Summer Nights in Libertyville

The Industrial News, a Chicago-based publication covering “financial, industrial, commercial, and building interests” devoted the August 14, 1909 issue to Libertyville. With the opening of the electric railroad line on the south end of the village in 1903, Libertyville had experienced a growth spurt. The publication’s editors saw potential investment possibilities, both commercial and residential, and called Libertyville “one of those grand old historic towns of which the state is so justly proud.”

The issue’s profiles of local businesses and prominent residents, along with photographs of their fine homes, offer a glimpse of Libertyville life in the early 20th century. The milk and cream bottling plant, the livery, the large homes of gentleman farmers (the John R. Thompson farm for example) highlighted on the pages are gone. Yet parts of the 115-year-old depiction of “Summer Nights in Libertyville” feel familiar. The prose may be boosterish in nature, perhaps exaggerating a tad, but it does paint a lovely picture of this time of year.

Industrial News, August 14, 1909, p. 24
Summer Nights in Libertyville

“The young people gather early in parties of two or more, never singly, for the youth of Libertyville are social in their tastes. Family parties come later and soon the beautiful village park, with its fine trees and velvet lawns, is thronged.

“Then, in the band stand, Director Mitchell raises his baton, and the music commences. The program is varied, popular airs alternating with operatic selections, marches and the like. The weather is delightful, for Libertyville enjoys the lake breeze in the cool of the quiet evenings, as well as the lakeside villages. It is not far to the shores of old Father Michigan. It is a skillful performance that is given. Some of the musicians are new to their instruments. But all were chosen for natural aptitude, and careful rehearsals and conscientious effort have done their work of education. On the porches of adjoining houses the older people sit at their ease, enjoying music. It is over in a few hours, and then home to bed.

“On other evenings, occasional dances at the Township Hall give joy to the hours. There is something of interest every evening. Church socials, porch parties or simple social visits fill the time. Or simply to stroll through the streets under the great old trees is joy enough.

“There is action, too, in the old town, of more modern tone. Automobilists know the joys of the Milwaukee road and through and about the streets of the town the great cars speed. Libertyville lives up to its name in treatment of motorists. There are no restrictions except such as safety to life and limb make necessary.”

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Learn more about Libertyville in the early 20th century with these selected resources:

Books

Libertyville Illustrated (1897), another booster publication. Also available to check out in print.

Blog posts

Strike up the Band

The ‘Lost’ Churches of Libertyville

The last horse in town: The rise of the automobile in Libertyville and Mundelein

Recorded programs

History Matters: Gentleman Farmers of Libertyville and Lake Forest
History Matters: Stay – The History of Libertyville Hotels

Upcoming programs

History Matters: Chicago-Lake Geneva: A 100 Year Round Trip
Monday, September 16 at 7pm, Cook Park Library

Wilbert Stroeve of the Chicago Map Society will compare a 1905 guide that was used to navigate from Chicago to Lake Geneva and Beloit, with photos of the same scenes a century later. The book shows a Chicago region that has been transformed — and even more remarkable, a few scenes that have remained unchanged. Whether you want to journey from Chicago to Lake Geneva, or just travel through time, you’ll enjoy the trip! Register online or call the library at 847-362-2330.