If you ask a longtime Libertyville resident, “Do you know someone who worked at The Frank G. Hough Company?” The answer will undoubtedly be, “Yes.” Patch.com reader Lou Small Jr. writes, “I worked there in engineering in the 60s and 70s.” Fellow commenter Bonnie Quirke adds, “My husband worked there as did many Libertyville residents.” To this day, our citizens enjoy the benefits provided by Mr. Hough and his company. According to The Frank G. Hough Co. guidebook, “The idea of moving bulk materials in large quantities with hydraulically operated, mobile equipment was conceived by Mr. Hough in…

The original Central School opened just west of its current location on School Street in 1887. Thirteen years later, with the population growing rapidly, an addition was constructed. At that time, Central School was one of the finest educational facilities in the county, dwarfing many of the areas small one-room schoolhouses. In 1900, Central School children were expected to use pencils and paper tablets as opposed to the country schools that still utilized slates. Also, students were to provide their own textbooks, which could be purchased at Lovell's Drug Store.  In addition to the …

The school bells no longer ring at this haunt.  Can you guess where we are this week? If you know the answer, tell us in the comments section, or send it via Twitter (@LvillePatch) or Facebook (LibertyvillePatch). We also encourage you to share your memories of the featured location with us. Readers who guess the location correctly and also share their memories with us may be featured in our weekend column, Tidbits From Libertyville. Feel free to ask questions about our community and we will do our best to find the history behind it.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary next year, the Liberty Theatre remains an institution in downtown Libertyville. From its beginnings as one of the only places to cool off in the summer, to its present state as a place for inexpensive entertainment, townspeople continue to cherish the movie house. Prior to the Liberty Theatre's construction, its owner, Fred W. Dobe, surveyed residents on their need for an independent theater building. With evidenced support, Dobe proceeded to enlist the help of architect E.P. Rupert. Rupert designed a modern 700-seat, single-screen structure which donned a …

People used to love cooling off at this location.  Where are we this week? If you know the answer, tell us in the comments section, or send it via Twitter (@LvillePatch) or Facebook (LibertyvillePatch). We also encourage you to share your memories of the featured location with us. Readers who guess the location correctly and also share their memories with us may be featured in our weekend column, Tidbits From Libertyville. Feel free to ask questions about our community and we will do our best to find the history behind it.

Arguably the most historic place in Libertyville is Lakeside Cemetery. As Matt Gonring and Bonnie Quirke note, it is located along Lake Street and overlooks Butler Park. Its central location brings comfort to those with loved ones laid to rest at the grounds. They can easily visit their passed family and friends. For those interested in local history, Lakeside Cemetery has plenty to offer. Although the exact date is unknown, it is believed that the cemetery has an establishment year around 1840. The most antiquated section runs along Lake Street and can be distinguished by the “interesting …

If you know the answer, tell us in the comments section, or send it via Twitter (@LvillePatch) or Facebook (LibertyvillePatch). We also encourage you to share your memories of the featured location with us. Readers who guess the location correctly and also share their memories with us may be featured in our weekend column, Tidbits From Libertyville. Feel free to ask questions about our community and we will do our best to find the history behind it.

Like many establishments in Libertyville, Winchester House has adapted to its changing demographic. From a poor farm to a state-run nursing home, the building and its land have been a testament to the compassionate people of our town.  Caring for the Poor In 1847, at a price of $2,025, Commissioner Alva Towbridge sold 190 acres of his land to the county for the establishment of the Lake County Poor Farm. Controversially, it was his fellow commissioners that approved the purchase on behalf of the taxpayers. Upset by this underhanded deal and the price tag attached to it, the townspeople …

If you know the answer, tell us in the comments section, or send it via Twitter (@LvillePatch) or Facebook (LibertyvillePatch). We also encourage you to share your memories of the featured location with us. Readers who guess the location correctly and also share their memories with us may be featured in our weekend column, Tidbits From Libertyville. Feel free to ask questions about our community and we will do our best to find the history behind it.

In the 1800s, the sparkling lake Libertyville residents enjoy today, was simply a dry prairie. In 1882, the farmland, owned by various individuals, was sold to the Lake County Fairgrounds. The area was easily accessible to out-of-town visitors and extremely convenient to Libertyville's large farming community making the location a practical choice. After the prairie was purchased, it was transformed into a gathering ground for the county's fair goers. The arena included a half-mile horse racing track, a fountain, and a baseball field with areas for additional attractions. It remained the Lake…

From its humble beginnings as a 25-bed hospital to its current status as one of the only Trauma I centers in the state, Advocate Condell Medical Center continues to provide advanced medical care to its patients. Celebrating its 83rd year in June, let's take a look back at where it all began. The Woman Behind the Care Elizabeth Condell was not the most likely candidate to provide a hospital for Lake County. She was born Aug. 20, 1845 to a farming family. As an adult, she continued to farm and preferred a very private existence. In 1979, the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society held a …

Before text messages and e-mails, the primary way to send written word was through the postal service. At the local level, it served an even broader purpose by giving the town a name and the people a place to gather. What's in a name? The village of Libertyville was originally named Vardin's Grove after one of its first settlers, George Vardin. Along with his family, he lived in a log cabin on the present day Cook Park property. When the Vardins moved westward, the town's name went with them. In celebration of our nation's 60th year, on July 4, 1836, the townspeople voted to rename the …

Dear Mr. Postman, where are we this week? If you know the answer, tell us in the comments section, or send it via Twitter (@LvillePatch) or Facebook (LibertyvillePatch). We also encourage you to share your memories of the featured location with us. Readers who guess the location correctly and also share their memories with us may be featured in our weekend column, Tidbits From Libertyville. Feel free to ask questions about our community and we will do our best to find the history behind it.  

Over a decade in the making, Cook Memorial Library District patrons are eagerly awaiting the reopening of their new and improved downtown Libertyville location. Before residents jump into the future of the library, let us take a moment to revisit its past. Libertyville's First Libraries The idea of a Libertyville library was first conceived in 1894. A local Lake County Independent writer, H.G. Paddock, pleaded with wealthy residents to consider donating $1,000 to the cause. While no one answered his cry, in 1909, the townswomen took matters into their own hands. The Alpha Club (Women's Club) …

Reopening soon!  Where are we this week? If you know the answer, tell us in the comments section, or send it via Twitter (@LvillePatch) or Facebook (LibertyvillePatch). We also encourage you to share your memories of the place with us. Readers who guess the location correctly and also share their memories with us may be featured in our weekend column, Tidbits From Libertyville. Feel free to ask questions about our community and we will do our best to find the history behind it.

From summer to winter there is something to do at this spot. Can you guess what it is? If you know the answer, tell us in the comments section, or send it via Twitter (@LvillePatch) or Facebook (LibertyvillePatch). We also encourage you to share your memories of the place with us. Readers who guess the location correctly and also share their memories with us may be featured in our weekend column, Tidbits From Libertyville. Feel free to ask questions about our community and we will do our best to find the history behind it.

This week's photo is a little bit more difficult to identify! Many of you have passed under this architectural detail. Can you guess what it is?  If you know the answer, tell us in the comments section, or send it via Twitter (@LvillePatch) or Facebook (LibertyvillePatch). We also encourage you to share your memories of the place with us. Readers who guess the location correctly and also share their memories with us may be featured in our weekend column, Tidbits From Libertyville. Feel free to ask questions about our community and we will do our best to find the history behind it.

An icon in the heart of Libertyville, the beautiful Cook House has lived three lives. It began as a private residence, then it functioned as Cook Memorial Library, and finally it became the home of the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society and Victorian Museum. Origins of the House The house was constructed in 1878, and was home to its namesake, Ansel B. Cook, a Chicago contractor. His company held the masonry contract for the original Water Tower and was responsible for laying most of the flagstone walks in Chicago. Though his work took him to the city, Ansel decided to build a country …

Starting this week, we will post a photo from around Libertyville and ask you, our readers, to guess where it is. We also encourage you to share your memories of the place with us. Readers who guess the location correctly and also share their memories with us may be featured in our weekend column, Tidbits From Libertyville. Shout your answers on the site, tell us in the comments section, or send it via Twitter (@LvillePatch) or Facebook (LibertyvillePatch). Look out for the column this weekend, which will be penned by Laura Hickey, co-author of Libertyville, the latest edition to Arcadia …