Old McHenry County Courthouse Woodstock Illinois

A history and status report of the 1857 McHenry County Courthouse and the 1887 Sheriff's House and Jail located on the Woodstock Illinois Square. This video features both historic information and anecdotes about the building, as well as an explanation of the current condition and needs of the property. Video written and directed by Harold Rail, narrated by Jim May. Presented by the City of Woodstock Illinois, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, and Afterglow Creative Services. More information about the Old Courthouse and efforts to save it are posted here - woodstockcourthouse.wordpress....

[@allenwilliams8369]

Very well done Jim!
You fulfill your calling as our story teller!!

[@dawnramos75]

It's closed now up for lease. It was fun living there. I had my pharmacy right there and even a restaurant. I haven't been there since 1999 though so I'm not sure what's up there. I miss it a lot.

[@ladyinohio351]

I was born and raised in Woodstock...I lived at 1100 Dean Street from 1953 until 1968....you did a nice job representing this little town.....I live out in the Pacific Northwest...wanted to get away from the hot and humid weather...little did I know, due to climate change...can't get away from it anymore...how ironic....
ah well...
I sang once, on the stage of the Opera House...stories said that Paul Newman, was involved in summer stock there one year, I laugh now when thinking about it...I spent some time racing cars and being involved in racing out in the Pacific Northwest...I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Newman when he raced out our way...and I asked him about his Woodstock stage experience... he laughed...looked up and then at me...with those ice blue eyes and said...how did you know about that? I replied, I was born and raised in Woodstock...I described the town square....and he hunkered down and told me....yup...he acted there one summer....I told him...and I didn't mean any disrespect....I think your acting career is doing a heck of a lot better than your racing one....(he had already blown one engine...and, during the race after we spoke...he blew another one....ah well...to anyone who has never met Paul Newman (rest in peace now, kind sir) he was short, very very thin....but had a great smile and sense of humor.....so...that said...enjoy Woodstock, Illinois...I wish I could move back there and live....it was a very sweet little town...regardless of what people say....I loved it....and miss it.

[@timezcalling7882]

I used to live in that little she'd building in the very back when I was homeless as a young man back in late 80's early 90's

[@donalddonovan7145]

There used to be a radio station WXRD I think. Back in the 70's on the second floor b

[@barbarasedgwick5168]

It would be wonderful to have this building continue to be used for the benefit of the people of Woodstock. It is a beautiful gathering place. It would be nice to have another restaurant move into the basement and use the prison cells as private dining rooms as they were at the time that the movie "Groundhog Day" was made.

[@dawnramos75]

I lived on 220 N. Benton on the Woodstock Square!!

[@gummydummy2489]

you can live on the square? I never knew that!

[@ezone6638]

I'VE MET THIS GUY AT DEAN STREET ELEM I REMEMBER

[@gummydummy2489]

founded in 1844 but still only have 25,000 in population.

[@gummydummy2489]

only "has" 25,000 in population.

[@gummydummy2489]

now the top thing of the courthouse is bronze.

[@dragoncrackers7660]

I'm all for restoration but also putting the building to actual use. The city could use it for office space or a culture center with galleries. I just hate when they turn them into those boring, dusty museums. If you've seen one you've seen them all.