Sidewalk Stories

Sidewalk Stories As if old sidewalks and buildings themselves could actually speak, these walks lend voices to old village features, and interpret their mute meanings.

Sometimes, people look around at an old town, and say "There are stories here, no doubt about it." But then, nobody is around to give voice to the stories from the past. Except for these "Sidewalk Stories." For two hours during a two mile walk, the stories that are "TOLD" by the old buildings and structures in Richmond, Illinois will be heard, out loud, clear as day. History that is hiding in plai

n sight will step out from behind the curtain, like, and give a little wink, take a little bow. In simple terms, these are walking tours of historic features in a richly evocative little village. Emphasis: WALKING. On sidewalks and the old railroad trail, along the original BROAD WAY, and into a smidgeon of woodland floor. Victorian houses - real beauties! - and some "early settlement" houses. Downtown stores both from before and after the "big fire" (in 1902). THE VIEW that convinced Richmond's first settler that "this is the place" and persuaded him to stake his claim, build his cabin. The marker stone of the first burial in 1839, which was on family ground, but became Richmond's cemetery. Schools, churches, water powered mills that are STILL STANDING 175 years later. A Depression-era "hobo highway." Stuff like that, but given voice, BROUGHT TO LIFE, like. Sidewalk Stories - Richmond!

Not glamorous, not difficult, but very important.
09/24/2022

Not glamorous, not difficult, but very important.

Perhaps the greatest friend and supporter of the Sidewalk Stories concept, Leif Anderson. Thanks, Leif!
08/12/2022

Perhaps the greatest friend and supporter of the Sidewalk Stories concept, Leif Anderson. Thanks, Leif!

07/04/2022

Yep. Still open for business here at Sidewalk Stories. Have not been very active with posting on this page lately. But if you're interested in a walk or have questions, give me a call at 815-814-6342. John Shiel

This year, same as last year.Sidewalk stories 2022 will be custom scheduled walks entirely.Have been getting some intere...
02/09/2022

This year, same as last year.

Sidewalk stories 2022 will be custom scheduled walks entirely.

Have been getting some interest from groups and people who want to bring groups. Like, small business owners who want to provide a very entertaining outing to some of their customers or clients. I didn't think of this until people asked about it, but surely it makes sense.

And surely, some of those lads that are investing big in buildings and land in Richmond would be more than welcome to come out on one of the walks to see what's up. Get their wheels turning for how sidewalk stories could pair with the customer experiences they're wanting to offer.

Sam...?

Marc...?

Richmond fall fest, 2021. Saturday afternoon.
10/25/2021

Richmond fall fest, 2021. Saturday afternoon.

Meant to post these two photos with the comment about a Richmond history program Saturday this weekend, that would be th...
10/22/2021

Meant to post these two photos with the comment about a Richmond history program Saturday this weekend, that would be this afternoon, in conjunction with the Richmond fall fest. And with the newly established McConnell foundation.
The beatific looking lad with the white hair is Charles Cotting. A very Central player in Richmond's earliest days. We will be conjuring his memory, who knows, maybe his presence, as we focus on the town's early days from the corner of Mill Street and 12.

10/22/2021

Are you up with old number 90? That's the ramshackle old building built in 1844 that sits on the Southeast corner of Mill and 12. Kitty corner from doyle's. This weekend is a two-day Fall festival in Richmond. The group that just purchased old number 90, called The McConnell foundation, is hosting three events each afternoon on the property there on the corner. All related to local history. I've agreed to do a brief history presentation at 2:00 on Saturday afternoon.
Freebie.
Will be tag teaming in the presentation with Mrs Rommy Lopat, author of The recent book about Richmond founder William a mcconnell. A great chance to learn about the book, the author, the town, and its history.
Freebie.

Richmond walks posted in Galway City. See?
10/02/2021

Richmond walks posted in Galway City. See?

10/02/2021

Dublin, Hebron, and Johnsburg. How bout that?

08/13/2021

The George Myers House was located on the northwest corner of Route 173 and Keystone Road in Richmond. It was one of the prime examples of Greek Revival houses in McHenry County.

The house was built circa 1851 by George Myers who settled on this farm in 1844. George married Margaret Snell in 1851 and they had four children. The house was constructed using post-and-beam construction with hand-hewn beams and wood pegs.

In 1994, the Richmond Fire Department used the house for a practice fire burn-down. Portions of the building were salvaged and now the major part of an exhibit on Greek Revival architecture at the MCHS museum.

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Richmond, IL
60071

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