BCR_Illinois Valley Living - Spring 2021

iving L Spring 2021

magazine

BARREL SOCIETY Serving up craft beer and atmosphere

ALSO: n

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Staying active at Echo Bluff Adorable Irish dishes and trinkets Recipes from Kramer’s Kitchen

publication

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Tradition, food, and friendship s we cross another St. Patrick’s Day off the calendar, this special A day didn’t look like we wanted it to

once again, with many parades being canceled. While I’ve always loved St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve never been to one of the parades, preferring to celebrate at home most of the time.

For past St. Patrick’s Days, especially the ones that fell on the weekends, my husband and I would host a party for our family and a few friends.

It was exciting for my children and my siblings’ children to all get together since many of them are the same age. We would have silly little leprechaun hats or St. Patrick’s Day glasses for them to wear.

We would have a big meal of corned beef, Irish pan rolls, and a festive green punch made from lime sherbet and Sprite. They were simple celebrations, but so much fun for each generation.

Hopefully, we’ll all be able to get back to our own favorite types of celebrations,

whether simple or grand, very soon.

Even if this year’s St. Patrick’s Day isn’t quite the way you’d like it to be, I hope that you have a great meal and good company to see you through it. To bring a bit of Irish cheer your way, Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past was gracious enough to let us stop by their store in Princeton and take several pictures of Irish dishes and knickknacks. Hopefully, seeing these beautiful and often whimsical items will bring a smile to your face.

If you’re feeling particularly full and miserable after overindulging in your favorite Irish meal or drinks, turn to our article in this magazine about exercise classes.

Although I don’t have the rock-hard muscles that people sometimes get from spending a lot of time working out, I’m still a big fan of staying active, mainly with running and hiking.

I’ve taken exercise classes, and while some of them have been intimidating at first, they’ve all been fun or a learning experience.

With many of us carrying around a few extra pounds from months of not being able to go anywhere or do anything, it might be time to think

Best wishes, Shannon Serpette, niche editor

Living magazine

Contents From Mining Camp To Recreational Hotspot 4 Echo Bluff offers year-round activities for kids and adults.

Bureau County Republican 526 S. Bureau Valley Pkwy., Ste. F Princeton, IL 61356 815-875-4461 Publisher Dan Goetz

Sharing The Love – And Recipes 8

Kramer’s Kitchen permanently closed its doors and released a cookbook of its much-loved recipes.

Beloved Barrel Society Offers Bold Beer 12 Princeton bar offers craft beers for all taste buds.

Grouping Together To Break A Sweat 16 A variety of exercise classes can help you get fitter.

A Day Where Everyone Feels Irish

about improving our fitness. For some people, there is no better way than by signing up for a group exercise class.

The Illinois Valley area has a wonderful variety of classes, from yoga to boot camp.

Those who have never been to a class before might find safety in numbers. Perhaps you’d be more comfortable getting a friend to sign up for a class with you. Or maybe you’ll be fine with braving it alone. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.

No matter what your fitness level is, there is a class that’s right for you.

If you don’t exercise often, you’ll need to start at your pace and then gradually work your way up to more intense exercises. We all have to start somewhere if we want to protect our health and do our best to enjoy our years to the fullest.

You might make some new friends at your class, or you might find you enjoy exercising on your own more.

Either way, it’s a new experience that can teach you something, which is a reward in itself.

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Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past offers items for celebrating Ireland year-round.

On the cover: Although the Barrel Society is well-known for its craft beers, it also offers other types of drinks.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Do you have a story idea you’d love to read about in Illinois Valley Living magazine?

Share your idea with the editor by emailing sserpette@shawmedia.com.

Niche Editor Shannon Serpette

sserpette@shawmedia.com

Advertising Director Jeanette Smith

jmsmith@shawmedia.com

Writers Ali Braboy Becky Kramer Shannon Serpette Photographers Scott Anderson Shannon Serpette Designer Liz Klein

Published by: est. 1851

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From Mining Camp to Recreational Hotspot Echo Bluff offers year-round activities for kids and adults Story and photos by Shannon Serpette

E

cho Bluff had a rich, varied history before becoming a hidden gem in the Illinois Valley for nature enthusiasts, parents looking for children’s programs, and adventurists seeking outdoor activities.

Located on the grounds of a former mining town called Loceyville, which was founded in 1877, the name of the site was later changed to Marquette. It was part of a big mine camp, with stores, a school, and taverns. The population swelled to 2,000 during the height of popularity for the town.

Once the mines failed, things weren’t as rosy at Marquette. People began moving away, and a fire that was suspicious in origin destroyed many of the buildings. Even-

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tually, in 1916, the residents decided to dissolve the village government.

The schoolhouse continued to serve as a spot for classes until sometime in the 1950s.

“This used to be the schoolhouse,” park manager/camp director Samantha Brown said, as she gave a tour of the main building visitors see as they pull into the Echo Bluff driveway and parking lot in Hall Township, off Route 29 between DePue and Spring Valley.

The schoolhouse contains Samantha’s office, activity spaces for the kids who participate in day camps, and a discovery wall in the hallway.

The discovery wall is a big hit with children – it’s the place that the treasures they find

and bring in, such as interesting feathers and rocks, are showcased.

Children have been a huge part of Echo Bluff’s past and continue to be one of the camp’s focuses. After it was no longer used as a mining Above: One of the activities camp, the site Echo Bluff offers is hiking. was given new Depending upon the weather, life in 1953 you might not see many other when the Girls people on the three miles of Scouts were hiking trails. granted use of the land.

Trails were made, and camping areas were created. Once the land stopped being used for Girl Scouts, Hometown Bank, the trust who was handling it, offered it to area communities or townships who wanted to

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use it for youth programs.

Hall Township stepped up to the plate.

A few of Echo Bluff’s programs are free to the community, such as hiking, picnic areas, and frisbee golf. Other activities require fees but fulfill a need in the area because not many other venues offer these particular recreational programs. Echo Bluff offers paintball, a high rope and zipline challenge course, an ice skating rink and hockey league, carpetball, archery, gaga ball, and human foosball.

The variety and uniqueness of options have led to children and adults learning new skills and finding activities that keep them active and interested.

Holly Brown, 11, of Utica, said her favorite activity at Echo Bluff is the ice-skating rink.

“I just really like it,” she said.

“I like doing a bunch of tricks.”

For those who visit the ice-skating rink, there is a small building next to it where patrons can warm up.

“We normally have a fire going,” Samantha said.

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The only Girl Scout cabin still standing at Echo Bluff can be seen along a walking trail. The Girl Scouts started using the site in the 1950s.

Holly’s sister, Meta Brown, 9, also loves going on the zipline.

“I like to be Superman,” she said, adding that she stretches out her arms to act like Superman flying through the air when she’s on the zipline.

Another frequent visitor to Echo Bluff is Brooklynn Porter. Her favorite activities are ice skating and gaga ball.

For those who have never played, gaga ball is a bit like dodgeball, except it’s played in a gaga pit.

As with other recreational areas, the pandemic has led to changes at Echo Bluff.

They’ve been fully following all restrictions that they are required to, and there See ECHO page 7

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Echo

FROM PAGE 5

has been a big increase in demand from families and individuals who are trying to find things to do locally while they can’t travel or indoor options aren’t available. People used to be able to show up without calling ahead at Echo Bluff for activities such as ice skating, but that had to change to accommodate social distancing.

“We take reservations,” Samantha said.

Those who know they’d

like to ice skate on a particular day should call ahead as soon as they can to have their best chance at landing a slot.

Reservations are also being taken for day camp, which is open to boys and girls. To comply with the regulations caused by the pandemic, the number of children allowed at the various camps has been reduced, Samantha said.

As far as hygiene goes, Echo Bluff was already ahead of the curve.

“We didn’t have to make too many changes. We already wash hands and clean things,” Samantha said.

Left: Brooklynn Porter (from left), Holly Brown, and Meta Brown have fun at Echo Bluff’s ice-skating rink in Hall Township.

Top right: Echo Bluff summer day camps are a big hit with area kids who attend. The various camps have themes such as Echo survivalist, explorer, relaxation camp, and more.

Bottom right: The discovery wall in the main building at Echo Bluff is dedicated to “treasures” found and brought in by children.

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Sharing the love – and recipes Kramer’s Kitchen permanently closed its doors and released a cookbook of its much-loved recipes Story by Becky Kramer Kramer’s Kitchen was a mainstay of Princeton for 12 years before the temporary closure brought about by the pandemic became a permanent one.

The Kitchen, as family members called it, was opened by Mary and Roger Kramer at 421 S. Main St. on March 17, 2008. Their daughter, Mindy, and son, Ken, joined the business as well.

Mindy handled the catering side of the business, and Ken became the master sandwich creator. That allowed Roger and the oldest Kramer son, Tony, to concentrate on the family’s garage door business.

The family didn’t open the restaurant on a whim. Several years before starting the restaurant, the Kramer family bought a food truck that they used to sell food at auctions and other events. They also began catering events such as weddings, birthday parties, and luncheons.

During the years Kramer’s Kitchen was open, the family tried to expand the restaurant’s hours by being open for supper and breakfast, but people seemed to want to go there mostly for lunch. Right from the beginning, several items became favorites of customers.

“Our most popular lunch items were the Mom’s Italian Beef with mild peppers and melted mozzarella cheese, and our Kitchen Club sandwich,” Mary Kramer said. “We deepfried our own homemade chips every morning and flavored them with garlic herb, ranch, or sour cream and onion seasoning. They were very well-liked.”

The large portion sizes, freshly-baked bread, daily soup choices such as harvest turkey or chili, and the fresh

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Kramer’s Kitchen was a popular lunch spot for more than a decade in Princeton before permanently closing in 2020, partially because of the pandemic. To give their loyal customers the ability to make their favorite Kramer’s dishes at home, the business released a cookbook. salad bar also were a hit with customers. Garlic breaded chicken, cheesy potatoes, and Grandma Betty Kramer’s pork chops with corn dressing quickly became favorites on the catering menu. If patrons had room for dessert, Mary’s cheesecake was a popular choice, along with the restaurant’s lush dessert and scotcheroos.

The Kramer’s chose to decorate the Kitchen with antiques and other country decor.

Many things in the restaurant were family heirlooms from Mary’s parents’ side of the family and Roger’s side. There was a quilt hanging on the wall that was believed to have been made by Mary’s mom, Marian Foster.

Mary’s favorite part of owning the restaurant was talking to the customers. She made it a point to visit with as many people as she could when she was there. She loved hearing where people from out of town were from and how they heard about Kramer’s.

In early 2020, Kramer’s Kitchen was still going strong, with no sign of closing up shop. But on March 14, 2020, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker closed down restaurants in the state for a couple of weeks to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The Kramer family decided not to have curbside pickup.

The order was extended and soon the family was having to make decisions about what to do with their stock of food. Roger and Mary wanted to slow down and retire in the upcoming years, and this seemed like the perfect time to do so.

Ken had already switched to working at the garage door business, and Mindy wanted a change as well, so everything fell into place.

“We’re glad we don’t have to be in the restaurant business anymore because people are really struggling right now, and we would have struggled.

See KRAMER’S page 10

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Michael Kramer (left) and Mindy Kramer behind the counter at Kramer’s Kitchen when it was still open.

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Kramer’s FROM PAGE 8

I know we would have,” Mindy said. “We loved our customers, and we miss our regulars.

That’s what made Kramer’s Kitchen — the customers.”

To have Kramer’s Kitchen’s legacy and recipes live on forever, Mindy created a cookbook that includes 280 recipes and some secrets about things that were not homemade which people can purchase themselves.

The cookbook is dedicated to Tony Kramer, who passed

away unexpectedly on April 17, 2020.

“Kramer’s Kitchen has not ended – everybody can take the recipes and share them with their families now.

That’s what we want. We want everyone to remember and have these cookbooks,” Mindy said.

Recipes Harvest Turkey Soup INGREDIENTS: 5 pounds cubed or shredded cooked turkey 4 cups sliced carrots 2 cups sliced celery 2 diced yellow onions 1 pound spinach 1 No. 10 can diced tomatoes 2 cups frozen peas 2 cups cooked rice 1 and 1/2 tsp. marjoram 1 and 1/2 tsp. thyme 2 tsp. black pepper Chicken broth DIRECTIONS: Mix all ingredients in a large roaster.

Fill with chicken broth for desired thickness. Cook until vegetables are tender.

Italian Beef INGREDIENTS: Rolled chuck roast Au jus mix Dry Italian seasoning DIRECTIONS: Prepare au jus as directed on package. Pour it over the chuck roast in a large roasting pan. Cook it at 300 degrees until tender and it can be cut up into pieces. Add Italian seasoning to your liking and cook until it is falling apart and can be shredded.

Garlic Breaded Chicken INGREDIENTS: 20 pieces boneless chicken breasts 2 and 1/2 cups bread crumbs 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1 pound melted butter 1/8 cup minced garlic 1 tablespoon onion powder DIRECTIONS: Mix together bread crumbs and cheeses in a pan. Mix butter and seasonings in a separate pan. Dip chicken in butter mixture and then bread crumb mixture. Lay in baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake with a lid until chicken is done (check with a meat thermometer if in doubt).

Then leave the lid off to brown last 15 minutes.

Lush Dessert INGREDIENTS: 3 cups flour 1 and 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 and 1/2 cup butter, melted 2 and 1/2 cups Cool Whip 2 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar 20 ounces cream cheese, softened 3 large boxes of your favorite pudding flavor 6 cups milk Additional Cool Whip for the topping Chopped pecans or pistachios for the topping

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix flour, pecans, and butter. Press the mixture into an 18-by-12 inch sprayed cake pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely. Mix Cool Whip, powdered sugar, and cream cheese with a mixer. Spread it over the cooled crust. Whip the pudding and milk. Pour it over the cream cheese layer. Let it set in the refrigerator. Spread Cool Whip over the top and sprinkle with pecans or pistachios.

Scotcheroos INGREDIENTS: 2 and 1/2 cups sugar 2 and 1/2 cups corn syrup 2 and 1/2 cups peanut butter 12 cups Rice Krispies 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 3 cups butterscotch chips DIRECTIONS: Heat the corn syrup and sugar until boiling. Add the peanut butter until melted. Mix in the Rice Krispies.

Press into an 18-by-12 inch greased pan. Push away from the sides with a spatula, so the topping can pour over the edges. Melt the chocolate chips and the butterscotch chips.

Mix and pour over the Rice Krispie mixture, spreading evenly. Cool long enough for the topping to set.

To order a copy of the Kramer’s Kitchen cookbook, email kramerkitchen421@gmail.com or message the Kramer’s Kitchen Facebook page.

Cookbooks can be shipped for a fee, or a no-contact delivery can be made around the Princeton area.

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Living magazine

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Beloved Barrel Society offers bold beer Princeton bar offers craft beers for all taste buds Story by Ali Braboy & Photos by Scott Anderson

A

Princeton bar with a great atmosphere is attracting patrons from miles away for its beer, whiskey, cocktails, and bottle shop.

“The beer is something different we can’t find here in the Quad Cities all the time,” said Nick Bitting, who comes to Bureau

County with his wife, Lindsay, specifically for the Barrel Society. “We were looking for an easy day trip. Basically, every other weekend, we head up there for our Friday evening or Saturday afternoon.”

“He runs a good shop,” Bitting said of the

Above: Nick Gorogianis, the owner of the Barrel Society bar, pours and serves a beer for a customer. The Princeton bar has a popular local following but also attracts customers from Chicago and a lot of patrons from the Quad Cities and Peoria area.

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Above: The bottle room at the Barrel Society in Princeton has a wide variety of beers to try. In June, the bar added the bottle shop, which is its own liquor store on premise where they sell beer, wine, whiskey, and more to-go. During the pandemic, the bar also added a patio out back for its customers.

Barrel Society’s owner, Nick Gorogianis. “I appreciate someone who runs a good business and takes it seriously.”

The bar has a popular local following and attracts customers from Chicago and many patrons from the Quad Cities and Peoria area.

For craft beer enthusiasts, it’s hard to go wrong there. The bar consistently has roughly 100 craft beers to choose from, in cans and bottles, and has six taps, which get changed often.

Gorogianis said their most popular are lagers, pilsners (a pilsner is a type of lager), and India pale ales, more commonly called IPAs. For those new to craft beers, lagers are a crisp, clear, clean, cold-brewed beer.

Some craft lagers the bar carries are Pulaski Pils by Maplewood Brewery and Distillery, Vi-

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Left: Those interested in craft beers should pay a visit to the Barrel Society bar in Princeton, which has roughly 100 craft beers to choose from in cans and bottles, and from six taps that get changed often. This IPA beer named Newfallen by Hop Butcher For The World is one of the top sellers the bar carries.

enna Lager by Goldfinger Brewing Company, Gravitace by Art History Brewing, and Good Morning Munich by Art History Brewing.

A craft lager is a great transition beer for someone who likes Busch Light and wants to try something different. The flavors, aroma, and even texture of the beer when you drink it are completely different from domestic beers.

Lagers have tons of great flavor to offer – Gorogianis mentioned notes of cereal, like a cornflake with crispy toastiness.

One recent trend has been for lower-calorie craft beers, and the Barrel Society offers some of those for people watching their intake and waistlines. Pipeworks Brewing Company has See BEER page 14

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Beer

The craft beer selection is only part of the reason for the Barrel Society’s success. Patrons also love the atmosphere at the bar.

M.R. Holmbeck, D.V.M. B.R. Sondgeroth, D.V.M. C.M. Schelkopf, D.V.M.

FROM PAGE 13

a west coast-style IPA beer named Ninja Vs. Unicorn. Now they have a version called Mini Unicorn, which is a lower calorie IPA. WeldWerks Brewery has a beer named Juicy Bits – the low-calorie version is called Fit Bits.

IPAs are also a popular craft beer at the bar. Gorogianis mentioned different kinds customers enjoy.

People like the west coast-style, a more traditional, classic style, also known as an American IPA. Another big hit is the New England-style IPA, which started on the east coast and pours out looking almost like orange juice, appearing hazy and usually very citrus-forward.

A lot of customers ask Gorogianis what beers and what breweries he wants to bring into Barrel Society.

“We’re very quality-focused, and I like to look for breweries who have a great balance,” he said. “I like there to be a balance between new school progressive brewing techniques and old school classic styles.”

The weather influences what some drinkers reach for, so what sells well one season might change when the temperature drops or rises. In the colder weather, Bitting enjoys drinking porters and stouts.

“As the weather warms up, a heavy stout doesn’t sound great. In the heat of the summer, I’ll drink more IPAs, and in the falls, reds and ambers,” he said.

His wife, Lindsay, likes to drink beer too. She loves the Barrel Society’s mixed drinks and cocktails, which Nick Bitting described as phenomenal.

Another regular customer of the bar is Heidi Renner of Princeton, who enjoys the beer they offer, especially the IPAs. One beer she said she likes is 3 Floyds Brewing Co.’s Gumballhead, which she describes as citrusy, a little bitter at the end, but having a light, fresh taste.

“We enjoy the atmosphere. The bartenders are always top-notch and know what you want,” she said, adding the bartenders always have good suggestions if she is looking for something new. For her birthday, Renner’s daughter went to the Barrel Society and asked Gorogianis for two, four-packs of beer for Renner.

“He picked them, and they were perfect,” Renner said of Gorogianis. “He knows what we drink. He’s really good at that.”

Besides serving delicious beer and having a friendly atmosphere, the bar brings customers to other Princeton businesses. While the Bittings are in Princeton, they enjoy going to the Flour House Bakery and Coffee for coffee and baked goods. They also love Myrtle’s Pies, where they order all their holiday pies.

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Grouping together to break a sweat A variety of exercise classes can help you get fitter Story by Shannon Serpette

P

ursuing your fitness goals doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. Having fitness friends can improve your chances of success, whether you’re looking to slim down, tighten up, or increase your endurance.

Finding a place to meet

like minds or benefit from a hardcore exercise fan’s enthusiasm has never been easier. With fitness classes available at a variety of places throughout the Illinois Valley, all you have to do is find one that works for you.

You’ll have a built-in support

system comprised of your instructor and classmates.

The Bureau County Metro Center offers a slew of fitness classes that are appropriate for people of every fitness level, according to Nick Davis, assistant director/superintendent of recreation for

PHOTOS BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Tony Bonucci exercises during the boot camp class at the Bureau County Metro Center.

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the Princeton Park District/ Bureau County Metro Center.

Davis said the instructors of the exercise classes at the Metro Center are great at gauging fitness levels and adjusting the classes as needed.

“It can be tailored toward many different fitness levels,” he said.

Another benefit to how the Metro Center structures its fitness classes is that there isn’t a big upfront investment for a class you might not end up liking.

“You can pay per class, or you can buy a punch card,” Davis said.

The punch card allows you to sample various workouts to see which one you like best or to occasionally change up your routine.

“You can bounce between classes,” he said.

Those who like to make friends in class or are inspired to work harder by watching

other people sweat it out may benefit from an exercise class that draws in a lot of people.

“They are all pretty well-attended,” Davis said of the Metro Center’s exercise classes.

According to Davis, the other people in the classes always seem to welcome new attendees, which makes it much less intimidating for people who want to try something new.

“I would say we have an awesome group of patrons,” he said.

“They are very welcoming.”

Some of the fitness classes available at the Metro Center include: BODY WORKS If you’re low on muscle tone or want to improve upon what you already have, the Body Works class would be a good fit. It focuses on strength training by using a series of floor exercises as well as stretching.

YOGA For increased flexibility and balance, it’s hard to beat yoga.

The nice thing about yoga class is that you get companionship while still working as an individual. That allows you to only bend or stretch as far as is comfortable for you.

SPIN AND TONE Stationary bikes can get you through the winter weather, so you’ll be ready to hop on your real bike when the temperatures start increasing.

Spin class uses different terrains to change up the intensity of your peddling. You’ll also do a short toning session to work those upper body muscles and the abdominals.

PILATES This pilates class gets results by using free weights and fitness balls and incorporating See EXERCISE page 20

Tony Bonucci, (from left), Dennis Nink, Brenda Roggy, Angie Forbeck, and Rod Hewitt do lunges while staying six feet apart in the gym during boot camp at the Bureau County Metro Center.

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PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON

A group of women use the pool at the Bureau County Metro Center in Princeton for the water walking class.

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Exercise FROM PAGE 17

pilates, stretches, and yoga. You’ll get a total body workout that focuses on your back, abs, and core.

WATER WALKING It’s hard to believe it, but you can get a decent workout simply by walking in the water. This is a great option for anybody, but especially for those who have joint pain or issues.

Everybody is allowed to move at their own pace.

HYDRO TONE The water in the pool gives you some natural resistance to work with in this class. But the hydro-tone equipment that is used takes it to the next level, allowing participants to work on their flexibility and burn calories.

RUNNING CLINIC Running enthusiasts may find they make more progress shaving seconds or minutes off of their time by joining a club. Having a running buddy can encourage you to run a little longer, faster, and more frequently than you would on your own.

The Metro Center’s running clinics involve runs, stretches, and some cross-training. For those who hate to run indoors, this class might be a good fit.

“They run outside a lot,” Davis said.

BOOT CAMP Boot camp offers a more intense workout that is great for people who want to take their fitness to the next level.

You’ll do plenty of cardiovascular and resistance training exercises such as pushups, lunges, kickboxing, jumping jacks, and sprints. The instructors change it up, so the class never becomes a routine.

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MVE PILATES This is a variation on a regular pilates class. One of the main differences is that it uses an MVe fitness chair. Participants get a good workout, hitting keys areas such as core and balance training. You’ll also work on flexibility and strength training as well. The inspiring music that’s played will set the stage for a good workout.

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Pictured from left: Dr. Lori Schultz, Dr. Dennis Farrell, Dr. Jarred Farrell

682 E. Peru St., Princeton 815-875-4408 Living magazine

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A Day Where Everyone Feels Irish Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past offers items for celebrating Ireland year-round Photos and story by Shannon Serpette

Irish proverb: May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.

Irish proverb: A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.

S

t. Patrick’s Day is the one day a year where everybody pays tribute to all the charm of The Emerald Isle. While some people usher in this special day by drinking green beer, that particular tradition began in the United States – not in Ireland.

It’s fun to have a green beer or a Guinness, along with a corned beef meal on March 17. But for others, Ireland is a country that is celebrated all year long for its interesting culture, folklore, and the wonderful knickknacks and china they brought into the world.

Whether you’re decorating your house with an Irish-inspired piece made right here in the U.S. or you want some authentic dishes made in Ireland, Jyl (Murphey) Morse of Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past in Princeton can steer you in the right direction.

With an encyclopedic knowledge of all things china, Morse is a big fan of Ireland and carries a variety of pieces for those who want yearround or seasonal decorations or dishes for their homes.

“I love Ireland,” Morse said, while talking about the trip she took to Ireland years ago.

“I kissed the Blarney Stone.”

Morse created many memories of the sights she saw during her time in Ireland, including a trip across the Irish Sea in a boat, and has fond recollections of the people she met.

“Ireland has the nicest people there,” she said. “The Irish

Irish sayings are loved worldwide and often are featured on many keepsakes.

See IRISH page 22

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Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past offers pieces of fine china that have been produced in Ireland or with an Irish theme in mind, including the popular and upscale Waterford Crystal brand.

Left: Many people enjoy having Irish-inspired trinkets and memorabilia around their house, like this bar lamp.

Shamrocks are featured heavily on Irish decorations and are a symbol of St. Patrick’s Day.

Jim Shore’s ginger-haired Irish nutcracker is one of the collectibles sold in Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past.

Irish

FROM PAGE 21

had a hard time coming to the U.S. and breaking in. They deserve to be celebrated.”

Betsy Beams of Princeton, who works at Hoffman’s, lived in Chicago and loved watching the river there dyed green each year for St. Patrick’s Day. That 22 – Spring 2021

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tradition began in 1962 and involves dumping an orange powder, generally referred to as Leprechaun dust, into the river, thereby turning it green for a few hours.

Beams has fond memories of the South Side parade and the celebrations.

“I do love a good Guinness,” she said.

While the Irish certainly are known for their whiskey and

Guinness, they are also known, Morse said, for their dishes.

Many fine pieces of china came from Ireland, including the Belleek Pottery line, which was established in 1857. Belleek is known for producing extremely thin, hand-crafted products. Belleek china is a good choice for those who love unique pieces since no two pieces are ever identical.

Other lines associated with

Irish proverb: The friend that can be bought is not worth buying.

Ireland or Irish décor include Royal Tara and Waterford crystal, Morse said.

“We sell a lot of Waterford,” she said.

Morse always ensures she has a variety of Irish-inspired or Irish-made items to choose from in Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past, especially near St. Patrick’s Day. “It’s the time of the year that everybody is Irish,” she said.

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Betsy Beams shows off one of the Irish collectibles, an angel, that is sold at Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past in Princeton.

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