ROCHELLE — Did you know the building that houses the Flagg Township Museum was almost demolished in 1968 to make room for more city parking?
These and other interesting facts and stories will be discussed at the “Then and Now Walking Tour” on Friday, May 11 at 5:30 p.m. The tour covers about a mile and includes interesting facts and stories about downtown Rochelle.
The event is led by Terry Dickow and begins outside the Flagg Township Museum.

“I say to everyone at the beginning of the tour that I will tell them some facts and stories and it’s up to them to decide if they are true or not,” Dickow spoke matter of fact. “The amazing part is when we are walking down the street, many people share their stories of things they know. It’s a lot of ‘I remember when’ conversations. Many people know more about the downtown than I do.”
The walking tours will be held on the second Friday from May through October, coinciding with the downtown 2nd Friday festivities and specials. Alternating each month with Dickow’s tours of downtown will be the tours of the historical homes in the area, led by local resident Steve Frank. The historical homes tours will also begin in front of the museum at 5:30 p.m.
The tours are free with donations encouraged.
For more information contact the Flagg Township Museum at 815-562-3040 or email hubhistory@gmail.com. The museum is located at 518 Fourth Avenue in Rochelle.