FALL 2019
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Burgoo Antique Shops to Visit
What it is, What to do & Why you should go
Nature River of the
See Starved Rock State Park in a whole new way
Additional copies at 801 E. U.S. Highway 6, Utica 61373
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HOW LOCALS WELCOME VISITORS. Meet Forty1 Eighty8, Illinois’ 100% home-grown beer. Well, farm-grown. You get the idea.
HOW VISITORS FEEL LOCAL. Savor the taste of LaSalle County with our “farm to foam” brew. Grown here. Brewed here. Enjoyed here. Even by people who aren’t from here.
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WHY WAIT
— for the —
WEEKEND?
Located less than two hours from Chicago, it’s hard to believe that stunning bluff views, majestic canyons and seasonal waterfalls are waiting for you to explore their beauty. All of this and historic Starved Rock Lodge are nestled within Starved Rock State Park located near Utica, Illinois.
Why wait for the weekend? Escape to Starved Rock. Book a midweek getaway and you’ll enjoy a greater sense of peace and quiet than you would on the weekends. Kick back and unwind in the indoor pool, take a trolley tour or enjoy outdoor dining on the Veranda. That’s only the beginning of fun things to do at Starved Rock Lodge & State Park. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, historic Starved Rock Lodge sits high atop a bluff overlooking the scenic Illinois River. Nestled in the heart of Starved Rock State Park, the past is powerfully present in the warm, old fashioned hospitality that has never gone out of style. It’s been the hallmark of this charming destination since guests first stepped through the doors 80 years ago. The ambiance of yesteryear is still present in the Lodge and cabins. Outdoor adventure awaits with a hike to the top of the Rock being first on the list of fun things to do. Add a river cruise aboard the Eagle 1 with lunch or dinner included in your ticket price. Hike the trails on your own or go with an experienced guide. Breathe in the change of seasons. The October spectacle of Mother Nature is just around the corner with Autumn on the River tours along with Fall Colors Trolley Tours.
A D VE RT I S E M E N T
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One of the most popular activities are the musical tribute shows in the Great Hall. These matinees are paired with a delicious lunch buffet. From Nashville to Broadway, the talented vocalists will take you on a nostalgic walk down memory lane when you attend a Tribute to the Stars performance. Tickets are available online. If you’re looking for a unique gift idea for a birthday or anniversary, Gift Cards are also available online for show and tour tickets, overnight lodging and more. A variety of midweek overnight packages are listed on the website which pair the Lodge with horseback riding at Cedar Creek Ranch or winetasting at the award-winning August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Company. Celebrate a special occasion and toast to it with Starved Rock Bubbly (made by August Hill). Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at the onsite restaurant. Outdoor dining on the Veranda combines the best view in LaSalle County with great food and drinks (seasonal specialties and locally-made craft beer). Call the friendly staff toll-free at (800) 868-7625 or visit the Lodge website to learn more: starvedrocklodge.com W H E R E T H E PA S T I S A LWAY S P R E S E N T T M
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Fall l Vol. 7 No. 3 August 2019 110 West Jefferson Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350 starvedrockcountry.com
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Each Office Independently Owned & Operated
Choice
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2771 N. Columbus St. Ottawa • 815-434-3337 Email: www.1stchoice.illinoisproperty.com
Starved Rock Country
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Dinner and a Cruise Get a taste of Starved Rock State Park visually as well as on your dinner plate
Get Stewed Up at Burgoo Must See: Chances are you’ve never had a stew quite like this one
A Peek at Antiques 5 antique shops to add to your shopping itinerary
IN EACH ISSUE EDITOR’S NOTE
26
MAPPED OUT: Find your way in Starved Rock Country
60
THINGS TO SEE & DO
64
POSTCARD
ON THE COVER Jon Papineau, of Ottawa, has been selling his kettle corn at the Burgoo Festival in Utica for nearly three decades. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the festival, which runs the weekend of Oct. 12-13 in the village’s downtown. See pages 28-33 to learn more about the festival and plan your visit. Photo by Steve Stout Fall 2019 3
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8 Can You Handle Smitty’s Biggest Dish? Good Taste: This rural restaurant achieves local fame for its enormous — and delicious — tenderloin
15 Following a Pattern Must Try: Travel the Bureau County Barn Quilt Trail to view massive quilt squares mounted on the barns of scenic farms
32 What to Do Beyond Burgoo Come for the Burgoo Festival, stay for five more activities around Utica
40 In the Path of History Past Tense: The High Prairie Trail was once traveled by stagecoaches. Now you can drive it in an hour
46 The Spirit of Starved Rock Country 21
Into the Woods Lodgings: A cabin getaway is closer than you think
Made in SRC: Take a trip to the tasting room of Star Union Spirits to test their liquor
52 Engage in a Grave Matter Family Matters: Take tours that visit Indian burial mounds and historic cemeteries — and even an October haunted tour
In the summer edition of Starved Rock Country, this photo by K. Wilke Photography, which appeared in an advertisement for the village of Utica, was not credited to the photographer. 4 Fall 2019
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| EDI TOR’S NOTE | R
Starved Rock Country magazine is published quarterly or seasonally four times per year. Shaw Media 110 W. Jefferson St. Ottawa, IL 61350 815-431-4019 starvedrockcountry.com Email photo or article submission queries to tsloup@shawmedia.com. Copyright 2019. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permission, is prohibited. Fall 2019 Edition
PUBLISHER Dan Goetz EDITOR Tammie Sloup ASSOCIATE EDITOR Derek Barichello PHOTO EDITOR Tom Sistak GRAPHICS AND DESIGN Julie Barichello PRODUCTION Rhonda Dillon CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brent Bader Annette Barr Stephanie Jaquins Ryan Searl Charles Stanley Steve Stout Michael Urbanec CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Annette Barr Kathy Casstevens Ryan Searl Tom Sistak Steve Stout CONTRIBUTING ARTIST Charlie Ellerbrock
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Fifty years and still stirring I
’ve seen it. I’ve smelled it. I’ve written about it. I just can’t tell you what it tastes like. In my 17 years living in Starved Rock Country, I’ve never eaten the famous burgoo stew. Please don’t throw things at me. It’s not that I never wanted to try the concoction of meat and veggies and various spices, but demand has always been so great that by the time I arrived at its namesake festival, the stew was long gone. So that’s my first tip if you plan to attend this year’s Burgoo Festival — get there early. And this year, Burgoo Fest in Utica hits a pretty remarkable milestone — 50 years. One of the longest-running and largest fall festivals in Northern Illinois, Burgoo Fest features flea markets, craftsmen, musicians and other entertainment. Hundreds of vendors line the streets at the craft show and flea market, and the event typically draws tens of thousands of attendees. The festival is sponsored by the La Salle County Historical Society and is the organization’s major fundraiser. The shopping and food are the main draws, but there’s also a quirkiness to the stew preparation that draws a crowd of onlookers. Burgoo is a traditional pioneer dish and is cooked outdoors for 12 to 18 hours over a wood-burning fire. Volunteers act as vegetable choppers and kettle stirrers during the night, prepping the stew for its big day. While the festival runs Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12-13, the stew is only served on Sunday. In this edition of Starved Rock Country, we talk to some longtime volunteers and vendors for an inside look at the festival, and why it continues to be such a huge draw. “Burgoo is the epitome of fall, fellowship and history. Year after year I see many ven-
dors warmly greeting each other after many years of being ‘neighbor’ vendors. Many volunteers come to work together and have a great time, stirring, serving or walking the streets selling 50/50 raffle tickets,” said Event Coordinator Amanda Carter. Carter added, “I believe the best part of Burgoo is standing around the open kettles at night in the brisk autumn air stirring the pots into the wee hours of the morning. Everyone is working and yet everyone isn’t complaining about the job ahead of them; they are actually having a wonderful time. So, in short, the spirit of the festival is what means the most to LCHS and me personally, and all of the cool crafts, vendors and food is just icing on the cake.” If you’ve got some time to spare outside of Burgoo, we offer up some family-friendly recommendations of nearby places to visit, including an all-in-one entertainment center, a horseback riding ranch and pumpkin farm. Our fall edition of the magazine takes you on a tour of perhaps the most gorgeous time of year in Starved Rock Country. Home to several rivers, a unique way to witness the fall colors is by boat, with one option being the dinner and evening cruise on Eagle I around Starved Rock State Park. On a recent cruise, passengers were delighted to spot bald eagles and a great blue heron (and maybe not so ecstatic to see the infamous Asian carp). And to check out all the best places to eat, sleep and visit year-round in Starved Rock Country, go online to starvedrockcountry. com, and subscribe to our newsletter while you’re perusing the site. We can provide all the tools to help plan the perfect getaway.
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AMMIE SLOUP Editor Starved Rock Country Fall 2019 5
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LIVE THE HARBOR L I F E
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| Go od Taste |
Thousands and Thousands of Wings
Oh Yeah!
Small-town eatery serves up delicious wings, tenderloins Story by Michael Urbanec, Photos by Tom Sistak
I
t’s not unusual for Smitty’s to cook 6,000 wings on a Tuesday or Thursday. It’s quite the feat for the small restaurant nestled between two houses in the town of Leonore – population 130. For more than three decades, customers have flocked to the southwestern La 8 Fall 2019
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Salle County eatery for their famous wings and tenderloins. Randy Schmitt opened Smitty’s at 309 Gary St. in 1988, and has kept up the tradition of Schmitts running taverns in Leonore for more than 100 years. “If you count the bar across the street that my grandfather ran, Smitty’s has
been here as long as the town has,” Schmitt said. “I bought this building in ‘88 but the pavilion across the street was my dad’s bar before I was ever here.” The tradition certainly doesn’t come without its merits; their tenderloins and wings are the reason so many visit the Leonore restaurant from other Starved Starved Rock Country
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Rock Country towns a few times a week. “When I first opened I didn’t have a special for Thursday nights and I was doing tacos every Tuesday,” Schmitt said. “I bought a broaster when I started here and I hadn’t seen anyone in the area selling wings so I really decided to start doing them because I felt like I spent money on broasters and wasn’t using them. We were mainly a place to drink back then but as we got more efficient, we kept growing. We’ve grown so much since then.” Customers can choose from garlic parmesan, butter and garlic, mild, hot, sweet heat BBQ or BBQ wing flavors on Tuesday and Thursday nights. ADDRESS: But wings 309 Gary St., aren’t their only Leonore specialty. The tenderloins come at a HOURS: 11 a.m. to 8:30 cheap price and p.m. Tuesday are slightly larger to Saturday; than that of the 11 a.m. to 5:30 average plate and p.m. Sunday; their burgers 11 a.m. to 2 have been rated p.m. Monday by Only In Your CONTACT: 815State as the 12th 856-2030, or best in the state – on Facebook the only burger coming from a town with a population less than 20,000. “Our prices usually shock the out-oftowners that come from Starved Rock,” Schmitt said. “We pride ourselves in giving them bang for their buck. We have a great product at a great price.” The atmosphere is casual and the drink prices are low, especially on some of the lesser-seen old-fashioned-style beers like Hamm’s and Old Style. “I was working for Frito-Lay when I bought this building,” Schmitt said. “They’d been pushing me a bit to move up in the company and I just couldn’t go with it; I showed my boss the building I bought and told him my plan and he wanted to strangle me but I started early and stuck with it. It’s a unique S R place.” C
Smitty’s Bar & Grill
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Smitty’s Bar & Grill in the small village of Leonore is known for its wings and its famously oversized tenderloin (shown above).
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While passengers of the Eagle I view Starved Rock State Park scenery from the Illinois River, tour guide Joe Jakupcak imparts knowledge of the park’s natural features and history.
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Explore
Elusive River’s Edge of Starved Rock the
Story by Brent Bader, Photos by Tom Sistak and Kathy Casstevens
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ohn and Renae Essman, of Streator, picked a perfect day to be on the river. It was blue skies and warm temperatures as the couple spent the day with Bernard and Rachel Handzus, of Dwight, while sailing along the tranquil Illinois River as part of a Starved Rock Lodge dinner cruise. Asian carp flopped up from the water to greet the travelers and a few eagles were noticed by keen eyes high overhead. And the good news is, the views are only expected to get better in the coming weeks. Captain Randy Malcolm is a veteran sailor and recently found his way back to the area after spending some time in Florida. He now captains the Eagle 1 along the eastern edge of Starved Rock
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State Park, one of the first tour boats in a long while to show guests a rare angle of the park. “I’ve always liked this eastern edge of the park, up by the dam,” Captain Randy said. “So we’re revisiting history because the last tour boat that ran this section here was in 1973 or 1974.” “It’s almost like we have this all to ourselves out here, which is really nice,” he later added. And repeat visitors may find something new to love about the park with additional visits. The coastline, which was a beautiful collage of shades of emerald in July, will be awash in shades of red, yellow and orange in early fall. “Last year we did Autumn on the River and if you’ve ever seen any of the
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old pictures the whole bluff line is spectacular with reds and oranges,” Captain Randy said. “Hopefully Mother Nature will be good and it’ll be a beautiful fall.” He has become a history buff of sorts regarding the park, as has tour guide and accomplished hiker Joe Jakupcak who shares his knowledge of the park and its trails as they sail along the coast. Jackupcak, a former geology and ecology teacher, also shares in-depth knowledge of the park’s natural beauty and rock faces as they pass along its many sites such as Owl Canyon and Beehive Overlook. Renae noted the tour is a great alternative for those who want to see some of the harder to reach or completely inaccessible portions of the park without trekking a far distance. And Captain Randy added the tour has recently begun
Captain Randy Malcolm guides the Eagle I down the Illinois River through Starved Rock State Park.
making stops as well. “We’ve been given permission to actually land at a couple of those spots, like the old tour boat did. There are folks who can’t hike a long distance up and down the stairs
or are disabled and can’t do a long hike. It makes it nice to land the boat,” Captain Randy said. But there’s plenty to be seen from the boat itself. “The wildlife out here is
The Eagle I cruise offers Starved Rock State Park tourists a different vantage of the park than hikes offer. Tree-lined shores and riverside bluffs are among scenery available on the tour. 12 Fall 2019
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another thing that makes this interesting to me,” he said. “There are times out here you’ll see a deer or a racoon swimming to an island. You never know what you’re going to see out here.” The crew tends to have a few binoculars, and blankets if needed, handy so visitors can catch a glimpse of Starved Rock’s perma-vacationers. A great blue heron sighting was a highlight for the July group and people turned around and tapped each other on the shoulder to spot the Asian Carp splashing about as the crowd sailed by. “We haven’t had one on the boat since June,” Jakupcak said to laughter from the crowd. “So far, so good.” But, the clear favorite was the sight of eagles. Heads were quickly on a swivel when Captain Randy gave notice to the crowd that an eagle was high overhead. Then another passed by shortly later and a younger Starved Rock Country
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Kathy Casstevens
eagle was spotted near the end of the trip. Sharry Davis hadn’t been to the park since she was a young kid and decided to return with her grandson Maxwell Shepherd and his fiance Celsey DeLahr for the tour. Sharry said the park hadn’t lost any of its luster and was glad they were able to take in the sights of the birds she recalled seeing when she was a kid. Captain Randy said he loves to hear about guests new and old discovering the park and taking in its serenity. “They love it out here at Starved Rock. They get out and explore and see all these things and that’s great.” For more information on the Dinner and Evening Cruise, visit the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center online at starvedrocklodge.com/activS R ity/water-cruises-2. C
The Eagle I Cruise includes another unique travel experience: Passengers will have the opportunity to ride the Starved Rock Lodge trolley on the way to and from the boat.
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Barn | Mus t T ry |
Quilts
Add Pop to County Cruise Story and Photos by Annette Barr
D
riving down a rural blacktop road in Bureau County, one outbuilding begins to look similar to the next as they cluster from farm to farm until suddenly a kaleidoscope of geometric shapes and colors nearly pop off of a red barn, highlighted by the bright blue afternoon sky. This work of art is a barn quilt and can be seen in various patterns and colors on more than 80 buildings along the Bureau County Barn Quilt Trail weaving through the countryside among small towns like La Moille, Tiskilwa and Wyanet.
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“It’s been a way to brighten up, spruce up our farms with a personal (piece of art),” said Valerie Jensen, Barn Quilts of Bureau County coordinator. Several years ago, Jensen noticed that a few people in Bureau County had begun to display barn quilts, similar to what she had adorning a barn on her Tiskilwa farm. After connecting with some other women in the county, and attending a talk on barn quilts in Kankakee, the group decided to organize a trail and encourage other farmers to paint and display barn quilts themselves.
Rheta Schallhorn stands in front of her “Morning Star” barn quilt at her La Moille home.
Since 2012 Jensen and a fluctuating number of volunteers have been painting quilts, updating the trail map, answering occasional messages and promoting participation. The quilts are painted with exterior latex paint onto 4-by-8-foot sheets of medium density overlay board. Two sheets are used to make one 8-by-8-foot quilt. Some quilts are half that size. The cost ranges from $225 to $325 to have one painted by a volunteer. Each quilt has anywhere from three to seven layers of paint depending on the artist. Deb Ganschow didn’t need much Fall 2019 15
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“Le Rooster” resides on the Corpus farm north of Peru.
encouragement to jump on the barn quilt bandwagon. She had been wanting one for her Walnut farm for some time. Gifted one for Christmas from her adult children, Ganschow and her husband, Jim, set about choosing a pattern and colors. “Grandmother’s Flower Garden” is a pattern Jim was drawn to as his grandmother would create a quilt in that pattern whenever one of her grandchildren married. It was a tradition. After Jim and Deb were engaged, their quilt was started but Jim’s grandmother passed before she could complete the gift. Years later Jim’s mother finished it for the couple. “It’s a family tradition. It’s just a traditional pattern,” Deb said. “When my husband thinks of quilts, he thinks of the flower garden as one of his favorite patterns, and of course he remembers his mother and grandmother quilting.” This particular pattern is a collection of hexagons and was more involved than a project Jensen wanted to take on. That’s when the Ganschows decided to 16 Fall 2019
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paint their barn quilt themselves. In fact, several participants on the trail have painted their own quilts. It was the freedom to create a design that could not be replicated that drew Renee Corpus to “Le Rooster.” As someone who had raised chickens and is fond of roosters, Corpus decided to hand draw her centerpiece and frame him in a traditional patchwork pattern.
“I love the sense, the feel of it. It makes it look homey. It makes it look like this is important to this family, that they took this time to do this. It means the world to us,” Corpus said of the quilt that has adorned their machine shed since the summer of 2016. Occasionally Corpus will be home when she sees someone pull off the road to admire her quilt. She recounted a time Starved Rock Country
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p Deb Ganschow shows the templates used to create her barn quilt. t “Grandmother’s Flower Garden” adorns a red barn at the Ganschow farm in Walnut. q Deb Ganschow shows the quilt that inspired her design.
a photographer from New York had come across “Le Rooster” along his travels and stopped for a few photos and a chat. “He came out and talked with me for quite some time,” Corpus said. “Everybody’s nice. They are not there to harm you by any means, and they just want to know, ‘Did you do this yourself ? How long did it take you? I just love how beautiful the colors are with the rooster Starved Rock Country
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and the frame.’ We’ve had so much positive feedback and it just really connects people with the rural area and makes it more friendly and inviting.” Connecting people to Bureau County is one reason Rheta Schallhorn was excited to paint her own barn quilt. In 2013 she completed her “Morning Star” design in shades of orange, gold and blue. “When they came and put this up I
said, ‘Yes! I got my barn quilt!’ I was so happy,” Schallhorn said as she thumbed through pages of hand drawn designs colored in crayon. Since then Schallhorn has painted several smaller quilt designs that are displayed throughout her yard and home. For her, the most difficult task is deciding on a favorite pattern and color scheme before she puts in hours of work. Fall 2019 17
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One of Rheta Schallhorn’s quilt designs.
Rheta Schallhorn shows some of the painted quilts displayed in her yard. “Once you get it up and don’t like it, well tough rocks,” Schallhorn chuckled, referencing the reason for her folder full of designs. It’s that passion for barn quilts that
Rheta Schallhorn sorts through her folder of various barn quilt designs.
keeps Jensen active in volunteering with the Barn Quilts of Bureau County. “I love that people get excited about creating the designs, especially when it’s personalized and it incorporates family
history, and then it’s displayed on their farm for the world to see,” Jensen said. For more information and an interactive trail map, go online to bureaucountyS R il.com/Barn-Quilts. C
Mansion Tours:
Friday-Monday | 11-3:00pm
Mansion and Gardens
Please call for other arrangements & group tours
Hegeler Carus Mansion
Experience 140 years of living history… don’t view it through glass. Walk in the footsteps of philosophers, inventors, designers, architects, Open to the public. artists and writers through the same halls Wednesday - Sunday 12, 1, 2, & 3 pm and on the same floors; Groups of 10 or more should reserve untouched since our in advance to ensure availability Mansion was finished in 1876. What stories will be 1307 Seventh St., written next? Come help us write our next LaSalle, IL 61301 chapter and let your 815-224-6543 footsteps be among the www.hegelercarus.org greats of the past.
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O
ne of the most expensive and ornate private homes in the Midwest when completed in 1858, the Mansion was built by businessman, politician, and philanthropist William Reddick. Home to the Reddick family for nearly 30 years, the mansion anchors Washington Square, site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate.
Fall Events SEPT. 21-22
Royal Princess Party OCT 11-12 Ghosts of Ottawa Past NOV. 22 Sparkling Night At The Mansion
100 West Lafayette St. | Ottawa, IL 61350 815-433-6100 | reddickmansion.org Starved Rock Country
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Call today to arrange your appointment! 815-223-2944
Women’s Health Care Center 920 West Street, Bldg. B, Peru
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Learn more at ivch.org/obstetrics. SRCfall19.indd 21
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Family reunions, single family vacations or romantic couples getaways
Check website for current specials
“Super. Super. Super Nice!! Perfect Getaway. Cabins are clean and comfortable. Staff is spot on. So Relaxing. Can’t wait until our next visit.” -Brian
Open All Year with furnace heated cabins.
Wood stoves or gas fireplaces make them cozy. Enjoy off season rates from Dec. 1st - Mar. 30th. Our gorgeous cabin rental property sits just a 10 minute drive from Starved Rock &
out Our Ask Ab NDLY E DOG FCRabIins
Matthiessen State Parks. We have 17 cabins in varying sizes spread throughout 65 acres of wooded property. Each cabin offers central air and heat, full kitchens, personal outdoor bonfire pits, picnic tables, and grills. Kishauwau Cabins was built by and is still operated in the same family for over 30 years. Come enjoy the quiet getaway that Kishauwau Cabins offers and plan your next trip today.
KishauwauCabins.com LET’S CONNECT
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Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins • 901 N. 2129th Rd. • Tonica, IL • 815-442-8453
8/19/19 12:39 PM Starved Rock Country
| Lod gings |
e nt s
3
Cozy Four-Season Cabins Provide Luxury Lodging Kishauwau’s cabins offer scenic views, comfy accomodations
Story and Photos by Ryan Searl
P
erched above the Vermilion River, just 7 miles from the gates of Starved Rock State Park, Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins bring guests closer to nature, while providing all the amenities of home. Join us as we tour a selection of the 17 family-friendly luxury vacation units available at Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins, and learn a bit about the family who’s been building and operating the cabins for more than 30 years. Kishauwau’s was established in 1986 when Jamie King’s family purchased a former Tonica area Boy Scout camp, with the dream of turning the property into a cabin resort. With years of hard work and a passion for the Starved Rock Country area, they renovated the site’s four existing cabins and added 13 more units. Kishauwau’s 17 cabins are spaced out Starved Rock Country
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far enough to give guests privacy and a sense of wilderness seclusion, while still only being a short drive from some of Starved Rock Country’s best attractions. Fall is one of Kishauwau’s most popular times of the year, particularly during Starved Rock’s famous Fall Colors Weekend. Returning guests often book their favorite cabins a year in advance, to ensure they have a spot to see this beautiful natural phenomenon.
All 17 cabins are four-season units, capable of keeping guests cozy all year round. Furnace heating, as well as indoor wood stoves and gas fireplaces, ensure a comfortable temperature in even the chilliest of Illinois months. A central air system keeps the cabins very comfortable during the heat of summer, as well. “Our cabins are very popular this time of year. Lots of people come out to enjoy Starved Rock’s fall colors, and since we’re just down the road from the park, Kishauwau’s a great place to stay,” Terisa King said. “I think it comes as a surprise to some people that we’re open all year round, but there’s so much to see in this area during the fall and winter. It’s a completely different experience from visiting in the summer.” At Kishauwau’s, you can even take in the grandeur of the fall colors from the comfort of your cabin. Most of the 17 units back up, or are incredibly close, to Fall 2019 21
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the beautiful woods that surround the site. Several of the most popular cabins sit next to the Vermilion River, a hidden gem of Starved Rock Country that winds along the northeastern end of the grounds. Various cabins can host anywhere from a single couple, popular for anniversaries and getaways, to 14 people, for larger groups and family reunions. There are even four dogfriendly units, so you won’t have to board your pet during your vacation. Despite its growth in the last 30 years, Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins remains a real mom and pop operation. “We’re here full time for the guests if they need anything. It’s a family owned and operated company. Kishauwau’s has been in my husband’s family since day one,” Terisa King, co-operator of Kishauwau’s with husband Jamie King, said. “There’s a personal touch to everything we do. We love sharing with guests why this place is so special.” That close-knit family atmosphere is infectious when staying in Kishauwau’s cabins. “Cabins are a great way for couples and families to reconnect; it really cuts down on the
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screen time. Parents love that their kids get to be unplugged for a week. They talk about how they sat around and played board games for the first time in years. Every single one of them leave saying it’s the best vacation they’ve ever had, which is so humbling,” Terisa said. Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins pride themselves on being able to cater to any size family, and that includes families with four-legged members. The Winnebago Cabin is a dog-friendly model that can sleep up to three adults (or two adults and two children). Like all cabins at Kishauwau’s, it features a covered porch, grill and a personal outdoor fire pit. Take in the serenity of nature from the included porch swing, or play some lawn games in the generously-sized yard that surrounds the cabin. For more information on the Winnebago Cabin, visit:kishauwaucabins.com/ winnebago Another amenity that sets Kishauwau’s luxury units apart from other lodging options is the inclusion of fullsized kitchens. All of Kishauwau’s cabins include refrigerators, stoves,
and pantries stocked with the necessary pots, pans, plates and utensils needed to prepare and enjoy meals on site. This comes in addition to the barbecue and fire pits, giving plenty of options for enjoying a meal without having to dine out. “People can bring in any food or drinks that they want. It really cuts down on the cost of a vacation – eating at restaurants is often the largest expense on a trip. So, being able to cook in the comfort of your cabin really cuts down on the costs,” Terisa King said. Chippewa, one of the most requested cabins on the property, can sleep up to two on its queen-sized bed, and features an unbeatable view with its beautiful forest overlook porch. “The first-time guests come here with every day meticulously planned out, but they rarely end up sticking to it. There’s just so much to do here on the property and in the cabins. It’s easy to just spend a few hours watching nature from the porch swings. In the winter months, you’re bound to see a few eagles looking for fish in the nearby Vermilion River,” said Terisa King. Several of Kishauwau’s cabins also include deluxe whirlpool tubs, with separate showers. The Chippewa unit includes a double-sized whirlpool, surrounded by beautiful knotty pine walls. After a long day of hiking at Starved Rock
Country’s parks, this amenity becomes even more desirable. “We see a lot of younger couples booking the two-person cabins these days. They’re doing a lot of hiking at Starved Rock and Matthiessen, so the whirlpool tubs are a big selling point. After hiking for miles and miles on some of those steep hills, it’s great to be able to come back to the cabin and relax in the whirlpool,” Terisa said. For more information on the Chippewa cabin, visit: kishauwaucabins.com/chippewa On the other side of the park, Melissa and Jim Thompson, of Huntley, spent a few nights in the Mother-InLaw cabin with their two children, Tyler and Megan. “We had a great stay; it’s quiet and slow paced out here. It’s great to just get out of the house for a few days and enjoy some time in nature with the kids,” Jim said. “We were able to really relax at Kishauwau’s. No phones or tablets, just some good family time. We’ll definitely be back next year,” Melissa added. For more information on Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins, visit: kishauwaucabins.com While you’re there, take a new 3D tour of two of Kishauwau’s most popular options, the Illini Cabin and Grandma’s Cabin. To sign up for Kishauwau’s newsletter, email: kishauwauS R cabins@gmail.com. C Starved Rock Country
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BUILD
Illinois’ longest operating lumberyard continues to thrive along Peru’s historic riverfront. Maze Lumber has been providing top quality building materials to Illinois Valley contractors and homeowners for 171 years, still owned by the founding fathers (Maze). Located in a 15,000-square foot showroom and office, we offer building materials for the modern home as well as a full line of the traditional lumber items used in home building, commercial construction, and industrial applications. Our experienced sales staff takes pride in their ability to provide knowledgeable assistance along with prompt delivery at reasonable prices.
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mazelumber.com Water Stree t , Peru | 815 -223 -1742
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Map out your trip around Starved Rock Country
Route 34
Illustrations by Charlie Ellerbrock
Earlville
North 39th Road
Depue Lake
Turner Lake
ighway
Illinois River
Oglesby
Starved Rock State Park Matthiessen State Park
ilio
Route 251
Interstate 39
n
Ri
ve r
Streator East 15th Road
Henry d Roa nty Cou 0 East 170
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m
Route 18
Pick pumpkins at Boggio’s Orchard & Produce, 12087 Route 71, Granville
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Grand Ridge
Ve r
26
County Road 750 East County Road 1300 North
Lake Senachwine
Route 23
Road
Hulse Lake
County Highway 89
Route 29
H County
County Road 500 North
ock ad uffalo Rark B eP t a t S Dee Bennett ig Ro
Utica
La Salle Peru
Route 71
Goose Lake
Ottawa
Route 6 Koen
Route 23
Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway Spring Valley
Route 178
Spring Lake
Ladd
East 8th Road
Interstate 39
Interstate 180
Princeton
North 33rd Road
Route 17
Sample burgoo stew and shop the vendors at Burgoo Festival (Read more on page 28)
Check out the annual Scarecrow Festival in Ottawa (Read more on pages 60 and 64)
Tour Starved Rock State Park from the river (Read more on page 10)
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n
Interstate 80
dro We
Cherry
Route 251
Route 52
56
Ro
North 42nd Road
Triumph
ay hw H ig
County Highway 26
ty un Co
ad t y Ro Coun East 1950
4 e3 ut
East 12th Road
Mendota
Route 92
Route 23
Route 34
Sandwich
ive r
Somonauk
Fox R No
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oad
r ive xR Fo Road
25
4 rth
North 42nd Road
R 1st
orway Store
1
7 te ou
Newark Road
North 41st Road Newark
Sheridan
EST. 1848
Route 52
Specializing in Scandinavian Gifts and Food
Scandinavian Foods
County Highway 25
County Highway 15
Norway
• Kringla • Lutefisk • Kumla
Interstate 80 Route 6
Illin
i Sta te P a
Morris
l
a Can
gan
hi Mic
er s Riv
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Illino
Interstate 47
is &
o
Illin
Marseilles Seneca
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La Salle County Nuclear Station Cooling Lake
County Highway 6
East 27th Road
County Highway 5
Route 18 East 24th Road
5
Route 17 ate 5
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dro We
Ro
ut e7
1
Serena
Int ers t
ute 17
See fall colors via bicycle along Starved Rock Country’s 35+ miles of the Illinois & Michigan Canal Starved Rock Country
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Shop antique stores in Morris, Ottawa, Utica, La Salle and Princeton (Read more on page 37)
Fresh Meat Department • Fresh Chicken, Pork and Beef • Over 100 types of seafood • We make our own sausage
Deli Department • Fresh, homemade salads • Deli sandwiches made to order • Try our Norwegian Cheeses
Grocery – Liquor
Produce • Farm Fresh Produce locally grown tomatoes, corn, peppers, asparagus, cucumbers and zucchini
• We’re not just a gas station – we offer a full service grocery store • Liquor • Lotto • Video Gaming • 24 Hour Fuel Stop
Store Restaurant
Harvey’s Barber Shop
• Norwegian Buffett 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – 1st Wednesday of Every Month! • Thurs: BBQ ribs or Broasted Chicken • Sun.: Breakfast Buffet – 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Open Tues-Wed-Thurs. 1 – 5 p.m. • $10 Haircuts!
3654 N. Illinois, Route 71 Sheridan, IL 815-496-2669 MON-FRI 5AM-8PM SAT 6AM-8PM SUN 8AM-5PM Fall 2019 27
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| Mus t See |
A Stirring Experience Burgoo Festival marks five decades of food, fun and fellowship Story and Photos by Steve Stout
T
he moon landing and Woodstock are sharing their 50th anniversary years with a quirky downtown Utica festival that attracts 40,000 visitors looking to try the pioneer stew and shop the hundreds of vendor stands. In Starved Rock Country, 1969 is remembered as the year burgoo stew was first introduced to North Central Illinois in a town celebration of fall hosted by the La Salle County Historical Society. Since that initial small street party, the Burgoo Festival in Utica has grown into one of the biggest fall events in the Midwest. This year’s two-day event, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12 and 13, will once again feature the laboriously prepared pioneer stew (being served on Sunday only) along with food, craft, antique and gift vendors on about every downtown street. Live music, games and blacksmithing demonstrations will also entertain the crowds. The festival, held rain or shine, was modeled after community gatherings that pioneering prairie settlers would have every fall after harvest. Burgoo stew was the heavy soup created with meat donated by hunters and vegetables supplied by farmers. The mixture would be simmered in pots over open fires all day and night. Starved Rock Country
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The Utica burgoo – thick with fresh vegetables, meats and spices – is slowly cooked in massive 50-gallon cast iron pots outside atop blazing wood fires starting the night before the event. Scores of volunteers take shifts overnight and past dawn constantly stirring the savory concoction with large wood paddles to prevent scorching. La Salle County Event Coordinator Amanda Carter said the fall festival is important to the historical society and its award-winning museum. She said the annual event is the historical society’s primary fundraiser each year. “This festival provides the funding we need to keep our museum, our Utica campus and our many educational programs alive,” Carter said. “Burgoo isn’t just a festival that provides the means for LCHS to continue to run year after year. Burgoo is the epitome of fall, fellowship, and history. Year after year I see many vendors warmly greeting each other after many years of being ‘neighbor’ vendors. Many volunteers come to work together and have a great time, stirring, serving or walking the streets selling 50/50 raffle tickets.” Carter added, “I believe the best part of Burgoo is standing around the open kettles at night in the brisk autumn air stirring the pots into the wee hours of the morning. Everyone is working and
The steaming cauldrons may seem like they come straight from a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, but they’re one of the main tools used to cook the Burgoo Festival’s signature stew. Giant paddles are used to continuously stir the concoction.
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yet everyone isn’t complaining about the job ahead of them; they are actually having a wonderful time. So, in short, the spirit of the festival is what means the most to LCHS and me personally, and all of the cool crafts, vendors and food is just icing on the cake.” The Burgoo weekend begins with a large car show Saturday, Oct. 12, sponsored by the Utica Fire Department. “We have had nearly 100 classic cars participate in previous shows and we expect that number or more again this year,” said Utica Fire Chief Ben Brown. “The car show benefits our department and gives us positive exposure to the public.” The origins of the Utica Burgoo can be traced back to an idea brought to the historical society by longtime member Connie Fetzer from an Arenzville fundraiser in Southern Illinois. With the support of society benefactor Edmund Thornton and other members, Fetzer organized the first event to coincide with the fall colors in Starved Rock Country. Fetzer said the first event was planned to ensure the identity of the celebration was retained by the society as its own to bring resources back to the museum. In a 1991 Society booklet about the celebration, Fetzer said, “The Burgoo is now a (community) tradition and has its own identity (throughout the Midwest). The uniqueness of the word,
Burgoo, the visible commitment of volunteers to be up all night to make the stew, the charm of the village, the hard work of Society members and the folksiness of enjoying, savoring and observing a pioneer activity recreated, has accrued to the success of the Society.” Agreeing with Fetzer, Jeff Ratajczak, the society’s executive director, noted the festival has evolved into one of the longest held and largest festivals in the North Central Illinois region. “The Burgoo weekend brings together a large and diverse crowd under a central premise of celebrating the long gone era of early pioneers who played such an important and integral role in the history of this prairie region. These settlers helped shape the future of La Salle County and Northern Illinois.” Reflecting on past festivals, Ratajczak said he loves seeing the thousands of people enjoying themselves with their friends and family, smiling and taking photos, stirring the stew and having a great time. “Here, at the Utica museum, throughout the year, I meet (and hear) people from all around the country that have been to a Burgoo from years past who tell me about how much they look forward to returning to the area again and again to enjoy all that the event offers.” He said, “I am also reminded each year, the positive effect the Burgoo has for the village of North Utica and the local economy.”
The vendor market is among Burgoo’s top attractions, drawing thousands of shoppers to Utica. 30 Fall 2019
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Festivalgoers often get to try their hand at stirring the cauldro Society President Susan Thornton called the Burgoo Festival “a symbol of tradition both for the village and for everyone who joins the celebration on that day.” Representative of many Burgoo vendors, Jon Papineau, of Ottawa, has been popping and selling his fresh kettle corn at the event for more than 30 years. “For us long-term vendors, Burgoo is like a family gathering,” Papineau explained. “I see friends from all around in what I consider to be a yearly reunion. I think this event is just great. It’s wonderful to see how the village opens its doors to thousands and thousands of people who come back every year.” Thornton said, “It’s a weekend where one can meet old friends and make new ones. The Burgoo tradition provides a forum to showcase the LCHS’s strong work ethic of its volunteers. The proceeds go directly to keeping the doors open to the society’s six buildings in our Utica complex. It is our goal to provide visitors with fun, great food, lively entertainment and most importantly, a sense of tradition. I expect this special day to go on for another 50 years and more.” Starved Rock Country
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See us for all your Carhartt needs. Jackets • Denim Work Jeans • Hoodies Bibs • T-Shirts • Socks • Gloves
We’ll Get You Ready For The Season.
rring the cauldrons of burgoo stew. Current Burgoomeister Mike Ellerbrock, of Oglesby, has prepared the pioneer stew for the last few years with the support of many local volunteers. “In previous years, we sold out more than 500 gallons of our burgoo by mid-afternoon,” said Ellerbrock. “So for this one, we’re planning – with a little tweaking – to prepare about the same amount depending on the cooperation of the weather.” Ellerbrock added, “It’s always an honor to be in charge of cooking the burgoo, but it also takes a lot of crazy work. It takes a lot of preparation. The volunteers make the work fun while being very helpful. It is a team effort and it always comes together in the end.” The cook said he also enjoys watching visitors stir the stew pots for family photos. “It’s fun to watch them use the paddles in the pots to see how tiring it can be.” Would he reveal any secret ingredients? “No,” he said, laughing. At age 90, Nancy Maze has been a volunteer at the festival during most of the last 50 years. She has worked Burgoo with her late husband, George, their family and their many friends. “It’s always a fun day,” she said. “Utica is a cute, friendly, little town with a really big celebration. You always see a lot of friends there and have the opportunity to meet many new people. It is one of the best community parties around – a real social occasion. Come to the celebration this year and see S R for yourself.” C Starved Rock Country
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VLASTNIK’S MENSWEAR Rt. 6, Downtown Peru
Open Friday & Monday until 8PM
815-223-0695
Coming this fall...Our Annual
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19TH BIDDING BEGINS AT 8 AM Hundreds of items will be up for bid at drastic discounts, so stay tuned this fall to 1430 AM WCMY and 95.3 JACK fm for all the details. Look for a detailed listing in The Times, too
The Voice of Starved Rock County Streaming LIVE at 1430wcmy.com
Streaming LIVE at 953jackfm.com
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What to Do After Burgoo Five must-see activities following your trip to Utica’s Burgoo Compiled by Ryan Searl
After you’ve sampled the stew and explored all beautiful downtown Utica has to offer, here are five activities within 15 minutes of Burgoo to add to your trip itinerary.
Starved Rock Entertainment
201 Donaldson St., Utica 815-349-6000 Just down the road from the Burgoo festival grounds, you’ll find Starved Rock Entertainment, one of the area’s most exciting new attractions. This all-in-one entertainment center offers an indoor play land, perfect for 2-10-year-olds, and three challenging escape rooms, sure to entertain even the sulkiest of tweens and teens. This huge indoor play area features a foam pit, sandbox, wall-sized chalk board, oversized games and six wooden playhouses. Starved Rock Entertainment has built a play center that’s ideal for kids looking to let off some steam after a morning of walking around Burgoo. For the older set, Starved Rock Entertainment’s three brand new escape rooms take guests on a challenging, puzzle-filled adventure in the span of just one hour. The Asylum Room, Hidden Treasure Room and Maze Room each feature a different difficulty rating and are suitable for a variety of age groups. This unique family bonding activity is the perfect way to close out a day at Burgoo. Reservations must be made online, or over the phone, at least three hours in advance. For more information, visit: starvedrockentertainment.com Play land Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday to Monday Escape Room Hours (By appointment only): noon to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday; noon to 10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
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Starved Rock Entertainment
Lock 16 Café and Visitors Center 754 First St., La Salle 815-223-1851 If you’re looking for some fascinating history, and a delicious bite to eat, chart a course for the Lock 16 Café & Visitors Center in historic downtown La Salle. Just a short drive to the west from Utica, this charming building serves as the headquarters of the I&M Canal National Heritage Area. Exhibits in the visitors center offer terrific insight into the history, and lasting impact, of the I&M Canal. A massive map table shows how the manmade waterway wound from Chicago to La Salle, a true engineering marvel of its day, while the beautiful 8-by-40-foot wrapping mural depicts how significant the canal was to the Illinois economy, and dayto-day life, in the mid- to late-1800s. If you’re still not full from the famous Burgoo stew, don’t fret. The Lock 16 Café offers a full menu of lunch and breakfast options. The café features daily Quiche and Frittata specials, a full espresso bar, a wonderful wine and beer menu and a delectable sandwich, soup and salad trio. If dietary restrictions kept you from sampling the stew at Burgoo, Lock 16 also sports a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, like the Mary Todd Veggie Wrap (fresh mixed greens, carrots, peppers, tomato and cucumber, on a bed of hot rice, complete with your choice of dressing, all served in a soft spinach tortilla) For more information, visit: iandmcanal.org/lock-16-cafe Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday Starved Rock Country
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4301 Plank Road, Peru 815-228-5805 Since Burgoo is taking place just a few short weeks before Halloween, consider taking a trip to Country Kids Produce, in nearby Peru. Located about 10 miles west of Utica, just a short drive on Interstate 80, Country Kids Produce is your destination for fall-themed goods and decorations. Now in their 26th year, the season marks the return of Country Kids famous homegrown pumpkins, offering one of the widest variety in the area, at unbeatable prices. Other fall goods include fresh apples, delicious honey (available both bottled and raw) and straw bales grown on the Country Kids property. Mums are another perennial favorite among Country Kids’ regular customers, and are available in a wide array of colors and planters. Country Kids’ vast stock of chrysanthemums, so large it takes over part of their parking lot, ensures there’s something suitable for everyone’s porch, window sill and garden. Country Kids Produce also carries a selection of canned goods, including jams, jellies, and pickled products. Their selection of metal home decor make for excellent Starved Rock Country souvenirs, adding a splash of fall theming to your home or garden. For more information, visit: Country Kids Produce on Facebook Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
2688 East 873rd Road, Oglesby 815-667-4211 If you’re looking for a place to spend the night after the festival, consider booking a room at the historic Starved Rock Lodge. Located in the middle of the famous Starved Rock State Park, this hotel and dining hall offer the serenity of nature, while being just a short drive away from the Burgoo festival site. The lodge boasts 69 guest rooms and a variety of cabin rentals. The lodge also features an indoor pool complex, complete with hot tub and sauna, open to all guests. The Main Dining Room – Starved Rock Lodge’s on-site restaurant – is widely considered to be one of the best fine dining options in the area. Locals often recommend the Saturday night prime rib special. The restaurant also offers a Sunday brunch, if you’re looking to prepare for a morning of exploring vendors at Burgoo. For craft beer enthusiasts and wine aficionados, Starved Rock Lodge’s Backdoor Lounge can’t be missed. The Lounge’s extensive drink menu includes locally brewed Tangled Roots beer and La Salle-grown August Hill wine. Featuring walls lined with canoes, taxidermy and vintage beer ephemera, you’d be hard pressed
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Sandra Rust
Starved Rock Lodge
Country Kids Produce
to find a lodge watering hole with more atmosphere. While you’re at The Backdoor Lounge, check out the newly renovated Veranda outside. This sprawling cliffside patio provides an unmatched view of Starved Rock and the Illinois River, perfect for enjoying a nightcap after a busy day at Burgoo. For more information, visit: starvedrocklodge. com Backdoor Lounge Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday Starved Rock Lodge Main Dining Room Hours: 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. daily
Cedar Creek Ranch 249 IL-71, Cedar Point 815-481-3337 Escape to nature at Cedar Creek Ranch. Less than 12 miles southwest of Burgoo, Cedar Creek boasts horseback riding excursions, a farm animal petting zoo, and thrilling all-terrain gator cruises. Featuring 60-plus acres of heavily wooded areas, splash-filled creek crossings and beautiful open fields, Cedar Creek Ranch is a natural theme park, ready to be explored by you and your family. Since 2007, guided horseback riding tours have been a staple of Cedar Creek. Let their experienced guides take you on a tour of their scenic property. This excursion is suitable for all ages, and lasts between 50 and 70 minutes. Tours depart at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Pauly’s Petting Zoo is a particularly popular attraction for the kids, allowing them to get up close with the unique farm animals that call Cedar Creek Ranch home. Like all of the ranch’s amenities, the petting zoo is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., year-round. To make a reservation, call: 815-481-3337.
Starved Rock Country
Starved Rock Country
Country Kids Produce
After your tour, be sure to grab a bite to eat at The Gunsmoke Grill. This restaurant, also located on the premises of Cedar Creek, offers a full menu and weekly specials, like fried chicken and smoked beef brisket tacos. For more information, visit: ccrstables.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Fall 2019 33
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STREATOR , IL
EXPLOR
fiNE fiELD POTTERY 215 E Main Streator, IL
finefieldpottery.com
815-672-8135 www.danchrisnursery.com
Wild Hearts Boutique Gypsy Soul With a Cowgirl Spirit
214 E Main St | Streator IL
815-674-7558
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Facebook.com/yourwildhearts | Tues-Fri 10-5 Sat 10-3
Starved Rock Country
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LORE • EXPERIENCE • ENJOY Back to School and Campus Style
Bromley & Brown Boutique
308 E. Main St. • Streator
LIMIT ONE COUPON PER VISIT. COUPON REQUIRED. EXPIRES OCTOBER 31, 2019
LIMIT ONE COUPON PER VISIT. COUPON REQUIRED. EXPIRES OCTOBER 31, 2019
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2000 EASTWOOD AVENUE, STREATOR, IL. 61364 GOLF: 815.673.5553 // DINE: 815.673.5551 Starved Rock Country
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Must Present This Coupon! Expires 10-31-2019 617 E. Main St. Streator, IL 61364
815-672-2204
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Uncork A Great Time At Clarks Run Wine & Beer Tastingg Room, Live Music. Now Serving You At 2 Locations!
Clarks Run Antiques 215 N. Division St., Utica • 815.667.7190 Quality unique crafts, antiques, and gifts. TASTING ROOM & OUTDOOR PATIO Enjoy our wonderful wine and beer selection. Monday-Saturday 10-5; Sunday 10-4
Clarks Run Creek Wine & Gifts 143 Mill St., Utica • 815.691.8047 Utica’s Best Kept Secret
Gifts & Wine, Bourbon, and Specialty Drinks Rent our upstairs room for special events. Bachelorette Parties, Birthdays, or Showers Sun, Wed, & Thurs 12-7, Fri & Sat 12-9, Closed Mon. & Tues.
For Upcoming Events and Live Entertainment Schedule, like both locations on Facebook!
737 First Street • Downtown LaSalle, 61301 • (815) 342-2555
HOURS: Wednesday - Friday 12 – 6 Sat. 10 – 6 | Sun. 12 – 4 6,500 square foot wonderland of vintage, white, rusty, shabby, industrial and mid-century finds • Salvaged doors, windows, trim, beams, barn wood • Stockist for four lines of milk, clay, lime, & chalk-based paint including Pure & Original and Iron Orchid Designs SM-CL1683930
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5 Unique Antique Destinations in Starved Rock Country Compiled by Ryan Searl
If you’re seeking antiques in Starved Rock Country, look no further! We’ve assembled a day trip itinerary that will take you, and your fellow antiquers, to five of the most exciting and offbeat vintage stores Starved Rock Country has to offer.
539 Bedford Road, Morris 815-705-0161 True North knows that shopping can, and should, be an adventure. This 6,000-squarefoot facility, housing more than 70 vendors, has been voted the best antique shop in Grundy County for six consecutive years. With an accolade like that, you would expect a well curated selection of antiques, but the vendors at True North continue to outdo themselves. Inside you’ll find eclectic affordable items, handpicked vintage clothing, salvaged furniture and supplies for your next restoration project. True North is on the go, too. Their mobile True North Camp Bus is bringing a selection of the store’s best merchandise to events across the Midwest. Recently, this converted school bus has made appearances at Chicago’s Pitchfork Music Festival during their Renegade Craft show, and Junkstock in Warterloo, Nebraska. The Scout Flea Market, which has been called “One of the best outdoor markets” by Flea Market Style magazine, and “An undiscovered gem” by Romantic Homes magazine, hosts their three yearly events in True North’s parking lot. Be sure to follow True North and Scout Flea Market on Facebook for details on their upcoming events. Be sure to stop by True North’s newest addition, The Happy Space. This 800-square-foot addition to the store is an interactive experience room, perfect for snapping selfies and taking a break from antiquing. For more information, visit: shoptruenorth.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
215 N. Division St., North Utica 815-667-7190 Clark’s Run Antiques, located in beautiful downtown Utica, knows that few things pair better with a long day of antiquing than a glass or two of wine. With the addition of their new wine bar and outdoor patio, Clark’s Run has cemented themselves as not only one of Starved Rock Country’s best multi-dealer antique shops, but also a top notch destination for enjoying libations near Starved Rock State Park. Since opening their doors in 2012, Clark’s Run Antiques has been known for having quality merchandise at affordable prices. You won’t find any bric-a-brac in their showcases, the 70-plus experienced and professional vendors featured in the shop have well crafted collections across a wide variety of products. The gift selection at Clark’s Run Antiques is just as well curated, featuring a delightful assortment of home decor, jewelry, Starved Rock apparel, wellness and beauty products. This year also saw the addition of a spacious outdoor patio at Clark’s Run. Perfect for savoring a glass of wine after a busy morning of antiquing, or for taking in a live musical performance on their patio on a Sunday evening. If you’re looking for an even wider variety of wine, head over to Clark’s Run Creek. This cozy sister store to Clark’s Run Antiques sells a wide assortment of wine and gifts, and is located just a short walk away from the antique shop. For more information, visit: clarksruncreek.com/antiques Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
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Starved Rock Country
Clark’s Run Antiques True North
True North
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Anne’s Antiques 938 N. Main St., Princeton 815-875-2272 This quaint store, located in the heart of Princeton’s North End shopping district, is sure to become one of your favorite antique spots in Starved Rock Country. With an impeccably curated selection of vintage furniture and home decor, Anne’s Antiques is a must-stop location on your next trip to western Starved Rock Country. While the store specializes in oak and walnut furniture from the early 1900s, they also feature a wide 38 Fall 2019
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antiques freely flow into a paperback book selection, located just around the corner from a jewelry stand. This deliberately eclectic mix of products makes for an entertaining and highly social shopping experience that guests aren’t soon to forget. And that’s all without mentioning the full fledged costume shop housed in the right half of Curious Goods. Featuring all your favorite licensed (and humorously unlicensed) characters, this costume shop is one of Starved Rock Country’s best stops for preparing for Halloween. Costumes and components are available to purchase, in addition to the professional quality costumes that are available to rent. For more information, visit: hanksfarm.com/curious-goods.html Hours: 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday; noon to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Starved Rock Country
2973 IL-71, Ottawa 815-433-3453 On a trip to Curious Goods, conveniently near Interstate 80 and Route 71, you’ll likely notice the chickens, peacocks and turkeys that roam the 20-plus acres surrounding the store – and that’s not even the strangest thing about this antique, vintage and costume shop. Located next to Hank’s Farm, a massive dairy barn-turned-casualdining restaurant, Ottawa’s Curious Goods exudes quirky charm. With its wooden walkway leading up to an enclosed front poach, and large shabby chic sign in the shape of a cat, you know just from the exterior that you’re in for something special. Featuring a fun and funky variety of antiques, gifts, jewelry, home décor, garden art and much more, Curious Goods isn’t dedicated to one specific type of merchandise. Instead
Canal Cargo Market 737 First St., La Salle 815-342-2555 The Canal Cargo Market, located in historic downtown La Salle, features more than 6,500 square feet of vintage, antique and shabby chic decor! If you’re looking for that perfect piece of upcycled vintage furniture, or just love the rustic and industrial elements of salvaged materials, Canal Cargo Market is a must-stop location for you! Vintage architectural elements and reclaimed furnishings are more popular than ever. Let Canal Cargo’s knowledgeable staff help you plan your perfect space, finding you the tools and products you need to unleash your own creativity. For the DIY-inclined, Canal Cargo Market stocks brands like Pure & Original, Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paints, Debi’s DIY Paint, Paint Couture, ClingOn! brushes and their popular line of Iron Orchid Design products. Not ready to take the dive into modifying your own pieces? Already have a piece of vintage furniture you’ve been wanting to spruce up? Look no further. The fine folks at the Canal Cargo Market can strip, paint and stain your favorite pieces. Modifying and modernizing it to fit whatever color scheme or room design you’ve been working on. For more information, visit: facebook.com/canalcargomarket Hours: noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Starved Rock Country
Curious Goods
selection of vintage, hand stitched, quilts, pottery and much more. Whether you’re looking for some quirky 1950s advertising ephemera for your kitchen, or a pristine 100-year-old oak ice box ready to be repurposed as an end table, Anne’s helps to bring a touch of vintage furnishing to your carefully planned interiors. For more information, visit: facebook.com/annesantiques Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday Starved Rock Country
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| Pas t TEn se |
Happy Trails!
Take a one-hour trip on the High Prairie Trail Story by Charles Stanley, Photos by Charles Stanley and contributed
If you know where to look, you can drive along the same High Prairie Trail that stagecoaches used to travel between Chicago and Ottawa. Originally known as the Potowatomi Trace, the 85-mile route was formally established in 1831. At the time, stagecoach connections were key for travelers since Ottawa and Peru were as far as riverboats could come up the Illinois River. Later, there were other options. By 1848 the Illinois & Michigan Canal opened and in a few more years the railroad arrived. Actually, the trail heading west from Chicago to Ottawa split in DuPage County and then rejoined just north of 40 Fall 2019
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Ottawa on today’s Illinois Route 71. “The most obvious and easiest one to travel today is Route 71, which follows what was the western branch of the Chicago to Ottawa Trail,” said Roger Matile, author of “By Trace and Trail: The Stagecoach Era in Northern Illinois.” Going north on Route 71 from Ottawa will take a traveler through Newark to Oswego. There, Route 71 becomes Route 34, and, heading east, terminates in the Chicago suburb of Berwyn, near the Ottawa Trail Woods Forest Preserve. “It’s a little more difficult to follow the old main route, the High Prairie Trail,
because some portions of it have been vacated over the years as townships and counties moved roads to follow section lines instead of cutting across country,” Matile said. “But there are still sections from Plainfield through Plattville to Lisbon and Ottawa you can follow on a good map.” From Lisbon to Ottawa the old High Prairie Trail is composed of blacktop and gravel roads. There is one section of the old trail that’s closed, so a detour is necessary. Although it is pretty much a straight shot, there is some meandering. “They didn’t build bridges back then,” Starved Rock Country
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Matile explained. “A lot of these roads curve and wind here and there because they were looking for fords across the creeks.” Today the view is mostly farm fields. But it was a luscious prairie that the stagecoach travelers saw. Stagecoach traveler Eliza Steele wrote her impressions of seeing the prairie on the morning of July 6, 1840: “Acres of wild flowers of every hue glowed around me. It was, in fact, a vast garden, over whose perfumed paths, covered with soil as hard as gravel, our carriage rolled through the whole of that summer day… Starved Rock Country
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p A section of the stagecoach trail to Ottawa is covered in gravel. Shown in the inset is an 1870 map showing the same section of trail from the Library of Congress. t A recentlyproduced map of the stagecoach trails between Chicago and Ottawa. Fall 2019 41
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This private home nine miles north of Morris used to be a stagecoach stop. A historic plaque is on the front lawn. “We passed whole acres of blossoms all bearing one hue, as purple, perhaps, or masses of yellow or rose, and then again a carpet of every color intermixed. When the sun flooded this mosa-
ic floor with light, and the summer breeze stirred among their leaves, the iridescent glow was beautiful and wondrous beyond any thing I had ever conS R ceived.� C
The Illinois River Area Chamber of Commerce Invites You to the Communities of Marseilles and Seneca
Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall, Marseilles The Seneca Area History Museum, Seneca Illini State Park, Marseilles The LST Memorial, Seneca The I&M Canal Hiking and Biking Path, Marseilles & Seneca See more at www.iracc.org, call us at (815) 795-2323, or, stop by the Caboose at 135 Wasington St., Marseilles, IL 61341 SM-CL1689834
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Finding the High Prairie Trail
1.
Begin at Interstate 80 traveling northbound on Route 71 near Ottawa. Drive north 16 miles to U.S. Route 52. On your right you will pass the “crashed” airplane that commemorates the 1980s agricultural crash. Then on the left will be the Norwegian Settlers Memorial; it commemorates the first permanent Norwegian settlement in the Midwest in 1834. Next, back on the right, will be the Norway store, established in 1848. (It’s a good place to buy a beverage, snacks and gas for this short road trip — or just to look around.) Turn right on U.S. 52 and go east 13 miles and turn right to Lisbon on Apashtka Road. In a mile arrive in Lisbon (pop. 282) at Galena Street and turn right. Straight ahead, at 200 Joliet St., is a two-story limestone former stagecoach stop originally called The Lisbon House. There is marker plaque in the yard. Today it is a private residence. The hotel and tavern was built around 1836 by Levi Hills, who three years earlier had originally opened a log tavern stagecoach stop to the west in Holderman’s Grove. Turn right on Joliet Street and head west. Now you are on the High Prairie Trail. Follow Joliet Street west past the West Lisbon Church on the right. Next, the road curves south and joins with White Willow Road. Turn right and
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again head west. In one mile the blacktop turns to gravel for two miles until you reach County Line Road. After about a mile you will cross a bridge and then, where the road swoops, is the former location of the pioneer community of Holderman’s Grove. The area once was thick with walnut trees, which were harvested to make into furniture. At County Line Road the stagecoach trail temporarily ends. Detour by turning right and heading a half-mile to North 37th Road and then turning left and going west onto a gravel road. In one mile turn left and head south on East 29th Road. And in one more mile turn right and head west on 3501st Road. Now you are back on the High Prairie Trail. To your right should be a two-story AT&T building with a tower supporting multiple microwave dishes. Continue west on 3501st Road until it reaches a jog to the left at East 25th Road. Pause at the stop sign. Across the road to the right is a green metal sign denoting the former location of the Danway general store. Take the jog to the left and resume heading west on 3501st Road (also called Danway Road) one more mile to the intersection with Illinois Route 71. On the yard to the left is a statue of a white bulldog. Turn left and head south on Route 71 five miles to Interstate 80 where the trip began.
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5.
• 4-Season Building • Seats up to 350 • Covered Patio • Bride’s & Groom’s Rooms • Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Site events@hornbakergardens.com
Destination Garden Center Open April 10 through October 10
Garden Center Arboretum Botanical Gardens
Artisan Market September 7th SATURDAY
Princeton, Illinois • 815-659-3282 • www.hornbakergardens.com Starved Rock Country
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Welcome to Downtown Morris Jane and Stu Kerr
APPLE BUTTER AND SHUGIE’S
309 N. Liberty St. Morris, IL 60450 (815) 942-5093 applebutter75@hotmail.com
Located just 60 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago Illinois offers the amenities of its more metropolitan suburban neighbors along with small-town hospitality and charm. Come to downtown Morris and enjoy a fun day shopping for unique gifts, enjoying our restaurants and tea room, and enjoying outdoor activities. Make memories and have fun with your friends or your family as you shop, dine and enjoy!
A unique gift shop stocked from top to bottom with eclectic gifts SM-CL1693241
B rianna L ynn’s BOUTIQUE
Fine Women’s Apparel & Accessories
Upscale Boutique Specializing in Quality Clothing and Accessories Monica Brehm Maureen A Headrick Diana L. Watters, Manager
215 Liberty Street Morris, Illinois 60450 815-942-1514
CHILDREN’S APPAREL SIZES PREEMIE TO SIXTEEN
MONICA BREHM & MAUREEN HEADRICK
218 LIBERTY ST. • MORRIS, IL 60450 • 815/942-3999 BOYS AND GIRLS APPAREL SIZES PREEMIE - 16
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701 N LIBERTY STREET MORRIS, IL 60450 P. 815.710.5006
Great Selection of Unique Annuals, Perennials, Roses, Shrubs, Trees and Garden Decor SM-CL1693254 44 Fall 2019
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RESERVATIONS@CHOPSHOPGRILLE.COM CHOPSHOPGRILLE.COM SM-CL1693250
Ponds ~ Nursery ~ Landscaping Commercial & Residential 1565 W. Rte 6 Morris IL 815-942-2235
OPEN DAILY @ 11:30AM / CLOSED MONDAYS Fresh Locally Raised Beef, Produce & Organic, Antibiotic Free Pork & Poultry
Starved Rock Country
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FOOD, BEER, MEAD, WINE, & SPIRITS
101 Mill Street Utica, IL (815)667-4345
Monday - Friday: 11AM - 11PM Saturday & Sunday: 8AM - 11PM
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Casey Peall measures the alcohol content of a batch of rum at Star Union Spirits.
Combine at Distillery Story by Stephanie Jaquins, Photos by Tom Sistak
B
elieve it or not, Star Union Spirits owners’ first love was not spirits. It was wine. On a camping trip about a decade ago, Jeff Yosowitz gave Bob Windy a sample of his homemade wine. Windy enjoyed it so much, he asked Yosowitz to teach him how to make his own. It started a friendship that eventually led them to become co-owners of Star Union Spirits — the first distillery in 46 Fall 2019
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Peru in more than 100 years. It concentrates on the production of craft fruit and grain distilled liquor. Their background in wine-making helped make the transition into spirits, but they also did their research. “There was definitely a learning curve. We did our homework. We visited over 100 distilleries,” Windy said. They talked to owners and distillers and saw the workings of many of them.
“We had a vision based upon all that collective memory from our visits,” Windy said. Star Union Spirits opened at 300 Fifth St., Suite 135, in November 2018, focusing on craft brandy, whiskey and vodka. They use Midwestern fruits and grains, as well as West Coast and South American grapes. Recently, Star Union submitted three bottles for a blind taste test for the Raise Starved Rock Country
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a Glass Foundation’s 2019 Great American International Spirits Competition in New York. All three of Star Union’s submissions were awarded — gold for its Single Barrel Immature Brandy and two bronze awards for its Cherry Brandy and its Immature Brandy (Eau-de-Vie). The pair plan to build upon their portfolio. Looking forward, Union Spirits plans to release four rums and one vodka in the coming months. Some small batch brandys are also maturing in barrels. The owners also hope to expand their operation by adding another still. “We want to make our portfolio bigger and then we’ll pick up production on all of our recipes,” Windy said. “We have a longer term plan to expand our operation; to expand our footprint within this building. Until we can reach our capacity with where we’re at right now that will evolve as we move forward.” In the future, you’ll be able to buy Star Union’s products at many local, high-end bars and restaurants. “We are craft, so everything is made by hand here. We think that most of the upscale restaurants and progressive restaurants and bars would embrace our product,” Windy said. Social Kitchen and Rudy’s tap room in La Salle, and Barrel Society, Inc. in Princeton currently serve Star Union’s
Bob Windy soaks a barrel prior to being filled. Wetting the barrel prevents any leakage.
spirits. The Morris Chop Shop also will soon carry Star Union Spirits. Star Union Spirits occupies about 6,000 square feet inside Peru’s historic Westclox building. Westclox, one of Starved Rock Country’s largest employers in its heyday, was founded in Peru
Historical items are on display at the distillery, located at 300 Fifth St., Suite 135, Peru. Starved Rock Country
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in 1885 and closed in 1980. In recent years, several new businesses have opened in the former factory, with Star Union Spirits being one of the most recent. Westclox is a part of Peru’s history Star Union has embraced, with touches of the clock factory found throughout the space. You just have to know what you’re looking at. The bowling pins on the bar are from the factory’s employee bowling alley. The bar itself is made out of the bowling alley lane floor. Old window frames were repurposed as foot rails. One thing you won’t find are TVs. The focus is on the music and the cocktails. “We purposely did not incorporate any TVs in here, so that people would interact. It’s evolved into a great music room,” Windy said. “We get calls from musicians all the time wanting to play here. They love the acoustics.” If you take a tour of the distillery, you’ll find how the spirits are made. You’ll have a view of the copper still and spirit distillation and production. And in the corner, you’ll find out how Star Union got its name. Fall 2019 47
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Star Union Spirits focuses on the production of craft fruit and grain distilled liquor.
W
The distillery’s products are available for sampling at the tasting room’s bar.
“This is the fun part of the tour,” Yosowitz said as he approached two glass jewelry cases. “This is the old brewery. Our name is based on Star Union Products Company in Peru.” The cases hold many vintage items from the Peru brewery that operated for 121 years, opening in 1845 and closing in 1966. The case includes the 100-year anniversary manual from 1945, a 1929 tip tray, beer cans, soda bottles from when they made root beer during Prohibition, and many other items that were donated or purchased from auction sites. Between their location in Peru’s historic factory and the name, Yosowitz 48 Fall 2019
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Bob Windy and Casey Peall proof the alcohol on a sample of rum.
and Windy chose to intertwine Peru’s history with their business. “We liked the way the name resonated,” Yosowitz added. “With the ‘Spirits’ at the end, we elevated it to the spirits level and we love the acro-
nym — SUS, sustainability.” Tours are available on Saturdays. Check Star Union’s Facebook page at fb.com/starunionspirits for more information, including the music S R schedule. C Starved Rock Country
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Du sh
F
JOIN US FOR THE 5TH ANNUAL
WINE & ART WALK!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND, 2019 WINE & ART WALK KICKS OFF AT THE OTTAWA BOAT CLUB AT 2PM. Enjoy samples of wine, appetizers and art at each participating business along the Wine & Art Walk! Fill out your Wine & Art Walk Passport for a chance to win one of many prizes, such as a one night stay at Heritage Harbor Inn! All will call tickets must be picked up between 2pm and 5pm the day of the event at the Ottawa Boat Club, 500 Columbus St. Must be 21 to attend. All participants will receive a wine glass. Event ends at 8pm. Tickets are $30 in advanced or $35 at the door. purchase your tickets on line at: pickusottawail.com/wine-art-walk For more information contact Rich Crum at 815-433-5000 ext 230
W I N E & A STAY At Harbor Inn
During the Art & Wine Walk on November 2nd, stay with us! Book a stay at Heritage Harbor Inn. Free shuttle transportation will be available to and from downtown Ottawa. Make a weekend of it, stay for 2 nights and enjoy everything Starved Rock Country has to offer. Use promo code WINEWALKOTTAWA to get 20% off your stay! Call us today at 815-433-5000 ext 2 to book! @heritagehar For more information contact us at richc@heritageharborottawa.com or call 815-433-5000 ext492.
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Shop Progress Blvd., Peru
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Visit these specialized stores in Progress Blvd., Peru
Girlfriends, The Bra Specialist Old Glory Specializing in Home Decor
Bikeworks, Sales and Service
Girlfriends... the bra specialists 4419 N Progress Blvd. Peru IL 61354 Ph/fx: 815-780-8151 girlfriendsbraspecialists.com
M-F 10 AM - 5 PM Thurs 10 AM - 7 PM Sat 9 AM - 3 PM Sun Noon - 4 PM
Experience Every Season With Old Glory
4431 N. Progress Blvd., Peru
815.223.2500
WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS 50 Fall 2019
MON, TUES, THURS, FRI 10-5 WED 10-8 | SAT 10-4 | SUN 12-3
PERUBIKEWORKS.COM SRCfall19.indd 52
Old Glory 4425 N. Progress Blvd. • Peru • 815-224-3524 Starved Rock Country Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4 and Sun 12-4
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UTICAinois Ill
– POPULAR EVENTS – SEPT 21 & 22 Vintage Illinois Wine Festival
OCT 12
Utica Fire Protection District Car Show
OCT 13
Burgoo (50th anniversary)
OCT 17
Witches Walk of Utica
NOV 3
Veterans Parade & Canal Connection 10K
NOV 30 & DEC 1
Old Fashioned Christmas in the Village
WEL COME to North Utica Filled with a rich history and built on tradition. Our town is full of great places, wonderful people and amazing things to see. With a slow pace but plenty to do, Utica makes for a great place to visit for the day or long weekend. So come on, stop on by when you’re passing through, you’ll find out you’ll want to stick around. Visit a town where it feels like home.
– ATTRACTIONS – Starved Rock State Park & Lodge Illinois & Michigan Canal & State Trail Buffalo Rock State Park
Heritage Corridor Visitor’s Bureau Illinois Waterway Visitor Center LaSalle County Historical Museum Matthiessen State Park
utica-il.gov Starved Rock Country
Photos by Paula Guttilla: Hatchet Canyon Photography
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The Village of North Utica • PO BOX 188 • Utica, IL 61373 • 815-667-4111
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Tom Aussem shares stories of the Fisher Nash House on Ottawa Avenue in Ottawa during a bicycle tour.
| Fa mily M atters |
Take the
Tour
‘Long-forgotten’ graveyard stories come to life Story and Photos by Annette Barr
J
ust past the La Salle County Nursing Home on Dee Bennett Road near Ottawa is a gravel driveway. It’s easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it. Tom Aussem pulls his car in about 50 yards and parks. A small group walks with him along the lane as it curves around growing corn that seems to reside more in a large patch rather than a field. Before reaching the bank of the Illinois River stands a cemetery enclosed by a short stone wall separating the small square plot from what remains of a former grain elevator.
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Tour goers gather around the Alson Woodruff marker at what was formerly known as the Goodall Cemetery.
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The headstone for local abolitionist John Hossack is part of the graveyard tour.
Although Aussem refers to this final resting place as Goodall Cemetery, the name was actually changed a few decades ago to Woodruff Cemetery in honor of a former La Salle County sheriff buried in one of the plots. Aussem shares some unsavory details of the sheriff ’s life and it becomes apparent why he prefers to use the original cemetery name. “My focus is on the people. The people who are buried here and how they built Ottawa. The good, bad and the ugly,” Aussem said following the afternoon tour. Aussem has parlayed his lifelong fascination of Ottawa’s history into a business – Awesome Ottawa Bike Tours. Since its inception in the spring of 2018, the tours have evolved into four categories. Visitors and locals alike can learn about the rich history of Ottawa not only from the back of a bicycle, but also on a hybrid hiking and driving tour to discover Indian burial mounds and forgotten graveyards; a walking food and cocktail tour and finally, a haunted Ottawa tour available in October only.
Big Barn Shop, Great Gifts for Gardeners/Nature lovers Fairy House Fall Plants, Pumpkins, Decor & Lots More
Sheridan
2930 N. 4351st Rd. 815-496-9400 Located in the country along the Fox River, 5 miles south of Sandwich, 5 miles NE of Sheridan. (Google Maps can get you here —or call—or message us)
SM-CL1689823
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Fall Festival September 21, 9-4 Starved Rock Country
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t The headstone of a young woman was mounted to a concrete slab in the Woodruff Cemetery in an effort to preserve the fragile stone.
“He went into depth about the people who lived here, and you could get a visual of what it looked like and felt like,” Morris said. “He is very passionate about his town, and it definitely shows. He keeps you engaged as well. Everybody
Seth Morris of Ottawa and his 7-yearold son learned something new about their hometown during the forgotten graveyard portion of a recent tour. Aussem kept the father and son’s interest as he shared stories.
Activities Include:
Boggio’s
• Corn Maze • Pony Rides • Apple Cannons
Orchard & Produce
• Rat Racers
12087 Hyw 71 • Granville, IL
• Bouncing Pillow
Keith & Denise Boggio
• Carmel the Camel • Bounce House
Fresh Vegetables Picked Daily - Fresh Fudge Bakery - Corn Maze - Winter Squash- Fall Decorations
• Wagon Trains
ANNUAL FALL CRAFT SHOW SCHOOL TOURS U-PICK PUMPKINS Fall activities open weekends only! Starved Rock Country
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U-PICK APPLES
• Petting Zoo • Hayrack Rides • Tunnels of Fun • Playground • Children’s Games • Pumpkin Punch Maze • Barrel Train • Pedal Car Race Track • And Much More
from Ottawa should take a tour.” Fellow Ottawan Lily Hladovcak agreed that although she’s a native to the area, the stories shared and the places visited on the tour were new to her. “There’s so many hidden gems,” she
20TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN HARVEST CRAFT SHOW
Sept. 28th & 29th
Sat 8am-6pm Sun 8am-5pm Live Music by Hey Jimmy on Sat & Sun Lunch available at our food stand! Try our famous chili, hamburgers, hot dogs, fresh baked pie, caramel apples, cider donuts, drinks, Grandma Rosie’s Sweet Treats, Boggio’s kettle corn and much more! And don’t forget to stop in the MARKET where you will find our fresh squeezed apple cider, fresh produce, fresh fudge, pies, breads, turnovers, jams, jellies, salsas, a large assortment of pickled vegetables, and many more goodies.
We are located on IL Route 71 just ¼ mile west of Granville, IL.
(815) 339-2245 • www.boggiosorchardandproduce.com Fall 2019 55
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said. “The way he talks about (local history) is very passionate. He’s funny and keeps your interest.” Aussem’s research into local history is never ending. For him, it is important to not only know the history of his hometown, but also to share that history as well. “I just have a passion for sharing it so it goes on and on,” he said. “If we lose grasp of our past, we lose it forever.” According to Aussem’s website, the two-hour driving/walking tour includes a local Indian Burial Mound, Daniels Pioneer graveyard, Goodall Pioneer graveyard and the long forgotten Pauper Cemetery of the La Salle County Asylum. He also encourages participants to bring material for tombstone rubbings and respectful photos are also encouraged. “If you are a believer in the supernatural and have equipment, you may also bring that on the tour,” the website states. For more information and to book your next tour visit awesomeottawa S R bike.com. C
WE ACCOMMODATE GROUPS OF ANY SIZE! WE LOVE FIELD TRIPS!
C E LE B R AT I N G
26
Y E AR S !
815.795.5001 2681 E. Rt. 6 Marseilles, IL 61341 (Located at the Cliffs)
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Fall Family Fun! • Ornamental Pumpkins grown at our farm • Large assortment of gourds • Fall Decor • Beautiful Mums
FREE ACTIVITIES for the kids
Weekdays 9am-6pm. Weekends 9am-5pm. 1/2 mike South of I-80 on Plank Rd. exit 73 (across from airport entrance)
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p The La Salle County Pauper Cemetery is one stop on the forgotten graveyard tour. t Tom Aussem points out the sole marker at the La Salle County Pauper Cemetery.
TAKE A MULE-PULLED BOAT RIDE IN THE NATIONS 1ST NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA. Start your adventure at the I&M Canal Visitor Center
Gift Shop & Cafe Healthy fresh breakfast, lunch & tea. Housemade scones, soups, and desserts. Locally roasted coffee and specialty teas.
3 5 th Anniver sar y
Located in historic downtown LaSalle
754 First St. • 815.220.1848 visit us at www.iandmcanal.org
Starved Rock Country
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Come Try Our Slots !
620 Court Street ★ Ottawa
courtstreetpub.com
58 Fall 2019 SM-CL1688611
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Whether you live in Starved Rock Country or are here for a visit, remember to take time to hike, go eagle watching, find an adventure, or just RELAX! A visit to SaltTreeYoga will provide you with the relaxation and harmony you need to balance your life.
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• Yoga • CBD Products
• Essential Oils • Shopping Therapy
Starved Rock Country
310 ½ W. Main St. Ottawa, IL • 815.343.2751 SaltTreeYoga.com
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Largest Selection of Gourmet & Imported ed Cheesess
1219 Fulton St., Ottawa
815-433-0478
Mon-Sat 8:00am to 7:00pm • Serving Lunch & Supper
TM
EMAIL EVENTS@BURGERANDSUSHIHOUSE.COM TO RESERVE YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY
Like us on to get updates on all of our events!
Searching for the perfect toy? our TOY EXPERTS will help! Have a question?
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712 LaSalle St • Ottawa (815) 433.4223 Starved Rock Country www.rpstoys.com
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719 LaSalle St. Ottawa 815.433.7323 www.prairiefoxbooks.com
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T- TH: 4-10, FRI & SAT: 11-10 1012 NORTH LASALLE ST. OTTAWA, ILLINOIS burgerandsushihouse.com
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Things To See & Do Plan your trip in Starved Rock Country
AUGUST 30-Sept. 2 TRI-COUNTY FAIR, Mendota, agricultural and home exhibits, carnival, food, demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, tricountyfair.net.
31 ROAMER CRUISE NIGHT AND CAR SHOW, downtown Streator, over 600 restored and antique cars, food, music, streator.org.
SEPTEMBER 4-8 SANDWICH FAIR, live entertainment, home and agricultural exhibits, harness racing, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby, sandwichfair. com.
6 BBQ-N-BLUES & RIB COOKOFF, downtown La Salle, blues
bands and legendary barbecue, lasallebusiness.org.
6-8 HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL, Princeton, car show, food, live entertainment, 5K run, parade, flea market, homesteadfestival. com.
7 JAZZ’N THE STREET, downtown La Salle, jazz musicians, wine and imported beer garden, food vendors, and fireworks, lasallebusiness.org. ARTISAN MARKET, Hornbaker Gardens, Princeton, art market, wine tasting, bakery, live music, local produce, hornbakergardens.com.
14 MARSEILLES RENAISSANCE FAIRE, Guthrie Park ball fields, Commercial Street, Marseilles, entertainment, singers, and more, heritagecorridorcvb.com.
Witches Night Out It’s time to let your inner witch loose. Step one: Create the perfect hat. Stock up on feathers, beads, flowers, plastic spiders (or real ones, if you dare). Step two: Gather your best gal pals and make a day of the second annual Witches Night Out in Starved Rock Country on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Pitstick’s Pavilion, Route 23, North Ottawa. From 5 to 9 p.m., attendees will be treated to music, dancing, best hat and costume contest, bewitching prizes, cackling contest, photo booth, psychic readings and more. The All Hallows Artisan Market also will be open free to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will reopen for the main event (and ticketholders) from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Vendors will be located inside and outside the venue. Vendors will be selling copper and ceramic mixed media, photography, textile art and quilting, gemstone jewelry and more. Tickets are available for $40 online at https://2019witchesnightout.eventbrite. com, and include entry and appetizers. A cash bar also will be available. Tickets are not guaranteed at the door as they are limited. Proceeds will benefit NCI Artworks and Pet Project. For more information, visit the Witches Night Out Facebook page or email witchesnightout2@gmail.com. 60 Fall 2019
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21 OKTOBERFEST, Washington Square park, Ottawa, German music, food, beer and wine, enjoylasallecounty.com. PRAIRIE DAY, Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area, Morris, Indian artifacts, wagon rides, food, children’s activities, gooselakeprairie.org.
21-22 VINTAGE ILLINOIS WINE FEST, Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby, state’s largest Illinois wine festival with more than 25 Illinois wineries, Illinoiswine. com.
25-29 GRUNDY COUNTY CORN FESTIVAL, Morris, live entertainment, home and agricultural exhibits, parade, craft show and flea market, carnival, cornfestival.org.
28 DAYTON BLUFFS PRESERVE TRAIL 5K/10K RUN/WALK, Dayton Bluffs Preserve, 2997 Illinois 71, Ottawa, pickusottawail.com. SCARECROW FESTIVAL, downtown Ottawa, Illinois’ biggest “toddler-friendly” festival, face painting, bouncy houses, vendors, pickusottawail. com
29 VALLEY CARVERS WOODCARVING EXPO, Starved Rock Lodge, Oglesby, over 100 exhibits of woodcarving artists, chainsaw woodcarving, raffles, 815-433-5933, starvedrocklodge.com.
OCTOBER 5-6 LINCOLN DAYS ON THE I&M CANAL, I&M Canal boat, 754 First St., La Salle, celebrate the day Abraham Lincoln and his family were in La Salle-Peru with Mary Todd Lincoln as she hosts this canal boat tour, retracing an hour of the Lincoln family’s trip on the canal, iandmcanal.org.
28-29
6
FALL MEGAHIKE, trolley ride, hike with guides, boxed lunch, reservations required, 815-2207386, starvedrocklodge.com.
30TH PUMPKIN PIE BICYCLE RIDE, Marquette High School, Ottawa, organized by the Starved Rock Cycling
Starved Rock Country
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Come for the food. Stay for the atmosphere.
For reservations call
815-434-5000 DINE IN or CARRY OUT We cater to U! Association, includes road rides of approximately 27, 42, 63, or 103 miles, light traffic and rolling hills, starvedrockcycling.com.
Oglesby, guided hikes of Starved Rock State Park to view the changing of the leaves, starvedrocklodge.com.
11-12
19-20, 23-24
GHOSTS OF OTTAWA PAST, Reddick Mansion, 100 W. Lafayette St., Ottawa, guided tour in the candle-lit Reddick Mansion and quarter-mile outside walk; meet some famous and infamous ghostly characters while hearing stories about Ottawa’s unique and colorful past, reddickmansion.org.
OKTOBERFEST: A CELEBRATION OF GERMANY, Starved Rock Lodge, Oglesby, German wine and beer, buffet of German foods and authentic German music by the Duseldorfers German Band, reservations required, starvedrocklodge.com.
12-13 BURGOO FESTIVAL, downtown Utica, antique car show, craft and flea market vendors, servings of kettle-cooked Burgoo stew, lasallecountymuseum.org. SHADOWS OF THE BLUE AND GRAY, City County Park, Princeton, battle re-enactments, work by artisan crafters, period songs, storytelling, food, shadowsbluegray.com.
18 GHOULS NIGHT OUT, downtown Morris, shopping, prizes, costume contest, shopmorrisil. com.
19-20 FALL COLORS WEEKEND, Starved Rock Visitor Center, Starved Rock Country
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Serving Tues. - Sat. 4:30 to close 903 E. Norris Drive Closed Sunday-Monday Available for Private Parties Ottawa SM-CL1690961
25-27 GHOST TOUR ON THE I&M CANAL BOAT, La Salle, a night of storytelling on the I&M Canal; tour guides divulge the many secrets, spirits, scandals that took place throughout the I&M Canal National Heritage Area, through spine tingling tales of mysterious supernatural occurrences and infamous figures along the beautiful Illinois & Michigan Canal, Ghost Tour on the I&M Canal on Facebook.
NOVEMBER 2 WINE & ART WALK, downtown Ottawa, samples of wine, appetizers and art at each participating business, along with prizes, tickets required, pickusottawail.com or Ottawa Wine and Art walk on Facebook.
615 LaSalle St. Ottawa 815-433-5653
310 E. Main St. Streator 815-672-2614
www.vanduzerjewelers.com
SM-CL1692550
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Starved Rock Country
DINING & ENTERTAINING
SM-CL1683926 SM-CL1683926
Fresh Oysters • Fresh Fish Shish-Kabobs • Steaks Pastas • Sandwiches • Wraps & Salads Martini & Moscow Mule Menu Enjoy Dinner in our Outdoor Brick Courtyard with Mural Catering Available Private Parties Welcome Serving Dinner Every Day Lunch Wednesday - Sunday
Aquarium Bar
62 Fall 2019
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213-215 W. Madison Street I Ottawa 815-324-5184
Gaming Ga Pasta Burgers Bu Salads Fried Frie Fr ie Chicken Wraps Drink Drin Dr in Specials
Let the Good Times Flow 139 E Walnut • Downtown Oglesby • 815-883-9782 Starved Rock Country
8/19/19 12:41 PM
“Food Worth Traveling For” The Finest in Steaks, Seafood and Pasta
Modern, Casual Comfort Craft Beer & Wine Selection Full Service Lounge Outdoor Dining Book Your Thanksgiving & Holiday Parties with us! Open 7 Days A Week | 4:30PM - Close Private Rooms Available for 10-100 For Any Occasion
Est. 1997
G SM-CL1691339
815-433-2400 | 1321 LaSalle Street | Ottawa 815 tawa I-80 to Exit 90• Rt. 23 South 2 Miles s www.woodyssteakhouse1.com
Tacos Burritos Enchiladas Quesadillas Sizzling Fajitas - Steak - Chicken - Seafood- Vegetarian
daily lunch specials margaritas • specialty drinks 0pen daily at 11:00 am
4387 Venture Dr. Peru, IL. 61354
815.220.1638 www.JalapenosPeru.com
Starved Rock Country
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O tt a
Postcard
wa, Illi Sept. 2019
is
64 Fall 2019
Starved Rock Country
no
Creativity and imagination are on display in downtown Ottawa during the annual Scarecrow Festival. This year’s festival will hit the streets 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. The festival is toddler- and child-friendly; the 2019 scarecrow design theme is Sesame Street. Photo by Tom Sistak
Starved Rock Country
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F F
POP
‘N ROCK ‘N New, Vintage & Antique Fine Art, Pottery & Glass Offering Fine Art from Pop to Photogra-
phy, African Art and Antiques, signed Pottery and Glass from European and American artists and a selection of home accessories from Jonathan Adler and
(815) 386-5533 Hours: Wed - Sat: 10 am - 5 pm Sun: 11 am - 4 pm FB: City Folk Urban Decor jfd@CityFolkOttawa.com www.CityFolkOttawa.com
others. We also offer Custom Picture Framing. All items come with a full history of the designer/artist and includes free installation in your home of framed pieces.
PHOTO
City Folk Urban Decor, 722 La Salle St., Ottawa
Fine Art, African Art, Vintage Pottery & Glass Fine Art, African Art, Vintage Pottery & Glass
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8/19/19 12:41 PM
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