The Gathering at Macktown and Rockton Historical Society Garage Sale round out busy weekend in Rockton

Old Settlers Day wasn’t the only attraction last weekend: June 18-19. The Gathering at Macktown also drew a good crowd. The event at Macktown Living History has been a yearly summer happening for about 25 years, with the exception of a COVID-related hiatus last year.

Friday evening, June 17, reenactors from throughout the Midwest arrived early to set up tents, wigwams and campsites on the Macktown grounds.

On Saturday and Sunday, visitors had the opportunity to go back in time.

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Native American and pioneer reenactors dressed in authentic clothing of the period interacted with visitors, demonstrating blacksmithing, muzzleloader shooting, and craft skills.

Sue Dibble, a volunteer at "The Gathering at Macktown," greeted visitors from the porch of the original Stephen Mack home on Saturday afternoon, June 18. A large turkey hung nearby.

Education programs are ongoing throughout the year. The Second Sunday Series offers hand-on activities often related to frontier survival skills.

The Art of the Cobbler Program is scheduled for July 10, and Cabinet-making/Joinery class is August 14.

For more information, go to macktownlivinghistory.com, or call 815-624-4200.

Macktown is located at 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton.

Across town, Rockton Township Historical Society at 529 Green St. hosted their annual garage sale on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18. Weeks ago, museum members and friends started  scouring basements and attics for hidden treasures to donate to the fundraiser. Member Linda Sonneson said people were lined up early Friday morning before the doors opened, hoping to scoop up some “real deals.”

Jenny Richards looks over some items at the Rockton Township Historical Society annual garage sale, June 17 and 18. Profits from the sale provides funding for programs and defrays maintenance cost at the museum.

The museum was virtually sold out by the end of the sale.

Profits from the sale will help fund programs and help defray maintenance costs at the museum.

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