For the 121th consecutive year, the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association will be celebrating the 171st anniversary of the founding in 1846 of the Bishop Hill Colony on Saturday, September 9, 2017.  The day’s activities include a 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 12:30 p.m. concert.  Following the concert the annual program will start at 1:30 p.m.  This year’s speaker will be Ulla Voss, Sweden.  She will be discussing the connections between Bishop Hill, Illinois and Sweden today.  Paul Collinson will provide the music with songs.  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.

               Activities continue on Sunday, September 10, 2017 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 309-927-3044.