Let us know you stopped by!
Peter Henninger of Halmstad, Sweden stopped by and wrote, “This is a great place to visit when you are looking for "roots". I can recommend the cemetary!”
Richard and Lillemor Horngren of Greenbrier TN 37073 stopped by and wrote, “Hi y’all, We check this wonderful site every now and then to see what is happening. We are happy to see you are thriving and we have all the confidence it will continue no matter what the Illinois Legistative decides. We miss all of our friends we met during our 15 years working at the Vasa Archives”
Lauretta of Bishop Hill stopped by and wrote, “If you ever went to the Colony School in Bishop Hill PLEASE come back for the old school reunion Sept 14, 2008 at the Colony School from 2 to 4 pm. Would love to have you.”
JoAnn Renz of LaPorte IN stopped by and wrote, “I love going to Bishop Hill. I have a lot of family history there. My mothers family came and settled there in 1850 from Sweden. Family surnames are Wall, Berg, Granat, Danielson/Danielsdotter. I hear they are closing a lot of the museums there, what a shame there is so much history there and such a wonderful place to spend the day.”
Virginia Sholin Smallwood of California stopped by and wrote, “I have heard that the governor is asking for such draconian cuts that the public facilities of Bishop Hill might be closed. This should not happen! Bishop Hill is a very important site, and is valued by Swedes and Swedish-Americans alike, who have had ancestors and relatives who came to Bishop Hill in the mid-1800s. In addition, private facilities there will suffer to the extent that many, if not all, will not be able to survive. This cannot make good economic sense, either in the short run or for the long haul. Bishop Hill should be fully supported. ”
Brita Butler-Wall of Seattle, Washington stopped by and wrote, “It is a terrible mistake for the state to close down the Bishop Hill sites. These sites represent an important part of American history and some of the most fundamental values of our country--freedom of religion and freedom of assembly. ”
beth harvey-diaz of peoria, il stopped by and wrote, “We’re going to visit for the first time during Old Settlers’ Day, and hopefully during the holidays.”
Michelle Cord of Xenia, Ohio stopped by and wrote, “I grew up in Bishop Hill, and visit this site often--whenever I am feeling homesick!”
Gunlög Ström stopped by and wrote, “I wonder if may childrens ancestor Per Larsson, born in 1789 in Sweden, Alfta, Hälsingland, was among the immigrants to Bishop Hill in 1846. Is there a list of the immigrants? Kind regards”
Pam R. of Naperville, IL stopped by and wrote, “I just read something about the state legislature cutting funds for the state run sites in Bishop Hill. Of course this would tremendously affect the whole town. Please post what we can do to save this magical town.”
Christy Turner of Illinois stopped by and wrote, “I love the site. I visited your lovely town of Bishop Hill over 10 years ago. Can’t wait to come back.”
twyla nelson of Moline, Illinois stopped by and wrote, “I love coming here every summer. My family lives in Cambridge.”
Bength Göransson of Tännäs stopped by and wrote, “great site!”
Kendra Potter of Somonauk, Illinois stopped by and wrote, “My grandmother, Helen (Johnson) Rogers lived in Galva, only a few miles from Bishop Hill While I was growing up, there were many times she and my aunt would take me and my younger sister to Bishop Hill for the day. I was always intrigued by the history and genology and still enjoy visiting several times a year. My grandmother was 100% Swedish and I remember the Christmas dinners we would have (i.e. lukfisk, potato bologna, blood pudding, oosta cocka, etc) To honor our grandmother and our hertitage my sister and I often stop by and purchase some food items at the Colonal (General) Store for our Christmas and New Year’s feast. You have a great town with great history and I ALWAYS enjoy visiting!!!”
Åsa Hjelm of Biskopskulla, Örsundsbro stopped by
Stig Nordlander of Kullavik, Sweden stopped by and wrote, “Looking forward to visit Bishop Hill this summer.”
Mona Thurman of Morton, IL stopped by and wrote, “We are planning our first visit to Bishop Hill in a couple of weeks.”
Julia Papenfuß of Osnabrück stopped by and wrote, “hey there, I have been to Bishop Hill twice in my live and it have been good times! sometimes I really miss you! Especially Gail and Sharon Wexell (and of course the rest of the family too). I hope to see you again sometime. how knows; maybe there will be a time where I come back to Bishop Hill... ”
Evelyn Sanchez Doornbos of Chicago stopped by and wrote, “Loved it! Going back on 05/2008”
Leah Owen of West Peoria, IL stopped by and wrote, “We look forward to visiting soon!”
terry norburg of tifton, ga stopped by
Larry Anderson of Varna, Illinois stopped by
Megan Edwards of 505 Iowa Street Apt 109 stopped by
Bonita Letitia Swan of 449 Frederick St N stopped by and wrote, “My great grandparents were part of the group from Sweden who founded Bishop Hill. I was 7 when I was there last, I am 74 now and would be thrilled to see it again.”
Samuel stopped by and wrote, “Hello! I\’m Samuel Smith, i\’m from Switzerland i and find your site really brilliant!”
Lars-Ola Östling of Ockelbo Sverige stopped by and wrote, “Här kommer en hälsning från Sverige”
Gary & Joyce Forsse of West Monroe, Louisiana stopped by and wrote, “Hi, we are coming to Bishop Hill next weekend to see where Gary’s great-great grandfather lived. His pictures hangs in the church there. We are so excited about coming!”
Nikolet stopped by and wrote, “Nice site!”
Debra Engholm of 843 Shell Rd stopped by and wrote, “visited in 1989. Looking forward to visiting again sometime in August of this year.”
shane of windsor locks CT stopped by and wrote, “I LOVE the Outsider Gallery!!! ollis.lockslodge.com”
Tina Strohmayer of Sterling, IL stopped by and wrote, “I was there for a fieldtrip in the 5th grade. I have never been able to forget about this place. Maybe, now that i am older I should re-visit to figure out why bishop hill has always stuck with me.”
Marianne Johnson of Buffalo Grove, IL stopped by and wrote, “I realy enjoyed visiting at Christmas and am lookin gofrward to coming back for Midsommer Day.”
John-Erik o Grethe Nilsson of Sweden stopped by and wrote, “We were in Bishop Hill 1984 and met many of our relatives there. Wallenfeldts left Sweden for America in 1903.Bishop Hill is very interesting for us.”
JoAnn Renz of LaPorte, Indiana stopped by and wrote, “A lot of my relatives are from Bishop Hill. My mother was in the Big Brick the night it burned down. She was 16 at the time. She was staying with her sister and they had to jump out of a window for safety in to a big snow drift, it was very cold that night. What can you tell me about Doodle, he was a great uncle. I heard you use to have Doodle Days, do you still do that?”
Glen and Paula St. Romain of Baton Rouge stopped by and wrote, “We’ve visited Bishop HIll in the past and are lookign forward to another trip there in the future! Beautiful part of the Country!”
Rhonda (Danielson) Bremmeyer of 16715 SE Fircrest Ct stopped by and wrote, “I am planning to come for a visit and look up my family history. One of my grandfathers census records names Bishop Hill as his birth place.”
Beverly Kjellander of Eugene Oregon stopped by and wrote, “I have been to Bishop Hill many times when I come to visit my sister. It is a great village...so quaint, friendly merchants, fabulous food,wonderful handmade items. It is a real treasure! ”
Barbara Sundberg Interial of 5277 Antelope Lane stopped by and wrote, “I LOVE BISHOP HILL!!! I grew up in Bishop Hill what a wonderful place, so many happy memories. ”
Mary Miner of Boxford, MA stopped by and wrote, “Checking to see what’s happening there for Christmas! God Jul!”
Maria Levetzow of Bettendorf IA stopped by and wrote, “Recently I was in a store that I thinnk was True Creations; it’s right next to the ball field. I saw a piece of Depression Glass that was suspended from a piece of very simple iron scrollwork, hanging in the window. I would like to know if this item is still available and the cost. If I can have True Creations phone number, I can contact them directly, if that’s easier. Thank you.”
Kevin Gross of Wilmington stopped by
Robert Nylander of Pontiac, Illinois stopped by and wrote, “We try to keep family Swedish traditions alive. Bishop Hill is new to us.”
Curt Johnson of Wyanet, IL stopped by
martin andersson of tucson, arizona stopped by and wrote, “love bishop hill! I grew up in mercer county and try to make it over to bishop hill when ever im back visiting.”
Sheila Wynn of Hillingdon, UK stopped by and wrote, “Hi My mum and I visited last Tuesday with our friend from Princeton. It was so lovely to see the "Real America". I hope to visit again soon, everyone was so warm and welcoming. Thank you”
Judy Jensen of Grand Prairie, Texas stopped by and wrote, “I believe my great grandfather met my great grandmother in Bishop Hill.”
jennifer smith of abingdon,il stopped by
Susan Franzen of Denver, CO stopped by and wrote, “I have a rich family history in this area...Amolia (Molly) Perterson was by great-great aunt and my grandmother was born in Kewanee (Helen Mildred Johnson)”
Tess macmartin of SC stopped by and wrote, “Lovely town, can’t wait to visit.”
Diane Osterberg of 10100 Woodstock Road stopped by and wrote, “What a wonderful place to visit, shop, and eat. People were very nice and helpful. Will be back in late Oct. Thank You, Diane Osterberg”
Barbara Jester of Goshen, In stopped by and wrote, “I would like to visit Bishop Hill sometime.”
Ruth Whisler of 1616 33rd street Moline Illinois 61265 stopped by
Ann-Christin Johansson of Virestad, Småland stopped by and wrote, “ I was in Bishophill in july and met Mike Wendel, I promised him to send a picture of our church here in Virestad, but I cant read his e-mailadress, could you help me, and send it to me. Thank You Ann-Christin Johansson”
Kathleen T of Rock Island, IL stopped by and wrote, “I always enjoy coming to Bishop Hill. It’s a nice get away from the usual daily activities. I always learn something new. Thanks to all in Bishop Hill.”
Kathy Hampton of Jesup, IA stopped by
Kathy of Quad-Cities stopped by and wrote, “I have always loved Bishop Hill, but my experience today was disappointing. I missed the big pottery shop; the Barn store wasn’t open; some of the other shops were nearly empty or didn’t have the selection they had in former years. It has lost its old-time charm.”
lynnette hillyer of galesburg stopped by and wrote, “we have been coming for your events for years. the fall festival is always the weekend of our anniversery. we love it there.”
Patricia A. McIntire of Liberty, IL 62347 (near Quincy) stopped by and wrote, “Had a great day seeing nearly everything. Everyone we encountered was so nice to us. That says a lot for your town. We were very impressed with all of it. I do have a suggestion -- When we went out to the cemetery to see Olaf Jansen’s grave site, we couldn’t find it. Perhaps more direction could be put up so a person could know where to look for it in the cemetery. Thanks for a great time.”
Jeffry P. Morse of Peoria, Az stopped by and wrote, “My grandfather Hunt and Blanche Cady were residents as well as Ione Berg. Is her house still in tact? We gave a concert at the schoolhouse about 10 yeas ago. My Dad attended the school”
Jeffry P. Morse of Peoria, Az stopped by
Michele Ryan of Clinton, Iowa stopped by and wrote, “I love visiting the fall festivals! We have been coming every year for about 10 years now and me and my daughter and my nephew Jake just loe it there in Bishophill! So I was wondering if there is a way that you could send me an e-mail around the time the festivals begin that would be GREAT!”
Bush stopped by
Helga of new stopped by
Badini of london stopped by and wrote, “ ”
darren r rice of kenosha wi stopped by and wrote, “Would just like to say that its great to go back to bishop hill and see it the same as it was as i was a child. I know you dont know who i am but you might know my grand parents, god rest there soul, or our family history in bishop hill. I am one of eight grandkids of Maynard and Roberta Anderson and would like you to send me stories about these two wonderful people. thank you and i just had a son and his name is Jack Maynard. thanks again and keep up the good work”
Michele Ryan of Clinton, Iowa stopped by and wrote, “LOVE Your Fall Festival!! My daughter loves to bring her friends and each year they want to come back plus bring one more. Its a good time”
dale stuckey of winter springs fl stopped by and wrote, “spent my childhood growing up outside of town...memories!!!!”
Rebecca (johnson) Siejack of Tennessee stopped by and wrote, “A favorite place to visit”
Gary Pelz of 172 Tower Ln stopped by and wrote, “Will visit soon”
Amber & Samantha Brown of Davenport stopped by and wrote, “Love the cute shops!”
Pat McIntire of 402 N. Crumley St. stopped by and wrote, “Would love to visit your craft shops and museums in August,07. Is there an admission. What are the costs to get in different places there. Have never been there so don’t know what to expect.”
Lexy Harris-Hanson of California stopped by and wrote, “Bishop Hill looks Utopian, indeed! There’s a house I’m interested in in Bishop’s Hill but a quick internet search doesn’t give me any clues on how to find work there. Any ideas? My background is administration and I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. I’m interested in fiber arts and crafts as well.
HELP!
Angela Long of Moline, IL stopped by and wrote, “I love visiting Bishop Hill! It’s a beautiful town and the residents make you feel at home.”
Bob Nelson stopped by and wrote, “If you’re interested in the families of the Colony, see this web site. http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=bishophill&id=I05991 There isn’t information on everyone, but quite a few of the Colonists.”
Crystal Gallegos of 2757 s Kedvale Ave stopped by and wrote, “I would like to get more information on your beautyful Colony. If you have a brochure, please send me one. I look forward to going and visiting Bishop Hill. Thank you ”
DaredNko of USA stopped by
john talbot of joliet .ill stopped by
JoAnn Renz of LaPorte, Indiana 46350 stopped by and wrote, “My mothers family (Wall/Granat) started here. Doddle was my great uncle. Elisabeth Danielsdotter Granat was my Grandma Wall’s mother. Mildred Wall Berg my Aunt. I have lots of family burried in Bishop hill. John and Ida Wall my grandparents. Wish I could get more history on the Granat family. Johan Granat my great grandfather was in the Civil War. Infantry Co. 57th I believe ”
SaraGFC of France stopped by
JULIE CORDES of 713 E. COX stopped by and wrote, “WE WILL BE SEEING YOU ON AUGUST 14TH 2007 FROM FAITH CHRISTIAN CENTRE CHURCH IN WASHINGTON, IL. TO COME SEE THIS BEAUTIFUL TOWN. LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.”
Michele Bailey of East Moline, IL stopped by and wrote, “Our family has never been to Bishop Hill but after seeing this website we can’t wait to experience it.”
Richard and Lillemor Horngren of Grenbrier TN stopped by and wrote, “Lived in Bishop Hill for over 15 years taking care of the Vasa Archives. Love our retirement in TN but miss all our friends in BH”
Marge Gruel of New Berlin, WI. stopped by and wrote, “Great place to visit! Lots of friendly faces there!”
Karen Holm of Waukegan, IL stopped by and wrote, “I can’t wait to visit after finding your website! I feel at home already.”
Shannon Henley of 244 S. Farnham St. stopped by and wrote, “Hi; Nice website; My wife,Kristy & I,visit once or twice a year. After viewing the site I’m hungry for Swedish Meatballs & some good pie,again. If you offer email notifications,count me in. Thanks; S.L.Henley”
CINDY STROHBEHN of 215 4TH AVE DEWITT, IA 52742 stopped by
Bryce stopped by
Tasia Thompson of Moline Illinois stopped by and wrote, “My family and I just love going to Bishop Hill! We love the history of the town and how nice everyone is!”
JEAN of MENDOTA IL stopped by and wrote, “Heading there today for Mothers DAY!”
M. Delligatti of Lindenhurst, Illinois stopped by
Stefan Gyllerström of Sundsvall Sweden stopped by and wrote, “I get tears in my eyes when i read about our ancestors. Bishop Hill is a part of Sweden for me. God bless America and the Swedish/americans that still honour Our beloved country. Länge Leve Sverige!!”
Jeannine Nolan of Willow Springs, IL 60480 stopped by
Arla Sechler of St. Joe, Indiana stopped by
Alice Kieft of Kewanee, Il stopped by and wrote, “If you are going to leave your keys in a running locked car, this is the town to do it in! Sally and Mike took very good care of me...thank you so much!”
Ruth Pharris of Milwaukee stopped by and wrote, “I will be bringing my elderly lady friend--a Swede--to visit sometime this spring. She has always wanted to see this place. Your site was very helpful to me. Yhank you”
kat haessler of macomb, IL stopped by and wrote, “great site. great place to visit”
Lars-Gunnar Åström of Sundsvall, Sweden stopped by and wrote, “Sure Bishop Hill is a nice place to visit. I have siblings in USA but can´t localize them because the lack of data. Have a good day! Lars-Gunnar”
Leif Wahlberg of Julita, Sweden stopped by and wrote, “En trevlig presentation av Bishp Hill/ A nice presentation of Bishop Hill. I wish you all the best! Leif”
Earl & Ramona Campbell of West Des Monies IA stopped by and wrote, “Wonderful place for our Son, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren to grow up. God Bless You All.”
Lee Grandin of Western stopped by and wrote, “ Very impressed with the community. Keep up the good work.”
Pat Cross of Rock Island, IL stopped by and wrote, “Bishop Hill is one of my most favorite places to spend a Saturday... many happy memories were made there.”
Rob Williams of Morris, IL stopped by and wrote, “Suggestion - add an "Events” page to your web site listing special events such as Jordbruksdagarna.”
Georgia Nordwall of New Lenox, IL 60451 stopped by and wrote, “We were there for the 2nd weekend of St Lucia days, and it was of the nicest times our family has had. a very enjoyable evening, especially the madrigal singers and the snow!”
Simon Burke of Queensland, Australia stopped by and wrote, “I visited Bishop Hill on a number of occasions during fall last year. It’s a beautiful town and one of my favourite places I visited during my stay in the United States.”
Coyote Trust of Illinois stopped by and wrote, “Looks like a nice place I’ll have to visit”
J R Green DC of Galva Chiropractic stopped by and wrote, “Great job with the new website. Congratulations.”
Erik Johnson of Sweden, Borås stopped by and wrote, “I just wanted to recomend all swedish visitors of Bishop Hill to read the book "Historien om Bishop Hill” (The history of Bishop Hill) written by Olov Isaksson, which gives the reader a fantastic view of what Bishop Hill ones was and how it´s developed all this years. Me and my girlfriend visited the lovely village in 2005. If you haven´t yet seen it - do so! ”
Max Johannesson of stockholm stopped by and wrote, “hej hej”
sigurd håkansson of Gottne Sweden stopped by and wrote, “Can I get the names of the first people who lived in bishop hill.I think some of them came from vhere I live.”
Kristy Anderson of Grayslake, IL stopped by and wrote, “Stopped in Bishop Hill last weekend on my way home from the Quad Cities. My father is 100% Swedish and I am 50%, second generation. I can’t wait to come back. What an adorable, cute town!”
Alexis Elrod of Chicago, IL stopped by and wrote, “I was told by a friend to check out your city. I liked what I saw on the web site and will stop by on my way to Bettendorf. My first stop will be the Colony Bakery to try the specialties I have never heard of. Thank you for the information. See you this weekend.”
Stefan Andersson of Alfta,Hälsingland Sweden stopped by and wrote, “I’m looking for descendents to Olof Moline born may 24 1833 in Alfta probably where I live dead in Nekoma Ill Mars 16 1890. He was a brother to my mothers fathers mothers father. He was a 1846 settler leving a 19 year old son in Sweden to take over the farm. I took a picture of the gravestone when I visited the "old settlers day” sept. 2006, but didn’t know the family bands then. Also others with Alfta roots is welcomme to mail me. Alfta Feb 1 2007 Stefan Andersson”
Jeff Kolcz of Wheeling IL stopped by
Karen Armstrong of Atlanta Ga. stopped by and wrote, “ My great grandmother emigrated from Sweden in 1882 or 83. I am dong research. She lived in Indiana near Chicago”
Thomas Jahn of Huntington Beach, CA stopped by
Tony Hoeppner of Moline and the website http://www.tonyhoeppner.com stopped by and wrote, “I would be interesting in performing at any of the festivals you have during the summer”
Richard and Jean Meadows of Sunland, CA stopped by and wrote, “Richard is a native son of Illinois, born and raised. We both yearn to return to Bishop Hill as we visited there many years ago. Hope to see you soon. Thanks for the site.”
Lanie of Frederick, MD and the website http://www.npcts.edu/news/story.cfm?ID=334. stopped by and wrote, “I am 1/2 swedish, 2nd generation in the USA and love it here.”
Marilyn Cobb of LaSalle,IL stopped by and wrote, “Good info. Thank you.”
Tom Pickering of Kewanee, IL stopped by and wrote, “Welcome to the Village of Bishop Hill’s new guestbook. Please let us know you were here.”