If you live in or around Rockford, then I’m sure at some point you have seen something about sock monkeys. Or maybe you have no idea what I’m talking about.
Either way, if you want to learn about the history of the Rockford Sock Monkey, keep on reading! I PROMISE, this won’t sound like a boring history lesson, I mean how could it possibly be boring in the first place? It’s about SOCKS!!
So basically, back in 1857, a guy named John Nelson and his family moved to Rockford and Nelson was so sad and bored with his life because he was a carpenter and cabinet maker when his unrealized passion was actually SOCKS. But one day he decided to invent a home knitting machine in his shop, and this is where life really started to look up for John Nelson because a couple of really rich people (Ralph Emerson and W. A. Talcott) decided to help Nelson develop his knitting machine by investing a little bit of their cash money into the project! When Nelson’s machine was officially developed and patented in 1871, it could knit 80 pairs of socks in ONE DAY!! (I know what you’re thinking, 80 pairs of socks?? Big whoop! But in 1871, this was probably a big deal.)
Unfortunately, John Nelson’s life took a pretty sharp dive in 1883 when he died of typhoid pneumonia, but hopefully he didn’t die with too many regrets cause he had a pretty successful life and unknowingly led to the creation of the sock monkey! After Nelson died, his family took over ownership and operations of his legacy, Forest City Knitting. During World War I, Forest City Knitting really ramped their numbers up and started producing nearly 3,000 pairs of socks per day for the army! Also during this same time, over 60% of their employees were women! (WHOOP WHOOP GIRL POWER!)
One day in 1932, the Lord himself blessed a man by the name of Howard Monk with the most genius idea he has ever had. Howard Monk, the Rockford advertising executive, suggested that Forest City Knitting add a red heel to the Nelson sock to make it stand out from competitors. Shortly after, Forest City Knitting was producing 4,000 pairs of red heel socks a day. A SERIOUS step up from their numbers in 1871!
SO, this fancy new red heel inspired a few people to make a certain children’s toy out of their old socks…I think you know where I'm going with this. A woman from Colorado named Helen Cooke got a patent for the sock monkey in 1953, but when she found out a man named Stanley Levy from Denver, Colorado was selling sock monkeys in his shop, she wanted to SUE him for stealing her idea. Stanley Levy reached out to the Nelson Knitting Company and said “Hey guys, this girl from Colorado is trying to sue me for selling sock monkeys in my shop made out of your socks because she thinks she invented the idea in 1953, do you wanna help me prove her wrong?”, and Nelson Knitting Company said “ACTUALLY this genius woman from Rockford by the name of Grace Winget made the OG sock monkey for her grandson in 1951! So therefore the patent belongs to us!”…well, at least I think that’s how the conversation went. But in 1970 the patent for the sock monkey expired, so now everyone can make sock monkeys!
Now you can officially consider yourself educated on the history of the Rockford sock monkey! You’re welcome! Well, actually you can thank Midway Village Museum because they have a much more thorough and professional sounding history of the sock monkey on their website, so make sure you check that out!
Source: http://midwayvillage.com/pdfs/Sock-Monkey-Resource-Packet.pdf
Midway Village Museum is developing a new permanent exhibit to tell the story of Rockford’s Camp Grant, and they are announcing the launch of a new effort to collect artifacts and stories to support the future exhibit. Community members who have family stories and/or artifacts are encouraged to add them to our Camp Grant collection by visiting the museum website: https://www.midwayvillage.com/midway-camp-grant.html. Central to the museum’s mission to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of the Rockford region is to comprehensively tell the story of Camp Grant. As the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Rockford community leaders successfully campaigned the federal government to build an Army Infantry Training Camp on the land where today’s airport now operates. Camp Grant soon became a significant element of the city’s growth, as new roads and public services were developed and hundreds of buildings were built with local labor and supplies. The onset of World War II saw a dramatic expansion of Camp Grant, during which 330,000 soldiers came through its gates. Camp Grant also became a center for the training of medical personnel and the housing of prisoners of war. It served as a rallying point for local war efforts, a source of job growth and economic development, and forever changed the demographics of the community’s population. The Camp Grant exhibit will become part of Midway Village Museum’s permanent exhibit space, and will use a timeline-based approach with artifacts and stories to vividly recount the history of the camp. Of particular importance will be the lasting impact on the Rockford community, including how African American soldiers who trained at Camp Grant brought a new diversity to the region.
Easter weekend is here! Between your brunches and egg hunts, check out these great events around town.FridayGetting married? Hi Beautiful Bridal is hosting an Open House to showcase dresses, accessories, and more. Sip some delicious beverages while enjoying the inspiring atmosphere.Share your words, songs, and stories at 317 Art Collective’s monthly Open Mic, hosted by Goddess Warrior the Poet. Open mic is 6 pm - 8 pm, followed by a social hour.SaturdayCelebrate Earth Day Month by swapping plants from 1 pm - 3 pm at the Rockford Public Library on 1238 S Winnebago Street! Bring a plant to swap or come and take one. Ask questions about plant care and gardening. Share your love of plants.Celebrate the brilliant full moon at Severson Dells with a walk through the woodland and prairie while enjoying the emergence of nocturnal wildlife.SundaySunday is Easter! Enjoy one of the many brunches around town, time with your loved ones, or even a nap! The world is your Easter egg.Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events
Lino’s has been serving Italian classics since 1971. With the unique atmosphere, special recipes, and excellent service, we can understand why they have been a major part of the 815 for over 5 decades. This was definitely not our first time visiting Lino’s, but it is the first time we have reviewed the food!First things first, Lino’s salad. I mean, do we need to say more? The bottomless salad is something we have all craved at some point or another. The dressing is perfectly paired and able to be requested on the side if you prefer. The fresh Italian sausage and hard boiled eggs are the crown of this first course. Did you even truly experience Lino’s if you didn’t eat your weight in the salad? Next we enjoyed the Toasted Ravioli as an appetizer. My personal favorite is the GENEROUS amount of sauce that comes with it. No small side cups here! It makes a great addition to dip your bread in as well. The toasted ravioli always comes out piping out with delicious cheese melted inside. Always a hit for a table shareable.For entrees we enjoyed the Saltimbocca Alla Romana (two hand cut, tender veal cutlets seasoned with fresh sage, layered with prosciutto, and sautéed in butter), and half Mostaccioli and half Tortellini in Lino’s famous red sauce.We all know that Lino’s pasta is amazing. You cannot go wrong with the perfectly al dente dishes that start off the menu. The mostaccioli is my personal favorite, especially when you add a meatball… but if you haven’t explored the Italian classics on the menu as well, you are missing out.The Saltimbocca Alla Romana was divine! This was my first experience with veal, and it was so tender and perfectly prepared. This dish is rich, sautéed in butter, with a healthy seasoning of salt and spices to even out the flavor and delight your senses. Each bite was as delicious as the last. If you prefer a more familiar flavor, you can order this dish with chicken.Don’t forget to save room for ice cream at the end of your meal. A healthy scoop of one of their many flavors is the perfect ending to your dining experience.
As a thank-you to the community for helping to raise enough funds to replace the beautiful American flags that line East State Street periodically, Miracle Mile Rockford is holding a flag retirement ceremony to lay the old, tattered ones to rest. They will be joined by VFW Post 9759 Honor Guard, RAMI award winning singer Jodi Beach, and Boy Scout Troop 14 from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.This very dignified ceremony should be witnessed at least once in a person’s lifetime. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, plus any flags they wish to retire as well. Should there be rain, the event will be postponed until May 2nd.As the old flags are polyester, they plan on retiring them in an environmentally friendly way.Miracle Mile Rockford is a non-profit business district association supporting businesses and residents from SwedishAmerican/UW Health Hospital to Rockford University, south to Charles Street and north to Guilford Road.For more information, visit https://miraclemilerockford.com/events or call Paula Olson at 815-871-0120 or info@MiracleMileRockford.com.
April snow showers bring May flowers, or something like that… The classic multiple personalities of Midwest weather are really having a moment, but so are the events around Rockford this weekend! FridayFriday kicks off the 3-day Grand Opening celebration of Barnstormer Distillery’s new Tasting Room! Look for us enjoying a cocktail on Saturday evening.Rockton Inn Pub & Grub will be hosting Karaoke for a Cause for Hope's Legacy & Trust. Good, bad or indifferent....every song you sing will earn $1 courtesy of the DJ! Pick your song, and sing your heart out.SaturdayHow ‘bout an adult Easter egg hunt? We can’t let the kids have ALL the fun! Join Severson Dells and The Norwegian for an egg-citing and delicious early Easter celebration. Have fun with pie-iron cooking over campfires with brunch treats from The Norwegian, learn about the science of eggs in nature, and culminate the afternoon with the egg hunt.Making close observations of the insects we share our world with can be tricky as they often don't stay in one place for long. A bug box is just the thing for an amateur entomologist to help capture, observe, and return insects! In this class at Nicholas Conservatory, you will build your own bug box from durable materials. SundayNothing is better than mimosas and crafting. Grab your tickets for a fun board class at Erica’s Board Creations! Complimentary mimosas while you sand, stain and paint a new board. It's the perfect time to make a new spring porch sign, Easter sign or even a wedding gift.Are you prepared to save your pet's life? In this class at Meyer’s Tails Up Farm you will learn lifesaving skills to help protect your furry friend. This class is designed to help owners and pet care providers provide temporary urgent care to pets until they can reach a veterinary or emergency clinic.The art and music scene are truly alive this weekend. Check out your local favorites.Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events
International Burrito Day is April 7th! Are you ready? Do you know where to go for an amazing burrito? Rockford has a plethora of options!We wandered into Fuego Nuevo Grill to sample their burrito offerings and were not disappointed. We ordered the Burrito Mexico and the Burrito Fajita. Let's dig in!First up, the Burrito Mexico: grilled chicken, caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, black beans, and Mexican rice rolled up in a flour tortilla and topped with a trio of velvety sauces. The presentation of this burrito was a beautiful tribute to the Mexican flag. Each sauce had its own flavor that kept this burrito fresh with each bite.The second was the Burrito Fajita: you get to choose your meat, sauteed onions, tomatoes, poblano and red peppers, with rice and beans rolled up in a flour tortilla and topped with their homemade cheese sauce. As we all know... everything is better smothered in cheese sauce, and it was definitely smothered. This burrito came with all the normal fajita fixings: guacamole, sour cream, and more. And speaking of guacamole... definitely get the appetizer. Trust us on this one.What makes a good burrito? Whatever they did at Fuego Nuevo! The meat was seasoned perfectly, and tender. The addition of black beans was a fun twist, and the sauces were as velvety as they were flavorful.Go forth and celebrate International Burrito Day in confidence, with great friends, and delicious beverages.
Wipe down your fretboard, grab a pick, and turn your amp up to 11! That's right folks, it's International Guitar Month! This means we have music on the brain over here at Rockford Buzz and there are some amazing music shops here in town. Curious minds ponder... which is your favorite?Tell us by voting for your favorite today!
I know we are all excited about the extra sunshine and the warmer weather, but we are most excited for… Food Truck season! With outdoor events on the horizon, it’s time to make sure you are ready for the amazing street eats the 815 offers.Here is a list of local food trucks. Happy eating!15th & ChrisAuthenticaThe Bells ChurrosBit of BrianaBlaz'in Magic BBQCantina TacoChili Sauce and DogsDisco ChickenFlying PigHicks BBQJ&C Old Fashioned Ice CreamJack It Up Vegan EatsJakarta CafeJammin Jerk GrillKa-BaoLa CalleMario’s TacosMarvin’s TacosMy Funnel TruckNorthside BarbaQPizza FrescaOlivo TacoThe Olive BranchRustic Oven Wood Fired PizzaSabores Mobile KitchenSausage FestSavor BBQSouth Padre Sea FoodStormy’s Grilled CheeseSweet GirlTappan ExpressThe Taco Shop 815TLK Tita’s Local KitchenT&T Jolly Wows BBQWehpahWok n RollWoodfire PizzaVee Dubs Mobile Cocktail BarVeebo’s PizzaVinces’ Gourmet Hot Dogs & SpudsYou’re Bacon Me CrazyDid we miss one? Let us know and we will add them to the list!
It is April Fool’s day, but the events around town aren’t joking around! Get out and enjoy everything the 815 has to offer… but trust no one… FridayGoddess Warrior Productions and Rockford Public Library present a National Poetry Month celebration at the RPL Nordlof Center. Join local youth as they showcase their spoken word and poetic talent on the big stage!Lucha is hosting comedy night! Did you hear about their special menu collaboration with The Pomodoro?SaturdayGet your palm read at Wolf Hollow with Palmist & Elder Witch Noah Matthew Ravenson.With butterflies in the Nicholas Conservatory, it’s a great opportunity to photograph some of the most colorful insects around. Learn macro concepts and equipment, and focus on the challenges associated with fast-moving small subjects with a Butterfly Photography class through the Rockford Park District. SundayVuture Food Truck, visiting from LA California, will serving up some of the best vegan comfort food at Barnstormer Distillery from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Grab your friends and enjoy the vibe.Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events
Maybe you’ve heard about the new dinner experience on Riverside, KBQ… a Korean barbecue adventure. Never heard of Korean barbecue? Us either, so we had to check it out.First things first, the atmosphere is amazing. Music that everyone knows, stunning murals and artwork, unique lighting, an exposed kitchen, and other fun elements make this restaurant stand out.Every table has a grill, allowing you to grill your own meats. We opted for Combo 1, a solid variety of their popular selections: Bulgogi (marinated ribeye), Jeyuk Bokkeum (marinated pork), Dak Galbi (marinated chicken), Chaeggeut (striploin steak), and Chadohl (brisket). The meal came out quickly, complete with steamed rice, 6 refillable sides (that will change regularly with the seasons), 2 sauces, and a smoky salt. After a quick explanation of the various meats and sides, you start cooking! Our personal favorites were the Bulgogi, Jeyuk Bokkeum, and the Chadohl.There was plenty of space on the grill to ensure that we didn’t run out of food as the cooking continued. It was a fun evening of cooking and exploring new flavors. We cannot wait to return and explore more of the menu. For a while, we recommend making sure you have a reservation for this awesome experience.To view the menu, head to their Facebook page!
Spring has sprung in the 815… in the form of rain. But that won’t stop us from having an amazing weekend! Check out these awesome events to get a sample of spring in the 815.FridayErnie’s Midtown Pub is hosting Comedy Night! No cover charge, just great laughs and delicious food.Join 317 Art Collective for the closing reception of the current gallery show, TABOO! From 5:30 - 7:30 PM, the artists will be in the gallery to give an up close and personal look into their inspiration and creative process and will be available for questions.SaturdayJoin the Friends of the Rockford Public Library for their first of two spring book sales at the Hart Interim Library. Snag your favorites for pennies!Wolf Hollow is hosting a free live performance after hours with local Rockford band The Funeral March of the Marionettes. SundayCome compete against others in Super Smash Bros Ultimate and much more at the Rockford Public Library’s Rockford Rumble 11 Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament.Head to the Coronado to meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life in Waitress the musical.Be sure to get your dining reservations set for downtown before the show!Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events
Hunger brought us to Aero Ale House to give their menu a try! There was much debate over what to order, but we landed on a surf and turf theme. We kicked it off with the Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls. I personally love anything dipped in buffalo sauce, so I knew these would be a hit. We were pleasantly surprised by how big they were (that's what... never mind). This was a pretty filling appetizer for a two top, and that's really what we all want in life. I definitely recommend these for your next trip.Next up were the entrees: Deep Fried Pickle Burger and the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.If you love deep fried pickles, this is the burger for you. It's stacked high with pickles, bacon, and two slices of cheese. You get your choice of house chips or fries for the perfect pub meal.The Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos were stuffed! Overflowing with large shrimp, pico, cabbage, and more, these tacos are not for the faint of heart. Your choice of corn or flour tortillas and you are all set to enjoy. If you are unfamiliar with bang bang sauce, these have delightful flavor but I wouldn't categorize them as spicy. We couldn't talk about Aero without mentioning their expansive beer and drink menu. You are sure to find something unique during your next visit.
Homeowners, here is your Spring Home Maintenance check listSpring has sprung! And this has us at Giddens Property Service jumping for joy because there’s nothing better than fresh spring air and new blooms coming up to color our city. But we’re also excited because that means spring home projects get underway! To that end, we have a list of 5 things that every homeowner should check on as the winter melts away.1. Seepage in your basement, and new water spot on ceilings, walls, and floors.Chances are if your basement has cracks in its foundation, you’ll find out the hard way as the snow melts and spring rain showers begin. An unfinished basement is easy to spot where water is flowing in and standing, but if your basement is finished you may only notice small spots on the walls or a little wet corner on the floor. These can be signs of bigger issues, that water is flowing where you definitely don’t want it to. Be sure to check all the rooms, looking over each wall and every corner, in your basement thoroughly, and take a flashlight to those areas that aren’t well lit.2. Inspect your gutters and downspouts.Spring is the perfect time to check on your gutters and downspouts to be sure there wasn’t any damage done during winter storms. Cracks in the metal or bent/missing pieces are all things that should be addressed right away. And if your gutters weren’t cleaned in the last 6 months it's likely there is a build up of leaves and debris, or more sadly, birds or rodents (yes, we’ve seen this ) that may be clogging your gutter system. For the sake of your home’s foundation, it’s important to have the water coming off your roof leading away from your house, and cleared gutters and downspouts are the key to this.3. Air-tight check doors and windows.If you’ve ever noticed that your energy bill skyrockets during the colder months, checking on your exterior windows and doors can help problem solve. It’s normal for older houses to become drafty as they age and let in or out the heat or AC that you’re running. By checking the frames of your windows and doors during a windy spring day, you’ll be able to feel the cool air flowing through. Do you have double paned windows that have become foggy and hard to see through, or collect water in between the panes? These are surefire ways to tell that your thermal windows/doors have become compromised and are no longer insulated properly.4. Inspect your outdoor wooden fixtures.Inspect your deck, patio, shed, and outside trim for damage or wood rot. Do you have wood siding on your house? You’ll want to carefully inspect the entire house for any damage or peeling/chipping paint as well. Wood rot is something that happens often to structures made from wood, and it leads to the wood becoming soft and mushy, easily buckling under pressure. It can worsen with standing snow, ice, and water throughout the years. If you have peeling or chipping paint on your deck, patio or siding it leaves the wood underneath vulnerable to weathering and potential wood rot.((We always recommend that all outside treated wood be stained or painted to help protect it from the elements. Any boards or siding panels that show signs of wood rot must be torn out and replaced with new.))5. Check seals on outside lights and spigots.Damage from storms and the elements can weather your outdoor light fixtures and if the fixture is not sealed to your siding water can get in behind the fixture and corrode the electrical components of your lighting. The age of your lighting also plays a roll, as the seal to the house can give way after some years. Checking each fixture and seal for your lights is always good practice in the spring. Spigots are commonly forgotten about as they usually require little to no maintenance, but it’s important to check if there is ice build up in the waterline from the house to the outside wall. If there is a blockage in your plumbing, you’ll see an expanded pipe that is likely to burst. If you do find a distressed pipe this is something that should be addressed immediately.Checking on and tackling these maintenance items each year will ensure that your small spring projects stay small and don’t compound into big expenses for you in the future. As Your Rockford Handyman, we at Giddens Property Service have seen all these things and more in our customer’s houses. We know just what we’re looking for and how to remedy these problems in a quick and efficient way, so if you’re finding yourself confused about what you’re seeing or overwhelmed by the process, give us a call. We’d love to help with these repairs and recommend what the next steps are.Contact us at (815) 354-2071 or mark@giddenspropertyservice.comhttp://giddenspropertyservice.com/
St. Patrick’s Day weekend is here! How are you celebrating in the 815? Can’t think of anything to do? Check out these local events.FridaySpring Cleaning at Culture Shock kicks off on Friday. Records for $1 and deals throughout the whole store is certainly something to celebrate!Dueling Pianos is live at The Pomodoro. Celebrate their one year anniversary and request your favorite song.SaturdaySaturday is all about being downtown. The Irish Marching Society's St. Patrick’s Parade begins at 3:00 pm and follows a route from 7th Street and 5th Avenue, north on 7th Street, west on State Street and north on Madison Street. Stop at Prairie Street Brewing Company before or after for the perfect celebration.SundayThe IceHogs take on the Milwaukee Admirals on Sunday at 4:00pm. Later that evening, One Night of Queen hits the stage at The Coronado.Be sure to get your dining reservations set for downtown!Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events
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