Entertainment

Libertyville in the 1920s was a town where something was always happening. In the summer you could attend meetings at the Redpath Chautauqua, watch the Libertyville Ramblers take on a local baseball team, or listen to the village band in the park. In September everyone went to the Lake County Fair north of town. The Auditorium Theater showed silent movies featuring Tom Mix and Joan Crawford. In 1929 the theatre changed its name to La Villa and “talkies” came to town. Bowling was a popular sport, a new golf course was built and the local churches always seemed to be hosting a choir or a speaker. Take a look at how Libertyville folk enjoyed their time in the 1920s.

The LaVilla marquee invites all to come see--and hear--the movies. Image courtesy Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society	The Libertyville Village Band Image courtesy Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society
The Libertyville Recreation Center opened in 1927 and the town went crazy for bowling. Image courtesy Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society , Carl Cizek photograph collection
Image courtesy of Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society	Festive banners advertise the coming of the Redpath Chautauqua to Libertyville. Chautauqua was a popular educational movement that brought entertainment and culture to rural communities in American at the turn of the 20th century. Circuit Chautauquas, such as the Redpath Chautauqua held annually in Libertyville, were traveling shows that offered speakers, teachers, musicians, and other entertainers of the day from tents pitched in open fields near town. These summer assemblies grew in popularity through the 1920s, especially in farming communities where isolated families were eager to be both enlightened and amused.
Youngsters enjoy the recreation program in Cook Park Image courtesy Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society