Frequently Asked Questions About Historical Marengo, Illinois

 

Q. What information do you have about early Marengo businesses?

 

A.  The Society has the following information available, gleaned from one of the following sources, so identified by asterics; *1877 Directory of McHenry County

              **1872 McHenry County Atlas

              ***History of Marengo Homes, Vol I or Volume II

 

During this past year, the Society was thrilled to be able to purchase a pump organ built by R. D. Scott, Marengo, Il. It is a beauty and in excellent condition! The Society is eager to display it publicly, but need a secure area with protection from the sun. See number 70 for his inclusion in the list of Marengo Businesses. 

 

Q  Is Marengo ever going to have Historic Districts? We are new to the community and would love to have been able to purchase a home that was in an Historic District, but none existed. Is Marengo indifferent to the benefits of Historic Districts? We lived in one back east and we cherished the atmosphere of the neighborhood there. We also saved a lot on taxes as a result of our renovation of the home. 

 

A  It is the Society's understanding that establishing Historic Districts, not only in the older residential parts of town but in the down town area as well, are part of the goals of the City Commission, the Marengo Historic Preservation Commission. John Wyrostek is the Chairman of this official city Commission. The Commission and Society (the grassroots group) often work together on such projects. The Society wholeheartedly supports the establishment of Historic Districts in Marengo. As you apparently learned first-hand with your previous home, they open the doors for many financial incentives not only for the individual property owners but for the municipality as well. Everyone wins! So give John a call at 568-1086 or e-mail him at jmwyrostek1@sbcglobal.net for more information. Good luck!  

 

Q  I just talked with Ted Hild at the Illinois Historic Preservation Commission in Springfield. He said to contact you. I am looking for a large, old, historic home in the Marengo area to purchase. The time is right in my life to move ahead with my dream. Do you know of any old, historic homes for sale?

 

A  Actually, we do! John and Ann Garcia have just put their historic Tudor home up for sale. It is a beauty, located at 408 W. Washington Street here in Marengo. Call them at 815-568-8390. The home was built in 1900 by a founding Marengo family member, E. D. Patrick. We may have more information for you as well. Call supporting Society member, Beverly Merz-Booker, 815-568-5245. She may know of others!

 

Q. I just read in the Real Estate Transactions for Marengo that the home at 118 W. Washington Street was recently sold. Repair work is being done on the barn building. Do you know anything about the new owner and what he plans for the property?    

 

A. Yes, members have visited the new owner as they were very concerned about the home's future. It is very heartening to report that the new owner is a local resident who is very interested in and knowledgeable about historical preservation. We are thrilled that plans are underway to maintain the original integrity of the buildings! At this time we are unsure as to its future use. We were too happy about its preservation and didn't get to asking the second most important question.

 

Q. The fall planters and now the Christmas trees along State Street demonstrate some pride in the business community. As a new resident who formerly lived in Libertyville, this is encouraging! I've noticed tuck pointing maintenance being done on some of the businesses. Have any of the business owners contacted the Society about restoring their facades to their original designs, similar to Libertyville, Woodstock, St. Charles, Galena and others. Their atmosphere is so conducive to shopping!

 

A. Yes, the hanging and sidewalk planters as well as the Christmas trees and new street banners have created a more attractive and welcoming feeling in our downtown. We have learned that these additions came about through a cooperative effort between local businesses and the city. The Society even signed up to decorate one of the Christmas trees! Check out "our" tree in front of Bill's Barber Shop. It is loaded with historic pictures of Marengo! The Society is very encouraged by the news that the City of Marengo is now an Associate Member of the Main Street Program, a State program run through the office of Lt. Governor, Pat Quinn. It is a program designed to promote economic revitalization in a town's center through preservation of its historic integrity. The program involves local businesses, the city, industry and residents. It is our understanding that much of the work is accomplished through a volunteer core. John Wyrostek, jmwyrostek1@sbcglobal.net, is the Chairman of the official city commission, the Marengo Historic Preservation Commission and we know that he would greatly appreciate your interest. Do give him a call at 568-1086. Other local Main Street Cities include Woodstock, Crystal Lake, Genoa, Belvidere, Rockford and Harvard. Go Marengo!!