Peasley: New owner opens DC Cobbs
A Woodstock business is having a grand opening with a new owner and remodeled interior and exterior.
Dan Hart, owner of DC Cobbs on the Square, will start the celebration at 11 a.m. Saturday. Hans & the Hormones will entertain. Glen Crandall, original owner of DC Cobbs, established in 1980, is a band member.
Hart’s extensive remodeling includes new drywall, seating, lighting and new entrances on both Main and Benton streets. He renovated the bar with a copper top and installed a tin ceiling.
Twenty-one photographs from my photo collection dating to the early 1950s decorate the walls.
Some photos of particular interest include the Opera House without the portico or steeple; Emery “Tiny” Hansman, Woodstock police chief during the 1940s and 1950s; Woodstock Dry Goods building (now O’Leary’s); Packard Motor Sales on Fair Street; Bud Hendrych’s Ford dealership at Throop and Washington; train station with Pell-Bari feed mill in the background; Walsh Bros. liquor store at Benton & Judd; Miller Theater; and several 1952 Centennial photos including the bike race, parade and floats.
During construction, Hart learned that 226 Main Street was once an alley leading to Benton Street. Stompanatos Barber Shop, a women’s hair salon, and East West Passage were businesses once occupying this building. While renovating, Hart found a newspaper from the early 1940s behind a wall.
Hart has changed DC Cobbs from a traditional bar to a family-friendly establishment. Hart features live entertainment on weekends and a game room with darts and billiards.
Hart acknowledges the challenge in opening a new business.
“The economy is bad, but that doesn’t mean business stops. In order to come out of the recession, we must invest back into the community,” he said.
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Main Stay Therapeutic Riding Program’s auction of 27 carousel horses for the Horses of a Different Color fundraiser was a success, bringing in $47,000. Funds will be used to insulate the indoor arena, making it more comfortable throughout summer and winter.
Three horses were bought privately and will be on display around Woodstock. “Under the Sea” (artist Kathy Algrim) will be displayed at Woodstock Waterworks. “Jigsaw” (Nancy Steinmeyer) will be placed at the Woodstock library. “The Wizard of Oz” horse painted by Woodstock High School (WHS) art club members under the direction of Herb Kruse will be located at WHS. A fourth horse, “Spot: Words to Live By” (Gale Trausch), has been donated to Main Stay.
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Woodstock Little League officers are preparing for the 2010 season after re-election of Darrin Chonos, president; Jay Nerland, executive vice president; Brian Rockwood, treasurer; Candace Butler, secretary; and Rick Reuter, player agent.
• 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.
