Peasley: Harvard Milk Days has long history
A 68-year McHenry County tradition will come to a climax June 6 with the annual Harvard Milk Days parade and related events at Milky Way Park.
I’m honored to be chosen as this year’s grand marshal. This will include presiding over the parade. My first Harvard Milk Days was in 1948 when I covered a host of activities for the Woodstock Journal, Hebron News and Huntley Review, a family of newspapers owned by John Strohm. I have fond memories of such strong leaders as Catherine Oost, Bill Davidson and Jud Davis.
The Milk Days celebration was organized to honor the county’s major agricultural businessmen – the 1,500 dairy farmers – and to stress support of World War II efforts. Farmers responded with a sizeable increase in milk production.
WGN’s Orion Samuelson will be master of ceremonies for the brunch at Harvard Moose. Orion is the nation’s most outstanding agricultural broadcaster. One thing the audience can expect: Orion will entertain with his Norwegian and Swedish jokes.
I became acquainted with him in 1960 almost immediately after he came to WGN as farm director. I was conducting tape-recorded interviews for existing farm radio programs throughout Illinois, and they were heard on 100 stations.
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Those who have dined at Deeter’s Restaurant on the northwest edge of Woodstock will remember beautiful German and big band music. Paul Ilgen entertained at Deeter’s Restaurant on weekends. His death May 8 revives memories for longtime customers of his musical versatility.
Ilgen came to Chicago in 1965. With Dieter Reinke and Dr. Guenter Bornebusch, he formed Trio Berolina in Chicago. Reinke established his restaurant in 1983 on Route 14, the same location of such long-ago restaurants as Teddy Bear, Twinkling Star, Pal’s and Raindancer.
Alex and Nadine Camen, present owners of Deeter’s, hosted a musical tribute at the restaurant May 15 with Diane Lewis singing and playing Paul’s keyboard.
Ilgen’s personality prompted the nickname “Sauerkraut.” Camen smiled as he explained that came from Ilgen’s reputation of being grouchy.
“He would bark like a dog if someone walked in front of his organ in the bar,” laughed Camen.
Frank Sinatra’s music was among his favorites, but he had a broad repertoire of Big Band, modern and German music.
Deeter’s is celebrating the restaurant’s 25th anniversary this year. One anniversary special is pastry stuffed with lobster and a small filet on the side.
Attending the police cadet graduation May 16 enabled me to learn about the death of Ilgen and the 25th anniversary celebration under way.
• Don Peasley has been editor, columnist and historian in McHenry County since October 1947. He began his association with Shaw Publications in 1950. He is a frequent contributor of articles and photographs. He can be reached at 815-338-1533.
