The Western Illinois Museum invites the community to celebrate the nearly completion of its recent renovation project with an Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social on Saturday, June 21, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A long-standing and beloved tradition, the ice cream social is the perfect way to mark this milestone as we launch the Museum’s next chapter. Guests are welcome to tour the beautifully restored historic building, enjoy specialty sundaes inspired by classic soda fountain treats, and enjoy live music by Dan Eilers, all while experiencing the cool comfort of the Museum’s new air conditioning. Help support the Museum with a donation at the door.
Since the Museum’s early days, the June ice cream social has brought the community together for a classic summer tradition. One of the Museum's founders, Gil Belles, always made sure there were plenty of flavors and enough ice cream for everyone. But the ice cream social is not the only part of Gil’s legacy; his generous bequest was the spark that launched the recent renovation, making the Museum fully accessible and improving conditions for the collection. An ice cream social feels like a fitting tribute—an opportunity to look back with gratitude for Gil and everyone’s support as we step into the future with a beautiful, restored historic building.
What’s planned is an Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social that would make Gil Belles proud! Specialty sundaes will be served—just like those once found at classic soda fountains—with ingredients as varied as marshmallows, peaches, maple syrup, and even corn flakes. This year’s social offers a unique opportunity to savor our sweet local history while enjoying the newly completed renovations—especially the refreshing cool air from our new air conditioner!
Adding to the festive, local flavor of the afternoon, Dan Eilers—known for his “folksy, funny, and innovative” performances—will share his unique blend of rural Mississippi Valley life and 21st-century travel experiences. Much like a well-made ice cream sundae with sweet toppings, his music is a rich collage of stories and perspectives, deeply rooted in the American folk tradition. Dan sings and flat-picks across a variety of genres, including folk, Americana, classic country, and blues, all delivered with his signature humor and relaxed style.
The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. Located in a historic building just one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square at 201 S. Lafayette Street, the Museum hosts exhibits, lectures, music, and other events that bring the community together. Free parking is available, and the building is fully accessible.
For more information, please call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email
aW5mbyB8IHdpbXVzZXVtICEgb3Jn. A full schedule of events is available at wimuseum.org and on social media @wimuseum.
About Dan Eilers
Originally from Henderson County, Illinois, Dan Eilers has been playing guitar since 1965 and entertaining audiences since 1975. In addition to performing traditional folk music, he has a strong interest in researching the history behind the songs he plays. Local musician Chris Vallillo said, “Dan Eilers brings a lively mix of originals and classic folk and pop tunes to the stage with enthusiasm and musicianship that is sure to please an audience. He makes well-known songs from folks like John Prine and Johnny Cash shine like a new penny and presents fine original tunes in an easy and relaxed style. A natural, unaffected hit!”
Dan performs throughout west-central Illinois and southeast Iowa at venues including Copperfields, Wine Sellers, and Forgottonia Brewing. He has also played in Idaho and, more frequently, in northern Colorado. Recently, he collaborated with the Two Rivers Arts Council on a project called Henderson Tales, which brought anecdotal stories written by senior citizens to life through an afternoon of theater and music.
He teaches students ranging in age from 8 to 62 and began his teaching career in 1975 at the Musicians’ Pro Shop in Burlington, Iowa. In 1989, he opened the Musicians’ Pro Shop in Macomb and now teaches at Square Music.
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