MONTICELLO — As The Farms: An Allerton Folk School observed its first anniversary in September (of 2024), organizers spent time reflecting on the first year of operation. And they liked what they saw. Since its start at the Monticello-area Allerton Park & Retreat Center in September of 2023, participants from 110 communities in Illinois have taken part in more than 200 courses taught by 45 instructors. In all, just over 2,400 enrollments were registered during the first year of The … [Read more...] about The Farms: One year in and going strong!
Rathjes honored for generous donations
A group gathered in the Mansion on Sept. 12 to view the fruits of the recent Mansion Solarium remodel and to honor Debra and David Rathje, whose generous gifts have made several Mansion and other Park upgrades possible. The Solarium project included installation of a new bar, new furniture, rug and window coverings. It has not only brightened the space that overlooks the Reflecting Pond, but made it a showcase for hotel guests, conference attendees and the public that comes out during weekend … [Read more...] about Rathjes honored for generous donations
History Happy Hour: The Allerton Family
(This is the presentation given at History Happy Hour on Sept. 12) The Allerton family is one of the oldest families in the United States, with the founding member, Isaac Allerton coming over on the Mayflower. The history of the Allerton family was well documented in a book entitled A History of the Allerton Family in the United States, 1585 to 1885, and A Genealogy of the Descendants of Isaac Allerton, “Mayflower Pilgrim,” Plymouth, Mass., 1620. authored by Walter S. Allerton of New York … [Read more...] about History Happy Hour: The Allerton Family
Staff Book Reviews
We asked our staff for book recommendations in anticipation of upcoming Silent Book Club gatherings. We will be posting them periodically to give you ideas for your next read!! ------- MICAH PUTMAN Associate Director of Park Operations It is not surprising that Allerton’s Associate Director of Park Operations Micah Putman reads his share of books on gardening and the environment. But occasionally he branches out into other genres including science fiction. Here is his review of Project … [Read more...] about Staff Book Reviews
RDC resident holds altar workshop
Participants at an Altar Workshop on Aug. 7 spent time both indoors and out as Artist-in-Residence Lemareye Jones walked them through the process of setting up home altars, which can be dedicated to a variety of things. Jones said he began meditating during the covid crisis and found that a home altar kept him focused. “When you have a wedding, what do you do? You say vows. That is something you are committed to. This (creating a home altar) is something that you are committed to, whether … [Read more...] about RDC resident holds altar workshop
Hats off to our Camp Staff!
Hats off to our hard-working Summer Camp Staff. Despite some hot days and occasional rainouts, these dedicated workers led youth through weeks on weather, science, fort-building, pollinators, and even their very own Olympic competitions! Staff this year were: Rose Talbert, Hannah Dooley, Nya Reynolds, Sebastian Luthy, Joe Sushinski, Elise Swanstrom, Amy Davis and Eliza Bailey. Miia Popovics is not pictured. We appreciate all you do for the Park and the next generation of Allerton lovers! … [Read more...] about Hats off to our Camp Staff!
COACH LOU & MARY HENSON ENDOWMENT CELEBRATED
We gathered with the Lou and Mary Henson family on Friday, July 19 to celebrate their recent donation, an endowment that will help maintain the Upper Pond Promenade near the Allerton Mansion. The ceremony was covered by the News-Gazette: “Friday’s dedication ceremony at Allerton Park was attended by dozens of family members and friends and recognized the pull that the Monticello park had on Mary and Lou, the Illini’s all-time winningest basketball coach who passed away in 2020. “‘I know … [Read more...] about COACH LOU & MARY HENSON ENDOWMENT CELEBRATED
Photographer, visual artist is next Artist In-Residence
MONTICELLO — A 2015 Urbana High School graduate who is now a photographer and visual artist in Chicago will be the next Artist-in-Residence at Allerton Park & Retreat Center. Lemareyè Jones will combine many of his current passions during a three-week stay beginning July 26 at the Monticello-area park, including the clash of technology and nature, photography, visual arts and West African culture. His plans include photographing pieces of technology in a natural setting to spur … [Read more...] about Photographer, visual artist is next Artist In-Residence