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The McHenry County Historical Society and Museum

Plaqued Historic Sites

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Spring Grove Fish Hatchery

In 1914, the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery became the first fish hatchery in the state of Illinois.  It was chosen because of its natural cold water springs which produced over 300 gallons of water a minute.  At its height, the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery produced as many as 35,000,000 fingerlings or small fish.  Now there are three other hatcheries in Illinois.  Today, the Fish Hatchery is being restored to a nature and interpretative center where visitors can learn about the history and workings of the hatchery, the natural environment and heritage of the area.

Spring Grove Fish Hatchery

Grace Moline presents our 78th Historic Sites plaque to the Pres. Mark Eisenberg of Spring Grove and the Village trustees. Grace is holding a National Trust sign for "This Place Matters" while Village Pres. Mark Eisenberg holds the plaque.  in the background from L-R are: Patrick King, Nancy Crawford, Karen Thennes, Mimi Bierman, Nancy Roozee, Margaret Richardson, Rick Bierman, , MCHS President Molly Walsh, Museum Administrator Nancy Fike, Rob Cisneros and Jan Knight, Historic Sites members and Board members from the Historical Society.

John J. & Barbara A. Smith House at 235 W. Main St., Cary, IL

When Mr. & Mrs. Smith retired from their dairy farm on the outskirts of Cary in 1904, they built this fine house.  This cottage size Queen Anne style house with its romantic characteristics is a fine expression of the Machine Age and Railroad Era of McHenry County.  An interesting feature is the etched glass scene on the entry doors.  During a period of the houses's life, the second floor rooms were rented to railroad workers. Plaqued on April 20, 2008.

Edward H. Cook House, 10813, N.Woodstock St., Huntley, IL

This elaborate Queen Anne home displays the social success of the Cook family.  The wrap-around front porch , steeply pitched roof and irregular shape along with its asymmetrical footprint are all hallmarks of the Queen Anne style.  This lovely home has wonderful leaded glass windows, a large curved double hung window reflecting the curve of the porch and Palladian windows. Plaqued on April 5, 2009.

Edward H. Cook House, 10813, N.Woodstock St., Huntley, IL

Interior View: The Cooks opted for a more classical look with the Tuscan columns and raised relief ornamentation of the exterior.  However, they did bring spindlework into the interior.  Mr. Cook was quite prominent in Huntley as well as in the county. He was County Coroner for 17 years, postmaster, druggist, farm auctioneer and funeral director in Huntley.  He was also Fire Chief, Clerk of Grafton Township and a village trustee plus a member of several organizations.