Bishop Hill Old Settlers' Association

09/15/2026

It “took a village” to host the 5-year event for the 180th Anniversary this past weekend. We are appreciative for the involvement and efforts of the following Community Partners, and Old Settlers' Members:

Event Chairpersons:
> Friday Street Dance – Nicole Nelson, The Colony Inn
> Saturday Parade – Chris Nelson, Ruth Spivey Sharfe, Janell
Spivey Holt, Old Settlers'
> Saturday Chicken Dinner – Eva Spets Harlan & Margaret
Spets Esken, Old Settlers'
> Saturday Old Settlers’ Program – Joella Krause, Old Settlers'
> Saturday Birthday Party – Chris Nelson & Dee Nelson
Schroeder, Old Settlers'
> Sunday Ice Cream Social – Bishop Hill Community UMC
> Sunday Preservation Techniques – Ryley Lamb, Bishop Hill State Historic Site
> Sunday Monument and Flag Pole dedications - Village Of Bishop Hill
> Sunday Cruise-In – Dan Strange, Ron Johnson, & Nicci Dillon, Filling Station
> 180th Merchandise - Bob & Mary Oberg

In addition to efforts, we are incredibly grateful for donations received of money, services, and special additions. 🙏 Thank you to the following for your generous contributions:

Special “Thank Yous” for their monetary or time donations

Geneseo Foundation donation funded advertising, porta potties,
and golf carts
Henry County Historical Society donation funded Event souvenir
booklet printing
Beth Magnuson in Memory of Roy donation funded the sound
and stage systems for the parade and program
Roy “Swede” Swenson donation funded Draw Me Bill caricature
Jeff & Gail Olson donation funded the musicians who perform
at the Colony School
Patricia Hurd funded the Historical Trading Card project and
drone photography
Vasa for subsidizing transportation for Lillie Setterdahl

Bishop Hill High Society Band for their ongoing music engagements
Al DeCrane for supplying the People Movers for our Grand
Marshals
Judy Middleton and Dianne Lindbom for decorations
Beth Magnuson for creating the silhouettes and graphic arts and designs
Families of the Grand Marshals for assisting with their details,
support, and encouragement to participate
Sheri Wood for coordinating clothing sewing and fitting
The Wood Shop for creating the commemorative wooden nickels
Village of Bishop Hill for helping with road closures
Jack Hawkins for keeping the firetruck in tip top shape
Bishop Hill Heritage Association for use of the Steeple building
for parade viewing
Pat Keim for the school bell cookies

Appreciative “Thank You” to the Erik Jansson descendant group for attending and making the 180th celebration memorable!🇸🇪

And thanks to ALL of you who came out to help celebrate! Without you, the weekend would not have been a success!!

09/14/2026

09/14/2026

With Advocates for Conserving State Owned Colony Buildings in Bishop Hill, Ill and Preserve Bishop Hill Corporation

There was a small window of opportunity to talk about the local Advocacy work that has been going on in the last 4 years. Here is the talk that was presented, and photo of those present.

~~~~~~~
Welcome to the Bishop Hill 180th Celebration! Before we kickoff our 5-year Parade, I’d like to take a few minutes and introduce a group of individuals that have been working in the interest of Bishop Hill behind the scenes. While we don’t have time for a full Q&A today, we do have a small window to put faces with names, and provide an update on the State-owned buildings in town.

In early 2023, a group of local advocates formed to bring awareness to the condition of State buildings in Bishop Hill – in particular the Colony Church. Those individuals are:

Local Advocate Group:
Todd DeDecker, Lou Lordeau representing the Bishop Hill Heritage Association
Mike Funke, Mayor of Bishop Hill
Eva Spets Harlan, Original Colonist Descendant, and Old Settlers’ Board Member
Mike Massie, Rotarian Liaison who coordinated the park fence replacement
Courtney Stone, longtime resident, and President of Preserve Bishop Hill since 2020
John Taylor, original colonist descendant, town business owner, and longtime advocate since 2017
Joella Krause, original Colonist Descendant, and President of Old Settlers’ Association

In addition, there was support from the County

County Partners
Kippy Breeden - Henry County Board Chair
Erin Knackstedt - Henry County Administrator
Jim Kelly - Henry County Economic Development Director
Marshall Jones - Henry County Executive Committee Chair
Kelly Wolf – Henry County Tourism Director

And support from the State Representative aspect by

State Representative Partner
Representative Travis Weaver
Mark Slover
>Debra Karch in absence of Travis who had a conflict

And contacts from IDNR who became Partners

IDNR Partners
Jeffrey Nevins - IDNR Historic Sites Division Manger
Scott Roman - IDNR Site Manager III
Ryley Lamb - IDNR Local Site Services Specialist II

The Advocates and Partners have worked closely with the State (IDNR) to bring building condition awareness to key landmarks in the Village, while keeping a pulse on the progress of restoration commitments. We all correspond on a regular basis, and post updates via social media on Preserve Bishop Hill page, and Advocates for conserving State-owned Colony buildings in Bishop Hill.

And now I’d like to pass the mic to Ryley Lamb, who will provide the update from IDNR….

50% drawings are complete, and in process of review by CDB and IDNR.

The next project milestones include the 75% drawings and 100% drawings (again with CDB and IDNR input).

We are still on schedule with the other project milestones:
1. May 2027: Drawings finalized
2. June 2027: Project goes out for contractors to bid
3. September 2027: Construction begins
4. Total Phase 1 capital - $17 million spend

~~~
Many thanks to these Advocates and Partners who were able to come today so folks can put a name with a face.

09/14/2026

Today’s monument dedication by Village Of Bishop Hill.

Bishop Hill honors settlers in unmarked graves with monument dedication

09/14/2026

09/14/2026