Tiskilwa Historical Society Hosts May 13 Program on Hennepin Canal’s Past, Present, Future

One of Bureau County’s most beloved nature trails is the Hennepin Canal Parkway. To learn more about its construction, history and current status, Tiskilwa Historical Society has invited Gary Wagle, president of the Friends of the Hennepin Canal, to share insights and historic photos. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 13, at Tiskilwa’s Museum on Main.

Now a resident of Galesburg, Gary spent his childhood on the banks of the Hennepin Canal, “making it my playground where I swam, fished, rode my horse, ice skated, hiked, explored, camped, and dreamed.”

For Gary, the canal continued to be a pleasant destination into adulthood, as he taught high school in the Quad Cities for 35 years. When he retired in 1998, he decided to organize the Friends of the Hennepin Canal to help with its preservation. His group has sponsored many activities and events to raise awareness and help to maintain the canal pathway. The 30-minute presentation will be followed by a brief question-and-answer period.

During the social and refreshment time following the program, visitors may also enjoy viewing the spring display in the Timeline Gallery, full of Hennepin Canal photos and other canal artifacts from the museum’s collection.

On Monday, May 13, Tiskilwa Historical Society will host a program about the Hennepin Canal. Presenter Gary Wagle provided this 1907 photo of The Marion, the first vessel to ply the waters through the entire length of the 75-mile canal and its lock system. The event, beginning at 7:00 p.m., is free and open to the public.

In other news, historical society will host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27, in Tiskilwa’s East Park, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Society member and Navy veteran Jennifer Fisher has again organized program. In a special feature, Mike Johnson of Princeton will donate the World War I uniform of Tiskilwa native, Harry Quick.

Immediately following the Memorial Day program, the historical society will host an “As Is” Open House with refreshments at its new Gallery on Galena, the former American Legion Hall. Location is just south of the railroad tracks at 550 North Galena Street. The open house will be from approximately noon to 2:00 p.m.

On Saturday, June 8, will be hosting its annual Art & Strawberry Festival on the museum lawn from 10:00 to 1:00. Hungry World Farm will provide strawberries and shortcake. In addition, artists, photographers, artisans, and bakers who would like to display and sell their work may call Connie Kauffman at 815.646.4756. No fees are involved. There will be children’s activities on the lawn and at the Tiskilwa Library, as well of interesting booths of all kinds, including Piccolo’s Pizza. Starting around noon, Phil and Pam Kaufmann will provide some rollicking music.