Photos from Patti A Puckett
More fun during the 2007 RAMP Wheel-a-thon
The famous APOLLO Theatre was the center stage for the eventLocated in: Belvidere, IL
We are indeed fortunate to be called home to the historical and restored: Tinker Swiss Cottage, Barn, Museum and Gardens.
WHO ARE THE TINKER'S?
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Robert H. Tinker (1836-1924) In 1856 Robert Tinker came to Rockford to work for the Manny Reaper Company. Rockford quickly became his home and over the years he made his mark on the community. He served as Mayor in 1875, worked to bring the railroad to town, served on the board of directors of many companies, and was among the founders of the Rockford Park District. |
| Mary Manny Tinker (1829-1901) Mary Dorr Manny Tinker married inventor John Manny in 1852. Manny had developed a reaper mower for harvesting grain. After Manny died in 1856, Mary hired Robert Tinker as a sales agent of the company and the two became friends. They were married in 1870. |
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Jessie Dorr Hurd Tinker (1859-1942) and Marcia Dorr (1856-1904) Jessie Dorr Tinker and her sister Marcia were nieces of Mary Dorr Manny Tinker. In the 1870s, Jessie and Marcia moved into Tinker Swiss Cottage to live with their aunt. |
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In 1904, after several family deaths left them alone in the Cottage, Robert Tinker and Jessie Dorr were married. In the 1920s, Jessie sold the Cottage and its land to the Rockford Park District. Upon her death in 1942, Tinker Swiss Cottage was opened as a Museum.
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Ted Tinker (1908-1984) In 1908 Jessie Tinker adopted a baby from a children's home in Normal, Illinois. She and Robert named him Theodore. Ted was the only child to grow up in the Cottage. He attended Military School in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. As an adult, Ted lived in the Milwaukee area and worked for the railroad and for a trucking company |
Robert Hall Tinker, a businessman settled in Rockford, IL and built was was to become: THE SWISS TINKER COTTAGE. In 1862, inspired from his travels to Switzerland, he built his cottage.Tinker surrounded his Swiss Cottage with trees, vines, winding pathways and flower beds. A three-story Barn housed cows, chickens and in later years the family car. On the backside of the Cottage, a suspension bridge crossed Kent Creek and linked the Cottage with Mrs. Tinker's property on the far bank. In 1906, after the railroad bought her estate, Robert Tinker planted elaborate gardens at the end of the bridge
Tinker Suspension Bridge
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In 1870, in an attempt to link his Cottage to his bride Mary's estate on the far bank, Robert Tinker constructed a suspension bridge across Kent Creek. The bridge was built on a slant, sloping down from the bluff to the north creek bank. Unfortunately, this put the bridge directly in the path of flooding and in 1890 it was washed out. |
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The following year Tinker rebuilt the suspension bridge, this time raising the far piers so that the bridge was level and out of the path of floods. In 1906 Tinker planted gardens on the far bank. |
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Visitors can now experience Robert Tinker's swinging bridge as part of their visit to the historic Cottage. Over the next three years the Museum plans to restore Mr. Tinker's gardens at the far end of the bridge as well.
Tinker Barn and Visitor Center
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In 1873 Robert Tinker built a three-story Swiss-style Barn to house chickens, dairy cows and the family's carriage. In 1958 the building burned to the ground. Forty years later, in need of space for educational programs, exhibits, and storage space, the Museum undertook the reconstruction of the Tinker Barn. The Museum used historic photographs, diary entries, archaeological data, and recycled lumber to reconstruct the building. Today the Tinker Barn and Visitor Center houses the Museum's reception area and gift shop, a multipurpose room with space for special exhibits, programs, activities, and meetings.
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The Cottage Today
Inside the Cottage today looks much as it did in the late 1800s.
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If you have the opportunity to visit Northern Illinois, specifically Rockford, IL (a 90 min ride from Chicago) I encourage you to discover many of the architectural beauties including The Swiss Tinker Cottage. There are tours daily and seasonal and is one of many historical treasure troves that have been preserved and restored for our insatiable curiosities of DAYS GONE BY!
| Illinois' Rockford Region Has Big-City Style Without the Hassle & High Prices! Illinois' Rockford Region is just a hop, skip and jump from Chicago's hustle and bustle - in the rolling, beautiful hills of Northern Illinois. When it comes to size, we're a Big City. When it comes to low-cost, no-hassle things to do, we're a Small Town. For even more information on why Rockford is the perfect place to live, work and play, visit littlecitybiglife.com |
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Historic Neighborhoods of Rockford: Day 1
Historic Neighborhoods of Rockford: Day 2
If ever you have a question or need regarding the Rockford Region, please do not hesitate to contact me at: 1-815-378-8642 or email: puckettpatti@yahoo.com I would be honored and proud to assist you |
| Illinois' Rockford Region Has Big-City Style Without the Hassle & High Prices! Illinois' Rockford Region is just a hop, skip and jump from Chicago's hustle and bustle - in the rolling, beautiful hills of Northern Illinois. When it comes to size, we're a Big City. When it comes to low-cost, no-hassle things to do, we're a Small Town. For even more information on why Rockford is the perfect place to live, work and play, visit littlecitybiglife.com |
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Historic Neighborhoods of Rockford: Day 1
Historic Neighborhoods of Rockford: Day 2
If ever you have a question or need regarding the Rockford Region, please do not hesitate to contact me at: 1-815-378-8642 or email: puckettpatti@yahoo.com I would be honored and proud to assist you |
IF IT'S GOING TO BE..............IT'S UP TO ME!
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IF IT'S GOING TO BE..............IT'S UP TO ME!
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Broker Assoc/Realtor/Investor/Independent Student Advisor with Nouveau Riche. I present solutions & options through sales,negotiations,FHA,VA,foreclosures,&short sales.Loyal-Trustworthy-Integrity-(ME)
I believe knowledge is power. I immerse myself in learning everyday! I can pass this knowledge onto my clients, empowering them. I excell in market analysis, client communication skills, trust & loyalty. Consistant TOP PRODUCER--SILVER PRESIDENTS AWARD WINNER and former CHEF. The exciting ICING on the CAKE that "sweetens" every action I take in the world of real estate and investing; is being an Independent Student Advisor with Nouveau Riche. I recently attended my first college and arrived back home in INFORMATION OVERLOAD; but re-energized, re-motivated and I am devoted to helping others develop MASSIVE and PASSIVE INVESTMENT INCOME for now and our future. Finally I found myself at the RIGHT PLACE, at the RIGHT TIME-----------------if you've never known TRUE WEALTH; and even if you have...call me and allow me to take you on an empowerment ride of your life. We are nearly 1/2 way through 2008; "ARE YOU WHERE YOU HOPED TO BE, FINANCIALLY?" If not? I urge you to contact me right away; there is still time this year to turn it all around; and you DONT NEED MONEY to INVEST; and you DONT NEED CREDIT to INVEST. Come on friends; let me show you how!
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I provide the whole enchilada! When you make the decision to work with me, I
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I am delighted to introduce you to Belvidere, the specific location within Boone County where I reside and where my office is located.
DID YOU KNOW THAT WE LIVE IN THE 8th MOST AFFORDABLE CITIES IN AMERICA? WE WELCOME YOU TO JOIN US.................
When Mr. Whitney first arrived on the banks of the Kishwaukee river in 1835, he was so enraptured with the beauty of the landscape, that in his enthusiasm, he named the place, "Elysian Fields". Later when Mr. Peck arrived and took over the claims of Dunham and Metcalf the name was changed to Belvidere, which means "beautiful to view". In 1835, the census figures show 37 men, women and children as residents. Today, the figure has increased to 23,532 according to a special 2004 Census. The original town of Belvidere was laid out on the north side of the river, with the usual town square upon which the County Courthouse was built. However, when the railroad located on the south side in 1851, the business section gradually moved south, and that is the location of "downtown" today. Electricity is supplied to the city by Commonwealth Edison Company, with headquarters at Rockford, Illinois. Over 22,522 megawatts of power are available. Belvidere is serviced from a 138 K.V. Loop system. Rates are available upon request from office at Rockford, Illinois. Natural gas is available from Northern Illinois Gas Company (NI COR) with headquarters in Rockford, Illinois. Rates and information are available by calling the Rockford office. Verizon maintains the telephone system in Belvidere with over 11,000 lines. Belvidere's sewage treatment plant is municipally owned as well. The design average flow is 5,899 to 6.5 million gallons per day with an average flow is 3.5 to 4.5 millions gallons per day coursing through 80 - 91 miles of water mains. The plant operates accordingly to IEPA and USEPA regulations, under the direction of a certified state licensed operator. The treatment process is activated sludge. Recreational facilities include the YMCA (Nautilus program, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, banquet room and club rooms). There are approximately 110 acres in the Belvidere Park District. (This includes two baseball diamonds, play grounds for children, one swimming pool, seven tennis courts, five basketball courts, picnic tales, and shelter hours.) There are two gymnasiums, two bowling alleys, and two golf courses. In addition, the Keen Age Center was recently completed to provide expanded facilities for the wide variety of programs and activities available for seniors in Belvidere and Boone County. The Ida Public Library maintains over 68,000 volumes, and conducts a summer reading program as well as a reading hour for small children. Services include use of computers, internet access, lending of video and cassette tapes, large print books, hard and soft cover books, records, and art prints. Inter-library loan service is also available. The library maintains a web site at www.idapubliclibrary.org. The community is served by three local newspapers. The Belvidere Republican is published Tuesday-Friday and Sunday. The Boone County Journal is a free weekly newspaper distributed on Friday. In addition, the Boone County Shopper, a free, all advertising/classified paper is also published weekly on Thursdays. Belvidere is home to independently owned motels, many shops and stores and restaurants. Besides those businesses located in the downtown district, one will find many more new shopping and dining experiences popping up as our community continues to grow. Belvidere has one hospital within the city limits - Northwest Suburban Community Hospital. Nearby Rockford, only 12 miles away, has three major hospitals. In addition, there are three nursing homes in our city: Maple Crest Care Centre-a skilled rehabilitation and complex medical care facility, Northwood's Healthcare-a skilled care facility, and Biltmore Rehab & Nursing Center-a skilled care facility. The chief industries in and around Belvidere include machine tools, heat furnaces, automobiles (we are home to the Daimler Chrysler Assembly Plant), bottle caps, canned and frozen vegetables (General Mills - Green Giant), the North American Headquarters of NDK, a synthetic quartz manufacturer, microwave paper products, rubber, wire and wire coating, fertilizers, and chemicals, automotive and appliance trim, beauty salon equipment and wooden panels and trusses for the construction industry. Boone County is very well connected to the region via road, air and rail. Interstate 90, US Highway 20, and Sate Highways 76 and 173 serve as the primary road transportation routes in the County, and connections to Rockford and Chicago metro areas are via these routes. Twenty-six major truck lines serve the city. Eight of these are locally-owned. Freight rail service is provided by the Union Pacific on tracks crossing the County from east to west passing through Garden Prairie and the City of Belvidere. Currently there is no passenger rail service, however, there is future potential service through Metra, the Chicago Metro commuter rail service.
Belvidere is located in north central Illinois and is 75 miles from downtown Chicago on Routes 20, 76 and the Northern Illinois Toll road, with the Kishwaukee River (one of Illinois' few Class A rivers) dividing the town. We have an industrial community surrounded by prosperous farms. It is the County Seat with an estimated 2006 county population of over 52,000. Our altitude is 800 feet above sea level, average temperatures are: 73 degrees F in the summer; 24 degrees F in the winter, and the average rainfall is 33.3 inches.
The water department is owned and operated by the City of Belvidere. The supply comes from 8 deep wells ranging in depth from 120 feet to 1,800 feet, capable of producing over 9 million gallons of water per day. Hardness test is 19 - 26 grains. A diesel motor is used as stand-by in case of emergency with regular power from Public Service Company. There are 78 miles of water mains in the city with 591 hydrants. Water pressure is maintained at 65 to 92 pounds. Each well is controlled by automatic devices to maintain steady water pressure. Water is state tested, with chlorine added for purity. The water department employs 12 people. Two elevated tanks of 300,.000 gallons capacity each and two reservoirs (ground storage) of 435,000 and 70,000 gallons capacity serve the city's needs.
There are 25 churches in Belvidere representing 15 denominations. Cultural facilities include the Community Building Complex, and The Baltic Mill, both of which host a wide variety of concerts, theatrical events etc. Belvidere is also the home of the Boone County Historical Museum and the Pettit Memorial Chapel designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Educational facilities include ten grade schools (7 public, one Catholic, one Lutheran, one Baptist), three middle schools (two public, one Lutheran, one Baptist school) and one senior high school, with an additional senior high school opening in the fall of 2007. School District No. 100 contracts with a private corporation for bus services. Year 2006-2007 enrollments are as follows: High School - 2,336 enrollments, Central Middle School - 1,147 enrollments, South Middle School - 957 enrollments, Caledonia Elementary - 641, Kishwaukee - 211 enrollments, Lincoln - 687 enrollments, Meehan - 635 enrollments, Perry - 277 enrollments, Seth Whitman Elementary - 734 enrollments, and Washington Elementary - 1,089 for a total District 100 enrollment of 8,714. In addition, Boone County Center Special Education Center, which services residents with special needs in District No. 100 and District No. 200 from age 3 to 21 - 61 students.
The U.S. Postal Service includes deliveries once daily, and has a new facility on the west side of Belvidere.
Boone County consists of 147,059 acres. 81% of this land is classified as Prime Farmland. In addition, large amounts of high quality gravel, sand and limestone deposits have been identified. The landscape in the northern part of the County is hilly and rolling, gradually becoming flat as you go further south. There are many streams, ponds, wetlands and wildlife habitats throughout the county. Significant areas of wooded land are located throughout the county and contribute to the area's character and beauty.
The Interstate 90 Tollway is a major interstate and intrastate transportation route. There is currently access from the Tollway at the Genoa / Belvidere Road exit. The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority is studying the possibility of an interchange in the area of Irene Road/Town Hall Road/Stone Quarry Road. Additional Tollway interchanges are located across the Winnebago County line to the west of Boone County at Business 20 and Rockton Road with an additional interchange currently under construction at Highway 173.
The Poplar Grove Airport on Highway 76 is a local airport serving the surrounding communities. Chicago's O'Hare Airport, a national and international hub, is located approximately 55 miles from the City of Belvidere on I90. The Rockford Airport, a mid-west regional UPS air-freight hub, is a short 20 miles to the west of Belvidere. Rockford Airport also offers limited national and international passenger service on various carriers.
30 Years,various degrees of customer service
Member of MLS
Member of MLSNI
Consistant TOP PRODUCER RECOGNITION
Sold over 2.5 MILLION in Properties (2006) Sold 3 MILLION in Properties (207)
Member of Rockford, Illinois & National Assoc.
of Realtors
Experienced in PRIME & SUB-PRIME Lending with relationships that discern between scandalous/ethical vs unethical & legal lending practices
Il State License in Real Estate
Ample experience in helping others to Build &
Restore Credit History
Degreed as a Chef & Restaurant/Hotel Management
Interned cooking for the Athletes,Coaches &
Dignitaries at the 1996 Summer Olympics
Cooked and Served a private dinner for Johnny
Cash & June Carter-Cash at-Hemmens Auditorium/
Elgin,IL 1996
Competed Internationally & won a silver medal
Cooking in Austria 1995
Instrumental in gaining additional funds from
Legislative Committees for Community Colleges
10 Years Member of PTO/PTA Board
15 years Fundraising Chairperson for BS TROOP
Rockford History
Rockford was founded in 1834 by Germanicus Kent as the village of Midway because it was approximately midway between his home of Galena and the city of Chicago. Kent, a land speculator, established a settlement on the west side of the Rock River and was soon joined by Daniel Shaw Haight, who established a town on the east side of the Rock. While the settlements quickly became known as Kentville and Haightville, the area continued to be recognized as Midway until 1837 when the founders and several respected members of their communities met in Chicago and officially changed Midway's name to Rock Ford.
Rockford Female Seminary was chartered in 1847. It became Rockford College in 1892, fully coeducational in 1958 and is today recognized as a top liberal arts institution. In August of 1852, the year Rockford was officially chartered as a city, the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad arrived, spurring ecomonic growth in the region. Shortly thereafter, the newly formed Water Power District erected a huge dam harnessing the power of the Rock and facilitating industrialization. By 1872, Rockford was the home of Illinois' second public library and 1877 it saw the successful launch of a daily newspaper.
While the earliest settlers were from New York and New England, beginning around the 1850's immigration drove the population growth of the region and it became a virtual melting pot. The Irish arrived in the early 1850's followed by the Swedes. In many areas of Rockford the Swedish lanquage was as common as English well into the 1920's. Other ethnic groups also appeared including the Italians, Poles and Lithuanians, and more recently Laotians, Vietnamese and Hispanics.
By the turn of the century, Rockford was recognized as a vital industrial hub and was a manufacturing center for machine tools, furniture, agricultural equipment and more. Many nationally known manufacturers called Rockford home including Ingersoll Milling Machine Company, Greenlee Brothers, Barber-Coleman and others.
The early 20th century found Rockford an important military center as well. Camp Grant was established at Rockford in 1917, training thousands of soldiers for World War I.
Rockford's fascination with sports, and particularly baseball began shortly after the Civil War, with the success of the Forest City Baseball Club. Some of baseball's earliest icons began their careers in the Forest City, including Albert Spaulding, Ross Barnes and Adrian Anson. Then from 1945 to 1954, Rockford again gained national recognition with the All American Girls Professional Baseball League team, the Rockford Peaches.
Like many industrialized cities, Rockford's industry took a major hit following World War II. Many core industries including furniture and agricultural equipment manufacturing were nearly extinct by the 1960s, while others including machine tool and fastener manufacturing are a fraction the size that they once were. While the mid-80's found Rockford with record level unemployment, today Rockford's economic base has evolved to include an abundance of professional and business services, in addition to manufacturing, resulting in a strong local ecomony. Rockford is now a thriving commercial hub for the region, as well as a cultural and entertainment center.
REMEMBER SOCK MONKEYS?
Then join our "Monkeyin' Around Safari" - The perfect tour for all sock monkey owners, makers and lovers!
Remember the endearing Sock Monkeys from your childhood? They were made from colorful, Red Heel® sock that were first manufactured in 1890 by the Nelson Knitting Mills in Rockford, Illinois.
So, bring your sock monkey, or just your inquisitive spirit and "Monkey Around" with us in search of the history of these and other interesting memorabilia in and around the Rockford Region. Here is a sample of the many fun things you can do while you're here.
Springtime! The perfect time to see the City of Gardens in Rockford, Illinois.
Rockford was recently selected as the winner of the America in Bloom Award for Cities 100,000 to 300,000! You'll be surprised and pleased to see the great array of wonderful gardens, both public and private, during your stay with us. Springtime is the perfect time to enjoy the flowers, fragrance and fun!
The Exhibit | Burpee Museum | Rockford, IL, USA
Jane's skeleton, the centerpiece of the exhibit, is the most complete adolescent T. rex in the world.
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Jane bares her teeth in this close-up of her skull.
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Learn about Jane's world from one of the many interactive displays.
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Jane comes to life with a life-sized rendering of her head.
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After undergoing four years of digging, dusting, and study, Jane is now on display in all her ancient glory as the centerpiece of a new exhibit at Burpee Museum - Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur. Visiting her is sure to capture the imaginations of your whole family, giving you a fascinating glimpse into the life of our 66 million-year-old friend. You will also learn what happened during those millions of years she lay buried, visit the expedition's Montana base camp and view Jane's fully restored 21-foot skeleton.
SAVE BIG MONEY ON TAXES IN ROCKFORD,IL CLICK HERE AND SEE HOW:
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Rockford's first historic district, sits immediately to the north of 3rd College Union. This neighborhood blends a unique mixture of Victorian elegance, urban living and local history. The 
If you're looking for a place to have lunch, try 
neighborhood. Its origin dates back to 1829 when, through the Treaty of Prairie du Chien, the land was given to Catherine Myott, daughter of a Winnebago Indian and a French soldier. The neighborhood boasts an abundance of architecturally striking homes with styles ranging from Victorian, Tudor, and Colonial to Prairie and Arts & Crafts. 
neighborhood showcases spacious and elaborate homes built on large wooded lots. You'll see first hand why Rockford calls itself the "Forest City". 
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