Shred Day Event
September 7
Eagle Office
Tribute Tuesday
September 10
Waukesha
Parade
September 15
North Prairie
Good Life Club Trips & Events
Wade House
Wednesday, October 2
In 1844, Sylvanus and Betsey Wade, along with their children, settled in what was to become Greenbush. At that time, Wisconsin was still a frontier territory and the land between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan a virtually uninterrupted forest. The Wades came to this remote area with the intention of establishing a thriving village.
Growing from a simple log structure to an elegant inn, Wade House served as a half-way point stagecoach stop for many years. When the railroad bypassed Greenbush, the village began to diminish. Sensing the historical importance of the structure, the Kohler Family restored the hotel and deeded it to the Wisconsin Historical Society upon completion. The tour begins in the impressive Visitor Center which houses the Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum and a lovely gift shop. A horse-drawn wagon takes visitors to the historic core site that includes Wade House and the Herrling Sawmill. Docent-led tours take one back into a long ago time.
Returning to modern day, lunch will be at Roadside Bar & Grill in Plymouth. Choose from Mushroom Swiss Burger, Turkey Croissant, or Chicken Caesar Salad which include French fries, cup of soup, or fruit. Coffee and soft drinks are included. For dessert, a visit to Armstrong Apples Orchard and Winery is in store! A tasty, freshly baked apple dessert along with a glass of apple cider or wine is a perfect way to finish off a lovely Fall day. Be prepared to take home some of the fresh apples, cider, wine, house-made treats, or locally sourced goodies from their onsite store.
Old Joliet Prison
Wednesday, October 30
Opened in 1858, the Illinois State Penitentiary, now known as “Old Joliet Prison”, has been synonymous with the City of Joliet. The castle-like Gothic structure made out of local limestone has housed both the famous and infamous within its walls including John Wayne Gacy and “Joliet Jake” Blues up until 2002.
During the 1.5 hour walking tour of Old Joliet Prison, learn about the general history of the prison from when it was first opened in 1858 to today from docents and trained tour guides from the Joliet Area Historical Museum.
Important Information: Because the prison is still being renovated, a waiver is required by EACH guest to gain entrance. Waiver will be mailed upon receipt of reservation. Closed-toed shoes are required for safety and please dress for the weather. This tour is not ADA approved, however, 70% of the tour is accessible to all visitors.
Once released from Old Joliet Prison, a relaxing lunch awaits at Jacob Henry Mansion Estate. Admire the amazing craftsmanship around the room while enjoying a homemade meal featuring Jake’s Cordon Bleu - an open-face boneless chicken breast, ham, cheese, and Bearnaise sauce and complimented with chef’s-choice potato and vegetable along with fresh garden salad with house dressing, assorted rolls with whipped garlic-chive butter, and vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce for dessert. Coffee or tea included.
After lunch and a talk about the history of the estate, explore the mansion’s 40 rooms. Built in 1873, it is known for its original beauty and Victorian charm.
Sanfilippo Estate
Wednesday, November 6
In 1922, Gaspare Sanfilippo and his son, John, founded a pecan shelling company in Chicago, IL. Over the years, the family’s prosperity in the nut business allowed them to acquire one of the largest collections of music machines within their Barrington, IL, French Second Empire “Place de la Musique” mansion.
Before there were jukeboxes and radios, there were ingenious mechanical music machines that played for the entertainment of the public. With elaborate, artistic facades, the machines filled skating rinks, dance halls, hotels, etc. with the music of the day. The Sanfilippo Collection has on display the largest variety of restored instruments of this type in the world - including the world’s largest indoor theatre pipe organ and the most complete example of a European Salon Carousel in existence. Our 3-hour docent-led walking tour will be a magical journey of sight, sound, and music.
Fisher Nuts was acquired by the Sanfilippo Family company in 1995, so it is fitting that a stop be made at the Fisher Nut Outlet Store in Elgin, IL to shop for nuts and snacks. Plan ahead to stock up for holiday baking and treats!
Lunch will be at the award-winning Port Edward Restaurant in Algonquin, IL. Take in the unique nautical decor while enjoying a meal of London Broil served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Sauteed Tilapia served with Wild Rice. Meals include House Salad, Vegetable du Jour, and the restaurant’s famous Chocolate Mousse. Coffee and soft drinks included. Cash bar available.