives her time between teaching at the School of Art Institute of Chicago, and her studio in Galena, where she gets to watch wild turkeys while she throws pots. “My work uses basic wheelthrown shapes as starting points,” she says. “The clay wall defines both the silhouette of the form and records that time-event process of throwing. The clay wall becomes a fabric, a diary rich with gestural marks and intent. As a seamstress would cut and fold art cloth to make a garment, I use this clay fabric to shape utilitarian vessels.” PINE HOLLOW POTTERY Featuring the work of Larry Priske with guest artists Gary Carstens, Ron Hahlen, and Chris Lemmon 4700 N. Council Hill Rd., Galena • (815) 777-2975 Larry Priske considers himself “The Rookie.” He’s been doing pottery for eight years and makes around 400-500 pieces a year. This is his third year with the tour and feels honored to be included. Priske says he tries to blend “timber with pottery,” as his studio is a mile north of Galena and sits on 120-acre tree farm. “I try to incorporate my fondness for the landscape into my work with both form and tone,” he says. Originally from Ohio, he studied art at the University of Dayton and Ohio State University. He completed his education at the University of Wisconsin. Priske will be featuring three guest artists in his studio for this tour. Gary Carstens’ has a studio in Dubuque called Mississippi Mud Studios. He likes to travel the upper Midwest and the mountains of North Carolina for inspiration. “These landscape experiences have become the subject matter for my porcelain discs and other stoneware functional items,” he says. Ron Hahlen was first introduced to clay as an art form while a high school student. He received his MA

from the University of Northern Iowa with a creative thesis in Ceramics. In 2008, he retired from The Dubuque Community Schools as an Art Teacher after 41 years. “My pottery is fired in a gas, wood or salt kiln to stoneware temperatures,” he says. “The majority of my work is a combination of wheel thrown, slab construction and slump mold construction. Organic and man-made textures complete the forms.” Chris Lemmon won the Athena Artist of Choice Award in 2010. She studied ceramics at California University of Pennsylvania. She’s been on the tour for four years, and her pottery is wood-fired. “My work is organic-looking,” she says. “Nothing too flashy. I like natural, earthy tones.” GALENA CLAY WORKS Featuring the work of Kent Henderson 704 Dewey Ave., Galena (815) 777-0364 Kent Henderson has also been on the tour since its inception. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1983, and in the spring of 1984 moved to the historic hills of Galena. Having majored in humanities and anthropology, he is interested in clay objects as art as well as artifacts. He feels he is creating artifacts for the future, some to be buried and hopefully uncovered by future generations. “My hillside studio and gallery features functional art for utilitarian purposes and sculptural, post-pop art which is more playful and naïve,” he says. “I have everything from cups to crazy-ware. Wherever I am going, clay is helping me get there.” For more information on the potters or the Twenty Dirty Hands Pottery Tour, visit twentydirtyhands.com. Several studios will be doing pottery demonstrations throughout the day, and pottery will be available for purchase. t

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Reminiscing About

Riding the Rails By Kim Sigafus

long the Mississippi River sits the historic city of Savanna, Ill. Located three hours from Chicago, an hour from the Quad Cities and Dubuque, Iowa, and 45 minutes from Galena, Ill., the area is known as a Sportsman’s Paradise. But many train enthusiasts come to the area for a different reason. In 1862, the Northern Illinois Railroad Company laid track between Lanark, Illinois, and Savanna. In 1885, the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad started laying track

in Savanna as well. Savanna became the switching point on the railroad because it was a natural stopping point for crew shifts. Although their railroad heyday is long gone, the people of Savanna are proud of their railroad history. That was never more evident than in their purchase of the Hiawatha Passenger Car 541. The car was in use from 1950-1971. It was retired when all passenger service was discontinued on the Milwaukee Railroad. Several cars were scrapped before collectors knew of their existence, and there are only 16 left, one being on

permanent display in Savanna. “The train car was opened for visitors in 2007,” said train car docent Ann Capierre. She gives tours and does inventory for the little museum on wheels. “Everything in the car is original,” said Merle Long, chairman of the Savanna Train Car Museum Committee. The items inside the car have been donated by local people. Pictures, lanterns, uniforms, and railroad paperwork are among the items visitors can view during their visit. There is a little gift shop inside as well.

PHOTO BY JOE TAMBORELLO

They also carry brochures for other historic sites. The committee is seeking grant money which, if obtained, will enable the car to be used as a visitors center in the future. The train car is open April through November for tours. Their hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from 10-4 p.m. Its located at 25 Main St. in Savanna. For more information, call (815) 273-3292. t

‘Eternal Indian’ at Lowden State Park By Kim Sigafus

owden State Park in Oregon, Illinois has welcomed visitors from all over the world. “Lowden State Park was dedicated in 1945, and named after Governor Frank Lowden who lived in the area,” Lowden Site Supervisor Grant Afflerbaugh said. “The park has 200 acres of land.” The park offers year-round camping sites and one cabin. Although they have limited electricity, they have a shower building and sanitary dumping station

PHOTO BY KIM SIGAFUS

Artist Lorado Taft created the 50-foot “Eternal Indian” statue which stands on a bluff overlooking the Rock River in Lowden State Park.

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for trailers. Picnicking is available year-round, and visitors can enjoy the almost four miles of trails. Motor boaters and water skiers will enjoy the Rock River, and can take advantage of the fishing. “The park is open sunrise to sunset,” said Afflerbaugh. “All year around.” Just north of Oregon, the park was once the home of the “Eagles Nest,” a popular summer artist colony in the 1900s. For nearly 50 years, many creative people visited the colony; including Margaret Fuller who wrote “Ganymede to His Eagle” while visiting the property one summer. Artist Lorado Taft was part of the group of artists that stayed at Eagles Nest year after year. Northern Illinois University now uses

the colony’s 66 acres for an outdoor teacher education program. The best known feature of the park is the Native American statue that stands overlooking the river and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Taft created the 50-foot statue over 100 years ago. It stands on a six-foot base, and is reinforced with iron rods. The outer surface is composed of concrete and pink granite chips, and is three feet thick. It’s estimated to weigh 100 tons. Although the statue’s name is “Eternal Indian,” it’s better known as the “Blackhawk Statue.” Lowden State Park is located at 1411 North River Road in Oregon. For more information, contact (815) 732-6828. t

Located on the Rock River Dixon offers a quaint, relaxing getaway... For more information, visit thte Dixon WelcomeCenter 106 W. River St., Dixon, IL 61021

815-284-3496

www.DiscoverDixon.com Dixon - A beautiful community - the Jewel of the Sauk Valley! *Heritage Crossing Downtown Riverfront Plaza *Petunia Capital of Illinois. *Hometown of Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home *Central Business District: National Historic Site *Several upscale restaurants *200-acre Lowell Park along the Rock River *The Dixon Historic Center

*Downtown Welcome Center/Gift Shop/ Souvenir wines *Historic Lincoln Highway and Reagan Trail *Dixon Victory Arch over Downtown Street. *The beautiful Rock River *A Downtown Welcome Center *Reagan Way, a 9 block historic street

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Visit us online for

• Attractions • Lodging • Shopping • Recreation Centers

• Restaurants • History & Heritage • Pubs & Bars

Ronald Reagan BOYHOOD HOME & VISITORS CENTER

Learn how Ronald Reagan went from the white house in Dixon, Illinois to The White House in Washington, DC. 816 S. Hennepin, Dixon • 815-288-5176

Tour & Gift Shop Hours Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. • Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Groups welcome by appointment

The Next Picture Show A Fine Arts Center

113 W. FirstStreet, Dixon

815-285-4924 www.TheNextPictureShow.org

s r o l o C Fall

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Enjoy the

By Janice Myelle

he fall season brings fresh picked apples, hot apple cider, warm doughnuts and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. The smell of leaves burning fills the crisp, cool air. The trees are in their glory. Hillsides are filled with beautiful shades of reds, yellows and oranges as trees wear the colors of the season. A leisurely family drive through the countryside is the perfect way to enjoy their splendor. The Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau publishes a fall driving tour guide that highlights some of the color in the area. It is available online at www.stephenson-county -il.org or at the bureau located at 4596 US Route 20 East, Freeport, Illinois. “The back road tour is a great way to see the fall colors,” Connie Sorn, Executive Director says. “The tour gets you off the main roads. It is mostly on paved roads.” Each tour in the guide book tells you the tour miles and approximately how much time the drive will take. It showcases points of interest that include restaurants, shops, things to do, historical sites and more. “All the tours start at the Visitors Center,” Sorn said. “Fall and Halloween activities are featured in the center. We have information on regional attractions for the whole area

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and statewide too.” Sorn recommends Lake Le-Aqua-Na, Krape Park, Oakdale Nature Preserve, Stephenson County Historical Society, and the Jane Adams Trail for good fall color. “The grounds of the Stephenson County Historical Society grounds are an arboretum,” she added. According to the driving tour guide, the Pearl City/Loran tour takes about 50 minutes and it’s about 37 miles. The tour heads west on Highway 20 to Highway 73 south. There are several stops along the way. A west turn on Loran Road treats you “to the views of rolling hills, patchwork acres of grain, rustic valleys and white steeple churches.” You may want to continue on Loran Road into Mount Carroll. Loran Road out of Loran is tree-lined and sloping. The driving tour guide says, “It provides one of the best views of fall color in the area.” You can pick-up a brochure at the Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center or call the Blackhawk Waterways Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-678-2108 for more information of Carroll County attractions. The Stagecoach Trail/Lena tour listed in the guide sends folks west on Highway 20 to Stagecoach Trail into Lena and through Waddams Grove.

You may continue into Jo Daviess County. For information on Jo Daviess County tours contact the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-866-442-3200, or pick up a brochure at the Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center. The Winslow/Le-Aqua-Na State Park/Lena tour takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. It includes paved and gravel roads. Drive west on Highway 20 for about 12 miles. Turn north on AYP Road which stands for Atlantic, Yellowstone and Pacific. AYP Road winds and curves over the hills. The tour meanders through the countryside taking you through McConnell, Winslow, Le-Aqua-Na, and Lena. According to the driving guide, “Lake Le-Aqua-Na offers 715 acres with a 40 acre lake. Enjoy boating, fishing, playground areas a beach, hiking trails, picnic area, and camping. Be sure to at least enjoy the drive through the park over the rolling hills.” The Freeport/Krape Park tour offers visitors a chance to explore Freeport. Krape Park is described by the guide as “a jewel in the crown of Freeport’s over 600 acres of parkland.” The park offers playground areas, picnic areas; old fashion carousel rides for 50 cents, canoe and paddleboat rentals,

miniature golf and more. The mini tours all start from Krape Park. One tour takes you to the Stephenson County Historical Museum which is in an Italianate home built by Oscar and Malvina Taylor in 1857. The grounds include a one-room school house, a log cabin and a farm museum. The arboretum features more than 75 varieties of plants and trees. This mini tour also includes the Freeport Art Museum. The Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad/ Oakdale Nature Preserve is another mini tour that starts from Krape Park. Folks may purchase a ticket at the Silver Creek Depot and take a four mile train ride through farmlands and across a bridge 30 feet above the Yellow Creek. The Oakdale Nature Preserve offers 133 acres of oak and hickory woods along with restored prairies, and two streams with four miles of winding hiking trails. The rolling hills and rustic farms of northwestern Illinois provide the perfect canvas for fall colors. Sorn urges visitors to pick up the fall driving tour guide at the Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau which is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. or download it from stephensoncounty-il.org t

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Travel Back to the 1800s at the Banwarth House and Museum The home today The home is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. he year is 1876. to 3 p.m. Tour guides in Grant is president period clothing lead the and Queen 40 minute tours. The Victoria rules the cost is $3 per person. British Empire. A young man by the name of Carl Military members and PSF Banwarth is working members are free. hard as a blacksmith in Jolene Foat is the the villages of Hanover museum curator. “We start and Elizabeth. (the tour) in the kitchen,” Banwarth learned Foat explained. “We give the blacksmith trade them a brief history of the in Germany. He had Banwarth family. We give relatives in Hanover, them a full tour of the Illinois. In 1872 he house. We have three joined them. He left floors, the main floor, behind his betrothed the upstairs where the Wilhelmina, a very bedrooms are and the wealthy young lady. basement.” “At that time you “In the master bedroom PHOTO PROVIDED needed a sponsor,” a lot of the women like Jolene Foat, (left) curator and Diane Sipiera, director invite visitors to sit on the Diane Sipiera, 1876 to try on the old hats and veranda of the 1876 Banwarth House and Museum. Banwarth House cloaks,” she added. “They and Museum director are allowed to take photos family in Elizabeth for 75 years. throughout the house so they necessary for everyday life. explained. “His sponsor could Sipiera said in 2005 the village He asked Banwarth if he was only find him part time work. have a nice souvenir to take was ready to condemn the interested in taking over his Carl heard through the grape home with them. We answer house. A local family purchased questions and explain how vine that the village of Elizabeth business. it and began restoration. The “Carl didn’t have tons of needed a part time blacksmith.” some of the items work. The goal was to bring it back to its money because Wilhelmina That would be John Helmick. basement is the last place we historic glory. They worked wasn’t over here at that time,” He was an older man not yet take them. The Planetary Study intensely on the home for three Sipiera said with a smile. ready to retire, but he needed Foundation has a small museum years but ran into financial “Carl said yes,” she continued. someone to help him blacksmith with meteorites and items from challenges as well as starting a “John Helmick let him start on a part time basis. the Antarctic trips.” family. building on to his house before Helmick’s home sat at the Foat says Chris Zirtzman, site In 2008 the home was sold the deal was finalized. The bottom of the hill where the manager and security guard to the international science house was finished in 1876. Apple River Fort Interpretive will set up a telescope (weather group the Planetary Studies Wilhelmina came over in 1876, Center sits today. His shop stood permitting) with a filter on it to Foundation (PSF.) Sipiera serves give visitors a chance to see sun with her money and they were at the top of the hill in what is a PSF executive director.. now an asphalt parking lot. The able to build the mercantile/ spots and solar flares. Sipiera said they were going to furniture store, funeral home shop was close to the home but use the home for PSF offices and carriage and buggy shop the hill made for a steep climb. Lectures and workshops until they discovered the home’s along with the blacksmith shop.” The railroad was coming The 1876 Banwarth Home and rich history. The PSF board The Banwarth’s businesses sat through Elizabeth and Museum also hosts educational voted to open the home as a Helmick’s home sat on the land on the corner of present day lectures, historic workshops museum to preserve the history and other events. High teas and Highway 20 and Myrtle Street. they needed. He sold it. They offered carriage and horse and tell the Banwarth family “John Helmick disassembled private tours are available on an his house and moved it up here,” rentals. The horse stable is now story. appointment basis. The costs Sipiera was able to find Sipiera said. “The original home the museum’s garage. vary. Banwarth descendants and The Banwarth family grew was the parlor in the front and The 1876 Banwarth House they provided photographs of and prospered. They had three the kitchen was in the back and Museum is located at 408 different rooms in the home daughters (one died around sitting room.” East Sycamore Street, Elizabeth. taken over the years. She said age 2) and one son, Charles, Sipiera said Helmick was For more information call they tried to duplicate the who became a mortician. The getting tired. In that day black(815) 858-2014 or check the room as close to the photos as girls married and moved east. smiths did more than shoe internet at www.planets.org. t possible. Charles lived in Elizabeth. The horses. They also made pans Banwarths were a prominent and other pieces of iron work By Janice Myelle

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experience

experience T

he Fall Trail is not just about finding destinations, it is also about finding great experiences. From Rockford to the Mississippi River, fall is full of terrific places to unwind and have a good time. Whether you are looking for a Halloween scare or a little history, all you have to do is just follow the Trail. The Trail of Terror highlights a number of Halloween hot spots located throughout the area that offer an experience for young and old. Head out to big annual events like Oakdale in October, which features many craft venders, food, scarecrows and more. Or pick out a winner at the Warren Pumpkin Festival. Relive history right before your eyes at Stockton’s annual Civil War reenactment. Mallard Fest honors the coming of fall with parades, entertainment, wine tours and more. Every step you take on the Trail will lead you to a great experience.

By Jae Hezlep & Mike Cowan

f you haven’t been to Mount Carroll, Illinois, in a while, it’s time for another visit. You’ll be surprised at the new businesses and the activities the city has cooked up for the fall and winter months. In the 1950s, as was the custom in many rural areas, farmers and their families came to Mount Carroll on Saturday. They shopped for groceries, clothes and hardware, got haircuts, frequented the bars and restaurants, and caught up on the local news. Travel the original brick streets of Mt. Carroll today and you will discover a town emerging as a charming home for artisans, boutiques, eclectic dining and shops galore. The Kraft Building Like the mythical Phoenix, Mt. Carroll’s iconic Kraft Building, at the downtown corner of Market and Main Streets, has risen from the ashes following a devastating lightning strike in 2005.

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The beautiful old building is taking on a new life, thanks to the Mt. Carroll Community Development Corporation (CDC) and countless volunteers and donors. The Kraft Building is now home to Market Street Commons, which houses Brick Street Coffee, Main Street Art Guild, and the Mt. Carroll Chamber of Commerce information center – a great place to start for first time or anytime visitors. Visual arts In the past few years, many of the buildings in addition to the Kraft Building have been undergoing meticulous architectural restorations to reflect the rich heritage of the city dating back to the mid-1800s. This renaissance has drawn the interest of artisan studios and galleries such as Charlotte Arvelle Glass which specializes in kilnfired fused glass art and New Morning Glass presents custom stained glass. Other shops along Market Street feature handmade jewelry, framed art and photography. Many offer

Mount Carroll, Illinois…

Brick Streets & Country Charm in-studio art classes as well. Musical arts Market Street Commons is also home to “Open Mic,” a popular platform to share the talents of local musical groups, bands, singers, entertainers, and storytellers. Listen and enjoy a good cup of coffee and refreshments throughout the year from 6-9 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of the month. At Charlie’s on Market Street, scheduled live bands of every stripe take the stage on the 3rd Thursdays of each month. Local and regional bands which have played major entertainment venues are building Charlie’s reputation as a magnet for great productions on stage every weekend. Dining Bella Food and Spirits is new to the scene on Market Street, The building constructed in 1866 has been totally remodeled and restored. The huge bar serves domestic and imported wines, spirits and a wide selection of craft beers. Upon spending several years as chef

at major Midwest restaurants, owner Troy Tucker has introduced a mixed fusion menu that changes with the season. Every item is fresh, never frozen or fried – fine dining in an appealing atmosphere Across Market Street, Charlie’s has long been noted for exceptional home-baked pizzas, fabulous burgers and daily specials for lunch and dinner. New owner, Nino Novakowic, boasts about his menu, which he says, “cannot be duplicated anywhere in the area.” Adjacent to Charlie’s is Sievert’s Steaks & Stuff, serving succulent steaks and chops, broasted fish and chicken. Also located downtown, visitors will enjoy fresh, handmade and affordable dining at Brick Street Coffee and close-by Mt. Carroll Café on Main Street. The Mad Hatter Tea Room inside Ideas & Designs serves delightful tea and scones, cookies, bagels and streusel bread on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Browse and Explore Ideas & Designs is a treasure

trove of fabrics, antiques, and other eye-catching objects. Owners Len and Linda Anderson have developed “his and hers shopping”. Guys can peruse a noteworthy collection of toy cars, old gas pumps, and a rare, fully restored 1932 Classic 90 Series Buick. The gorgeous coupe even sports a golf club compartment

underneath the rumble seat. Ladies will enjoy admiring Linda’s teapot collection, antique furniture and marvelous bolts of designer fabrics offered for sale at a fraction of their original cost. Mt. Carroll is an antique hunter’s paradise. The Shops at Glenview include “dabluz” Boutique located on Market Street within the historic Glenview Hotel. While finding such treasures as collectible game pieces, old postcards, photos, playing cards, and books, scavengers will also discover vintage fabrics, trims, zippers, beads and jewelry. Then take time to relax for a taste in the shop’s

cozy wine room. A short walk down the street, Heritage Market Antiques features hard to find one-of-a-kind items, collectibles, project pieces and kitchen items. As you walk along Market Street don’t miss the extensive Farmer’s Market open through October. Bring friends and family to spend about an hour or more on a frighteningly fun tour of Raven’s Grin Inn, 411 N. Carroll St. Open daily year-round, Raven’s Grin haunted house offers ghoulish tours every evening, 7 p.m. to midnight and Saturday and Sunday afternoon, in season, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For information on seasonal events and attractions in Mt. Carroll, visit www.mtcarrollil.org t

PHOTOS BY MIKE COWAN

Relax in the garden at the Mad Hatter Tea Room

American Picker Opens Space in Illinois By Kim Sigafus

rank Fitz of the Quad Cities has become a national celebrity along with his partner and friend he has known since the eighth grade, Mike Wolfe. The dynamic duo star in the very popular History Channel TV show “American Pickers.” They travel all over the U.S. looking for unique antiques. When Fitz gets back from a pick, he makes a trip to Savanna, Ill. to Frank Fitz Finds, his space in the Pulford Opera House Antique Mall. He’s been selling there for a year. The mall has been open 25 years, and its owner, Jerry Gendreau, has known Fitz for just about that long. “The show has made a resurgence of interest in antiques,” said Gendreau.

Fitz buys a lot of items and ends up keeping most of it. He has over 50 motorcycles. He admits he probably keeps more than he sells. He pays a visit to the shop in Savanna every two to three weeks, bringing in whatever he has found on his picks. “I’m a big toy guy,” he said. “Mike and I tend to stick with stuff we know.” His picks include advertising signs, motorcycles and toys, which are displayed in the Savanna store. He has autographed several items for sale in the store as well. He and Gendreau are

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working on a new venture. They bought a building, and are working to open up a business in Savanna displaying classic cars. People will be able to consign their vehicles to be sold there. If someone has a classic car in pieces, or maybe a really interesting part of a car people might want to see, it can be put on display. Pulford Opera House Antique Mall is located at 330 Main St. in Savanna, Ill. For more information contact (815) 273-2661. t

Welcome...

to The Ludlow Mansion Bed & Breakfast.

Warren’s

Pumpkin Festival By Trail Staff

orn stalks will grace the light poles that line Main Street in Warren, Ill. Bright orange pumpkins will form the traditional pumpkin tree that sits next to the gazebo downtown. The 42nd annual Warren Pumpkin Festival runs from September 29-30. The event features rides, food, entertainment and, of course, pumpkins. “On Saturday, the day begins at 8 a.m., with the pumpkin run/walk in Meridian Park,”

Experience the historic charm of one of Monroe’s foremost landmarks. We’re conveniently located one block from Badger State Bike Trail. Rehearsal Dinners • Family Gatherings Private Functions • Weddings 6 Rooms with Private Baths • 3 Whirlpool Suites

Carter said. “At 10 a.m., everything starts downtown.” t

Saturday, September 24 8 am: Pumpkin Run/Walk Meridian Park (Sign-in 7 am) Walk up registrations taken 10 am: Carnival Opens zeileramusements.com

Kid’s Tractor Pull & Big Wheel Races (BP/Subway Parking lot) Farmer’s Market Opens

(Parking Lot by the Community Building)

Arts & Crafts & Food Booths

PHOTO BY THE JOURNALSTANDARD

(Main St)

Noon: Crowning of festival King & Queen 1 pm: Parade Starts (Main St.) After the Parade: Euchre (Warren Community Building Bring your own partner 815-745-3839)

Music at Goodtimes • Chicken Chase (behind Little Ball Diamond)

3 pm: Cub Scouts Cub Mobil Races/Soapbox Derby (Main St by Smiley’s Pub)

Tri-County Mini Rod Pulls (Across from The Olde Hotel) www.tricountypullersinc.com

4:30-7:30 pm: Fire Department Steak Fry (Firehouse/Warren St.) 9 pm: Entertainment at the local Bars: Goodtimes 815-745-2684, Sunshine Band; Hixster’s 815-745-2700, Kickstand; Smiley’s Pub 815-745-2634

Sunday, September 25

10 am: Carnival Opens, Arts & Crafts Booths Open (Main St)

1421 Mansion Drive, Monroe Wisconsin 608-325-5500 • www.ludlowmansion.net Quality bicycles available

11 am: First Hook Noon: IRON Anchors Antique Tractor & Truck Pull (Across from The Olde Hotel) ironanchorpullers.com Warren Lions Club BBQ (Firehouse) • Car & Bike Show (Smiley’s) 1 pm: Bean Bag Tournament (Smiley’s Pub - Pre-Register by mailing $20/team to Pumpkin Festival Bean Bags, PO BOX 691, Warren, IL 61087, 815-541-8261)

Exceptional Local Wines Now offering a new version of our most popular wine

Blue Rapture a smooth, sweet wine made from Seyval Blanc.

Look for the upcoming release of our seven new wines over the summer months...from dry to sweet, red to white!

FISHER KING WINERY www.fisherkingwinery.com

102 W. Main St. l Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 l 608.437.6020

& Magic Char� of Christ�as Celebrate the

Olson’s Christ�as House Department 56 Villages • Old World Christmas Ornaments

220 East Main Street • Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin • 608.437.3017

Largest Collection of

Fenton Ar� Glass in the Midwest

Mosser Glass Collection

Olson’s Flowers

214 E. Main St • Mt. Horeb, WI 608.437.3017

experience

Autumn

A ‘Hands-On’ Celebration of

Annual Oakdale in October Uses Fall as a Backdrop By Trail Staff

icking out the perfect pumpkin was important to Paige Barker as she and her mother, Dinna, looked at produce during last year’s Oakdale in October, a fall event held at Oakdale Nature preserve in Freeport, Ill. They decided to check things out and came away with a truck bed full of items.

PHOTOS BY THE JOURNAL-STANDARD

As Paige’s father loaded up pumpkins and straw into the back of his truck, Paige said, “I have the perfect pumpkins for my party next weekend.”

34th Annual

GREEN COUNTY MODEL RAILROADERS

MODEL TRAIN

SHOW & SWAP MEET Saturday, September 29 Sunday, September 30 10:00 am - 4:00 pm The Stateline Ice & Community Expo

1632 4th Avenue West, Monroe WI

Tickets available at the door A Green County Model Railroader’s Inc. presentation in cooperation with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce & Industry. For more information call Justin or Kevin Johnson at 608.325.9779 or visit www.gcmrrinc.org.

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“This was our first time to attend this event; it was a great day for us,” Dinna said. “Paige got to pet an alpaca and bought clothes for her American Girl doll.” The Barker family were just three of many people to take advantage of the crisp, windy autumn day. Oakdale in October is an annual event sponsored by Freeport Park District. Held on the main grounds at the preserve south of Freeport, children had a chance to build a scarecrow, make corn husk dolls, build bird houses and try their luck at archery. This one-day event is a celebration of the fall harvest season. More than 30 local exhibitors were on site selling their goods. It all began with a pancake breakfast, which ended up serving close to 300 people. “(2010) was the first year we opened this event up to exhibitors and many of them returned for this year,” Freeport Park District Rebecca Minkwitz said. “What I love about this event is we get to celebrate fall as the leaves change, and it brings people out to see our wonderful nature preserve.” Autumn Among Nature One of the highlights of this event was scarecrow making. Children and their parents were covered in straw as they took old clothes and turned

them into a Halloween life size decoration to take home. Kim Wright brought her two sons to the event. The family immersed themselves, trying out as many activities as they could. “We had never come to this before, and I thought it was an affordable event for me and my boys,” Kim said. “The boys are excited.” As he picked up some straw to stuff it into the shirt of the scarecrow, LaTrelle said, “We are going to take this guy home and put him on our front porch I just hope the raccoons don’t get him.” Family Day Shirley Jackson of Orangeville, Ill. brought her three grandchildren to the event. She sat with Sabrina and Skyler Jackson at a picnic table to build birdhouses. As Sabrina pounded in a nail, the youngest granddaughter, Trinity, ran to her grandma for permission to take another barrel ride through the woods. “Grandma, we took a ride through the forest,” Trinity said. “Can I go again?” As her grandmother nodded back to the young girl, Shirley said, “This is a great way to spend time with the children.” Oakdale in October will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pancake breakfast will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. t

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experience

Massbach Ridge Winery Hosts Annual Grape Stomp

Tony Carton

assbach Ridge Winery was established in 2003 by the Harmston family of Elizabeth, IL. With its more than 18 acres of grapevines, the winery produces wine primarily from grapes grown in Jo Daviess County. When you stop in at the tasting room, ask for a tour. One of the family members would be glad to show you around. Massbach Ridge store manager Megan Bach said they’ve grown into two locations. “We have the winery and the tasting room in Elizabeth where we’ve been

open for nine years,” said Bach. “And we’ve just opened a Galena location, a year ago.” She said they currently cultivate French and American hybrid fruit. “We have eight varieties that we grow,” Bach said. “And we produce and bottle about 20 different wines from them.” Bach said the family got interested in growing grapes while conducting a search for alternative ag crops. She admitted that working in the vineyards is labor intensive, but said the rewards make the extra effort well worth the trouble. “The grapes actually do quite well in the hotter dry weather,”

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trail fall2012

the

she said. “It actually makes for a sweeter juice. Our young plants need to be watered, but other than that we’re not watering. They have roots deep PHOTO PROVIDED enough to The sisterhood of the purple feet pause for the cause after a session in the tank during the annual stomp at get what they need.” the Massbach Ridge Winery. full and we’ve got lots of grapes She added out here already and were that with this year’s hotter expecting to start harvesting on and dryer than usual weather the 19th,” Bach said. “Everybody’s they are preparing for an early harvest. welcome. We have retired “We are expecting to have farmers that help us out. We good juice this year, a lot like actually have the Stockton last year was really good too,” football team out to pick a day, said Bach. “Nice and hot all we’ve had girl scouts, and boy summer. We will have hopefully scouts in the past, Relay for all kinds of grapes to stomp then Life teams, our neighbors and in September. everybody in the family. We’ll be doing that again this year.” Did somebody say STOMP? Massbach Ridge Winery You’ve always wanted to try creates award-winning wines it - so come out September made from grapes grown in 29, to the Massbach vineyard Jo Daviess County. Visit their and get your feet dirty while tasting room, tour the bottling stomping grapes. The family fun facility, and enjoy breathtaking event runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as views of nearly twenty acres grape-lovers of all ages try their of vineyard located between hands and feet at stomping the Elizabeth and Stockton, Illinois, grapes. in south central Jo Daviess “Actually we show people County. how we harvest and have them Visit Massbach Ridge pick a bucket and we actually Winery at: 8837 S. have them bring them up to the Massbach Rd., Elizabeth, IL stomping tank and the whole 61028; 815-291-6700 family is invited – grandma, massbachridge@bhawk.net grandpa, grandkids – From Freeport take Hwy 20 everybody,” Bach said. “They all west into Stockton, IL. Go 3 usually jump in and we’ll hose miles south of Hwy 20 on Hwy your feet off. They jump in and 78, turn right at winery sign, stomp to their hearts content.” go through stop sign 7 miles. She said there will be food and Open daily: Mon. thru Sat. tunes, and what stomping fest 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. noon would be complete without wine to 5 p.m. Or visit the Massbach tasting? Ridge Winery Galena tasting “Everything is looking room 117 S. Main St. beautiful, the canopies are all Galena, IL 61036 t

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experience

Ride the

Trail

r o r r e T of

if You Dare

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Brought to life by the Freeport/Stephenson County CVB, Blackhawk Waterways ho among us hasn’t Convention and Visitors Bureau driven in panic and a host of charitable and from a dark and community organizations, this hidden Lovers Lane because year’s Trail of Terror covers a the scraping of a tree branch across fogged windows brought ten county area and features a variety of haunted houses, to mind the story of a young cemetery walks, pumpkin couple that raced home after a similar experience, only to find a patches, wineries and festivals. “This is a cooperative effort hook dangling from the handle among a number of visitor’s of their car door? bureaus and it is a huge event,” And look, over there in the said Freeport and Stephenson corner. It’s a rat. He’s a big one, his tail twitching and slashing as County CVB director Connie Sorn. “There is always a real he watches you. He knows you variety of different things to cracked him last night with a broomstick. He remembers how see and do on the trail and it covers virtually all of Northwest he crawled to his nest only to Illinois.” be engaged in a fight for his life Sorn said the CVB is still busy when his brothers caught the scent of the bloodied socket that gathering participants and building the calendar for the was left of his eye. He watches 2012 trail, but events will begin you now, dull and mean, with the first week of September and his one red eye. He knows that continue through October. soon you will have to sleep. Just to peak your interest Sorn Even as you sit and mentioned that past years’ trail contemplate these unspeakable trekkers have seen the likes horrors, Northwest Illinois of Raven’s Grin Inn, built in invites you to travel the award Carroll County in the 1870s and winning spooktacular, “Trail rumored to be haunted. The of Terror.” The trail will thrill Lena Haunted Barn with its and delight you as you venture from one haunted happening to shockingly horrible chambers and hidden rooms. The barn has another. been voted “Best Haunted House in Illinois” for years. Tony Carton

trail fall2012

the

Who could ever forget the Orangeville Haunted Mill with its 4 floors, 20 rooms, and 2 big slides, which are really more like falling than sliding, and of course, The Morrison Haunted Barn, where a legion of zombies await you. On a less traumatic note was any number of great fall festivals. Thousands rode the trail to visit the Johnny Appleseed festival in Crystal Lake, the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, and an evening at the White Pines Inn in Mt. Morris for dinner theatre featuring a performance of a mayhem related mystery. Happenings for the whole family and especially for the little hobgoblins included The Pumpkin Patch near Caledonia, featuring pony rides, face painting, a maze and lots of pumpkins. Be sure to stop by the TLC Country Store near Fulton or visit Freeport and ride The Train of Terror sponsored by the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club. Selmi’s Pumpkin Patch with its petting zoo is a family favorite and don’t forget to stop by the tasting room at the Massbach Ridge Winery near Stockton. The communities of Northwest Illinois invite you to

travel the Trail of Terror from September 1 through October, and experience fall festivals & events, haunted happenings, pumpkin patches and much more during the Halloween season. Travel through Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside or Winnebago counties to experience the fun, and stay at any of the area’s hotels, bed and breakfasts or cabins many of which are rumored to be haunted at this time of year. From haunted happenings to antiques and crafts, festivals, and pumpkin patches, you’ll find plenty to do on the 2012 Trail of Terror. Contact the Freeport/Stephenson County CVB or the Blackhawk Waterways Convention and Visitors Bureau for your free Trail of Terror brochure. For more information on the Trail of Terror call (800) 678-2108 or visit the Trail site on the web at www.trail-of-terror.com. Now go on, shut down the computer, turn off the TV and get out of the house. Visit and enjoy the great variety of fun happenings in Northwest Illinois. t

experience

Duck into Hanover for

Mallard Fest

Tony Carton

he Village of Hanover, Illinois, will celebrate the arrival of fall Saturday, September 15 with a tribute to their most famous residents: the mallards of Hanover’s own Whistling Wings. Whistling Wings raises and exports more than 200,000 majestic mallard ducks each year, with most sold for release and propagation into the wild. The mallard is unmistakable. Its white collar and brilliant green head crown this handsome duck. It is the best known wild duck in the world and Hanover’s Mallard Fest, now in its thirtyfifth year is just as unmistakable as a premier festival celebrating small town life. “Mallard Fest starts with a parade on Main Street in Hanover around noon and after the parade everything gravitates over towards the city park,” Whistling Wings owner

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Mark Klippert said. “The balance of the day is spent in the park with music and food and the beer tent and different activities for kids of all ages and adults.”

Klippert listed bounce houses for the kids, clowning activities, pontoon rides on the Apple River and more. “There’s a little golf challenge where we shoot a golf ball across the Apple River at a target, and that’s for adults with various prizes,” he said. “Some years we get a hot air balloon that shows up and we go up. It’s tethered off, but go up a little bit in that and that’s all contingent upon weather and unfortunately it’s a last minute call. Bean bag tournaments, there’s big buttons that are sold for a dollar a button and at some point late in the afternoon we give away prizes and things like that. Also, for the last few years we’ve had a little fireworks display at dusk.” Klippert said it is all about small town Hanover doing what it does best. “It’s just a one day event held in the city park, and it’s basically an old fashioned town picnic,” he said. “We’ve got various civic groups that show up with food; different churches, not for profits, food booths, everything from hot dogs to hamburgers, pork sandwiches, things of that nature, a beer tent and a couple of different music events throughout the afternoon. He said the festival started as a way to bring folks back home for a weekend during the summer. “Whistling Wings is a duck farm and we’ve been in Hanover for over 50 years,” said Klippert. “We were looking to stage a festival with a unique feature to draw people back into town, sort of a little homecoming type

thing. It actually became pretty aggressive and popular back when Hanover lost its football team. The high school shrunk up and became smaller and smaller, so they had to drop football and didn’t have a fall homecoming anymore. Mallard Fest sort of began to take place of that.” He said autumn is a nice time of year to be in Hanover and the festival, the idea of folks coming home, the duck farm and the small town lifestyle all just fit together. “A lot of people that are maybe living around the country decide, ‘Well hey, we’ll make it back home for Mallard Fest to

touch base with everybody.’” Klippert said that unlike other town festivals Mallard Fest is not about fundraising, but more focused on small town life and coming home. “You have to understand small town life,” he said. “Mallard Fest is sponsored by our Chamber of Commerce and the proceeds go back into making Hanover a great place to live. “You know, if we’re lucky we make a couple thousand dollars out of the deal in a year and we’ve always just pumped it back into town. We’ve helped build a skate park, added playground equipment for the other park in town, made donations to the library and donations to the ambulance service; you know all those little things you do in small towns. It’s a win/win deal and it’s all done with volunteers and the chamber. It’s just small town fun in the fall in the park.” To learn more about Mallard Fest as the town develops their event for 2012 visit www.hanover-il.com. t

We are a popular destination for families to enjoy the sights, tastes, and activities of an apple orchard. We feature crisp apples, fresh cider, and famously delicious cider donuts. Enjoy fall air by visiting our petting farm and wonderful play area.

Open Daily Sept. - Nov. • 9am-6pm 8218 Cemetery Rd. • Winnebago • 815-963-2261 www.journalstandard.com

experience

Morseville Stages Annual

Civil War Re-Enactment

Tony Carton

he bright October sun shone and a gentle breeze carried the acrid scent of

trail fall2012

the

PHOTOS BY TONY CARTON

black powder uphill to the two generals and a private sitting comfortably in an open walled tent after a pitched battle that

was widely seen as a draw. “We’ll take that bridge tomorrow or die trying,” said General George Thomas. The others nod in agreement and the conversation turns to field tactics. The scene is one of dozens of vignettes slated to take place October 6 and 7 on the Pierce Centennial Farm in rural Morseville where the re-enactment of the Civil War Battle of Morseville is shown each year. The two-day event features a re-enactment of the Battle of Morseville, military drills, a period-authentic ladies fashion show, realistic medical scenarios, a grand ball, night canon firings, and a presidential address by Max Daniels as President Lincoln. The “living history” performances always draw large and enthusiastic crowds. Come early and plan to stay late. On each day, before the start of a nearly hour long simulated battle, members of the Friends of the National Rifle Association, a principle sponsor of the event, and other various re-enactor groups deliver a brief summary of the Civil War and an explanation of some of the events leading up to it. Expect plenty of action as there is room on the 40-acre

pastured site with rolling hillsides, creek and oak groves for Artillery, Infantry and Cavalry maneuvers and a signal tower awaits the Signal Corps Unit. “We’re doing this because David wanted us to carry on,” said Eloise Pierce of her husband during an earlier interview. “We both loved history and this event will continue as our tribute to him.” The site provides authentic atmosphere with no electricity and running water. Firewood, hay, straw, potable water, hand-washing stations and hot Sunday breakfast are available for re-enactors as well as port-a-pots. There are battles both days and medical scenarios, first person interpretations, fashion show, military drills and lantern-lit dance Saturday evening at Union Campground. There will be a lunch stand for visitors both days. Take Highway 20 west from Freeport to Highway 78 in Stockton then South on 78 to Schuller Road and follow the signs. Arrive mid-morning Saturday for a full day of activities (night firing and General’s ball around 7-ish) and then 9 a.m. Sunday for church services and more civil war period activities till noon. t

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