Rockford Historical Society, 211 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL (2026)

10/15/2026

Throw back Thursday. The Bartlett Flour Mills was built by Moses Bartlett in 1862 and located on the 500 Block of S. Madison st.
Bartlett Flour Mills were the largest in midwest at that time. Before and during the Civil War flour was shipped from Bartlett in trainloads to the Union Army.
In 1871 it was purchased by John G. Chick and was operated by him till 1889. The grain milling operation was later called Rockford Grain and Milling Co. till 1936.
Looking at the map we see it was next to the Rock River and it originally used water power via a water race to power the milling / grinding stone. The train rails appear to of gone right to the plant.
As demand for corn became more profitable farmers switched from wheat to corn and the mill eventually closed.
The flor mill was a key in winning the Civil War because it kept the food supply available for the Union Army.
Sourced from the: “Picturesque and Descriptive History of Rockford, Winnebago County IL.” Book. Published in 1887. Also the Rockford newspaper archives. Posted by Gary Patton, RHS Board member and the Admin of Rockford Made It FB group.

10/08/2026

Throwback Thursday. Before the building of the Rockford Christian school there was a farm that existed at the end of Guilford Road and Bell school Road.
Around 1906 the farm was owned by Charles and Anna Richardson, they had a son named Walter who ended up inheriting the farm. Walter Richardson rented out the farm house and the land. The land was split when the I 90 tollway came through. Walter Richardson lived to be 113 years old! When he passed away he was one of the oldest people in the world. Walter was for sure the oldest person in Illinois when he passed away. The Rockford paper started celebrating his birthdays at 100 years old. Walter was in the paper often throughout his long life and worked in banking until he was almost 90 years old. Included are some articles from the Rockford papers about Walter’s life. The photograph of the farm is the actual farm that existed in 1906. Sourced from the Rockford newspaper archives. Posted by Gary Patton, RHS board member & Admin of the Rockford Made It FB group.

10/01/2026

Throwback Thursday.
Rockford, Illinois played a pivotal role in aviation history thanks to Bert R.J. "Fish" Hassell and his daring endeavor to revolutionize transatlantic flight, firmly planting the city’s name in the canon of American and international aviation innovation.
Rockford’s Vision for Aviation
In 1927, the editor of the Rockford Daily Republic proposed a bold idea: a Rockford-to-Stockholm flight to rival Charles Lindbergh’s celebrated journey and bring fame and opportunity to Rockford, Illinois. Spearheaded by Hassell, the plan quickly mobilized the local Chamber of Commerce, prominent Swedish-Americans, businesses, manufacturers, and residents who raised funds and rallied behind the mission—viewed not as a far-fetched stunt but as a commercial venture and a means to physically and culturally link Rockford’s Swedish heritage with Europe.
Pioneering Routes and Lasting Impact
Hassell’s route, known as the "Great Circle Route," originated right from the Rockford airfields and aimed for Stockholm by way of Greenland and Iceland—a northern passage that was both shorter and offered greater safety than previous Atlantic paths. The story began with the city’s Machesney Airport, which was specially prepared for this historic flight, and continued with the locally-named aircraft “The Greater Rockford”—a symbol of civic pride reflecting Rockford’s colors and ambition.
Hassell’s pioneering path dramatically influenced aviation worldwide: the Great Circle Route, shaped in part by Hassell’s experience and Rockford’s support, became the standard for transatlantic flight and is still used today by commercial airlines crossing between America and Europe.
Community, Legacy, and Recognition
Despite facing hardship—a crash-landing on Greenland's icecap and an arduous rescue—Hassell and co-pilot Parker “Shorty” Cramer’s resolve and the support from Rockford ensured the flight’s legacy. The abandoned Stinson Detroiter, “The Greater Rockford,” was eventually recovered decades later and returned home, where Rockford’s aviation community and residents painstakingly restored it for permanent display. The aircraft’s ongoing preservation, as well as Hassell’s induction into the Military Aviation Hall of Fame of Illinois, is a testament to the city’s enduring aviation spirit and recognition of its historic importance.
Rockford’s Place in Aviation History
Rockford is celebrated for its deep connection to aviation—hosting significant conventions, pioneering new routes, fostering aviation clubs, and remaining a hub of aerospace manufacturing. Through Hassell’s flight and community action, Rockford demonstrated how civic vision and innovation can leave a lasting mark on global progress.
Sourced from: Wikipedia
Photos are from: Midway Village Museum.
Posted by Gary Patton, RHS board member & the admin of Rockford Made It FB group.

09/17/2026

Throwback the clock on Thursday.
Over a century years ago in Rockford you could catch a train or a steam boat to go to Harlem Park. The Harlem Amusement Park was located on the West side immediately north of Auburn St., approximately 5 blocks north along the Rock river.

In 1891 the Switchback Railway was new and sold 36,000 – 5 cent tickets in the first 6 weeks the park was open for the season. The park opened in 1881 and closed in 1928. The roller coaster was then moved to Central Park in Rockford. Central Park closed in 1942.

Source: “Harlem Park; The People and The Times” researched and written by Lyle Baie, 1987. Copies can be read in the Local History and Genealogy Room of Rockford Public Library. Posted by Gary Patton, RHS board member & admin of the Rockford Made It FB group.

09/13/2026

The Chick Hotel built as Grigg's House in 1857 at 119-123 South Main Street (NW corner of Main & Elm).

Griggs House 1857-1888 named after Daniel Griggs
Chick House 1888-1928
Elms hotel 1929-1951 financed by Elm & Chandler Hotels

*Rockford Office Supply 1952

In 1929 the hotel had new owners and was re-named Elm's Hotel.

Rockford Historical Society - Crystal Ball

09/10/2026

Throwback Thursday. The University Club is a private social and event club — and a legendary piece of local history, having played host to Rockford historical figures for more than a century.
The UClub was formally founded in April 1911. According to club records, several men, led by a Mr. Warner Hays of Chicago, arrived by horse and buggy and formed a university club in Rockford in the early 1900s. It officially opened in 1911 as a place for college and university graduates to nurture ties to their alma maters.
The first annual dinner was held Feb. 3, 1911, in the “new” Mendelssohn Hall, located on North Main Street. Early on, club members met in a variety of places: the Christian Union Church; the Elks Club; the Trust Building; and the Lafayette Hotel. After 37 years, the UClub formally moved into the Duncan Forbes home at 945 North Main Street on March 20, 1940 to create its permanent quarters.
[FunFact: The previous owner’s father, Harry Forbes, was World bantamweight boxing champion, 1900-03.]
The home and land was formally sold to the UClub by Duncan Forbes in 1945 for $30,647.00 — equivalent to more than half a million dollars in today’s economy. The original home was designed in 1907 by architects Frost and Granger. Frost was responsible for designing Navy Pier in Chicago.
The UClub has undergone many additions and rennovations — each an answer to the day’s needs and fashions, such as a cozy library, spacious dining room and living room, intimate bar area, backyard swimming pool and the only known squash court around. But it still retains its original charm and historic roots.
[FunFact: The UClub provided quarters for many of Rockford’s bachelors. Room rentals discontinued in 1968.]
The University Club believes in giving back. Since 1950, it has awarded scholarships to one, two or three high school seniors each year. Students are chosen from public and private schools in Rockford and Loves Park, and selection is based upon grades, essays and extracurricular activities. Each scholarship amounts to a total of $6,000 over four years.
Sourced from the University Club website. Picture credit: Carol J. Fox. Posted by Gary Patton, RHS board member & Admin of the Rockford Made It FB group.

09/09/2026

On Tuesday, June 26, 1866, Rockford stepped onto the baseball field in a very big way. (June 26th to 30th)

A grand Northwestern Base Ball Tournament was held in the city, bringing some of the best-known amateur clubs in the region together for several days of competition. The tournament was organized to determine the “Championship of the Northwest.”

And look who came to town:

Atlantics of Chicago
Detroits of Detroit
Bloomingtons of Bloomington, Illinois
Cream Citys of Milwaukee
Empires of Freeport
Schaffers of Freeport
Excelsiors of Chicago
Forest Citys of Rockford

Rockford's own Forest Citys were considered one of the strong teams of the time. Among their players was a young Albert Spalding, who would later become one of baseball's most famous figures.

The tournament even had some pretty spectacular prizes. The winning club received a gold baseball, while a gold-mounted rosewood bat was offered as another prize. Rockford's ladies added a bouquet for the best batter and a floral wreath for the player who hit the most home runs.

And who took home the championship?

The Excelsiors of Chicago.

They were awarded the golden baseball after winning the tournament.

So when we think of Rockford's baseball history, we often think of the Forest Citys and the professional team that came later.

Rockford Historical Society- Crystal Ball

09/06/2026

On August 2, 1852, the first train made its way from Chicago to Rockford along the newly completed railroad. Its arrival was more than just the coming of a train. It was a moment of celebration, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd and a town eager to see what the future might bring.

With the railroad now reaching Rockford and a massive, sturdy dam constructed at the ford, the community began to feel that its future was finally secure. The old dam farther upstream, which had suffered repeated disasters and was ultimately abandoned, was replaced by this stronger structure.

Railroad tracks, a dependable dam, and a growing community came together at just the right moment. Rockford was ready for its next chapter, and progress began moving forward at an accelerated pace.

09/03/2026

Throwback Thursday. Silk would seem like an unlikely product produced in Rockford, but in the 1840’s people in Rockford were looking to cash in on the country’s desire to wear silk.
It appears Mr. Charles Horseman was giving Silk Farming a try. Silk needed Silkworms and Silkworms feed only on the White Mulberry trees which were being imported and planted here in the Rockford area. I assume Horseman Street & Mulberry Street may be what’s left of the endeavor?

All of the “White Mulberry” trees in our area are likely due to the early Rockford area settlers wanting to raise Silk Worms to harvest Silk. Silk Worms feed only on Asian White Mulberry leaves, not our native species which is called Red Mulberry.
It was a failed effort but we are left with the invasive tree species to this day.
Sourced from: The Rockford newspaper archives and the book written by Charles Church, The History of Rockford and Winnebago County, Illinois. From the first settlement in 1834 to the Civil War. Posted by Gary Patton, RHS board member and the admin of the FB group Rockford Made It.

08/27/2026

Turn back the clock on Thursday.

On July 10th 1907, the Swedish Old Settlers Society had a picnic.
Attendees gathered north of Rockford at what was called Love’s Park on what turned out to be a rainy day. Many of those that attended arrived via the Illinois river boat. The event was to honor the Swedish pioneers that arrived in Rockford before 1860. Of the 14 early settlers to be honored 12 participated. The event had been widely advertised for months and a guest speaker from Chicago Dr. John A. Enander (editor of the Swedish paper Hemlander) spoke about how the Swedish people embraced the USA and how they had fought in numerous wars to defend their new country.
The early settlers had seen Rockford grow from a village to a city, from a farming community to an industrial center.

Included among these early settlers was P. A. Peterson who arrived in Rockford in 1852.
Pehr August Peterson, who at one time was known as the “Furniture King,” was born in Sweden and moved to Rockford at the age of six. He worked in Wisconsin in lumber camps and saw mills, and then briefly as a teamster and later bookkeeper in Chicago. In 1875, he returned to Rockford and began his career in the growing furniture industry. At the age of 30, he helped found the Union Furniture Company and went on to acquire interest in other furniture companies. He died in 1927, at the age of 81, a multi-millionaire.

Upon his death, he bequeathed $500,000 to build a home “for aged people.” In his will, he named a board of trustees to choose a parcel of land that would be developed to provide a place for elder people of Swedish ancestry to live.

PA Peterson was built and opened in 1941 as a “house” of 12 rooms for those needing care.

The dream and vision of Pehr A. Peterson continues to flourish in the Rockford Community through PA Peterson at the Citadel.

Mr. Peterson was a great philanthropist who believed in community and giving of himself to help others achieve their best. Sourced from: the Rockford Newspaper archives. Posted by: Gary Patton (RHS board member & Admin of Rockford Made It FB group).

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