Bruce and I like small towns and we often go to them to report and take pictures on events they have for an excuse to get together. On a Saturday, we drove out to the Mackinaw area where the Mackinaw Historical Collections group, headed up by Kathy Friend, was dedicating a sign. That’s right, a sign to honor Lora Brock.
It seems that way back in 1937 she donated 25.15 acres to the folks of Mackinaw and Kathy and her friends decided to re-dedicate the park. A small group gathered and we were entertained by a lovely singer named Katelyn Armbrust, who asked everyone to join in.
A relative of Mrs. Brock spoke briefly as did Kathy and her friend. It was a typical small-town gathering paying tribute to a generous citizen of Mackinaw who gave them the land and the lake to enjoy as long as they lived. The group included Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and a few words by the local high school coach who took the team to the Illinois State Championship.
The Village of Mackinaw was founded in 1827, and in English means “Turtle.” It is a pleasant, quiet place and is the second oldest community in Tazewell County. Camping, fishing and sports are the main theme, and folks from all over the area come to meet and greet their friends and fellow town folk. Enjoy the photographs by Bruce Brown.