“Monkey Sox”

If I told you that there was a museum that was unique in our area…and that it was all about socks, what would you say? Are you crazy? This is what one might expect, but in this world filled with high-tech computer technology and artificial intelligence taking us away from normal communication, wouldn’t it be nice to have somewhere to escape to where you can just have some fun?

Guess what? Such a place does exist. In nearby Long Grove, Illinois. Most of us think of Long Grove as a wonderful place to visit for Chocolate, Strawberries and antiques. Many think of this as a wonderful place to walk around, grab a great meal and maybe watch a truck get stuck in the old bridge that has had many a truck misjudge the numbers they post. But in this village, just a little northwest of Chicago, you will find a museum that will amaze and astound you. Many of you might find this place will bring back memories from your past. Did you or anyone in your family have a sock monkey?

The Sock Monkey Museum located at 210 Robert Parker Coffin Road is a unique facility. The shop, where you enter is filled with many antique sock monkeys and lots of gift items as well as memorabilia. There are also party rooms where boys and girls of all ages ( and I truly mean ALL ages) can make their own Sock Monkeys or dolls.

The second floor is filled with the history of how this specialized doll came to be! Jane and I were toured by Founder Arlene Okun, who has over 2,000 Sock Monkeys in this building. They are in all types of settings and stories, each representing a place in history where this phenomenon came to be. The original sock was a work sock made in Illinois and had a wonderful little red heel that was perfect for the mouth on each of the dolls created.

They have the world’s largest collection ( soon to be certified by Guinness) and the history will astound you. If you grew up with one of these dolls, or had a close relative that had one, the odds are you knew very little about them. During the Depression and war years when money was tight, little girls still wanted dolls to play with. Socks wore out, but with a little sewing and a lot of stuffing and imagination, a mother could make sure that her little girl “had a bestie to play with”. When you visit The Sock Monkey Museum, you will learn more about this and other amazing facts about other items that began in Illinois. Perhaps our Governor will add this fabulous, fun place to the State of Illinois’ “sights to see”.

Again, the museum is located at 210 Robert Parker Coffin Road in Long Grove. Park at either of the free municipal lots.

Display after display, you will find yourselves entranced by the magical spell these dolls will cast on you. There are, it seems collectors all over the world. Yu may find yourselves going back in time, to a place where life was simpler, easier and a lot more fun. If nothing else the time you spent in this museum ( cost is only $6) will allow you to feel like the world is still a place of hope. I know the dolls did that for jane and  me!

Their hours are:

Thursday  noon- 4 p.m.

Friday        noon- 4p.m.

Saturday   noon- 5 p.m.

Sunday  noon- 4p.m.

Parties and tour groups or special events can be arranged by calling 847-748-1155

www.SockMonkeyMuseum.com

Sock Monkey Museum and gift shop, “where you always get your monkey’s worth!”