For the 119th consecutive year, the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association will be celebrating the anniversary of the founding in 1846 of the Bishop Hill Colony on Saturday, September 12, 2015. The day’s activities include the traditional chicken dinner, band concert, and program.
From 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. the traditional Old Settlers’ Day Chicken Dinner will be served at the historic Colony School. This delicious meal features chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, Swedish rye bread, homemade pie, and good strong coffee. The $10/person cost includes beverage and dessert. For children under 8 years the cost is $5.
In the afternoon activities shift to the Park’s Bandstand. The Bishop Hill High Society Band will present a 12:15 p.m. concert. The annual program will start at 1:30 p.m. Bishop Hill Colony descendant, Paul Collinson, will speak and perform two musical selections. Olof Lind and Reynolds Johnson were his Colony ancestors. The rain location for the High Society Band Concert and Program is the Bishop Hill Community United Methodist Church.
The day’s activities will end with a social time at the Colony School. Coffee and Swedish rusks will be served while guests socialize.
Also on Saturday, an opening reception for B.J. Wagner’s art exhibit will be 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bishop Hill Arts Council’s Welcome Center.
Weekend activities continue on Sunday, September 13, 2015 when the Colony School Reunion will be held from 2-4 p.m. at the Colony School. All former students and who attended the Colony School and all who attended the country schools around Bishop Hill are invited to attend. Teachers of those schools are also invited. Bring pictures, memories and stories to share with old classmates, teachers, and friends. Refreshments will be served.
For additional information on Old Settlers’ Day call 3099273044.
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