Hello,

Donley's Wild West Museum has been posted for sale on E-bay for a starting bid of 2,000,000 (already one bid has been posted). This museum is on the primary route between I-90 and IRM. This is relevant to our board because it reflects changes in both regional tourism and the increase of suburban sprawl in McHenry County. Personally, I think that the place will likely be liquidated, and a subdivision will ultimately be built on the property.

It is also worth considering how this site could be used to enhance the mission of both IRM and the McHenry County Historical Society (also located in Union). Instead of presenting a characterized version of American history, the site could be reconfigured to interpret Midwestern life between 1830 and 1930. It is worth noting that the site is approximately 1.5 miles away from the East Union and would provide a starting point for the street scene that IRM has considered constructing. However, I donÂ’t think that it worth spending too much time on this question, as I doubt that neither IRM or the McHenry County Historical Society have the money or the interest in such a project. (Please prove me wrong!)

Tom Cornillie


Donley's Wild West Town (Near IRM) For Sale @ Ebay
rrhistorian@hotmail.com

>Kind of reminds me of the Harold Warp Pioneer Village in Minden, Ne. The Warp family tried to pawn the thing off on the Nebraska State Historical Society a few years ago and was rebuffed. Nice collection of stuff, but much of not analogous to the state it was in. Think the same applies here.

jimhollis@ev1.net

I see the auction for Donley's ended without meeting the reserve. Any word on what will happen to the place?

n2xjk@yahoo.com