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Community Corner

A Park for Every Occasion

A history of Adler Memorial Park.

Throughout the year, Libertyville residents enjoy recreational activities at . From ice skating and sledding in the winter, to Frisbee, golfing and swimming in the summer, the area has something for everyone. For those interested in architecture, there is a rich history to be shared.

Meet the Adlers

The property was home to one of the finest architects of the 20th century, David Adler. He and his wife, Katherine Keith, decided to buy a Civil War-era home and country estate in Libertyville for a multitude of reasons. Keith had a passion for horseback riding and creative writing. With the property's stunning views and proximity to society's hunting and riding grounds, it was a perfect fit for her. Also, the couple felt slightly out of place in the nearby communities. Not only did they lack the financial means to acquire a lakefront home, Adler's Jewish roots did not receive the warmest welcome from Libertyville's Protestant neighboring towns.

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The Adlers settled into their estate and customized it for their needs. David built his wife a gazebo near the Des Plaines River to serve as her creative studio. It was along the river that Keith penned her novel, The Crystal Icicle. Adler found his creative voice in the main house, which became his test laboratory for new architectural ideas.

The childess couple remained extremely close throughout their marriage. In a 1972 Independent Register profile, close friend of the Adlers, Elizabeth Walker, detailed the story of Keith's death. In 1930, while out on a drive in France, Keith asked Adler to stop the car. "She went to a chapel along the road and burned a candle. She usually never went into a church." Half an hour later, the car struck a tree and she was killed. Adler was devastated, blaming himself for the accident. He became a recluse following her death.

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Keith's passing led to a new bond between Alder and his sister, a prominent interior decorator, Frances Elkins. When Adler died in 1949, Elkins saw to it that Adler's property be turned into a community center and public park.

A Park for Libertyville

Initially, the Village of Libertyville did not have the funds to maintain the estate. Thankfully, Jack Forney believed in the project and gathered local businessmen to form an association. Together, they raised the necessary funds to pay for Adler Memorial Park.

Thanks to Forneys's initiative, generations of Libertyville youngsters have come to appreciate Midwest winters by way of the sledding hill.

Bonnie Quirke fondly remembers, "I was with Pack #60 at St. Joseph's in Libertyville. We used to go sledding at Adler every winter. The hill went down close to the river and we would always come back to have hot chocolate."

Many memories were created during the summer months. J. Stephenson recalls his high school summers as an Adler Camp counselor. "Ohh the fun times we had with all those campers!"

The ever-changing Adler Memorial Park continues to be a gathering place for Libertyville residents. Next time you are gliding across the skating pond, slipping down the water slides, or fine-tuning your musical skills at the Cultural Center, take a moment to remember the people who made it all possible. Have a Happy and Historic Holiday!

For more information on local history, please visit: libertyvillemundeleinhistoricalsociety.org

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