FALL 2021
MAGAZINE
Additional copies at 801 E. U.S. Highway 6 Utica 61373
2 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 3
Inside MUST SEE 8
BIKING ON THE BEATEN PATH From the return of a bike share program to a completed construction project, bicycling through Starved Rock Country is more convenient than ever
12
IN AWE OF AUTUMN Delight in the beauty of fall colors with a tour through Starved Rock Country
19
UTICA’S NEW ONE-STOP SHOP The Bickerman Building features ice cream, craft beer, coffee, lodging and family fun
12
DINING & DRINKING 22
BURGOO IS BACK Utica’s signature festival returns for 51st year
26
SMILEY SWEETS & OTHER TREATS Perfect Moments Event Shoppe features nostalgic Ottawa classic and more
MADE IN SRC 36
ON THE COVER Fall means the return of one of the region’s biggest events: Burgoo Festival. Read more about Burgoo Festival on P. 22, and learn more about the vintage poster contest on P. 40. The poster featured on the cover was designed by Angie Cornelius, a mixed media artist and designer specializing in figurative art and food illustration. She is the owner of Lonesome Road Studio in northeastern La Salle County.
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30
‘KING OF ALL TRADES’ Modern blacksmith keeps history alive with fire and forging demonstrations
36
THE SHOPS ACROSS MAIN STREET In retirement, this husband-wife duo has found their niche in Streator
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 40
VINTAGE TRAVEL POSTER CONTEST See 9 poster entries from the Starved Rock Country contest
45
PREVIEW OF A DEBUT Mark your calendars for the inaugural Starved Rock Country Festival of the Arts
IN EACH ISSUE EDITOR’S NOTE ������������������������������������������ 6 POSTCARD ������������������������������������������������� 50
food
farm oktoberfest
fun
foam
Come and experience the complete & authentic Oktoberfest experience; with craft beer, carnivals, Bavarian food, games and a celebration of local agriculture, it’s Oktoberfest for the whole family.
OTTAWA Sep. 17–19
A NEW
LOCKPORT Sep. 24–26
GLENVIEW Oct. 1–3
spin ON TRADITION
For more information go to TangledRootsOktoberfest.com Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 5
| EDITOR’S NOT E |
his morning, a tremendous thunderstorm swept through my neighborhood. Loud bursts of thunder and the slap of rain on pavement provided a comforting soundtrack to the morning’s editing and writing. But, in perhaps an even better perk, the storm also cooled everything down, so much so that the August day felt almost like fall. What excites you about fall? I’m looking forward to crisp mornings in my garden, finally harvesting beets and the last of the tomatoes; the anticipation of the holidays, particularly Thanksgiving; and time spent hiking at Starved Rock, without the worry of being too hot or too cold. I’m not entirely ready to scrape the ice off my car or trade my sandals for winter boots, but autumn is another story. To me, there’s nothing to complain about when it comes to pumpkin patches, football games or apple cider-flavored treats. This issue of Starved Rock Country Magazine can be your guidebook for a wonderful fall in the region. Tom Sistak, whose photos never fail to capture the natural beauty of the area, gives readers a glimpse of the fall color you can expect this upcoming season, starting on P. 12. Since words are my strong suit, I love seeing what our photographers come up with when telling their visual stories — and Tom definitely didn’t disappoint when it came to delivering a peek into the peak of color. And if you haven’t experienced Burgoo yet, this is your year. “This
6 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
thick stew, the origin of which likely predates the Civil War, is a hodgepodge of freshly harvested vegetables, local meats and flavorful herbs and spices,” writes Ryan Searl on P. 23. I didn’t get to visit the first 50 Burgoo Festivals — I’m still new to the area! — but you bet I’ll be there for the 51st. Are there tips and tricks I should know ahead of going? Let me know in an email if so … I hope to see you there! Lastly, you might have noticed that our cover is a bit different than usual. Local artist Angie Cornelius submitted this stunning design in the Starved Rock Country Vintage Travel Poster Contest; I love how original it is, especially the sunflowers and the different vegetables that form the word “Burgoo.” You can purchase prints of her poster at the Starved Rock Country Festival of the Arts, or FOTA, in September. Learn more about the festival, which is packed with community events and artwork, on P. 45. (And thank you to everyone who participated in the contest. We have such a talented artist community!) I hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable fall, ideally spent exploring this stunning area. I learn something new every time I write and edit within these pages, and I hope you feel the same when you pick up a copy. Thanks for reading!
H
ANNAH HOFFMEISTER Editor
Starved Rock Country Magazine is published quarterly or seasonally four times per year. Shaw Media 110 W. Jefferson St. Ottawa, IL 61350 815-431-4014 starvedrockcountry.com Email photo or article submission queries to hhoffmeister@shawmedia.com. Copyright 2021. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permission, is prohibited. Vol. 9 No. 3 Fall 2021 Edition 2021-8/25,000 PUBLISHER Dan Goetz EDITOR Hannah Hoffmeister GRAPHICS AND DESIGN Julie Barichello PRODUCTION Rhonda Dillon CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Annette Barr Stephanie Jaquins Mike Murphy Ryan Searl Charles Stanley Steve Stout CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Scott Anderson Tom Sistak Steve Stout
OUR CONTRIBUTORS ANNETTE BARR is a native to Starved Rock Country. Graduating from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with bachelor’s degrees in both journalism and photography, she has a passion for storytelling. Often those stories begin with her downtown Ottawa adventures while walking her best beagle pal Lou. She has been operating Annette Barr Photography Studio in downtown Ottawa for more than 15 years. Prior to that Annette wrote for The News & Record in Greensboro, North Carolina. •••
STEPHANIE JAQUINS is a freelance writer who previously worked for The Times in Ottawa for 12 years as a reporter and editor. As a lifelong resident of Starved Rock Country, she enjoys telling the stories of those who live and work in this region. She resides in Peru with her husband and their two young children. ••• Despite being born in another state and growing up in suburban Chicago, MIKE MURPHY is a proud resident of Starved Rock Country. For 25 years he was an editor at The Times of Ottawa/Streator. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Mike enjoys writing, reading, bicycling, playing trivia and rooting for all NIU Huskies and most Chicago teams. He resides in Ottawa. •••
RYAN SEARL is the Shaw Media Brand Manager for properties like Starved Rock Country and The First
Hundred Miles. Using his passion for travel writing and tourism, he’s helped to establish the web presence of these up-and-coming destinations with fun daily articles, weekly radio spots and frequent newsletter giveaways. Previously he worked for the Ottawa Visitors Center, where he received several Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism awards for directing and editing regional television spots. When he’s not writing, you can usually find him scouring used record bins, visiting a movie theater or planning a trip to some roadside attraction. ••• For 28 years, TOM SISTAK was the Photo Editor at The Times Newspaper in Ottawa. Tom loves, knows and has photographed almost every square inch of the Starved Rock Country area. With a passion for storytelling with photographs, his photos have appeared in newspapers all over the world. One of his photographs was featured in National Geographic Magazine. He has received multiple awards over the years from The Associated Press, Illinois Press Association, National Press Photographers Association and The Illinois Press Photographers Association. •••
CHARLES STANLEY is a retired newspaper reporter. In 2003 he moved to Ottawa, Illinois, to work for The Times newspaper, after working for Chicago-area newspapers. He holds a journalism degree from Northern
Illinois University. In the Chicago suburbs Stanley also dabbled in local government, serving as a city clerk, and on public library and fire protection district boards. In the Army he was stationed two years in Heidelberg, Germany. His particular interest is local and Illinois history. •••
STEVE STOUT is a retired journalist, photographer and author who has lived near Starved Rock State Park with his wife, Judy, since 1978. A native of Galesburg, he has worked at newspapers in La Salle and Ottawa since graduating from Illinois State University in 1974. He also owned and operated a camera shop and photo studio in La Salle for 25 years during which he photographed more than 2,500 weddings. Steve is the author of several publications dealing with North Central Illinois history, including books about the 1960 Starved Rock murders and the 1909 Cherry Mine Disaster. He also worked as a substitute teacher in La Salle County schools for 10 years. Influenced by the works of Carl Sandburg, he continues to study and write about the prairie land history of Illinois along with the varied legacies of its citizens. Steve has won several awards for his writings and photography and is most proud of winning first place recognition from the Associated Press for a 2011 Streator tornado “Spot News” photo. He enjoys family life in Utica, good (or bad) movies and hikes on Starved Rock or Illinois-Michigan Canal trails — always with a camera in hand.
Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 7
| Must See |
This group of bikers makes its way from Utica toward the Buffalo Rock rest spot west of Ottawa.
Biking on THE BEATEN PATH From the return of a bike share program to a completed construction project, bicycling through Starved Rock Country is more convenient than ever Story by Mike Murphy, Photos by Tom Sistak
J
ulie Weston wanted to relive the past during a July visit back home to Starved Rock Country. “We grew up riding the (Illinois & Michigan Canal) towpath from Peru to Utica,” the Texas resident says. “We were looking for something to do.” Weston was able to make that ride without having to bring a bicycle on the plane from Dallas to Chicago. The Illinois & Michigan Canal bike share program made it convenient to do so
8 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
from five different canal locations. “It was super easy. The bikes were in great shape and the setup was easy,” she says. Had Weston wanted to ride further east, she could have done so without physical interruption. A washed-out portion of the towpath at Higbee Run creek between Utica and Ottawa was repaired to include a new box culvert and bridge structure that now span the waterway
These two bikers — and a passenger — prepare to go under an overpass on the I & M Canal path near Ottawa.
for the convenience of bicyclists and pedestrians. “We’re very happy to complete the project,” says Dan Bell, Morris site superintendent for the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. New to the Utica area is a paved path that allows bicyclists and pedestrians to travel to Starved Rock State Park across the new bridge carrying Route 178 over the Illinois River. “We have a bike path leading to Starved Rock,” says Utica Mayor David Stewart. “We’ve been wanting to get the culvert done for years.” What the improvements mean is more people will ride and walk around Starved Rock Country on the towpath stretching from Peru to suburban Chicago. “We were aiming for a visitor market. For people who don’t want to bring down a bike, it’s easier to rent one for an hour. You don’t have to lug around a bike,” says Ana Koval, executive director of the Canal Corridor Association.
“ Fall is such a good time here.
It’s a great time to travel, and I think we’ll have great ridership.”
BIKE RENTALS ARE WHAT’S APP-ENING Bike sharing along the towpath isn’t new, but it’s recent. The I & M bike share program started in 2019 and was a success, Koval says. “We have such great trails. It’s a natural,” she says. “We had half a season and put bikes away for the winter. We never did have bikes out in 2020.” The COVID-19 pandemic put the program to a halt last year, but it was restarted April 1, 2021, and features digital technology to make things easier for bicyclists. They can rent bikes for $5 an hour via an app available on Apple, Android and Google smartphones. They can start at a station, download the app, register and add credit card information, select a bicycle and ride. “You can bring the bike back to any station when you are done,” Koval notes. “With the new technology, it makes it easier to work it.” Her organization wants visitors to take advantage of bike sharing. Tim Drury and his wife, Brenda, did just that in mid-July. Brenda saw a notice about the program one Sunday morning, and the Drurys quickly headed to La Salle. “She saw something about rentals, so we drove up. It was that quick,” Drury says. He and Brenda rode to Utica, checking out the downtown shops and having glasses of wine. “It was a beautiful day. We saw two snakes and a deer. Pretty cool,” he says. Local residents also have taken advantage of bike
sharing. Among them are Ottawa residents Eva and Sergio Serna, who noticed the bikes on a visit to La Salle with friends and quickly decided to rent them. “It was very easy. The bike was nice and sturdy. We like how you can adjust the seats and ride pretty smooth,” says Eva Serna, adding the app was very helpful. “Maybe you see people riding bikes and you might decide to ride yourself.” Koval hopes so. “We’re enticing them to stay local and have a good time,” she says.
NO LONGER A WASHOUT A record flood washed out the crossing over Higbee Run in 2013, and towpath users have been struggling to make it from Ottawa to Utica ever since. “Over the years, the washout caused a lot of problems. The passageway was critical,” says Ottawa resident Ken Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 9
Photo courtesy of Canal Corridor Association
Methling, a longtime member of Starved Rock Cycling Association. Out-of-town cyclists had heard about the washout and consistently asked about the path’s status at Higbee Run. Club members maintained temporary bridges and crossings until funding came through and the culvert was completed. “Once you got to that washout, you couldn’t get to Ottawa. It’s been a great asset to the village,” Stewart says. Bicyclists ride both long and short distances on the towpath. “Whenever we can have longer stretches of trail, that helps us. Fixing the washout was huge,” Koval says.
PATHWAY TO THE PARK Starved Rock State Park is already a major attraction, but local officials hope to see even more people due to the addition of the path on the new river bridge. “Even in walking traffic, we’ve seen more people. Local residents really enjoy it. We’ll have a great fall,” Stewart says. Koval predicts seeing more bikers and hikers in the upcoming months. “Fall is such a good time here. It’s a great time to travel, and I think we’ll have great ridership,” she says. Tim and Brenda Drury, who had never ridden the towpath until their recent visit, plan to return in the fall. They now have additional places to travel. “It’s exciting to make cycling more accessible to the S R area,” Methling says. C
Mansion Tours:
Mansion and Gardens
O
FRIDAY-MONDAY | 11 AM and 1 PM Please call for other arrangements & group tours
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.
Join Us
FOR GHOSTS OF OTTAWA PAST FRI. AND SAT., OCT. 8TH & 9TH
7:00 PM AND 9:00 PM SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
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HOW TO RENT AND RIDE ALONG THE CANAL n The Illinois & Michigan Canal bike share program has rental stations adjacent to the I & M Canal State Trail in La Salle, Morris, Channahon and Lockport as well as Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. n Bicyclists can rent two-wheelers for $5 an hour, via an app available on most smartphones. n Bike renters can start at a station, download the app, register and add credit card information, select a bicycle and ride. Bikes can be returned to any station. n To learn more, visit www.iandmcanal.org/bike.
– – ILLINOIS – –– – ILLINOIS ILLINOIS
EXPLORE NORTH UTICA EXPLORE NORTH UTICA Come enjoy all our delicious dining options from
EXPLORE UTICA Northenjoy to South including Aldining Fresco options dining and Come allNORTH our delicious from
LaSalle County Historical Society LaSalle County Historical Society
CANAL MARKET 2021 SCHEDULE LaSalle County Society Every Sunday June -Historical September 10am to 4pm CANAL MARKET 2021 SCHEDULE
drinking on Mill to South including AlStreet. Fresco dining Every Sunday June - 2021 September 10am to 4pm enjoyNorth all our delicious dining options fromand CANAL Handmade • Homemade • Homegrown • Vintage MARKET SCHEDULE drinking on Mill Street. gourmet treats, and uniqueand spices to Every h toFrom South including Alwines Fresco dining Handmade Homemade • Homegrown Sunday• June - September 10am•toVintage 4pm antiques and specialty gifts. We have it all. From gourmet treats, wines and unique spices to drinking on Mill Street. Come forspecialty a day or the weekend. antiques and gifts. We have it all. Handmade • Homemade • Homegrown • Vintage gourmet treats, wines and unique spices to Come for a day or the weekend. iques and specialty gifts. We have it all. Come for a day or the weekend. UPCOMING EVENTS
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UPCOMING EVENTS Burgoo Weekend –
Utica Craft Beer Street Fest – August Utica Craft Beer28th Street Fest – UPCOMING August 28th Vintage Illinois Wine Festival – Utica Craft BeerIllinois Street Fest – September 18th & Festival 19th Vintage Wine – August 28th September 18th & 19th Wellness WeekendSeptember 25th & 26th Wellness WeekendVintage Illinois Wine Festival – September September 18th & 25th 19th& 26th
Wellness WeekendSeptember 25th & 26th
Photos by Paula Guttilla Hatchet Canyon Photography Photos byKlein Paula Guttilla Hatchet Matthew Films Canyon Photography Matthew Klein Films
October & 10th– Burgoo9th Weekend October 9th & 10th Veterans Parade & Air ShowBurgoo Weekend November Veterans Parade &7th Air–ShowOctober 9th & 10th November 7th Christmas in the VillageNovember 27th &Village28th Christmas in Veterans Parade &the Air ShowNovember 27th November 7th& 28th
EVENTS
Christmas in the VillageNovember 27th & 28th
utica-il.gov utica-il.gov The Village of North Utica • PO BOX 188 • Utica, IL 61373 • 815-667-4111 The Village of North Utica • PO BOX 188 • Utica, ILStarved 61373 • 815-667-4111 Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 11
In Awe of
Autumn Delight in the beauty of fall colors with a tour through Starved Rock Country Photos by Tom Sistak
12 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Opposite page: See a view of the many colors on a trail to Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock State Park. l At right: Looking across the Illinois River at Allen Park in Ottawa, the leaves are at peak color. l Below: Two hikers observe their reflection and the fall scenery near Cascade Falls at Matthiessen State Park.
ook no further than Starved Rock Country when you’re planning a getaway to see fall colors. The long days and time outdoors during summertime are nice, but there’s something to be said for the gorgeous show that nature puts on each fall. For years, Starved Rock Country photographer Tom Sistak has found fall beauty in parks across the region. What’s your favorite place to see the seasons change?
Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 13
Above: Fall colors are reflected in Matthiessen Lake at Matthiessen State Park. l At right: Two hikers enjoy the solitude and scenery on a trail leading to Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock State Park. l Below: Beautiful glimpses of fall are everywhere in Starved Rock Country. This view up a hill is seen off of Route 71, east of Starved Rock State Park.
14 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 15
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16 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
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Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 17
A town full of activities for all ages and interests!
Come explore
Relaxation and Wellness in the Heart of Starved Rock Country
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18 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
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Utica’s New
One-Stop
Shop
The Bickerman Building features ice cream, craft beer, coffee, lodging and family fun
Story by Stephanie Jaquins, Photos by Scott Anderson and provided by The Bickerman Building
W
hen Jen and Matt Cetwinski decided to undertake an old building in downtown Utica, they wanted to make it a space everyone can enjoy — young and old. Last fall, the Utica couple purchased the two-story Italianate building known as “The Bickerman Building,” 166 Mill St. It is most remembered as the home to the Bickerman familyowned hardware store. Completed in the late 1800s, the structure underwent a major rehabilitation after being purchased by Frances Bickerman in the 1950s. Reportedly, the space was filled with pigeons, and they removed 60 truckloads of plaster and bird manure. Frances retired from the hardware store in 1993, but the building stayed with the family until the Cetwinskis purchased it. They were attracted to the building’s exterior stonework, the location in downtown Utica and proximity to Starved Rock State Park, and its potential as a gathering space. Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 19
ABOVE Jen and Matt Cetwinski (left) stand behind the ice cream counter at Bruce & Ollie’s inside the newly renovated Bickerman Building in Utica. The ice cream parlor is open to both walk-in and drive-thru customers. The shop also offers an espresso bar and grab-and-go meal items.
BELOW The second story of the Bickerman Building hosts two Airbnb lofted condos.
Matt Cetwinski, a carpenter and owner of Cetwinski Construction Co., worked over the winter, renovating the two floors. (Don’t worry — no pigeon infestation this time.) They kept the stone walls and beams from the original structure and renovated the rest. They opened the main floor, home to Bruce & Ollie’s, in the spring. The business is named after Bruce, the family’s Yorkie Shih Tzu, and Ollie, a Shih Tzu Maltese. Their daughter, Olivia, and her friend drew the business logo of the two dogs. Bruce & Ollie’s features an ice cream parlor serving Mount Prospect-based Capannari Ice Cream, which Cetwinski says they sought out after a friend’s recommendation. “They came and met us, we tried the ice cream, it was fantastic and the rest is history,” she says. Without hesitation, Cetwinski claims Mediterranean Sea salt caramel with chocolatecovered pretzels as her favorite dish. They offer many flavors and ice cream specials. Bruce & Ollie’s also features a full espresso bar with coffee by Starved Rock Coffee Company, a local roaster. In the refrigerated cases, visitors
20 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
will find craft sodas, craft beer and seltzers. August Hill wine also can be purchased. Grab-and-go deli items are available, offering homemade sandwiches, salads and fruit and veggie cups. Bruce & Ollie’s business model is similar to a place they visited in Madison, Wisconsin. “We just loved the concept. It has pizza, it has alcohol, it has ice cream, it has coffee,” she says. “We just loved the whole one-stop shop for a family. We thought how cool would this be in Utica.” Kids will find a giant Connect 4 game outside and kids books, puzzles and board games inside. The goal was to be family-friendly, and the feedback so far shows they have hit their mark. “People are so happy to have a place everybody can go,” Cetwinski says. “Everybody loves the games. It’s something to do.” For the fall, Cetwinski hopes to open the rear patio, which features a fire pit, and offer seasonal ice cream and coffee specials. She also hopes to expand the deli and craft beer offerings. The upstairs of The Bickerman hosts two Airbnb spaces. The pair of lofted condos each S R have one bedroom and 1 1/2 baths. C
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Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 21
URGOO IS BAC
| Di ni ng & Dri n ki ng |
I
Utica’s signature festival returns for 51st year Story by Ryan Searl Photos by Steve Stout
n the past half a century, downtown Utica’s signature block party has grown into one of Illinois’ most celebrated fall festivals. After taking a year off in light of public health concerns, Burgoo is back for its 51st year in 2021. This multigenerational, all-ages event pairs together Midwestern hospitality, artists, artisans, antiques vendors, live entertainment
22 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
— and, of course, larger than life cast-iron pots of Burgoo stew! What started as a small community celebration of a famed pioneer dish, Utica’s Burgoo is now regularly attracting 40,000+ visitors to the two-day, open-air festival. Scheduled for Oct. 9 and 10, held rain or shine, you’ll find there is no shortage of fun activities slated for every age level and interest. Inspired by harvest celebrations of the past, the star of the Burgoo Festival is...Burgoo. This thick stew, the origin of which likely predates the Civil War, is a hodgepodge of freshly harvested vegetables, local meats and flavorful herbs and spices. Similar to other regional delicacies like Irish
and Mulligan stews, this slow-cooked dish has become a staple of fundraisers and benefit events in Midwestern and Southern states. Burgoo is simmered in massive cast-iron pots over an open fire, stirred all day and night by diligent cooks. Seeing these hardworking volunteers, armed with nothing but wooden paddles the size of canoe oars, stir the legendarily thick stew is a true sight to behold and a delectable smell you won’t soon forget. Burgoo will only be served Sunday, Oct. 10, starting at 9 a.m. It’s served until it sells out, so plan your trip accordingly. The fun doesn’t stop there, though. The festival also features a sprawling vendor show that rivals many of the state’s iconic outdoor artisan
p Thousands flock to the streets of Utica to browse the vendor market, catch live entertainment and sample the signature Burgoo stew during the Burgoo Festival. q Burgoo stew is available on Sundays during the Burgoo Festival and served until it runs out — which it always does. Be sure to arrive early to sample a bowl. Portions are dished up beginning at 9 a.m.
Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 23
t 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.
51ST ANNUAL BURGOO
|
Downtown Utica
|
Oct. 9-10, 2021
|
www.lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org/burgoo
markets, in both quality and scope. On Saturday, the La Salle County Historical Society’s Canal Market will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring more than 100 curated vendors selling handmade, homegrown and vintage items. Sunday’s shopping event blooms to over 375 unique craft, gift and antique sellers, a can’t-miss vendor show that fills several open areas throughout the downtown, all conveniently within walking distance. Burgoo 2021 will also have free live music, games, blacksmithing demonstrations To learn more about weekly demonstrations in the working blacksmith shop, head to P. 30!
and a classic car show. These family-friendly festivities and all other events taking place at Burgoo are sponsored by and benefiting the nonprofit La Salle County Historical Society and other society projects. This fantastic museum campus, located on the banks of the historic I & M Canal, consists of six locations: the canal warehouse, heritage center, a one-room schoolhouse, a working blacksmith shop and an original barn dating back to 1875. While you’re in town for the festival, be sure to visit these spectacular historic and interpretive sites to see how Burgoo continues to benefit the preservation of local S R history. C
Uncork A Great Time At Clarks Run Wine & Beer Tastingg Room, Live Music. Now Serving You At 2 Locations! Music on Patio Saturday Afternoons
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For Upcoming Events and Live Entertainment Schedule, like both locations on Facebook! 24 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
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Water Street, Peru | 815-223-1742
Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 25
Smiley Sweets
Perfect Moments
Event Shoppe
features nostalgic
& Other Treats
Ottawa classic and more Story by Stephanie Jaquins Photos provided by Perfect Moments Event Shoppe
26 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
s a young girl, Holly Gage liked to visit a bakery at 203 W. Main St. in downtown Ottawa. “I used to come here and get a chocolate milk and a cookie or a cream horn on special occasions,” she recalls. She herself also enjoyed baking with her mother, mostly cookies. “It just progressed into more as we got older,” she says. “I started baking for family and then I started doing it for friends’ birthdays. It just grew into this.” Today, she owns her own bakery and event planning business in the same space she bought sweets as a girl.
PERFECT MOMENTS EVENT SHOPPE 203 W. Main St., Ottawa 815-313-5201 www.perfectmomentsottawa.com
Some visitors to Perfect Moments Event Shoppe will even notice a favorite from Young’s Bakery, the now-closed beloved bakery. “This place was known for years for being that bakery (in this location) and they had the best smiley face cookies. I now have the recipe, so on Tuesdays I have them in the case.” She says the cookies are a favorite among her customers, especially those who also frequented Young’s Bakery and are looking for a nostalgic treat. Smiley face cookies can be found in the case as well as many other baked goods. “Tuesdays are a full case, and through the week I add extra things to the case,” she says. You can also find brownies; jumbo cinnamon rolls with lots of frosting; cake parfaits, which are layers of
Warm up in chilly weather with a hot chocolate bomb.
Welcome to the City of Peru Office • Residential • Hospitality • Retail • Restaurants • Entertainment
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Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 27
“This place was known for years for being that bakery (in this location) and they had the best smiley face cookies. I now have the recipe, so on Tuesdays I have them in the case.” cake and fillings, topped with frosting; muffins; decorated sugar cookies, which she says are also a favorite; and other treats. Gage got into event planning when customers started asking her to make wedding cakes. Couples would come to her for recommendations on where to rent items, so she decided to broaden her offerings past baked goods. “I started out doing Christmas cookies, then custom cakes — fondant work and carved cakes — then more cookies and it just kept going. Now I do a lot of planning for events.” If you’re a first-time visitor to Gage’s shop, she recommends trying a smiley face cookie or S R cinnamon roll, or ordering a custom cake. C
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‘KING TRADES’ of all
Modern blacksmith keeps history alive with fire and forging demonstrations Story and Photos by Steve Stout
30 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
here was a time in history when blacksmiths — faces, arms and clothes streaked with soot — were some of the most valued workers in communities both large and small. These days, Doug Eichert, a modern smith from Somonauk, is keeping the noble profession alive with iron pounding on weekends through the fall for La Salle County Historical Society visitors in Utica. “I was naturally drawn to fire from an early age,” explains Eichert.
“It didn’t matter if it was a fireplace or bonfires, I always enjoyed tending them. I was also fortunate to watch some blacksmiths and farriers (shoer of horses) demonstrate in my youth, I think these were formative experiences. “I became a goldsmith working with gemstones and precious metal jewelry; you know gold, platinum and silver. There’s an old Indian saying about 100 blows from the goldsmith being equal to just one from the
Opposite page: Doug Eichert works over a coal forge fire during a blacksmith demonstration at the La Salle County Historical Society in Utica. Below: Doug Eichert works iron in the historical society’s coal forge and shows a glowing, red-hot piece of metal to young onlookers.
blacksmith. My first experience of taking a hammer to hot steel was revelatory and the further I fell into it, the more it subverted my notion of what a precious metal really is.” The village blacksmith commented on how much he enjoys the weekend forging demonstrations. “They are invaluable to me,” says Eichert. “First off, growing up in La Salle County and having this close relationship with the people
and area makes it just seem right that I’m here. These demonstrations align with my educational pursuits — namely to educate the public of what blacksmithing was, what it is today and where it’s going.” He admits he understands that many folks think “blacksmithing is a lost art,” but notes forging is still used by many craftsmen today, however “in a less recognizable fashion.” “Blacksmiths in developed countries no longer have the world on their shoulders to upkeep the world’s industries and thus allowed the craft to expand out more widely towards the arts,” he says. “While demonstrating, visitors have the opportunity to witness the process and gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the work that goes into a hand-forged piece.” Within his demonstrations, Eichert tries to convey how vital the blacksmith’s role was to the tradespeople and communities that depended on the smith’s tools and hardware. Their contribution was one of the most important in civilization and helped give the blacksmith the title, “king of all trades,” he explains. He notes how “our language is rich with idioms borrowed from blacksmithing processes, for instance, ‘Strike while the iron is hot’ refers to not missing a golden opportunity in life and relationships. In terms of conveying skills, there’s a multitude of them, but they all revolve around taking this obstinate cold, hard metal, heating it up until the metal becomes incandescent and working it by hammer and hand. Spatially, I try to convey the uniqueness of this technology and the many skills involved. “Blacksmithing to me is the most direct and exhilarating process of creating. I get to do it working with the basic elements: fire, water, wind, coal, iron and by the sweat of my brow.”
Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 31
Left: Sparks fly as blacksmith Doug Eichert hammers hot iron into shape.
La Salle County Historical Society Vice President Susan Thornton gives high marks to the passionate Eichert and his exhibitions. “Doug — as an artist and craftsman — brings new energy to the society’s blacksmith shop with his enthusiasm and expertise,” says Thornton. “He always makes personal and positive contact with our museum visitors in an informative and interesting way with his modern approach to preserving historic blacksmith techniques. Our organization is lucky to have such a tremendous asset like Doug working regularly for us.”
“Blacksmithing to me is the most direct and exhilarating process of creating. I get to do it working with the basic elements: fire, water, wind, coal, iron and by the sweat of my brow.”
For details on seeing one of Eichert’s demonstrations, visit www.lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org.
32 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Eichert, a board member of ArtistBlacksmith’s Association of North America, says he was lucky to be hired by the local society to work his craft in such a historic blacksmith shop. (Its legacy dates back to 1892.) The La Salle County Historical Society bought the building in 1972 and has honored the ancient craft of blacksmithing through various exhibits. Philosophizing about his work, the Starved Rock Country-area blacksmith concludes, “In this day and age, as a developed country, our society has collectively moved away from hand-work, we press a button and a box containing every conceivable object mysteriously appears at our doorstep. Yet in many respects, not much has changed; people still want a connection to the blacksmith and something hand-forged. I think that’s one of the most satisfying returns from my craft, that is to be a bridge for such a riveting S R story that isn’t finished being told.” C
A relaxing lazy river 2 Tower Slides - The Kraken and The Hydra 2 Body Slides - The Jewel and The Pearl Children’s playscape with bucket dump Market Place - one-stop retail shop
Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 33
LIVE THE HARBOR L I F E
34 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
The Shops Across
MAIN STREET
In retirement, this husband-wife duo has found their niche in Streator Story by Charles Stanley, Photos by Steve Stout
N
ANCY AND STEVE HOLMBERG, who have been married for 41 years, each have their own patch of retail heaven they tend across the street from one another in Streator. For Nancy it is H & H Mercantile on the north side of Main Street, a shop loaded with eclectic merchandise she describes as a “higher-end resale store.” Across Main Street is Steve’s sanctuary, Veranda, a bulging collection of vintage vinyl records that has been overtaking the wall art that once dominated the store. Both stores are open the same hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Which is perfect for the Holmbergs.
36 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
STEVE AND NANCY MET when they lived on the North Side of Chicago. Steve had grown up there, always within a few miles of Wrigley Field. As a city boy with abundant public transportation available, he didn’t get a driver’s license until he was 35. “I didn’t need it,” he says. Nancy was born in the Chicago South Side neighborhood of Hyde Park, but grew up in south suburban Chicago Heights. She flirted with living in Southern California, but ended up back in Chicago on the North Side. She worked at a hospital but wanted to open a business. After considering a bar, she decided on a plant store — then something of a rarity. Nancy and Steve met through a mutual
H & H MERCANTILE
314 E. Main St., Streator 815-992-2424
VERANDA
221 E. Main St., Streator 815-992-1721
acquaintance, hit it off, and married. When Steve’s father died, his mother, who lived next door, wanted to move to a smaller home. After looking for two years, she settled into a small house in Streator and urged Steve and Nancy to relocate. Ultimately, Nancy became infatuated with an older Streator home that needed work but had tall ceilings and other appealing features. “I must have looked at it five times,” she says. Finally, while in New Orleans, she called in an offer. “All of a sudden we had a house in Streator.”
AT FIRST THE HOLMBERGS commuted to Streator on weekends when they would work on the house. Steve retired in 2006 and Nancy in 2010 — although both were inclined to want to keep working. When they noticed a store on Main Street for sale, it soon became Nancy’s new career. Nancy buys her stock on instinct. “I like unusual things,” she says. “I like midcentury modern. I like some antiques. Wherever I am I can find some interesting things to buy. Sometimes I’ll buy something when I don’t know what it is so then I sit and research it.” There’s an Asia section and also a men’s section that features bar items. The shop’s basement stores seasonal items displayed at the appropriate times. “I guess it’s kind of a mishmash,” Nancy says.
Steve and Nancy Holmberg own two shops on Main Street in Streator — H & H Mercantile and Veranda. Nancy’s H & H Mercantile sells an eclectic mix of antiques and resale items, while Steve’s Veranda (shown at top) focuses on vinyl records and art. The husband-and-wife duo relocated to Streator from the Chicago area and have made the rural city their home. Each of their shops showcases a Streator centennial plate (shown opposite page and above).
Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 37
He is aware of changing decorating tastes. “It used to be one big piece on the wall in back of the couch,” he says. “Now it’s smaller pieces in groupings.”
For a while, part of her shop was used by a woman who once had a jewelry store and still dealt in handmade items. Now, that area is stocked with fabric from a store in Bloomington. There are pieces of fabric and bolts of fabric popular with quilters. “I enjoy this immensely,” says Nancy of her business. She delights in having visitors who enjoy looking around with their friends. “I want people to find things of interest here,” she says. “I want them to have fun.”
THERE ALSO WERE OLD RECORDS in a back room. “But then the 20- and 30-year-olds found something new,” Steve says. “It was called vinyl records.” There are many record categories at Veranda: pop, jazz, country, big bands, comedy and soundtracks. But it’s records by rock groups from the 1970s and ’80s that are in demand — particularly by the younger buyers. Sales are hard to predict. “One week I’ll sell three or four art pieces and the next week it’s all records,” he says. When Veranda is closed but a record customer calls him at home, Steve often is agreeable to opening up. “I’m more likely to go in during bad weather,” he notes. “During the summer I’m not going to be as accommodating.” Steve likes to enjoy nice days. But even that is subject to evaluation. “Sometimes I’ll go in. I certainly can’t sit on my front porch and listen to radio and read. Because then S R Nancy will definitely find something for me to do.” C
WHEN STEVE RETIRED, he didn’t want to stop working. “I cleared freight through customs at O’Hare Airport for 40 years,” he says. “I wanted something different.” At first, he cleaned at the La Salle nuclear plant near Marseilles. But that proved too physical. For him, Steve decided, the key was a part-time job, something to give some structure to his week. “If you have a serious hobby, you don’t need that,” he says. “But you do have to have something to keep your brains working.” Steve left the nuclear plant and opened Veranda. Originally, he focused on artwork, chiefly hanging artwork, in a gallery setting. “I pick things that I like and think will sell,” Steve says.
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38 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Choice
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Spend the Day in
! n o t e c n i r P We invite you to indulge in the enchantment of this historic small town’s boutiques, shopping, quaint dining, down on Main Street Concert Series and other widely popular events! Enjoy a weekend in Princeton, Illinois and find yourself emersed in our small town charm!
October 9 & 10th, 2021 CITY-COUNTY PARK
DOWN ON MAIN STREET CONCERT THE BOAT DRUNKS Thursday, September 9th, 2021
HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL
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September 10 , 2021 Featuring Doobie Brothers, Tribute Band The Doobie Others th
DOWN ON MAIN STREET CONCERT NORTH END-PALOMA Friday, October 1st, 2021
WITCHES NIGHT OUT Friday, October 8th, 2021
SHADOWS OF THE BLUE & GRAY Saturday & Sunday, October 9th & 10th
SCARECROW FESTIVAL Saturday, October 23rd, 2021
Home Decor, Antiques, Primatives, Florals
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS WALK-
Friday thru Sunday, November 19th-21st, 2021
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A SHORT DRIVE THAT TAKES YOU FAR! VISIT PRINCETON-IL.COM
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Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 39
| Art s & En t ertai nm ent |
“Submit your own interpretation of a classic WPA travel poster inspired by your favorite site, location or event in Starved Rock Country.” The assignment invited creativity, and local artists responded with vintage travel posters that blew away the judges, a mix of representatives from Starved Rock Country and The Arts of Starved Rock Country. In addition to the winner, featured on our cover, here are the nine runners-up in no particular order. Thank you to all who participated!
Vintage
TRAVEL POSTER CONTEST
Rich in History Raymond Gross
Dare to Explore Mariano Spizzirri 40 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Adventure Awaits You Heather Jarmusz-Pursley
Where Adventure Soars Corinne Francis
Visit Beautiful Starved Rock State Park Heather Jarmusz-Pursley
Hegeler Carus Mansion 1307 Seventh St LaSalle, IL 61301 815-224-6543
Visit our website at www.hegelercarus.org to book a tour Wednesday thru Sunday! Come, explore a National Historic Landmark and experience life in the Victorian age.
I & M Canal Boat Erin Maze
It’s Time to Explore Again Ren Barkey
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Enjoy - Explore - Experience Natalie Zelman
Adventure Calls Chris Yoars
Info/Reservations: (815) 431-0936
pleasantcreekcampground.com SM-CL1903303
Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 41
Welcome To
Streator
A Neighborhood Favorite
Go Where the Locals Go To Eat
Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
409 E. Main Street, Suite 3 • Streator
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Breakfast Served All Day Daily Specials Delicious Soups Homemade Desserts
The Country Cupboard 124 S. Vermillion Street | Streator | 815.672.5885 Carryouts and Delivery Available Open 7 Days A Week | Mon-Fri 6-7 | Sat & Sun 6-2
1000 Bernste Streator IL 6
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The Area's Premiere Garden Cente
Explore - Experience - Enjoy Downtown Streator 42 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Delivering Quality. Landscaping and Garde Center Services Since 1960
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Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 43
317 Main Street Market Unique, locally owned businesses under one roof! Come check us out! An upscale consignment boutique
Trendy Clothing and Accessories for Juniors through Misses
offering clean, brand name/high quality fashion for men, women, & children. 317 E. Main • Streator
Located inside the Main Street Market Building at
815.992.5868 www.rejennerated.com
317 E. Main Street • Streator Like us on Facebook
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317 E. Main Street • Streator • 3rd Floor
The kitchen is the heart of the home. Stop by to see our selection of culinary items, serving pieces, cookware and more. Great place to find the perfect gift. Located inside the Main Street Market building 317 E. Main Street • Streator
44 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
Hrs: Tues-Fri 10A-5P Sat 10A-3P
317 E. Main Street • Streator, IL
A F O W E I V E R P
T U B E D
Mark your calendars for the inaugural Starved Rock Country Festival of the Arts
Story By Annette Barr Photos provided by Starved Rock Country Festival of the Arts
T
his fall, as nature begins to put on a colorful show in Starved Rock Country, regional artists will be doing their part to add sights and sounds to Ottawa. The Starved Rock Country Festival of the Arts, known as FOTA, is in its inaugural year and includes a juried visual arts and film competition, artist market, free children’s activities, demonstrations, live music and a film festival Sept. 24-26 throughout downtown Ottawa. “We are pulling together a very grassroots, artist-led, three-day, art, music and film festival in downtown Ottawa,” says Shanna Dugan, arts fund administrator with Starved Rock Country Community Foundation. “We have a juried art show, with several different categories for artists to submit and win prizes in their category and also a best of show.” In addition, Ottawa’s annual Scarecrow Festival will take place Sept. 25 with both events intertwined between Washington Park, the Jordan Block and the business district. Films from the festival will be shown at Roxy Cinemas, and juried art will be displayed at Jeremiah Joe Coffee in the 807 Building on La Salle Street.
Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 45
The artisan market will feature vendors, some participating in the juried show, selling handmade, oneof-a-kind works. Demonstrations in various media will take place throughout the three days, along with a lineup of live music featuring genres from gospel and rock to bagpipes and bluegrass. “Part of what I really focused on was putting artists in charge of our artists and our committees,” Dugan says. “So we have an artist and art teacher and gallery owner in charge of our visual arts committee. I have a playing and teaching musician in
46 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
charge of our musicians committee. I have a filmmaker in charge of our filmmaking committee. I have another art teacher in charge of our children’s art programming.” The music and youth art activities are free to the public and will be available as first come, first served. FOTA is able to offer so many free activities through federal grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency as well as inkind and monetary donations from area businesses and individuals. There will be a charge for movies
shown at Roxy Cinemas as part of the film festival, with nearly 40 movies from participating filmmakers from throughout the country. “My focus really is making this an amazing festival for the artists. And if it’s an amazing festival for the artists, it’s going to be amazing for the community,” says Dugan. “We want our community to come out and enjoy and support (FOTA).” For more information on the S R festival, visit www.fotasrc.org. C
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
MUSIC LINEUP ’21 FRIDAY, SEPT. 24 (sound provided by Jeff Manfredini) 5 p.m. Steve Cerqua 6 p.m. Open Mic 7 p.m. Reverend Hellbilly 8 p.m. Manny & the OK Boys 9 p.m. NBG DR3K0 9:30 p.m. Cody J (DJ Famou5)
SATURDAY, SEPT. 25 (sound provided by Kevin Kramer) 2 p.m. Jeff Manfredini 3 p.m. Amber Kay 4 p.m. Nicodemus 5 p.m. Josh Robson (Shamandala) 6 p.m. Student Band 1 (the Timekeepers) 6:30 p.m. Student Band 2 (Matriarchy) 7 p.m. Urban Posers 8 p.m. Half Shell Heroes 9 p.m. Dead Rest
SUNDAY, SEPT. 26 (sound provided by Kevin Kramer) 11:45 a.m. Bagpipe music by Mark Dudek Noon Templeton Family Gospel Music 1 p.m. Zomnyet Webster 2 p.m. Joseph Templeton 3 p.m. Henry Torpedo Boys 4 p.m. Katie Belle & the Belle Rangers 5 p.m. Brad Byrd 6 p.m. MMCM
SM-CL1900681
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The Best of Starved Rock Country 2021 Choose your favorites in Entertainment, Dining, Services, Health & Wellness, Retail, Home & Garden, and more in the Starved Rock Country region
VOTING IS OPEN!
From August 20-September 14, pick your favorite Starved Rock Country businesses in more than 50 categories. Votes will be counted, and winners will be announced in early November. Categories include: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Art Gallery Live Music Venue Live Theatre Museum/Cultural Travel Agent Public Golf Course Wedding/Events Venue Place for Girls Night Out Festival Kid/Family-Friendly Outing
DINING
Romantic Dinner Caterer Coffee Shop Brunch Dining on the Waterfront Bloody Mary Sushi Steak Wine Bar Bakery Dessert
PERSONAL SERVICES Day Spa Hair Salon Cosmetic Skin Care Laser & Medi Spa Massage Place for Botox Manicure/Pedicure
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Pet Groomer Pet Boarding Photographer 55+ Community Financial Planner Senior Care Florist Tutoring Center
HEALTH & WELLNESS Yoga Health Club
RETAIL, SHOPPING, FOOD & BEVERAGE
Women’s Boutique Men’s Shop Jewelry Store Downtown Shopping District Gift Shop Home Decor Gourmet Shop Bridal/Formal Wear Furniture Store Wine Shop Liquor Store Bakery Farmers Market
HOME & GARDEN
Maid Service Handy Man Nursery/Garden Center Pool Company Carpet Care Company Home Builder Landscaper
OR VISIT: QR.SHAWLOCAL.COM/SRCFINEST21
48 | Fall 2021 • Starved Rock Country
It’s All Right Here in
Downtown Morris
Located just 60 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago, downtown Morris, 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!
Let the Decorating Begin! Fall, Halloween, & Christmas mini decor available.
CHILDREN’S APPAREL | SIZES PREEMIE TO SIXTEEN
Jane and Stu Kerr APPLE BUTTER AND SHUGIE’S 309 N. Liberty St. Morris (815) 942-5093
CONTEMPORARY CHILDREN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE 218 LIBERTY ST. • MORRIS, IL 60450 Tiered Tray
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Upscale Boutique Specializing in Quality Clothing and Accessories
215 Liberty St., Morris IL 815-942-1514 SM-CL1903535
• BAGGED COFFEE • BAKED GOODS • MATCHA DRINKS • TEAS & LEMONADES • ESPRESSO DRINKS • DRIP COFFEE 312 Liberty St., Morris 815.710.5000
• DAILY SOUP
Gourmet Flavored Popcorn • Fudge • Hand Dipped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts • Chocolates • Bulk Candy • Bavarian Nuts Jelly Bellies • Smoothies • Nostalgic Candies
And so much more! 108 w. Washington St. Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 49
ve tar d
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R o ck C August 2021
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Starved Rock Country
ountr
You never know just what you might find in Utica during the annual Burgoo Festival. Though canceled last year due to COVID-19, a smaller-scale festival was still held with craft vendors participating. This crafted exotic bird keeps an eye on things as festivalgoers make their way along Mill Street in Utica. Photo by Tom Sistak
Starved Rock Country • Fall 2021 | 51
Family Reunions Single Family Vacations Romantic Couples Getaways
Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins 4.9
353 Google reviews 394 reviews
Kishauwau Cabins is your perfect Illinois getaway to be socially distant and unplug just 10 minutes from Starved Rock State Park. We have 17 well spaced cabins in varying sizes that are perfect for your next family reunion, single family vacation, or just a romantic getaway for 2. Each cabin offers a full kitchen, personal outdoor bonfire pit with picnic table & grill as well as indoor wood stove or gas fireplace. All cabins have central air and are furnace heated. Family run for over 35 years.
Perfect destination for families or couples! Open year round. SM-CL1901676
LET’S CONNECT
KishauwauCabins.com
901 N. 2129th Rd. • Tonica, IL • 815-442-8453