1871 Free Methodist Church is organized and later in 1876 builds a modest church on North Main Street. Still in operation 1997. Ed Morton Jr. bought the Pingry Hotel and calls it the Morton House. Resort Town Date Events 1890 February 25th the town voted to have the village incorporated. There were 39 votes cast.
Cheese factory burns down after being hit by lightning.
Illinois Condensing Company builds a new factory in its place. Thomas Kabon builds Columbia Hall which serves as a center for the town's social and civic events. The grist mill known as Brick Mill was torn down. Algonquin Band is formed to give concerts in the village square. Two people die in a fire that destroys three buildings and damages a fourth on South Main St. 1895 Chapell Mansion burned down during the fire.