Notwithstanding several stories
to the contrary, it was actually Congressman John Wentworth who was
responsible for giving Sandwich, Illinois its name back in 1855.
Originally called Almon (the first name of the man -- Almon Cage --
on whose property the town was eventually built), then Newark
Station, "Long John" Wentworth changed the name to match that of his
own home town in New Hampshire. Centrally located about 60
miles west of Chicago, Sandwich has always taken great pride in her
traditions and heritage, offering a warm welcome to all.
Of particular interest:
Sandwich hosts the oldest continuing county fair in the state of
Illinois; it has one of the largest antique fairs in the United
States. Throngs of folks -- hundreds of thousands -- come to
the event every year. But there are numerous other reasons to
come to this warm and friendly town. Of the many noteworthy
aspects, one in particular is the Sandwich Opera House.
Originally built in the late 1870's, it was painstakingly and
lovingly restored. Now placed on the National Register of Historic
Places, community theatre, lectures, recitals, and a wide variety of
outstanding performances have shared its renovated stage.
Add to that a blend of
industry, a well-balanced network of ground transportation corridors
-- State Route 34 runs through Sandwich and I-80 is just just 20
miles north of town -- specialty shops, fine restaurants and other
amenities and the result is one exceptionally fine community.
Stop by any time and enjoy some Sandwich hospitality!
