Entertainment: Libertyville in the Twenties: Cook Memorial Public Library District Local History Digital Collections

Libertyville in the Twenties

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Libertyville in the 1920s was a town where something was always happening. In the summer you could attend meetings at the Redpath Chautauqua, watch the Libertyville Ramblers take on a local baseball team, or listen to the village band in the park. In September everyone went to the Lake County Fair north of town. The Auditorium Theater showed silent movies featuring Tom Mix and Joan Crawford. In 1929 the theatre changed its name to La Villa and “talkies” came to town. Bowling was a popular sport, a new golf course was built and the local churches always seemed to be hosting a choir or a speaker. Take a look at how Libertyville folk enjoyed their time in the 1920s.

Milwaukee Avenue looking south from School Street, c. 1940-1949 Details

The LaVilla marquee invites all to come see--and hear--the movies.

Libertyville Band, 1921 Details

Band members line up in front of the old bandstand in Central Park in 1921. This bandstand was constructed from Ansel B. Cook's water tower, which stood in Cook Park just north of his home. According to local historian Dean Larson, the brick base of the water tower was dismantled. The wooden frame and tank were then moved to Central Park and were rebuilt into the bandstand pictured here.

Text on back: Parade Lineup of The Libertyville Band
Chas. D. Nicholls, Director
Thos. F. Hiddleson, Ass't. Director
Both Standard and Popular Programs. Featured Soloists. For Concert Purposes a French Horn, Bassoon, 2nd Baritone, Flute and Piccolo are Added.
Note the Band's Special Design, Sound Amplifying Stand in Background. Used for Concerts.

Libertyville Recreation Parlor, 1955 Details

The Libertyville Recreation Center opened in 1927 and the town went crazy for bowling.

Milwaukee Avenue looking north from Cook Street. c.1921- Details

Festive banners advertise the coming of the Redpath Chautauqua to Libertyville.

Chautauqua was a popular educational movement that brought entertainment and culture to rural communities in American at the turn of the 20th century. Circuit Chautauquas, such as the Redpath Chautauqua held annually in Libertyville, were traveling shows that offered speakers, teachers, musicians, and other entertainers of the day from tents pitched in open fields near town. These summer assemblies grew in popularity through the 1920s, especially in farming communities where isolated families were eager to be both enlightened and amused.