At the June regular meeting, members of the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ organization discussed plans for their summer activities.
Part of those plans include the return to the village of the ABBA tribute band on Saturday, July 12. Sponsored by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, the free concert has been an audience favorite for several years.
The Chicago-based group will perform in the afternoon, beginning at 2 pm. Their website notes that ABBA is one of the most accurate tribute bands on the planet, with the two-hour show captivating young and old alike.
The Old Settlers will be serving their famous Swedish meatballs before the group takes the stage. According to the OSA president, Joella Krause, the meal is a favorite, serving at least 200 visitors each year.
“We have a crew of great volunteers who make the meal possible,” she said. “It’s a perfect complement to the ABBA performance,” she said.
Proceeds help to fund the organization’s programs and maintain the 1862 Colony School building.
Sunday, July 27, marks the 30th year of the annual car show, which is held in the village park.
“We have anywhere from 100 – 150 cars and trucks,” said organizer Jeff Olson. “New, classic, and vintage autos of all kinds can be seen.”
Numerous trophies are awarded, including the coveted “People’s Choice.”
Olson noted that he has obtained a large number of sponsors for the special anniversary show, and he expects another big crowd this year.
President Krause reported that plans are underway for the 2026 180th anniversary of the founding of Bishop Hill. Organized 50 years after the village was started, the Old Settlers’ Organization was formed in 1896, making it 130 years old as well.
“We would love to see our membership grow,” said Krause. “You don’t need to be a colony descendant to join. Caring about the Bishop Hill community is all that’s needed.”
Member Dee Schroeder presented a program on her Swedish ancestors and how they sailed to the New World in the hope of a better life. Some were still in their teens when they made the voyage, often alone and traveling on foot for many miles to join family members who had settled in the area.
One of her ancestors, Peter Persson, was one of the famous “Ox Boys” who lived in one of the four dormitories located at the corners of the village. Only one remains and there is hope that money will be available from the state to restore it. She shared photographs of family members and told stories of their early days in the newly formed Bishop Hill Colony.
Other summer programs were announced.
Midsommer Music Festival will be held on Saturday, June 21, along with a Midsommer Respite at the VASA lodge.
Indigo Dye classes will be offered at the Dairy Building on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 9, 10, and 11. The Bishop Hill Chautauqua is scheduled for Saturday, August 9. Area restaurants will also offer special meals and refreshments during the summer months.
For information on The Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Organization activities, go to www.bholdsettlers.org. To learn about other events in the village, go to www.visitbishophill.com.
