9-29-2023 9:18pm

Antique lovers find real treasures at Roscoe Township Historical Society fundraiser

Antique lovers shopped for bargains at the Roscoe Township Historical Society Antique Dale on Saturday, Sept. 23-24, 2023.

Antiques of every age and genre covered the lawn at the Roscoe Township Community Center on Saturday and Sunday, September 23-24, 2023.

Lovers of the past found everything from tools to glassware to bicycles at the second annual antique sale.

The Shepherds, a couple from the Chicago area, were excited by their find of a set of vacuum tester tubes. Mr. Shepherd teaches high school electronics. “These are from the early days, before computers, and before transistors came along.”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used for renovations and extensive improvements to the Robert J. Cross House, part of Roscoe Township's Founders Park, 4563 Hononegah Road, in Roscoe. The homestead, which dates back to the 1840’s, will eventually house the Roscoe Township Historical Society's museum.

Items were donated by members of the Roscoe Township Historical Society, who organized the event, as well as board members, residents of Roscoe Township and the Village of Roscoe.

Visitors were invited to tour the inside of the house, where improvements have already begun.

Township Board member Elizabeth Lindquist said no grants will be used for the restoration. Donations from the community and fundraising events at the community center will fund the project.

First on the list is completion of the annex on the front of the building. The white paint covering the house is now gone and has revealed a red brick exterior in need of repair.

“An anonymous donor is funding the estimated $35,000 repair work on the brick,” Township board member Phil Rhymer said. “Not a dime of township money is being used for restoration and preservation.” Rhymer, who volunteers as project manager, said local contributors are donating time and supplies. "New windows have been donated and installed by Pella Windows."

Work continues on restoration of the property. The new community center opened last spring.

Besides the completion of the Cross House by the Roscoe Historical Society and building a multi-purpose pavilion, the next phase at Cross Park will be turning 1.39 miles of land into walking paths and trails.