24 Septembre, Monday

71 degrees F

Sunny, Light-Moderate Wind SSE

The change of seasons is upon us and with the coming of fall, cooler temperatures and some precipitation have followed. The travails of this past summer season seem almost an unpleasant dream; the memory of unrelenting heat and drought, a nightmare. But as in all things of this world, transition is upon us, and we embrace this new season with a wish for a kinder journey through the months ahead. The fall garden has been planted with beet, carrot, lettuce , pea, radish, spinach, and turnip. We look forward to harvesting and preserving the last harvest of our garden for the winter ahead.

The ability to water the vegetable and herb beds in the midst of a terrible drought was the garden’s saving grace. In some cases, no amount of water could save the plantings of beans, lettuce, leeks—all failing early in the summer. The native garden, located too far from a water source, was another causality of this fierce summer, with very little of the corn, beans, and winter squash surviving. But as always in the garden, as some plants struggle with the conditions fate has delivered in a growing season, others thrive. Crookneck and scallop squashes, watermelons, cucumbers and peppers managed a decent harvest. Cabbages and our red onions also seemed to be relatively unaffected by the harsh conditions, finishing their seasons with good success. Another garden bright spot, withstanding the summer’s heat, the 18th century heirloom flowers planted among our heirloom vegetable and herbs managed to slip through the worst of the heat and continue to bloom this fall.

The approach of cooler temperatures encourages us to step outside and enjoy the fall season in the Illinois country. We will have our last Heirloom Produce Saturday at the Fort de Chartres jardin potager on October 13, 10 AM-Noon. Recettes, seeds and, hopefully, some produce will be available. The weekend previous will be the 3rd annual Save Illinois History Brewfest on Friday, October 5th and Saturday October 6th.  The Brewfest will be held on the Fort grounds with activities featuring 18th  century reenactors, which includes natives, French Marines, British soldiers, and cannon crews. Early in November, the Fort de Chartres French and Indian Winter Rendezvous with accompanying encampments and sutlers, is an open invitation to the public to enjoy the sights and sounds of the 18th century. Please check the events page of this blog for more information concerning these events.

Finally, October 7, a birthday celebration will be held honor of the first lieutenant governor of Illinois Pierre Menard in the Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site in Ellis Grove, IL. Actually, this event is being held in honor of two special persons, Pierre Menard and former Menard Home site staff member, Linda McDonald. Pierre Menard’s successful contributions to the Illinois country are well documented and well known. Earlier this summer, staff member Linda McDonald proposed a birthday celebration to be held this fall honoring this legendary merchant and statesmen of Illinois. Plans were finalized but Linda suddenly became ill and passed away shortly thereafter. Not only Pierre Menard will be remembered in this event, but Linda’s contributions as well. In her quiet way, she was earnest in her support of this region’s history—always interested, sincere, and helpful. She will be missed.

This event is to be held on October 7, 10 AM-4 PM, and is sponsored by the site staff and Randolph County Historical Society. Interpreters of the Menard Home will be on hand to greet the public. A cooking and baking demonstration will take place in the Menard Home summer kitchen, by the friends of the Fort de Chartres jardin and bake oven. A celebratory birthday meal of the period will be prepared featuring the kitchen’s hearth and bake oven. Take an afternoon’s drive through the beautiful terrain of the Illinois country and join us as we remember the past, enjoy the present, and look forward to the new seasons of the future.