Madison County Historical Society to celebrate Wood River Refinery centennial

The Madison County Historical Society is now taking reservations for its annual Dining in History event on Nov. 5, which will celebrate the Wood River Refinery’s centennial anniversary this year.

Although guests won’t actually dine on refinery grounds, they will be given a bus tour of the refinery and its museum, followed by a dinner catered by Bella Milano at the near-by Rox-Arena in Roxana.

After the meal there will be a program, “100 Years at the Wood River Refinery” by Melissa Erker followed by a brief MCHS Annual Meeting to nominate MCHS board members. Any resident of Madison County is invited to attend.

This is the fifth year MCHS has held a Dining in History event, which includes tours, programs and fine dining at a historic site in Madison County. Other venues have included the Wildey Theatre, the Melvin Price Locks and Dam in Alton, Madison County Courthouse and the Diamond Mineral Springs Restaurant.

Seating for the bus tours is limited, so those interested are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible. Tickets are $40 for members and $45 for non-members. Those with reservations will meet at the Rox-Arena at 4:15 to board buses for the tours, then, return by bus to the venue for dinner and a program.

Reservations can be made by mail to the Madison County Archival Library at 801 N. Main St. in Edwardsville, or by calling (618) 656-7569 during regular hours, Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to  4 p.m.. After hours, call (618) 656-3493.

All reservations must be paid in advance and are non-refundable. Reservation forms are available at the Madison County Archival Library or on the society’s website, www.madcohistory.org. The last day to submit reservations is Oct. 30.

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