Tucked away in the village of Waterman is an impressive monument honoring the founders of the area. Built in what was known as Greeley Park, the huge monument is lost in the redevelopment of the subdivision over the years.
The Greeley family were residents of Waterman from early on. In 1857 ...
One of the hidden historical treasures of DeKalb County was undoubtedly the sheep yards in Kirkland.
The story starts in 1875 when landowner William T. Kirk made an agreement with the railroad (now known as the Milwaukee Road). The railroad could build tracks though part of Kirk’s land in exchange that ...
While the men were defending our nation in the two World Wars, the women were left to take care of everything at home from the kids to crops in the fields. The labor shortage caused concern about the success of the planting and harvest seasons, so the women “stepped up ...
Our local county government started on March 4, 1837 when DeKalb County was organized from Kane County by the Illinois Legislature and by an election of registered voters.
Previously, in 1836 this area was part of Kane County with Geneva as its county seat. It was very difficult for the western ...
There is nothing that brings back fond memories of winter in DeKalb more than ice skating on the college lagoon.
Growing up in DeKalb, the lagoon was the place to “network” in the winter. We were practicing social distancing way ahead of COVID-19 when playing Crack the Whip. This was a ...
Veterans Day is a day dedicated for us to pay our respects to those who have served our country in the military.
Originally the day was called Armistice Day to commemorate the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. The agreement was signed on Nov. 11, 1918, at the ...
The first manufacturing company in the county was the Sandwich Manufacturing Company, located in Sandwich. Founded in 1856 under the name of Augustus Adams and Sons, it was later incorporated in 1867 as the Sandwich Manufacturing Company.
The company made farm implements such as corn shellers, grain elevators, rakes and presses, ...
John Emerson: DSR to Seed Dealer
John Emerson remembers it like it was yesterday. Being hired by Harold Noren and Carroll Christenson, DEKALB Ag marketing executives, for the sales department.
John had recently graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in agriculture and was anxious to work in an agribusiness field. ...
When you think of something that represents DeKalb, the DeKalb Ag’s Winged Ear logo has to be at the top of the list. Through the company’s several name changes, the Winged Ear has flown proudly throughout the world.
It has taken on a life of its own and is one of ...
Farmer seed dealers have been an important piece of the DEKALB story.
Tom Roberts believed the dealer should be a farmer who called on his neighbor. Who better could enthusiastically sell seed on the basis of personal experience? Roberts also believed sales calls should be made well in advance of planting, ...
