When Grafton Township was founded in 1850, the area population was recorded at 440. By 1870, the township population had grown to 1,359. Thomas Stillwell Huntley (1807-1894) was the first elected Supervisor of Grafton Township; that is the only elected office he ever held. He was much loved and respected by the area residents; that his obituary stated that “his kindness and generosity will always be remembered so long as the history of the town remains”. The area was first settled as a farm community. Good land and hard work made for a surplus of farm products and local farmers were able to produce enough milk to supply local creameries and to send milk to other milk plants in Chicago. Grafton contains a large proportion of low, wet land about the central parts, hence is better adapted to stock than grain, and like the neighboring townships of Coral and Algonquin, the leading industry among the farmers is the dairy business. This township is one of the southern tier, being joined on the south by Kane County, on the east by Algonquin, on north by Dorr, and the west by Coral. It is township 43, range 7. 

Quick Facts

• Located in McHenry County Illinois.
• Serving Huntley IL, Algonquin IL, Lakewood IL, Crystal Lake IL, and Lake in the Hills IL
• Population - 53,125 (2010) 
• Area - 36 square miles

Do you need help this holiday season? Please let the Salvation Army help. Families in need of assistance please call the Salvation Army Corps Community Center located at 290 W. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. 815-455-2769

Eligibility is based on annual household income that is no more than 200% of the poverty guideline($48,500 for a family of four) and verified residency in McHenry County. To qualify you must bring verification of residency, proof of monthly income, and social security cards or birth certificates for all dependent children under the age of 16. Click HERE for a list of dates when applications will be accepted.

More detailed assistance information can be found in the Supervisor's section of this website. 

General/Emergency Assistance -  Grafton Township Residents Only

If you are unsure if you reside in Grafton Township, please call our office and we will help 847-669-3328.

Grafton Township offers General and Emergency Assistance to Grafton Township residents only. If you need assistance, and you live in Grafton Township,  please print out a G.A./E.A. Application, complete and return it to the Supervisor's office  between 8:00am - 2:30pm. For more information go to the Supervisor's section on this website. For additional assistance resources, please click HERE.

Huntley Salvation Army -  Huntley Residents Only

Grafton Township is the Huntley branch for the Salvation Army. If you are a resident of Huntley, and you need help,  please fill out the Salvation Army Application and return it to Grafton Township along with the required documentation from 8:00am - 2:30pm. For more information go to the Supervisor's section on this website. All other McHenry County residents need to apply in Crystal Lake.

2-1-1 (United Way)

2-1-1 is the United Way, and an extensive resource database for anyone needing assistance. 2-1-1 provides a free and easy way for everyone to access help with almost any challenge. When you dial 2-1-1, you will be connected with a call center that will direct you to the appropriate social service agency or nonprofit organization. Trained specialists will quickly assess your needs and offer knowledgeable information and referral. Totally confidential. Please call 2-1-1 or go to www.findhelp211.org for more assistance in formation.

Senior Bingo

Please join us on Tuesday October 24th, 2017, for Grafton Township Senior Bingo. Bingo hosts, Heritage Woods & White Oaks, will provide an informative guest speaker, and complimentary lunch to all who attend. The program begins at 11:00 A.M. and ends at 2:30 P.M. Grafton Senior Bingo is held at the Huntley American Legion, 11712 W. Coral Street Huntley, Illinois. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office. 

Bingo is open to all seniors who would like to attend. 

A.A.R.P. Smart Driver Class

Grafton Township & A.A.R.P. are sponsoring this comprehensive drivers course. The class is designed for drivers 50 and above. Must attend both days to earn your certificate. Classes are held at the American Community Bank. Please click HERE for more information. Pre-registration is required for this event. Space is limited. 

This will be the last class in 2017.

Date: Wednesday October 18th & Thursday October 19th 

Time: 9:00AM to 1:00PM 

Please feel free to call 847-669-3328 for more information. 

Upcoming Environmental Defenders Recycling Drives

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County have scheduled the following Recycling Events. 

All Recycling Events run from 9:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. 
Space is Limited. Recycling Events could close early. 

• November 11 - Woodstock Route 14 & Dean at the Soil & Water District Building

All Recycling Events are open to the general public.

For information about recycling, and possible fees, please click HERE, or call 

the Environmental Defenders 815-338-0393.

To view the McHenry County Green Guide and recycling information, click HERE.

Monday- Friday   6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday              9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday                 No Service

How much is a Ride?

MCRide has a distance-based fare structure and all fares must be paid, in cash, upon boarding the bus. Drivers will not have change.

General Public -  $2.50 first 5 miles, 6 or more miles will be an additional $0.25 each.

Seniors(60 Plus) - $1.25 first 5 miles, 6 or more miles will be an additional $.025 each.

Individuals with a Disability - $1.25 first 5 miles, Each mile after 5 will be $0.25

 Please look at the sample General Public fare below for a 7 mile ride.

 $2.50 for the first 5 miles, plus $0.25 each for the 6th & 7th mile, equals $3.00 one way fare, or $6.00 round trip fare.

To register, and schedule your ride, please call 800-451-4599.

If you have questions about eligibility call 815-334-4981

Please click the links below for more information: