Annual event at Glacial Park puts daily routines of past centuries on display

From the Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Annual event at Glacial Park puts daily routines of past centuries on display
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

RINGWOOD – Five-year-old Gina Spilotro of Marengo wanted to do laundry the way it was done in centuries past. So her aunt, Marion, and father brought her to the "Servant's Quarters," explained how it was done, and told her to give it a shot.

She was confident, determined, and ready, but had just one question:

"Do I have to work here every day?" she asked, before heading towards a washboard and bucket at one of the tents at this year's Trail of History event at Glacial Park.

The Spilotros were among thousands who flocked to the Ringwood park Saturday for the 20th annual event, hosted by the McHenry County Conservation District.

For the weekend, more than 200 re-enactors portray blacksmiths, sheep herders, fur traders and others who lived between 1670 and 1850. Using their role-playing and elaborate scene-setting, they give visitors a glimpse of life as it was more than 150 years ago.

The valley was filled with tents and stages with special displays, such as an indentured servant auction.

Jessica Williams, 32, was among the re-enactors at that particular display. Her character, a 20-some-year-old engaged woman named Katherine Caird, from the 1770s, tried to return a servant she had purchased.

"She wore spectacles," she said. "She does not have perfect vision, and when she gets older she'll need new spectacles."

She managed to get five-pound refund on her servant.

The journey back in time continues today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park.

Glacial Park is at 6316 Harts Road, off the west side of Route 31 north of Ringwood. Cost to attend is $6 per adult, $2 for seniors 60 and older, and $2 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Pets are not permitted.