Starved Rock Country Magazine - Spring 2022

SPRING 2022

MAGAZINE

LOVEJOY HOMESTEAD

Underground Railroad location marks a double anniversary Page 18

SPRING FEVER

Leave your winter coat at home to see the season’s beauty

Page 14

‘It puts a smile on my

SOUL’

Jerry Savage honors his Native American heritage • Page 31

Additional copies at 248 W. Canal St., Utica 61373

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2 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

Spring is just the beginning of a new hiking season. The secret is that a trip to Starved Rock is fun in every season, but especially when winter

everything is turning green! When you need to reconnect with nature and disconnect from your screen, unwind and recharge your batteries at Starved Rock. Take it from the wildlife who call this place home: once you visit, you’ll want to return again and again!

Relax with nature at Starved Rock Lodge Stay at the only Hotel in Starved Rock State Park and be steps away from the hiking trails, enjoy guaranteed free parking, free WiFi, and amazing photo ops. Imagine relaxing in our pool complex, or eating lunch on the Veranda where the view of the scenic Illinois River Valley is the best in the Midwest.

During summer months, you can take a leisurely river cruise on the Eagle 1 or take a walk down memory lane when you attend a Tribute to the Stars performance. Book a room or cabin and celebrate with friends, get married or have a family reunion.

We’ll help you plan an enjoyable getaway at a place that’s so much more than a day trip.

Call our friendly staff at (800) 868-7625 or visit starvedrocklodge.com.

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Inside

10

MUST SEE 10

PLENTY OF FISH IN THE RIVER Masters Walleye Circuit comes to Spring Valley in March

14

SPRING FEVER Leave your winter coat at home — welcome to spring in Starved Rock Country

18

THE LOVEJOY HOMESTEAD Home to Illinois’ most famous Underground Railroad operator, the location marks a double anniversary year

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

31

24

FEATURED ARTIST Lorena Malm puts emotion, imagination into her abstract artwork

26

FEATURED ARTIST Amanda Weygand pioneers Open Space Art Gallery & Studios ... and creates her own work

31

‘IT PUTS A SMILE ON MY SOUL’ Jerry Savage honors his Native American heritage with educational programs

DINING & DRINKING 39

SHINING STAR Star Union Spirits’ co-owners build award-winning business from their shared hobby

42

DINING BY THE NUMBERS These 6 restaurants share a commonality when it comes to their names

ON THE COVER

46

Cameron Savage performs a traditional dance for visitors at a past Starved Rock State Park ceremony honoring the American Indian heritage of the Illinois Valley.

Learn more on P. 31.

DINING REVIEW Koi Sushi & Hibachi, a new Peru restaurant, excels at its namesake dishes

IN EACH ISSUE

46

Photo by Steve Stout

4 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

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| EDITOR’S NOT E |

riting to you in midFebruary, I’m seeing very few hints of spring. Editing these stories, however, has transported me to a season without snow and full of new growth — and allergies. I can practically feel my nose starting to itch, which is worth it, of course, because that means it’s time to be back in my garden.

I grew my first garden in elementary school, working a few rows at my grandpa’s farm an hour south of my house. I don’t remember much about the experience except an afternoon with Grandpa Hoffmeister, digging potatoes. It had to have been at least 90 degrees out; I remember being covered in sweat, then taking a break to drink glasses of orange soda. At the time, the focus was on potatoes, but now I remember that first garden because of the memories with my grandpa.

Last year’s garden was my first since moving to Illinois. The process still takes a village, so I was lucky enough to have my dad drive from Missouri to help with planting. I grew flowers, tomatoes, peppers, sugar snap peas and beets.

Weed, water, repeat. Weed, water, repeat. Harvest! What a gratifying experience it was.

As spring approaches, I’m anticipating lots of time in the garden. I plan to swap out a few of the flower varieties, and I may add some herbs.

Do you grow a garden? What excites you about spring? Tom Sistak’s photo story about the season

6 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

(P. 14) is making me want to go on a hike at Starved Rock State Park to see the legendary bluebells.

Our cover story this quarter is about Jerry Savage, grandson of two well-known, longtime Native American advocates in the Starved Rock area. His educational programs touch on history, respect for the earth, environmental issues and racism. Native Americans lived in Starved Rock Country long before Europeans came to the area, so this programming is vital. If you don’t know much about the area’s history, I encourage you to read about it and attend his March event at Starved Rock Lodge. You can read Steve Stout’s story on P. 31.

Another story I’d like to draw your attention to is about the Lovejoy Homestead in Princeton. The home is known for being a stop on the Underground Railroad, a system used by enslaved people to reach free states or Canada. Lovejoy was a prominent abolitionist and, through his work in Congress, a friend of Abraham Lincoln. By editing this story, I learned about the Underground Railroad’s path through Illinois, even discovering there are more historic homes near my apartment. Charles Stanley’s story starts on P. 18.

Thank you for reading, and happy spring!

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 2022. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permission, is prohibited.

Vol. 10 No. 1 Spring 2022 Edition 2022-03/25,000 PUBLISHER Dan Goetz EDITOR Hannah Hoffmeister GRAPHICS AND DESIGN Julie Barichello PRODUCTION Rhonda Dillon CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Barichello Fred Krause Ryan Searl Charles Stanley Steve Stout CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Scott Anderson Ryan Searl Tom Sistak Steve Stout

Starved Rock Country • Spring 2022 | 7

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| Mus t See |

Plenty of

Fish

in the River

10 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

Masters Walleye Circuit comes to Spring Valley in March Story by Fred Krause Photos by Scott Anderson

T

he walleye tournaments on the Illinois River started many years ago. It was a team event — that is, two fishermen per boat. It was considered the largest fishing tournament in the whole country as it brought in many out-of-state anglers. William Guerrini started the event, which continued to grow. As the years went on, he moved to Florida but still stays in contact with the tournament group as an advisor.

Later, Adam Sandor from Ottawa, Eric Maggio and Corey Blair from the Spring Valley area formed a

committee; now, they manage all of the tournaments in that area. Some are even held at Allen Park in Ottawa, the first of which was called The Governor’s Cup, won by Dominic “Big Knob” Culjan.

The Masters Walleye Circuit tournament returns to Spring Valley this year, March 18-19.

A lot has happened with fishing events since then as now just about every weekend has a tournament.

Years back all of the Spring Valley events were headquartered at Barto Landing on the north side of the river.

Since then, that area has become

Starved Rock Country • Spring 2022 | 11

Teams can weigh up to five fish per day — walleyes, saugers and saugeyes, according to the tournament fact sheet for the Spring Valley tournament stop.

Visit www.masterwalleyecircuit.com to learn more!

silted in and large crafts with big motors cannot use that launch until it has been drenched. This can be very expensive. In the event of very high water, the boat launch at Lake DePue is used. It is hoped that river conditions are right for these events as the river can change overnight.

Cold, stained water is not a good condition for any type of fishing event. The river can become so stained that one cannot see even a brightly colored lure two feet below the surface.

Another thing that has had a negative effect on all fishing tournaments is the invasion of the Asian carp. These fish feed on zooplankton and phytoplankton, two substances that young native species depend on to grow. The carp feed constantly, growing up to 10 pounds per year.

That scenario has almost depleted the world-class white bass species on the river.

The fishing tourneys have helped the walleye fishery in two ways. The staff at the La Salle Fish Hatchery collect the egg-laden females from the tournaments. They are then artificially spawned and placed in tubes until they hatch. As they become fingerlings, they are raised in rearing ponds next to the hatchery. When the time is right, they are stocked into the Illinois River with the disease resistance passed on from the parent fish. The hatchery staff work just about all sauger and walleye fishing events.

Anyone interested in more information can contact Adam Sandor at 815-955-7503, Eric Maggio S R at 815-481-3742 or Corey Blair at 815-228-3395. C

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S Leave your winter coat at home — welcome to spring in Starved Rock Country

J

ust as we clean and refresh our homes to welcome spring, so too does nature. From rainstorms to fresh flowers, photographer Tom Sistak has

documented the Earth’s rejuvenation in springtime.

Starved Rock Country is a great place to get outdoors!

Above: Daisies spread throughout a ditch near the Route 71 entrance to Starved Rock State Park.

At right: A late spring shower falls upon a fallen leaf that rests upon a car at Allen Park in Ottawa.

Center photo: May is the perfect time to view the spread of bluebells, which decorate the ground throughout Starved Rock State Park.

These bluebells shine along the trail to Illinois Canyon.

14 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

Spri FE

ing VER

As spring arrives, eastern bluebirds start the job of building a nest in a specifically made bluebird house. Bluebird houses can be seen from the south entrance into Starved Rock State Park.

Late spring tiger lilies bloom near an aging barn located in Deer Park Township, just south of Starved Rock State Park.

Starved Rock Country • Spring 2022 | 15

LIVE THE HARBOR L I F E

y o j e v o L The

d a e t es m o H

Home to Illinois’ most famous Underground Railroad operator, the location marks a double anniversary year

Story by Charles Stanley Photos by Tom Sistak

18 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

A

heart-stirring, thought-provoking experience awaits visitors to the Lovejoy Homestead in Princeton.

Before the Civil War, the home was a station on the Underground Railroad, the often perilous path to freedom for enslaved people.

Princeton was on the Underground

Railroad route in Illinois that ran from Quincy on the Mississippi River northeast to Chicago and then on to Canada. Other stops near Princeton included La Moille, La Salle, Ottawa, Paw Paw, Peru and Somonauk.

There’s a lot to see at the homestead, but visitors will get a jolt on the second

floor when a docent slides a wooden bureau to the side to expose a hidden door.

The doorway leads into a storage area where runaway enslaved people would be hidden, in addition in the basement and barn.

It’s a double anniversary year for the homestead.

After a long restoration effort, 50 years ago in 1972 the Illinois State Historical Society recognized the homestead with a state historical marker. Then, 25 years ago in 1997, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.

Most recently, in 2001 the homestead was listed as

a site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.

The house also has the double distinction of having been the home of Owen Lovejoy, a clergyman, abolitionist, politician and friend of Abraham Lincoln.

“I would say that Owen Lovejoy was the most famous Underground Railroad operator in the state of Illinois,” says Owen Muelder, author of “The Underground Railroad in Western Illinois” and director of the Galesburg Colony Underground

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“If a person wants to visit an actual Underground Railroad site — not only in Illinois but anywhere in the United States — the opportunity to visit the Lovejoy Homestead on the east side of Princeton is a real attraction.”

That’s not taking anything away from the other prairie state abolitionists and towns that supported the Underground Railroad, Muelder says. “But Lovejoy is unique in that his fame rests not only on his abolitionist activism and the number of slaves he helped escape, but also in his career as a congressman in the

then-new Republican Party and a friend of Abraham Lincoln.”

Born in Maine in 1811, Lovejoy moved to Alton, Illinois. In 1837 he was present when his older brother, newspaper editor Elijah Lovejoy, was killed by a mob angry with his antislavery activities.

The following year he became pastor of Princeton’s Hampshire Colony Congregational Church, where he served for 17 years. In 1854 Lovejoy was elected to the Illinois legislature and in 1856 he was elected to Congress, where he served until his death. In Princeton, Lovejoy

The John H The John Hossack House, 210 W. Prospect St. in Ottawa, was another Starved Rock Country-area stop on the Underground Railroad. Hossack, who was an antislavery advocate, lived there after moving from Chicago for canal-related work, according to the National Park Service website. The interior is not open to the public. Learn more at www.nps.gov/nr/travel/ underground/states.htm.

boarded with the family of Butler and Eunice Denham, who also were abolitionists.

After Butler died, Lovejoy married Eunice; they raised six children of their own and three born to Eunice and Butler.

Lovejoy was open about his involvement in the Underground Railroad, even advertising his home as a refuge for runaway enslaved people.

Sometimes there was excitement.

“Owen is said to have helped a slave dressed as a women get out of town,” says Lois Peterson, a homestead docent for 10 years and, like three of the other eight

docents, a former teacher.

On that occasion in 1849, a young man from Missouri named John Buckner was apprehended by two slave catchers. According to an 1872 account by early Princeton historian Nehemiah Matson, both slave catchers pointed pistols at Buckner’s head. Then they tied his hands behind him and “led him like a dog through the streets of the town.”

Buckner and the slave catchers, who were arrested for kidnapping, were taken to court. Buckner was freed, placed on a horse and told to ride to the Lovejoy home.

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Starved Rock Country • Spring 2022 | 21

“If a person wants to visit an actual Underground Railroad site — not only in Illinois but anywhere in the United States — the opportunity to visit the Lovejoy Homestead on the east side of Princeton is a real attraction.” followed, surrounding the Lovejoy home.

When a figure on a horse was seen riding out of the Lovejoy barn, the slave catchers gave chase. But the man they caught up with turned out to be a white man with a black veil on his face. Back at the Lovejoy home, the slave catchers tried to force their way in but were stopped by Lovejoy, who demanded to see a search warrant. In the meantime, Buckner, garbed in a dress, was hidden in a wagon and got away.

Lovejoy died in 1864 while Lincoln was president.

“When Lincoln was informed of his death, he said Lovejoy was his best friend in Congress,” Muelder says. “So that gives you an idea of his fame and reputation at that time and the extent to which the president of the United States thought of him as a genuine ally.”

Photo provided by the Lovejoy Homestead

Read more about the Underground Railroad in Illinois at www.enjoyillinois.com.

Mansion Tours:

Friday-Monday | 11-3:00pm

Mansion and Gardens

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.

Please call for other arrangements & group tours

Join Us

for Our Annual Golf Outing, Sat. June 11th, Pine Hills Golf Club, Ottawa, IL. Visit our website for other events.

100 West Lafayette St. | Ottawa, IL 61350 815-433-6100 | reddickmansion.org 22 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

Tours of the homestead include the parlor, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms and other areas, which are furnished with furniture and artifacts from the era.

“Adults who visit often comment on how big the house is,” docent Peterson says.

People taking the tour are usually placed in small groups of six to eight and on busy days started from different points in the house.

Peterson says visitors are discouraged from taking photos because they become distracted from the narrative about the home’s historic significance.

The Lovejoy Homestead, located at 905 E. Peru St. in Princeton, is open May through September from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For details on tours, visit www.owenlovejoyhomestead.com or S R call 815-879-9151. C

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Artist

| Arts & Entertainment |

SPOTLIGHT

LORENA MALM Local artists invigorate the community with thoughtful, creative pieces. Each issue, Starved Rock Country Magazine and Starved Rock Country Community Foundation are partnering to highlight artists and their work.

1

orena Malm’s imagination plays a big role in her artwork.

For example, last year she won a second-placed ribbon at The Next Picture Show Gallery in Dixon for her use of copper tape and crushed eggshells. She also hopes to challenge herself this year by finding an “avenue to which I will be able to teach others to use their imagination in creating abstract art.”

Malm is a self-taught, Starved Rock Country-area artist who uses oil paint, her iPad and a variety of other

24 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

materials to create abstract artwork, both on the canvas and digitally.

A paint-by-number oil set sparked her love for art at 9 years old. “As I painted each day, I learned patience was not something I had, but must develop, and my perfectionism became obvious for the first time, bringing with it a sense of desire to go ‘outside the lines,’” she says.

Malm recently (in 2018) began what she calls “the emerging process” into an artist community. She has presented exhibits at local arts organizations like

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios in Ottawa and participated in Princeton Art District’s First Friday Market, among others. “The amount of support has been tremendous,” she says.

Describing her artwork, Malm says her imagery comes from experiences, memories, emotions and, occasionally, dreams. “I embed my emotions into the art, with intention to present connection to the viewer, that they too will feel emotion and connected to an otherwise abstract tangible,” she S R explains. C

2

DETAILS OF LORENA MALM’S WORK To purchase or learn more about her creations, visit her website, lmalm-arts.square.site.

1. Melt Down/Rising Seas: oil paint and cold wax on canvas, 24.5x12.

Inspired by an Educational Media Reviews Online article, Malm writes, “Two different cultures a half world away from each other are feeling the effects of climate change. While those in the Arctic lose an ice pack that supports the wildlife they depend upon for food, people in the South Pacific must deal with a rising sea level brought on by the melting ice. Both are forced to adapt to the consequences of a practice over which they have no control: the burning of fossil fuels.”

2. Abstract Strength: oil paint and mica powder on canvas, 11x14.

“People’s resilience having gone through tragedy in their life, and the struggles endured on a regular basis, keep them from being tossed around in a whirlwind of chaos,” writes Malm. “The more difficult the trials, the more strength they give to their resilience. The movement in ‘Abstract Strength’ represents the whirlwind and resilience.”

3. In the Distance: oil paint and mica powder on canvas, 12x24.

“Objects seen in the distance are admired and desired, just out of reach with obstacles blocking acquisition,” writes Malm. “Endurance, determination and focus will bring success.”

4. Orb Art 2741: digital composition created on the iPad. Writes Malm: “Orbs are storage vessels I create to store whatever emotion I may be feeling at the time of creating.”

3

4

ABOUT THE ARTIST Lorena Malm is a self-taught artist who strives “to share with my viewers a world of beauty through art.” She has exhibitions scheduled in 2022 throughout Starved Rock Country; learn more at lmalm-arts.square.site.

Starved Rock Country • Spring 2022 | 25

Artist SPOTLIGHT

AMANDA WEYGAND Local artists invigorate the community with thoughtful, creative pieces. Each issue, Starved Rock Country Magazine and Starved Rock Country Community Foundation are partnering to highlight artists and their work.

1

2

26 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

f you’ve seen an exhibition, taken a class, hosted a birthday party or browsed the artisan shop at Open Space Art Gallery and Studios, you already have a connection to Amanda Weygand.

The Ottawa native founded the gallery and studio space as a communal, accessible area for fellow Illinois artists to collaborate and display their work. “The gallery is everything I hoped it would be and more,” says Weygand.

The idea came from her time getting her bachelor’s degree in fine arts at Illinois State University. “I had my own studio at the school with other BFA students and for the first time in my life, I felt like I found my tribe,” she says. “When I graduated, I knew I would be losing that and that’s when the idea to create a makers space in Ottawa came about.”

Weygand’s personal work revolves mostly around photography and acrylic or oil paints, though she also works with sculpture. “I’m influenced by ideas about what happens when one lets go of materialistic objects and begins focusing on the soul and our oneness with nature.” She enjoys spending time with her children in Starved Rock Country: “We kayak and camp regularly.

Immersing myself in nature helps my mood and my creativity.”

This year, she hopes to challenge herself with using more color, focusing more on sculptural work and even creating more installations or works that allow for public interaction.

“Artwork helps express a community’s values and creates an elevated sense of awareness for community members and visitors,” she says. “Public art creates inclusion and S R cultural diversity in a community.” C

3

4

5

DETAILS OF AMANDA WEYGAND’S WORK

ABOUT THE ARTIST

To purchase or learn more about her creations, visit www.osartstudios.com or @missamandasart on Instagram. All the works shown and listed here are available for purchase at Open Space Art Gallery.

Amanda Weygand is a mixed media artist and the owner of Open Space Art Gallery and Studios in Ottawa. Her work focuses on the relationship between humans and the natural world, she says. Learn more at www.osartstudios.com.

1. Wanderer: mixed media of varying dimensions, $20-90

3. A Deep Illusion: acrylic on canvas, 16x20, $400

2. Radiating Energy: acrylic on canvas, 11x14, $100

4. Above as Below: mixed media, 20x16, $450 5. A Path Less Traveled: mixed media, $500

Starved Rock Country • Spring 2022 | 27

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‘It puts a

SMILE ON MY SOUL’ Jerry Savage I honors his Native American heritage with educational programs

Story and Photos by Steve Stout

n the 1930s, Ho-Chunk Nation tribe members Sampson and Ruth Sine moved to Starved Rock Country after spending years working across the country in a traveling show.

Working at the popular state park, the two, who also went by Chief Walks with the Wind and Stands on a Cloud, respectively, lived decades outside Utica, shared legends with visitors about their Native American heritage, sold souvenirs and performed traditional dances around ceremonial fires for large crowds, all while raising a family.

Starved Rock Country • Spring 2022 | 31

p Cameron Savage, who also goes by the name Walking Straight, wears traditional Native American clothing and performs dances during a cultural presentation at Starved Rock State Park.

He is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Keeping that family legacy alive in modern times, their grandson, Gerald Savage, who also goes by White Winnebago and moved from La Salle to Crystal Lake last year, continues to present Native American culture programs at Starved Rock State Park, local schools and for various central Illinois organizations to honor the memory of his grandparents and his heritage.

Savage grew up learning and performing native songs and dances with his

32 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

grandfather, father and other family members. He also was taught the principles that his ancestors cherished about the land that provided life and substance for them.

He says he was taught from a young age that learning and teaching American Indian culture was vital to keep knowledge and traditions of the past alive for future generations.

“I am proud to follow the path blazed by my grandfather,” he says. “It is important to my soul — my

life — that I teach others about a mostly forgotten way of life that is all but disappearing in today’s world.”

In his programs, Savage, 60, stresses the importance of preserving Native American history and highlights “the guiding principles” which his ancestors lived by, including respect for Mother Earth. “My people thought of themselves as caretakers of this earth and, as such, believed the land will take care of us if we take care of it.”

u Gerald Savage, who also goes

by White Winnebago, teaches Native American cultural programs in Starved Rock Country.

He says, “Educating others, including the young members of my own tribe, is my most personal goal these days.”

During his appearances, Savage speaks to abolish the stereotyping and racism that continue to affect his people today. “I also like to connect my talks to modern environmental issues such as recycling and conservation, especially to young people.”

“It gives me an inner satisfaction to bring the past — my past — into modern times to educate others,” Savage says. “It puts a smile on my soul.”

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“Jerry and the Savage family have a longstanding love and gratitude for the park and Lodge that really echoes in their presentations. We are very lucky and proud that Jerry has continued in his family legacy by sharing their customs with us and our guests.”

Savage explains, “My goal at these programs is to reach at least one person to learn how relevant my Native American history is to their own history.

I tell my audiences to respect nature and to leave Mother Earth the way they found it or better. The Earth is our home and we only get one of it.”

Savage’s embrace of his heritage continues within his children and other family members. His son Cameron, who also goes by Walking Straight, and other members of the Sine family often join him in spreading awareness of their tribal heritage and the

many cultural contributions made by Native Americans throughout history.

“One of the aspects that always endears me to Starved Rock Lodge is that it is generational,” says Amy Trimble, Starved Rock Lodge vice president of guest experiences official. “Couples who celebrate their yearly anniversary, grandparents and grandchildren on special getaways and families coming from across the country for their reunions, these people become like family and catching up with them can be the highlight of our staff ’s day.

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t Gerald Savage presents an educational program at Starved Rock Lodge. q Cameron Savage performs a Native American dance in the Great Hall of Starved Rock Lodge.

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So having Jerry come each year for the spring solstice is like inviting family back to bless the Lodge. Jerry and the Savage family have a longstanding love and gratitude for the park and Lodge that really echoes in their presentations. We are very lucky and proud that Jerry has continued in his family legacy by sharing their customs with us and our guests.”

The Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge will again be the venue for Native American ceremonies presented by Savage and his family at 3 p.m. March 20.

The three-part ceremony will be free to the public.

Savage says a Grand Entry program will be followed by a naming ceremony for his niece.

The last time a ceremony like this took place at the Lodge, he says, was in the mid-1950s.

A “smudging ceremony” also will be observed that day in honor of the spring equinox. The program will conclude with a tribute to Sam Sine. Savage and the Sine family will share stories about Native American history and explain how their ancestors once lived off the land around Starved Rock.

The event will end with a S R closing dance. C

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From gourmet treats, wines and unique spices to antiques and specialty gifts. We have it all.

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38 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

| Di ning & Dr inking |

Shining

STAR

Star Union Spirits’ co-owners build award-winning business from their shared hobby

bout 10 minutes to the west of Starved Rock State Park, behind the walls of the former Westclox clock factory, Star Union Spirits is spearheading an artisan distillery revival — crafting an ever-growing line of award-winning vodka, brandy, rum and grappa.

This small-batch distillery is doing more than just bottling beverages that can be found in supermarkets, liquor stores and bars across the state. It’s also home to a relaxing tasting room where guests can imbibe expertly made craft cocktails and take in local live music.

The name Star Union Spirits harkens back to Peru’s first licensed alcohol producer, Star Union Products Company. After an impressive 121 years of operation, Star Union Products Company officially shuttered its doors in 1966.

Story by Ryan Searl Photos by Tom Sistak and Star Union Spirits

With its absence, this iconic brewer left a cask-shaped hole that was never filled in the community. Until now.

“We knew the city could support a local distiller, we’ve got more than 100 years of history to prove it,” says coowner Bob Windy with a laugh.

He and fellow co-owner Jeff Yosowitz will be the first to admit they didn’t have the most conventional path to owning a distillery. After meeting through their sons’ Chicago school more than a decade ago, the two began working closely together in a social club with other dads. The group primarily organized park cleanups and other activities, but it would also serve as their springboard into distilling.

On a camping trip, “Bob brought along a bottle of his homemade wine.

I said, ‘Wait, what do you mean you made that?… I want to make that!’ and that was sort of our origin. We

Shown at top (from left to right): Bob Windy, Casey Beall and Jeff Yosowitz pose with their award-winning products at Star Union Spirits in Peru.

Starved Rock Country • Spring 2022 | 39

STAR UNION SPIRITS 300 Fifth St., Peru 815-205-1234 • www.starunionspirits.com

started making wine together on the weekends,” says Yosowitz.

Over the years, winemaking transitioned to spirits. As the hobby consumed more and more of their free time, they began seriously considering a business. “We always said, if we get the opportunity to do this for real, we need to do it right,” adds Yosowitz.

They toured more than 200 other craft distilleries and spoke with their owners.

Since opening its doors in November 2018, Star Union has crafted batches of apple, cherry, grape and blackberry brandies; grappas; rye and corn whiskeys; vodka; rested agave; rum; and coffee liqueur. This ever-expanding selection, many of which are available in both aged and immature varietals, has earned this small distillery operation some major national and international awards.

40 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

Recently, Star Union Spirits came home with eight awards from the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, including highly coveted double gold medals for their Navy Strength Dark Rum and Reserve Rum. The distillery’s rum endeavors are aided by the award-winning distiller, Casey Beall, who joined the staff in 2019 and brought along eight years of rum and agave distilling experience from now-closed Tailwinds Distilling Company in Plainfield.

These award-winning artisan beverage innovations are all taking place inside Peru’s iconic Westclox building, home to many exciting new artistic endeavors. The Westclox clock manufacturing company, once one of the largest and most widely known employers in Starved Rock Country, was housed inside this sprawling 350,000-square-foot factory. This gorgeous turn-of-the-century brick structure was left vacant in 1980, then badly damaged by fire in 2012.

Thanks to an enclave of entrepreneurs, the building now hosts Tana Yoga Studio, Unwind At Westclox day spa and wellness center, Audio Out studio and recording company, NCI ARTworks gallery and more — now including Fire on Fifth, an upscale wood-fired pizza place serving a wide selection of craft beers, located just a few paces from Star Union Spirits’ tasting room.

Windy’s connection to the old factory building is just as improbable as his journey into distilling. “My grandfather worked in this building

so there’s a big personal connection,” he says.

“We love being a catalyst in this building,” Yosowitz adds. “This side of Peru, particularly the Westclox building, is becoming a major arts hub for the area.”

Star Union Spirits’ dedication to preserving the history of the building is evident even in the tasting room.

One of Westclox’s old bowling lanes, a rare amenity offered to factory employees, has been repurposed as the main bar top. Old factory window frames serve as the foot rail.

“We found it just wasn’t cost-effective to open up something like this in Chicago. But out here we could get a really impressive building and still use the best local talent,” Windy says.

Take, for example, local woodworker Ryan Giacometti, who played a major part in designing the space.

The tasting room features shiplap barnwood lining the walls, a massive window overlooking the distillery operations and even a large chandelier. Beyond the distilling equipment, there’s a row of glass cabinets lining the eastern wall of the building. These cases house a miniature museum and history of Star Union’s namesake.

“I want people from Chicago to know this area is every bit the vacation spot Door County or Traverse S R City is,” Windy says. C Editor’s note: This story first appeared on Starved Rock Country’s website. Learn more at www.starvedrockcountry.com.

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DINING BY THE

6 restaurants share a commonality when it comes to their names Story by Julie Barichello, Hannah Hoffmeister and Ryan Searl Photos by Shaw Media

What’s in a name? Starved Rock Country Magazine has never claimed to be Shakespeare.

Below you’ll find the history and standout dishes of local restaurants that share a theme when it comes to their names. No “Romeo and Juliet” in sight — just good food!

CINDY’S ON 34

1300 Raymond Drive, Mendota 815-539-9000 | Facebook: Cindy’s on 34 When you plan a trip to Cindy’s on 34, make sure to bring a hearty appetite. Open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., you’re more often than not going to find an open, inviting atmosphere where staff is ready to serve you a memorable meal.

Breakfast is served all day, according to the Facebook page — skillets, omelets, pancakes, you name it. In terms of specials, you’ll find all-you-can-eat fried chicken and a Friday fish fry that includes walleye, shrimp and cod.

Learn more about walleye and the Masters Walleye Circuit fishing tournament in Spring Valley on P. 10!

Cindy’s on 34 — Route 34, that is — has a loyal following online. “Our favorite place to stop and eat,” writes one customer.

Writes another: “Excellent food and service.”

42 | Spring 2022

9TH STREET PUB

253 Ninth St., La Salle 815-223-8960 | Facebook: Ninth Street Pub Owner John Ebener has owned the Ninth Street Pub since he and his brother Tom bought it in 1977. It’s been a favorite ever since, a local tavern where you can grab a quick bite to eat and say hi to your neighbors.

Ebener is known for easygoing chatter with his customers — and for his Cheeseburger on Paradise. The burger comes with American and Swiss cheese, bacon, grilled onions, tomato, sprouts, mayo and avocado.

Located on Ninth Street in downtown La Salle, the pub offers a relaxed feel and menu offerings like homemade soup and fish sandwiches. You’ll also find pool tables, darts, pinball and frequent live music — including the occasional open mic night.

CORNER 230

230 W. Madison St., Ottawa 815-434-0000 | Facebook: C230 An Ottawa staple for more than 10 years, Corner 230 features an impressive array of tapas, seafood, pasta and more.

Appropriately named for its location — at the corner of West Madison and Clinton streets in Ottawa — the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. (It closes in between the two meals, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., so plan accordingly!)

THE 252

(at Spring Brook Marina) 623 W. River Drive, Seneca 815-750-0252 | www.the252seneca.com Named for its mile marker on the Illinois River, The 252 offers a scenic upstairs dining experience where visitors can watch the waterway. The restaurant is situated above the sales office at Spring Brook Marina southwest of the village of Seneca and serves American pub food.

The nautical-themed restaurant delivers an atmosphere that can serve as either a casual lunch spot or a weekend date night destination. The dining room has windows on all sides where daytime customers can watch the nature and recreation along the Illinois River. After the sun sets, the view still offers charm as barge lights dance across the water.

The 252 is not only a dining location but entertainment destination as well. Live music and drink specials are available the last Friday of each month, and special events are regularly planned. Keep tabs on The 252’s Facebook page for information about upcoming events.

Be sure to try one of The 252’s standout “Smash! Burgers,” which can be ordered with up to three thin-pressed patties.

The menu includes a variety of flavors and toppings, ranging from an allAmerican cheeseburger (The 252) to sweet and tangy (Surf’s Up) to hot and spicy (the Wipeout).

Corner 230 announced in a Facebook post at the end of December that it would be its last New Year’s Eve as C230, writing, “Our new concept at a new location is something special, something different, something that is sure to blow you away, it’s coming soon, but at this point we do not know exactly when!” As of press time, the restaurant had not announced future plans.

In terms of menu options, stay up to date on Facebook, as the restaurant frequently posts its daily specials. Recent entrees and drinks have included salmon risotto, parmesan-crusted pork chop and house-made jalapeño tequila — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Starved Rock Country • Spring 2022 | 43

THE 318

318 E. Main St., Streator 815-673-3773 | Facebook: The 318 The 318 stands in the heart of Streator’s downtown shopping district. Located in the 300 block of East Main Street (hence its name), the restaurant is a prime location for anyone who wants to park downtown, stroll through the shops and then order some of the region’s standout burgers or sandwiches.

Diners will want to work up an appetite because The 318 serves sizable portions. For example, “The Brick” burger (named for the Streator’s history of brick manufacturing) is a weighty meal with two hamburger patties, a chicken breast, bacon and ham plus American and Swiss cheeses.

Several of the burgers harken local history, such as the “Plumb,” named for city founder Col. Ralph Plumb; the “Worthy,” referring to Dr. Worthy S. Streator, after whom the city is named; the “Hardscrabble,” which was the city’s name before it changed to Streator; or the “Glass Bottle Burger,” which pays homage to the city’s era of being the “glass bottle manufacturing capital of the world” in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The menu also features a variety of chicken, beef and tenderloin sandwiches, plus hot dogs and specialty items like chicken and waffles.

OLD ROUTE 66 FAMILY RESTAURANT

105 S. Old Route 66, Dwight 815-584-2920 | Facebook: Old Route 66 Family Restaurant Conveniently located just off of Route 66 and Interstate 55, this sit-down restaurant features a nice atmosphere, great decor and friendly staff. The outside of the restaurant sports a Route 66 mural, perfect for a quick photo-op, while the inside features a real fire engine chassis that has been repurposed into the cashier station. Serving up home-cooked meals and generous portions, this is the perfect spot to pull off of the Mother Road and refuel with a hot dinner.

Beyond the classic family restaurant items, you’ll find familysized menu offerings like chicken by the bucket and sides by the pound. You’ll also find a selection of daily specials, homemade soups and desserts. Many of these recipes have been handed down for over three generations, making the Old Route 66 Family Restaurant one of the most authentic stops on your historic cruise.

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DINING REVIEW

Koi Sushi &

THIS NEW PERU RESTAURANT EXCELS AT ITS NAMESAKE DISHES Story and Photos by Shaw Media

S

ushi and hibachi are two of my favorite types of restaurants to visit, so when a restaurant offering both opened in Peru in November, I immediately told my spouse we had to try it. Koi Sushi & Hibachi did not disappoint.

Located at 1519 Water St., Koi provided a nice atmosphere for a date night with small, intimate tables lit by candlelight.

When we arrived, our server was quick to greet us and bring water and menus. While Koi had paper menus, it also had QR codes at the table that bring up the menu with photos of each item, which was convenient.

The service at Koi was top-notch.

All our drinks and food were brought out quickly, and our server was friendly. The chef even came out to see if we were enjoying our food.

46 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

Photo provided by Koi Sushi & Hibachi

Hibachi We started with crab Rangoon ($5.99) for an appetizer.

Koi served the traditional appetizer with four to an order and executed it flawlessly. The shell was extremely crispy, and the filling was creamy and flavorful.

For our main course, we ordered the dinosaur roll ($15.99) and the hibachi combo ($20.99), which came with chicken, steak and shrimp.

The hibachi includes a salad with a house-made ginger dressing. We shared the entrees.

The dinosaur roll, which consisted of tempura shrimp, cream cheese, crab meat, jalapeño and tempura fries topped with sushi sauce and spicy mayo, was delicious with a well-balanced mix of flavors and textures. The roll came with 11 pieces, which seemed larger than what we’ve gotten at other restaurants.

Koi has a variety of artisan rolls that include crab, tuna and salmon, and has standard rolls such as the California and shrimp tempura rolls.

Starved Rock Country • Spring 2022 | 47

Photo provided by Koi Sushi & Hibachi

KOI SUSHI & HIBACHI 1519 Water St., Peru 815-250-0907 Facebook: Koi Sushi & Hibachi

48 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country

One of the nice features at Koi is the option to order sashimi or sushi a la carte with two or three pieces if you don’t want an entire roll.

For the hibachi, we ordered ours with noodles instead of the standard rice for an extra $2. Served with zucchini, onion, broccoli and mushrooms, all three proteins were cooked well. The yum-yum sauce had excellent flavor.

When I think of a hibachi restaurant, I picture sitting around a flattop with the chef

preparing the food in front of you, typically providing some entertainment by interacting with the customers and doing some tricks with the food/ utensils. That wasn’t the case at Koi, perhaps due to the space constraints of a small building, but the food was good. Along with its standout sushi, Koi also offers ramen, udon, salads and poke bowls.

While we didn’t order any, the restaurant has a drink menu that includes standard cocktails such as margaritas and tequila

sunrises, along with a variety of beers.

At Koi, you get plenty of bang for your buck. Our bill for two was $48.34 before the tip; we found it worth it for a nice date night in a pleasant atmosphere with delicious food in good-sized portions. We look forward S R to returning. C Editor’s note: This story first appeared on Starved Rock Country’s website as a Mystery Diner. Prices were accurate at press time. Learn more at www. starvedrockcountry.com.

Starved Rock Country • Spring 2022 | 49

50 | Spring 2022 • Starved Rock Country Photo by Tom Sistak

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Starved Rock Country

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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.

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