HEADLIGHT: SIGHTS & SCENES ALONG THE CHICAGO NORTHWESTERN RAILROAD (1898)
"Oliver Typewriter Co
This is the largest manufacturing plant in Woodstock, and is one of the largest of its kind in the world. They employ upward of one hundred and fifty hands, most of whom are skilled mechanics, and the concern as a whole has been one of the most important factors in promoting the welfare and business interests of Woodstock. Their payroll amounts to more than $75,000 per year, and has been a gratifying item to the retail interests of the city. The company have been located in Woodstock since January, 1896, and the local management is vested F. R. Baytlett,. resident manager; John Whitworth, superintendent. The product is confined to the Oliver Typewriter exclusively, and the works have an immense capacity. They claim that the "Oliver" is the latest and mo<st striking embodiment, containing the five great essential features in typewriting machines of visible writing, simplicity, durability, speed, and manifolding power. The machine is a radical departure from all other methods of construction, and contains about 500 parts as against the complicated makes of other companies which contain from fifteen hundred to three thousand parts. This gives the "Oliver" the maximum of work with a minimum of mechanism. Nothing but the best material is used, which, combined with good construction, render the durability of this machine a foregone conclusion. One of its special features is the triangular form of type-bar used with the type at the apex, thus solving the question of perfect alignment in type-bar machines. It is absolutely impossible to lock two or more bars in case of an interference on this form of type-bar. The carriage is light, does not require much attention on the operating springs and responds readily to the escapement. It moves freely on anti-friction travelers, insuring an easy, steady motion, obviating the necessity of cleaning and oiling the guide-rail. The printing is always visible, and the platen can be turned automatically either way and at any distance. The marginal stop is instantly adjusted for any desired width of margin, and the platen may be reversed to make any additions or corrections without lifting a pawl. Any desired color can be obtained by placing a piece of carbon paper of the required shade under the ribbon when writing, and in cleaning this machine no extra attachment or circle-brush is needed, as the face of the type when at rest is turned upward and outward, making it possible to do the cleaning in a few seconds with an ordinary brush. In manifolding the Oliver is especially powerful, by reason of the fact that the imprint is obtained by the downward stroke of the bar, and is intensified by the tendency of the bars to drop toward the platen. The general offices of the company are at the N. E. cor. Washington and Dearborn Sts., Chicago, and its officers include some of the most representative business men in the city."

There were 12 different models of typewriters manufactured in Woodstock between 1896 and the closing of the factory in 1927. This Model 5 was manufactured between 1907 and 1914. This photo was used for advertising direct sales to the public in 1916. The writing says Manufactured by the Oliver Typewriter Co. Chicago USA. Keep machine cleaned and oiled.

]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos]]>
Front: Irvin Hecht, Dwight Stussey, Kenneth Gay, Raymond Jensen.
]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> condition - good
File Cabinet 2 Woodstock I-Z
Filed in Schools-Woodstock High School file folder in Archives Drawers]]> 120 W. South Street]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY
]]> File Cabinet 6 Photos
Filed in the Woodstock - Central School file folder in the black archives drawers.]]>
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

]]> IN COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE PERMITTED]]> IN COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE PERMITTED]]>
Part I: April 14, 1856-April 19, 1869
Part II: April 29, 1869-October 2, 1874]]>
The photo was taken...
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 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]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]>
Gustav "Gus" Persson
Born in Grums Skruvstad, Varmland, Sweden, November 8, 1879; immigrated to America in 1896; came to Woodstock in 1900; died October 28, 1974

Leaving Sweden at the tender age of 17 accompanied by his two brothers, John and Per, looking backward toward their home, Gus was left with a heart-wrenching memory of his mother throwing herself to the ground, totally grief stricken.
Gus's sister, Mary Dibler, had sent money for her brothers to come to America. Gus worked on a farm in Hampshire, Illinois, to earn money to pay for his passage.
Remembering his first Christmas on the farm since leaving Sweden, Gus told us how homesick he was. He sat behind the barn and cried. He said, "As poor as we were in Sweden, we never had to work on Christmas day."
Having returned to Sweden for a visit shortly after he came to America, he didn't return there again until 1961. Six trips followed after that. Gus never forgot his homeland or his mother-tongue. He loved going "home" to visit.
Soon after leaving the farm, Gus went to work for McCormick Deering as a draftsman in Chicago. There he learned skills to be a pattern maker. While working in Chicago, he lived at a boarding house at 35 N. Clark Street.
In 1900, Gus moved to Woodstock and roomed with the Dibler family at 130 E. Calhoun Street.
Starting in 1904, Gus worked at the Oliver Typewriter Factory in the reproduction department. During the 15 years he worked there, he invented a part that improved the performance of the machine. It was called "the disappearing indicator." Gus could have applied for a patent for it but the company claimed that right.
During the time he worked at the typewriter factory, Gus met and married Ane Katrine Madsen in 1909. They were blessed with six children: Stanley (Ione), a WWII Glider Pilot; Arthur (Grace), a barber for over 60 years in Woodstock; Myrtle Persson (Alex) Beresh; Florence Persson (Gordon) Knox; Mildred Persson (Edwin) Fish and (William) Luallen; Esther Persson (Andy) Sorenson (Jack) Wienke; 18 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. Gus and his Katie celebrated 65 years of marriage.
In 1910, Gus and his wife purchased Lots 1011 and 1013 Queen Anne Street in Woodstock for $275. Construction of the basic part of the house was done on the 1011 lot. Gus did all of the finishing woodwork.
Gus purchased the General Store in Ridgefield, Illinois, not knowing that the Borden Condensed Milk factory had been sold and business would not do very well in Ridgefield. Circa 1920-1928
At the same time, Gus and Sam Skow operated The Greasy Spoon lunch room on Main Street in Woodstock. Circa 1920 to 1928. The Greasy Spoon was sold to Andy Pearson.
Gus went to work at the Alemite (later called Autolite) in the tool room, retiring at the age of 75. For several years after retirement, the factory brought pattern work to Gus to be done in his workshop in his basement.
Gus had many interests and hobbies. He was a Charter Member of the Independent Order of the Vasa Lodge, Unity #487 formed on March 28, 1939. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Vikings Lodge Thyrfine #34, started in March 1920, and at their 50th Anniversary, Gus - 91 years old - played a violin solo, "Jenta och Ja."
He was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church and saw to it that all six children attended Sunday School and were confirmed.
Gus was an ardent bowler. At 91 years old, he opened the McHenry County Bowling Tournament.
Gus was an amateur photographer, taking pictures of family groups, picnics, home interiors, etc., developing them as postcards, and selling them circa 1905 to 1916. A fine collectionof Gus's pictures are in an album at the McHenry County Historical Society (you have to ask to see it). Over three hundred glass and film negatives of Gus's pictures are also at MCHS along with his camera. Gus was very pleased that so many people had pictures made from is negatives and enjoyed his pictures.
Music was also a love of Gus's. His day very often began with "Oh What a Beautiful Morning." He would sing Swedish songs. Katie would say, "If he sings and doesn't cry, thay are probably songs about girls. Don't sing that one to the Pastor--Ha-Ha."
He enjoyed fishing at Delavan, Wisconsin where his daughter Myrtle and her family lived.
Gus was proud to be an American. During WWII, having his two sons in Service, he "kept up with the news" faithfully every day with radio and newspapers.
He belonged to the Civil Defense, wore the CD band on his arm and walked the neighborhood during the blackouts in case of an air raid.
Gus loved people, he loved life and lived well every day of his 96 years.]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> In vertical files Woodstock-Biography-Persson
File Cab. 1 Woodstock A-H
]]>
This database has many of his photographs.

After his death in 1932, the studio was sold to Bransby Brothers. Unfortunately, the building (one of the last wooden buildings on the Square) burned in 1936 and all his negatives were destroyed. The one story building at 106 Cass is on the site of the fire.
]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> Display Board
Board Room Closet
Poor Condition]]> ]]>
Cyrus Durfee was a physician who practiced in Woodstock until 1874, then his name appears in the Chicago business directories until his death in 1901.

The house became the Always Inn sometime between 1903, When Thomas and Gertrude Shackell were married, and when this postcard was printed. The hotel was first known as Always Inn, but the name was listed as Hotel Hillcrest in the 1914 city directory. The Shackell’s ran the hotel until their deaths in 1950. He died on February 28 and she died March 13. It was still a hotel in 1960 (called The Crest), but was vacant for most of the 1960s. The house was divided into apartments around 1968.

Note the spelling ALLWAYS Inn on the concrete step near the sidewalk]]> Online Purchase]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]>
The American Legion building on this site was constructed in 1935 and demolished in 2004 as part of the Woodstock Station development.]]> Online purchase]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> This print was made from glass negatives donated to the Woodstock Public Library. ]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]>
This print was made from glass negatives donated to the Woodstock Public Library. The photograph was taken at the Abraham (or Abram) Bodine McConnell House at the corner of Jefferson and South Street in Woodstock Illinois. A.B. McConnell was a son of one of the very first European settlers in McHenry County, William Alexander McConnell. A.B. was born in a log cabin in Richmond Illinois in 1839. He married Harriet Susan Potter in 1861 and had five children. The house was finished in 1894, the McConnells moved in November 1894. AB McConnell unexpectedly died three months later on February 15, 1894.
]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]>
This print was made from glass negatives donated to the Woodstock Public Library. The photograph was possibly taken at the Abraham (or Abram) Bodine McConnell House at the corner of Jefferson and South Street in Woodstock Illinois. A.B. McConnell was a son of one of the very first European settlers in McHenry County, William Alexander McConnell. A.B. was born in a log cabin in Richmond Illinois in 1839. He married Harriet Susan Potter in 1861 and had five children. The house was finished in 1894, the McConnells moved in November 1894. AB McConnell unexpectedly died three months later on February 15, 1894.]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]>
The “Sentinel” or Civil War Monument was erected by the Grand Army of the Republic. Zoia Monuments mounted the statue on its base. The symbols of the infantry, cavalry, navy, and marines are carved on the sides. Over time it became the memorial to veterans of all wars.]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]>
Elijah Burbank also built two houses on Dean Street in 1855 near Dean Street School, one for his family (on the corner of Dean and Tryon streets) and one for the hired hands across the street (east side off Dean Street).]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]>
Opened in 1891, the library was originally located in the Woodstock Opera House. The library moved to its Judd Street location in 1959. The 4000 sq ft building was designed by local architect William Fyfe, a former student of Frank Lloyd Wright. The brick pillars throughout the reference area are from the 1959 building.

The library underwent two more expansions in 1966 (Fyfe, architect) and in 1987. The 1987 expansion by the architectural firm of O'Donnell Wicklund Pigozzi of Deerfield increased the library size to nearly 23,000 sq. ft. and added upper and lower levels to the building. Originally the Children’s Room and a meeting room were located in the lower level and the adult nonfiction and reference collections were on the upper level. The entrance to the building was moved to the west side, from the parking lot, instead of the original front door location on Judd Street with a back entrance from the north side driveway.

The 2001 expansion of the library by Frye Gillan Molinaro Architects of Chicago retained the upper and lower levels of the 1987 building and the brick pillars from the 1959 building. The 43,000 sq. ft. revision of the library moved the Children’s Room to the main floor of the library, and provides a variety of meeting spaces from study rooms to meeting rooms.

The antique oak tables located in the Margaret Marchi Reading Room are from the library’s first days in the Woodstock Opera House in the 1890s. The slanted table and benches in the Children’s Room and several adult fiction display stands are from the 1959 and 1966 renovations. Much of the upper level furniture is from the 1987 addition.
]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]>
The library underwent two more expansions in 1966 (Fyfe, architect) and in 1987. The 1987 expansion by the architectural firm of O'Donnell Wicklund Pigozzi of Deerfield increased the library size to nearly 23,000 sq. ft. and added upper and lower levels to the building. Originally the Children’s Room and a meeting room were located in the lower level and the adult nonfiction and reference collections were on the upper level. The entrance to the building was moved to the west side, from the parking lot, instead of the original front door location on Judd Street with a back entrance from the north side driveway.

The 2001 expansion of the library by Frye Gillan Molinaro Architects of Chicago retained the upper and lower levels of the 1987 building and the brick pillars from the 1959 building. The 43,000 sq. ft. revision of the library moved the Children’s Room to the main floor of the library, and provides a variety of meeting spaces from study rooms to meeting rooms.

The antique oak tables located in the Margaret Marchi Reading Room are from the library’s first days in the Woodstock Opera House in the 1890s. The slanted table and benches in the Children’s Room and several adult fiction display stands are from the 1959 and 1966 renovations. Much of the upper level furniture is from the 1987 addition.
]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY
]]>
The cast included Hascy Tarbox as Sir Andrew Aguecheek and Todd School's Headmaster Roger Hill's daughter Joanne Hill as Viola.

The famous actor and director, Orson Welles, is the best-known Todd School graduate. He started at Todd School in 1926 and graduated in 1931 at age 15. In the summer of 1934, he returned to produce the Todd Theatre Festival of Shakespearean plays at the Opera House.

Welles’ first known film, Hearts of Age, was filmed in Woodstock. The building seen in the film is Wallingford Hall on the school campus. The Todd School bell used in the film now resides in front of the Woodstock Presbyterian Church, and the gravestone is in the Calvary Cemetery on Jackson Street.

Welles is perhaps best known for directing and starring in Citizen Kane. In another of his movies, The Stranger, set in a boys’ boarding school, Welles paid homage by including subtle references to Todd School.

Welles was a frequent visitor to the school after graduating, and would eventually serve on the Todd School board and his daughter, Christopher, attended the school. Welles remained friends with Roger Hill, Todd School Headmaster, and the two men collaborated on the Everybody’s Shakespeare.

The Todd School for Boys (1848–1954) was an independent school located in Woodstock, Illinois founded by Reverend Richard Kimball Todd, a Presbyterian pastor. Under the guidance of Headmaster Noble Hill in the 1920s and Hill’s son Roger in the 1930s, it became known as a progressive school that provided students, including Orson Welles, with a creative educational environment that emphasized practical experience over traditional academics. The main Todd School Campus was located on the northeast corner of the Rt. 47 (Seminary Ave) and Rt. 120 (McHenry Ave.) junction.
]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]>
The Todd School for Boys (1848–1954) was an independent school located in Woodstock, Illinois founded by Reverend Richard Kimball Todd, a Presbyterian pastor. Under the guidance of Headmaster Noble Hill in the 1920s and Hill’s son Roger in the 1930s, it became known as a progressive school that provided students with a creative educational environment that emphasized practical experience over traditional academics. The main Todd School Campus was located on the northeast corner of the Rt. 47 (Seminary Ave) and Rt. 120 (McHenry Ave.) junction.

Anthony C. Roskie grew up in Rockford, Illinois and attended Rockford High School. After graduating from Lake Forest College outside of Chicago in 1929, he took a position as a coach and teacher at Todd School for Boys, eventually serving as its athletic director. Following his years at Todd and Woodstock Community High School, Roskie became a founder of McHenry County College. Roskie was voted Woodstock Citizen of the Year in 1971. Eleven years later, a pavilion at Woodstock City Park was named in his honor. He died in 1995 at the age of 89.]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]>
Affectionately known as “Big Bertha,” the Todd School sleeper buses provided a complete traveling home/school, were used to take students to educational sites throughout North America and to transport students to the Todd winter home in Florida.

The Todd School for Boys (1848–1954) was an independent school located in Woodstock, Illinois founded by Reverend Richard Kimball Todd, a Presbyterian pastor. Under the guidance of Headmaster Noble Hill in the 1920s and Hill’s son Roger in the 1930s, it became known as a progressive school that provided students with a creative educational environment that emphasized practical experience over traditional academics. The main Todd School Campus was located on the northeast corner of the Rt. 47 (Seminary Ave) and Rt. 120 (McHenry Ave.) junction.

Anthony C. Roskie grew up in Rockford, Illinois and attended Rockford High School. After graduating from Lake Forest College outside of Chicago in 1929, he took a position as a coach and teacher at Todd School for Boys, eventually serving as its athletic director. Following his years at Todd and Woodstock Community High School, Roskie became a founder of McHenry County College. Roskie was voted Woodstock Citizen of the Year in 1971. Eleven years later, a pavilion at Woodstock City Park was named in his honor. He died in 1995 at the age of 89.]]> NO COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

]]>