Related Records

1. A Lake Bluff Christmas - Advertisment for A Lake Bluff Christmas, put on by Lake Bluff Park District - this was their Sixth Annual Winter Festival of Fun. Grace United Methodist Church had a booth at the school - where the event was held - and the Church had baked goods and crafts. On the reverse is a State of Grace from Frank Townsend talking about all the fun that he had at the centennial celebration.

   Doc 2049

   Record Type: Archive

   
2. An audio tape interview with Christian Elfert - In 1983 Catherine Shively interviewed several longtime Lake Bluff residents using an audio tape recorder. This interview is with Christian Elfert. Elfert was on the police force and later became Police Chief.

   Record Type: Archive

   
3. An audio tape interview with Ed Muto - In 1983 Catherine Shively interviewed several longtime Lake Bluff residents using an audio tape recorder. This interview is with Ed Muto

   Record Type: Archive

   
4. An audio tape interview with Floyd Weshinskey - In 1983 Catherine Shively interviewed several longtime Lake Bluff residents using an audio tape recorder. This interview is with Floyd Weshinskey

   Record Type: Archive

   
5. An audio tape interview with Katherine Kuhlman - In 1983 Catherine Shively interviewed several longtime Lake Bluff residents using an audio tape recorder. This interview is with Katherine Kuhlman who came to Lake Bluff in 1941 and first lived at 544 Ravine Avenue.

   Record Type: Archive

   
6. Chief Thomas Evert's Red Binder - Chief Thomas Evert's Red Binder Contains Articles, Photos, Certificates, Advertisements, Letters, and more. Binder contains 17 different Newspaper Articles ranging from 1952-1973. The articles come from various sources like the Lake Forester, The Lake Bluff Review, The Waukegan News-Sun, and more. These articles are similar in which they all talk about Chief Thomas Evert, whether it's his achievements, additions to the Fire House, his years of service, fires he's put out, and more. 13 Letters ranging from 1956-1973 with a range of topics like, The Annual Public Award Ceremony, Park District, Village Board of Trustees Session, Letters of Appreciation, and Letters from the American Legion. Letters vary in form from printed to handwritten. 2 Historical Files details the history of the Lake Bluff Fire Department. 4 Advertisements about the Fire Department's Garage Sale (2), Midsummer Party, and Snacks and Drinks at the Fire House. 2 Certificates, 1 for Recognition and 1 for Meritorious Service. 5 Miscellaneous documents 17 Photos to be catalogued separately

   Record Type: Archive

   
7. Comprehensive Plan-Phase II: School District 65 Position - Comprehensive Plan-Phase II: School District 65 Position which was adopted by the Board of Education and will have two phases: Phase I: a general concept statement affecting the current boundaries of the Village, its Park District, and School District 65 Phase II: a specific listing of those parcel of property that require annexation by the Village in order to meet the requirements of Phase I. Includes Map Attached

   Doc 3298

   Record Type: Archive

   
8. Edward and Betty Blair - Rockland Park was renamed Blair Park in honor of Edward and Betty Blair, who donated $300 "to the park district" making the "land, improvements and activity center possible. After Mrs. Blair ceremoniously cut the ribbon across the Olympic-sized leaky pool, the program continued." Representative Robert McClory (R-12) was present as were park district President Gerald Snyder Jr., and pool Manager Dave Usrey. Entertainment provided by Carl Pfeifer, Dave Baker, and Kim Oberly. Typed obituary says that Blair died at 95 and was the son of William McCormick Blair, founder of William Blair & Co. written by Becky Yerak and posted December 22, 2010.

   Edward and Betty Blair

   Record Type: Archive

   
9. Erosion and the Future of Sunrise Beach - Panel in Exhibit: The Lake: The Lake Bluff and Michi Gami This panel is in conjunction with Photo 3002 and constinues the discussion on Erosion. This panel talks about the plan developed by the Park District and AECOM for erosion control, future innovations for erosion control, and example of Bluff erosion over a 100-year time period.

   Photo 3003

   Record Type: Photo

   
10. Fire chief Tom Evert on a fire truck - A reproduced photo of fire chief Tom Evert bringing out one of the fire engines for a test run. The photo is an printed copy of a Chicago Sun-Times photo December 18, 1958. Thomas Evert was a volunteer fireman in Lake Bluff during the 1920s. Soon, he earned the title of fire captain then, in 1948, after serving in WW 2, Evert became the Lake Bluff Fire Chief. He is responsible for bringing in new technology and repairs to the fire department's equipment through public contribution. For example, repairing the trucks and installing a siren. Evert also served as the superintendent of the Park District. He was responsible for converting the Village Dump into Artesian Park including the construction of the original warming house, four baseball diamonds, an ice skating rink, and a football field. Evert lived at 115 Ravine Avenue with his family as well as 222 East Prospect Avenue.

    Fire chief Tom Evert on a fire truck

    Record Type: Photo

    
11. History of the Lake Bluff Sledding Hill - History of the Lake Bluff Sledding Hill Sledding is one of the best things about winter in prairie-flat Lake Bluff. For decades before the Park District sledding hill was built in 1994, kids would sled in the ravines, on beach road, and on Lillian Dell Drive. None of these locations is ideal: sleds can heavily damage fragile ravines, for one thing. For another, there's a massive body of water that might or might not be frozen just over the beach road. Another popular sledding location was just east of Green Bay Road and Route 176. Today it's the North Shore Bike Path, but prior to 1994 it was a smooth, grassy hill maintained by the Village Public Works Department. And when it snowed? Ownership of that hill defaulted to children with their toboggans, saucers and sleds. Sledding on the Green Bay Road hill ended in 1994 when the Lake County Division of Transportation built a bike path and tunnel there. The mere proposal of the tunnel put villagers in a very dark mood, so to speak. Many were concerned it would be a public safety hazard attracting graffiti artists, muggers and worse. "Oh boy, was that controversial," remembers George Russell, who was Village Engineer at the time. "Lots of people in the Village felt a tunnel under Green Bay Road would become a crime location. It was so controversial that they had to move the hearings from Village Hall to the middle school gym to accommodate everyone." Pressed by the community, Village Trustees yo-yo'd on what to do. At first they voted 3-2 in favor of the tunnel on November 8, 1993. But after several hundred people signed petitions of protestation, the board later revoked its approval "in order to best protect the health, safety and welfare of the Village". (You can read about it in this PDF of Resolution 94_14). You all know how this ends, right? Because there's a tunnel under Green Bay Road and it's been there for years. What happened was negotiations between the County and Village continued behind the scenes, and in May 1994 the Village proposed a compromise that placed lockable security gates at both ends of the tunnel, enabling Lake Bluff police officers to lock the tunnel from dusk till dawn. Cyclists were delighted; children not so much. "The families lost their spot to sled when the tunnel was built," remembers Russell, whose sons were then just little kids. "I was wracking my brain as a resident and as Village Engineer to find a spot where we could build a hill." At the time, contractors were doing a lot of water main projects, digging dirt out of the streets and hauling it away. Regulations were making it more difficult for contractors to find places to dump the dirt, which got Russell thinking about an alternative solution: Why not keep the dirt and put it to good use? He approached the Park District board with a proposal to have a sledding hill constructed in an under-utilized field just east of the outdoor swimming pool at Blair Park. It was a win-win for contractors and tax payers alike, because the dirt, labor and equipment to haul and shape the hill were all free to the Park District. The board approved the plan with ease, and then provided expenses to have lights added, steps built and a fence installed on the side of the hill. Contractors got a place to dump their dirt, and generations of Lake Bluff children got a much bigger and safer place to sled. Oh, and the tunnel? Police officers haven't locked it in years.

    History of the Lake Bluff Sledding Hill

    Record Type: Archive

    
12. Kurt Gronau - Three obituaries for former Park District Kurt Gronau, who was referred to as Mr. Lake Bluff by Park District Director Ron Salski.

    Kurt Gronau

    Record Type: Archive

    
13. Lake Bluff Taking on a Modern Look - An article from the Pioneer Press titled Lake Bluff Taking on a Modern Look shows an image of the new Professional Building on East Scranton Avenue and talks about the development of Lake Bluff and the many improvements to the town in the 1970s.

    Lake Bluff Taking on a Modern Look

    Record Type: Archive

    
14. Lake Bluff Tennis - Several documents pertaining to Lake Bluff's Tennis Clubs, including a Xerox article about the Bath and Tennis Club, with a photo of the Ike Colburn designed club house. Program for the Lake Bluff Tennis Club's 1890 tournament. Score-keeping booklets for the 1897 tennis tournament. Invitation to an Exhibition Tennis Match, 1929. Invitations to the Lake Bluff Annual Tennis Day in 1929, 1930, 1931. Programs for the 1929 and 1930 Tennis Days. Lists of requests from the Town & Tennis Club Beach Committee to the Park Board for beach improvements, 1942. Also several news articles pertaining to the Lake Bluff Tennis Club.

    Lake Bluff Tennis Club

    Record Type: Archive

    
15. Lake Bluff Villager - William Biesel and family moved from 711 East Prospect Avenue to the house at 548 East Scranton Avenue. There was discussion concerning the acquisition by the Park Board of a part of the Gurnee property on Sheridan Road, the last remaining parcel of land necessary to the completion of the Sheridan road park plan.

    Lake Bluff Villager

    Record Type: Archive

    
16. Lake County Star: "A Look at Lake Bluff" - Antiques and Decorating - Lake Forest Academy's Mother's Association is planning it's third annual antique show. Plimpton to Speak - Ambassador Francis Plimpton, deputy representative of the United States to the United Nations Lake Forest Horse Show Scheduled for June The Word for it is Beauty Reverend Covel Hart Speaks Newly Opened Moffett Road Bridge

    A Look At Lake Bluff

    Record Type: Archive

    
17. Lake County Star: "A Look at Lake Bluff" - Antiques and Decorating - Lake Forest Academy's Mother's Association is planning it's third annual antique show. Plimpton to Speak - Ambassador Francis Plimpton, deputy representative of the United States to the United Nations Lake Forest Horse Show Scheduled for June The Word for it is Beauty Reverend Covel Hart Speaks Newly Opened Moffett Road Bridge

    A Look At Lake Bluff

    Record Type: Archive

    
18. Lake Forest News - Lake Forest News - A petition by George McKinlock for the removal of a pair of stone gates at the entrance of his driveway was denied by the Park board. Lake Bluff post office is seeking a new postmaster. the current position is held by George Bowen. Lake Bluff Events - who is visiting or hosting parties : Elvajean Hall, daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Nelson Hall of Prospect Avenue Reverend Harris Beck, pastor of Grace Methodist Church Eleanor Joyce of Prospect Avenue had a luncheon in honor of Mrs. Franklin Patterson, Jr. Robert Loomis of 412 East Center Avenue Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Vliet of Prospect Avenue Luella Attridge of Sheridan Place Mrs. Frederick Seacord of Prospect Avenue DeWitt Witherstine of Center Avenue Mrs. Charles Cawthorne of Center Avenue Homer Kastrup of Center Avenue Henry Linneen of Center Avenue George Illich of Scranton Avenue Church Notes Also included two and a half page listing of Lake Bluff citizens who owe the Special Assessment fee

    Lake Forest News

    Record Type: Archive

    
19. Letter from Robert Davis to Howard Peck and Commissioners of Lake Bluff Park District - Letter from Robert Davis to Howard Peck and Commissioners of Lake Bluff Park District returning the map of Rockland Park, which Peck lent to Davis. There was additional discussion about tentative plans for the layout of the new golf course.

    Doc 2504

    Record Type: Archive

    
20. On the bench - A line of children on the bench all in green watching tee ball.

    On the bench

    Record Type: Photo

    
21. Park board moves ahead on pool - An article from the "Lake Bluff Review", May 22, 1968, titled: Park board moves ahead on pool. The Park Board passed a motion directing the Ralph Burke firm to complete a swimming pool feasibility study, to provide "the necessary information for a referendum to raise general obligation bonds for the design and construction of a swimming pool" providing for the possibility "cover in the future and the inclusion of a Recreation Building.

    Park board moves ahead on pool

    Record Type: Archive

    
22. Park District - Four articles, two Park Board Reports (May 1963 and 1964) and several documents written by the Board of Commissioners of the Lake Bluff Park District. A booklet listing Lake Bluff trees with their specific locations and an original typed and bound copy of Park Commission Bulletin #1: Lake Bluff Trees. Ordinance No. 8 was passed in Lake Bluff on September 12, 1912 in order to preserve the natural beauty of Lake Bluff. It includes a brief account of land and tree preservation history in the Village by Elmer Vliet. Original notes compiled by Elmer Vliet titled, "Lake Bluff Trees, The Path in Ravine Park and References to Lake Bluff Park Developments 1912-1916". There is a bound copy of this as well. A document of historical notes written by Philip H. Schofield in 1970.

    Park District 1926-1970

    Record Type: Archive

    
23. Past Presidents honor Charles Ruhl - An obituary for Charles Ruhl who was chairman of the Plan Commission for more than fifteen years, and also elected to the Park District in 1929. Another article with a photo of Ruhl and past Village presidents honoring Ruhl, April 26, 1961. Among those in the photo : Irwin Steans, Elmer Vliet, Robert Davis and Gilbert Curren. Ruhl was also a member of the Progressive Party. Charles and his wife Olive lived at 675 Pine Court

    Past Presidents honor Charles Ruhl

    Record Type: Archive

    
24. Pool Complies With Plan - Newspaper Clippings from the Lake Bluff Lamplighter titled "Pool Complies With Plan" which detailed the acquisition of property by the park district near route 176 and Green Bay Road will comply with the village plan.

    New 703

    Record Type: Archive

    
25. Rename part to honor Edward McCormick Blairs - Full page article from the "Lake Forester" on the donors of $300,000, a gift by Edward McCormick Blairs to be used toward a pool-community center for the Lake Bluff Park District.

    Rename park to honor Edward McCormick Blairs

    Record Type: Archive

    
26. Special Meeting of the Plan Commission - Special Meeting of the Plan Commission details the following: - A definite Future Program - The Village not being big enough for a Park Commission, according the Village Attorney, Mr. Decker - Attempt to find a young and energetic attorney whom they can consult on Plan matters. - Mrs. Angster was appointed to call on the President of the Woman's Club and ask advice on the best place to permanently hang the Plan Commission's drawings. - The appointment of the Architect Committee - The appointment of a Committee to organize a Park District - The subject of widening Scranton Avenue - The appointment of an Annexation Committee - Submission of blueprints received from the Fidelity Improvement Corporation

    Doc 2519

    Record Type: Archive

    
27. Tee ball - Several children playing tee ball / baseball in the park.

    Tee ball

    Record Type: Photo

    
28. The Pointer - Local Lake Bluff newspaper which contains headlines such as: Lake Bluff Chamber-Commerce plans progress in 1957 New members appointed to Lake Bluff Mosquito Board Lake Bluff Park District Lake Bluff Police Chief Christian Elfert asks cooperation Mrs. Thomas Bailey appointed director of Lake Bluff Educational Association Lake Bluff Ice Carnival Lake Forest Legion Auxiliary meeting Educational Association membership almost doubles Teens about town Lake Forest Recreation Trading Corner Green Thumbs

    The Pointer

    Record Type: Archive

    
29. The Pointer - Local Lake Bluff newspaper which contains headlines such as: Lake Bluff Legion comments Lake Forest Lake Bluff Chamber Lake Forest High School Lake Bluff Post Office About the Christmas Seals Lake Bluff Legion Auxiliary A must for all Lake Bluff Police department new look Good advice police department Lake Forest players Welcome Neighbor Lake Bluff Union Church Grace Methodist First Presbyterian Church Lake Forest St. Mary's Catholic Church

    The Pointer

    Record Type: Archive

    
30. The Pointer - Local Lake Bluff newspaper which contains headlines such as: New tools detect birth cries of storms in "Tornado Alley" Lake Forest College art exhibit Teens about town Library notes Medical Museum New board Polar regions gave romantic theme to Byrd's career Satellite will give new knowledge 150th anniversary Fulton's Clermont Memorial Day

    The Pointer

    Record Type: Archive

    
31. Thomas Evert - Thomas Evert was a volunteer fireman in Lake Bluff during the 1920's. Soon, he earned the title of fire captain then, in 1948, after serving in WW 2, Evert became the Lake Bluff Fire Chief. He is responsible for bringing in new technology and repairs to the fire department's equipment through public contribution. For example, repairing the trucks and installing a siren. Evert also served as the superintendent of the Park District. He was responsible for converting the Village Dump into Artesian Park including the construction of the original warming house, four baseball diamonds, an ice skating rink, and a football field. Evert lived at 115 Ravine Avenue with his family as well as 222 East Prospect Avenue. An undated, 1955 Circa, typed memo stating evert is employed as Fire Chief for 1955-1956 at an annual salary of $125, plus an additional $3 for each fire and fire drill attended. Also an article from the Chicago Daily Tribune, November 10, 1950, showing a image of Tom and Lyman Bar holding shoguns and a pheasant each. Draft of a 1969 Lake Bluff Review article covering Lake Bluff American Legion Post's third annual Public Award Ceremony winner, Thomas Evert, who served as Fire Chief for 20 years. The article mentions a brief biography about Evert then highlight's his contributions to the fire station and lives he saved, such as one man he resuscitated who was pronounced dead minutes earlier. On top of highlighting his fireman career, the article also describes his role as the superintendent of the Lake Bluff Park District. With him in that role, he was responsible for the conversion of the Village Dump into Artesian Park. Board of Trustees resolution station Evert's pay for the fiscal year of 1955-1956. A Continuous Member Certificate for 20 years of membership with the American Legion awarded on March 13, 1968. A Continuous Member Certificate for 30 years of membership with the American Legion awarded on March 19, 1975. A Continuous Member Certificate for 30 years of membership with the American Legion awarded on March 17, 1976. Vilas County, Wisconsin certificate certifying that Evert caught a legal Musky in Vilas County. Awarded in 1965. Two obituaries for Evert. Also included is a letter from Miss Margaret Books, Superintendent of Lake Bluff Orphanage dated April 28, 1948 thanking Evert "for bring oxygen to us so promptly ... both babies are doing nicely." (NOTE: The Museum does not have this letter in its Collection).

    Thomas Evert

    Record Type: Archive

    
32. Tom Evert - A 3.5 x 3.5 color photo of Tom Evert in a brown convertible car, riding as Fourth of July Parade Marshall. Thomas Evert was a volunteer fireman in Lake Bluff during the 1920s. Soon, he earned the title of fire captain then, in 1948, after serving in WW 2, Evert became the Lake Bluff Fire Chief. He is responsible for bringing in new technology and repairs to the fire department's equipment through public contribution. For example, repairing the trucks and installing a siren. Evert also served as the superintendent of the Park District. He was responsible for converting the Village Dump into Artesian Park including the construction of the original warming house, four baseball diamonds, an ice skating rink, and a football field. Evert lived at 115 Ravine Avenue with his family as well as 222 East Prospect Avenue.

    Tom Evert

    Record Type: Photo

    
33. Village Progressive Party Advisory Committee Meeting - 1984 - Village Progressive Party Advisory Committee Meeting (1) October 3, 1984 Topics Included: - Discussion of Redistricting of School and Park Districts - Distribution of Notices of Area Caucus Election Meetings (2) October 17, 1984 Topics Included: - Slate of Officers Presented by the Nominating Committee - Guidelines for Candidate Selection - Long Over Comprehensive Plan Computerization and Codification of Village Ordinances - Identified Major Issues Facing Lake Bluff in the Future - Discussed Qualifications for Nominees - Appointment of a Committee for Compiling a Questionnaire to be Given to Each Candidate for Office (3) November 12, 1984 Topics Included: - Read and Approved Copies of Flyer to be Distributed - Procedure for Nominating Village Officers (4) December 3, 1984 Topics Included: - 43 Interview to be Held for Various Positions - Division of Committee into Interview Teams - Interview Questionnaire to be Given to all Candidates (5) December 10, 1984 Topics Included: - Feedback on the questionnaire - Request of Phyllis Myles' Resignation as her Husband is Running for Office - Heard Recommendations from Interview Teams (6) December 17, 1984 Topics Included: - Interview held with 7 Candidates --- 2 for Village President/Trustee, 5 for Village Trustee (7) December 18, 1984 Topics Included: - Interview Held with 4 Candidates --- 1 for Village Clerk, 3 for Library Director - Recommended Nominees for Slating by the Public Caucus

    Doc 2428

    Record Type: Archive

    
34. Walt Schamber - A write on Walt Schamber in the Lake Bluff Open Lands Association - LBOLA thanking him for his support and for 25 years of service as the General Manager of the Lake Bluff Park District.

    Walt Schamber

    Record Type: Archive