The Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association is celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the founding of
Bishop Hill Colony, and the 125th Anniversary of the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association on
Saturday, September 11, 2021. The day’s events begin at 10 A.M. with a parade around the
village park. The traditional parade is held every five years and features historical floats, the
Bishop Hill High Society Band, entries of Americana old and new, marching bands, vintage
tractors, fire trucks and more. The traditional Old Settlers dinner will be held at the Old Colony
School beginning at 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. Cost of the meal is by donation only. Carry out will
be available.
The 125th Annual Old Settlers’ Reunion will begin at 1 P.M. with a concert in the park by the Bishop Hill High Society Band, followed by the program at 2 P.M. Featured speaker is Janet (Troline) Kenyon, a Colony descendent who was raised on the family farm two miles Southeast of Bishop Hill. Musical entertainment will be provided by Frankie Joe & Kinfolk, a spirited band playing original songs along the length of the Mighty Mississippi. Bring lawn chairs, as seating is limited.
Also on September 11 th , East Moline author Lilly Setterdahl will join Old Settlers’ Day with a book signing on the porch of the Steeple Building from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Her two latest books are “Swedish-American Portraits,” interviews of area families, and ”Bishop Hill Reframed,” a fresh look at Bishop Hill history. Born in Sweden, Lilly has translated Bishop Hill documents for
60 years and authored 25 books of which five are novels.
Come and bring the family to help celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Historic Bishop Hill, Illinois. Visit the shops and museums. See the history, make memories and become part of the Bishop Hill family. All are welcome.