Stereoptican photograph looks south from Medlar's window at 100 Cass.

Date clues:
Bunker Brothers Hardware [111 E. Van Buren] 1872
Phoenix Mills [117 E. Van Buren] in 1872 atlas drawing
Blossom moved to 107 E. Van Buren in 1872 (sign down)
New Era Printing November 1873 -1878
House on Dean Street visible

]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> The fire started by a disgruntled employee of Whitson's Hardware (124 N. Benton, now Lloyd's) and destroyed all of Benton street from E. Jackson to E. Judd. This photo was taken by Medlar, probably from his window on the upper floor of 100 Cass.
The buildings in the background include Bunker Brothers 111 E. Van Buren, Wheat & Wright 109 E. Van Buren and other businesses.
The Square park shows the white fence installed in 1858
The roof of the German Lutheran church on Jefferson Street is visible]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> Kirk Dawdy]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square & Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> 220 N. Benton (faces E. Judd Street) Farm Machinery : T. J. Dacy Farm Machinery
Dacy, T. J. (Timothy)—"A hustler from away back;" conducted implement business at Benton and East Judd streets, destroyed by fire on March 6, 1880, and rebuilt in present structure, after placing fantastic office on corner; village trustee, 1871-3; alderman, 1873-4; fire marshal, 1874, 1876-7 and 1884-5; father of Charles F., (late of Ashville, N. C, and formerly owner of Dacy Lumber Resided on Judd street, facing Hayward. Died Aug. 1, 1896, aged 58 years. [Woodstock Sentinel 3-13-1937 Sec. 4 p7]
222 Church Street but faced Jefferson Street: Presbyterian Church. When the church was built on Calhoun & Tryon in 1882 (to get away from the noise of the trains) the church was used as a store house for Dacy Lumber Company.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> Kirk Dawdy]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> The picture was taken at the corner of Clay and W. First streets.
The back of the truck has an elaborate display of paint and other products and services offered by the company that was located at 215-217 Main St. since at least 1914.
The frame Greek Revival house was demolished for an expansion of the Alemite/Woodstock Die Casting site. The larger house on the northwest corner is still standing.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1921-1950 notebook]]> Signed by many class members on the back of the photo]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Oversized Box]]> MEDLAR'S STUDIO]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Oversized Photo Box]]>
Woodstock Brewery & Bottling Works was founded about 1858 to bottle beer. A photo of the building is on page 15 of Headlight Sights & Scenes (ca. 1898) along with a history.

May 8 "Fire Wipes Out Main Building of Woodstock Brewery: - 5:30 a.m. last Monday -origin unknown (Woodstock Brewing & Bottling Co.). City water main reaches only within about3000 feet of building and city only has about 2000 feet of hose, so unable to "thrown a stream onto the blaze". Also, the boiler in the brewery was cold so not possible to get water from that source until steam was generated - at least an hour before any water could be put on the fire. Mayor Jewett called Harvard for help - they arrived 1 1/2 hours later & connected their hose to Woodstock's, so water could finally be utilized, but main building ("malt house") already gone. Able to save nearby bottling house, ice house and stables. Loss estimate $70,000 with $32,000 insurance. Brewery had also supplied many homes with ice for a number of years. [Notes for 2002 Sesqui History pp 62-62]

"Some time after the fire above described, a blaze was discovered at the brewery of Zimmer, Herman & Co., on Washington street, a large part of which was totally destroyed, in spite of the valiant efforts of the fire department, whose members had a long ways to go by foot to reach the scene. The company never rebuilt the establishment, but Emil Arnold, its secretary for many years, maintained the ice business there until his death, the company having maintained a lake adjoining the brewery for the harvest of ice of a good quality. This brewery was an employer of considerable labor during its maintainance and provided a market for much of the grain raised by farmers in the community". [Wdstk Sentinel 3-13-1937 Sed. 3 p.1]
]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> Kirk Dawdy]]> In Photos 1900-1920 notebook
Small sepia print on cardboard]]> Neill Donnelly's Cheap Cash Store was built about the same time as the courthouse. It was torn down in 1887 to make room for the Sherriff's residence [115 N. Johnson]. Note the two story building where Cass Street now extends to Throop Street. The building on the far right with the awnings is 132 Cass.
The wooden house on the left of the photo is the location for the Misses Donnelly Hat Shop, It was torn down in 1928 for the new Montgomery Ward department store [Notes for Sesquicentennial p.135] 110 S. Johnson
Note that the paths in the Square Park are laid out in a cross shape with no diagonals which were added later.
A September 7, 1859 news article in the Woodstock Sentinel reported that the dome of the courthouse had just been painted white.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> Photo print on paper - Excellent Condition
File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> Neill Donnelly's store was demolished in 1887 to make room for the Sheriff's House.
Neill Donnelly retired as Sheriff in 1851 and started in general merchandizing until his death in 1889. His General Store, also known as the N. Donnelly Cheap Cash Store, was built at approximately the same time as the courthouse in 1857.
Sentinel sign shows in the 1866 photo of the north east side of the Square ID 33. However, in that photo the business is Drugs, Medicines, Books & Stationery.
In 1869, the Woodstock Sentinel lists the advertisers in the Excelsior Block (100 Cass): No. 2 Sherwood Dry Goods and No. 4 E. A. Murphy & Co. Dry Goods. The Sentinel was No. 1 Excelsior Block.
100 Cass Woodstock Sentinel
115 N. Johnson Neill Donnelly's General Store]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Oversized Photo box with a print in the Square & Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> It is not clear enough to determine if there is one track or two, so it is possible that it was taken before 1897 when the second half of the tunnel was completed.

A two story wooden house, since demolished, is on the left of the photo.

The South St. tunnel (culvert/viaduct) is a helicoidal or spiral stone arch. One part was completed in 1867 and the other (over the other train track) was finished in 1897.
Allen Stebbins, Chair of the Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission, provided this insight to the tunnel (or "Culvert"):
"The South St. Culvert as it has been called was built in two
sections. The first in 1867 when the Chicago & Northwestern built a single rail line out this way and the second section 30 years later in 1897 when they expanded to a second line. That's why the two dates on the keystones. I've started collecting some historic records on this bridge.
"What's unusual is both sections were built in what's known as a helicoidal or spiral arch method. These arches are extremely rare in the United States built when a road or railroad crossed another road or river at an angle and at an incline. It posed some real problems for the engineers who looked back to the ancient Romans for ideas to solve the problem and rediscovered the spiral arch! Basically all the engineering up front needed to be pretty precise and once designed the stonemasons cut all the stones exactly the same dimensions then laid them in the spiral arch (oftentimes without the need of any mortar.) These types of arches are extremely strong and durable as witnessed by some of the ancient Roman examples still standing.
"In the United States there are only a few known examples–some in Pennsylvania and the Seventh Street Improvement Arches in Minneapolis. These are listed as landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places. The South St. Culvert is in the historic district and I would like to see it nominated as a national landmark, but do know Union Pacific opposes it. They do have plans in the future to expand the rail lines to three from Barrington all the way out to Harvard when they ultimately put in the Woodstock rail yard. ..."
The tunnel is architecturally and historically significant. The tunnel should be designated a Landmark by the City of Woodstock and preserved, as is the Woodstock Opera House.
Note the City's motto: "True to its past...confident of its future." Will The People prevail in the case of preserving the tunnel, or will the tunnel meet the same fate as Grace Hall?" [Woodstock Advocate blog, Gus Philpott]
]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1850-1900 notebook]]>
This is the height of pre-Vatican II architecture.

Compare this photo with ID 22 when the church was first built in 1910.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1921-1950 notebook]]> Blossom's Jewelry was established in 1868. [117 E. Van Buren]. The photo could have been taken as late as 1871 just before Bunker Brothers moved into the building after the fire of October 8, 1871 and Blossom's Jewelry moved to 107 E. Van Buren.
The Post Office was located in the Woodstock House [111 E. Van Buren] in 1865. Note the mail cart in the left corner.
Union Printing Office was established 1861 and was succeeded by New Era Printing in 1873 [117 E. Van Buren]. Woodstock House was established in 1857and became Pratt House around 1866. The July 8, 1869 Sentinel did an article on its advertisers which said that Pratt had been under the present propriotorship for the last 3 years. All its fixtures and furnishings were auctioned and sold in 1870.
Roof sign: Drugs & Books
Sentinel Office and Job Printing signs (see photo 34) are not there. The Sentinel office was moved to a stand next to the Post Office in 1858 [Sentinel 3-13-1937 Sec 2 pg 4]
New illegible sign to the left of "Groceries Provisions Drugs & Medicine" sign.
Steeple of the German Lutheran Church on Jefferson St.
Unknown fixture on pillar

The Woodstock House.
This popular house, of which Mr. PATTY is the proprietor, has recently received an addition of some nineteen new rooms in an upward direction, culminating in a very neat and tastily finished observatory, from which may be had a very extensive view, in all directions, of the finest country that lies under the sun. Internally, the arrangements for the inner man are as perfect as the markets can afford, and to our certain knowledge, liberal applications have been made during the past season, to the Chicago market, for luxuries in advance of our sluggish climate. The host and hostess being both of the benevolent turn that delights in the consciousness that their guests are full fed and comfortable, any one may safely confide himself to their hospitality with the assurance that lie will come off in a most excellent state of preservation. Commend US to the tempting Breakfasts, Dinners and Suppers of the PATTY HOUSE, and besides that wo should judge by the smell that they have some very tasteful and kindly cigars.
(November 20, 1856 - Woodstock Sentinel)
]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square & Main Street to 1900 notebook. Also in Oversized photo box.]]> Back of photo: "This block of buildings on the south side of square built in 1853. In one of the upper stories over the drug store was Phoenix Hall where many church organizations conducted their services until they had buildings of their own. Pratt House-about 1864" [111 E. Van Buren] Note--the date on the back of the photo and the location "above the drug store" may be incorrect.
From Sesquicentennial photo exhibit:
Some of the oldest buildings remaining on the Square on Van Buren Street. The eastern half of the south side burned in 1851 and these fine brick buildings replaced the old wood structures. The fourth story no longer exists (the cupola burned in 1893) and the buildings have had several “modern” facades but they are still there. “Phoenix Hall” was located in one of the upper stories where many church organizations conducted their services until they had buildings of their own. Note the small shop on the right where the Opera House was built 30 years later."
Clues for dating the photo:
Phoenix Hall built 1852 [115 E. Van Buren -117 E. Van Buren]
Two brick buildings to the east built 1853 [107 E. Van Buren, 109 E. Van Buren,111 E. Van Buren,113 E. Van Buren] by C. B. Durfee and Alonzo Anderson
After 1861 (Woodstock Democrat and McHenry County Advocate newspapers merged to become McHenry County Union October 4, 1861) [117 E. Van Buren]
Before 1869 (Blossom's established) 115 E. Van Buren
Ca. 1870 when Pratt House fixtures and furnishings were auctioned [Sentinel 3-13-1937 Sec 3 p 3]. This presumes that the sign remained after the auction so it could be as late as 1871 after the fire.

The Woodstock House.
This popular house, of which Mr. PATTY is the proprietor, has recently received an addition of some nineteen new rooms in an upward direction, culminating in a very neat and tastily finished observatory, from which may be had a very extensive view, in all directions, of the finest country that lies under the sun. Internally, the arrangements for the inner man are as perfect as the markets can afford, and to our certain knowledge, liberal applications have been made during the past season, to the Chicago market, for luxuries in advance of our sluggish climate. The host and hostess being both of the benevolent turn that delights in the consciousness that their guests are full fed and comfortable, any one may safely confide himself to their hospitality with the assurance that lie will come off in a most excellent state of preservation. Commend US to the tempting Breakfasts, Dinners and Suppers of the PATTY HOUSE, and besides that wo should judge by the smell that they have some very tasteful and kindly cigars.
(November 20, 1856 - Woodstock Sentinel)
]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and Main Street to 1900 notebook. Also in Oversized Photos box.]]> 109 E. Van Buren A. S. Wright: Drugs & Medicines. The history of this business: Green Front Drug Store was opened by Cyrus B. Durfee in 1851 who took Chris Walters as partner. Between 1854 and 1857, Dr. Baldwin was involved. Baldwin sold out and Durfee & Walters opened a dry goods store. In 1867, Dr. Stone bought C. B. Durfee's store. "Several years later" sold to Dr. Adams until Adams death. J. S. Wheat & A. S. Wright bought the stock and operated as Wheat & Wright to 1880 and then as A. S. Wright to 1885 (from 1885 history). The striped pole indicates there was a barber shop in the building.
107 E. Van Buren: I. T. Salisbury Groceries & Provisions: Established in 1866 and sold to Russ Cotton in 1888 due to the death of A. T. Salisbury
105 E. Van Buren: Murphy's Drugs, Books & Stationery (was Wheat & Murphy Drugs 1880-1883). Blossom's Jewelry ( with large clock on street and on roof sign). They advertised together as Murphy & Blossom in 1885. The letters GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) show on the third floor windows. They might be temporary and part of the mourning decorations.
103 E. Van Buren: IOOF Odd Fellows (Oddfellows) Hall on upper floor. The post office was located in this building.
There are men and boys posing in front of every building. The photo is taken from a significant height]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> Small boys pose beneath the sign. James Brink is the small boy on the fence in knee breeches and Alec Darryl is standing in front with knee breeches.
The fountain in the center of the square is visible and behind it another mourning arch was built on the opposite entrance on Dean Street.
The sidewalks are wood and show the beginnings of the diagonal walks. The fence has only one flat board between the upright posts.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
]]> Sentinel [209 N. Benton]
Hoy Drugs and Medicines, Books and Stationery [100 Cass]
J. S. Medlar's Photograph Gallery [third floor 100 Cass]
Masonic Hall [100 Cass]
Building in the background on Benton is the F. W. Buell Flour and Feed Mill on Clay Street [301 Clay]
Square park in Winter
Wooden fence
Horses and buggies
Note how much bigger the trees are compared to the 1858 photo of the square & courthouse.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and Main Street to 1900 notebook. Also in Oversized Photos box.]]> After 1858 (square landscaped)
After 1866 (Baptist Church built on the northwest corner of Throop and W. Jackson. Note the tall spire) Now 101 N. Throop
Before 1868 (Cass Street extended to Throop Street. Compare to photo ID 32)
Before 1887 (Neill Donnelly's building torn down for Sheriff's House). 115 N. Johnson
Before 1928 (House labelled J. Donnelly, later the Misses Donnelly's Hat Shop, torn down for Montgomery Ward department store) 110 S. Johnson]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> 100 N. Benton J. Kendall dentist (moved in 1883)
102 N. Benton
104 N. Benton E. W. Blossom Jewelry & Watches
106 N. Benton Sign for Phoenix on second floor
108 N. Benton
110 N. Benton Excelsior Market; Lager Beer Saloon entrance to basement
112 N. Benton G. F. Stone Drug Store
Edge of Thos. Whitson & Sons Hardware awning
Unidentifiable items on sidewalk in front of 102
Men posing in front of all the buildings
Shed behind the Rathole visible (E. Jackson St., later location of the Odd Fellows building)
Oddfellows]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square & Main St. to 1900 notebook]]> Shows the street covered in snow with horses & buggies tied to the park fence. The Spring house is visible.
After 1899-Church Block (Woodstock Dry Goods)
Before 1904-C. F. Thorne became Thorne & Son
100 N. Benton-
102 N. Benton-Murphy and Mullen?
104 N. Benton
106 N. Benton - Post Office
108 N. Benton - C. F. Thorne clothing
110 N. Benton - Barber Shop (sign unreadable)
101 S. Benton - Sherman Jewelry (Sherman Block built 1893 with crenelated tower)
105 S. Benton
107 S. Benton
109 S. Benton
111 S. Benton
113 S. Benton-Woodstock Dry Goods
103 E. Van Buren (frame building)
103 E. Van Buren J. C. Choate; Job Printing on upper floor
105 E. Van Buren]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square & Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> View from Medlar Studio window at 100 Cass shows the Spring House and Square Park in the snow. Horses and wagons are tied up on the edge of the park on Benton Street. Although the snow covered trees mask the buildings on the south side of the square, the cupola on the Bunker Block (111 E. Van Buren) is faintly visible. It burned down and was removed in 1893. The Sherman Block with its crenelated tower, built in 1893, is also visible at 101 S. Benton.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and Main Street 1850-1900]]> This photo is dated 1882 by Modelle McCoy (Medlar granddaughter and keeper of the negatives).
The iron fountain is visible in the center.
Diagonal wooden sidewalks are visible (need to see if they were built at the same time as the fountain).
The fences are single wide board with wire strung between posts rather than the three-board original fences from 1857.
From the Square Sesquicentennial 1994 history p.7:
The Spring House was built in 1873 as an "ornamental feature" of the park to shelter the mineral water pump that received water from the well located in the southeast corner of the park.
Designed and built by Cornelius Florentius Lemmers, its design was inspired by buildings at the centennial exposition in Philidelphia, Pennslvania.
"Every scroll and bracket upon it was wrought by hand," according to a letter from Chas. A. Lemmers in 1840 (sic). "While it stood there, it became the trysting place, not only for the people of the city and its visitors, but to the lovers of the city, who visited it for refreshment after much visiting and discussion on the seats of the park."
Victorians traveled by train from Chicago to drink the mineral waters, following nearly the same path that the Indians had walked to obtain its medicinal properties. The water contained bicarbonate of soda, lime, magnesia, and iron, as well as sulphurated hydrogen.
A study by Rush Medical College of Chicago in 1879 found the water to be mildly alkaline which was valuable in diseases of the stomach, bowels and kidneys. The water also contained iron.
The original Spring House stood until the 1930s. A replica was built in 1976 as a Bicentennial project by the Woodstock Business and Professional Women. The medicinal spring has been capped, but a water fountain was added to give the proper atmosphere.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square & Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> Allen Stebbins, Chair of the Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission, provided this insight to the tunnel (or "Culvert"):
"The South St. Culvert as it has been called was built in two
sections. The first in 1867 when the Chicago & Northwestern built a single rail line out this way and the second section 30 years later in 1897 when they expanded to a second line. That's why the two dates on the keystones. I've started collecting some historic records on this bridge.
"What's unusual is both sections were built in what's known as a helicoidal or spiral arch method. These arches are extremely rare in the United States built when a road or railroad crossed another road or river at an angle and at an incline. It posed some real problems for the engineers who looked back to the ancient Romans for ideas to solve the problem and rediscovered the spiral arch! Basically all the engineering up front needed to be pretty precise and once designed the stonemasons cut all the stones exactly the same dimensions then laid them in the spiral arch (oftentimes without the need of any mortar.) These types of arches are extremely strong and durable as witnessed by some of the ancient Roman examples still standing.
"In the United States there are only a few known examples–some in Pennsylvania and the Seventh Street Improvement Arches in Minneapolis. These are listed as landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places. The South St. Culvert is in the historic district and I would like to see it nominated as a national landmark, but do know Union Pacific opposes it. They do have plans in the future to expand the rail lines to three from Barrington all the way out to Harvard when they ultimately put in the Woodstock rail yard. ..."
The tunnel is architecturally and historically significant. The tunnel should be designated a Landmark by the City of Woodstock and preserved, as is the Woodstock Opera House.
Note the City's motto: "True to its past...confident of its future." Will The People prevail in the case of preserving the tunnel, or will the tunnel meet the same fate as Grace Hall?" [Woodstock Advocate blog, Gus Philpott]

This photo from Modelle Medlar McCoy was scanned for the Sesquicentennial 2002 library exhibit.
]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1900-1920 notebook]]> The old brick South Side School burned Dec. 2 1919. Photo shows burned out shell. Central School (120 W. Calhoun St.) is visible in rear as well as a house no longer standing.

The school was erected in 1866, housing first through sixth grades when it burned (no kindergarten). It faced south between Throop & Dean streets. The fire was a total loss and many records were lost. Classes resumed the following week, with some children going to Central School and some attending in the vacant home of Perry Murphy, 207 W. Jackson.

Following the fire, the lot was used as a playground until an addition was built to City Hall which was used for the Fire Department, then the Police Department. ]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> Kirk Dawdy]]> In Photos 1900-1920 notebook
Print of photo]]> This photo of the south side of the square shows the Phoenix block that would be renamed as the Bunker Block after Bunker Brothers moved their grocery, hardware and crockery business there in 1872. Their previous building was destroyed by the October 8, 1871 fire that swept over the southwest corner of the square.
The public school, built in 1867 on South street, is visible in the right corner. An unidentified large white building is beyond the school, possibly the original Bunker Brothers building.
Woodstock House [111 E. Van Buren] existed between 1857 and 1872 but was purchased by Pratt in 1866 and was called Pratt House beginning ca 1868. We do not know when the sign was changed to Pratt House.
Union Printing Office [115-117 E. Van Buren] started in 1861
Blossom's Jewelry was located here [115-117 E. Van Buren] from 1868-1872 when they moved to 107 E. Van Buren.
The photo also shows activity in the Square park with people, carriages and animals at the south entrance on Dean Street. The sidewalks in the park are still the original straight cross with no diagonals visible.
Dean street has a line of trees in front of one big house and a large amount of open land shows in the upper center of the photo.

The Woodstock House.
This popular house, of which Mr. PATTY is the proprietor, has recently received an addition of some nineteen new rooms in an upward direction, culminating in a very neat and tastily finished observatory, from which may be had a very extensive view, in all directions, of the finest country that lies under the sun. Internally, the arrangements for the inner man are as perfect as the markets can afford, and to our certain knowledge, liberal applications have been made during the past season, to the Chicago market, for luxuries in advance of our sluggish climate. The host and hostess being both of the benevolent turn that delights in the consciousness that their guests are full fed and comfortable, any one may safely confide himself to their hospitality with the assurance that lie will come off in a most excellent state of preservation. Commend US to the tempting Breakfasts, Dinners and Suppers of the PATTY HOUSE, and besides that wo should judge by the smell that they have some very tasteful and kindly cigars.
(November 20, 1856 - Woodstock Sentinel)
]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> Background shows the McHenry County Courthouse as it was designed by John Van Osdol before the addition of the north and south wings.The copper crown on the cupola is clearly visible. Neill Donnelly's store sign says N. Donnelly's General Store on the second floor with a large DEMOCRAT (newspaper) sign near the roof. The trees on the square have grown since 1858 and the fence has a single rope or chain above the wide flat boards between the posts. The sidewalk on Cass is made of wood and there is a stiff overhang supported by heavy wire over the sidewalk.
100 Cass
101 N. Johnson
115 N. Johnson
Building visible on Throop street at the west end of Cass is identified as a dwelling in the 1885 Sandborn map]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square & Main Street to 1900; original photo missing 7/2016]]>
The original photo is slightly blurry.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1921-1950 notebook]]> Schulhof Wholesale Plumbing Supplies is on the same site as Olson's Jobbing House which was also a wholesale plumbing supply company and which was identified in the 1951 Sentinel Ad. Shulhof first appears in the 1958 City Directory but the library's copies of the 1954 and 1956 directories are missing.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY]]> Location - File Cabinet 6 Photos
Comments - In Photos 1951-1969 notebook]]> The note also says that the old Gregory school was closer to Woodstock, the remains of which were by the entrance to Catalent, aka Automatic Liquid Packaging, aka Cardinal Health at 2200 Lake Shore Drive. Have not explored whether they are still visible.
The farmhouse in the photo is still there as of 2016.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Buildings (off Square) notebook
]]> School children of various ages are seated in front of Central School (now City Hall) 121 W. Calhoun St.
A large number of the girls are dressed in white with white bows and some boys are dressed in black robes. Small children parade in front carrying stars on sticks while a woman plays the piano.
Flags are draped from the windows and some spectators sit in the open windows. One woman on the left is holding a May pole.
The audience of parents and siblings sit on chairs or in open cars at the back of the picture.
The date was first determined by the Illinois license plate number--six numbers were assigned from 1916 to 1922 and the car looks like a Dodge Brother Roadster of 1916 or 1917. The date on the right corner of the license looks more like a 7 than a 6. This allowed a search for an article in the newspaper:

Woodstock Sentinel June 5, 1917 p1

PUBLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL GIVE PAGEANT

First Six Grades to Give Entertainment on School Grounds Friday

Mother Goose Characters By Little Tots

HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT

The first six grades of the Woodstock public schools will take part In a Mother Goose entertainment to be given on the high school lawn next Friday, June 8, at 3 p. m. "The House That Jack Built" is the title of the en­tertainment, it being an arrangement from the operetta for children as written by Riley and Gaynor.
"The House That Jack Built" will be in the nature of a pageant, the principal, or Mother Goose charact­ers, to be taken by the little people of the first and second grades. The children will be seated in bleachers to be raised on the school lawn, and the rest of the grounds will be ap­portioned in sections for spectators, seats to be arranged in the fore­ground for mothers of the children, and older people; back of that, inside the curbing, standing room, and last­ly outside the curb a parking place for automobiles. The street will be closed so that autos may be parked to front on the curb.
Miss Garnett, the popular and effi­cient supervisor of music in the pub­lic schools, is directing the pageant, which promises to be a novel and highly enjoyable entertainment. Out- of-door school entertainments are ex­ceedingly popular, and will be some­thing of an innovation in Woodstock, this being, we believe, the first of the kind ever to to given by the school children here.
The cast of characters follows:
Mother Goose Darlene Kennedy
Old King Cole John McConnell
Queen of Hearts Hazel Getchel
Knave of Hearts..... Joseph Bartell
Little Bo-Peep ......Vivian Erickson
Little Boy Blue.....Clarence Rogers
Little Tommy Tucker.....Albert Lee Jagers
Jack Spratt ....Raymond Sweetland
Mrs. Jack Spratt Hazel Thomas
Jack and Jill..... Carleton Billings, Margaret Stametz
Crooked Man James Brink
Old Woman Who Lived In a Shoe... Emma Nicolai
Little Miss Muffet,…..Dorothy Hokanson
Man All Tattered and Torn ....Haydwin Kiel
Maiden All Forlorn ... .Mary Doolittle
Priest All Shaven and Shorn......Irwin Brewer
Man In the Moon ….. Harley DeWolf
Pipe Bearer to Old King Cole …..Lawrence Francis
Bowl Bearer to Old King Cole...... Clifford Gregory
Fiddlers Three ....Donald McNamara, Elmer Hoag, Elmer Sonderberg
Three Crows.....Eugene McShane, Carl Zimmerman, Kenneth Krull
Fairies, Brownies, Blackbirds
May Pole Dance, Red, White and Blue, by Pupils of Miss Hallisey's Room
Large Chorus
There will be a chorus of 120 girls’ voices, from 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. Another feature of the entertainment will be the folk-dances.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1900-1920 notebook]]>
The school burned December, 1919.

Victorian architecture
Children's costumes
pump and trough

Also attached is a scan of the drawing of the Public School in the Combination Atlas Map of McHenry County, Illinois 1872]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> In Square & Main Street to 1900 notebook
Original print, sepia tones]]> The building was constructed in 1847 to provide space for additional offices for the county courthouse needed due to growth of the county. Henry M. Wait got the bid to build an "eight-foot brick building" but determining that this was too small, convinced the county commissioners to allow him to add a second story at his own expense. Because it was to be used to house county records, the thick brick walls were topped by a tin roof to reduce the chance of fire. According to the 1885 History of McHenry County, in the winter of 1848 a strong wind lifted the tin roof and carried it some distance away. The county officials, in the building at the time, naturally rushed out "in all possible haste. As they came forth they were greeted with a derisive shout and laughter from Henry Petrie, a merchant who exclaimed in great glee 'See the D--d rats crawl out of their holes!' Petrie was a Whig of very pronounced opinions and had no sympathy with the Democratic Party to which the county officers belonged." The building was known as the Rat Hole from then on, even in official records. When the Courthouse was finished in 1857 the Rat Hole became a saloon
Shown in this photo:
D. T. Ring Boots & Shoes. 1877 Directory lists D. T. Ring, shoemaker, residence Chemung St. Back of photo says D. T. Ring is standing on stairs between his two signs.
F. Marcus, Agt. is shown standing in front by barrels wearing apron: "Mr. and Mrs. Fred Markus were Germans who came to Woodstock in the years following the Civil war. We have no records stating the exact date. Mr. Markus was in the saloon business in the building called the "Rathole," on the corner where the State Bank is now located. One of his best known products, which had a wide favorable reputation, was the famous 'Markus' Bitters." Mr. and Mrs. Markus lived in a modest home located on Calhoun street where Elmer Carlson's second hand store now is. They were great lovers of flowers and during the summer their entire front yard, was a complete garden show of beautiful blossoms. The house was well back from the street and there was no room for lawn as the entire front yard was filled with beds of flowers of the Markus' own planting and cultivation. Mr. Markus was an early riser and spent hours and hours among the flowers he loved so dearly. In those "horse and buggy" days the average family "took a walk" on Sunday, and the route of the family parade almost invariably led past the Markus home, where friends would stop for awhile to chat and admire the beauty of the natural display. Mr. Markus was very public spirited in many ways and took a prominent part in local affairs. In 1893 the block burned where the Markus business was located. Following this disaster Mr. and Mrs. Markus moved to Chicago, where they spent their declining years in retirement." [Woodstock Sentinel 3-13-1937 Sec. 8 p2] However, the 1872 atlas lists Frederick Marcus saloonkeeper came to County in 1861. According to the McHenry County Democrat 12-19-1885, he died in December, 1885 (latest possible date for this photo) and many locals traveled to Chicago for the funeral.
Back of photo also identifies Henry Schneider (Schreider?) as the bearded gentleman in the middle
Phil. Best's Milwaukee Wis. Brewing Co.: dates between 1859 (Philip Best takes over the brewery after his father Jacob's death) and March 12, 1889 when the company became Pabst Brewing Company
Old Settler's Headquarters: The Old Settler's Association was started in 1868 and there is a listing for the Old Settlers Parade in June, 1878 in the Notes for Sesquicentennial History.
Bordwell's Meat Market: G. W. Bordwell is listed in the 1885 McHenry County history as are Dan T. Ring and Fred Markus. Bordwell's Market was taken over by C. F. Gaulke June, 1891.
The spire visible behind Bordwell's belongs to the German Lutheran Church on Jefferson St. built in 1858 and burned in the same fire as the Rat Hole on April 15, 1893

]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

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In Square & Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> Pipe organ
Gas light chandelier

Date clues: Leila Brooks Hockey was born April, 1884
Her hat is older than the hats in the Methodist cornerstone laying photo
William H. Robinson was born in 1868]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

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Photo on cardboard - Excellent Condition]]> Side view of 202 W. South William B. Class house]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

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Photo on paper - Excellent Condition]]> The 1887 Directory of McHenry County says that it was built in 1856.
This original Waverly House was destroyed by fire February 1, 1892. The fire that began in the hotel engulfed the entire east side of Main Street except two brick buildings near the north end. It was a popular ongoing business and was soon rebuilt.
W. H. "Harry Hobbs was the last manager [note on back of photo]
In 1900, the building that houses the current Waverly House, 214 Main Street, became the Slavin & Merwin Furniture and Undertaking, followed by Merwin Furniture well into the 1950s. In 2002 it was Waverly House and Main Street Antiques.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

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In oversized photo box]]> 101 S. Benton Rathole, Boardwell's Meat Market, Barber Shop
100 N. Benton First National Bank, C. N. Kendall Dentist
102 N. Benton
104 N. Benton M. Sherman Jewelers
106 N. Benton
108 N. Benton
110 N. Benton Joslyn Building
301 Clay F.W. Buell Flour and Feed
100 Cass Hoy Block]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

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In Oversized photos box]]>
Labelled as looking east toward the fairgrounds by Modelle Medlar McCoy for the Sesquicentennial photo exhibit in 2002, she dated it in 1885. Jim Keefe slide identified it as 1890

Still trying to verify that the three-gabled building in the distance is the original fair building that was destroyed by fire in 1922.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> ]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and surrounding area 1850-1900 notebook.]]>
Craig Pfannkuche, Archivist, C&NW Historical Society.

Modelle Medlar McCoy always identified this photo, taken by her grandfather J. S. Medlar, as one of the earliest train engines in Woodstock.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

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In Keefe historical photos (copies and originals)]]>
Without a doubt it is a law office with law books on book shelves on two sides of the room. The ceiling light appears to be a gas lamp. Woodstock was not electrified until 1897.

There are numerous house plants in pots on the window sills and on a table. "Parlor plants" became popular in Victorian times since that architecture provided lots of interior light from many windows. The room does seem to have another window in the lower left that is streaming light on the table and floor.

The photo is too blurry to determine whether the left window has a tree outside or if this is a floral design on a sheer curtain. The right window might have a bird cage inside or it might be something outside like an elecric pole.

There is not enough information to identify this as the Joslyn law office.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

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In Keefe historical photos (copies and originals)]]> Built in 1883 by Dr. Cassinus N. Kendall dentist, the building was specifically designed to house B. S. Austin's grocery store (see photo ID 62). Austin changed the awning in 1885. Kendall died May 9, 1893.
Two frame buildings, one on Cass and one on Main Street, are visible.
The Main Street side view shows the steep angle of the street as well as the windows and roof on the east side.

Notes from Nancy Baker: The 24’ by 65’ Kendall Block was completed in December of 1883. Dr. C.N. Kendall had his dentist’s office and living quarters on the second floor. In his office, Kendall had a Cereus plant that was quite newsworthy. The night –blooming Cereus is a desert plant that looks almost dead for most of the year, but for one midsummer’s night, an exquisitely scented, large waxy white flower opens. This attracted many visitors to Kendall’s office. In 1888, a newspaper advertised that Kendall was also the agent for the Clark Cycle Company. Kendall died suddenly in 1893 at the age of 54. He had been in good health and had attended a meeting at city hall shortly before his death.

Beneath Kendall’s office, on the first floor, was the B.S. Austin grocery store—a fixture at this corner for 30 years. Austin was assisted by his son and several other clerks and they delivered groceries throughout the City. Bart Austin was locally famous for his annual fireworks display on July 4th. The tradition began in 1881 and was still being reported in 1897.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

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In Square and Main Street to 1900 notebook; original photo missing 7/2016]]>
"Donnelly Has Opposition
In 1903 when Judge C. H. Donnelly's first term as Circuit Judge was at a close and he was a candidate for reelection, an active campaign started in opposition, which was fostered by a number of the most prominent members of the McHenry County Bar. As a sidelight this opposition led to the purchase of a newspaper property, which the Donnelly opposition planned to use in their campaign against him. In the end Donnelly was re-elected and most of those who opposed him came back into line as his friends. Throughout his long career on the bench Judge Donnelly frequently had opposition, particularly among the lawyers, but he was always strong with the people and as a popular vote getter he had no equal." [Woodstock Sentinel 3-13-1937 Sec 9 p10]]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

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In Opera House binder box]]> Corner of Jefferson and E. Jackson]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
Print on cardboard frame]]> The fountain was removed every winter and a cover was placed over the spot. When the fountain was returned to it’s location it was considered a sure sign that spring had arrived.
The fountain was located where the soldier monument is currently located. It was replaced by the soldier monument in 1909 and later melted for scrap during WWII.
Buildings on the south east side are partially visible.
Fences are a single wide board rather than the three-board fences from 1858.
Wooden sidewalks frame the fountain but it is not possible to tell if the diagonal sidewalks have been added.
Iron posts and chains surround the fountain.
Good view of clothing and hats on children and adults sitting on plain wood benches or standing.
A team of horses hauling a wagon is entering from Dean street.
]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square & Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> Hicksgas was founded by Harold Hicks in 1946. This photo was taken during the same time frame as the others at this intersection, so could be as late as 1953. In addition to the propane tanks, appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, water heater and space heater are visible]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1921-1950 notebook]]>
The winter of 1881 was one of the worst on record in the 1800s, and was the subject of Laura Ingalls Wilder's The Long Winter.

Woodstock Sentinel – March 24, 1881
A movement was set on foot in the village of Greenwood, last Monday morning to shovel out the road between that village and Woodstock. Two or three teams and as many more men started out from the village, in the good work, and as they worked through, pressed into the service as many men and teams as they possibly could. The first of the squad started from Greenwood about 8:30 a.m., and about 12:30, this corps of engineers bore down on our city thirty-five strong, supported by eight or ten teams and passed in grand review by the Sentinel office, the procession headed by thirty sturdy shovelers in double rank, with scoops at shoulder arms. As might be expected, upon entering the square, the company were bent on forage, and they marched directly to the South Side restaurant which was raided for all that was in it, at the regular rates. After the wants of the inner man had been supplied, they formed in front of Medlar’s for a picture of the entire company, and John says he secured a good one, so that if any of the people living in the east part of the county wants to know who the men are that engaged in the good work of shoveling out the Greenwood road, they can find them all at Medlar’s. The course of our Greenwood citizens is commendable and their example worthy the emulation of others.


Benton Street both north and south of E. Jackson
Murphy Block [100-108 N. Benton] In the 1880s, the Murphy Block was often referred to as the Opera House Block because they used the 3rd floor for various performances. Also referred to as The National Block and the 3rd floor hall was National Hall, Murphy’s Hall, the Opera House. Nancy Baker information.
100 N. Benton ? Dentist
102 N. Benton E. A. Murphy & Co. [Dry Goods in 1877 Directory]
104 N. Benton M. Sherman Jewelry (note men in window and large watch sign)
106 N. Benton
108 N. Benton C. F. Thorne (no sign visible)
110 N. Benton
112 N. Benton E. E. Stone Drug Store
South Benton:
101 S. Benton: "Rathole" D. T. Ring Shoes & Boots
Jefferson Street in background: German Lutheran Church
Man holding Kelly Barbed Wire sign
Men with shovels, horses and buggies]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> Kirk Dawdy]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> 222 Church Street
The architecture is classic Greek Revival in style with the heavy pediment under the gable roof and pillars surrounding the front door.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square & Main St to 1900 notebook]]>
Amcore Bank scans (in History Photos) include a photo of this interior before the pictures are hung.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1921-1950 notebook]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
Photo print]]> The Fire Department moved to the current city hall in 1973, once again to the back side which faces South Streeet. When they vacated the area, the space was used for rehearsal rooms for the Opera House.
Note the neon Fire Department sign and the lights between the doors.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
Photo Print]]> Photo shows original wood doors and the Fire Department lettering over the doors as well as the original portico and lights.
Woodstock's Volunteer Fire Department With Some of Its Equipment [PHOTO] FRONT ROW—Left to right: S. J. Ogle, Claire Floyd, Dell Olmstead, Willard Sherman, A. W. Geister (chief) Robert Vieregg, Charles Zoia, Ray Horick, Raul Eickhoff, Ray Beardsley, Leo Dittman. REAR ROW: P. B. Anderson, T. B. Merwin, Walter Mengs, Karl Fritz, Charles Asmus. Absent when picture was taken: Cyrus Sanford, P. E, Conway, Lynn Stone, Robert Leidig. [Woodstock Sentinel 3-13-1937 Sec 9 p7]
121 W. Van Buren Woodstock Opera House
125 W. Van Buren brick building torn down for Opera House Annex and Stage Left Café. The building was owned by Chester Gould for a time.
In the 1914 City Directory it is listed as a blacksmith's shop with it's owner Chauncy Hill. Note the HILL in the brick. Chauncy W. Hill was born Sept. 4, 1858 in Oakland and died Dec 21, 1938. He came to Woodstock in 1888 [Woodstock Journal]. In 1992, it was used in the movie Groundhog Day as the candy shop. It had been empty and was in bad condition.
127 W. Van Buren: In the 1914 City Directory is is listed as the Western United Gas & Electric Company.]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
Photo print]]>
Woman seated in a buggy driving a horse and three men & a boy look on. The dirt street is lower than the sidewalk and the support material is visible.

Dated between 1873 (year after the fire) and 1884.

The horse's head moved during the long exposure photograph so that the words Books & Stationery are readable.

Awnings appear to be the same as in the "Great Snowstorm of March 12, 1881" photo.

Buildings and details are the same as the Baseball Team 1884 photo (presuming the 1884 date on the photo is correct).]]> Medlar Studios, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and Main Street to 1900 notebook]]>