Project aims to identify, preserve local historical sites

GRUNDY COUNTY – Local history-enthusiast Lois Stork is heading a project that seeks to preserve Grundy County history by identifying and marking historical landmarks throughout the county.
 
Last week, the first of what Stork hopes will be numerous signs identifying historical sites in Grundy County was installed. The sign, marking the location of the former Fairfield Creamery, was put up at the intersection of D17 and T Ave. in northeast Fairfield Township.
 
The sign includes a photo of the old creamery, which was build in 1872 by Joe Wells (and owned by Fred Wells) and was destroyed by fire in 1892. The property was deeded the Grundy County Soil and Water Conservation District in 2004 by Marjorie Johnson.
 
Stork says she hopes to install more signs identifying local landmarks, but she needs the community’s help identifying them. According to Stork, it could be anything from the site of a former one-room schoolhouse, church, creamery, post office, even pioneer cemeteries and prairie areas.
 
“This has been a fun, interesting and rewarding journey and I’ve learned some amazing facts about Grundy County history,” Stork said. “We’re looking for volunteers in every Grundy County township to help identify landmarks.”
 
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