The building on the right was known as the Dacy Block, where agricultural implements and vehicles were sold. The illustration in the 1872 Atlas and Plat Book of McHenry County shows an empty space to the left that the artist filled with drawings of the items that were part of the "agricultural warehouse of T. J. Dacy." In a photo taken in 1888, wagons, carriages and wheels take up the same space and Dacy is still the owner.

This photo was taken by Gus Persson sometime between 1906 and 1908. Lumley and Field Lawyers were only together for a short time and most of the advertisements in the Woodstock Sentinel were published in 1906. George Field served the U. S. government in Washington for a while during this period but returned to Woodstock. Both he and Vincent Lumley were actively involved in city and county offices.

Harts Grocery and Walters & Burger Carriages and Farm Machinery were still in business in the same location in the 1916 city directory.]]> Gus Persson]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> Black and white photo print
File Cabinet 6 Photos]]>
A decade after the photo was taken, 1893, this section of the Square burned to the ground. A newspaper article indicated that the fire was accidentally started by someone who was smoking opium in the livery stable behind the Church Millinery building. The Church Millinery building is the two story framed building with two windows on the second floor.

In 1899 Malachi Church erected a new brick building, however he died of pneumonia before he was able to occupy it. Beginning 1902, and lasting 76 years, the Woodstock Dry Goods Store operated out of the first floor of the Church building. In 1910 the Illinois Bell Telephone Company moved their telephone exchange into the second floor using the space until the company built a new facility on the northeast corner of Jackson and Tryon Streets in 1959.

Milachi Church came to McHenry county with his parents in 1851 and moved to Woodstock around 1855. He served as County Sherriff from 1873-77 and again from 1881-83. His 1899 obituary stated he “was a man of jovial nature, and no one enjoyed a good joke better than he which made him popular with all who made his acquaintance” and that he “was a man of enterprising spirit evidenced by the beautiful structure he erected… The building will forever remain as a monument to his enterprise, as marking the last act of his life.”
]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]>
This picture shows Benton Street from Van Buren all the way to Church Street.

]]> Tripp]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> Tripp]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> Tripp]]>
Businesses visible include J. Rait Clothing Company, A. D. Osborne, and the Pleasure Club on the upper floors. J. Rait does not appear in either the 1914 nor 1916 city directories. The clothing styles are pre-World War I.

The photographer is unknown. The postcard was printed after 1907 when regulations allowed the reverse side to be divided so that the address and a message could both be included.

100 1/2 Cass St. Pleasure Club
104 Cass A.D. Osborne Hardware
106 Cass St. J. Rait Clothing
108 Cass Stone & Son Shoes
]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Postcards notebook]]> Frank Tappan had an Insurance office upstairs.

111 S. Benton
J.P. Alt Clothing co.
The original brick façade was covered by the State Bank of Woodstock in the 1980's to match the new façade of their building.
Alt went out of business in 1925.

101 S. Van Buren
"James H. Forman is the city's news dealer. He handles all of the daily papers, as well as the best periodicals and magazines. His place of business is in the Cook building, southeast corner of the public square. He is assisted in his work by George W. Carpenter. Mr. Forman sells cigars, confectionery and all kinds of soft drinks." [Sentinel 12-19-1901 p 19]

"The heroes of the twentieth century are the self-made men of the country. There is no phrase in all literature so inspiring and full of encouragement to the younger generation as the expression "a self-made man." With his foot on the bottom rung of the ladder, but with his eye ever on the top, and an iron will to succeed—this is a pen picture of the career of J. H. For-man of Woodstock.
Mr. Forman's business is one of the most interesting and at the same time one of the most important in the city. He has the exclusive sale of the newspaper service and by prompt, efficient methods he has built the business up from very little to an enterprise of large scope. Mr. Forman's store is also the headquarters for the handling of railroad tickets. A specialty is also made of fine cigars, tobaccos and confectionery. The success of the business has come from the active, earnest application of brains and hands. Mr. Forman started the business over seven years ago and today he owns his building, besides other real estate in Woodstock. A year ago he erected a handsome residence, one of the substantial homes for which Woodstock is famous. The subject of this sketch is a member of the Modern Woodmen and the Knights of the Globe. He has earned a well deserved popularity among all classes. In his business, Mr. Forman is assisted by his son, G. T. Forman, who, by the way, is treasurer of the National Union." [Sentinel 4-21-1904 p.5]
JH Forman Cigars & Tobacco; Laundry agency in 1914 city directory.]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
Scan only; copy In Photos 1900-1920 notebook]]> "The homecoming of Company G was made a hilarious occasion and the people of Woodstock did themselves proud, giving over the city practically to its heroic sons, a feature of the event being a huge 'Welcome' sign that spanned Benton Street from the park to the John J. Murphy Building." [Wdstk Sentinel 3-13-1937 Sec 5 p2]
Murphy Building or Block 100 to 108 N. Benton
100 N. Benton
102 N. Benton
104 N. Benton Large clock sign
106 N. Benton
108 N. Benton C. F. Thorne
110 N. Benton Barber pole in front
Sherman Block 101 S. Benton built 1893
101 S. Benton M. Sherman Jewelers; has sign on Jackson street brick wall, clock on entrance under crenelated tower on corner of building and large Sherman sign extending from roof.
101 E. Van Buren (frame building) cigars
103 E. Van Buren J. C. Choate Carpets, Wal..Peace Jubilee Sale
105 E. Van Buren
107 E. Van Buren
109 E. Van Buren Drugs & Medicine]]> Tripp Photo, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square & Main Street to 1900 notebook. Photo in good condition, frame spotty.]]>
101 S. Benton: State Bank of Woodstock with original crenelated tower of the Sherman block. The bank moved here in 1910, then expanded in 1918 and 1942 by purchasing adjacent buildings. In 1950 the entire façade was "modernized" by removing the tower.
103 S. Benton: L (?) E. Scanlon
105 S. Benton: A. V. Austin, Jewelers
107 S. Benton: Mead & Charles Grocery Store opened here in the Primm Block in 1899 and remained there for almost 30 years.
108 E. Jackson: Odd Fellows Hall, post office (1914) and Elks hall (demolished for bank expansion in August, 1983).
Oddfellows]]> Tripp Photo, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1900-1920 notebook]]> The Benton Street buildings are decorated with bunting and flags and people sit in the open windows.
101 S. Benton: State Bank of Woodstock
100 N. Benton: American National Bank
102 N. Benton: Murphy & Doering General Merchandise
106 N. Benton: Lencioni & Bertolozzi Ice Cream and Candy
108 N. Benton: C. F. Thorne & Son Haberdashers
110 N. Benton: Barber shop
112 N. Benton: E. E. Stone Drug Store

MIDDLE IMAGE - This is the middle photo of the Welcome Home celebration on June 10, 1919 that can be put together with LEFT & RIGHT images for a panorama. The edges and sidewalks on the east side of Square Park are filled with people waiting for the parade. Pennants fly around the edge of the park. There is a refreshment stand near the edge.

RIGHT IMAGE - Third in the series of photos that, when put together with LEFT & MIDDLE images make up a panorama. People are crossing Cass street from the north entrance to the Square park. Bunting and flags are hung over the street. A striped tent is visible as is the bandstand.
110 S. Johnson: Misses Donnelly Hat Shop is decorated as well]]> Tripp, Melvin G.]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> AD104
AD105]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1900-1920 notebook]]>
100 N. Benton: American National Bank
102 N. Benton: Murphy & Doering General Merchandise
106 N. Benton: Lencioni & Bertolozzi Ice Cream and Candy
108 N. Benton: C. F. Thorne & Son Haberdashers
110 N. Benton: Schneider & Eckert Barber shop; Gus Carlson Harness Maker

See #465: "Welcome Home 1919 train depot" for details of the celebration]]> Tripp Photo, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square & Surrounding Areas 1900-1930 notebook]]> 107 S. Benton: Mead and Charles Grocery
105 S. Benton: A. V. Austin, Jewelers
103 S. Benton:
101 S. Benton: State Bank of Woodstock
101 1/2 S. Benton: Dr. Besley, Dr. West (dentists)
100 N. Benton: American National Bank
102 N. Benton: Murphy & Doering General Merchandise
106 N. Benton: Lencioni & Bertolozzi Ice Cream and Candy
108 N. Benton: C. F. Thorne & Son Haberdashers
110 N. Benton: Barber shop
112 N. Benton: E. E. Stone Drug Store
114 N. Benton: Bank
116 N. Benton:
118 N. Benton:
120 N. Benton:
122 N. Benton:
124 N. Benton:
126 N. Benton:
220 N. Benton: Groceries
See ID 100 for details of the celebration; ID 103, ID 111 and ID 112 for close up versions of this photo.]]> Tripp Photo, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1900-1920 notebook
]]> 110 N. Benton: Schneider & Eckert Barber shop; Gus Anderson Harness Maker
112 N. Benton: E. E. Stone Drug Store
114 N. Benton: Bank
116 N. Benton:
118 N. Benton:
120 N. Benton:
122 N. Benton:
124 N. Benton:
126 N. Benton: Restaurant
220 N. Benton: Kappler & Dietz Groceries
See ID 100 for details of the celebration; ID 103, ID 110 and ID 111 for other versions of this photo.]]> Tripp Photo, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1900-1920 notebook]]> Other businesses include
117 Van Buren Woodstock Grill and
115 Van Buren Rosewood Apparel and Scanlon Millinery
113 Van Buren Rardin Insurance
111 Van Buren Bohn's Hardware
113 S. Benton Woodstock Dry Goods
111 S. Benton Engle's
109 S. Benton F. T. Ferris Jewelry
107 S. Benton Roark's Gift Shop
101 S. Benton State Bank of Woodstock

This longer shot of the State Bank shows the light colored brick that was used when the bank took over three buildings. The Odd Fellows Hall on E. Jackson is partially visible.
Oddfellows]]> Public Works Department, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1951-1969 notebook]]>
Continuing the Public Works tour around the city, this photo includes a clue that the photos were taken around 1954. Bohn's added the two-story brick façade that year.
Other businesses include
117 Van Buren Woodstock Grill and
115 Van Buren Rosewood Apparel and Scanlon Millinery
113 Van Buren Rardin Insurance
111 Van Buren Bohn's Hardware
113 S. Benton Woodstock Dry Goods
111 S. Benton Engle's
109 S. Benton F. T. Ferris Jewelry
107 S. Benton Roark's Gift Shop
101 S. Benton State Bank of Woodstock
117 Van Buren Woodstock Grill
115 Van Buren Rosewood Apparel and Scanlon Millinery
113 Van Buren Rardin Insurance
111 Van Buren Bohn's Hardware
113 S. Benton Woodstock Dry Goods
111 S. Benton Engle's
109 S. Benton F. T. Ferris Jewelry
107 S. Benton Roark's Gift Shop
101 S. Benton State Bank of Woodstock]]> Public Works Department, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1951-1969 notebook]]>
C. F. THORNE sold "fashionable clothing, gents' furnishings, hats and men's and ladies' fine shoes." He purchased the shoe business in 1885 from E. C. Jewett and made his son, William S., a partner in 1904.

"C. F. Thorne was born in Vermont and came west twenty years ago. His son, W. S. Thorne, is also a product of the East, but grew up to manhood in Woodstock, coming here with his parents at the age of three. He is a member of the Masonic order, Mr. Thorne, senior, affiliating with the Odd Fellows. C. F. Thorne & Son occupy one of the finest locations in Woodstock, next door to the post office. They have the exclusive sale of the goods of Hart, Schaffner & Marx. They also take orders for merchant tailoring and are in every respect worthy of the large amount of confidence reposed in them." [Woodstock Sentinel 4-24-1904]

The C. F. Thorne and Sons haberdashery was succeeded by Beard & Stovall Men's Clothier in the 1950s who were in business for more than 40 years, closing in 1997. J. B. Stovall had been the manager of Montgomery Wards when it opened on Main St. in 1927.
108 N Benton
Murphy Block]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 9
In Keefe photos (copies and originals)]]>
101 S. Benton
East Jackson and Jefferson streets]]> Keefe, Jim]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 9
In Keefe Photos (originals)]]> 100 N. Benton C. S. Kendall Dentist
M. Sherman Jeweler in business on the square from 1866 to 1910. He built Sherman Block in 1893 where the Rathole building sood before it burned in 1893 (only the corner is visible with a man standing under the awning and a barber pole behind him).
101 S. Benton Rathole
103 E. Van Buren J.C. Choate Groceries, Crockery & Glass Ware
105 E. Van Buren Blossom Jewelry & Watches, Clocks & Silverware; bottom business obscured but should be Wheat and Murphy Drugs
107 E. Van Buren I.T. Salisbury Groceries & Provisions
109 E. Van Buren, obscured by Boots display, A. S. Wright Drug store
111 E. Van Buren Bunker Brothers Hardware & Groceries, Stoves and Tin]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Oversized Photos box]]> 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.]]> 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]]>
100 N. Benton Murphy Block
106 Lencioni & Bertolozzi Ice Cream Parlor;
Masonic Hall upper floor
108 Thorne & Son Men's Clothier
110 ice Cream Parlor
112 E. E. Stone Drug Store
114 Whitson Hardware]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 9
In Keefe photos (historical and copies)]]> 103 E. Van Buren: Sears (1952-1958)
105 E. Van Buren: H. W. Schmidt (1946-48) and Moose (1942-50)
107 E. Van Buren: E. G. Shinner Market (1938-48)
109: E. Van Buren: National Tea Company (1940-48)
111 E. Van Buren: E. J. Field Hardware (1926-1952)
113 E. Van Buren: Woodstock Heating (1940-48)
113 S. Benton: Woodstock Dry Goods Company (1899-1970)

(dates mainly from city directories, not research, except Field Hardware (!) and Woodstock Dry Goods)]]> L. L. Cook Co. Milwaukee]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Postcards notebook]]>
The arches over the windows on both the First National Bank and Stone's Drug Store have all been painted white.

The monument is also called the Sentinel statue.]]> Keefe, Jim]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 9
In Keefe photos]]> The gloom makes it impossible to read any signs.
Light poles, lights, and the fence around the park are visible.]]> Tripp Photo, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1921-1950 notebook]]> To take the photo, Tripp stood at the corner of Square park next to a light pole that could be useful for design purposes. He dated the photo on the front: Snow Storm April, 16, 1921.
100 N. Benton American National Bank (note Greek style door)
102 N. Benton
104 N. Benton
106 N. Benton Candy and Ice Cream
108 N. Benton
110 N. Benton
112 N. Benton
114 N. Benton McHenry County State Bank. Note columns next to doors and one ath the edge of the façade.
101 S. Benton State Bank of Woodstock]]> Tripp Photo, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1921-1950 notebook]]>
The date Jan 6, 1918 is pencilled on the back.

110 N. Benton barber shop
112 N. Benton E. E. Stone Drug Store
114 N. Benton McHenry County State Bank
116 N. Ice Cream
118 N. Benton Higgins & Lounsbury Grocers

There is a fire hydrant on the corner by the lamp post.]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Postcards Notebook]]> Dacy's has a Zenith sign in addition to its Appliances sign. Lloyd's sign is visible along with the others that are clearer in ID 303.

124 N. Benton Dacy Electric Company
122 N. Benton Early American Bakery
120 N. Benton
118 N. Benton Hogan's Distinctive Apparel
116 N. Benton
114 N. Benton Lloyd's Paint N Paper
112 N. Benton Stone's Drug Store]]> Woodstock Die Casting]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1970 to 2002 notebook]]> Woodstock Die Casting]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1970-2002 Notebook]]>
The signs read: Sherman the Jeweler
Royal St. John Sewing Machines
Music. Jewelry.
St John Sewing Machine. The Boss.
The lit sign over the door has an arch lettered M. Sherman Jeweler that is either attached to, or in front of, a pair of eyes looking out of eyeglasses.
M. Sherman Jeweler was in business on the square from 1866 to 1910. He moved to the Sherman Block in 1893 (101 S. Benton) so this photo was taken between 1866 and 1893. A newspaper article in the Sentinel in 1882 mentioned the traveling band visiting Woodstock.

Faint lettering in the next window identified E A. Murphy & Co. E. A. Murphy, merchant, was the brother of John Murphy who was a banker, owner of the Murphy block and partner in this firm. These are not the pharmacy Murphy's.

Two small boys wearing hats stand in the doorway and a boy or man looks out the upper window.]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and surrounding areas 1900-1930 notebook]]> A large crowd is gathered both on the sidewalks on Benton Street and inside the Square park can be seen. The buildings include part of the Murphy's Block and the corner of Sherman block.
100 N. Benton Hotel Woodstock (upper floors)
102 N. Benton
104 N. Benton:
106 N. Benton: Ice Cream Parlor
101 S. Benton: Sherman Block. The store on the first level is having a Close Out Sale. In 1910, Sherman's Jewelry sold out and the State Bank of Woodstock moved in.]]> Tripp Photo, Woodstock]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1900-1920 notebook]]> Better color version donated by Jim Keefe

The date is determined by the postcard number 117104 and confirmed by the awning that reads "Eckert & Bending Groceries." This firm bought out Mead and Charles in 1927.]]> Teich, Curt]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Postcards notebook]]>
This is the building that housed the restaurant in which Jim Keefe's mother, Florence Cooney Keefe, worked. The photo is still attached to the black paper backing from a scrapbook. Other pages with a similar backing and handwriting such as "Woodstock" have photos of the school fire in 1919.

This photo could have been taken as early as 1912 (possible work on the square) or as late as 1942 (the 1938 and 1940 city directories list Park's Budweiser Café).]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 9
In Keefe photos (copies and historical)]]> Keefe, Jim]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 9
In Keefe Photos (origional photos)]]>
The buildings on S. Benton and Van Buren are visible in the distance. The Bohn's Hardware sign is obscured by the tree. Angelo's Restaurant has expanded to the west where Rosewood Apparel stood for many years. She went out of business in 1985.]]> Keefe, Jim]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 9
In Keefe Photos (original photos)]]> A large crowd is gathered both on the sidewalks on Benton Street and inside the Square park can be seen. The buildings include part of the Murphy's Block and the corner of Sherman block.
100 N. Benton Hotel Woodstock (upper floors)
102 N. Benton
104 N. Benton:
106 N. Benton: Ice Cream Parlor
101 S. Benton: Sherman Block. The store on the first level is having a Close Out Sale. In 1910, Sherman's Jewelry sold out and the State Bank of Woodstock moved in.]]> Tripp, Melvin G.]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1900-1920 notebook

]]> "The Oliver Typewriter band, which gets its name from the factory in which most of its members are employed, was organized on Mar. 27, 1896, by Burr Robbins who acted as its conductor for several years. He was succeeded by John L. Carroll, who brought the organization to such a state of perfection that it was recognized as one of the finest musical organizations in Northern Illinois and the Northwest.
The Oliver Typewriter band gave free weekly concerts in the park during the summer season, which attracted large crowds of people and won the applause and approbation of all. This band participated in the parade at the Grand Army encampment in Chicago, where it received the compliments of the throngs that lined the streets and was pronounced the equal of many of the bands that came from much larger cities." [Woodstock Sentinel, Dec 19, 1901]

This photos shows the awnings of the businesses more clearly than the previous (ID87) photo

100 N. Benton Hotel Woodstock (upper floors)
102 N. Benton
104 N. Benton:
106 N. Benton: Ice Cream Parlor; Masonic Hall sign near roof
108 N. Benton C. Thorne & Son Clothing
110 N. Benton: Barber shop and Pool Hall. Sign says Ten Pins and Pool, No Billiards.
112 N. Benton: E. E. Stone Drug Store
101 S. Benton: Sherman Block. In 1910, Sherman's Jewelry was selling out to make room for the State Bank of Woodstock.
The marquee or tent in front of Sherman Block can be seen more clearly than in ID 87 and appears to be movable.]]> Persson, Gus]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1900-1920 notebook]]> 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

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square & Main Street to 1900 notebook]]> The street is dirt; photo not clear enough to determine sidewalk.
100 Cass: Sentinel Office (upper floor)
102 Cass
104 Cass J. Dwight Osborne on awning
106 Cass
108 Cass frame building with gable still showing rather than flat business type frontage.
The date of this photo is probably earlier than 1899 when the Woodstock Pleasure Club was housed here. Other photos show their sign while this photo does not.
Barber pole in front of store on N. Benton street

Oddfellows]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Square and surrounding areas 1850-1900 notebook]]> Left to right:
118 N. Benton
116 N. Benton: Wittenberg & Bodenschatz Ice Cream Parlor
114 N. Benton: Whitson Brothers Hardware
112 N. Benton: E. E. Stone Drug Store
110 N. Benton: This store was divided into two stores. Sanborn maps show a barber shop and a harness shop. See photo ID 91.]]> Persson, Gus]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1900-1920 notebook]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 9
In Keefe Photos (copies and historical photos)]]> 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

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Oversized photos box]]> 100 N. Benton Hotel Woodstock (upper floors)
102 N. Benton
104 N. Benton:
106 N. Benton: Ice Cream Parlor
108 N. Benton C. Thorne & Son Clothing
110 N. Benton: Barber shop
112 N. Benton: E. E. Stone Drug Store
101 S. Benton: Sherman Block. The store on the first level is having a Close Out Sale. In 1910, Sherman's Jewelry sold out and the State Bank of Woodstock moved in.
There is a marquee or tent in front of Sherman Block. It can be seen more clearly in the Oliver Typewriter Band photo (ID88 )
111 S. Benton
113 S. Benton. Church Block, built by Malachi Church after his livery stable burned in the 1893 fire that destroyed all the buildings on South Benton to East Jackson. He did not live to occupy the building, but Woodstock Dry Goods opened in 1902 and remained in business at that location until 1978.]]> Persson, Gus]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1900-1920 notebook]]>
These kids were identified in August 2019 by "Annie" who responded to the photo published as the Photo Detective in the Woodstock Independent.

Left to right: Danielle Ryan, Lindsey Gran, Ryan Gran, Ben Ryan, Shannon Ryan.

106 N. Benton Main St Shoe Shop
108 N. Benton Beard & Stovall Men's Shop
110 N. Benton Studio 2015 Jewelry
112 N. Benton Stone's on the Square]]> Keefe, Jim]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 9
In Keefe Photos (original photos)
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112 N. Benton Stones
114 N. Benton Lloyds
118 N. Benton Hogan's Apparel (which has expanded into the space formerly occupied by Bushkopf's which is now in the Hotel Woodstock space on the corner).]]> Woodstock Die Casting]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1970-2002 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]]> There are several varieties of automobiles behind the large crowd.
101 S. Benton: This vantage point shows a large Auction sign in front of Sherman's Jewelry building (see photos ID 87 & 88). In addition to jewelry, Sherman sold musical instruments and sheet music, and sewing machines.
103 S. Benton:
105 S. Benton:
107 S. Benton: Mead & Charles Groceries opened in th Primm Block in 1899 and remained there for almost 30 years. The Primm Block had a small balcony extending from the second floor, beautiful arched windows, and a decorative cornice, probably made of metal. Dr. Primm had his office and residence here. Other tenants of the building during this era were the YMCA and the McHenry County Democrat newspaper. There was a restaurant and ice cream parlor in the basement. In 1918 & 1942, the State Bank of Woodstock expanded, taking over this building and eventually putting on a "modern" façade.
109 S. Benton: Nester & Pfeiffer. One of the many "Sampling Rooms" a.k.a. saloons listed in the 12-19-1901Woodstock Sentinel
111 S. Benton: J. P. Alt Clothing Company. This business advertised "Men's Sports Union Suits, Special $4.50" in the Woodstock Republican in 1915. He went out of business in 1925.
113 S. Benton: Woodstock Dry Goods Company in the Church Block, built by Malachi Church after his livery stable burned in the 1893 fire that destroyed all the buildings on South Benton to East Jackson. Church did not live to occupy the building, but Woodstock Dry Goods opened in 1902 and remained in business at that location until 1978. The Illinois Bell Telephone exchange moved onto the second floor of this building in 1910.
The Odd Fellows Building can be seen behind the Sherman & Church blocks. It faced E. Jackson and was demolished in 1983.
Oddfellows]]> Persson, Gus]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
In Photos 1900-1920 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]]> 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]]>