Getting to Know: Granville replica brings town history to life
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GRANVILLE -- Displayed in the historical society’s museum in McHenry County is Don Rollman’s replica of Granville before the 1934 fire. The handcrafted creation has more than 70 pieces and was the first and only replica Rollman had ever made.
"That was the first time I've done it. First time," Rollman said. "I make jewelry boxes, crosses and things for little kids. I do my own carpenter work. When I build, I do what I want. I want mine different from somebody else."
The replica is on display for the first time since 2007. The public is welcome to view it every Thursday in October from 3-7 p.m.
Rollman said he began working on the mini city after his wife requested it.
"My wife had done a centennial history for Granville," Rollman said. "She did a good job on it. She asked me one day, 'You think you can make a replica of the city?' I said, 'I don't know. I'll try.' So I went down to my basement and this is what I came up with. We set it up in Granville on Centennial Day so people could look at it."
Growing up in Granville, Rollman explained that the town never was the same after the fire. The disaster burned a large portion of the buildings along main street. His replica is of the town in the 1920s.
"I don't know how I done it. I just went down there and started monkeying around and I just came up with these buildings. If you look at the building, you know what building it belongs to."
Rollman said he is glad his replica is being displayed.
"I'm glad. I never thought it'd happen, but I'm glad they're doing it and I'm one of those guys that I don't like to take credit,” he said.
He continued later, "I want them to understand and to see what Granville looked like years ago. There's nothing in Granville now. We used to have hotels, motels and elevators and we had two or three newspapers and news. The stuff Granville had at one time, it's unbelievable."
Time consuming is how Rollman described building a replica. He doesn't have plans to build any more in the future, though he has enjoyed being able to share Granville with his family and others through his work. Rollman said he wants to continue his carpentry, especially his jewelry boxes.
"I like doing stuff. I think I'm a pretty good carpenter," Rollman said. "I used to farm and then I went into construction. I just love building. I love carpenter work and how things turn out when I get done. I’m going to go back to my jewelry boxes. I’m 94 and my hands are telling me I got to quit and slow down. I’ve had a good life. I’ve got three daughters and I feel awful lucky.”