Spirit 2 May-June 2020

vol. 4 no. 2

MAY/JUNE 2020

complimentary copy

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The

Spirit IS A PUBLICATION OF

GENERAL MANAGER

Sue Z. Lange

Great activities

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Ed Nadolski EDITOR

Tracy Ouellette ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

TO EMBRACE THIS SPRING

Vicki Vanderwerff

Spring is here, bringing with it visions of more hours of sunshine, warmer temperatures and ample opportunities to embrace the great outdoors, especially with the COVID-19 lockdown keeping people close to home.

In the coming weeks, some of those restrictions may start to be lifted.

Here are a few ideas for spring fun that you can look into to keep active:

the deck or patio and invest in some quality furniture to keep guests comfortable.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

PLAN A VACATION

SECTION DESIGNER

VISIT AN ORCHARD

ENJOY THE GARDEN

Spring is a season when many berries, such as strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries, begin to ripen. Find your local pick-your-own establishment to spend a day having fun (and getting a little messy) grabbing sweet berries for salads, jams and pies.

HIT THE LINKS

It’s time to dust off the clubs and play the greens at any of the thousands of golf courses in North America. The National Golf Federation says the United States is home to around 15,000 courses. The warmer temperatures are ideal for practicing your short game on the putting green or for playing all 18 holes.

GET THE PATIO READY Clean off patio furniture or start shopping for new items if you didn’t partake in end-ofseason sales. This is just the start of the outdoor entertaining season, and it pays to refresh

Heidi Schulz

Jennifer DeGroot

Many schools go on a hiatus for a week or two during the spring, prompting otherwise busy families to get away for some R&R. Book early to score the best deals on hotel rooms and flights.

SALES

Pete Hansen Donna Sylvester Brooks Tamera Hamilton

Before long, the grass will need mowing and the shrubbery will have to be pruned.

Ensure that lawn and garden tools and equipment are in top form before they are called into action. Stock up on fuel for gas mowers and sharpen those pruning shears.

Enjoy the sights at a garden when the first spring blooms start to peek out of the soil.

Spring is known for tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and snowdrops.

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Tom Flatow

The Spirit of The Lakes is a complimentary publication, distributed throughout the Chain O’ Lakes and Kenosha County area. Keeping up with the same great tradition as the Spirit of Geneva Lakes.

GIVE YOUR BIKE A TUNE-UP

Take your bike out of storage and give it a once-over. Now is the time to put air in the tires, grease the chain and make sure that the brakes and other equipment are working properly. Most bike helmet manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every three years, even if you haven’t been in a crash.

That’s because the polystyrene foam can degrade over time from environmental (METRO CREATIVE) exposure.

Send all correspondence to:

The

Spirit

SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS 1102 Ann Street Delavan, WI 53115

N

SpiritofGenevaLakes.com

ABOVE: Spring’s arrival presents the perfect opportunity to reacquaint oneself with the great outdoors.

ON THE COVER: A lone pelican stands at the edge of the water, enjoying time in the sun. Pelicans appear on the Chain O’ Lakes each year arriving around the end of February or the beginning of March and remaining in the area for about four to five weeks. (SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ PHOTO)

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SPIRIT of THE LAKES

3

PRACTICE SAFE BOATING AT ALL TIMES Boating is a recreational activity enjoyed by thousands of people. Spring and summer are prime times of year for boating, though people who live in temperate climates may be able to enjoy boating all year long.

Everyone who takes to the water, novices and experienced boaters included, should be familiar with boating safety guidelines.

In fact, it is a good idea to take a boating safety course prior to boating for the first time or as a refresher if it has been a while since reviewing the rules of the water.

Boating safety goes beyond learning basic operation and navigation. Safety guidelines also involve getting a vessel safety check. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers complimentary boating examinations. They can verify the presence and condition of safety equipment required by federal and state organizations.

Boaters also may be able to conduct virtual vessel exams. This means boat owners can perform a self-inspection of the boats based on digital prompts. People who reside in Canada can contact the Office of Boating Safety to confirm whether vessel checks are required and how to get one.

Licensure and registration of boats are part of responsible boat ownership both in the U.S. and Canada.

Along with boating inspections and water rules, some other ways to stay safe involve educating oneself of the larger dangers on the water. These generally involve risky boater behavior, such as failing to wear a life jacket or having an inadequate number of life jackets for passengers.

Alcohol use while boating also can be problematic.

Being under the influence can adversely affect boaters’ reaction times and decisionmaking abilities.

According to the 2018 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics Report, alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents in 2018, accounting for 100 deaths (19 percent) of total fatalities. Curbing alcohol use while boating can help avoid accidents and deaths.

Excessive speeds also can derail nice days on the water. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says that, although there are no numerical speed limits on the water, excessive speed can cause accidents in crowded areas. Speeding makes it difficult to react to obstacles, including underwater wildlife, and bring the boat to a stop within a safe distance of others.

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Boating season is heating up, and that means making safety a big part of operating and enjoying a vessel.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes

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TEACH THEM TO

fish

Fishing provides a great way for parents to bond with their children in the great outdoors. The value of first impressions has been well-documented, and parents who want their kids to inherit a love of fishing can take the following factors into consideration so their youngsters’ first fishing trips are successful.

Starting simple

Any fisherman would love to snag a trophy fish such as a largemouth bass on his or her first trip. And while that’s possible, it’s unlikely, especially for youngsters.

Such fish tend to be difficult to catch, even for seasoned fishermen. When taking kids fishing for the first time, fish for something that’s somewhat simple to catch and capable of being caught throughout the day.

If you aren’t familiar with your local rivers or lakes, visit a local outdoors store

How to make the most of kids’ first angling experience

and ask for advice about which local bodies of water are home to fish that kids might be able to snag. Though it’s not imperative that kids catch a fish on their first trip, doing so might make them more enthusiastic about their next trip.

Local programs

Fishing need not be an expensive hobby, but the costs can add up. Parents who are not sure if their kids will embrace fishing should look into local programs. Many towns, especially those with reputations for fishing, host free family fishing events.

These events give parents an opportunity to see if their kids enjoy fishing before they start buying them gear.

Having fun

Don’t make the day all about catching fish, as even the most seasoned fishermen

have their off days when nothing is biting.

If the focus is on catching fish, kids might grow discouraged and not want to come back if they don’t catch anything on their first trip.

Focus on the fun everyone is having rather than the fish they are (or aren’t) catching. Some youngsters might just be thrilled to spend a day out on the water with their parents. Encourage that enthusiasm and kids are more likely to remember their first fishing trips fondly.

Break time

Kids might not have a full day of fishing in them on their first trip. Frequent breaks to explore nearby nature, enjoy a snack or even toss a ball around can keep children from growing bored throughout the day.

(METRO CREATIVE)

ABOVE: Fishing is a family friendly activity that youngsters can enjoy from the moment they first pick up a rod.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes

SPIRIT of THE LAKES

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Pickard China is an Antioch treasure

Pickard who in 1893 established his company, which he named Pickard China Studio. The company opened in Edgerton, Wisconsin, where they would produce these elegant giftware items of his dreams.

by Sandra Landen Machaj Pickard began with unique hand painted dessert plates and tea sets, which CORRESPONDENT were produced in Edgerton. By 1900, his ucked in china cabinets in company became so successful that he homes throughout the area are those special dishes that are moved it to Chicago to take advantage of brought out only on special occasions. the availability of artistic painters that were Some are sets of china that have been more available in the city, many of whom were students at the Art Institute of Chicago. in the family for generations bearing The major change to the company was names like Waterford, Royal Doulton, due the second generation of the family, Wedgewood and Pickard. specifically Wilder’s son Austin who joined

While many of these fine china the business in the late 1920s. Austin sets have been manufactured in England, Ireland or European countries, it is surprising developed a line of fine china and initiated to some residents of the area to discover that changes, which expanded the family business. their fine china manufactured by Pickard To produce this fine china in the United China was actually produced along the States, Austin built a manufacturing plant in Chain O’ Lakes in Antioch. northern Illinois in the town of Antioch and Before Pickard became known for its moved the entire company from Chicago to high-end china, it was known for its elegant this location where it has remained through hand painted giftware and art ware. The the years. company began as the dream of Wilder

A set of white china was introduced in 1937 which the company described as “a warm white pattern with graceful shapes, lightness, and delicacy and finished with a brilliant glaze.” This pattern has served the test of time and continues to be a popular choice of buyers.

In the 1940s during World War II, many businesses went out of business because they were unable to procure the materials needed for production as they were being appropriated by the military.

Pickard managed to remain in business by being awarded a military contract producing gravy boats for the U.S. Navy.

These clunky gravy boats were a far cry from the fine china they had been producing, but they were able to remain in business and were able to provide employment for their employees.

The year 1966 marked a change in the leadership of the company as a third generation Pickard took over the management of the company.

Pete Pickard introduced a series of decorative collectible plates including those

ABOVE: This display of President Barack Obama’s State China was created with input from First Lady Michelle Obama.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

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ABOVE: In 1971 the horse Cannonero II won the Kentucky Derby and was rewarded by having this commemorative decanter created by the Regal China Company to honor him. RIGHT: A variety of works created by the Regal China Company are seen in this cabinet display, at the Lakes Region Historical Society Meeting House in Antioch.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

depicting art reproductions and a variety of series including wildlife, a mother’s love and gems of nature. Collectible pates became very popular in the 1960s and 1970s and were among the best sellers for the company.

China at the White House

The Pickard Company created a very special bowl in 1989 to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States presidency.

According to Pickard, the very first order for the presidential bowl was placed personally

by President George H.W. Bush.

While their first contract for government work was the simple gravy boat that they produced in 1940 for the Navy, they have moved on to produce even more and finer china for the U.S. government.

The company’s first really big contract was signed in 1977, which was to produce china that was to be used as the official china in foreign embassies and diplomatic missions throughout the world. The china’s design is an embossed border of stars and

stripes and a reproduction of the Great Seal of the United States.

Pickard has also produced china that has been used on Air Force One, at Blair House and the presidential retreat, Camp David.

Pickard has twice been honored by being chosen to produce the official Presidential State China. In 2009, First Lady Laura Bush ordered china from Pickard to be used in the private residence of the White House. These 75 place settings were created at a cost of $75,000, which was paid for by the White House Historical Society.

The Obama State China was also created by the Pickard China Company, with the pattern created by designers working with Michelle Obama.

The pattern consists of a blue trim with the presidential seal. The blue trim was said to have been chosen by Michelle Obama because it reminded her of the blue waters of Hawaii, her husband’s home state. 320 place settings were produced for the White House at a cost of $362,000.

SPIRIT of THE LAKES

There is even a Pickard bowl for the family dog.

The official china is provided by private funds not taxpayer money and remains at the White House when the president’s term ends.

China in other places

If you have stayed at some of the major hotel chains such as Hilton, Sheraton or Marriott, you may have enjoyed a meal on Pickard China for they too have purchased china from Pickard. Or perhaps you have been a guest of English Royalty, King of Saudi Arabia, or at Gracie Mansion in New York who also have purchased fine china from Pickard for their entertaining.

The Pickard China Company has remained in Antioch where it maintains its plant. The family company is now under the direction of Andrew Pickard Morgan. A visit to the Pickard retail outlet store at 782 Pickard Ave. in downtown Antioch, will provide a look at the many historical works

9

that they have created and are on display at the retail store.

Commemorative plates, which became collectibles were created by them along with cookie jars, salt and pepper shakers and Jim Beam decanters. They also produced novelty premiums for a variety of companies.

Pickard was not the only producer of Among the most remembered were china and commemorative collectibles who pitchers for the Ovaltine Company, a called Antioch home.

From 1938 through 1992 the Regal China Swiss company who had its only U.S. manufacturing plant in Villa Park, Illinois.

Company was located in Antioch. Regal They also manufactured cookie jars for the produced a far different type of product than Pickard. The Regal China Company was best Quaker Oats Company, and ships for Old known for collectibles especially cookie jars Spice Cologne.

Among their best-known products in and Jim Beam decanters. the 1940s and 1950s were the cookie jars.

According to author Mike Schneider in his book, The Complete Cookie Jar Book, he In those days most homes had a whimsical states that Herman Kravitz originally founded cookie jar on their kitchen counter so many the company in the late 1920s in Chicago and were sold for use in their home and as moved it to Antioch in 1938. However, other collectibles. sources dispute this saying that the company There is some difficulty identifying which of the cookie jars still around were actually was founded in 1938 in Antioch. made by Regal. Some were produced entirely Sometime in the late 1940s, the company

by Regal. was purchased by the Royal China and Most of the companies used the same Novelty Company but continued to be molds so some companies manufactured operated as a separate entity. However the cookie jars and then sent them to Regal according to Illinois Secretary of State for glazing because of their top quality records for the time, the same people served glaze. The two most well-known series of as officers of both firms. cookie jars produced by Regal were The Old Regal China was known for producing high-quality items. Their china was described MacDonald’s Farm and the Little Red Riding Hood series. as non-porous with richly colored glazes.

The quality of their glazes were so well done The Regal Plant, at 336 North Ave. in Antioch, was ravaged by fire in 1953. that even today, after so many years, items produced by them are reported to have only a The fire was said to have been caused by an explosion of the chemicals used in the few minor cracks in the glaze.

Other china in Antioch

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production of their products. Because of the large quantity of combustible materials, the fire spread quickly and needed help from 14 neighboring fire departments to contain the blaze.

The plant was destroyed and damage was estimated at $600,000. They did rebuild and continued their work.

Jim Beam contracted with Regal to produce their decorative decanters in 1955.

These unique decanters came in a variety of sizes and shapes and were decorated in unique ways. Some had decorative birds or other animals.

There were caricatures of the Donkey and Elephant symbols of the two major political parties, The Kentucky Derby decanters were collected mostly by horse racing fans as the “Run for the Roses” series which commemorated various derby-winning horses were featured on the decanter.

The Jim Beam Distillery purchased the Regal China Company in 1968 and manufactured its liquor bottles and decanters from the Antioch plant until 1992. It is believed they shut down the plant and discontinued the production of the collectible decanters because the market for them declined sharply.

Regal China Company officially left Antioch on Aug. 26, 1992, when a public auction was held and all the assets of the company were sold ending 62 years of business in Antioch.

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Out on the water

The Chain O’ Lakes wakes from its winter slumber Those living along the to enjoy their beauty whether just for

by Sandra Chain O’ Lakes know every Landen Machaj a short period of time or for the entire season of the year is beautiful CORRESPONDENT summer. and affords a variety of

As early as January the Eagle activities to look forward to and enjoy. watching groups appear on the shores of But springtime is a special time when the the Fox River hoping to catch a glimpse lakes return from their frozen state to liquid of the great eagle as it makes its way north and bring thoughts of sun filled days of following the water trail of the Fox River boating, swimming, fishing and other warm and then up through Chain O’ Lakes and weather activities. onto the waterways of Wisconsin. These It is not only in the water but in the air beautiful birds will make nests high in that changes occur. The many birds, that the trees and can be seen flying along the make their way south for the winter, begin waterways as they search for food. returning, on their journey to their summer Birds make their homes in many of the habitats. The sight of them flying over and open prairies and forest preserves along the their distinctive sounds as they make their chain. way up the chain reminds us that warmer weather is here.

Many remain here in the Chain O’ Lakes A special place along the Chain, known for both the presence of migratory area while others are just passing through birds and those who remain in the area on their way further north. But we are able

Visit Volo Bog

throughout the year is the Volo Bog. The bog in most years offers bird walks one to two times per month. World Migratory Bird Day, this year was recognized on May 9.

In past years, programs have been held at the Bog and at the various forest preserves to acquaint residents of the area with the unique birds that make their home here. With all of us practicing social distancing due to the corona virus pandemic, enjoying these type of programs is not to be this year.

While Sandhill Cranes are not commonly seen in the Chain O’ Lakes area, there are three known pairs who make their home in the marshes of Volo Bog, according to Stacy Iwanicki of the Volo Bog. There are also a few more pairs, which tend to nest in the area, across the street from the bog. These long beaked

The sight of boats on the water is a reminder that we are moving into spring, where the sun shines and the temperatures rise.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

SPIRIT of THE LAKES

11

and long legged birds with their beautiful feathers are a sight to enjoy.

A favorite rite of spring according to residents and visitors along the Chain O’ Lakes is the arrival of the pelicans. They usually are first seen as they arrive in late February or early March and remain in the area for several weeks. According to Pat Schafer who lives on Pistakee Lake, the arrival of the pelicans means that spring is arriving.

Pelicans on the Chain The American White Pelicans have

only been seen in the Chain O’ Lakes area for the past few years. Historically they migrated along the Mississippi River but a few years ago they moved east to large bodies of open water such as the Chain.

The pelicans came for the abundance of fish in the water, and comfortable nesting places that they chose to make their temporary home here in our waters. Just

as many of us find the lakes of the Chain a popular place to live or visit so to do the pelicans.

The pelicans are seen mostly on Pistakee Lake, Nippersink Lake, and Fox Lake.

A favorite nesting place in Pistakee Lake is along Half Moon Island close to where the lake and the Fox River meet. The small island was once a larger inhabited island that was flooded when the dam was placed in the Fox River, south of Pistakee Lake, near McHenry. The dam raised the level of Pistakee Lake and moved much of the island under water. Alongside the island is a berm, probably the result of some of the submerged island. Here the pelicans can be seen lined up at night to sleep.

American White Pelicans are large birds with a length of 50 to 70 inches, white with black tipped wings. The black tips can only be seen when the wings are spread. Their wingspan is a majestic 9 feet.

Unlike the Canadian Geese, which fly in a

V formation, the pelicans tend to fly in a straight line.

Pelicans are noted for their unique way of capturing food. The American White Pelicans do not dive for fish as many other birds do, but rather swim in a group of 4 -5 pelicans in shallow water. They will find a school of fish and surround them moving them closer together and then open their mouths and take in as many fish and as much water as possible, dropping their throat sac which is located on the underside of their lower beaks, to hold the fish and water. The water is then released while the fish remain and are swallowed.

Enjoying the water While there is a lot of activity along the

water, along the shore there are also signs of the arrival of the warmer weather. Slowly the grass, which has appeared brown and listless, after a few April showers, begins to turn green. The trees begin to bud and it is

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not long before the new leaves start to appear.

The sure sign that warmer weather has appeared is the arrival of the early spring flowers as they poke their way through the ground, some years so early that they burst through remnants of snow and burst into bloom. Crocus, tulips and daffodils begin to bloom adding a burst of color as the yellows, pinks and blues peek out of the ground.

Along the shores, it is the sight of private piers being placed back into the water usually around the beginning of April. They are removed each fall to prevent damage to them with the water freezing and thawing. If the piers are back in place, it makes one realize that the boats are not far behind. And it is the boats which bring the lakes to life.

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“Usually we see piers back in the water in April, but the last few years have been different. The past two to three years we have had to deal with flooding which kept boats from being out on the water.

Now the pandemic has affected boaters many of whom have lost their jobs and may not be able to afford to run their boat this year,” shared Jim Umbarger III, owner of Hustler Sports Center, McHenry.

“We had to cancel our April boat deliveries until the piers are in place and reschedule those deliveries for May,”Umbarger said.

As we enjoy more sunshine and warmer temperatures we begin to see more boats out on the water. The fishermen make their way to the lake of their choice where they will enjoy their favorite spring and summer activity, fishing.

Each fisherman has a favorite spot where they believe the fish are waiting for them.

A group of pelicans gather to enjoy life on the lake as they continue to migrate north as the warmer weather occurs.

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Give a Howl 4 Treating Pets Like Royalty Since 1988

Window Cleaning Window Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Commercial and Residential Commercial and Residential Licensed, Bonded and Insured Licensed, Bonded and Insured

(262) 298-5126 (262) 298-5126

(262) 843-3636 372551

524 Broad Street Lake Geneva, WI • 262-248-6407

GYPSY GLEN K9 KASTLE

®

FREE Estimates!

FREE Estimates!

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Serving Illinois and Wisconsin Serving Illinois and Wisconsin

PET RESORT

• Dog Boarding • Animal Acupressure • Natural Products • Dog Day Care • Swim Club

Need a Bath?

Please be our guests!

We are Open to the public!

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815.385.8585 • McHenry • gypsyglenk9kastle.com

May • June 2020

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www.fishwindowcleaning.com/30630 www.fishwindowcleaning.com/30630

14

SALEM AUTO SERVICE

Come Here For Best Price & Selection!

www.brunosliquor.com - Open 7 Days 9-9

372510

Pre-Planning • Cremation Full Service Funerals Urns • Monuments • Cremation Jewelry 8103 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove 815-675-0550

Dave Moore, Dan Dugenske, Directors 1055 S. Main Street - Antioch, IL 847-395-4000 or 800-622-4441 www.strangfh.com

Fine Wines from Around the Globe in Our Expansive Wine Room

324709

ADVANCED STORAGE, LLC

Once again the speed boats are speeding up and down the chain enjoying time on the water and creating waves. Sometimes they are pulling a water skier. Large tubes are fun to ride in as they are pulled through the waves produced by the boat. From children to adults the pull of time on the water skis or less actively riding the waves in a tube brings families together.

According to Munson Marine in Fox Lake, the most popular boat seems to be the pontoon boat. Once considered the old person’s boat as it moved slowly in the water, today’s pontoons have changed dramatically. Many have much larger engines than the older pontoons and while resting on air tubes they are known for their buoyancy as they move across the water.

Pontoon boats are known for their versatility in styles.

They have adequate seating which when ordered new can be customized to meet your needs. They are comfortable for entertaining and are easy to drive and dock especially for those just starting to enjoy boating.

With proper care pontoons have a long life span. Pontoon boats do not change much in style so there is little desire to update the boat as frequently. With the right engine it is no longer “grandpa’s pontoon.” Throughout the Chain O’ Lakes pontoons are frequently seen cruising down the waterway as riders enjoy the breeze on their faces while visiting with friends.

This year with fuel costs so low, many boat owners are looking forward to taking their boats out more frequently. The high fuel costs of past years often kept some owners limiting use of their boats to a minimum.

For those who are enjoying a slower calmer time, they launch their single or double kayaks and enjoy paddling along the lake.

Kayaking has become a favorite sport on the water in the last five to 10 years. Inexpensive to buy and no cost to run, no motor just paddle power, families are frequently seen in groups making their way along the lake.

Boating has something for everyone. Even when not in a boat the beauty of the boats travelling in the water on a beautiful day is enjoyed by those watching from the shore.

FROM TOP: Many docks remain empty awaiting the arrival of their boats from storage; Are you familiar with the birds of the area? Visit this bird wheel at Volo Bog, which identifies many of the birds that can be seen in the Chain O’ Lakes region.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

SPIRIT of THE LAKES

15

1000+ Vehicles*

ANTIOCH

• No Hidden Fees • Upfront Pricing • Transparent Costs

COST FREE

AMENITIES:

• FREE Wi-Fi • FREE popcorn • Comfortable Seating • Entertainment • FREE Coffee

SANITIZING THE CARS Your health is our main priority.

We’re sanitizing vehicles before and after test drives and service visits. We are also sanitizing the dealership multiple times a day!

RAYMONDKIA.COM 118 ROUTE

173 ANTIOCH

RAYMONDCHEVROLET.COM

888.486.4915

*Ray & Raymond Combined Inventory.

Proudly Serving For Over

*

Lake + McHenry counties, Northern Illinois & Wisconsin Ray & Raymond autogroup combined.

*

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