GALENA, Ill. - Autumn is always a popular time to visit scenic Galena, but add the chance to tour inside five private historic homes and the lure becomes irresistible.  Architecture, interior decorating, antiques and history are featured elements of the 43rd annual Tour of Historic Galena Homes showcasing five private homes plus the Galena History Museum. A signature event for the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society, the tour runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, both Saturday and Sunday, September 25 & 26, 2010.

Built in 1870 by Otis Horton, a prominent local contractor, the Italianate Horton-Eustice House cost $2,500 to build. Two generations of the Eustice family, who made their fortune in the Galena Axle Grease Company, lived in this home almost 80 years, beginning in 1910. The Eustices replaced the narrow Victorian porch with a generous Craftsman-style porch, creating an airy outdoor living space for wicker furniture, art and plants. The stucco exterior was recently repainted in Victorian colors. After dreaming of living in historic Galena for 13 years, the current owners purchased the spacious two-story home in 1999, relocating from California. The interior is decorated in proper Victorian style with Lincrusta-Walton wallpapers and antiques. The spacious vintage kitchen features a 1923 monitor-top refrigerator, Hoosier cabinet, bin table, St. Charles cabinets and an antique stove. Recently restored sun porches face the river and provide a scenic view of Galena.

In 1845 Andrew Telford built what is now one of Galena's oldest homes, Telford House, facing the Galena River. It has not been open to the public for several decades. A graceful example of Greek Revival architecture, its exterior has changed little since 1845. Previous owners carefully restored and updated the interior and added a screened porch. The current owners are committed to its preservation, and have undertaken minor renovations. The interior houses British antiques appropriate to the original and current owners, including English porcelain, brass candlesticks, and 18th and 19th-century watercolors. Hand-embroidered crewel fabric draperies, imported from London, frame the tall windows. Near its Park Avenue façade, the original covered well has a storybook charm. Nearby stands the oldest surviving Galena street lamp.

Colonel Darius Hunkins arrived in Galena in 1838 to superintend the Illinois Central Railroad. In 1842 he engaged in mining and smelting, and in 1847 he built the Spring and Meeker Street bridges. He used part of his fortune to build an elegant Greek Revival mansion named the Hunkins House in 1846. An 1877 addition on the back connected the house and its close neighbor through a doorway (now bricked in) as the Hunkins' daughter and her husband were given the adjoining home as a wedding gift. The current owners purchased the home in 1998 and turned it into an opulent, high Victorian bed and breakfast named Annie Wiggins Guest House with seven guest rooms. Original wood trim, fireplaces, and plank flooring?some 24" wide?present an historic ambiance while new luxurious bathrooms and finest linens make this home casual and comfortable for guests. Cozy side porches with wicker furniture and comfy pillows are surrounded by lush gardens, fountains, and statuary.

The DeZoya House, a comfortable federal brick home, was built in 1838 by John P. DeZoya and his wife Anna Maria. Mr. DeZoya came to Galena from Switzerland, where he had been a lieutenant in Napoleon's army. The current owners purchased the house in 2008 and completely renovated the interior. With the original floors uncovered and restored, this cozy home is tastefully decorated with antiques, including Scandinavian and historic items. A two story addition, containing a single car garage and master bedroom suite, was added in 2009. The addition was one of the three finalists for the 2010 Galena Annual Historical Preservation Award. The house is set on a 1 1/4 acre park-like setting on the edge of town bordered by Davis Creek. Visitors to the DeZoya house will likely agree that it is a wonderful blend of old and new and understand why the owners affectionately refer to her as "Windows and Spindles."

Just five minutes from Galena, the Muchow Farmstead is a Craftsman-style house with scenic vistas that has been home to four generations. Built in 1931, this home replaced a previous one destroyed by fire just sixteen days after the first Muchow family moved in. Only the original limestone foundation, which turned a lovely pinkish hue when exposed to the fire, remains; it is now incorporated into the lower level family room. Like many rural farmsteads, there was no electricity until 1941; no plumbing until 1951. The current generation has lived in the home for 20 years. The family connection is palpable in photographs and heirlooms. Country antiques are creatively displayed with a casual flair, anchored by original honey-colored wood flooring. Cottage-style flower and vegetable gardens grace the spacious yard dotted with red outbuildings and a pen of geese. A dedicated canning kitchen preserves the seasonal abundance from this bucolic farmstead steeped in family tradition.

A free shuttle service will operate between all tour homes and ticket locations. Tour guides, many in period attire, will provide historic narrative at each home. Free admission to the Galena History Museum is included with the home tour ticket and will include a behind-the-scene guided tour of the 1858 mansion/museum's non-public areas. During the home tour, the museum will be hosting a new temporary exhibit entitled "Citizen Grant: 1860-61," showcasing the Ulysses S. Grant family's pre-Civil War year of residency in their new home town.

The 43rd annual Tour of Historic Galena Homes is sponsored by the Galena - Jo Daviess County Historical Society. Tickets are $14, $12 in advance (before September 15); children under 10 are free with an adult. Tickets and maps are available tour weekend at the Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 100 Bouthillier St., the DeSoto House Hotel at 230 S. Main St., the history museum at 211 S. Bench St. and any home on the tour. Advance tickets (non-refundable) are available at the Galena History Museum, or phone (815) 777-9129 to purchase by credit card.

For further event information, contact the Historical Society at (815) 777-9129 or visit www.galenahistorymuseum.org. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling (877) Go-Galena. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

Seniors, People with Disabilities Can Apply for LIHEAP Program Beginning Sept. 1

CHICAGO - August 26, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that seniors and people with disabilities can begin applying for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning Sept. 1.

"Winter in Illinois can be treacherous, especially for vulnerable populations like seniors and people who have disabilities," said Governor Quinn. "Even though there are still hot days ahead, it's important to beginning planning for the cold weather now. Through the LIHEAP program, we're helping Illinois citizens get the assistance they need to stay safe, healthy and warm this winter."

LIHEAP is a state and federally funded energy assistance program for low income families, in which heating bill payments are made on behalf of households.

A single-person household can qualify with a monthly income of up to $1,354; a two-person household up to $1,821; and a family of four can earn up to $2,756. Benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of eligible households. The exception is households whose heating costs are included in their rent.

LIHEAP energy grant applications are processed through a network of 35 local administering agencies around the state. These agencies will begin accepting applications on a first-come, first?served basis from the elderly and people with disabilities on Sept. 1.

Households with children under the age of five can begin applying for LIHEAP assistance beginning Oct. 1. Individuals not eligible for priority enrollment can apply beginning Nov. 1.

LIHEAP is expected to make energy assistance payments on behalf of more than 300,000 households this winter with an anticipated $150 million in federal and non-federal funding.

For a complete listing of LIHEAP's local administering agencies and additional information about the program, go to LiheapIllinois.com, or call the toll-free hotline at 1?877?411-WARM.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project announces the auxiliary lock at Locks and Dam #14 in Pleasant Valley, Iowa will expand its hours of operation this late summer to accommodate pleasure boats negotiating the river. The expanded hours will be on Saturdays and Sundays only for the following dates and times: September 11-12, September 18-19, and September 25- 26 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. There will be no expanded Friday hours of operation.

To learn more about the Mississippi River, you are encouraged to visit www.missriver.org. For further information on these expanded hours of lock operation, please call Locks and Dam #14 at (309)794-4357.

Wiener dog racing, polka dancing will highlight this German celebration

GALENA, Ill. - Prepare to have one of the best days of your life, by attending the 4th Annual Galena Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 2, in Galena, Illinois! The day begins with a cannon blast and the ceremonial tapping of the keg. Activities will take place throughout the day, including wiener dog races and events, a bean bag tournament, polka dancing and lessons, beer stein endurance contest, raffle drawings for cash and prizes, plus a bounce house and games for the kids.

Galena Oktoberfest will take place at the Eastside Riverfront in Galena from noon to 11 p.m. There will be live music continuously throughout the entire day. This year polka music aficionados will be entertained by the Jim Busta Band from Spring Grove, Minnesota and The Goodtime Dutchman from Kewaskum, Wisconsin, both of which are very talented polka bands, well-known locally and nationally. A favorite local band, Sunshine, will play out the night with popular music. Galena's own Jennifer Mulcahey, of Ballroom by Jennifer, will provide free polka dancing lessons, having taught a variety of dance styles for 20 years. Food will be offered by Galena favorites Benjamin's Restaurant, the Elks Club, and Extra Batch Bakery. A wide variety of German beers and soda will be available for purchase too.

Gate tickets to Galena Oktoberfest are $5 for adults and teens, children 12 and under are admitted free. Proceeds from Galena Oktoberfest will go to the Galena Lions Club, which serves the community by helping those with sight and hearing needs.

For more information, go to www.galenaoktoberfest.com. The website provides complete, up-to-date information on the schedule of events, registration forms for the races and events, and much more. For those without internet access, call (815) 331-0180 and leave a message to receive more information. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling (877) Go-Galena. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.