Courthouse Lectures

Dwight H. Green, Republican Candidate for Governor, March 1940. For Republican candidates with statewide aspirations, McHenry County's Old Courthouse & Jail was always a frequent stop on the campaign trail.

The Old McHenry County Courthouse and Jail has always been the political nerve center for the entirety of the county. However, it has also played a crucial role in State politics as well.

Since it was built, politicians and influential people have traveled far and wide to speak at the Courthouse to crowds gathered in the Square. Its central location to both the City and the County have made it an attractive location for campaign events and keynote speeches. 

Examine the articles below to see how the Courthouse has served as a past venue for political lectures and debates. 

January 11 1860 | Thomas Brown Pro-Slavery Lecture at Courthouse

 February 15 1860 | H. F. Douglass Pro-Slavery Lecture at Courthouse

June 27 1860 | W. J. Anderson- A Former Slave- To Give Lecture at Courthouse

July 4 1860 | W. J. Anderson Lecture at Courthouse

August 22 1860 | E. B. Washburne Lecture at Courthouse

January 29 1862 | Sherman Booth Lecture at Courthouse

March 12 1862 | Major C. M. Willard Pro-Slavery Lecture at Courthouse

August 20 1862 | Col. Farnsworth of the 8th Illinois Calvary Lecture at Courthouse

September 3 1862 | Lt. Colonel F. S. Joslyn Lecture at Courthouse

July 8 1863 | Sherman Booth Lecture at Courthouse

 July 7 1870 | Professor M. C. McKinney Lecture at Courthouse 

September 29 1870 | Maj. General Logan Lecture at Courthouse

October 13 1870 | Maj. General Logan Lecture at Courthouse

October 27 1870 | General Farnsworth Lecture at Courthouse

November 14 1872 | General Hurlbut Lecture at Courthouse

October 29 1874 | Gov. Beveridge Lecture at Courthouse

October 21 1880 | Gov. Cullom Lecture at Courthouse

April 19 1900 | H. Darwin McIlrath Lecture at Courthouse

April 16 1914 | Honorable B. F. Staymates to Lecture at Courthouse

October 23 1917 | Mrs. L. M. Featherstone to Lecture at Courthouse

October 25 1922 | Gov. Yates Delivers Keynote Lecture at Courthouse

September 26 1924 | Charles Deneen Visits Woodstock for Courthouse Lecture

March 18 1926 | Senator William McKinley to Give Lecture at Courthouse

March 19 1930 | Senator Chas S. Deen to Lecture at Courthouse

March 29 1940 | Dwight H. Green Lectures at Courthouse

September 11 1968 | Gubernatorial Candidate Richard B. Ogilvie Lectures at Courthouse