Galleries

View our Galleries of our Past and events

Past Events

Homestead Harvest Days

Through the Years

Homestead Harvest Days | 2025

Coming Soon!

Homestead Harvest Days | 2024

Homestead Harvest Days | 2023

Homestead Harvest Days | 2022

Homestead Harvest Days | 2021

Christmas at the Homestead

Through the Years

Christmas at the Homestead | 2025

Coming Soon!

Christmas at the Homestead | 2024

Highland's Beginnings

Highland's Beginnings

“Ethel and Jim Hirsch Welcoming Returning Soldiers after World War II in a Highland Bar,” Highland, IL — This photograph shows Ethel and Jim Hirsch (far left) and others welcoming home soldiers returning from World War II in a Highland. Various photographs of soldiers are hanging on the shelf behind Ethel and Jim. The identity of the bar is unknown. One possibility is Kid Walter’s Place, which Ethel and Jim bought in 1952. That bar became known as Ethel's and is still open as of 2018.

“The St. Louis House Tavern in Highland,” Highland, IL — This is a photograph of the St. Louis House Tavern in Highland sometime during its operation. It served Highland residents as a tavern and hostelry in the 19th and early 20th centuries, prior to the building burning down in 1913. In the early 21st century the site is the home of Ethel's, a tavern in operation since the end of Prohibition in 1933.

“Kid Walters Tavern in Highland,” Highland, IL — This postcard shows the interior of Kid Walters Tavern in Highland sometime during his ownership from 1933 to 1952. In 1952 he sold the tavern to Jim and Ethel Hirsch, and the tavern became known as Ethel's. It is still in operation as Ethel's as of 2018.

“1866 Highland Brewery,” Highland, IL — This 1866 photograph shows the Highland Brewing Company's brewery in Highland. The view is from the north. Telegraph poles are visible in the photograph. This photograph was digitized by Darren Latham as part of History 400: Community-Engaged Digital History.

“Louis Spengel’s Store in Highland in 1896,” Highland, IL — This photo of Louis Spengel’s store in Highland was taken in 1896. The signs on the store indicate that Spengel sold stoves, tinware, and umbrellas. This photograph was digitized by Darren Latham as part of History 400: Community-Engaged Digital History.

Interior view of C Kinne & Co Store for Clothing, Boots, & Shoes - approx. 1908 - main street - Highland, IL — Interior view of C Kinne & Co Store for Clothing, Boots, & Shoes - approx. 1908 - main street - Highland, IL - photo provided by Jacob W. Rose in 2023

C. Kinne Co.building NE corner Main & Laurel Highland, IL May 5,1908 — This image depicts the exterior of the C. Kinne Co.building NE corner Main & Laurel Highland, IL taken on May 5,1908 - photo provided by Jacob W Rose

808 Broadway, Highland. Highland Sheet Metal, taken around 1900. Henry Wessels, proprietor, in doorway. Phineas Sackett is with cap and tie and Emil Vonland is to the right at the hitching rack. - Highland, IL — 808 Broadway, Highland, IL. Highland Sheet Metal, taken around 1900. Henry Wessels, proprietor, in doorway. Phineas Sackett is with cap and tie and Emil Vonland is to the right at the hitching rack. In 1915, auto dealers Sam Jenny and Orville Streiff began their dealership named Hightower Auto Dealer. This building was later the Freight Salvage store, Beckman Furniture, and as of 2014 DiMaggio's Restaurant.

Helvetia Milk Condensing Company employees. Picture was taken about 1894. The building was at the SE corner of Broadway and Washington Sts. Where US Bank is now (as of 2013) - Highland, IL — Helvetia Milk Condensing Company employees. Picture was taken about 1894. The building was at the SE corner of Broadway and Washington Sts. Where US Bank is now (as of 2013)

First National Bank of Highland, IL in 1891. Pictured is Joseph Ammann. — Interior of First National Bank of Highland, IL in 1891. Pictured is Joseph Ammann.

The only known picture of the Old Market House. It can be seen to the right and back of the two school houses - Highland, IL — The only known picture of the Old Market House. It can be seen to the right and back of the two school houses - Highland, IL - image from "Centennial History of Highland 1837 – 1937"

New immigrants arriving at the coach stop in Highland, IL - photo taken late 1800s — New immigrants arriving at the coach stop in Highland, IL - photo taken late 1800s - photo borrowed from A Portrait of New Switzerland Max Schweizer 1831-1900

The Köpfli pioneer family: Left to Right, Dr. Kaspar Köpfli, his son Salomon, his daughter Rose Eggen and her child - co founders of "New Switzerland" later Highland, IL - photo borrowed from "A Portrait of New Switzerland by Max Schweizer 1831-1900