Welcome to Menard County

article for 9/2011
By Andy Maxon

9/2011 - Plenty of Family Fun planned for September - Last weekend’s activities in Greenview, the Ice Cream Social at Marbold Farm and Labor Day parade in town, provided family entertainment that everyone could enjoy. Photos and a short video of entertainer Reid Miller can be seen at the Menard County Tourism Council’s Facebook page (VisitMenardCounty).
Next up is the Traditional Music Festival at New Salem the weekend of 11/12 September. The village will be filled with the sounds of wonderful bluegrass and other traditional styles of American music. The village will be staffed with a full complement of historical interpreters, giving visitors an authentic taste of American pioneer life of the 1830’s.
The following weekend, 18/19 September, features Harvest Fest in Petersburg. There will be plenty for the whole family, including a parade, arts and craft exhibits, vendors, and plenty of food.
The weekend of 24/25 September offers up the National Alpaca Farm Days at Alpacas of Indian Point Hills, near Petersburg. Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. You will be able to get close enough to touch the alpacas, and see demonstrations of alpaca wool spinning, wet felting and needle felting. Vendors will be on site as well. Visit www.alpacasofindianpointhills.com for directions.
Don’t forget the Sept 30th football game between Athens and PORTA – the Blacktop Braggin’ Rights game of 2011. The game is being played in Athens this year.
Keep watching this column for information about Menard County events for October. Every weekend in the month will feature events designed for entertaining the whole family.

article for 9/2011
By Andy Maxon

9/2011- Festival Season Underway -Beautiful weather combined with the fun and excitement of Athens’ Fall Festival made for a rousing beginning to Menard County’s fall season. The two-day festival on August 26th and 27th was highlighted by a parade through central Athens and a carnival with rides, food and entertainment at the park along the Athens blacktop. In the above photos, you can see Miss Athens, Celynn Mayfield and twins Blake and Isabelle Shoufler enjoying the festivities.
There will be plenty of family entertainment throughout September. Next up is Greenview’s annual Labor Day celebration on Sunday and Monday, September 4rd and 5th. A parade, car show, tractor display, petting farm, bands, food and vendors are all on the schedule. There will also be an Ice Cream Social at Marbold Farm, just south of Greenview, on Sunday the 4th. This event, running from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, will offer tons of family fun, including The Reid Miller Show entitled “Tunes an’ Tales of Yesteryear”.
As if that wasn’t enough, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site will be hosting a Traditional Music Festival over the weekend of September 10th and 11th. This event draws people from all over the USA, and is highly recommended for people of all ages.
Menard County’s fall festivals conclude with Petersburg’s Harvestfest, which takes place on September 16 and 17 in downtown Petersburg. A parade, scarecrow contest, bands, food, and vendors will go a long way towards filling the weekend.

article for the week of 6/27/2011
By Laurie Silvey as printed in Petersburg Observer

Summer Festival a Success
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site was packed with nearly 6,000 visitors during its Summer Festival on June 11 and 12. Interpreters dressed in period dress, were located throughout the village, demonstrating crafts and tasks that would have taken place during Lincoln’s time in New Salem. Butter was churned, children were able to make a corn husk doll, lye soap was demonstrated, and much more. Visitors very much enjoyed themselves at the village during this new festival.

Go to www.visitmenardcounty.com to view photos of The county’s attractions.

Membership meeting set
Menard County Tourism Council will hold its next membership meeting at 7pm on Thursday, June 23 at the Lincolns New Salem Visitors Center conference room. A guest speaker, Mayor John Stiltz of Petersburg, will be speaking about upcoming improvements and the PREP meetings. Also on the agenda are summer events, the placemat project, and more. Mark your calendar to attend. If you have an item to add to the agenda, please contact Laurie Silvey at (217) 306-1832 or email at HYPERLINK "mailto:tourism@visitmenardcounty.com" tourism@visitmenardcounty.com.

Money spent in Menard County stays in Menard County

Don’t forget to get your event listed
The Menard County Tourism Council offers free listings on their website, HYPERLINK "http://www.visitmenardcounty.com" www.visitmenardcounty.com, as well as submitting information and press releases to many visitors guides, websites and newspapers throughout the state. If you don’t send it in, it can’t be included. Send your event dates and information to HYPERLINK "mailto:tourism@visitmenardcounty.com" tourism@visitmenardcounty.com or call Laurie at (217) 306-1832. Don’t miss out on free publicity for your events in Menard County.

Menard County: Discover its History, Experience its Charm

article for the week of 6/14/2011
By Laurie Silvey as printed in Petersburg Observer

Enjoy nature in Menard County
With summer in full swing, spend some time outdoors at Menard County’s attractions. Walk the trails at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, or enjoy strolling through the pioneer village. Drop by the Wayside stop at Route 97 and 125. Go through the gardens at The Farm, or enjoy the vineyards at Hill Prairie Winery. Or, just walk through downtown Petersburg, or take the walking tour of historical sites in Athens. Go to HYPERLINK "http://www.visitmenardcounty.com" www.visitmenardcounty.com for more information.

Go to www.visitmenardcounty.com to view photos of
The county’s attractions.

Petersburg is growing strong
John Stiltz stopped by the membership meeting for Menard County Tourism Council on Thursday, June 23 to update members on the growth of Petersburg. Speaking about the PREP meetings, as well as all of the volunteerism that is happening in Petersburg he noted upcoming improvements and welcomed suggestions and comments. Don Williams from the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce echoed John’s thoughts. Also discussed were the upcoming fall festivals around the county and the placemat project. The next meeting of the Menard County Tourism Council will be on Thursday July 28 at 7pm, with the location to be announced.

Money spent in Menard County stays in Menard County

Visiting Lincoln Sites? Don’t forget Menard County
Menard County’s heritage is rich in Abraham Lincoln stories. Visit Abraham Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, and see where he spent much time. Visit the Looking for Lincoln Signs in downtown Petersburg as well as in downtown Athens. Go through the Long Nine Museum and learn about his times in the area.

Menard County: Discover its History, Experience its Charm

Check out the calendar on our website
Need an idea for the weekend? Go to www.visitmenardcounty.com and check out the calendar page. Lots of ideas are always available.

article for the week of 4/20/2009
By Laurie Silvey as printed in Petersburg Observer

Grant awarded
Jerry Cripes is the promoter of the Railsplitter Dulcimer Festival to be held on May 1 and 2, 2009. Along with workshops and learning opportunities on Friday and Saturday, the festival includes a performance to be held at the Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site auditorium on Saturday night. The Menard County Tourism Council was happy to award a grant to Jerry to help with the promotion of the event. Jerry hopes to bring in hundreds of visitors to enjoy the dulcimer music throughout the weekend.
Menard County: Discover its History, Experience its Charm
Membership Meeting Planned
The next membership meeting for the Menard County Tourism Council is planned for Thursday, May 28, 2009. The meeting will be held in the lower conference room of the New Salem Visitors Center and everybody is welcome. Mark your calendars and plan to be there.
Money spent in Menard County stays in Menard County.
Submissions are welcome
You are invited to contact Laurie Silvey, Executive Director of the Menard County Tourism Council, with any ideas you may have to promote the county and increase tourism. The season is quickly approaching and we are working to develop ideas for bringing in the tourists. You can reach Laurie at tourism@visitmenardcounty.com or (217) 306-1832. Any idea is welcome, and we’re here to help support your events and get the word out, both in the weekly newspaper articles and on the website, at www.visitmenardcounty.com.
Invite a friend to Menard County to enjoy all we have to offer.
The Lincoln Log
On this day, April 28, 1863
President Lincoln annotates a letter from Francis Capen, who claims to be a “Certified Practical Meteorlogist - & Expert in Computing the Changes of the Weather.” Capen assures that his weather-forecasting talent will benefit the War Department. Lincoln writes, “It seems . . . Mr. Capen knows nothing about the weather, in advance. He told me three days ago that it would not rain again till the 30th of April or 1st of May. It is raining now and has been for 10 hours. I cannot spare any more time to Mr. Capen.”
Explore, Dream, Discover

article for the week of 3/19/09
By Laurie Silvey as printed in Petersburg Observer and Menard County Review

Don’t forget the membership meeting
The next meeting of the Menard County Tourism Council is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2009 in the Lower Conference Room at the New Salem Visitors Center. Everybody is welcome to attend, and enjoy light refreshments and find out what the Menard County Tourism Council is all about. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.
Menard County: Discover its History, Experience its Charm
Plow Days continues to grow
On April 4, 2009, dozens of horses will come to Menard County for the yearly plow days event at the Eldridge Farm in Greenview, Illinois. See how fields were plowed a century ago, using teams of draft horses with riding and walking plows. Families travel from all over the country, bringing their draft horses to these demonstrations. Local and regional draft horse teams will demonstrate the skill and beauty of traditional farming methods, including driving and hands-on fieldwork such as plowing. This is really a sight to see, with single horses to teams of multiple horses all doing the work now done by machines.

Ben Kinningham image © 2009
Money spent in Menard County stays in Menard County.
Submissions are welcome
You are invited to contact Laurie Silvey, Executive Director of the Menard County Tourism Council, with any ideas you may have to promote the county and increase tourism. The season is quickly approaching and we are working to develop ideas for bringing in the tourists. You can reach Laurie at tourism@visitmenardcounty.com or (217) 306-1832. Any idea is welcome, and we’re here to help support your events and get the word out, both in the weekly newspaper articles and on the website, at www.visitmenardcounty.com.
Invite a friend to Menard County to enjoy all we have to offer.
The Lincoln Log
On this day, March 24, 1862
President Lincoln writes to New York Tribune editor Horace Greeley regarding Lincoln’s recent call to Congress for a resolution to encourage the “abolishment of slavery.” Lincoln’s proposes that the government “compensate for the inconveniences public and private, produced by such change of system.” Lincoln favors “gradual” emancipation subject to the “vote of the people.” He adds, “I am a little uneasy about the abolishment of slavery in this District, not but I would be glad to see it abolished, but as to the time and manner of doing it.”
Explore, Dream, Discover

article for the week of 2/26/09
By Laurie Silvey as printed in Petersburg Observer and Menard County Review

Trolley website now online
Climb aboard the web for a ride on www.stiertrolleyexpress.com. The new website is now live on the web, and provides links to local business websites, information about the trolley, which travels from New Salem State Historic Site through many of the attractions in the Petersburg area. The site also features a page with many historic photos from Menard County, an interesting trip through time.
Menard County: Discover its History, Experience its Charm
New art gallery a success
Congratulations must go to the members of the PORTA Community Problem Solvers for their gallery opening. The Prairie Palette Art Gallery opened in a section of City Hall, which is located in the former Menard House just across from the Courthouse. The first showing is in honor of Abraham Lincoln and opened on Presidents Day, February 16. The gallery includes many pieces created by local artists, and has paintings, drawings, carvings, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, and more. Much of the contributions came from high school students from PORTA and Greenview High Schools. Take time to stop by the Prairie Palette Art Gallery and enjoy the talent of our local artists.
Money spent in Menard County stays in Menard County.
Submissions are welcome
You are invited to contact Laurie Silvey, Executive Director of the Menard County Tourism Council, with any ideas you may have to promote the county and increase tourism. We are working to put together some ideas for Great Weekend Getaways in the county right now, if you want to be involved, let us know. You can reach Laurie at tourism@visitmenardcounty.com or (217) 306-1832. Any idea is welcome, and we’re here to help support your projects and get the word out, both in the weekly newspaper articles and on the website, at www.visitmenardcounty.com.
Invite a friend to Menard County to enjoy all we have to offer.
The Lincoln Log
On this day, March 4, 1865
In his second inaugural address, President Lincoln reflects on the ongoing civil war. Lincoln states, “Fondly do we hope – fervently do we pray – that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bondsman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the alsh, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword . . . it must be said ‘the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.”

Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln article for the week of 2/16/09
By Laurie Silvey as printed in Petersburg Observer, not printed in Menard County Review

Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln
Menard County kicked off the bicentennial celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birth with a birthday party held at the Senior Center in Petersburg. Children wearing Lincoln hats and beards sang Happy Birthday, and the high school choir serenaded the gathered crowd. In addition, several children received prizes for their writing assignments concerning Lincoln. Afterwards, the group moved over to the south side of the courthouse, where a historical photo was taken of the kids, teachers, and members of the community, before hundreds of balloons were released into the air. That night, Menard County Historical Society held its quarterly meeting, honoring Lincoln, and the New Salem Lincoln League held its annual meeting and an auction featuring Lincoln items on February 14 in Athens. Many other bicentennial activities will take place throughout the year, but this was a good start to honoring the 16th President of our United States.
Menard County: Discover its History, Experience its Charm
Local contribution to myhero.com
Ben Kiningham recently submitted a story to the website, www.myhero.com. This is a national website which includes postings from people about their heroes. Ben’s story was about Harlington Wood, who recently passed away. Everybody is invited to visit this site and to submit items from Menard County. MY HERO invites your family, school, or organization to take part in this not-for profit educational project. Add your vision by sharing your words, images and short films celebrating heroes from around the world on this ever-growing internet archive. Check out the website and see Ben’s story online at www.myhero.com.
Money spent in Menard County stays in Menard County.
Membership drive continues
The Menard County Tourism Council is holding a membership drive for business and family members. The council is a way to support bringing increased numbers of tourists to the county. Menard County has much to offer the tourist, with Lincoln sites in several locations, a winery, antique shopping, unique lodging and restaurants, as well as several outdoor activities. You could make a difference by joining the Menard County Tourism Council. Family memberships are just $15.00, and business memberships are available for $100. See the website at www.visitmenardcounty.com for more information. We also invite you to the next membership meeting of the Menard County Tourism Council, which is scheduled for Thursday, March 26. It will be held in the lower conference room at the New Salem Visitors Center. Contact membership chairman Mary McClellan at 217-341-6661 or Executive Director Laurie Silvey at 217-306-1832 for more information.

Invite a friend to Menard County to enjoy all we have to offer.
The Lincoln Log - On this day, February 25. 1858
Lincoln responds to Mark Carley, who apparently asked Lincoln to speak to Illinois Governor William Bissell about installing Carley as a county judge. In November 1857, Carley ran for the office amid questions about whether or not he met the minimum residency requirements. Lincoln writes that he spoke to Governor Bissell “to day”. Liincoln explains, “he thinks you had no legal residence in the precinct when you were elected; clearly you were not entitled to vote in the precinct, and therefore he thinks you could not be lawfully voted for in it.”
Explore, Dream, Discover