Hononegah students learn local history at Rockton Township Historical Society Museum

Hononegah Community High School (HCHS) social studies department coordinator and teacher Brad Christoff took students on a memorable field trip, giving them the opportunity to learn about Rockton's history in a unique way.

Christoff reflects on the experience:

“Social studies teacher Anita Bond started communications with the Rockton Township Historical Society (RTHS) a couple of years ago.

“This has turned into a fall and spring field trip where we walk down to the Rockton Township Historical Society Museum. They give us presentations. When we visit, we go to the museum and the Green Street Carriage House, where we can walk through it.

“The things learned include the impact of geography on settlement, migration, the push and pull factors for settlers and visitors, the development of Rockton over time, and the impact of rail service on local entrepreneurship.

“One of the biggest ones was the history of the Wagon Wheel. A lot of kids knew nothing about that. It is really interesting to see their reactions to learning about the Wagon Wheel and how big it was, not only for northern Illinois but for the region as well.

“There is a large section on the role of individuals who were in war. This covers the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II, among others.

“Overall, this partnership has helped the students and our staff learn a lot more about our local history.

“The very knowledgeable members of the RTHS share a lot of great stories, and a lot of our kids walk away saying ‘Wow, what an awesome, historic area we live in.’

“Many of the kids didn’t know how old Rockton is. The RTHS does a really nice job with the artifacts, the presentations, and with the things our students learn.

“Our kids really made great connections with the very enthusiastic presenters there, and they brought that knowledge home. They have nice conversations with their families about different years of Rockton history.

“We really appreciate the RTHS. They run tours by appointment after their season is over.”

RTHS holds a rich history. It was formed in 1952 as a result of community interest in saving the Stephen Mack house in the Macktown Forest Preserve from demolition.

This effort was spearheaded by the women of the Rockton Women’s Club. After successfully meeting this goal, the society maintained a museum in that building for more than fifty years.

There were 100 charter members in 1952. In 2002, a special 50th anniversary program was held to honor several of those original members.

On Dec. 15, 2015, the Rockton Township Carriage House Museum received landmark status. It is a one-and-a-half-story hip-roof style Greek Revival house constructed with limestone and grout.

In 2022, RTHS celebrated its 75th anniversary while also commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Rockton Women’s Club.

In 1993, the society purchased the Fassett-Ellingson home on Green Street in Rockton for additional space. Two additions to that site, one in 1999 and one in 2003, have allowed RTHS to bring in a complete collection into one area.

Inside the RTHS, there is a large area devoted to Walt Williamson’s Wagon Wheel Resort.

Photos and news clippings about figure skater Janet Lynn fill a section of the museum related to the Wagon Wheel, where she trained. Lynn is a five-time U.S. national champion, a bronze medal winner in the 1972 Olympics, and a two-time Championship medalist.

In addition to the original circa “grout house” furnished in period style, other areas found in the museum include a farm room, an old settler’s bedroom and kitchen, Mack family and Native American displays, military items and uniforms, and a display dedicated to Civil War Brigadier General Elon Farnsworth, who is buried in Rockton Township Cemetery.

Information and eye-catching displays about early settlers, local business, and industry are also featured in the museum.

Each month, educational and historically accurate programs are held, along with special events or occasional fundraisers.

Every year, Wagon Wheel historian Gary Glaser gives a detailed presentation on the once-famed Wagon Wheel Resort.

In the spring and summer months, plant sales have been held. Other popular fundraisers include Rhubarb Fest and a bake sale, as well as a Trash to Treasures Sale.

Santa’s Attic continues to increase in popularity as the seventh annual event continues Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Green Street Museum.

RTHS is an all-volunteer organization and relies on donations and successful fundraisers to help cover necessary expenses. Memberships are only $10 per person.

All meetings and programs are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted for special events.

In the summer of 2024, RTHS President Marilyn Mohring, board members, and volunteers welcomed the Talcott family to the museum to honor a founding family whose history has a long reach in the community.

RTHS has partnered with Macktown Living History to bring different events to the community. These two organizations have hosted the Mack Family descendants to different reunions over the years.

All are invited to find all of the historical treasures that lie behind the museum doors, or to come to any program, with the added benefit of learning about layers of the history of Rockton, and those who were part of making it happen.