Adopt an Artifact! is a unique program offered by the St. Charles History Museum that allows people to “adopt” various artifacts from the Museum’s Collection. Artifacts may be adopted for up to a year and can be renewed.
Music often is a family affair, as knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. A lot of times, when one thinks of musical families; piano, guitar, or vocals will come to mind. But Bill Robinson’s family plays a different tune: he is a third-generation hammered dulcimer player. Bill describes this instrument as taking music “right back to its roots”.
The story of Rufus M. Hooker, who mustered into the 8th Illinois Cavalry on September 1st, 1861 as a Captain in St. Charles, IL. Through new research, it has been discovered that Hooker was subsequently the first blood drawn by Confederate General Robert E. Lee when he was killed at the Battle of Mechanicsville on June 26th, 1862.
The Great Spider story began Aug. 21, 1932 when a St. Charles city employee was checking the pumphouse of Fourth Street and walked into a fascinating and awesome sight. A spider holding a snake captive in its web. For the next three weeks no legendary spider of snake ever enjoyed such a burst of notoriety as these two creatures in the St. Charles pumphouse.
Snake and Spider War, Photograph contributed by Mayor Langum. Sept. 1932
It was surmised that the snake, a seven inch garter, had made a pass at the spider and missed. The snake's had was annoyingly tangled in the web. When the snake tired, the spider, sensing weakness, began to relentlessly spin more web.
Besides being a closeup of a natural struggle for survival, which attracts human attention, this situation presented elements that aroused human emotions. Some people were shocked. Some felt the pity for the snake which was clearly losing the fight. Gambling instincts were provoked. The wire service spread the story and pictures of the epic battle throughout the nation.
Adding to the interest was the fact that the two creatures who normally are among the most repulsive to man, were not able to capture human interest and sympathy for their respective positions. People all over the country took sides. Some wanted the snake to win. Many thought the clever little spider deserved the victory. Phone calls and letters came to city hall from all of the U.S. and Mayor Langum found himself in the middle of a great controversy and refused to take sides.
Days passed into weeks and still, the struggle between the spider and the snake made the news. The spider by now had cunningly spun reinforcing threads in several directions and the snake couldn't battle to free itself. On September 14, about three weeks of international commotion, Mayor Langum decided he'd had enough.
He entered the pump house alone and cut down the snake. It was exhibited for a few days in a store window to prove that it was alive. A number of days later the same was released in an area of Pottawatomie Park where it was occasionally seen running away from ground spiders.
Click to read the full article, St. Charles Chronicle, September 11, 1932.
It's time once again for a round up of our ongoing online exhibit 100 Days, 100 Artifacts, an exploration of St. Charles History through artifacts. Today we'll take a look at the history of the St. Charles Fire Department, peek at what Main Street used to look like, get a glimpse at life in Dunham Castle, and celebrate the anniversary of a long standing and iconic St. Charles business.
Welcome back for another weekly recap of our 100 Days, 100 Artifacts online exhibit, an exploration of St. Charles History through artifacts!
This week we take a look at flags, hand made musical instruments, cavalry swords, and more.
Enjoy this look at our town’s history through the artifacts that helped to shape it.
*Special tours may be scheduled ahead of time for any day of the week, including Monday
Your City. Your History. Your Sense of Community.
The Museum welcomes participation in all activities by individuals with disabilities and special needs by working cooperatively with the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. The Museum is committed to inclusion by providing public programs in the most integrated setting, providing to the maximum extent feasible for interaction between people with and without disabilities.If you or a household member has a special need or request for reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, please contact us at least one week in advance of an activity, program, or visit date. For more details, call 630-584-6967.