The Galva Rotary Club received good news recently from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) that the reconstruction of the Bishop Hill Park fencing has been approved. A volunteer service project engineered by the club members will revive the historic fence that surrounds the four-acre park in the center of Bishop Hill and bring it back to life.
Over the years, the fence has fallen into disrepair with many areas broken or missing. Rebuilding the fence will be a welcome improvement for the village, which is dependent on tourism and tourism dollars to support its businesses and historic sites.
Erected in 1857 by the remaining Swedish settlers that founded the “Utopia on the Prairie”, its original purpose was to keep livestock out of the park and safeguard the buildings and the well that supplied the village with water.
According to Todd DeDecker, director of the Heritage Association, the village is a popular site for festivals, musical performances and socials.
“Repairing and restoring our buildings is paramount to the success of Bishop Hill”, said DeDecker, and protecting pieces of history honors those who came to the area, looking for a new life. “We owe this to our Swedish ancestors,” said DeDecker. “We can’t allow their hard work to crumble away.”
Mike Massie, a Galva Rotary member who has helped lead the effort, is excited about the opportunity to rebuild the fence following historically accurate specifications. Working with IDNR and the Rotary community, this service project can now move forward.
An estimated $40,000 to $50,000 is needed to cover the cost of materials. Volunteers, led by experienced carpenters will construct the fence. Work is expected to begin in early summer.
Plans for fundraising efforts are being discussed and several donors have already expressed interest. Information on a GoFundMe can be found on the Galva Rotary Club Facebook page. Donations can also be sent to The Galva Rotary Club, Mike Massie, P.O. Box 205, Galva, IL 61434.
Joe Becker, Rotary Club President, said that they are keen to undertake this project with the help of Rotary and the community. All involved look forward to the day the fence returns to its original beauty, he said.
