Gurnee History: Past and Present

Gurnee History - Index

History Index

An Early History of Gurnee Area (1835-1927)
Early Years as a Village (1928-1975)
Recent Developments (1976-present)
The Mother Rudd Home
An Early History of Warren Township
Walter S. Gurnee
Village Government
Gurnee Schools
Warren Newport Public Library
Gurnee Park District
Gurnee Fire Department
Gurnee Days
Time line

Time line

1830s

1835

The first settlement of Warren Township in the vicinity of the Aux Plaines River (now the Des Plaines River).

1837

Pioneers began arriving to this area by "Prairie Schooners" drawn by oxen, by horseback, by foot or via boat on the Erie Canal, Great Lakes and AuxPlaines River

First Post Office was in operation at Abingdon Inn, corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Belvedere Road.

1838

First log school house, Dodge School, built in northwest Warren Township.

1840s

1840

The population for Lake County was 2,634.

1842

First floating log bridge built across the Aux Plaines River just north of the present Grand Avenue Bridge.

1844

Construction begins on the building now known as the Mother Rudd Home.

1845

The population of Lake County had reached 8,236

1846

Early settlers selected land near the center of the township for locating a permanent burial ground and it became Warren Cemetery.

1847

Post Office opened in Wentworth -- present day Gurnee.

1849

First toll road, Old Plank Road, built across the Township -- east to west -- now called route 120 or Belvedere Road.

1850s

1850

First town meeting held at O'Plaine School and the name of Warren Township was adopted, named after Joseph Warren, a major general of the Continental Army.

The population of Lake County had risen to 14,266.

"Good" land was worth $5.00 per acre.

1854

The Chicago & Milwaukee Railroad began running its trains from Chicago to Milwaukee in the unprecedented time of five hours.

1860s

1860

Lake County's population was 18,300.

Warren Township's population was 1,124.

1868

Located along the river, a new two room brick building erected.

1870s

1870

The name of the post office was changed to O'Plaine, a shortened form of Aux Plaines, the early spelling of the Des Plaines River.

1873

First railroad built to cross the township was the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad.

1874

Town and post office renamed Gurnee after the train station

1876

A two story building, Whittier's Grange Hall, was put up on the intersection of Grange Hall and Edic Roads (now Washington and Hunt Club) by the Society of Grangers to serve as their meeting place and to act as headquarters for farmers' collective buying system.

1879

First church, Christian Church, built in this community next to the Gurnee Grade School. It was the fore-runner for the Gurnee Community Church.

1880s

1887

A franchise petitioned and granted to the Flood Family for the Warren Postal Telegraph Company

1888

Warrenton Grove Post Office (which later became Wilson) opened on Belvedere Road.

1900s

1904

First rural delivery route for the mail was established. Mail was delivered by horse and buggy.

1910s

1912

Valahalla Order of Vikings purchased the Beidler Home in Gurnee and made the Big Home into a hotel and beautified the grounds into a showcase of Lake County.

1913

First telephone system organized was the Warren Mutual Telephone Company.

1917

A chapel was built and dedicated at the Warren Cemetery.

1918

Higher education was established with the opening of Warren Township High School.

1920s

1927

Meeting held in the residence of Ray B. Dixon to consider the desirability and feasibility of the Gurnee area annexing to the City of Waukegan.

1928

Election held on March 7, 1928 to decide whether Gurnee should incorporate.

Gurnee established as first Village in Warren Township.

Leo Felton elected Village President.

1930s

1930

Population of Gurnee...503.

Village Board approved a fire tax and bought a fire truck.

1933

Gurnee's first Liquor Ordinance passed.

The village meetings were moved from the Woodman Hall to the Fire Station at McClure's Garage.

1938

A recreation system established in the area with the formation of the Warren-Gurnee Recreation Association.

1940s

1940

Population of Gurnee...661.

1941

In 1941 a Recreation Tax was passed. A.J. Katzenmaier, Dorothy Powell and Grace Smith were appointed to the Recreation Board.

Dr. W.W. Smith elected Village President.

1942

Village President Dr. W.W. Smith resigns to enter the Armed Services.

Trustee Wm. Barnstable voted in as Village President by the Village Board.

Warren Mutual Telephone Company taken over by the Illinois Bell Telephone Company.

1945

Meyer and Beemsterboer constructed a building to house an IGA Grocery Store and Gungler's Drug Store.

The office of Police Magistrate was created and Walter Rudin was the first Magistrate. Speeding was the village's biggest problem.

Tryboms were issued a liquor license at the start of the Rustic Manor. The original restaurant was started in the house on the property.

1949

Gordon D. Gillings elected Village President.

A survey was taken in the village to determine whether a water system should be installed.

Woodmen Hall was sold to Leon Hubert for dismantling for $315.

Radio station WKRS dedicated on July 19,1949.

Township citizens won a referendum on consolidation of one- and two-room schools forming Woodland Consolidated District.

1950s

1950

Population of Gurnee...1097.

1951

A Special Election voted in a police tax

1952

June 1, 1952 Orin Anderson was appointed Police Chief.

Sidewalks were put in on O'Plaine Road.

1953

Village purchased the gravel pit and property from Mrs. Cora McCullough. Later a beach was made and the recreation Committee from the Village Board started a swimming program.

1955

Population of Gurnee...1597.

Dr. Hendricks started an Animal Hospital on Grand Avenue.

1956

The Lions Club and American Legion built a bath house at the beach.

The Village Clerk hired a full time Deputy Clerk - Mrs. Cora Studer was hired.

A second policeman was hired.

Discussions held on the widening or relocation of Grand Avenue.

Addition built onto the Fire station for the Police Office and Village Hall.

1958

Sam Dada was hired full time for Public Works.

Petropoulos Bros. Appliance business moved to Gurnee in a new building on Grand Avenue.

1959

Special election held for a water system.

1960s

1960

Population of Gurnee...1831.

Interstate Highway I-94, a toll road, constructed through the central part of the township, making it the center of transportation of Lake County.

Gurnee became part of the North Shore Sanitary District.

1961

The Milwaukee R.R. filed a petition with ICC to close the Gurnee R.R. Station.

Preliminary plans for a sewer system presented.

1962

Curfew ordinance was passed.

Gilbert Clem prepared a flood report, adopted as the official publication of the Village concerning flood control.

1963

Sewer bond issue passed.

Third policeman added to the force.

1965

Population of Gurnee...2167.

Sewer contract let to Preston Woodall Co.

1966

Clark Outdoor Spraying Co. hired to spray for mosquitoes.

The Adams Subdivision (Darlene Drive) annexed to the Village.

1967

Civil Service for village employees election passed.

Scouts conduct fund drive for a new ambulance.

Two-way radios for village cars and equipment were purchased.

Police Department expanded to four full-time policemen.

1968

The Gurnee Park District established by a September referendum.

Sanitary Sewer System completed.

Village entered into an agreement with Sedol and Gurnee Grade School to purchase the Viking property.

Police and fire alarm system was installed in the Police office.

The Village received a $2500 bequest from the Lamb Estate for a Library Fund.

1970s

1970

Population of Gurnee...2738.

1971

Library Committee was formed.

Park District bought the Viking property from the Village.

The position of Village Administrator was created.

Robert Trigg was appointed the first Village Administrator.

1972

Population of Gurnee...3268.

Library bookmobile service began.

Village Hall and offices opened in remodeled Craft building.

Marriott Corporation begins planning regional theme park.

1973

The Warren-Newport Public Library began operations in rented space adjacent to the Gurnee National Bank at Routes 132 and 21.

Marriott Corporation announces desire to build an Amusement Park near the interchange of Highway 132 and the Tollway.

Richard Welton elected Village President.

1974

Heatherridge annexed as a Planned Unit Development.

Public Works Garage constructed on Kilbourne Road.

Ground breaking ceremony held for Marriott's Great America.

1975

Population of Gurnee...3812.

Village Hall on Grand Avenue remodeled.

1976

Warren Township Center established and dedicated.

Marriott's Great America held its Grand Opening on May 29.

1977

New Police Station constructed on Grand Avenue.

Library building referendum for $495,000 passed by a 189 vote margin.

Prairie Oaks Development begins.

Country Trails (O'Plaine) annexed as a Planned Unit Development.

1978

Population of Gurnee...5389.

Formal dedication of the library took place on April 30.

During the year 270 homes under construction.

1980s

1980

Senior housing -- Warren Manor --was built next to the township center.

1984

A major fire took place, damaging most of the Warren Township High School.

The Village of Gurnee purchased the three acre site of the Mother Rudd Tavern.

Great America purchased by Six Flags Corporation.

1986

100-Year flood hits the Gurnee area.

1987

A completely rebuilt Warren Township High School opens in September.

The Village of Gurnee begins restoration of the Mother Rudd Home.

1990s

1991

Warren Township Historical Society opens a museum in the restored Mother Rudd Home.

Gurnee Mills, one of the Midwest's largest shopping complexes, opens.

Time Warner Enterprises gained controlling interest in Six Flags Corporation.

1992

New Gurnee Village Hall completed at 325 N O'Plaine Road.

Gurnee Grade School District 56 opens O'Plaine School, located behind the new Village Hall.

1996

Construction begins on a major addition / renovation of the Warren Newport Public Library.

1997

Woodland School District opens Almond Road facility.

Construction of a new junior high school for Gurnee Grade School District begins on site of old Viking Junior High.

Warren Newport Public Library opens renovated facility on O'Plaine Road.

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The Village of Gurnee / History / Last Revised 03/28/01

1830s	1835	The first settlement of Warren Township in the vicinity of the Aux Plaines River (now the Des Plaines River).
	1837	Pioneers began arriving to this area by "Prairie Schooners" drawn by oxen, by horseback, by foot or via boat on the Erie Canal, Great Lakes and AuxPlaines River First Post Office was in operation at Abingdon Inn, corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Belvedere Road.
	1838	First log school house, Dodge School, built in northwest Warren Township.
1840s	1840	The population for Lake County was 2,634.
	1842	First floating log bridge built across the Aux Plaines River just north of the present Grand Avenue Bridge.
	1844	Construction begins on the building now known as the Mother Rudd Home.
	1845	The population of Lake County had reached 8,236
	1846	Early settlers selected land near the center of the township for locating a permanent burial ground and it became Warren Cemetery.
	1847	Post Office opened in Wentworth -- present day Gurnee.
	1849	First toll road, Old Plank Road, built across the Township -- east to west -- now called route 120 or Belvedere Road.
1850s	1850	First town meeting held at O'Plaine School and the name of Warren Township was adopted, named after Joseph Warren, a major general of the Continental Army. The population of Lake County had risen to 14,266. "Good" land was worth $5.00 per acre.
1850s	1854	The Chicago & Milwaukee Railroad began running its trains from Chicago to Milwaukee in the unprecedented time of five hours.
1860s	1860	Lake County's population was 18,300. Warren Township's population was 1,124.
1860s	1868	Located along the river, a new two room brick building erected.
1870s	1870	The name of the post office was changed to O'Plaine, a shortened form of Aux Plaines, the early spelling of the Des Plaines River.
	1873	First railroad built to cross the township was the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad.
	1874	Town and post office renamed Gurnee after the train station
	1876	A two story building, Whittier's Grange Hall, was put up on the intersection of Grange Hall and Edic Roads (now Washington and Hunt Club) by the Society of Grangers to serve as their meeting place and to act as headquarters for farmers' collective buying system.
	1879	First church, Christian Church, built in this community next to the Gurnee Grade School. It was the fore-runner for the Gurnee Community Church.
1880s	1887	A franchise petitioned and granted to the Flood Family for the Warren Postal Telegraph Company
1880s	1888	Warrenton Grove Post Office (which later became Wilson) opened on Belvedere Road.
1900s	1904	First rural delivery route for the mail was established. Mail was delivered by horse and buggy.
1910s	1912	Valahalla Order of Vikings purchased the Beidler Home in Gurnee and made the Big Home into a hotel and beautified the grounds into a showcase of Lake County.
	1913	First telephone system organized was the Warren Mutual Telephone Company.
	1917	A chapel was built and dedicated at the Warren Cemetery.
	1918	Higher education was established with the opening of Warren Township High School.
1920s	1927	Meeting held in the residence of Ray B. Dixon to consider the desirability and feasibility of the Gurnee area annexing to the City of Waukegan.
1920s	1928	Election held on March 7, 1928 to decide whether Gurnee should incorporate. Gurnee established as first Village in Warren Township. Leo Felton elected Village President.
1930s	1930	Population of Gurnee...503. Village Board approved a fire tax and bought a fire truck.
	1933	Gurnee's first Liquor Ordinance passed. The village meetings were moved from the Woodman Hall to the Fire Station at McClure's Garage.
	1938	A recreation system established in the area with the formation of the Warren-Gurnee Recreation Association.
1940s	1940	Population of Gurnee...661.
	1941	In 1941 a Recreation Tax was passed. A.J. Katzenmaier, Dorothy Powell and Grace Smith were appointed to the Recreation Board. Dr. W.W. Smith elected Village President.
	1942	Village President Dr. W.W. Smith resigns to enter the Armed Services. Trustee Wm. Barnstable voted in as Village President by the Village Board. Warren Mutual Telephone Company taken over by the Illinois Bell Telephone Company.
	1945	Meyer and Beemsterboer constructed a building to house an IGA Grocery Store and Gungler's Drug Store. The office of Police Magistrate was created and Walter Rudin was the first Magistrate. Speeding was the village's biggest problem. Tryboms were issued a liquor license at the start of the Rustic Manor. The original restaurant was started in the house on the property.
	1949	Gordon D. Gillings elected Village President. A survey was taken in the village to determine whether a water system should be installed. Woodmen Hall was sold to Leon Hubert for dismantling for $315. Radio station WKRS dedicated on July 19,1949. Township citizens won a referendum on consolidation of one- and two-room schools forming Woodland Consolidated District.
1950s	1950	Population of Gurnee...1097.
	1951	A Special Election voted in a police tax
	1952	June 1, 1952 Orin Anderson was appointed Police Chief. Sidewalks were put in on O'Plaine Road.
	1953	Village purchased the gravel pit and property from Mrs. Cora McCullough. Later a beach was made and the recreation Committee from the Village Board started a swimming program.
	1955	Population of Gurnee...1597. Dr. Hendricks started an Animal Hospital on Grand Avenue.
	1956	The Lions Club and American Legion built a bath house at the beach. The Village Clerk hired a full time Deputy Clerk - Mrs. Cora Studer was hired. A second policeman was hired. Discussions held on the widening or relocation of Grand Avenue. Addition built onto the Fire station for the Police Office and Village Hall.
	1958	Sam Dada was hired full time for Public Works. Petropoulos Bros. Appliance business moved to Gurnee in a new building on Grand Avenue.
	1959	Special election held for a water system.
1960s	1960	Population of Gurnee...1831. Interstate Highway I-94, a toll road, constructed through the central part of the township, making it the center of transportation of Lake County. Gurnee became part of the North Shore Sanitary District.
	1961	The Milwaukee R.R. filed a petition with ICC to close the Gurnee R.R. Station. Preliminary plans for a sewer system presented.
	1962	Curfew ordinance was passed. Gilbert Clem prepared a flood report, adopted as the official publication of the Village concerning flood control.
	1963	Sewer bond issue passed. Third policeman added to the force.
	1965	Population of Gurnee...2167. Sewer contract let to Preston Woodall Co.
	1966	Clark Outdoor Spraying Co. hired to spray for mosquitoes. The Adams Subdivision (Darlene Drive) annexed to the Village.
	1967	Civil Service for village employees election passed. Scouts conduct fund drive for a new ambulance. Two-way radios for village cars and equipment were purchased. Police Department expanded to four full-time policemen.
	1968	The Gurnee Park District established by a September referendum. Sanitary Sewer System completed. Village entered into an agreement with Sedol and Gurnee Grade School to purchase the Viking property. Police and fire alarm system was installed in the Police office. The Village received a $2500 bequest from the Lamb Estate for a Library Fund.
1970s	1970	Population of Gurnee...2738.
	1971	Library Committee was formed. Park District bought the Viking property from the Village. The position of Village Administrator was created. Robert Trigg was appointed the first Village Administrator.
	1972	Population of Gurnee...3268. Library bookmobile service began. Village Hall and offices opened in remodeled Craft building. Marriott Corporation begins planning regional theme park.
	1973	The Warren-Newport Public Library began operations in rented space adjacent to the Gurnee National Bank at Routes 132 and 21. Marriott Corporation announces desire to build an Amusement Park near the interchange of Highway 132 and the Tollway. Richard Welton elected Village President.
	1974	Heatherridge annexed as a Planned Unit Development. Public Works Garage constructed on Kilbourne Road. Ground breaking ceremony held for Marriott's Great America.
	1975	Population of Gurnee...3812. Village Hall on Grand Avenue remodeled.
	1976	Warren Township Center established and dedicated. Marriott's Great America held its Grand Opening on May 29.
	1977	New Police Station constructed on Grand Avenue. Library building referendum for $495,000 passed by a 189 vote margin. Prairie Oaks Development begins. Country Trails (O'Plaine) annexed as a Planned Unit Development.
	1978	Population of Gurnee...5389. Formal dedication of the library took place on April 30. During the year 270 homes under construction.
1980s	1980	Senior housing -- Warren Manor --was built next to the township center.
	1984	A major fire took place, damaging most of the Warren Township High School. The Village of Gurnee purchased the three acre site of the Mother Rudd Tavern. Great America purchased by Six Flags Corporation.
	1986	100-Year flood hits the Gurnee area.
	1987	A completely rebuilt Warren Township High School opens in September. The Village of Gurnee begins restoration of the Mother Rudd Home.
1990s	1991	Warren Township Historical Society opens a museum in the restored Mother Rudd Home. Gurnee Mills, one of the Midwest's largest shopping complexes, opens. Time Warner Enterprises gained controlling interest in Six Flags Corporation.
	1992	New Gurnee Village Hall completed at 325 N O'Plaine Road. Gurnee Grade School District 56 opens O'Plaine School, located behind the new Village Hall.
	1996	Construction begins on a major addition / renovation of the Warren Newport Public Library.
	1997	Woodland School District opens Almond Road facility. Construction of a new junior high school for Gurnee Grade School District begins on site of old Viking Junior High. Warren Newport Public Library opens renovated facility on O'Plaine Road.