Wednesday, January 7, 2015

2015 History Club Schedule

January 10, 2015 - The I&M Canal - This coming Saturday is our first meeting of the new year. Our speaker is Ana Koval. She is the Executive Director of the Canal Corridor Association. The canal was constructed between 1836 and 1848. Ana Koval has been described as Aengaging, accurate, knows current trails, packet boats, projects, and history.@ The weather will moderate by Saturday so I trust you will plan to attend. The museum opens at 9 a.m. and the program begins at 10 a.m. There is no cost and we will have hot coffee, tea and scones available. Reservations are not necessary but helpful. Call 708.447.5092.

February 7, 2015 - TBA

March 7, 2015, Bess Ben Hats - Mrs. Mary Robak and perhaps Mrs. James Fanuzzi will be our guests. They study hats and are particular interested in the six Bess Ben hats in our museum. It=s a wonderful story and you will enjoy their presentation. More information in the coming days.

April 4, 2015, The Town of Pullman - The Scottish influence in the town of Pullman will be one area of our program. Our speaker will be Michael Shymanski who is president of the Historic Pullman Foundation. His wife is also involved in the preservation of the Thomas Dunbar house. More information as it becomes available.

May 2, 2015 – TBA

June 6, 2015 – TBA

No meetings in July or August

Mark your calendar for the fall dates of September 12, October 3, and November 7. More information about these meetings will be forthcoming. There is no meeting in December.

Dr. John A. Kennicott, of Scottish descent, came to Chicago in 1836 and served as a circuit doctor riding a horse from place to place. John and Mary had seven children and among them was the arctic explorer Robert K. Kennicott. A. T. Andreas tells the story of Dr. Kennicott=s horse. The horse had a long and useful life but was finally old and tired. Dr. Kennicott turned the horse loose and it found a home around the court house square. The citizens of Chicago took compassion on the horse and decided to give him a Adonation party.@ They set a date and assembled in the court yard with food and building supplies. A shed was constructed and filled with food. A parade was held and the old horse marched at the head with Amartial music of fife and drum.@ He lived through the winter but when spring came, ADeath mounted the pale white horse, and rode him to the happy hunting grounds. Peace to his mane.@ Join our Facebook page for more stories like this!

There is more information about Dr. John Kennicott in The Scots of Chicago, page 17 and 18.

Wayne Rethford, President Emeritus
Illinois Saint Andrew Society

630.629.4516

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