Pioneer Days Sunday in Genoa

Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society will host its 26th annual Pioneer Day from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. this Sunday, August 28th, on the grounds of its museum, 622 Park Ave. (Route 72) in Genoa. The theme for this year’s festival is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

Most of the events are free. There will be history re-enactors and historical artifacts on display and demonstrations of old-time crafts and household chores. Stagecoach rides will be given for a fee, and food will be available for purchase. Children can try their hand at such activities as rope-making, corn-shelling, making beanbags, washing laundry by hand and making enormous bubbles.

Established in 1977 by Robert Hoover, the artifacts are stored in a turn of the century Depot and the first Water Works Building of Genoa.  The museum’s collections include: Farm tools, blacksmith tools, laundry equipment from early 1900’s, pictures of buildings from late 1800’s, Leich electric telephones, swithches, and manufacturing parts, oldest horese drawn hearse in DeKalb County, 1923 Overland car, medical equipment from early 1900’s, early housekeeping tools, furniture, and clothing from late 1800’s. The Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society’s is regularly open on the Second Sunday of Each Month from 2-4 p.m. Each Wednesday from 1-5 pm  is volunteers work day. Also open by appointment. Visit their website to learn more.