Your say - McHenry: Reader-submitted essays

We asked you what made your community special. Here's what readers had to way about McHenry:

Much to love about McHenry

I love McHenry because its still has a small-town atmosphere, even though it has had a lot of growth in the 43 years I have shopped, done business, and lived in McHenry.

I remember when Hornsby’s was the big store in town. I remember when we had to go to Crystal Lake for a Shamrock Shake because McHenry had no fast food. I remember Gladstone’s being the most versatile department store one would ever find and was thrilled at age 13 when the Brouhaha Boutique opened across the street. Finally! Cool clothes for us teenagers.

I love that we still have the same movie theater. I love the beautiful Fox River and Boone Creek winding through town.

Despite the growth, the traffic jams, and all of the negatives that come with the population explosion that McHenry has seen in the last 40 years, it is still a great place to live.

People are friendly, helpful, and they look out for their neighbors, even when their neighbors are the ducks at the park next door.

Art in the Park is my favorite part about Fiesta Days, but all of Fiesta Days is fun.

I love the playground behind the gazebo at Veterans Memorial Park with the old fire engine, and have such fond memories of my son climbing that endlessly when he was a little guy. I love the ornate beauty of St. Patrick’s Church and the energy of Holy Apostles.

I love the great little shops that always offer something different and interesting. All in all, I love McHenry.

Karen Lavin
McHenry
 

Green Street paved with meaning

Donald Doherty and Rosalie Williams graduated from McHenry Community High School East Campus in 1945 and 1946.

After school, Rosalie would go to Unti’s Ice Cream parlor on Green Street and scoop ice cream until one arm was larger than the other. She also worked at National Tea Co. on Green Street.

Donald worked for his uncle, Tom Bolger, at Bolger Drug Store on Green Street and later ran it himself for many years.

On Aug. 4, 1951, Donald and Rosalie were married at St. Patrick’s Church at the end of Green Street. After children started arriving, they moved into a house on Green Street, where they raised 10 children.

Donald could walk from his home just a few blocks north on Green Street to open the drug store 365 days a year, if necessary. All 10 children were baptized and educated at St. Patrick’s Church and School at the corner of Washington Street and Green Street.

Green Street has been a consistent and joyful part of our life and we consider it the “Garden Spot of the Universe.”

Donald and Rosalie Doherty
McHenry
 

People make town great

The people of McHenry are what I love the most.

They are hard-working, frugal and a bit stubborn. They resist change, but embrace the opportunity to change. They are historians. When you sit down to coffee with a longtime resident, you will be amazed to find out whose uncle farmed the land where some big box now sits.

They are a blue-collar, roll-your-sleeves-up-and-get-to-work type of people. They are not much on dressing up except for funerals and going to church. They like an occasional beer and banjo night with a little bingo tossed in for fun. They love Fiesta Days. When you challenge their lifestyle, you will find a battle on your hands.

They vote Republican, root for the Bears and Cubs (with a few exceptions), they speak the truth and expect it in return.

If you need a friend, come to McHenry, you will find a good one.

Over the years, many new people have moved to McHenry. Some thought they would change it. In the end, they are the ones who changed. It is the people that make McHenry a great place to live. Everything else is a bonus.

Tim Stewart
McHenry

Volunteer support a community positive

I moved to McHenry from South Dakota about 14 months ago.

My wife and I were very involved in community volunteerism, education and sports, and we’ve found McHenry to be a place that supports volunteers in a similar manner.

We find the rolling hills, trees, Fox River, Chain O’ Lakes and state and local parks to be beautiful, and the number of golf courses in the area is great. McHenry is just close enough to downtown Chicago that we can enjoy museums and the arts but far enough away to avoid all of the traffic. Also, getting to downtown is easy because of the Metra.

McHenry is made up of friendly, helpful residents and the Chamber has welcomed us with open arms. I love being part of the library and meeting residents on a daily basis. In short, McHenry is just a great place to live, and we plan to be here for a long time.

Jim Scholtz
Executive Director, McHenry Public Library
 

Quite a ride for 35 years

January 1974 seems so long ago, but what a remarkable journey it’s been from then, when we first moved to McHenry, until now.

McHenry has transformed into one of the premier communities in the state – perhaps even in the country.

We have grown to become a city that has most anything you could want and plans to fill in any missing gaps.

My family and I have just loved this town.

Where else can you go into a local business and always be greeted as if you are a friend? Try stopping in at Riverside Bakery, Little Chef Restaurant, Bimbo’s Restaurant, Barb’s Hallmark, Ed’s Rental, Stuc’s Pizza, The Pink Door or Sparrow’s Nest Thrift Store, Bjorkman’s Ace Hardware, Sullivan’s, Corkscrew Pointe, Nana’s Kitchen or so many of the other local establishments. You’ll be greeted with a smile.

Where can you watch a movie and enjoy the delicious popcorn and even get free refills for under $10? Oh, and you don’t have to leave your seat to get the refills. The ushers will take care of that. Remember also, McHenry has one of the very few remaining outdoor theaters in the state or country.

Where can you take a peaceful walk along Boone Creek (and soon along the Fox River) and take a moment to sit on a bench watching the fish or the ducks swim by?

And how about the history – as you sit and listen to the City Band playing nostalgic songs from the ‘40s, you can either gaze at the beautiful old gazebo or close your eyes and think about the many concerts, activities or family picnics held right there at Veterans Park over the years.

My three children all graduated from McHenry schools and received excellent educations.

Take a walk – people greet you. Smile and you’ll be smiled back at.

Thirty five years, but it seems like five because it’s been such a fun ride. You just don’t find a place like this anywhere.

Valorie Hobson
McHenry

Still remember the VFW carnivals

Fifty-eight years of memories filled with childhood, school days, teen years, adult life, times, places and people. I could not think of any other place or time to grow up in and live in than McHenry. There truly is no place like home.

My family home was on Route 120 across from the VFW. My parents ran two businesses there. Every year my brothers and I could walk across the street and go to the carnival the VFW sponsored. I remember the bakery, hardware store and Ben Franklin on Green Street, Freund’s Dairy delivering our milk in glass bottles, my kindergarten in a house on Waukegan Road that’s still there.

The McHenry bowling alley burned down, as did Justin Furniture on Green Street. I recall all the Marine Day parades and the fire department water fights on Riverside Drive, and Shaky’s, now Don’s Dairy Frost, and walking over the scary, old Pearl Street bridge.

As a teen back then, it was difficult to get into trouble because everyone knew your parents, and if you misbehaved, your parents got a phone call. By the way, our phone number back then was 854-M.

What makes my hometown special is so much more than 50 to 200 words. I commend McHenry for maintaining what’s old and planning what’s new.

My brother, Larry, and I are so proud of our hometown, and happy to have the family, friends and memories it holds.

Kathy Powers (Brusso)
McHenry

So many reasons to love McHenry

Why do I find McHenry so special? Let me count the ways.

Fiesta Days every summer in McHenry are filled with exciting festivities, and the band concerts Thursday nights during the summer at Veterans Memorial Park attract huge crowds for the best in musical entertainment.

I love all of the family picnics and sports activities in the popular Petersen Park. I find all the nearby conservation areas interesting, and a stroll through Moraine Hills State Park to enjoy the beauty of nature always gives me a thrill.

Neighborhood pride is evident in the summertime with lawns neatly mowed and gorgeous flower gardens, not to be outdone by the Christmas holiday decorations all around town – and particularly the eye-catching display near the entrance to Whispering Oaks subdivision is a welcoming sight to visitors coming into McHenry from the west.

As I write about these fine things about McHenry, I hear a voice within me thunder, “It’s the People!” And how right that is. The people here are always there to lend a helping hand when needed. I have witnessed this so many times.

Bill Bolger
McHenry

To protect and serve McHenry

Growing up in McHenry has given me some very memorable experiences.

I moved here from Chicago with my parents in 1960. I went to St. Patrick’s Elementary, McHenry Junior High and then McHenry High School.

As a young boy, I recall Saturday afternoons spent at the downtown theater. We would then go to Ben Franklin (now Some Other Nuts) to get some of the “penny” candy. Sometimes we all went to the local roller rink on Front Street (Still there!).

I spent most of the time playing pick-up games of baseball or football. I was never very good at basketball (and I’ll bet some of the guys reading this are saying, “Brogan, you weren’t so hot at the other two either!”). During summer months, we would head over to the go-kart track near the drive-in theater. You could spend an hour there for about $3! At night we might walk over to the drive-in and catch a movie.

During high school, some of the best times I had were on Friday nights, after a football game, cruising Green Street with the guys. When the McDonald’s went in west of town, that became the place we’d all meet.

After high school, I met my future wife, Deborah, also a Chicago transplant. I guess I felt so good about my hometown, the people and the small-town atmosphere, that I convinced Deborah that this was where we should raise our kids. She agreed. Three grown children later, I think we made an excellent choice.

Working as a police officer in the town you grew up in can at times be challenging. On the other hand, I can not think of a more rewarding experience than protecting and serving the community that has given me so much.

Thank you, McHenry!

Bill Brogan
Chief of Police, McHenry

FISH grateful for community support

At the McHenry FISH Food Pantry, we see first-hand people enduring trying times as well as the outpouring of support from a generous community.

During FISH’s recent Christmas Food Giveway, the pantry was able to help 519 families in need, 209 more than last year.

This included 859 adults – 353 more than last year – and 761 children – 331 more than last year. Given out were $11,090 in food vouchers – $1,510 more than last year – and 2,536 bags of food – 1,203 more than last year.

FISH’s all-volunteer staff provided an attitude of comforting respect and joyful spirit, and numerous extra volunteers helped sort tons of food during this tremendously busy season.

So many people continue to give in so many ways, making McHenry the caring, loving community that it is.

Barb Pierce
Executive Director, FISH of McHenry

Home is where McHenry is

When I think of what makes McHenry special, I think of “family.” I grew up in Lakeland Park, in a house on the lake where my parents still reside.

It’s a place that still rings with the sights and sounds of families. When I drive by the beach where my brothers and sisters used to play, I hear the sounds of children laughing, just like when we were growing up. When I sit in a lawn chair on a warm Fourth of July evening looking across the water on that very same lake, I see the sky lit up with McHenry’s colorful fireworks and hear the same “oohs and aahs” as years gone by.

When I think of what makes McHenry special, I think of the small-town heroes who still inspire me. Mrs. Hollander, the first-grade music teacher who nurtured my singing talents when I was only 7. Mr. Leighty, the high school choir teacher who gave a chubby girl the chance to feel like a swan with each carefully picked solo. Mr. Toalson, when he was director of the McHenry City Band, who gave a 17-year-old girl the chance to stand up in front of a 15-piece big band and belt out a few tunes. And Joe Stanek, the quintessential barber who knew everything about everybody and who became a popular mayor of our small town with big dreams.

I remember how Joe was able to graciously accept wildflower bouquets, personally delivered by the girl riding her bike who had a little crush on him and thought he was “handsome.”

I think of what makes McHenry special, and I think of the people. I think of the families who come out on Thursday nights in the summer to hear the band concerts. I think of the parents and grandparents who sit on the lawn, eat ice cream, and listen to the band play great music, while kids jump and dance. I think of the McHenry Fire Department, which acted swiftly and expertly when my dad needed immediate medical attention. I think of the city leaders who have consistently been invested in the value of creating “community” while reaching for larger goals.

I think of McHenry, and I think of home.

Maureen Christine-Bazan

Preserving memories of old

Why do I enjoy living in McHenry?

McHenry is a community that continues to change while preserving the heritage left to us by our forefathers.

We enjoy the rich traditions of our past – the quaintness of the “old town,” Veterans Memorial Park, annual City Band Concert Series and Fiesta Days Extravaganza. We serve as stewards of our community by preserving the memories of years gone by.

Yet, we prepare for the future by maximizing our potential. Drawing on the inherent treasure and beauty of the Fox River and Boone Creek – the developing McHenry Riverwalk stands as an ever-growing testament to the community spirit of McHenry, my hometown!

Kathi Kunzer
Deputy Clerk, McHenry

River the community’s lifeblood

There is just so much to love about McHenry that it is very difficult to select just one component.

If my arm is twisted, however, I’ll choose the Fox River, as I believe this river is the thread that connects McHenry’s past, present and future.

The town of McHenry was established along the banks of the river and the fertile soils nourished by her presence assisted this agricultural community in its growth and development. Later, this same river attracted a recreational following.

Large resorts and vacation cabins served as summer havens for families while they enjoyed boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, and duck hunting. And today as the community reinvests in the Riverwalk project, we recognize its value as an economic stimulus, its importance as an environmental resource, and its connection to McHenry’s identity and character.

The city of McHenry was and will always remain the “heart of the Fox.”

Pamela J. Althoff
State Senator
McHenry