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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Stephen J. Bigolin sits on a park bench on Sept. 20 at Memorial Park in front of the mural facing Lincoln Highway. Bigolin has supported and discovered DeKalb’s local history since he moved to DeKalb in 1967. (Rachel Cormier | Northern Star)

DeKalb historian, Stephen J. Bigolin, receives dedicated day

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | September 22, 2023

DeKALB – Sitting on a park bench in Memorial Park, Stephen J. Bigolin thinks about his birthday. While he’s celebrated many in his time, his 74th will have a special ring for years, knowing that every birthday after will be celebrated by not only...

A view of downtown DeKalb's shops and restaurants. DeKalb contains a rich history for students to get involved in. (Northern Star File Photo)

Familiarize yourself with DeKalb culture

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | August 30, 2023

DeKALB – The City of DeKalb contains a rich history and fun after-school activities that give students a break from college life. Step off campus and check out these four local sites.  FATTY’S Fatty’s Pub & Grille, located at 1312 Lincoln...

The DeKalb County History Center's logo is red and has white text on it. Understanding local history is important so that you can learn from the past. (Patrick Murphy | Northern Star)

Knowing local history is important for the community

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Former Editor in Chief | April 28, 2023

In schools students are taught national and international history, but very rarely are they taught local history when it is just as important.  Knowing the history of the town you grew up in, are attending school in and/or are working in is an essential...

Historic and modern images of the historic Finnish Temperance Society Meeting Hall, today's DeKalb Area Women's Center, at 1021 State St.
(Left) Courtesy of Joiner History Room, (Right) Photo by Grace Ellinger.

Ellwood House to present new exhibit discussion, Past and Pleasant

By Michael Mollsen, Former Written Managing Editor | March 22, 2023

DeKALB – The Ellwood House will be hosting a new exhibit discussion titled Past and Pleasant as part of the Brown Bag Lunch/Local Lore, a free monthly lecture series about history relevant to DeKalb County. The April 6 discussion presents the lives...

A tour being given in the Ellwood House in which the guide is pointing out a sculpture.

Ellwood House wanting to train new guides

By Joseph Howerton, Video Editor | February 2, 2023

DeKALB – Training in guided tours is being offered at the historic Ellwood estate. Volunteers will learn the history of barb wire entrepreneur Isaac Ellwood’s Victorian home and how to share this knowledge with the public. Content will focus on...

The Ellwood House, pictured above in it's usual

Ellwood House opens its doors for Family Weekend

By Jacob Roushia | October 4, 2019

DeKALB - The Ellwood House will be offering guided tours and access to the Visitor Center Exhibit Gallery during Family Weekend. Family Weekend showcases several locations in the DeKalb Area by welcoming students, their families and visitors. Audrey...

Artists sell work at Ellwood event

By Northern Star staff | July 20, 2015

The Ellwood House Museum will hold the annual Art Fair & Ice Cream Social on Aug. 2.The fair, which will take place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Ellwood House, 509 N. First St., will exhibit work from 30 Illinois and Wisconsin artists. Works...

Artists take charge in local Beatles cover show

By Nate Linhart | February 16, 2014

“Come Together” appropriately described the Wooden Box Theater’s fourth annual Beatles Nite over the weekend.Wooden Box Theater, an Illinois performance team, presented the Beatles Nite at the Ellwood House Museum Visitor Center, 509 N. First St.,...

Music programs, classes open to community

By Keisha Howerth | January 21, 2014

Locals can sharpen their music skills and participate in concerts through programs offered at NIU.The courses are available through the Community School of the Arts, and children can also join the school’s choir.LessonsMusic lessons using the Suzuki...

Historian ties barbed wire to ‘Grit’

By Erin Kolb | October 15, 2013

Barbed wire history was part of Big Read activities on Tuesday night.Historian Gerald Brauer presented The Story of Barbed Wire: An American Invention, at the Ellwood House Visitor’s Center, 509 N. First St. He talked about the history of barbed wire,...

Ellwood hosts history of barbed wire talk

By Jessi Haish | October 14, 2013

Historian Gerald Brauer will discuss the history of barbed wire with an exhibition at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Ellwood House Visitor’s Center, 509 N. First Street.The event is free, no registration is required and refreshments will be available to attendees.The...

Summer hot spots: Enjoying DeKalb

By Deanna Frances | June 19, 2013

No matter what interests people may have, they can surely find something to do in the area this summer. Starved Rock State Park This historic state park, located in Utica, offers multiple activities: 13 miles of hiking trails, camping, picnic areas, boating,...