Hollywood-themed ball red carpet worthy

Thanks to all who attended, donated or otherwise participated in our annual McConnell Ball on April 11. It was an Academy Award-worthy event, and we have you to thank for it!

Also, a special thanks to our night's honoree: retired educator Mrs. Ann Katzenberg.

The W.A. McConnell Foundation formed in 2021 when a group of community members recognized a need for preserving the unique history and heritage of the greater Richmond area. This grassroots group continues to impact local history in a number of ways, including painting

Katzenberg memorabilia

and installing a steel framework to stabilize the 1844 Charles G. Cotting House – known as Olde No. 90.

The foundation also is working with the village to preserve the George Street bridge and the 1868 McConnell Farmstead off Broadway Road, owned by the McHenry County Conservation District.

Thanks to our Silent Auction Donors:

Midwest Breakfast Company, Chicago White Sox, Kane County Cougars baseball, Beloit Sky Carp baseball, Rockford Icehogs hockey, Let’s Roam, Arthur Anderson Christian Woodworking, Coopers Hawk, Big G, Rowenberry Studio, Artist Tom von Geldern, The Glass Smith, Plum Garden Restaurant, Nippersink Public Library, Tanya Nixon, Carl Metz, Chip Eldredge.

McConnell Farmstead among state's Most Endangered sites

Landmarks Illinois has announced the 2025 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. The list calls attention to 10 culturally and architecturally significant sites across the state that face growing threats of disinvestment and demolition.

Find the full info here: https://www.landmarks.org/preservation-programs/most-endangered-historic-places-in-illinois/w-a-mcconnell-farmstead-2025/

The McHenry County Conservation District continues working on its Forward to 2040 Comprehensive Conservation Plan with a Vision to 2071. This plan will guide the district for the next decade ... and beyond.The McHenry County Conservation District and its consultant, Plainfield-based Upland Design Ltd., conducted public information sessions last month and on March 4 seeking comment on its “Forward to 2040” master plan and the future of the many historic structures the district owns.

The contract with Upland, at a cost not to exceed $226,360, includes an analysis of district lands and structures, three public open houses, a needs assessment, strategic planning and funding options and a resource analysis.

Upland will include suggestions on “sustainable building strategies and programs available to document relevant environmental criteria as it pertains to the built environment, existing structures, as well as any future building projects planned by the district.”

Wilbrant Barn (Review concept plans and contemplated renovation)
Camp Algonquin Recreation Hall (Review concept plans and contemplated renovation)
Weidrich Barn (historic / Review concept plans and contemplated renovation)
Powers Walker Barn (historic)
Kennedy House – Brookdale (historic)
McConnell Farmstead -North Branch (historic/Review previous plan + stabilization efforts)

The final report will be delivered by February 2027.

People can provide comments via the website HERE or by emailing Forward2040@UplandDesign.com.

Thank You

Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to save Richmond's oldest standing building, Old No. 90, built by Charles Cotting around 1844. Initial preservation plans include stabilization of the foundation, as water along the sidewalk has caused detioration and movement.

Richmond, Illinois

A wooden bridge. A bonafide historic Main Street. An original farmstead. A life-giving creek. Working farms and silos. An oak tree. Centuries-old resting places marking those who have gone before us.

When pioneer William McConnell set his gaze upon the North branch of the Nippersink Creek after travelling from Pennsyvania, he quickly knew this was the place he wanted to call home and start his family. McConnell slept under an oak tree that first night. A carpenter by trade, he soon built a small log cabin next to the shallow winding creek, laid claim to a plot of land, and shortly thereafter married Elizabeth Bodine. While raising three sons, McConnell acted as postmaster, commissioner, and judge, along with founding the Richmond Bank and several other businesses. William McConnell was a prominent and busy man, but he always found time to give back to his community.

William McConnell passed away in 1887, but his legacy lives on in our community and in the original mid-19th century relics sprinkled in and around the town. Our quaint, unique village is known throughout the region for its historic buildings, unique character, and quaint charm not found in most other suburban Illinois towns. Mention Richmond to a friend, and you’ll likely hear a story about a special purchase at an antique store, a sweet treat from Anderson’s Candy Shoppe, or the old-timey charm of historic buildings that line Main Street.

The W.A. McConnell Foundation strives to honor the legacy that Richmond was built upon long ago. We invite you to join us in preserving and celebrating Richmond’s unique heritage.

Because the path to the future is paved by our past.

We're Growing!

Together we can accomplish great things, but only if we are willing to get educated about the history of the Richmond/Spring Grove area. Those wishing to learn more about the foundation and its activities can sign up for our monthly newsletter HERE.

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