Mount Prospect Historical Society

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Events

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Bessie’s Workbasket

The Mount Prospect Historical Society will be continuing monthly needlecraft nights under a new name — Bessie’s Workbasket.

Join us the second Wednesday of each month in Central School (103 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect) from 10:00 am-12:00 pm or 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Come try your hand at candlewicking on October 9. Candlewicking, a classic whitework embroidery technique, has a distinct style that involves stitching primarily with Colonial knot stitches. In the early days of the United States, especially during the Westward Expansion, fine embroidery threads weren’t plentiful—they also wouldn’t have been efficient. However, because the cotton threads used for making candle wicks were easy to acquire, they may have become the material of choice for those who wished to add some embellishment to quilts and other sewing projects.

On November 13, we will crochet. Learn a new skill for the winter and learn how to crochet!  If you already know the basics, join us to learn a few new stitches, just in time for the holidays. Bring a hook and yarn if you have some, otherwise we will have some on hand

We will finish the year on December 11 and make a variety of ornaments.

The August class has been cancelled.

Upcoming class topics will be posted throughout the year so be sure to check back regularly for updated information.

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Blacksmith Demo

Our popular blacksmith demo is back! Join us at 101 S. Maple Street on Sunday, October 13 between 11 am and 3 pm to see blacksmith Solomon in action!

Our monthly open house event, Second Sundays at the Society, will also be going on between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm in Central School (103 S. Maple Street). Stop by to take a look at Mount Prospect’s original 1896 schoolhouse! Then, take a guided tour of the Dietrich Friedrichs House Museum.

All of these activities are free and no registration is necessary. We hope to see you there!

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Winter Evergreen Programs

December 9 & 10
7:00-9:00 pm
Central School (103 S. Maple St.)
Cost: $50
Instructor: Jill Tumberger

Join us for a fun evening out while creating a beautiful winter evergreen arrangement!

All supplies will be provided but please bring your own gardening clippers/shears.

*Please note: Class is non-refundable. Bathrooms are located in the Education Center located behind Central School.

Both classes are sold out. Please email info@mtphistory.org to be added to a waitlist.

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Strawfest Bus Trip

Saturday, August 19
Depart from 101 S. Maple Street (Dietrich Friedrichs House Museum) at 9 a.m.
Return at 5 p.m.

Join us on a bus trip to the Eighth Annual U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition, also known as “Strawfest,” in Mt. Morris.  It is promoted as “Fine Art in Straw” and was inspired by former Arlington Heights resident/artist Fran Volz who now lives nearby in Rockford.

Participants will ride a luxury coach, leaving Mount Prospect at 9 a.m. After arriving in Mt. Morris, tour-goers will have plenty of time to enjoy the large, unique straw sculptures, arranged around the picturesque town square only two weeks each year; vote for their favorites; and then tour the Encore! Mt. Morris Old Sandstone Art Gallery which is filled with local artwork.

After perusing the artwork and straw sculptures, bus tour participants will enjoy boxed lunches from Jen’s Artisan Breads, in the air-conditioned Pinecrest Grove Auditorium. 

Fran Volz, the one who inspired this contest, will speak during lunch about his first exposure to straw sculptures during a trip to Germany; his fondly-remembered “Chicago Snow Competition” event which premiered at Randhurst Shopping Center in 2004 and then moved to Navy Pier where teams of artists from Spain, China, Germany, Canada and Russia competed; and his other well-known artistic endeavors while living in the Northwest Suburbs. Many recall his gorgeous snow sculptures entertaining drivers along Arlington Heights Road each winter.

Following lunch, Jeff Bold, steering committee chairman of “Encore! Mt. Morris” which is working to revitalize the community, will board the bus for a guided tour of local points of interest including White Pines Forest State Park with its rare, picturesque grove of native white pine trees, and “The Eternal Indian” or “Blackhawk” statue along the river in nearby Oregon, IL which has recently been restored. It is a local landmark by famed sculptor Laredo Taft. Stops for locally-produced maple syrup and locally-grown corn-on-the-cob might also be possible if tour-goers are interested.

Comfortable clothing and shoes are strongly urged. 

MPHS Member Cost: $80
Non-Member Cost: $90

Lunch Options:

  • Chicken salad sandwich
  • Pesto and salami sandwich
  • Veggie sandwich on multi-grain bread

All lunch options include coleslaw, chips, water and dessert.

Trip highlights:

  • Marvel at the straw art at the U.S. National Straw Sculpting contest
  • Tour the Encore! Mt. Morris Old Sandstone Art Gallery, housed in the oldest building in Mt. Morris
  • Enjoy a pre-ordered boxed lunch, provided by Jen’s Artisan Breads, with an exclusive presentation by Fran Volz
  • Guided bus tour of local sites, including White Pine Forest State Park and the Blackhawk Statue in Oregon, IL

Registration is now closed.

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Five Dollar Fives

Join us in months with a fifth Saturday for a brand new program, Five Dollar Fives. This series will feature fun, history-related programs presented by local speakers.

Each program begins at 10 a.m. in Central School (103 S. Maple Street) and costs $5.

April 29, 2023 – Genealogy Research with Anne Shaughnessy: Learn how to get started researching your family history and get some answers to your research questions during a chat with Anne Shaughnessy, MPPL Genealogy and Local History Librarian. Registration is closed.

September 30, 2023 – With its transmitter and antenna tower located in Mount Prospect, WJAZ was one of the big players in the very early days of broadcast radio. Long before television dominated evening entertainment in American homes, families tuned in their radios. Entertainers traveled the country performing “live studio broadcasts” from the few radio stations that were beginning to fill the airwaves. Join Frank Corry, Mount Prospect Historical Society Board President, for his talk about Mount Prospect’s WJAZ Radio, it’s impact on the emerging radio broadcast industry, and its connections to Ham radio.

December 30, 2023 – Archival Crafting with Annette Wegener

Space is limited and reservations are required.

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Needle Craft Night

Get out your needles and thread. The Mount Prospect Historical Society will be hosting Monthly Needle Craft Nights. Join us the second Wednesday of each month in Central School (103 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect) from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Bring your own knitting/crocheting/embroidery project or try our spotlight project each month. All experience levels are welcome. Advance registration is recommended and a $5 donation is suggested.

Join us for the last class of the year on December 13! We are offering TWO time options in December; 10 am-12 pm or 7-9 pm. We will be making no-sew stars.

We look forward to seeing you at this fun monthly program where you can learn a new skill, chat while working on your own project, or share your knowledge with other needlecraft enthusiasts.

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Solve The Mystery of Nancy Drew

The Mount Prospect Historical Society will soon offer a fascinating program about America’s favorite fictional teen sleuth – Nancy Drew.

Nancy Drew program presenter Susan Becker.

Join expert Susan Becker to discover the story behind Nancy Drew at 1 p.m., Saturday, October 29 at the Society’s Central School, 103 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect.

First bursting on the scene in 1930, Nancy was an immediate success with girls yearning for a feminist role model before they even knew they wanted one. Nancy Drew Mysteries continue to be read today more than 80 years since her creation, mostly by granddaughters encouraged by grandmothers with fond memories of their time spent with the iconic girl detective.

“A magazine article spurred my interest in Nancy Drew several years ago,” says Becker. “I was intrigued

to discover the true history of Nancy and her creator.”

And don’t think that you are going to learn about Carolyn Keene!  Nancy Drew’s true creator was Edward Stratemeyer, who took the pen name of Carolyn Keene when writing his Nancy Drew stories. Stratemeyer was the most prolific author of 20th century juvenile literature of whom you have never heard! 

During his lifetime he developed over 125 different series, which in addition to the beloved Nancy Drew, included Tom Swift, the Bobbsey Twins and the Hardy Boys. Books and other items of interest will be on display.

Becker, who read her first Nancy Drew book at the age of eight, added, “I wish I hadn’t given away my own collection to a younger cousin.”

Tickets are $12 per person. Space is limited and take note that Society programs have sold out in the past. So, reservations must be made in advance. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information or to reserve your spot, please visit the Society’s website: www.mtphist.org or

phone 847-392-9006.

We’re right in the neighborhood. Come see what we have to offer!

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Celebrate the 30th Birthday of the Dietrich Friedrichs House Museum

at the Mount Prospect Historical Society

The Dietrich Friedrichs House Dedication in 1992

In September, the 1906 Dietrich Friedrichs House (101 S. Maple Street, Mount Prospect) will celebrate its thirtieth birthday as a Museum and home for the Mount Prospect Historical Society. The Museum was dedicated in 1992. Join us for a special Second Sunday on September 11, 2022 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm to help us celebrate. 

The House, restored and decorated to represent 1917, the year Mount Prospect officially became a chartered town, will be open for tours. Many artifacts from the Friedrichs family are on display. 

Central School (103 S. Maple Street, Mount Prospect) will also be open for some birthday-themed activities. While you’re there, sign a special birthday card and grab a slice of birthday cake.

 “We’re excited to welcome people into this historical home and celebrate this momentous occasion,” said Emily Dattilo, Director of the Society. “A visit is like stepping back into the past.”

This is a free event and all ages are welcome.

 We’re right in the neighborhood. Come see what we have to offer! For more information call 847-392-9006.