The winter of 1936 became unforgettable for those who lived through it. It began with a snowstorm on January 22. As snow clean-up of roads and pathways were coming to completion, another snowstorm hit on February 3. Adding to what already blanketed the land, an estimated 6 inches of snow quickly added to January’s snow … Read more
August 13th is the local students’ first day back to school for the 2025-2026 school year. In celebration, let’s look at Huntley’s educational past. We begin with the one-room country schools then detail some of the changes throughout the decades. Then, we’ll look finally at some highlights of the school district’s innovations. One-room country schools … Read more
In June, we finally – oops, I mean officially – welcome Summer. Did you know this month also is recognized as World Milk Day (6/1), National Flag Week (June 9-15) and Father’s Day (6/15) all in the same month? To honor these three events and our community – let’s connect them to Huntley’s Local History. … Read more
May is designated as the ‘Local History Month’ and we’d like to pay homage with “The More You Know, the More You Grow!” You might know about the village of Huntley’s founding father, Thomas S. Huntley. Did you know he was not the first one to settle here? The Whittemore and Cummings families were generally … Read more
Are you enjoying Deicke Park this summer? If so, you can thank Edwin Deicke, a philanthropist who donated the 28-acre wooded parcel to the Huntley Park District and the people of Huntley. Edwin Deicke (1896-1984) was a successful Wheaton businessman and, at one time, mayor of Lombard, IL. He made his money selling insurance, … Read more
Four students made up the entire Huntley High School graduating class in 1913. Their school was an imposing brick building on Main Street next to the First Congregational Church. The school, built in 1875, housed all grades from first through high school. Today, the site is part of the church parking lot. Those who graduated … Read more
Farming was a huge industry in the Huntley area in the past. Providing feed for cattle and seeds and fertilizer for crops were necessary businesses. Enos Conley and Sons was one of the largest providers in the area in the early 1900s. Situated along the railroad tracks south of Main Street, the company later also … Read more
Check out the two Local History display cases located in the library’s new Local History Room. Items in these displays were provided to us by the Ruth and Kreutzer families. In the left display case, you’ll find historical items courtesy of the Ruth family. In the right display case, you’ll find toys of yesteryear provided … Read more
Saturday, March 10, 2022 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Brief Program: 10:30 a.m. The Local History Department was 20 years old last November. Celebrate with us in the new Local History area at the library. Share your local history memories and stories.
Think you know Huntley? Want to get outside and explore the Friendly Village with Country Charm and learn some Huntley History while you are at it? Download and try this Town Square Scavenger-Hunt-ley. This is a joint effort between the Huntley Area Public Library’s Local History Department and The Huntley Historical Society. The answers will … Read more