McHenry Times

If you vacation during the winter months, set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees before leaving to prevent pipes from freezing. Also turn off the breaker to your well pump, open cabinets and closets that contain water lines to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing, and have a neighbor or friend check on your house during severe weather conditions. Link to more vacation tips here! 

Notify ComEd

If you experience a power outage, there are several ways to contact ComEd: 

• Report an outage on mobile devices and social media
• Report an outage online
• Call 1-800-334-7661 (EDISON1) 

RBBA Updates

RBBA softball and baseball registration ends on February 15 but you are encouraged to register as soon as possible as some age groups may fill up prior to that date. RBBA is also holding a girls tryout for a 14u Tournament Team and a fundraiser with Superbowl Squares for only $10 each. View more information here. All updates are on RBBA's website and Facebook page..  

2022 U.S. Olympic Ski Jumping Team

Congratulations to Patrick Gasienica, a graduate of RBCHS and former Spring Grove resident, on being nominated by USA Nordic Sport to represent Team USA at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing for Ski Jumping! The World Championships begin Feb. 22 and run through March 2.

Photo of the Week

This photo of a beautiful blue sky was taken on January 12 at Richardson Road and Wilmot Farms Drive at 8:30 in the morning by Kory LaMont. If you have a photo of Spring Grove you would like to share, email it here.

Warm Up at Maria's

Warm up this winter Maria’s Mexican Grill! Try their delicious steak fajitas made with arrachera, or house specialties like Carne a la Tampiqueña or Chile Verde. You'll also love their apple burrito, fried ice cream or flan for dessert! Open Monday from 11 - 4, Tuesday & Wednesday from 11 - 8 and Thursday thru Saturday from 11 - 9. Closed Sunday. View the menu here. Located at 2207 Route 12.

How to Avoid Coyote

This time of year is mating season for coyotes so they are more active and observable. Don't leave your small pets unattended outside and always keep them on a leash when out walking. While attacks on humans are extremely rare, if you are approached by a coyote, you should yell, wave your arms, and/or throw something at them, but don't run away.

WAG Health Clinic Registration

WI-IL Agility Group is offering health services for dogs on Sunday, March 6 with heartworm tests, rabies shots, eye exams and more. Keep your dog healthy! See the full list of services. Pre-registration is required! Email them here with any questions. Located at 2807 Route 12.

Blast from the Past - Richard "Dick" Oxtoby and Jennie Wilson

Dick and Jennie were married in 1890

Jennie and Richard with neighborhood children circa 1910

The Oxtoby house around 1943 after young Arnold May bought and fixed it up.

The old Spring Grove school house can be seen through the trees on the left.

Last week we learned about James Oxtoby, who left England and came to his Uncle Richard M. Oxtoby's farm. Richard M. and Sarah Turner had four children who were cousins of James'. One was Richard A. "Dick" who married Jennie Wilson.

Dick was born on the old Oxtoby farm in 1865, which was in English Prairie, just across the county line in Lake County. Richard attended English Prairie School and helped with the farm work. He liked farming and enjoyed horses and cattle.

Jennie was born in 1867 to Wyman Wilson and Sarah Hunter. Her father and was a merchant peddler in Spring Grove who would sell peanuts, dry good, medicines, candles and groceries.

Dick and Jennie married in 1890 and lived on the Oxtoby farm until 1902 when they moved to Spring Grove to a new home on Blivin Street. Dick started a teamster business and did odd jobs.

They never had any children of their own, but Jennie loved children and enjoyed spending time with and taking care of many of the town's kids.

They were both active in organizations that sought to better the lives of others. Richard was a member of the Masons, Modern Woodman, Royal Neighbors of America and also served as a school trustee. Jennie was a member of the National Daughters of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Royal Neighbors of America, and the Woman's Relief Corps.

In their later years they lived at 2014 Main Street. Dick died in 1933 and Jennie lived until 1942. The house was most recently a day care Montessori school which would have probably pleased Jennie very much.

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