A Quiet Gem on the Prairie

The Stelle Community was founded 60 years ago, in April 1973 with the principal of education being the most important aspect to any successful community. Stelle established its own school with grades pre-school through high school.

Education in Stelle was practiced, as was a partnership between parents, teachers and the children, with the idea that all three must work in harmony for success. Stelle enjoyed phenomenal success among its graduates.

Over time with the rise and fall of our population of children, we changed over to public schools. Our children attend the local Tri-Point school system. A number of the teachers, educators and administrators of the local school system are residents of Stelle.

Tree Planting

Stelle is the second smallest recognized Arbor Day Tree City in the United States. To retain that status, trees are planted in the community on Arbor Day.

Textile Arts

Neighborhood newborns & newlyweds receive quilts. Many individually embroidered cloth squares created by community members go into each quilt.

Pressing Apple Cider

Local youngsters have a field trip to harvest apples from our orchard, then experience grinding and squeezing them to produce a golden flow of cider.

Festival of Joy

July 4th or Festival Of Joy – is an all day Open House celebrating the holiday. Neighbors, friends of Stelle and guests come from all over to attend. The day begins with a flag raising followed by the parade. Our community being small, the crowd often chases the parade to cheer on decorated bikes and floats throughout the community. The day has games, sunbathing at the pool, tractor races and ends with dinner at the Community Center.  A Variety Show ends the evening, though talent is not a requirement.  Dragging our lawn chairs near the stage, we witness amazing voices singing, children doing tricks, poetry readings, ridiculous songs sung and share in the joy of being part of a community that knows your name.

Star Gazing on The Crescent

Occasionally the Chicago Star Gazers club shows up at one of the darkest places in the area: Stelle. We gaze through their telescopes at the night sky. We enjoy gazing every night, but the telescopes allow views of galaxies far, far away.  

Holidays

Stelle residents follow their individual beliefs, attending churches, synagogues and places of worship as they choose. We have a non-denominational Easter Breakfast on Easter. At Christmastime we have a children’s program and open house, followed by caroling at neighbors' homes, known as The Christmas Tree walk. We have had the lighting of the Menorah at Hanukah. Our events are planned and carried out by volunteers who choose to create them. All fun is voluntary, and volunteers create the fun.

Harvest Celebration

This autumn day begins with pumpkin carving, followed by a dinner of community-sourced Stone Soup. Weather permitting, a game of sardines in the park after dark or a bonfire.

Wine tastings

A chance to sample an assortment of wines and have a fine dinner.

Pub Night

With no set schedule a Pub Night can be called; residents Kitty and Walter Ring bake pizzas and goodies, and open the night to the neighbors. Everyone brings his or her favorite beverage, and share in the costs of the pizzas, lasagnas, salads and desserts.  Children are encouraged to attend, games are played at some tables, singing at others. Politics are mostly local.

Movie Nights

Someone picks a movie, pops some popcorn, or plans a dinner, then we gather at the Community Center to watch on our big screen TV.

Pi Day

With no loss of Geeks in Stelle, we have had a Pi Day dinner.

Work Parties

Barn raising, shed building and work parties -- neighbors helping neighbors.