KANEVILLE – In 1932, Kaneville had a tug-of-war team that was hard to beat.

In fact, the team was crowned Northern Illinois champs in 1932. The team’s photo – along with other historical photos – are featured in the “Remember When – Kaneville 2013” calendar put together recently by the Kaneville Township Historical Society.

“We hope people will learn about Kaneville’s history,” said Lynette Werdin, vice president for the historical society. “We are proud of it.”

Werdin and her family are part of that history. Her relatives arrived in Kaneville in 1860, and Werdin has been part of the community for most of her life.

The first permanent settlers in Kaneville Township were Amos and Amanda Minor, who built their house on Perry Road in 1836.

This is the first time the historical society has put together a calendar. The photos featured in the calendar are from the historical society’s collection.

The calendar gives a glimpse into Kaneville’s history. One of the photos features a steam train and electric trolley on Harter Road. The Chicago, Aurora and DeKalb railroad line once ran through Kaneville.

As noted in the calendar, the engine was first gasoline, then steam powered and was replaced by the electric trolley in 1910. Service ran until 1923.

“It just couldn’t compete with the automobile,” Werdin said.

The calendar also features photos of businesses in Kaneville, such as the Needham Blacksmith Shop, and it spotlights music groups, such as the Kaneville Cornet Band, which played throughout the county until the 1930s.

The calendar also is meant to keep residents up to date on activities in the village, such as when government bodies and organizations meet, including the historical society.

“It’s a community calendar,” Werdin said. “It is a service to the community.”

The "Remember When" calendar costs $20 and is available at several locations, including Hill's Country Store, the Kaneville Library, or by calling Werdin at 630-557-2202. The calendar also can be purchased online at www.createphotocalendars.com.

All proceeds will go toward supporting the historical society’s mission of preserving Kaneville’s heritage.

The calendar is creating a buzz at Hill’s Country Store, said owner Pat Hill, who also is a member of the historical society.

“I see a lot of people looking at it,” Hill said. “I love the old photos.”

If the calendar turns out to be a hit, the historical society plans to put together another calendar next year.

“We’ll see what kind of response we get,” Werdin said. “We have a lot of pictures.”