Lake Zurich

Courtney Flynn

• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
• Year: 2011
• Print ISBN: 9780738583051
• eBook ISBN: 9781439625552
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: North American History
• Index: History

Lake Zurich, a northwest suburb of Chicago, includes a beloved body of water that shares its name and has served as its heart. But the lake did not always bear the same moniker. First known as Cedar Lake because of its many surrounding cedar trees, Lake Zurich was renamed by early settler Seth Paine, who thought its beauty resembled the well-known lake in Switzerland. Early on, visitors from Chicago and beyond journeyed by horse and buggy to relax by Lake Zurichs banks, fish and boat on its sparkling waters, and vacation in summer cottages that dotted its shores. But it has been the people of Lake Zurich who have kept its heart pumping. The celebration of their achievements is apparent throughout town. Parks are named after businessmen and local leaders like Fred Blau and Henry Hank Paulus. Schools names highlight educators like May Whitney and Spencer Loomis. Lake Zurichs legacy will continue through its lake and the people who have loved it.

Seven

LAKE ZURICH TODAY

Although much has changed in Lake Zurich throughout the years, some parts of town, such as the lake and parks, remain peaceful places where visitors and families continue to spend their recreation time. This photograph shows a view of the Lake Zurich water tower at Paulus Park along US Route 12. (Photograph by Michael Flynn.)

But parts of the lake have undoubtedly changed over time. For instance, the days of the old concrete seawall and, later, the steel structure along a portion of Lake Zurich are long gone. A new promenade, dedicated in 2003, includes black, wrought-iron fencing along the lake’s banks. Matching lighting, benches, a winding brick pathway, and banners welcoming people to Lake Zurich were also added at the site. Across the street from the seawall was J.J. Twig’s Pizza and Pub, which had been a local fixture for 20 years. The restaurant, which was well known for allowing patrons to toss peanut shells on the floor, burned down in 2004. (Photographs by Michael Flynn.)

Other locations on the lake look much as they did in the past. Bill’s Boats is just steps down the road from the new promenade area. These two photographs taken near the business are reminiscent of a bygone era, showing vistas of the lake beyond a stone wall dotted by flower pots. These views make it possible to forget, if just for a moment, about all of the development that has occurred surrounding the lake. (Photographs by Michael Flynn.)

This photograph of a population sign in town shows just how much has changed over the years in terms of the people living here. Despite the number on the marker, Lake Zurich’s population is estimated to be more than 19,000. Many longtime residents have stayed in Lake Zurich for decades, while countless young couples with children have decided to move to the area for its quality of life and education. (Photograph by Michael Flynn.)

This photograph shows three generations of the Branding family, all of whom continue to call Lake Zurich home. Howard and Karen Branding posed in front of their house with their daughter, Amy Branding Matheson; her husband, Sean Matheson; and the Matheson’s three daughters, Morgan, Ava, and Rylee. (Photograph by Michael Flynn.)

Chris Keller and his wife, Becky (Schneider) Keller, pose on the front steps of their Lake Zurich home with their two children, Vanessa and Josh. Chris Keller moved to Lake Zurich as a toddler, and Becky (Schneider) Keller moved to town as a teenager. Both of their children have shared the same kindergarten classroom at Seth Paine Elementary School as Chris Keller did when he was a boy. (Photograph by Michael Flynn.)

Residential townhouses now stand on the site of the old Farman Hotel. The ground-breaking for the development near Lakeview Place happened in 2006. A group of old cottages by the lake were demolished in 2005 to make room for the townhouses. (Photograph by Michael Flynn.)

This photograph shows a view of downtown Lake Zurich looking west on Main Street toward a townhouse development. Don’s Barber Shop, a fixture in the village for years, can be seen on the right. Businesses, such as the floristry and the Koffee Kup, are located just up the road from the barbershop. (Photograph by Michael Flynn.)

The Lake Zur...

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• One - THE LAKE
• Two - THE TOWN
• Three - THE PEOPLE
• Four - SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES
• Five - LAKE ZURICH SUMMERS
• Six - GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
• Seven - LAKE ZURICH TODAY
• BIBLIOGRAPHY