Snippets of Salem - 358 - Antioch Images of America

Antioch Images of America A nice, casual history of Antioch in a photographic 128 page booklet.This has been copred for purposes of being able to search the document It has been scanned for this PDF booklet in the lowest possible of DPI. There are no photocopies of this book. If the reader is interested in a copy, p!ease contact the source - Lakes Region Historical Society in Antioch Illinois. Please work thru them for books rather than other orofit making groups.

12060356

unknown

358 Antioch Images of America.pdf

History

Illinois

Midwest

Pamphlets

Salem Community Library

Copyright © Valentine 2014

Copyright undetermined

PDF

Print

text

2017-08-04

Linda Valentine Snippets

eng

Kenosha County, Wisconsin

Salem, Wisconsin

Salem Lakes, Wisconsin

PDF

Valentine
SNIPPETS of SALEM
358 - Antioch
Images of America
Contents:
A nice, casual history of Antioch in a photographic 128 page booklet.
This has been copred for purposes of being able to search the
document It has been scanned for this PDF booklet in the lowest
possible of DPI. There are no photocopies of this book. If the reader
is interested in a copy, p!ease contact the source - Lakes Region
Historical Society in Antioch Illinois. Please work thru them for books
rather than other orofit making groups.

- 109 pages
NOTES:
-Pages within the pamphlets may be out of sequence because of the scanning
process.

-Numbering on these pages may include the date and sequence within each
pamphlet.
The original materials used in this project were from the FWB Fred Wesley
Brown Collection. Some documents were photocopied before they were scanned
into the PDF document and those will be available in print format. The originals
may exist either in the FWB collection or at the Western Kenosha County
Historical Society- depe0ding on family declsions at a later date. These
materials were contributed because the family wished that the history that they
and their families have experienced can be saved for the future generations.
Some "published" documents were dismantled in order to provide a 1:1 scan of
the original item rather than a scan of a photocopy. The decision to do this was
made because the INFORMATION was more important than the media that was
used to present the information. NaturaHy, singular ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS
were not destroyed.
Researchers should also refer to the Valentine Digital archives which may at the
SALEM COMMUNITY LIBRARY for more images in this collection or digital
images of items that may re!ate to this booklet or related to the topic.
Compiled 1/2014 by l S Valentine Copyright©Va!entine2014

>
z

-n
....:j

0

:r::

0

'""

>-~
~

>

~

0

~ m
,....Vl

The Hiram Buttrick Sawmill is the most recognized image of Antioch. The original mill was
built along Sequoit Creek in 1839 by an early pioneer, Hiram Buttrick. The sawmill, along with

a steam gristmill that was buHt by john H. Elliott in 1856, was the center around which the
village would emerge. In 1976, while the Bicentennial Committee was working on projects for
the nation's 200th birthday, the idea was born to build a working replica of the sawmilL It was

donated and buHt by more than a thousand people of Antioch, and in 1978, it was completed
and dedicated. There is a time capsule buried on the site that will be raised in 2076.

On the co<•er: Taken on july 3 (believed to be in 1908), this photograph shows the town in
preparation for the big celebration the next day. The Fourth of july has been a major holiday
in Antioch since its beginnings in the 1840s. This is a photograph by Ray Lugar, "·ho was well
known in this area for the extensive work he did. Lugar was in this area between 1906 and 1918
and took photographs from the town out to the resorts. Thank you, Ray Lugar, for preserYing
this time in Antioch. (Courtesy of the Lake Region Historical Society.)

~

::l
p_.
-<:

s::
l'l

.....flf

~>~
~"

~~

-o
~;

.atll

"

en
rt
0

::l
l'l

::l
p_.

~

a"

s

~
en
en

0

~

~

>-z

'->-,

~

);.~

0

"' 0

~

n

::r:

;:l
""'<

?

m

Copyright © 2007 by Wendy Maston and Robin Kessell
ISBN 978-0-7385-5065-7
Published by Arcadia Publishing
Charleston SC, Chicago IL, Portsmouth NH, San Francisco CA
Printed in the United States of America

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2007924697
For all general information contact Arcadia Publishing at:
Telephone 843-853-2070
Fax 843-853-0044
E-mail sales@arcadiapublishing.com
For customer service and orders:
Toll-Free 1-888-313-2665
Visit us on the Internet at www.arcadiapublishing.com

CONTENTS
Acknowledgments

6

Introduction

7

1.

Those That Came

11

2.

The City Center

31

3.

Religion and Education

59

4.

Those Who Serve

73

5.

All Around the Town

91

6.

Continued Growth

117

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book is the culmination of years of collecting the history of Antioch. In 1992) members of
the Lakes Region Historical Society (LRHS) put together a book Pictorial History of Antioch,
1892-1992. It was because of the hours of hard work, sifting through hundreds of old papers and
repairing photographs, that they put together a wonderful book for the community. To that
group of people thank~you is not enough. We are forever gratefuL
Thank you must also go to others who haYe written articles and booklets that have come into
the collections of the LRHS. Many of these have no specific author given but one was written
by the late Roberta Selter Knirsch. Roberta was a major force in the early days of the society and
spent hours recording all the artifacts that were donated to the museum. She wrote a booklet
called, The Town of Antioch, Its First Hundred Years, 1837-1937. (The booklet is available at
the LRHS.)
Two other members of LRHS that had input into this book are Art Dory and Pam Martz.
Both are very knowledgeable and answered dozens of questions.
A major thank~you goes to Ainsley Brook Wonderling. Ainsley is our museum director and
possibly knows more about Antioch and its families than anyone else. Her de\·otion to preserving
the history of this town is surpassed by no one. When she did not knov,; the answer to a question
she knew who did. Thank you, Ainsley.
Another special thanlvyou goes to Thomas and Catherine (Bogan) Middlebrook. Tom has
an extensive postcard collection of Antioch and the surrounding area. He allowed us to browse
through that collection where we found many wonderful images of Antioch that were not in the
museum collection. Those images are individually identified within the book. All images not
identified are from the LRHS collections.
To all the members of the society who answered questions at meetings, on the street, or over
the phone, we are forever gratefuL We must not let the rich history of Antioch ever be forgotten.
We must always be "Preserving the past to educate the future."

6

INTRODUCTION
While doing the research for this book, we came across a narrative at the Antioch Public District
Library. Prepared by the pupils and teachers of the Antioch Grade School in 1918, it gives an
early history of our beautiful "little" town. Read History of Antioch, prepared by the pupils and
teachers of the Antioch Grade School District No. 34, of Lake County in 1918, and try to
imagine what life was like back then:

Back in York State in 1835, when the first frosts had caressed the landscape and the answering
blush \Vas everywhere to be seen, three men Thomas Gage, Thomas Warner and W. B. Gage,
sound, sturdy, robust: occasionally met and talked about the great and wonderful "West."
They chatted about the "Illinois Country," where the large game vvas still plentiful; the deer,
the wolf, the buffalo; where the fishing was good and the wild birds' myriad, where the black
soil was deep and rich and where farms might be had for the taking.

The lands that we know as Illinois and Wisconsin had been opened to white settlers by the
government in the mid~1830s. }.·1any adventurous pioneers chose to take advantage of this with
the hope of improving their lives. Although we do not know the details of the trip of the men
who founded our area it was known that men would walk with their meager belongings until
they came to the Ohio River where they would join others.
Joining themselves to a flat boat company they floated down the majestic river. How wonderful
must have been their voyage-days of enchantment and nights of mystic witchery!! Those
nights when they silently stood sentinel over their sleeping companions, when the river
seemed like a ribbon of silver in the moonlight, when the laugh of the loon or the call of the
owl from the deep dark shadows on either densely wooded bank might mean "Indians!"
After a long and dangerous journey the men arrived in the small settlement of Chicago sometime
in the fall of 1836. Traveling north they found the beautiful area with a creek they later named
Sequoit. The Gage brothers built a log cabin on the site where Antioch Village Hall now stands.
Thomas Warner built his log cabin on the west shore of Loon Lake, about two miles away, and
then traveled with the Gages to h Hlwaukee, Wisconsin, to welcome other early settlers. There
they rendezvoused with Joseph Ingalls, Miles Shepard and his wife Eliza Ann Gage Shepard,
lv1yron Stevens, and others who had been convinced to travel to the Great Lakes upon the "slow
sailing vessels of that time.''

7

The small party rejoiced in each others company and then returned to the site of the Gage
settlement to build their mvn log cabins. "With no nails, no shingles, no planed boards and no
glass were the cabins built," the 1918 account informs us. "And soon all was cozy and snug." The
pioneers became fast friends with the local Native Americans. They spent the winter months
felling trees, fishing, and hunting the plentiful wild game.
Over the next few years more people came. Although the area was not the best for farming as
it was considered somewhat swampy, it offered so many other wonderful things that many chose
to stay instead of moving on.
In 1838, Hiram Buttrick built a sawmill on Sequoit Creek and the Gage brothers erected a
large, low log-house hotel. A general store was opened by i>lr. Head. In 1839, there were two
blacksmith shops for the three horses and the single one-horse wagon of the settlement! The
same year 1v1r. Ring erected a building for a store-the King Drug Store now occupies this
same building. Two frame houses were built and four new log cabins. The settlers got their
mail from Waukegan. A carrier made the round trip each week. Later a railroad ran through
Wadsworth and mail was then distributed each day. Mr. F. F. lv1unson conducted a general
store and permitted the upper unfinished room to be used for school purposes. Welcome
Jilson was the first teacher and he had one pupil, Thomas Gage.
The store referenced above as the King Drug Store is the property that now houses the Escape
Nail Shop, Decano's, and Infini~Tea in downtown Antioch.
The first church service was held in Mr. Shepard's barn. Mr. Shepard was a very religious man
and he wanted the settlement to have a Biblical name. Jericho and Joppa were suggested;
Gage Settlement and Bristol were warmly advocated. Finally a day was set upon which a vote
would be taken. Some wag suggested Antioch as both unique and ancient. The majority was
decidedly for Antioch. At the time of the naming of Antioch land was worth $1.25 per acre
and wages were 50 cents a day. The first town meeting was held in 1844. The village form of
government was adopted February 29th, 1892. The first doctors to come to the village were
Dr. Leroy Gage and Dr. Salisbury.
The group had tried to form the town government early in the 1860s but the majority did not
want any formal government at that time. It took until 1892 for the town to officially become a
village. Incorporation came on February 29, 1892.
The beautiful lakes near Antioch were a favorite camping ground. The wooded shores, where
game was abundant, the broad expanses oflaughing water, where fish and wild fowl flourished
and the silent burial mounds of his forefathers, made this a sacred spot to the Indian. Today
it is not an uncommon thing for farmers to turn up with the plough, stone hatchets, beads,
arrow heads of all sizes, and even Indian skulls and moldy bones.
In the early 1900s, when building increased, all the above mentioned items actually became a
nuisance to the workers. The abundance proved that this had been a major meeting place for the
Native American tribes. Some of these items, including a mortar and pestle found by Solomon
La Plant while plowing his field, can be seen at the Lakes Region Historical Society's School
House Museum at the corner of Depot and l\1ain Streets.
Antioch, today, is a quiet little village of nearly 1000 inhabitants. From May until October, it
is the center of a flourishing summer resort business. Many people of refinement and wealth
have cottages where the Indians once camped. Thousands of workers spend their vacations
at the large hotels which are to be found on all of the lakes. These all came to Antioch on
the Soo Line and are soon whizzed to their destination by the "universal car." Hunters and

8

fishermen visit the lakes in the Spring and FalL During the Winter business is at a standstill,
waiting the magic breath of Spring. The lotus beds at Grass Lake are famous. Pickerel, bass,
and sunfish are found in all the lakes. The Great Spirit whispers through wood and across
lake-"Come and rest.''
Today the village and the surrounding area are home to thousands of people all year around.
The winter is as active as all the other seasons. The lotus beds are returning after being almost
destroyed, fishing is still good, and the train still passes by.
This was quite a vivid description, including insights from the people of almost a century
ago. These images and stories are but a few of the hundreds in the archives of the museum. Our
new center, the Lasco Archive Center, at 965 Main Street, will open to the public in the fall
of 2007.

9

This "bird's~eye view of Antioch," around 1910, v><JS taken from the top of the stand pipe that
was built in 1907. The bottom right is the Grice Hotel. On the left is the United Methodist
Church. Above the church is the schoolhouse, and in the center is the feed mill that processed
the farmers' goods well into the 1950s. A train moves along the track in the background. The
white building at the end of the street on the right is the Antioch News (see page 55).

10

One

THOSE THAT CAME

The children are the hope and future of any community. The reason that these young people
have gathered is unknown and only one name is known. Helen Nabor is the young lady in the
third row farthest to the left. Perhaps this was a !day Day celebration as there are lily of the
valley flowers on the table. The young ladies are very pretty in their dresses and hair bows. The
young gentlemen do not appear to be dressed for play. Whatever the occasion, it is certain that
it was important. The explorers, farmers, businessmen, doctors, and others came and settled by
their own choice. The children had to follow. Whether these children had followed their parents
from another place or were born here, Antioch became their home. And some of them grevv up
to be leaders of the community and became a part of history,

11

This magnificent home was built around 1875. It was home to Daniel A. Williams's family and
stood until the bulldozer took it down m 1972. The Heritage Building (800 North Main Street)
is on this location now. From left to right are Addie Williams, an unidentified visiting cousin,
Laura Williams, Aunt Elsie Williams (standing), the housekeeper, baby Ruth Williams in the
buggy, and Ray Williams.

John C. James was one of the influential men in town. He had a furniture store and was the undertaker
for some time. He began construction on this home in 1888 and finished it within the year. It stood
on the property that is now the southeast corner of Orchard Street and Toft Avenue.

12

Contractor Hugh G. Dardis built this home for his family. His company also built the 1892
schoolhouse at Main Street and Depot Street. (Home to the Lakes Region Historical Society.)
From left to right are Hugh G. Dardis, Anna Dardis (sitting), neighbor Mrs. Ames (sitting),
Elsie Dardis, Gertie Smart, and Don Dardis with the horse. This location is now 425 Lake Street
(Chase Bank).

Solomon La Plant was an early resident of Antioch. His company did masonry work, and they
were involved in the building of an addition, in 1900, to the schoolhouse and of the first stand
pipe in 1907. This photograph shows Solomon wrth baby Letha. The La Plant name is still
known around Antioch.
13

The Proctor cabin was located off Trevor Road near North Avenue. This photograph was taken
around 1886. From left to right are Murry Horton, Lydia Proctor Horton, Eddie Proctor (Lydia's
brother), Eunice Proctor (mother), Sophia Graves (Eunice's sister), Carrie Gra\·es (Sophia's
daughter), Norris Proctor (Lydia's oldest brother), Cyrus Proctor (father), Ira Simons, Martha
Proctor (married to Hiram Proctor) with baby Ira, and Jack Drury.

Families were important and group photograrhs valued. When the traveling photographer
arrived before 1908, members gathered together. Here are both the Osmond and ]ames families.
From left to right are (first row) joseph James Sr., Martha Howdan James, William James, Lester
Osmond Sr., and William Harrison Osmond; (second row) Bertha James Gilbert, joseph C.
James Jr., two unidentified women, and Ida James Osmond. The old Native American relic in
the photograph was found on the farm, but its whereabouts today is unknown.

14

Myron and Sarah (Shepard) Stevens were the in-laws of Elijah Simmons. Both were born in the
17ROs and were children of Revolutionary War soldiers. They came with the family groups to the
Antioch area in 1841. Myron purchased 160 acres of land at $1.25 per acre. Sarah passed away
in 1855 and Myron in 1859.

Elijah Simmons was born
on January 26, 1803, in New
York State and orphaned at
an early age. After completing
an apprenticeship he married
and, along with his in-laws and
other family members 1 came to
the Antioch area in 1841. In
early 1850, he left the family
and made his way to the gold
fields of California. He died
in Hangtown, California, on
December 22, 1850, never having
made his fortune.
15

A very typical 1880s family, the Emmons
were important in the early days of
Antioch. The girls married names are
given in parentheses. From left to right
are mother Sara Ham Emmons, Alice,
Artenessa (Grice), and father Rockwell
Dean Emmons with Callie (La Plant)
seated in front. Sarah and Rockwell
celebrated their 60th anniYersary on
November 16, 1919. Callie later died in
childbirth at a very young age.

Dr. Winsor Warriner, born in
1874, was a true country doctor.
He came to the area as a young
doctor when the area was still
considered backwoods. By the
time this picture was taken
in Antioch in 1908, he was a
well respected member of the
community. He made his
rounds with horse and buggy
and visited all the farmers in the
outlaying areas. In later years, he
would continue those rounds in
an automobile.
16

A common summer event would be to take a hayride. This photograph shows the Wertz family
on the Morley Farm on Trevor Road around 1915. Although the order is unknown, the following
people are on the wagon: Clayton and Frieda Wertz; Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Singer (parents of
Frieda Wertz); Charles, Wesley, and Arthur Wertz; and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Larson.

The Palmer family home was on North h·enue and had to be a whirlwind of activity. Imagine
having six sons and no daughters to help around the house. Mary was a lucky lady to have all six
of her sons survive into manhood. Sitting next to her is her husband Walter. Behind them from
left to right are Fred, john, Harry, George, Edwin, and Frank.

17

The Antioch Brass Band could be heard at the Opera House or tn a gathering room at a hotel.
SeYen of the players can be identified. Joe James, first row, fourth from left; Ralph Kincaid, first
row, fifth from left; Ira Simons, third row, second from right; Ernest Simons, second row, third
from left; Bill Williams, second row, fourth from left; Roy Williams, drummer on left; and Bill
Tiffany, first row, third from left.

This picture was taken in 1907 and when it appeared in the paper it was titled A Bunch of Has
Beens. They are listed by age and not position in the picture. Lorenzo Parker, 91; John Horan, 88;
Uncle Joe Rinear, 86; J. C. James Sr., 81; Abe Crowley, 78; C. B. Harrison, 73; Eli Judd, 73;
Cyrus Proctor, 72; Joseph Savage, 69; L. K. Willett, 65: J. B. Burnett, 64; James Britton, 63; Mike
Sheehan, 63; Walter Stickles, 62; James Kay, 60; John Drury, 52; and B. F. Van Patten, 52.

18

Fishing at Cross Lake in 1906 was good, From left to right are (first row) Ed Wells, Almond
Webb, James Kay, John Drury, James Britton, and Robert McDougal; (second row) Joseph
Savage, Mr, Curtis, Mr, Carman, Joseph Rinear, Harm Bryant, Walter Crowley, "Egg" Hoysradt,
Cyrus Proctor, John Spafford (seated in rear), and Jerome Burnett; (third row) Abe Crowley, Joe
Miller, Fred Ackerman, Joseph Huber, Frank Van Patten, Nick Schroeder, and 1-.L l\1olitor,
fZ-?

This wonderful picture of the men of Antioch who fought in the "War of Rebellion" was probably
taken in the 1890s. They were members of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) fraternal
organization. Although their names have been lost, what they did will always be remembered.
The G/\R was started on April 6, 1866, in Decatur to help the veterans of the Union Army to
return to normal life. By 1890, the membership had swollen to 409,489. The last member died
in 1956 at the age of 109.
19

The Smart family farm was located at
what is now the northwest corner of
Route 173 and Tiffany Road. These
three young, beautiful girls would all
play a part in the growth of Antioch.
Standing is Emma Smart (who married
Ernest L. Simons of the Simon's Hotel),
kneeling is Gertie Smart (who would
later marry]. Ernest Brook), and in the
carriage is baby Pauline (who married
Howard Smith of the Smith Hotel at
Channel Lake).

In 1905, Susie Morley purchased the first car in Antioch. She delighted in taking friends and
family for trips around the town. One can only imagine the bravery of her passengers as they
bumped along the dirt roads. Morley was far ahead of her time. She married Chase Webb on
New Year's Day in 1908 in Chicago, and they had a wonderful life together.
20

The 1910 swimming attire is certainly glamorous. There is no worry about sunburn but actual
swimming was probably difficult. These young ladies knew how to have fun. From left to right
are Miss Layman, Helen Nabor, Ethel Plack, Mary Sheehan, Pattie Scheurer, Edna Plack, and
"Bob'~ Scheurer.

These lovely ladies called themselves the "jolly Dozen!' One can only imagine how much fun
they must have had posing for this picture. From left to right are Susie Morley Webb, Maud
Simons Sabin, Gertie Smart Brook, Pauline Smart Simons, Edna McVey Warriner, Pearl Lux
Doose, unidentified, Marion Davis, Ada Lux Overton, and Alice Emmons.

21

Antioch has always been a huge supporter of service men and women. How true when, on a
cold day in h.-hy 1918, the entire town turned out to see the "boys'' off to war. In 1917, seventeen
young men enlisted. When school was over in May 1918, more went. ln all, Antioch sent 83 boys
to battle. The tmvn fared well, as only one son was lost to the cause. Cpl. Willard J. !\1ann is the
only name on the war memorial as being lost in the ''War to end all Wars."

This photograph is of fiye young men who accepted the call to arms. From left to right are Archie
Maplethorpe, Joe Fernandez, John Bernard "Red" Fields, John Miller, and Andrew Cobb. Others
who went are Harry Radke, Harry Cushing, Clyde Fields, John Mueller, Frank Cobb, Ray Webb,
Charles Tiffany, and Melton R. Park. The bells of tbe churches in town rang out for them at
11:00 a.m.

22

Seated in the center of this rare
Civil War~era photograph is Levi
Simons. He joined Company F,
37th Illinois Infantry at 19 years
of age. After spending more than
three years in service, being
wounded, catching typhoid, and
traveling thousands of miles by
foot and rail, he returned home.
Unable to do much physical work
he became the proprietor of the
Simons Hotel and was a most
popular gentleman in town.

This photograph from the late 1940s shows how Antioch has always honored the people who
sen·e the country. Names are not important here as these people represent all of the citizens of
the area.

23

This is Lydia Proctor Horton, who was born on October 2, 1867, in a log cabin, lived all her life
in the Antioch area, and was known for her woven rugs. Everyone would bring her their old

clothes and rags and she would weave them into the rugs. This loom is on display at the Lakes
Region Historical Society and the rug she started at age 93 is still on the loom. Aunt Lyd lived

until1961.

Taken in 1910, this photograph is of a mother
and daughter. l\.fother Ida james Osmond
is on the right and her daughter Carolyn
Osmond Horan to the left. It is believed that
this photograph was taken in front of john C.
james's house (pictured on page 12).

24

The Pullen family was another of the early families to settle in Antioch. This photograph
was taken in the 1890s. They are (first row) unidentified, Charles Pullen, Sarah Pullen, and
David Pullen; (second row) Mary Pullen, Wayne Pullen, and Sadie Pullen. (Courtesy of Clara
Drom Horton.)

Many of these young girls would have lifelong friendships and contribute to the growth of
Antioch. They are, from left to right, Mildred La Plant, Vera Kincade, Gertrude Berherns,
h..1arguerite Savage, Myrtle Haynes, Eunice?, Julia Lorna, and Margaret Neman.

25

These two young men, Boyd
Osmond (left) and Bill Brook
(right), were having a great

tlme. They had just come from
skiing on the hill by Antioch
Lake and stopped to have
their picture taken. The house

behind them is the Nabor
house. This house sits on the
southwest corner of Lake Street

and Hillside Avenue and is a
lovely home that may soon be

gone in the name of progress.

Baseball was (and still is) a passionate sport in Antioch. The Antioch Aces were together for
some time and some of the players went on to play professional ball. They would play other
teams in the area and were great. They are, from left to right, (first row) Jim Han·ey, Jack
Crandal, Louis "Doc" Koehn, and lv!cCormick Salem; (second row) Bernie Schneider, Jack
Effinger, unidentified, BHI Keulman, and Bruce Dalgaard.

26

In 1930, Hans von Holwede taught music at the
Antioch Township High School and was very active
in the community and the village. He was a favorite
teacher and represents all the teachers who have
taught the children since that first schoolroom in
1843, located on the second floor of the Munson
Brothers store.

The board of trade was a most important place in the social life of the old Civil War veterans
in Antioch. This small building sat on the corner of Lake and Spafford Streets. The lot was
wooded and children would play in the area. The veterans would spend time sitting around the
pot~bellied stove talking about the war or would get involved in a v.:ild game of checkers.

27

This beautiful wedding photograph of Mabel
Watson and Charles Richards was taken in
1898. These photographs were very common in
those days but most of the people in them have
not been identified. The photographer, A. E.
Hatch of Burlington, Wisconsin, certainly had
some beautiful props. Charles Richards put in
the Farmer's Line telephone, which was separate
from the Antioch Telephone Company. The
two different lines could not call each other.

These four ladies were important to many people in Antioch. This photograph was taken in
1967 and seems strange to include in a book about early times. But Antioch is a unique town
and never lost the feeling -of family since the very beginning. Standing in front of Reeves Drug
Store from left to right are Marge Geiger, Ruth Tarkowski, Helen Borovicka (owner/pharmacist),
and Edna Drom (pharmacist).

28

These two gentlemen became lifelong friends because of their jobs. Neal Shultis (right) was a
salesman for Steel Wedelers Wholesale Grocery, and Gus Schleicher (left) was a salesman for
National Biscuit Company. They both had the same territory, so for 30 years they traYeled the
area together. In 1919, Shultis \vent into partnership with Mr. Hillebrand in the grocery business
in Antioch.

These are the men who did much of the
physical work in building Antioch. From
left to right are Mert Haynes, Wallie Drom,
Clarence Confer, and Solomon La Plant. La
Plant and Haynes were brick masons and
Sibley and Emmons were carpenters. On
the property where the W. C. Fetty School
now stands, there was a bricky~nd where the
bricks were made that built A, noch.

29

Taken prior to 1908, this is the final resting place for many of the early settlers in the area. This
is Hillside Cemetery at Route 173 and Hillside Avenue. There are other cemeteries in the area
where some of these brave people are buried. These other cemeteries include Home Oaks on
Deep Lake Road near Grass Lake Road; the Grass Lake Cemetery on Grass Lake Road west of
Route 59; Liberty Corners on Route 83, just south of Country Road C in Salem, Wisconsin;
another one on Edwards Road, the last of Antioch; and a small one off Wilmot Road. It was
not uncommon for families to have a small cemetery on the family farm. Some of those have
been lost, but others have been cared for through rhe years. The cemeteries in the area have
given the final clue to many of the early settlers in the area. Genealogists will be visiting them
for years to come.

30

Two

THE CITY CENTER

This wonderful painting by jacqueline Horton hangs at the Lakes Regron Historical Society's
School House Museum along with several others. Horton painted many, many scenes of the early
Antioch area and they can be seen in many locations. Besides paintings in private collections,
some can be seen in the lobby of the State Bank of the Lakes and at the Strang Funeral Home.
This painting is of the southwest corner of Main Street and Lake Street. On March 20, 1891,
a fire snuck the entire Roger's block and destroyed the C. 0. Foltz store and the smaller stores
along the street. Within one year Albert Chinn had rebuilt, and the opera house was a two, story
brick building 42 feet along Lake Street and 100 feet along Main Street. The opera house had a
long history and part of it still stands today and houses the accounting firm of DahL
31

••
In 1891 shortly after the fire, construction began on the new opera house. It would be the
finest around and would be able to seat hundreds of people for performances by some of the
best traveling players. This crew worked hard and long to build the two·story huilding. All
the supplies were transported by horse and buggy from the brickyard or the train station where
the materials were delivered.

In 1892, G. 0. Foltz opened his new store in the opera house. The store was modern and carried
only the best supplies. On December 30, 1903, the Iroquois Theater in Chicago burned and
600 people perished. Foltz was devastated as his wife and two daughters were victims. That
fire came only a month after another large fire had destroyed a large portion of the east side of
Main Street.

32

By late in the second decade of the 20th century the stores on the Lake Street side of the opera
house had many different tenants. This picture shows a restaurant located where the Foltz store
had been. This is before 1920, as that was the year that Main Street was finally paved. No longer
would the road have to be watered down to cut the dust during the dry summer months.

In October 1926, the First National Bank opened its doors for business. After extensive
remodeling of the old opera house, the building looked like it does today. Charles K. Anderson
was president, Robert C. Abt was a vice president, William A. Rosing was a vice president, and
S. Boyer Nelson was cashier. Notice though that Lake Street still has not been paved.
33

This street scene is looking north on lvlain Street. The ever~present church steeple of the
tviethodist church has been a landmark since 1901. The date of this photograph is between
1915 and 1920, as in 1914 the village government decided to replace the plank sidewalks
with cement and the street was not pa\'ed until 1920. (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine
[Bogan] Middlebrook.)

Note tbe "bus" just left of the center in front of rhe Williams Brorhers building. This
carriage was perhaps in from one of the resorts. This is also a rare photograph
where the horses and cars are sharing the road. It did not take long for the horses to disappear
from the streets of Antioch once the automobile became prevalent. (Courtesy of Thomas and
Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)
horse~drawn

34

This picture, looking south, shows the west side of Main Street from the late 1920s. The Williams
Brothers department store ts in the center with the King's Drug Store just to the north. King's
Drug Store had been in this same location since before 1900. When a fire damaged the building
in 1950, King's had to find a new home.

World War II brought a boom to Antioch. When the young men and women returned they
needed housing and jobs. This east side shot looks the same as today except that there are
different shops in every store. Diagonal parking changed to parallel parking in the early 1950s
when the state enacted a new law on how wide state highways had to be. Main Street is now State
Route 83, originally called the Mukwonago Indian TraiL (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine
[Bogan] Middlebrook.)

35

This is a picture of the west side of Main Street before all these buildings were replaced with
brick. The building to the far right and partially obscured by the tree is Williams Brothers. The
little boy sitting in front of the shoe store is Robert Brogan. Calugi's lee Cream store with its
choice California fruits and fine candies would ha\-e been a must stop on any trip to town.

Joseph C. James was born in England in 1827. He came to the Antioch area in the 1840s and was
listed in the 1860 census as a farmer. This building stood just west of the old gas station at Main
Street and Orchard Street. His son Joseph C. James Jr. was in business \~iith him and continued
into the 1920s as an insurance and real estate company.

36

The Antioch Milling Company was at the southeast corner of lv1ain and Depot Streets.
It incorporated in 1919 but had been in business for several years before that. In 1942, it set
new production records for the war effort in the processing of eggs, milk, and pigs from local
farmers. The building stood and was in operation until June 1962, when it was razed for a new
parking lot for Pittman Pontiac. The entire corner is now empty and would be a lovely site for a
;-illage park.

The Antioch Lumber and Coal Company boasted, in a 1923 advertisement, that it was the
largest lumberyard in Lake County outside of Waukegan. It was at the corner of Depot Street
and Corona Street. The street originally got its name from the factory that made the Corona
fountain pens. The company provided coal to many of the year-around homes for heat during
the winter months.

37

This very early picture shows hmv the town looked around 1906. There are a few cars in town
and the Ford Garage, but there are no electric hnes. Since Susie Morley owned the first car in
Antioch in 1905 and electric lines began to be erected in 1907, then the only conclusion is that
this has to be 1906.

On the left is a high-back Nash Rambler that carried a band. During the first decade of the 1900s
this parade of Antioch merchants went around to the surrounding areas ad\·ertising Antioch as
a great place to trade. The idea must have gOtten results as business in Antioch boomed over the
next few years. The William Keulman Jewelry Store is in the frame building on the right. The
photograph is looking north.

38

The Union Block Building was built in 1903 after a fire destroyed the east side of lvfain Street.
Here the Van Patten Saloon can be seen on the left, Osmond Furniture is in the center, and
AN. Tiffany and Company 1s on the

This photograph was taken from the top of the village)s stand pipe (110 feet) and is from around
1910. The large building in the center of the picture is Williams Brothers store. The barns
behind the buildings were for the horses and carriages for the respective business. Note the
gardens where now a parking lot lies. The view is looking southeast and is magnificent.

39

In 1898, H. A Radke purchased the barber shop and goodwill of Will Hodge. He started a family
business that lasted almost 100 years. Standing in front of the shop is H. A on the left and son
Harry on the right. The location never changed and was handed down from father to son for
five generations.

In 1951, the family posed for this picture. From left to right are Dick, Cap, and Herman Radke.
The generations were H. A., Harry, Herman, Cap, and Dick. Imagine the generations of families
that went to that barber shop and the stories that were told. The location, 912 Main Street, now
houses Hair Designs Unlimited.

40

George "Dutch" Golwitzer also had a barber shop at what is now 900 Main Street. This building
was replaced by a brick building sometime before 1914 when the cement sidewalks were put in.
From left to right are Tom Burnett, unidentified, and George Golwitzer.
-~---,----:n

Golwitzer's Barber Shop was a popular place to go in the very early 1900s. Not only did the
children love to go there for haircuts, because Dutch would give them a candy bar after a
cut, but there were also two bowling lanes upstairs. When Dutch was ready to retire in 1927,
Mr. Hennings opened a full recreation parlor in the location.

41

In 1909 a group of re\·elers who called themselves the Waukegan Day Advertising Committee,
made a tour of Lake County ending up in Antioch in the late afternoon. They were ad\·ertising
a ball game to be held between the Chicago White Sox and the Waukegan team. Their numbers
had dwindled during the day and when they finally arrived in Antioch there were only a few
cars left.

When it snowed the only way to get around was by horse and sleigh. No car would hm·e made
it through. This sleigh was carrying milk cans and was probably heading toward the feed mill at
the end of the street. Or perhaps they were trying to get to the train station to get the product to
market. Only those who absolutely needed to go out vvould brave the wrath of Mother Nature.

42

In the very early days the only way to get meat for dinner was to go out and hunt it. As farms
became established domestic meat became aYailable. Farmers would have chickens, pigs, and
cows. The dairy industry was good because of the rich vegetation. The Antioch Meat Market
opened to provide fresh meat for the growing population. Located on Main Street in the
900 block it was nCxt to Overton Drug Store, which would later become King's.

This is the interior of the Whitcher and Shotliff Meat Market (also named the Antioch Meat
Market) around 1900. The picture speaks for itself. This was not a place that the ladies would go.
Pictured from left to right are Fred Shotliff, Charles Powles, and two unidentified customers.

43

Since Charles Powles (second from left) was working at the Antioch Meat Market, as seen in
the pre\'ious photograph, it is assumed that he opened his own shop, as there continued to be
a meat market at the Shotliff location. The current address of this building is 390 Lake Street.
The gentleman standing on the left is Ernest Brook, the banker from next door at 388 Lake
Street. The identity of the two young ladies is unknown.

After the Bank of Antioch moved to a new location on Main Street and changed its name to
Brook Bank, Powles moved his meat market into the larger building next door. An old-timer
remembered that if a child went with their parents into the meat market, Powles would give the
child a hot dog. In this photograph his old store is still empty waiting for its next tenant. At the
far end of the building was the Walrers Photographic Studio.

44

Powles (left) and his son Frank (right) pose inside their store at 388 Lake Street around 1920.
This is a shop where the ladies could feel comfortable shopping. With the variety of items, the
ladies could get many other products to make the meat tastier. The tiny tile floor is still under
the carpeting in that building. An interesting note is how the authors had a small retail store in
the 1990s in this building and found and cleaned the floor under the linoleum.

In the early days there were several meat markets in the community. There were also so many
fires that most of the original buildings from the late 1800s do not exist anymore. Such is true for
this one at 510 Main Street. It burned to the ground in March 1930 with a loss of over $10,000.
It was too far from the water source and could not be saved. Today another meat market stands
in its place next to the railroad tracks-Antioch Packing House.

45

1:+,

rll<f

Edward Brook of Burlington, Wisconsin, opened the Bank of Antioch in 1894. This was the
beginning of the long history of today's State Bank of the Lakes, In March 1901, Chinn block
and the Bank of Antioch burned in an 0\Unight fire. Due to the lack of any fire protection, the
buildings were a smoldering ruin. It was believed that the fire started in the storage room of the
Somerville Bakery, This building was a two·story brick building that had been built O\'er the
ruins of the original frame buildmg that had burned in the 1891 fire. In 1903, Edward Brook
and Charles Thorn rebuilt the Chinn block Thorn occupied the west end while the Bank of
Antioch had the east end, In 1924, the Bank of Antioch purchased the property on Mam Street
known as the Great Front Store, In 1926, after some remodeling, the newly named Brook Bank
opened a new, modern facility.

46

The State Bank of Antioch opened in February 1903 in the Somen·ille Building, The bank had
been organized under the laws of the State of Illinois with E. R Williams, G. 0. Paddock, W. S.
Westlake, R. L Strang, and Joseph Turner as directors. Eventually the two banks would merge
with the Brook family in controL The upper floor of this building was used by the Masons and
Odd Fellows and was built of Bedford, Indiana, stone and bricks .
.

·-

·~··-··

·.,.------------,

This photograph is of the interior of the State Bank of Antioch at its location at 934 }.,fain
Street. The beautiful balcony \vith its east facing window captured the morning sunlight that lit
up the marble used throughout. The door to the right of the picture was a modern ladies' room.
The elegance of the 1920s is timeless,

47

Morley's Saloon was perhaps one of the most popular establishments in town. It was a place
where the men in town could meet and talk and relax. Of course in the early days, ladies were
not allowed inside. Morley's eventually became Bud's Tap well into the mid-1900s. In the early
1960s, the building was condemned and torn down. It is a lovely park today on tbe west side of
Main Street near the middle of town.

In 1906, the Gauger Brothers store was a wonderful place to shop. The ladies could choose
anything from apples to lace curtains and many other types of finery. The owners decided in
early 1913 to close. Competition was a fact even then. From left to right are an unidentified
woman and baby, Kittie Clark, Alex Gauger, Frank Stickler, Arthur Herman, Margaret Pullen,
Bertha and Nellie Gauger (sisters of Alex), and james Wilton.

48

William Keulman opened his store in the very early 1900s. This photograph was taken in 1907 in
front of the first store with his children Olive Irene and William George. He not only offered fine
jewelry but was also an optician and provided eye glasses to his customers. The store continued
to grow but never left its original location at 913 Main Street.

Right in the center of the photograph one can see the William Keulman Jewelry Store. This was
one of the areas that was destroyed by fire and rebuilt with brick. The Keulman store stayed in
business for many long years-well into the second half of the 1900s. The Keulman family was
very involved in community activities.

49

This building was built prior to 1843 and was used by the Munson brothers. The second floor
was the first school. It housed the very first general store in Antioch in the 1850s. It became
Emmons Drugs, then]. E. Hill Drugs, and then Swan Drugs. It would be Overton Drugs before
Frank King bought the business.

After the passing of Bert Overton, Mrs. Overton took on Frank King to be the pharmacist in the
store. In 1914, King purchased the business from Mrs. Overton. This photograph is from 1912
and still shows the horse tie~ups in front of the shops along Main Street. It also shows that the
Antioch Meat Market is now under the ownership of Rolla A. Shultis.

50

In 1871, the wooden structure known as the King building was purchased by Levi Simons. By
1924, the old landmark was beyond repair and was destroyed and rebuilt. The new building was
built strong and, except for an internal fire in the 1950s, is still standing next to the Williams
Brothers building. (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)

During the time period that the King building was being redone, King's Drug Store had to ha\'e
a place to do business. It moved south on Main Street next to the new State Bank of Antioch.
When the new building was ready the store moYed back and remained there until it moved to
400 Lake Street in December 1963. It eventually moved to 939 Main Street before closing its
doors in the 1980s.

51

Sidney "Daddy" Reeves was considered
the '(dean of businessmen" for the first
half of the 1900s. In 1919, he moved to
Antioch to be the relief pharmacist for the
Richards' Drug Store. He purchased the
business and made Antioch his home. In
February 1942, the Borovickas purchased
the drug store and began a Walgree)1s
agency. Reeves Drug Store remained one
of the most recognized landmarks in
Antioch until the 1970s.

This is the interior of Reeves with a customer and employees. From left to right are two
unidentified workers, a young Ed Strang, unidentified, Sidney Reeves, Ruth Cribb Eliott, Edna
Drom, and owner Helen Borovicka. The memories of the wonderful sodas and ice~cream sundaes
ate still fresh. How about a banana split? Or a cherry fizz?

52

The Willams Brothers store was one of the finest built in Antioch in 1890-1891. Mr. Cashmore,
the town brick maker, was said to have distinguished himself by making the kiln that produced
the most excellent bricks. The store was finished in late 1890, and on New Year's Day, 1891, the
gas was turned on. The new lights gave the store a most metropolitan air.

The interior of the store shows how versatile the selections were. Who would need to go anywhere
else? On the floor are several large watermelons probably from a local farm. On the left was the
area that the ladies would spend much time looking at the newest fabrics. On the top shelf on
the right are beautiful lamps that would enhance any home.

53

l

With the rapid growth of the automobile industry, the gas station industry had to grow faster.
Stations began to pop up all over town. One of the earliest was Kaye's Ser\'ice Station located
at the southeast corner of h1ain Street and Park Avenue. At this time in the early 1920s, the
station had Red Crown gasoline and Racine 1\.-fulti~Mile cord tires. This station would later
become Red :tv1urrie's Standard Station.

On the other corner of Main Street and Park Avenue (now a parking lot) \vas Beres Sinclair
Station. This photograph is from about 1930. Bert also had aircraft fuel available as there were a
couple of small airstrips in the area. Earlier the Ford Garage had carried Texaco Gas. These are
only two of the many, many stations in the area.

54

The Antioch News played one of the most important parts in the growth of Antioch. Founded
in August 1886 by J. J. Burke, it is responsible for much of the history that has been saved for
today. The original building burned in the fire of 1891, but Burke bad the paper back in print
before the ashes were cold.

Saturday eYening was the ti~e of the week that people could relax and enjoy friends. One
old-timet remembered when he was a kid, his dad would take the car to town and find a choice
parking spot. Dad would then walk home, the family would hm·e dinner and then all walk to town
where the car was parked. They would sit and converse with others who had done the same.

55

The ice-cutting industry was huge in the late 1890s into the 1930s. Practically every lake in the
area had at least one icehouse on its shore. As the water froze in the winter, men would brave
the cold weather and cut ice. It would be stored in icehouses and shipped via rail to the city
during the summer months. Once the electric refrigerator became popular, the ice industry was
no longer needed. The Esch Brothers and Ray lee House was on Loon Lake where Lyn Barthel
was superintendent for seven years.

From left to right these workers

are Frank Dempsere, Lyn
Barthel, and joe Greberry.
Barthel invented the loading
machine that he is operating.
It was used for moving the ice
in and out of the ice house and
onto the wagons that moved the
blocks to the trains for shipment
to the city. The ice industry
employed a great number of men
during the winter months of the
late 1800s into the 1930s.

56

This beautiful truck from about 1920 was made by tbe White Motor Company, which was a spin
off of the White Sewing Machine Company that started in 1876. The sons of Thomas White
made steam powered automobiles from 1901 until1918 and then turned their attention to trucks
only. The Antioch Lumber and Coal Company got many years of great service from this truck.

Since this entire area was excellent for dairy farming, there were several dairies in the area. Scott's
Dairy off North Avenue was owned by the longtime police chief Walter Scott, known around
town as Scottie. The Golden Glo Guernsey Dairy made home deliveries for many years. The
Willowdale Dairy had a large fire on September 21, 1959, but deliveries were not interrupted.

57

There is one important business that everyone eventually needs. In 1898, George E. Strang
purchased a funeral and furniture business in Grayslake. His son Lee had followed in his father's
footsteps and learned the carpenter trade. When the White funeral home came up for sale in
Antioch after 1911, George purchased it. Leland Strang attended the College of Embalming m
Chicago and received his Illinois and Wisconsin embalmer's licenses in July 1919. The business
was located at 896 Main Street. In 1933, Leland purchased the Charles Thorn farmhouse at
JOSS Main Street and moved there. He added an ;Jddition in 1941. This beautiful 1917 Model
Reo rear-loading hearse was purchased in lv1arch 1920. Standing in front are· Leland on the
left and George E. on the right. Strang Funeral Home continued in the family with Ed Strang
taking control in 1950. Ed retired in 1976 and solJ the business to Dan Dugenske, who is still
the owner today.

58

Three

RELIGION AND
EDUCATION
-\rd.mrh s,•lt''(-]

Two of the most identifiable landmarks

in Antioch are the Methodist church
and the old schoolhouse. Anyone
driving north on Route 83 will
immediately recognize the steeple of the
church. It has stood for over 100 years
and is a sign for many that they are
home. The schoolhouse stands for the
very basic right of all children to get a
good education. The old school still has
a hand in the teaching of children as
many classes, Boy Scout and Girl Scout
troops, and others tour the museum on
a regular basis. The excitement of these
children is e\'ident when they bring
their parents back to show them the
great history.

59

The first church in Antioch was the
Disciples of Christ Church. Built
in 1863, the simple frame, white
building served the congregation
for many, many years. In 2000, the
Lakes Region Historical Society
received a bequeath from Dolly
Spiering, which allowed the group
to purchase the building to save
it from demolition. The society
decided to renovate the building

to its original look and it is now a
museum at 977 Main Street.

The congregation of St. Ignatius Episcopal Church had been renting the old church above and
looking for a suitable place to build a new church. In 1916, they decided to purchase the church
and renovate it. Although the building was more than 50 years old, it was in excellent shape
and the people of St. Ignatius just added their needs to it. The original foundation from 1863
can still be seen today. The World War I Fort Sheidan barrack was added in 1926 to provide
more space.

60

The first Church of Christ Scientist, although not having a building to call home, started
meeting in member's homes in 1914. By 1917, the number had grown and services were held in
various public building such as the Majestic Theater, Odd Fellows hall, and the Chinn Hall until
1928. In 1923, the society became a recognized society of the mother church, the First Church
of Christ Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1928, a generous merchant, whose wife had a
healing in Christian Science, erected a permanent building for their use. That location was at
955 Victoria Street. The building pictured was erected in 1966 and the congregation moved to
the church on the hill. This simple Colonial-style church overlooks Antioch Lake from its home
at the corner of Route 173 and Harden Street. Due to the times, the small group held the last
service on Sunday, April 11, 2004. The building was sold.

61

The Catholic Church built this small white frame building in 1896 on Victoria Street. At first
services could only be held when a priest \vould come out from the city. St. Peter's Parish was

--------

actually started in 1900 by Fr. M. Bruton. The beautiful bell in front of the church was donated
by Dr. Charles Venn in 1912.

The cornerstone for the new Catholic church was laid on July 1, 1929, with an impressive
ceremony led by Bishop Sheil. The completed church was dedicated on August 10, 1930.
Cardinal Mundelein conducted the rites. (Courtesy of the Village of Antioch.)

62

In its 77 years, this sanctuary has seen thou~ands of \Yeddings, haptisms, and funerals as well
as the several services each week. The number of people who have been touched by its beauty
will ne\·er be fully known and the numher of lives changed is known only to God. (Courtesy of
Thomas and Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)

This aerial shot of the area is indeed impressive. The new Catholic Complex, the Hillside
Cemetery, and Lake Antioch provide a stunning look at the area in the 1930s. The land on
whrch the church is built was donated by Bernard F. Nabor from his farmland.

63

This white frame building was also
built in 1863 on the location that is
now the parking lot for the United
Methodist Church. The Baptists built
the church, but in 1879, the Methodist
Episcopal Church began meeting
there. The wooden structure served ·
the congregation until the current
building was erected in 1901.

>

This good looking group of people is the congregation of the Methodist Episcopal church
around 1893. The pastor at that time was Clarence AbeL It is so good to see so many smiles as
it is very uncommon to see in these older pictures. Obviously these people had a peace of mind
and a strong faith in the Lord. The names of the members are available at the Lakes Region
Historical Society.

64

A very large version of this photograph hangs in the Lakes Region Histodcal Society Meeting
House Museum at 977 Main Street. The rectory of the }.!ethodist Episcopal church sits in the
middle with the Sequoit Creek running through. The cows are content and blissfully unaware
of the acti\'ity around them as they graze on the property that is now a gas station.
••%

~··m

·a

;

Because the Antioch High School had not yet been built (it would be built in 1915), the high
school students met in one of the rooms at the schoolhouse at Depot Street and Main Street.
For the seven students that passed all graduation requirements, the sanctuary of the Methodist
Episcopal church served as a backdrop for the ceremony.

65

In the winter of 1842-1843, school became aYailable for the children. The first class was held in
an upper, unfinished room in the general store owned by F. E Munson. Welcome Jilson taught
these first classes. The school moved around the town, space permitting, until a permanent
location was built in 1873. This frame building \'.·as only one room and heated by a large
pot-bellied srm·e.

The children would sit on long, hard benches and had to provide their own slates and books.
No wonder they are all frowning. The priYate facilities stood outside, and there was no running
water. The children would get drinks from the village pump that stood in the road. The original
pump is on display at the Lakes Region Historical Snciety's School House 1\.·fuseum.

66

In 1892, this brick, five-room schoolhouse was erected. This east side view shows the fire escape
from the second floor. The large windov.rs let in lots of light and the children could now be
schooled in smaller classes. New teachers \vere hired and educdtion became even more important
in the lives of children.
::;---------~

-"

""

.~.~

The formal dedication of the new school was in November 1928. What a beautiful, modern
building, and in 1941 the first kindergarten class in the Chain 0' Lakes region was held here.
The 1892 building stands just to the outside on the left of the picture. The large porch area was
a favorite place to play. The authors spent their grade-school years, kindergarten through eighth
grades, in this building.

67

EYen with the new building right next to them, these third graders still had class in the
1892 building. This room is the first-floor south room and today has many wonderful displays
about the early days of Antioch. The wooden floor was refinished in the 1980s but is still the
original floor.

The eighth-grade class of 1929 had several notable students. The teacher was W. C. Petty, who
would later become the superintendent of schools in Lake County. They are, from left to right,
(first row) Wilma Musch, Berneice Risch, 1v-1arion Smith, Hazel Hawkins, Marjorie Singer, Betty
Warriner, and june Allner; (second row) Gwendolyn Girard, Lillian Vykruta, Lee Roy, Bill
Keulman, Evelyn Hennings, Wilbur Whitmire, Sherman Ferris, Bill Brook, Harold Nelson,
Donald Snyder, and Williams Water; (third row) Homer Fawcett, Laurel Van Patten, Eileen
Osmond, Estelle Luhas, Dan Williams, Carl Hattendorf, joe Pachay, Dorothy Musch, Stub
Murrie, Margaret Sullivan, and W. C. Petty.

68

Channel Lake School was on Lake Street, which is several miles west of town, off Route 173.
The school eventually merged with district No. 34 as did many other smaller schools such as
Johnson, Bean Hilt Grubb, Oakland, and Hickory. This is a picture of the lower grades in
1948-1949. The names of these adorable children are being withheld as many of them ate still
walking the streets of Antioch.

Although not a historic school, St. Peter's School has played an important role since it was built
in 1949. It helped to relieve the ever growing burden on the public schools as well as giving the
children of the Catholic Church a religion~based education. These four classrooms and gym
were added after 1960. (Courtesy of the Village of Antioch.)

69

This group of students attended Emmons School south of town in the 1921-1922 school year.
From left to right are (first rmv) Raymond Burnette, Charles Ferris, Anna Edlmann, Dorothy
Ferris, Herman Edlmann, Vera Bown, Helen Burnette, Anna Zitko, William Potter, Helen
Frown, Rabena Gray, and Bobbie Sq_uibbs; (second row) John Litko, l'vforris Bown, Marguerite
Kufalk, Olive Message, Mildred Rl)binson, Othelia Cook, Anna Blanchard, Ardis Toft, Leonard
Armstrong, and Carl Frown; (third row) Clarence Kufalk, Robert Runyard, Wilma Proffett,
Susan Zitko, teacher Ida Runyard Kufalk, Helen Bbnchard, Eleanor Cobb, and Herbert Brown.

Although Emmons School is close to Antioch, only a couple of miles south on Route 83, it has
maintained its independence. In 1955, there were talks between the school boards of Emmons
and district No. 34 but a merge never materialized. Today the school maintains a fully rounded
school serving children from kindergarten to eighth grade with a \'ery acti\·e parent group.
(Courtesy of the Village of Antroch.)

70

Yes, there was an Oakland School long before the present one. The little white frame building
stood on the northwest corner of Grass Lake Road and Deep Lake Road. Very similar to all the
other one~ room schools built in the 1890s and early 1900s, it educated mostly farm families from
the surrounding area.
~~--------------------~~

In 1922, the little one-room building was replaced by a modern building right next to it. The
school had several rooms and the children could be separated by grade. Then in 1957, the school
district put a referendum on the ballot and it passed 2 to 1 in favor of building a new school at
the Oakland site. That school was built \Vith expansion in mind, and as enrollment grew, rooms
were finished to accommodate the students.

71

The cornerstone for the high school was laid in 1915. That stone is now on display at the School
House i\-1useum outside the entrance door (when the current addition was added, that stone
was remm·ed). This photograph was taken after the first of many additions had been added.
Enrollment continued to grow with the community and the school needed to keep up.

More additions expanded the opportunities for the students. Thousands of people have walked
through these halls. Football teams, band and choir, and dozens of other activities rounded out
an education for the future. This photograph shows the old school section that had to come
down during the 1990s to make room for newer facilities.

72

Four

THOSE WHO SERVE

The village government has always been the ongoing force to keep Antioch growing. This

photograph is of Mayor George Bartlett, mayor from May 1929 through October 1949. Bartlett
died while in office and a pro tem was appointed to fill out his term. He is standing next to an
artillery piece received from the federal government in 1935. This has since been replaced with
a tank. Along with the village officers, it takes several other service agencies to complete the
community. Citizens today need postal service, librar-y services, fire protection, a rescue squad,
clean water, and dozens of other things that the early settlers did not have. Here is a small
representation of the brave souls that provided the community with commitment.

73

The village park has been a meeting place for several decades. It may be small but the meaning is
very intense. The cement platform that the artillery sits upon was actually the base for the Yery
first stand pipe to provide water to the community in 1907. In current times, during the month
of December, children can ,-isit Santa at his castle that magically appears at Thanksgiving.

This building, built in the early
1900s, was used as the village
hall and fire station. It is at
875 Main Street. As other growth
continued, it eventually became
the police station. The front
facade has changed slightly but
the original structure remained
the same. It was in use until the
new yillage building across the
street was ready and then put up
for sale in 1969.

74

Police chief Walter Scott, known to many as Scottie, used his own car until the village board
finally approved the purchase of a squad car in 1951. His faithful companion, whose name is lost,
went with him whenever possible. Scottie was also the owner of Scott's Dairy on North Avenue.
He also served the community in many other \:O..'ays as a village trustee, a fireman, and a member
of the rescue squad. He served m·er 16 years as chief.
'?

In August 1955, Bob Lindblad, owner of E and L Pontiac Incorporated Agency (and father of
the authors), presented the auxiliary police their own squad car. Accepting the keys from Bob
are Ray Toft, who would later become mayor, and /\.rt 1v1eyer, a businessman in town. E and L
Pontiac would later become Pittman Pontiac.
75

In 1907 the decisions was made that the village needed a stand pipe to supply water for the
village and fire protection. The village purchased a lot owned by Mary Williams, which was
behind the Simons Hotel. The lot cost $300. Solomon La Plant's crew put the tower up without
the modern methods of today. The stand pipe was 110 feet high and took over 20,000 bricks to
complete. It cost a total of $7,163 to build. When the stand pipe was replaced in 1935, the base
was not removed. It would later become the base of the war memorial at the southwest corner
of Orchard and Toft Streets. Prior to this time, water was available from a village pump at the
corner of Depot Street and lv1ain Street near the schooL When the stand pipe went up the pump
was covered over. Look closely at the very right of the photograph to see where the Methodist
church steeple pops up.
76

The village government decided in 1935 that the old tower needed replacement. It could not keep

up with the demand of the village. The village officials applied for a federal grant and received
$5,000 toward the new tower. The total cost would come to $10,140.50. The old stand pipe held
40,000 gallons of water while the new one would hold 120,000 gallons. Harold "Red" Rawling
worked on the new tower that was built by Chicago Bridge and !ron. lt becomes apparent how
much larger this tower was by comparing the Methodist Church Steeple in the two pictures.
This tower is slated to come down in the very near future. It served the community well for over

72 years.

77

There was excitement all through the town as the word came that the train was coming through
Antioch. The year was 1885 and by the spring of !886 the track came into Antioch. Everyone
knew that this was the best thing that could have happened to the small town. That summer
the rail cars ran through everyday carrying all the supplies necessary for the completion of
the track to the north. It only took a short time before scenes like this would be seen every
Sunday afternoon.

The taxis are waiting for the Saturday afternoon train. Many of the larger resorts would have
their own carriage and others would depend on the various public conveyances. Imagine getting
tied up in this traffic jam. After a short ride to the town hotel or a bumpy one out to a resort the
evening was waiting with good food and dance.

78

This original station built in 1886 needed a new coat of paint in 1899. It actually was located on
the east side of the tracks south of Depot Street. This train was headed north. The trains passing
through not only carried passengers but freight as well. Local merchants would order supplies
from the city and they would be shipped out by train.

This must have been a very warm summer day as the gentlemen have all remoYed their jackets.
There do not appear to be any ladies in this group. Perhaps they all rode together in the other
end of the train. It took between one and two hours to make it out here. That was a long time
to bump along the tracks and try to stay looking fresh. (Courresy of Thomas and Catherine
[Bogan] Middlebrook.)

79

The Wisconsin Central Railway had several stops along the way. Antioch _was not the only
destination. Some of the other stops were Gray's Lake (name taken from a ticket), Lake Villa,
Silver Lake (Wisconsin), Burlington, Mukwonago, Waukesha, Fond duLac, Oshkosh, Waupaca,
Ashland, and Duluth, Minnesota.

A new depot was built in 1922 on the opposite side of the tracks. It also moved to the other side
of Depot Street (very near the present station). The old steam engine is belching smoke as the
fog starts to settle in. (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)

80

tv1,,el;t<¢ i'he !Ht-\!:tt\09n

1 t6lr<,_

J\r~t'wd-'1,

llt

8 i 58-r

By the late 1920s the crowds were not as thick, as many people had their own cars. The trip out
to the lakes was made easier when they drove themseh-es. The independent nature of Americans
came through as more and more people bought their own transportation. And many of them
even moved out from the city to make Antioch a permanent home. (Courtesy of Thomas and
Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)

As the days of the trains began to wane because of better roads and faster cars, passenger service
came to an end. Trains would still follow the tracks past the old station, but they never stopped.
They carried freight to the large cities of the Midwest. The old station sat quietly waiting and
watching. Vandals struck, and in August 1976, the building crumbled in a fire. A few months
later the Soo Line obtained a permit and the final death came to the old building. But by the
1990s, a new era began and a new station was built to provide for the new commuter line.

81

I
1

I
I

This is the same building as the bottom image on page 74. The building is 22 feet wide and
60 feet long. The front 36 feet is for the fire department while the back room housed the village
offices. It was built of brick because of the many fires that had taken place in the village and was
only a block away from the stand pipe.

For many years the Antioch News had advocated that someone do something about the inadequate
fire protection in the village. In 1890, Burlington was selling this hand pumper, and the Antioch
News was adamant about some of the village businessmen finding a way to purchase it. The
editor finally got his wish when the pumper was brought into town.

84

These volunteer firemen are working with the hand pumper. The large building in the
background is the opera house. They are, from left to right, unidentified, Bill Davis, John Horan,
unidentified, unidentified, and Clete Van Patten. There were still many wooden structures in
the town and spending time with the pumper to learn all about it was no different in that time
than now.

The fire bell was first placed next to the stand pipe and pumping station. At this location, it was
behind many of the stores, and when it rang only a few people could hear it. It was moved more
than once, but a good location could not be found where everyone could hear it ringing. There
had been major fires in 1891, 1901, and 1903 within the few blocks of town.

85

This modern 1921 Stoughton fire truck, made by Stoughton Wagon Works in Stoughton,
Wisconsin, became fire truck No. 1 when purchased in 1923. The village paid $5,700 for it. Now
the fire department had some of the best equipment available.

When a new truck was purchased (next page) the old No.1 was sold to Rockland. Then in 1954,
it was up for sale as an antique and George Borovickn, the owner of Reeves Drug Store, bought
it and brought it home. Clarence Shultis drove old No. l in parades. It is still around and the
proud possession of the Antioch Fire Department.

86

The new truck was also purchased from Stoughton Wagon Works in about 1931. Here it is seen
sitting in front of the new grade school that was dedicated in 1928. This larger truck had more
hose and power.

The pride of the Antioch Volunteer Fire Department was the truck. Next to the truck is one of
the Antioch police officers on a super motorbike. Note in the center of the photograph the small
sign on the building-Public Library. That was just one of the many homes it had. The Crystal
Theatre next door was playing the latest movie.

87

Around 1910, the volunteers of the fire department started having a picnic on the Fourth of
July. This became a yearly event and people would come from all over the area. The men would
have a parade before hand to advertise the picnic, promote the department, and look for new
volunteers and donations.

Louis Van Patten (right), who
had been fire chief since 1941,
passes the hat to Clete Vos
(left) in 1946. )im McMillen
(not pictured) was assistant
chief under Vos and would
become mayor in 1950. The
department celebrated its 40th
anniversary in 1953. Van Patten
was the only charter member
still alive at the time. When the
department formed in 1913 it
had 28 charter members.

88

By the late 1930s it was obvious that the fire department needed more space. In 1940, the village
took bids to build a new safety building for the fire department. This photograph shows the
result. The police department was on the east side of this state~of~the~art building at Orchard
Street and Toft Avenue. (Courtesy of rhe Village of Antioch.)

The Antioch Lions Club was formed in 1937 and one of their projects was to get a rescue squad

for the community. Fund-raising began, and by May 1940 almost $900 had been raised. Then
they began raising funds to build a building next to the fire station. They raised over $18,000 by
1952 when the building was completed.
89

The bay window in this photograph is the office of Dr. Harry Beebe. He was the local health
officer, and in 1919 when the flu epidemic struck the Antioch area, it was his responsibility
to take action. He closed all the schools, churches, and any gathering place in order to curb
the spread. Two other town doctors helped him and together they cared for over 300 people,
including several who died. This photograph was probably taken around 1900. The community
of Antioch would haYe never survived without the dedication and commitment of the hundreds,
no thousands, of people who liYed here. It is because of the people that this community did not
go the way of so many little towns from the 1800s. So many faded into history but Antioch has
that spark, that something special that gives it life. Little did the Gage brothers know, when they
settled along the Sequoit Creek, what they would create.

90

Five

ALL AROUND THE TOWN

The people of Antioch have always had one thing in common. They like to have fun. Parades,
celebrations, parties, good food, and good times are part of every-day life in the community. This
parade from the 1920s was only the beginning. The streets had been paved in 1920 creating a
much smoother ride for the revelers. The flat-bed trucks were perfect for floats. Parades happen
in town for Easter, Fourth of July, homecoming, and Christmas and the occasional special event.
The Fourth of july celebration has it roots all the way back to 1839 when it was reported that
the early settlers took that day to celebrate the founding of the country. They got together for
a meal and read the Declaration of Independence and shot off their guns. Ever since then this
community has celebrated that most special day. A fahulous parade, great food, and games at
Williams Park and the best fireworks display happen every Fourth in Antioch.
91

The hotel was built in
1850 by DaYis R. Gage.
At some point he sold it
to]. B. Rice who then
sold it to Levi J. Simons
in April1882. When
Ernest L Simons assumed
ownership from his father,
he held a partnership
with F. C. Sabin. In
September 1905 the
partnership was dissoked
and Ernest Simons
assumed total ownership.
The hotel was the center
of activity around tmvn
for many years.

The location of the Simons Hotel was at the now southwest corner of l\-1ain Street and Orchard
Street. Led j. Simons added a large brick addition on the north side that included a hall for large
events. Everything from dances, to funerals and town meetings, weddings, parties, and lectures
would take place there. Note the livery stable at the rear of the hoteL
92

Elegant in,:itations
would go out to the
important people in
town. What fun to
go to a masquerade
ball and dance
the evening away.
Glowing lights,
music by the
Wilson Band, and
a wonderful supper
made for
a Cinderella
evening for any
young lady. All this
for only $1.75.

mt·d V~rltlca

eMf':

'--

cr;iclt~,/2:9 ~H"
/

·Mt:(,r.zf.;0 ctt'lc.tuzf a

\IASC)1TERADE B1\LL,
.........

-~Aj

q:t.l\{'l(')l"'T'~
, L"';L \.-.",..::J

'\..._.J~l.""'" ,t

"\ 7l

I··::TA_
T~ I'
.:~J.... ~ """"'

l!luwis.

t

OS

_/J"J*

/.'C,

>

~-

ocrr

.l~l~ln

T.. \. E\!Wi\\ '.!"n:nilk, II IHJI<TO:\. Ant'
Hl.:\ IIO\'R\Dl
~·<:JP"""":~~'

Music bv Wilson's Full Band.

m·
.....,:...', $1· •75 ,
1 lC k@tS, ·'•··'
:.;,;.;

;!':;

i

The Simons Hotel served the community for 89 years. In 1929, there \\'as a rumor that the hotel
would be replaced by a new, moucrn facility but that did not happen. By April1939 the huilding
was torn down. The village boar I hoped for, and got, federal funds to help build a village hall on
the site. (Courtesy of Thomas :J;·d Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)

93

Lyman Grice built his hotel in 1891 just north of the Simons Hotel. Today it would be the
northwest corner of Orchard Street and Main Street. The building had 22 rooms to accommodate
the people coming out to the lakes for vacation and for the traveling businessmen. Archie
Maplethorpe's horse~drawn carrlage on the left \Vcmld later be placed on a 1914 Ford chassis.

The hotel continued to sen·e the community for many years, and after an addition, some new
paint, and modern conveniences, it morphed into this building. Grice had sold the hotel to
Arthur Edgar, who sold to Charles Lux in 1902, who sold to Barney Naber, who later sold it to
Chris lv!ortensen in 1942. In 1966 it was sold and was demolished in 1967 to make way for a
modern service station of the Phillips Petroleum Company.

94

There is confusion over when the Crystal Theatre building was actually built. But it is believed
to have been between 1916 and 1919. This theater served a dual purpose as it could show motion
pictures and also had a stage for vaudeville acts including the Rottner Players. It continued to
show movtes well into the 1950s. In the 1960s, the building started housing the Palette, Masque
and Lyre Theater group. They have been presenting live performances since then.

The Antioch Theatre started out as the Barney F. Nabor Store, and in 1919 it was remodeled
into a modern mo\·ie theater. The Majestic Theater moved in, and in July they bought two new
reel machines so that a movie could be watcheJ without interruption. The name changed to the
Antioch Theatre sometime in the 1930s and has remained so since.

95

Imagine bumping along this road to get to the Channel Lake Pavilion and several other
resorts on Lake Catherine, Channel Lake, and Lake Marie. This scenic route would eventually
become Route 173 heading west of town. Sections of it were moved to accommodate building
growth but it is basically in the same location today. (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine
[Bogan] Middlebrook.)

4

The Channel Lake Pavilion had a long history of tires and rebuilding. The first pavilion, pictured
here, was built sometime late in the second decade of the 20th century. The early buildings were
not built to withstand the harsh winters. In 1924, a new pavilion was built, and this one was
converted into apartments. Unfortunately the entire building burned in 1935 causing $6,000
in damage.

96

The new Channel Lake Pavilion was beautiful. Larger and better built, it had everytbing that
the vacationer and the local people wanted. An early advertisement stated "greatest line of
attractions under any one roof-our friends advertise us, 'nuff said." There was dancing every
night, not just on the weekends.

The dance floor was the largest in the entire area. It really was the social gathering place in
the 1920s. Even when the Depression started, the pavilion was still a place to go to relieve the

pressures that people had in their lives. It only lasted unti\1933 when it burned to the ground. In
1941, T. ]. Palaske bought what was left and demolished it for the lumber that had been saved.

97

The Channel Lake Country Club and golf course was completed in 1924 and brought a new
attraction to the Antioch area, This growing popular sport had a clubhouse where guests could
stay and get up early to be on the course. It was located on Country Club Drive off Route 173 about
four miles west of town. The clubhouse is still there, although now it is a private residence.

An advertisement in the Antioch News in june 1951 boasted that the Chain '0 Lakes Country
Club (established in 1920) was the Lakes Region's most outstanding golf course. Rates were
weekdays $1.50, twilight 75¢ and Saturdays $2, twilight $1. This club was purchased by George
Diamond in 1955. (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)
98

The toboggan slide was completed in January 1940 at Lake Antioch. Starting with the
gentleman in the fireman hat, from left to right are Clete Vos, Jim :t\-1dvfillian, unidentified,
Herman Holbeck, and jim Steans. The firemen brought the truck out to pump water down the
slide to make it slide easier. This winter sport was enjoyed by many.

Summertime brought the players and spectators alike to the ballpark next to the library. Adult
baseball had always been a favorite, and the children needed a place to play also. Baseball is still
a major sporting event in the area.

99

This restaurant was built during the 1920s along Route 83 south of town. Although it has changed
hands and names, the building has withstood the rest of time. Always a restaurant, the fare changed
sometimes but it was always good. Some names to remember are Arnie's Roundup, Ruralite, Tony
and Ul's, Avanti, J. T. Roadhouse, U Genes, and the current Johnny's Chop House.

F. Wohlfeil's TaYern off Grass Lake Road at Rena Avenue has quenched the thirst of many a
traveler in its day. A great place to stop either on the way out to the resorts or on the way home
from work, it has never stopped serving guests. It is now J. D. Bootleggers and continues to be a
great place to stop for a wet one. (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)
100

This early home, built in 1852 by EliJah Simmons, sat high on the hilL It was passed on to
his son Frank and then on to Frank's son-in~law William Smart. Mary Simmons Smart ran a
boardinghouse for some time before she sold the farm to Bernie Haviland, who turned it into a
restaurant and in turn sold it to Ray and Gert Lorenz.

Look very closely at the section of the building with two stories, and compare it with the
photograph above. With some remodeling and updating and additions the old Simmons
farmhouse became the well known Lorenz's Smart Country House. Many residents will remember
the elegant dining and wonderful entertainment that it provided. Today Country Pontiac sits
atop the hill and still has a little of the Simmon/Smart home m it.
101

Joe and Helen Sterbenz's Nielsen's Corners was on the northwest corner of Grass Lake Road
and Route 59. Travelers could stop and get the best barbecue ribs in the county. Do not like ribs,
how about baked ham? The menu held something for every taste. Need gas for the car? That was
provided also. Then the traveler was ready for the rest of his trip. Locals made this a stop also.

Small stores popped up everywhere in the resort area. Since travel was not always the easiest
and there were no large grocery stores like today, the need for these stores was great. This one
was probably along Lake Avenue in the Channel Lake area. The bus is really great. (Courtesy of
Thomas and Catherine [Bogan] MJddlebrook.)

102

The Channel Lake Boat House sat tight along Route 173 by the bridge O\'er the channel between
Channel Lake and Lake fv1arie. With that location they could provide all the same amenities
that the other little stores had and add the incentive of boats for rent. Park the car, rent a boat,
and spend the day fishing on the lakes. Now that is the way to relax. Webb's Boathouse sits
here now.

This was A. Wolf's store and hotel on Loon Lake. lt was bmlt in 1907 and this photograph is
from the 1930s. The lady in the center is Barbara Hoffmann Wolf. Her husband Andrew was
the proprietor, but it was probably Barbara that kept the place in order. S.O.S. Well Drilling is
located here now. (Courtesy of Pam Martz)

103

The first Eugene Cox store actually stood right on the shore of Channel Lake. At that time,
the road passed right in front of the store. When Route 173 was opened up in 1935 to go
between Zion and Richmond, sections of it moved. Because the road was now a distance from
the store, Cox made the decision to move the store also. (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine
[Bogan] Middlebrook.)

When Cox moved the store, he expanded the business to include a tavern and more gas pumps.
He stilled carried groceries, ice cream, and the like but business really grew. It became known to
the locals as well as travelers as Cox's Corners because of its location on a corner. The building
is still there and still is a tavern. (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)

104

The Antioch Palace was built by Richard Macek in 1926-1927. It was located south on
Route 83 near the area of Beach Grove Road. The 125-foot-by-180-foot building boasted that
it would include bowling alleys, pool tables, soda fountain, lunch counter, check room, and a
20-foot-by-95-foot dance floor. A total ofS,OOO people can be comfortable inside while there will
be parking for mu 1,000 cars. Even a filling station would be included.
~,g'~~""C'

The palace opened in April 1927 to the music of the Floridians Orchestra. Amateur boxing
occurred every Friday night and even some professional boxers came in. All this splendor lasted
only three years, as the palace burned in 1929.
105

The Smith Hotel and Resort was one of the most popular in the area. The property was right on
the south shore of Channel Lake. Guests must have been swimming as there are several bathing
suits laid over the railing to dry, The hotel was destroyed by an overnight fire in November 1927.

The dining room served meals family style and these young women would make a very good
salary during the summer months. A competent girl could demand as much as $5 or $6 per
week. These young ladies would have all been single as a married woman would have been home
taking care of her house and family.

106

What marvelous fun! When the lakes were formed by the Wisconsin glacier thousands of years
ago, in se>:eral places there were high bluffs left such as this one. The slides were put in for the
enjoyment of the guests. Although many of the older guests V·/ould choose to walk down the
stairs, most of the younger ones would take the swift way down.

There were not only two separate hotels on the property but many cottages as well. These
cottages could be rented by the day, week, or even the entire summer. Families would come
out from the city and while mother and children would stay, the father would commute on the
train every weekend. In later years, these families would build summer homes and eventually
permanent ones. (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)

107

The Queen of the West Hotel on Petite Lake was by far one of the most popular. As seen in
this postcard 1 the hotel was very large and most of these people where certainly staying there.
It looks like an impromptu ball game is underway and the ladies are cheering on their men.
No doubt some of the locals were in on the game also. The hotel was opened in April 1893 by
Albert Hermann,

This view of rhe Queen of the West is from the lakeside. It sits atop one of those bluffs and has
a very wide stair going down to the water. Small boats would be available for the guests to take
out for a row1 and on the shore is a large tour boat that would be used to take guests to view the
lotus beds in Grass Lake. This may have been after the season so the boat has been pulled onto
the land, (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)

108

Ira M. Simons had his hotel on the shores of Petite Lake. This hotel was referred to as the Petite
Lake Hotel and also as the Simon's Hotel. The building in the foreground would be used for
evening entertainment. The lake was behind the hotel on the hill. (Courtesy of Thomas and
Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)

DressePs Resort was on the southeast shore of Lake }.-farie. Here are several guests arriving for
a vacation. They actually look like they are ready for a great time. The Dressel's was known for
catering to the first-class families and Matilda Dressel's reputation for home cooking was stellar.

!09

This photograph of Rhymer's at Loon Lake is an excellent example of how families would add on
to the home and open up as a hotel. The guests would be fed with the family. This was probably
in the early fall, as the summer guests were gone but the hunters and fishermen were still coming
out from the city.

Savage's Pa\·ilion on Channel Lake sat right at the \~\later's edge. This is an early picture, and in
a few years, an addition would be made to accommodate larger crowds. In 1905, Joseph Sm·age
purchased a building in tov.-n so that he could tear it down and use the lumber to build cottages
on the lake property. (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)

llO

Seiter's Resort on Grass Lake was a favorite among the hunters and fishermen. The fish hanging
on the building would have been a one-day catch, These able men have all posed with their
rifles_ Should there be concern for the safety of the duck posing with them?

Rother's Resort on Grass Lake was a well~rounded place. In the summer, the pavilion provided
a meeting place for the adults while the children played on the sandy beach, Butch Rother
was known for his experience in hunting, and after the summer season, he would cater to the
fall hunters,

111

;

__
~~~~,-

Shannon's Pavilion and swimming beach was especially popular with the locals. Once school
was out, the children would head for the water. Before the motorboats took over the lakes, the
water was clear and sparkling and wonderful for swimming.

Steitz's Resort on Bluff Lake is still in business today. Started as a hunting and fishing resort,
today it is well known for its restaurant and marina. This photograph is from 1938.

112

Opened in 1906, the Ray Pregenzer place catered to the hunters also. His hotel was heated so the
hunters could warm up quickly upon a return from a day of hunting. fvfr. Haling was a frequent
guest and decided to open his own resort next to Pregenzer's. Eventually he bought out Pregenzer
and made that property part of Halings Resort. Halings is still in business today as a marina.
(Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine [Bogan] Middlebrook.)

The Sylvan Beach Hotel on Channel Lake had one of the most elegant dining rooms in the
area. Not only the guests enjoyed the wonderful meals, but the locals frequented the dining
room also. The Sylvan dated back to the 1890s. The hotel had a very large veranda with many
rocking chairs for the comfort of the guests,
ll3

Bluff Lake was home to the ]urchik Resort. The people in this photograph were probably guests
of the hotel or maybe family. The back of the picture says that the third person from the left is
John ]urchik, proprietor of the resort. The date is probably about 1915.

Herman's Lawn on Bluff Lake was a lovely place. This 1890s photograph shows the wide
spaces between cabins creating a quiet atmosphere. The ladies seem to be very relaxed and
enjoying themselves.

114

As people fell in love with the area, many built summer homes so they would always have a
place to stay. 1'v1ost of these homes would eventually be made permanent with the addition of
heating systems and indoor plumbing. Although the lots were very inexpensive in the 1890s,
today's prices reflect the popularity of lake property. (Courtesy of Thomas and Catherine
[Bogan] Middlebrook.)

The e\·er·popular Blarney's Island is still hopping today. The "Island" used to be connected to
land, but when the !vkHenry dam was constructed, the lake levels rose and nmv it is indeed
an island. It served as a viewing point for looking at the fabulous lotus beds of Grass Lake.
Today Blarney's Island, with a tavern and boat races, is a hotspot in the summer, catering to the
young adults.

115

The lotus beds on Grass Lake were known far and wide. Although it is widely believed that
these lotus are only found here and in Egypt, they have been found in other locations. It was
probably the Nati\'e Americans in this area that first planted them as the seed pods were a food
product for them. Once the lotus covered the lakes like a carpet. But when the white man found
the Chain 0' Lakes area the lotus all but disappeared. The people picked the beautiful flowers,
the motorboats churned up the delicate beds, and the worse destruction was the t..kHenry Dam
that raised the water level above the height of the plant. The plants are rooted in the lake
bottom and must reach the sunlight to bloom. Fonunately a few plants remained, and in the late
summer, small beds can be found along some of the shorelines where the water is shallow. 1'v1ore
information can be found on the resorts and the lakes in Chain 0' Lakes by the authors.

116

Six

CONTINUED GROWTH

The 1950s and 1960s brought new growth to the Antioch area. The troops who had returned
home from World War II were anxious to start new lives. There were stoplights at Lake Street
and Main Street and parking meters in town. The huildings looked the same but the businesses
were different. The schools had to add space or build new buildings. The high school had
mTer 1,000 students, New churches came to town to service the spiritual needs of the growing
population. There was new lighting for the downtown street that made it feel like daylight.
House to house postal deliYery finally became a reality, the post office finally got a permanent
home, and Antioch got a postal zone (60002). The telephone became a direct dial and used
seven digits. A mastodon bone was found in the industrial area that is said to be between
6,000 and 12,000 years old. So humans were not the first ones here. The banks in town put in
drive-through banking. In 1968, the Antioch Sequoit Football team, under the coaching of Roy
Nelson, brought home the conference championship after a 26 years drought. (Courtesy of the
Village of Antioch.)

117

The Antioch Evangelical Free Church broke ground for a building on October 1, 1961. Over the
years they have ministered to many and the church has grown rapidly. Now called the Crossview
Church it is on Tiffany Road. (Courtesy of the Village of Antioch.)

St. Stephens Lutheran Church on the hill laid their cornerstone in September 1967. The Reverend

L. A. Anderson performed the ceremony. When the church was dedicated in December of the
same year, Wilton J. Anderson was pastor. (Courtesy of the Village of Antioch.)

us

Here is a great photograph of the first drive-through facility for the First National Bank. The
bank had moved into this larger building in 1966 when the State Bank of Antioch built a new
facility on Lake Street. In 1972, the First National Bank would build a new facility across the
street from the State Bank of Antioch. (Counesy of the Village of Antioch.)

To supply housing for the people moYing out from the city, developers first started building
apartment buildings. This provided housing for those people who were making transitions or
just starting out. Housing developments, not unlike the subdivisions that had been built in the
1920s, would continue. The boundaries of rhe village started to swell outward. (Courtesy of the
Village of Antioch.)

119

john Teresi CheYy-Olds was one of the most popular car dealerships around. The dealership is
now owned by Raymond Scarpelli and is located on Route 173. But this original building was on
Main Street at Orchard Street. The village bought the property when the dealership moved and
tore it down to make room for an extension to Orchard Street. The traffic pattern changed and
once a stoplight was added it made a huge difference. (Courtesy of the Village of Antioch.)

The Orchard Plaza was conceived in 1962) and the A&P became the anchor store on the east
and Ace Hardware on the west. The A&P grand opening was in February 1965, and it was the
first store there. Just one year later it was destroyed by fire. It \4'as rebuilt and reopened in October
1966. (Courtesy of the Village of Antioch.)

120

The Fillweber and Wilron properties were purchased in 1955 for the jewel Food store. A 1960
advertisement was for pot roast at 39¢ a pound and heads of lettuce at 10¢ each. In 1966, an
addition was put on to increase the size of the store. Several years later, the Jewel Food burned in
an overnight fire, and the company decided nor to rebuild on that site. The new store was built
at the current site. (Courtesy of the Village of Antioch.)

Thompson's Grill at 933 Main Street was
a mainstay in the community for 40 years.
Ralph Thompson provided a wonderful
meaL Lines would form waiting ro get into
the restaurant. Then, what appears to be
an Antioch curse, fire struck. In just a few
hours, the entire building was reduced
to rubble. Not wanting to rebuild, the
property is now a little walk-through park.

121

The people of Antioch have always enjoyed entertainment and fun. The carnival still comes to
town in the summer. This photograph is from the weekend of August 12, 13, and 14, 1938.lt was
held on the location that is now Toft Avenue before it was a street.

A summertime event that began in the later 1970s and still takes place today is the Lions Club
Bar,B~Q Chicken Dinner and auction to benefit the Antioch Rescue Squad. The monies raised
at this annual event benefit the work of the Lions Club and helps support the \'ital volunteer
rescue squad. There are usually great deals to be found at the auction.

122

When Ted Larson was president of the Lions Club in 1954 he wanted to see a pool built in
Antioch. Se\ual dedicated Lions went to work, and by july 1956 the pool was a reality. Over the
years, the pool was eventually turned over to the village and the Antioch Parks and Recreations
Department now oversees its running. (Courtesy of the Village of Antioch.)

.

Summer craft fairs have become an expected event in Antioch. Starting on a very small scale
\Vith just a few artisans the June and September craft fairs have blossomed into mega events.
How many of these paintings might still be hanging in an Antioch house today? (Courtesy of
the Village of Antioch.)

123

Pickard China Company is probably the best known business in Antioch. The company was
founded in 1897, but it was not until 1937 that they came to Antioch. They purchased the
Corona Pen factory and later the street name changed from Corona Street to Pickard Avenue.
By 1941, they moved the entire operation from Chicago out to the Antioch site. The exquisite
china is still being made in Antioch. (Courtesy of the Village of Antioch.)

The Frostee Sno Company began in Antioch on Main Street, but by the 1960s they needed to
build a new modern facility and chose a site in the fairly new industrial park on the east side of
town. In 1962, the plant was ready to go. John and Wanda Oftedahl were the owners. Although
the company is no longer in business, some of the products they made can be seen in the
"Made in Antioch" display at the Lake Region Historical Society's Meeting House Museum at
977 Main Street.
124

Quaker Industries, a house wares manufacturer from Kenosha, Wisconsin, decided to relocate to
Antioch in 1961. This facility on Anita Street in the industrial park no longer houses Quaker,
but as with Frostee Sno, products made here are on display at the Lake Region Historical Socieq,·,s
Meeting House Museum. (Courtesy of the Village of Antioch.)

Chicago Ink and Research was the first company to build in Sequoit Industrial acres in 1955. By
1965, they added a 4,200 square 'uot addition. The industrial park is on the east side of town and
Anita Street is the main road d, ,- )ugh. Most of the factories are between Ida Avenue and Depot
Street. (Courtesy of the Village .,f .\ntioch.)
125

The Gambles Store at 952 Main
Street was a staple in town. If
someone needed a new stove
they went to see Rudy Eckert, the
owner. His store supplied all the
things needed for home repairs
and impro\'ements. Look closely
at the south side of the building
today and the faded Gambles is
still visible.

The Antioch Bowling building went up in 1953 with 12 lanes. A later addition expanded that to
20 lanes. Bowling has been a favorite sport in Antioch every since the Golwitzer's Barber Shop had
two lanes on the second floor back in the early 1920s. (Courtesy of the Village of Antioch.)
126

Dr. Albert Bucar was far more than the local optometrist. He was extremely active in the
community. He had followed in the footsteps of the other doctors of all kinds. Prior to Bucar,
this was the office of Dr. Irving Breakstone and Dr. James Kopriva. When Breakstone left the
practice, Dr. Alan Thain joined. This little white house still stands on Orchard Street. (Courtesy
of the Village of Antioch.)

place to be. There is no place else quite like it. It
changes constantly yet stays the same. It is still a place where people help people, where everyone
is a neighbor even though the names are not the same. It is a privilege to call Antioch home.

127

ACROSS AMERICA, PEOPLE ARE DISCOVERING
SOMETHING WONDERFUL THEIR HERITAGE.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading local history publisher in the United States.
With more than 3,000 titles in print and hundreds of new titles released every
year, Arcadia has extensive specialized experience chronicling the history of
communities and celebrating America's hidden stories, bringing to life the people,
places, and events from the past. To discover the history of other communities
across the nation, please visit:

www.arcadiapublishing.com
Customized search tools allow you to find regional history books about the town
where you grew up, the cities where your friends and family live, the town where
your parents met, or even that retirement spot you've been dreaming about.

ti