Celebrate Old Settlers' Day on September 9

For the 121th consecutive year, the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association will be celebrating the 171st anniversary of the founding in 1846 of the Bishop Hill Colony on Saturday, September 9, 2017.  The day’s activities include a traditional chicken dinner, band concert, and program. From 11:30 am until 1 pm the traditional Old Settlers’ Day Chicken Dinner will be served at the historic Colony School.  This delicious meal features chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, Swedish rye bread, homemade pie, and good strong coffee. The $10/person cost includes beverage and dessert; for kids under 8 years the cost is $5.

In the afternoon activities shift to the Park’s Bandstand.  The Bishop Hill High Society Band will present a 12:30 p.m. concert.  Following the concert the annual program will start at 1:30 p.m.  This year’s speaker will be Ulla Voss, Sweden.  She will be discussing the connections between Bishop Hill, Illinois and Sweden today.  Paul Collinson will provide the music with songs.  The rain location for the High Society Band Concert and Program is the Bishop Hill Community United Methodist Church.

The day’s activities will end with a social time at the Colony School.  Coffee and Swedish rusks will be served while guests socialize.

Activities continue on Sunday, September 10, 2017 when the Colony School Reunion will be held from 2-4 p.m. at the Colony School.  All former students and who attended the Colony School and all who attended the country schools around Bishop Hill are invited to attend.  Teachers of those schools are also invited.  Bring pictures, memories and stories to share with old classmates, teachers, and friends.  Refreshments will be served.

For additional information on Old Settlers’ Day call 309-927-3044.  

This set Galvaland Magazines can be yours

 Add these

GALVALAND MAGAZINES 

to your library

The Galvaland Magazine was published by George Swank every two months from August, 1958, to January, 1996. It consists of 327 issues of approximately 20 pages each. The Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association has recently acquired a set these original volumes which includes an index and user’s guide.

These survived a house fire in Bishop Hill and are in good, albeit smoky condition. The BHOSA is offering this collection to any person or organization interested in adding a remarkable record of local historical news to their personal library. If you would like to claim them, please email the BHOSA President, Cinda Anderson, or call her at 309-927-3044.

Ramp Makes Entry To The Colony School Easy For All!

SCHOOL FOR RENT
Plan to hold your party here.

A new ramp has been added to the front entrance of the Bishop Hill Colony School. It's shown above awaiting the addition of its railings. This feature makes the Schoolhouse an even more attractive venue for any social event and is available to the general public for rent. Are you searching for the right location for a private or public party?

The rustic charm of this faithfully restored schoolhouse - complete with its bell and blackboards - is the kind of setting that would make any occasion most memorable.

A spacious modern kitchen makes a catered affair easy to achieve. To reserve a spot for your next soiree, use the contact form at the right or call 309-927-3833 for information.