Welcome to the Otter Creek Historical Society's website.
Our Objective
Our objective is to explore the history of the Durand School District #322, also known as the Otter Creek area and preserve information, oral and written, pertinent to its heritage. Other objectives include the establishment of a museum and to display articles of historical and genealogical interest.
Our Meetings and Events
The Otter Creek Historical Society meets regularly at the Durand Village Hall, 308 W. Main, Durand Illinois. Meetings are usually the last Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
We are still working towards a building of our own to house the many items now stored in the village hall basement.
We would like to extend an invitation to everyone to visit the Durand Village Hall and look over the many scrapbooks the Society has on display.
Upcoming Events
Looking ahead (All programs begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Durand Village Hall):
2010 Agenda
- June 26: Tour Farm Museum in Argyle IL. Lunch Sophia’s - 10:00 a.m.
- July 4: Durand 4th of July parade
- September 25: Tour Train & Farm Museum in Freeport - 10:00 a.m.
- October 30: Tour Burpee Museum Rockford. Lunch Olympic Tap - 10:00 a.m.
- November 18: Glenn Matteson 30th Anniversary of business -
- December: No Meeting
Newsletter
Items For Sale From Otter Creek Historical Society
- Durand/Lake Summerset Afghans. The stock is almost gone and there will be no more like these. For a mere $30, you can have the fine afghan pictured below:
- We have some mugs for sale, but a printing error left missing side details. We are selling them, as is, for $2.00.
- Videotapes and DVD's are available showing the Irish, German, Swiss and Norwegian Influence programs, as well as the Durand Bank's 50th Anniversary program.
- We now have mugs to sell with a photo of the old station on them. That's the one on the gallery page. Price is a mere $2.00.
- There are also programs
on some of the area business histories. They include the McCartneys
and Chilton. There are not many 'Changing Ways' left, and when they
are gone that will be the end of them.
For a complete list of items, contact the e-mail below.
Gallery Page
On the following page, we will post historical pictures from the area. If you have a picture you would like to share, please submit it to the e-mail below.
Our Goals
One of our goals is to provide genealogical information pertaining to the local area. Other goals include raising money for a building of our own and the purchase of research equipment.
A big acquisition has finally become a reality with the purchase of a microfilm reader/with printer. The Society had help with financing from the Sesquicentennial Committee and the VOLUNTEER.
The new OCHS president is Ben Clay who has been very active already getting interesting speakers. The amended bylaws are now in effect. Dues have been raised to $10 per year.
New members are always welcome. For membership questions or other inquiries, please contact the OCHS: Lucille at lucilleh@charter.net.