Historic Marriage Mill Returns to Crown Point

Photo from the Lake County Historical Museum:Couples standing in line at the Clerk's Office in the courthouse waiting to obtain their marriage licenses (c1930). Years ago, Crown Point was known for its quickie no-wait weddings. Crown Point was aptly named the Marriage Mill, because it turned out countless weddings between 1915 and 1940. The reason? There was no wait for a marriage license. Couples from all over the nation came to the Marriage Mill, much like they do Vegas today and the Crown Point Courthouse is bringing the Mill back to life…

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Decorating the Prairie - Garden Spiders at Kankakee Sands

Halloween decoration is in full swing. Ghosts, witches, and spiders are popping up everywhere. The prairies of Kankakee Sands seem decorated for the upcoming holiday too. All around are spider webs that glitter with the dew on these chilly fall mornings. The most common spider that I see at Kankakee Sands during the months of September and October is Argiope aurantia, otherwise known as yellow and black garden spider, corn spider, zipper spider, writing spider, or black and yellow argiope…

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