Notes for Sesquicentennial History of Woodstock, 1972-1981
Title
Notes for Sesquicentennial History of Woodstock, 1972-1981
Date
2002
Language
en-US
Type
Text
Text
1972-1981
COMPILED BY DARLENE & KEN FISKE
2002
RESEARCHER'S COMPUTER HARD COPY (EDITOR'S ADDENDUM ?) 5 PAGES
WOODSTOCK IN THE 1970s
Compiled by Darlene Fiske
Major changes occurred throughout this decade. Many were due to the building of the new county courthouse/office complex on Route 47 north of the city. The resulting changes could be known as "building recycling" since Woodstock city services moved from overcrowded buildings to old buildings newly renovated.
Woodstock's population increased during this decade from 10,226 to 11,725.
1972
Melvin Stuessy was mayor.
The offices in the old courthouse and the jail on the square moved into the new county building north of Woodstock.
The city designated the Opera House as an historic landmark,thus preparing the way for its listing on the National Register of "Historic Places.
ALLEY OOP was a favored comic in the DAILY SENTINEL.
28th Amendment--Equal Rights
1973
Joe Git1in was mayor.
The Courthouse and the jail and sheriff's residence on the city square were closed and emptied.
Restoration of these buildings for use as restaurants and shops was begun.
The Old Courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The State Bank expanded and remode"led-the new exterior reflected the architectural style of the old buildings around the square.
New York actress Niki Flacks came to Woodstock for an eight week residency to work with civic groups and schools and to further interest in the Opera House restoration fund drive. She was part of the national Affiliate Artist program and was sponsored by the Woodstock Fine Arts Association and the Opera House.
1973 (continued)
A major fire occurred at Knoll's Grain Storage complex on First Street, involving 30,000 bushels of corn. It burned for two weeks.
1974
The old Central School just off the square was known as the Courthouse Annex because it housed city and county offices until they were moved into the new courthouse complex. When the offices moved out,remodelling was begun and the renovated building became City Hall. '
The Fire Department moved out of the Opera House and into a new building behind City Hall.
In June the Opera House closed for renovation.
On July 17th the Opera House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pork chops were selling for 89C per pound and leg of lrmb for 98C per pound. Grapefruit were 5 for 59CI
1975
The city offices and the police department which had been housed in the Opera House moved into the renovated Central School-now City Hall.
The city landfill closed.
Ackemann's of Elgin began remodelling the old Woolworth's Dime Store on the north side of the square for a department store.
A restaurant opened on the ground floor of the Old Courthouse.
The old sheriff's residence opened its doors as a tea room. Madelein's
The Woodstock VJ (Victory Over Japan) Day Parade dissolved and the Pageant of Drums on the High School field was discontinued. It had been known as one of the finest drum and bugle corps programs in the country.
1976
Fund raising by the Woodstock Business and Professional Women's Club was completed and the 1873 Springhouse in the middle of the square was restored and dedicated. It was used for Ice Cream Socials at City Band concerts throughout the summer.
An Arts and Crafts Fair on the square celebrated the nation's Bicentennial.
Douglas Rankin from Walnut Creek,California was appointed Executive Director of the Opera House.
On Thanksgiving weekend the "Steeple People" put the finishing touch on the Opera House rstoration - a replication of the original cupola was set in place.
1977
In February the city celebrated the gala re-opening of the restored Opera House. The restoration was spearheaded by local citizens who formed the Woodstock Opera House Community Center,Inc. which planned the building to be used as a community center and theatre. Approximately half of the $500,000 came from city tax funds and half from private donations. Great care was taken to assure a historically accurate restoration throughout. John Vincent Anderson was the architect overseeing the work. Tom Bosley and Shelley Berman who had started their careers in a repertory company at the Opera House in the early '40s returned for the Gala.
Frances Kuhn was elected mayor in April.
After a successful referendum the Rural Woodstock Public Library District was formed, The District encompasses the area in Community School District 200 which is outside the Woodstock City.limits. The elected Board members negotiate a contract each year with the city library board so that all citizens in District 200 receive library services and support the library with their taxes.
The Woodstock High School team reached the semifinals in Class 4A Football.
Woodstock was one of 38 cities in Illinois with an emergency 911 phone number.
Women's dresses and pantsuits were selling for $29-$59.
1978
Major blizzards caused many problems,traffic and other wise in January.
Church Women United,with profits from their Clothing Closet (a resale shop for clothing and household items) were able to donate a fully equipped medical van rented from the Lake County Health Department. It will visit McHenry county two times a month to serve people without medical care.
The Old Courthouse and Jail celebrated the 140th anniversary of its founding by placing a plaque recognising its placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Woodstock City Council approved Walden Oaks, a 102 unit development on a 13 acre site on Kimball Avenue. This Planned Unit Development includes federally assisted funding for the elderly.
Beard & Stovall Men's Clothier advertised men's suits normally for $125,selling for $90.
A 1978 Ford Impala 3 seat wagon was selling for $5793, and a Chewy van for $4523.
Sirloin steak cost $1.39 per pound and butter sold for 77$.
1979
Weather topped the news from January through March,with blizzards and heavy snow in January and record spring floods in February and March.
In January the Woodstock city council adopted a compre~ hensive plan and planning map,after three years'work. The plan consisted of tables relating to environmental concerns, community development,transportation,public facilities and neighborhoods. It defined prime agricultural areas, and areas forjfuture residential^ commercial and industrial development.
Bert Hanson,Hospital Administrator for 25 years at Memorial Hospital, resigned. A major addition vaulted the Hospital to its position as a modern health care center during his administration.
In February there were major changes to the Board of Directors of the State Bank. Don Still, president since 1964 . <>iAm
stayed on as Chairman of the Board and Don Cooney stepped in ft* f>™
1979 (continued)
The city council approved the annexation of 30 acres of Klemm property north of Northwood School. This could become one of the largest developments ever annexed into the city.
In April 115 acres of land west of the city was proposed for an extension to Westwood subdivision.
A special section of the April Daily Sentinel gave the history of Woodstock through early photos and a thorough reporting of the years of its history.
The use of the fire siren atop the Opera House was discontinued. All citizens (and Opera House audiences) were delighted that other methods of emergency communication had been found I
1980
Major remodeling took place'at the Memorial Hospital for McHenry County in this year. The first step was approval of the expansion plans by the General MEmbership.immediately followed by the construction of a new power plant.
A fund raising drive to raise $1.5 million of local contributions as part of the $9 million total cost, was begun with Mal Bellairs, Chester Gould and Jean Smith at the helm.
Ground-breaking for the three-story South Pavilion, the new cafeteria,entranceway and parking lots took place in June
The Miller Theatre,Woodstock's movie house, long-shutter ed,was re-opened after a renovation that also Princess and the Gem.
Father Egan,beloved pastor of St.Mary's church for many years, died in December.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
WOODSTOCK DAILY SENTINEL
BIBLIOGRAPHY
HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY:published 1995
by MCHENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
COMPILED BY DARLENE & KEN FISKE
2002
RESEARCHER'S COMPUTER HARD COPY (EDITOR'S ADDENDUM ?) 5 PAGES
WOODSTOCK IN THE 1970s
Compiled by Darlene Fiske
Major changes occurred throughout this decade. Many were due to the building of the new county courthouse/office complex on Route 47 north of the city. The resulting changes could be known as "building recycling" since Woodstock city services moved from overcrowded buildings to old buildings newly renovated.
Woodstock's population increased during this decade from 10,226 to 11,725.
1972
Melvin Stuessy was mayor.
The offices in the old courthouse and the jail on the square moved into the new county building north of Woodstock.
The city designated the Opera House as an historic landmark,thus preparing the way for its listing on the National Register of "Historic Places.
ALLEY OOP was a favored comic in the DAILY SENTINEL.
28th Amendment--Equal Rights
1973
Joe Git1in was mayor.
The Courthouse and the jail and sheriff's residence on the city square were closed and emptied.
Restoration of these buildings for use as restaurants and shops was begun.
The Old Courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The State Bank expanded and remode"led-the new exterior reflected the architectural style of the old buildings around the square.
New York actress Niki Flacks came to Woodstock for an eight week residency to work with civic groups and schools and to further interest in the Opera House restoration fund drive. She was part of the national Affiliate Artist program and was sponsored by the Woodstock Fine Arts Association and the Opera House.
1973 (continued)
A major fire occurred at Knoll's Grain Storage complex on First Street, involving 30,000 bushels of corn. It burned for two weeks.
1974
The old Central School just off the square was known as the Courthouse Annex because it housed city and county offices until they were moved into the new courthouse complex. When the offices moved out,remodelling was begun and the renovated building became City Hall. '
The Fire Department moved out of the Opera House and into a new building behind City Hall.
In June the Opera House closed for renovation.
On July 17th the Opera House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pork chops were selling for 89C per pound and leg of lrmb for 98C per pound. Grapefruit were 5 for 59CI
1975
The city offices and the police department which had been housed in the Opera House moved into the renovated Central School-now City Hall.
The city landfill closed.
Ackemann's of Elgin began remodelling the old Woolworth's Dime Store on the north side of the square for a department store.
A restaurant opened on the ground floor of the Old Courthouse.
The old sheriff's residence opened its doors as a tea room. Madelein's
The Woodstock VJ (Victory Over Japan) Day Parade dissolved and the Pageant of Drums on the High School field was discontinued. It had been known as one of the finest drum and bugle corps programs in the country.
1976
Fund raising by the Woodstock Business and Professional Women's Club was completed and the 1873 Springhouse in the middle of the square was restored and dedicated. It was used for Ice Cream Socials at City Band concerts throughout the summer.
An Arts and Crafts Fair on the square celebrated the nation's Bicentennial.
Douglas Rankin from Walnut Creek,California was appointed Executive Director of the Opera House.
On Thanksgiving weekend the "Steeple People" put the finishing touch on the Opera House rstoration - a replication of the original cupola was set in place.
1977
In February the city celebrated the gala re-opening of the restored Opera House. The restoration was spearheaded by local citizens who formed the Woodstock Opera House Community Center,Inc. which planned the building to be used as a community center and theatre. Approximately half of the $500,000 came from city tax funds and half from private donations. Great care was taken to assure a historically accurate restoration throughout. John Vincent Anderson was the architect overseeing the work. Tom Bosley and Shelley Berman who had started their careers in a repertory company at the Opera House in the early '40s returned for the Gala.
Frances Kuhn was elected mayor in April.
After a successful referendum the Rural Woodstock Public Library District was formed, The District encompasses the area in Community School District 200 which is outside the Woodstock City.limits. The elected Board members negotiate a contract each year with the city library board so that all citizens in District 200 receive library services and support the library with their taxes.
The Woodstock High School team reached the semifinals in Class 4A Football.
Woodstock was one of 38 cities in Illinois with an emergency 911 phone number.
Women's dresses and pantsuits were selling for $29-$59.
1978
Major blizzards caused many problems,traffic and other wise in January.
Church Women United,with profits from their Clothing Closet (a resale shop for clothing and household items) were able to donate a fully equipped medical van rented from the Lake County Health Department. It will visit McHenry county two times a month to serve people without medical care.
The Old Courthouse and Jail celebrated the 140th anniversary of its founding by placing a plaque recognising its placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Woodstock City Council approved Walden Oaks, a 102 unit development on a 13 acre site on Kimball Avenue. This Planned Unit Development includes federally assisted funding for the elderly.
Beard & Stovall Men's Clothier advertised men's suits normally for $125,selling for $90.
A 1978 Ford Impala 3 seat wagon was selling for $5793, and a Chewy van for $4523.
Sirloin steak cost $1.39 per pound and butter sold for 77$.
1979
Weather topped the news from January through March,with blizzards and heavy snow in January and record spring floods in February and March.
In January the Woodstock city council adopted a compre~ hensive plan and planning map,after three years'work. The plan consisted of tables relating to environmental concerns, community development,transportation,public facilities and neighborhoods. It defined prime agricultural areas, and areas forjfuture residential^ commercial and industrial development.
Bert Hanson,Hospital Administrator for 25 years at Memorial Hospital, resigned. A major addition vaulted the Hospital to its position as a modern health care center during his administration.
In February there were major changes to the Board of Directors of the State Bank. Don Still, president since 1964 . <>iAm
stayed on as Chairman of the Board and Don Cooney stepped in ft* f>™
1979 (continued)
The city council approved the annexation of 30 acres of Klemm property north of Northwood School. This could become one of the largest developments ever annexed into the city.
In April 115 acres of land west of the city was proposed for an extension to Westwood subdivision.
A special section of the April Daily Sentinel gave the history of Woodstock through early photos and a thorough reporting of the years of its history.
The use of the fire siren atop the Opera House was discontinued. All citizens (and Opera House audiences) were delighted that other methods of emergency communication had been found I
1980
Major remodeling took place'at the Memorial Hospital for McHenry County in this year. The first step was approval of the expansion plans by the General MEmbership.immediately followed by the construction of a new power plant.
A fund raising drive to raise $1.5 million of local contributions as part of the $9 million total cost, was begun with Mal Bellairs, Chester Gould and Jean Smith at the helm.
Ground-breaking for the three-story South Pavilion, the new cafeteria,entranceway and parking lots took place in June
The Miller Theatre,Woodstock's movie house, long-shutter ed,was re-opened after a renovation that also Princess and the Gem.
Father Egan,beloved pastor of St.Mary's church for many years, died in December.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
WOODSTOCK DAILY SENTINEL
BIBLIOGRAPHY
HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY:published 1995
by MCHENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Citation
Fisk, Darlene and Fisk, Ken, “Notes for Sesquicentennial History of Woodstock, 1972-1981,” Woodstock Public Library Archives, accessed June 9, 2026, https://woodstockpubliclibraryarchives.omeka.net/items/show/41.
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