At the July meeting of the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association, the members welcomed a $10,000 donation from the Bishop Hill Wind Farms. The monies will be used to repair some of the wood siding on the Bishop Hill Colony School and add new paint to the inside of the structure.
“We are grateful to the wind farm for this donation,” said OSA President Joella Krause. “Keeping the 1861-year-old building in good condition is important to the village.”
Krause also stressed the important role the historic school plays in the programs.
“The Colony School is paramount to the success of the group’s year-round programs. This donation will help us continue the many programs we offer,” she said.
At 127 years old, the Old Settlers is the oldest, active volunteer organization in Bishop Hill. Krause is quick to note that membership is open to everyone.
“You don’t have to be Swedish or a descendent of the founders to belong,” she said. “But volunteers are needed to help us keep our programs going.”
The group recently sponsored a car show attracting over 100 entries from all over Illinois and parts of Indiana. Those on display ranged from Model-Ts to modern muscle cars. Working trucks, complete with unwashed chassis, were a new category this year.
Music on the bandstand by local DJs and a pork chop dinner cooked and served by the Bishop Hill Fire Department were featured extras. OSA Vice President Jeff Olson emceed the event, introducing each of the 66 winners as they were presented with their trophies.
“Except for the Covid shutdowns, this is the 29th year for this car show,” said Olson. “It’s always held on the fourth Sunday in July, and we plan to continue them as long as we can.” Olson was quick to thank the 32 sponsors for their support. “They make it happen.”
September 14 marks the Old Settlers’ Day program and reunion at the Colony School. People who attended school there, including those who attended the nearby grade school, are invited to participate. A special parade is held every five years to celebrate the organization, founded in 1846. The next parade is scheduled for 2026.
Colony Stew and rice pudding will be served at the school by the group during the Bishop Hill Heritage’s Ag Days (Jordbruksdagarna) which takes place on September 28 and 29.
“There is something for everyone that day,” says Krause. “Our meal rounds out a full day of displays, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for visitors.”
Christmas Market is held on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving when the Old Settlers’ hold their annual cookie walk at the Colony School. Baked goods are available for purchase with a variety of seasonal treats to enjoy.
New this year is the OSA lineup is the Lucia soup supper held during “Lucia Nights” in mid-December. The dinner will be served at the Bishop Hill Methodist Church.
Spring and summer of 2025, will bring the Swedish Stomp and Midsommer Festival back to the village, and plans are already underway for both events.
“All of these annual offerings are very popular and the Bishop Hill Old Settlers is happy to be a big part of them,” said Krause. “They bring a lot of visitors to the village, and create lasting friendships with our group, such as the one we’ve forged with the Bishop Hill windmill staff.”
For more information on the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association, visit their website https://www.bholdsettlers.org/, or email the group at bholdsettlers@gmail.com.
