Cragg Cabin Festival

26th Annual Cabin Festival was
June 5, 2010

In spite of a threat of Thunderstorms, the Partners moved the festivities to the Visitor's Center and had a very successful day with a good turn out. Visit the Cabin Festival Photo Album for a glimpse of the activities.

Please Click to download the 2010 Festival Flyer.

Visit the Photo Album for 2010 event. Ready for viewing. (7-21-2010)

The Origin of the Cabin Festival at GLPSNA

In February of 1985, a new Prairie Partner asked about the Cabin and it's uses. She was told that it was used once in the fall for a program called "Incredible Edibles," and a warming place for cross-country skiers in winter. Vince Matthews, the interpreter at the time, asked what the person had in mind.

It was at that time that Cabin Festival began, patterned after the "Settlement" in Lockport, (run by the Will Co. Historical Society). The new member knew several of the crafters in Lockport and asked them to come to Goose Lake Park and bring their crafts, making and doing things that the pioneers would need to do to survive.

The cabin (knows as the Cragg Cabin) had only two benches, a table and a chair that was donated. Pioneer Cabin Festival was bore.

The date chosen was September Prairie week and also combined "Incredible Edibles." This was what we would call "weeds," but the pioneers found several things such as dandelion leaves and some roots to use in the spring. They picked wild berries as the summer progressed and made jams and sauces. The partners demonstrated the use of the "weeds" and served jams and jellies on crackers for the 'guests' to sample.

Eventually, because of weather and lack of crafters in the fall, the Pioneer Cabin Festival was moved to spring. Crafters were not so overwhelmed with too many festivals at that time.

(Reference: Jo Fleming, Morris, IL)

We are constantly looking for period re-enactors to help us with this event. Crafts that pioneers would most likely do in the 1800s is our emphasis. If you would like more information about our festival please call 815-942-2899.

Sample Edibles:

1. Burdock Roots were made into soup or stew.

2. Violet greens, mustard green, pokeweed greens, and dandelion greens were cooked.

3. Gooseberries, elderberries and black berries were made into jams.

Re-enactment may include

Blacksmithing
Lace Making, Quilting
Weaving, Spinning
Soap Making
Candle Making
Tanning, Farming
Plant Study
Old fashion Games
American Indian Life & Culture
Wood working
Fiddling
Knitting, Crochet
Clothes Discussions
Culture in 1830
Cabin Life & Area History