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Original Plat of Centerville 1844
McHenry County was established in 1836. At that time the county included the current McHenry County as well as all of what is now Lake County to the east. The small, centrally located village of McHenry was chosen as the county seat for the new…
126 E. South Street
Built for A. B. McConnell in 1894; plaqued house; southwest corner of South and Jefferson.
The library has glass negatives of the McConnell family photos in File Cabinet 6.
The library has glass negatives of the McConnell family photos in File Cabinet 6.
Baseball Team on Benton Street, 1884
A baseball team poses in front of Thos. Whitson & Sons store on North Benton. A typewritten tag on the photo says "Baseball Team - 1884- East side of Square
114 N. Benton Thomas Whitson & Sons dealers in Stoves, Hardware, Tools &c.Thomas Whitson…
114 N. Benton Thomas Whitson & Sons dealers in Stoves, Hardware, Tools &c.Thomas Whitson…
Business Block, South Side Public Square 1872
Business Block, South Side Public Square
This drawing in the 1872 Atlas has nearly all the same businesses as the photo ID 38, which we have dated ca. 1877. The drawings in the atlas are stylized to please the patrons of the publication so not every…
This drawing in the 1872 Atlas has nearly all the same businesses as the photo ID 38, which we have dated ca. 1877. The drawings in the atlas are stylized to please the patrons of the publication so not every…
Courthouse and Sheriff's Residence
West side of Square showing the Courthouse (with the addition) and Sheriff's House. The courthouse is obscured by large trees and the "crown" on the cupola is missing.
The sheriff's house was built in 1887
Melvin Tripp started his photography…
The sheriff's house was built in 1887
Melvin Tripp started his photography…
Courthouse and Sheriff's House 1897-1912
West side of Square with Courthouse partially obscured by trees and clear view of Sheriff's house. The courthouse has the addition and has an American flag flying from the dome. This photo was taken by Tripp from approximately the same view as the…
Dacy Block with old Presbyterain Church in Background ca 1883
This view from Medlar Studio's window (100 Cass) shows T. J. Dacy & Co. Carriage and Implement Dealer on East Judd Street. Behind the building it is possible to see the old church (ID 50) with its steeple missing that had been sold to Dacy Brothers…
East Side of Square 1850s
One of the oldest known photos of the Square
John Medlar came to Woodstock in 1856; his studio was on the third story of the Hoy Block
Back of photo says "before Civil War"
"The first building from the left is the old Exchange Hotel, which stood…
John Medlar came to Woodstock in 1856; his studio was on the third story of the Hoy Block
Back of photo says "before Civil War"
"The first building from the left is the old Exchange Hotel, which stood…
East side of Square 1867-72
Shows the east side of the Square after a snowstorm sometime before the fire of 1872. Garvis Blakeslee began his business after 1866. Whitson's & Sons Hardware and Stoves came to Woodstock in 1854. The fire of 1872 started in the Whitson's store,…
Excelsior Market on Benton Street, circa 1883
110 N. Benton: Exclesior Market and part of the G. F. Stone Drug Store [112 N. Benton] also known as the Old Reliable Drug Store.
Woman seated in a buggy driving a horse and three men & a boy look on. The dirt street is lower than the sidewalk and…
Woman seated in a buggy driving a horse and three men & a boy look on. The dirt street is lower than the sidewalk and…
Woodstock Square Fire East Side 1872 North View
The fire of August 27, 1872, destroyed all of the buildings on Benton street between E. Jackson and E. Judd. This photo shows the ruins with (blurred) views of the buildings on E. Judd Street which was known as Washington Street at that time.
220 N.…
220 N.…
Woodstock Square Fire East Side 1872 South View
Fire August 27, 1872
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…
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…
First Presbyterian church 1859
The Presbyterians built a frame church on the corner of Church and Jefferson in 1848 (hence the name Church Street). In 1856 they sold the building to the German Presbyterians who moved it to Queen Anne Prairie. That same year they built this brick…
Great Snow Storm of 1881 Benton Street
This stereoscopic of the east side of the Woodstock Square shows the square following the March 19, 1881 blizzard. Stone’s Drug Store is on the far left. The “Murphy Block” is next, then across Jackson is the “Rathole” and a glimpse of the spire of…
Iron Fountain in the Square Park, 1882
This photo of the iron fountain in the center of the Square was dated as 1882 in the Centennial program in 1952. Since Modelle McCoy had the negatives at that time, the date is probably accurate.
The fountain was removed every winter and a cover…
The fountain was removed every winter and a cover…
Kendall Block Cass Street
Kendall Block 112 Cass
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…
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…
Locomotive in snow 1870s
It is the opinion of the archives crew at the Chicago and North Western Historical Society that the locomotive in the photo you sent (balloon stack) IS a C&NW locomotive but a rare one used only in northern Wisconsin and did not run down here in…
Looking East Toward Fairgrounds
Taken from the roof of 100 Cass (Medlar's studio) but from the Benton Street side, this photo shows the buildings next to the railroad tracks on what is now East Judd Street at Jefferson Street. The building with the three-step edge on the roof is…
M. Blossom on chair in snow of 1881
Another view of the great snowstorm of March 19, 1881 shows the east side of the Square. M. Blossom, jeweler, is seated on a chair perched high on a snowbank. The crew of shovelers pose to the left of the snowbank. The chair is in front of two…
Main St Waverly House ca 1871-1891
"Waverly House hotel was built in 1851 by Roswell Enos. In 1854 it was purchased by Leander Church who enlarged it and gave it the name of Waverly House. Church sold it to Daniel W. Robinson who further enlarged it to the present size. The present…
Main Street Fire, 1892
Ruins of the buildings on the east side of Main Street and west side of Benton Street after the fire of January 31, 1892.
The Sycamore newspaper at the time (The True Republican) reported that light from the fire could be seen from Sycamore, 40…
The Sycamore newspaper at the time (The True Republican) reported that light from the fire could be seen from Sycamore, 40…
North side of Square with 3 children
Three young people stroll down a "sidewalk" on Benton street with the Hoy Block behind them. The young woman wears leg o mutton sleeves which became popular in the mid 1890s. They were out of fashion by 1906, the same year that the Odd Fellows (IOOF…
Old Rat Hole
The "Rat Hole" 101 S. Benton
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…
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…
Old South Side School on South Street
120 W. South StreetThis "fine brick school" was built in 1867 on South Street where the fire department addition to City Hall was located. In 1906, Central School (today's city hall) was built. This photo was taken some time before Central School was…
Opera House 1889-93 aerial view
Taken from the roof of the Courthouse, this shows a new Opera House with neighboring businesses on Van Buren street and Johnson street. A corner of the public school and several residences on Dean street are visible.
After 1889-Opera House…
After 1889-Opera House…
Opera House front 1890s
Front of the Opera House and C.W. Hill Horse Shoeing. Shows the original cupola, portico and fire bell.
Shows a fire hydrant in the bottom right corner, thus dating it as 1895 or later.
Blacksmith Chauncy Hill (1858-1938) came to Woodstock in 1888…
Shows a fire hydrant in the bottom right corner, thus dating it as 1895 or later.
Blacksmith Chauncy Hill (1858-1938) came to Woodstock in 1888…
Opera House front and side 1890s
Fuzzy photo of Opera House when it was newly constructed as City Hall. The actual date is unknown. The building exterior is complete but there is no landscaping. Shows both the front on Van Buren and the side on Dean Street. A man stands on the Dean…
Snow storm of 1881
Taken March 19, 1881 shows the depth of the snow shoveled from the sidewalk on Cass street.
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…
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…
South St at Dean wind damage
Wind damage Southwest corner of South Street at Dean Street sometime between 1891 when Tripp started his photography business and 1923 when the old Methodist Episcopal church burned down. It is likely before 1900 since lights started to be installed…
South Street Tunnel (Culvert/Viaduct) Postcard (#2) - Circa 1908
This photo of the culvert (also known as the tunnel or the viaduct) under the railroad tracks on South Street is nearly identical to the other Wm. G. Hoffman, Chicago postcard. This is postmarked 1908.
It is possible to see the differences in…
It is possible to see the differences in…
South Tryon St.
Presumably looking south towards Dean street, there are no identifiable houses.
This postcard is in the same series as ID 175. Black and White: 45494
There is a light pole and electric/telephone wires; these were extended throughout the city…
This postcard is in the same series as ID 175. Black and White: 45494
There is a light pole and electric/telephone wires; these were extended throughout the city…
Spring House 1882
Spring House was built in 1873 for $600 to attract visitors from Chicago. Charles Lemmers, who came to Woodstock in 1848, was the contractor. The 1937 Woodstock Sentinel said that it was in a style much in vogue at that time.
This photo is dated…
This photo is dated…
Spring House 1885-1912
Close up, slightly faded, photo of the Spring House that has been separated from its cardboard backing. No indication of photographer and difficult to date.
After 1885-the damaged wide boards between the fence posts that appear in the Grant memorial…
After 1885-the damaged wide boards between the fence posts that appear in the Grant memorial…
Spring House in winter 1893
Incorrectly dated on the back of the photo "Spring House 1900-1910" this was taken around 1893.
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…
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…
Square east & southeast sides ca1899
East side of Square in winter from Medlar studio vantage point. Shows Benton Street from 112 N. to 113 S.
Shows the street covered in snow with horses & buggies tied to the park fence. The Spring house is visible.
After 1899-Church Block…
Shows the street covered in snow with horses & buggies tied to the park fence. The Spring house is visible.
After 1899-Church Block…
South Side of the Square Van Buren St, circa 1868-9
Back of photo: Old Bunker Block burned 1871
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…
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…
Square East side ca 1883
East side of Square taken approximately the same time as the Baseball Team 1884 Benton St. photo ID 63.
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…
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…
Square in winter ca 1867
This photo of the west side of the Square in winter shows the trees slightly larger than in the photo Item #480: "West Side of Square, ca 1858" and a second fence outside the original fence. It is dated between 1866 and 1868.
After 1858 (square…
After 1858 (square…
Square Northeast Side, circa 1866
"VIEW OF THE HOY BLOCK DURING CIVIL WAR DAYS This excellent picture of the northeast side of the public square shows the Hoy Block [100-104 Cass], consisting of the first three store rooms to the right of the picture, together with a fourth building,…
Square Park after election 1896
1896 gathering after election is written in pencil on the bottom frame. A crowd of men have gathered on Cass Street just in front of the Main street entrance to the park. Many are holding or waving their hats (especially in the back of the crowd).…
Square park entrance Grant Memorial
This photo was taken from the Main Street entrance to the Square Park. In the far background, there is empty space where the Opera House will be built 4 years later. A rectangular archway shows a large photo of President Ulysses S. Grant with a sign…
Square park in winter after 1891
Square park after a snowfall showing the Woodstock Opera House (built 1889) and two other buildings on W. Van Buren St. Three buildings also are visible on S. Johnson, including the Donnelly buildings. The center of the square has a wood fence around…
Square South and East side 1881 snow
Looking toward the southeast side of the Square from in front of Murphy Block 101 N. Benton. Taken the same day as the stereoptican ID 45 but later in the day since the snow is piled higher around the lamppost and an advertising sign for Royal St.…
Square south east side in mourning 1885
South side of the Square is decorated with mourning crepe to mark President Grant's death.
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…
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…
Square Southeast side Pratt House ca 1870
Pratt House
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…
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…
Square Southeast Woodstock House ca 1868
South east side of Square with Woodstock House and Post Office. This is a blurred closeup of the same buildings as photo ID 37 [105-117 E. Van Buren]
Blossom's Jewelry was established in 1868. [117 E. Van Buren]. The photo could have been taken as…
Blossom's Jewelry was established in 1868. [117 E. Van Buren]. The photo could have been taken as…
Woodstock Square in the Winter, circa 1873-78
Square park in the snow showing part of the Bunker Block obscured by trees and a clear view of the public school (Central School). The spring house is barely visible. Two horses and an empty wagon are hitched to the rope outside the fence along the…
Square with Spring House in snow ca1889
Square park after a light snowstorm looking south from Cass Street (by either Medlar or Tripp from the angle). The Spring House built in 1873 is visible as is the cover for the iron fountain built around 1880. There are diagonal sidewalks as well as…
Square, Southeast ca 1877 Bunker Bros.
This photo of Van Buren Street was taken after 1872 when Bunker Brothers moved here after losing their former building by fire on October 8, 1871 that destroyed the west part of Van Buren and the south part of Johnson streets.
All of the businesses…
All of the businesses…
Thorne CF Exterior 1890
This photo of the exterior of the C. F. Thorne Clothing and Shoes store at 108 N. Benton shows five members of the family. William S. Thorne, age 11 stands in front on the left with his father Charles F. Thorne on the top step. The others in the…