Otter Creek Historical Society

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.

Upcoming Events

  • Looking ahead (All programs begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Durand Village Hall):
    • June 28th: Open House...Durand Village Hall...10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    • July 6th: Durand Parade
    • July 11th-12th: Summerfest Booth (All Day at Lake Summerset Main Lodge)
    • July 26th: Boy Scout Program
    • August 30th: Wingers on Cheese Making
    • September 27th: Visit to the Brodhead Museum
    • October 25th: Chippewa History
    • November 22: McCorkle Furniture Store History

Items For Sale From Otter Creek Historical Society

  • Durand/Lake Summerset Afghans, which are the last. The company is out of business and there will be no more.
  • 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.
  • 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 email 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.