Courthouse tenants sought
December 4, 2019
A historical marker commemorating labor leader Eugene Debs’ imprisonment in Woodstock was unveiled to a crowd of about 50 during a presentation Oct. 21 at the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House, 101 N. Johnson St. “When I think of Debs, I think of forgiveness,” said Woodstock Celebrates board member Kathleen Spaltro. She read a quote […]
Friends of the Old Courthouse is raising money for restoration Friends of the Old Courthouse will launch two fundraising efforts this month when they host a murder mystery dinner and take orders for a keepsake coffee table photo book. Tapping into the Halloween season, the Masquerade on Main murder mystery dinner will take place at […]
A local teachers union is covering the city of Woodstock’s expense for a marker recognizing a famous labor leader. McHenry County Federation of Teachers Local 1642 has donated $1,500 to help pay for a plaque from the Illinois State Historical Society commemorating Eugene V. Debs’ six-month imprisonment in 1895 at Woodstock’s Sheriff’s House. “Eugene Debs […]
Eugene V. Debs’ connection to Woodstock’s Sheriff’s House will be recognized by the Illinois State Historical Society despite concerns the influential labor leader’s politics could scare away donors. The Woodstock City Council approved the purchase and installation of a plaque for the city-owned Sheriff’s House May 16 that will commemorate Debs’ sixth-month imprisonment there in […]
The Woodstock City Council formalized its support for retaining long-term city ownership of the Old Courthouse property by approving a resolution Dec. 6 outlining possible future uses for the historic buildings and stating the city’s intention to own at least part of the property permanently. “The City Council of the city of Woodstock … finds […]
City officials support retaining long-term public ownership of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House as Woodstock continues to restore the historic property and search for new uses for the old buildings. A report discussed by the Woodstock City Council Nov. 15 suggests the city remain the owner of the property on Johnson Street rather than […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.