“Nostalgic for a Place I Never Knew”
A Perspective From Author and Filmmaker, Susan L. Kelsey
I wish I could have met Louis F. Swift. A hundred years ago, he owned the Green Tree Inn on the west-side at Waukegan and Everett Roads. I can only imagine it would have been a lively community meeting place where people would go and share family stories and news. I would have liked to listen to those conversations about early Lake Forest. When our family moved from Chicago to Lake Forest 20 years ago, we knew when we entered Lake Forest city limits that we entered a very special place. We just didn’t know how special. I was nostalgic for a place I never knew.
It's no mistake that people feel that specialness in Lake Forest. The historic tree canopy, ancient land formations, human-scale business district buildings, planned roads and an open forest park beach. City founders were deliberate right from the start in their selection of land and the planning of the east and west sides roads of Lake Forest. But it's more than just roads that make Lake Forest special. It's the details. From the ornate weather vanes on the top of Market Square, to the pitched roofs on business buildings, to the forged metal fence at Gorton Community Center, each of these details have a history attached to them. The totality of these details evoke the essence of Lake Forest that one feels. It's a gift that keeps on giving. Just when you think you know everything about Lake Forest, you find a swinging bridge at the end of Laurel Avenue, or perhaps you find a hidden wood-carved bench at the very north end of the Forest Park Beach bluff, or maybe you found the dog fountain at Triangle Park. The city's Dr. Seuss-like staff keep our streets and park immaculate, making life just easy. It was planned that way.
Although Louis F. Swift's meat-packing business was in Chicago, his home was in Lake Forest. A tranquil, gentile solace to find peace with friends and family. Forefathers ensured that the community was well-planned for families. A hundred years ago, buildings were moved or recycled to make way for a new Market Square. Bank Lane was named appropriately to demonstrate stability and security for investors in the new business district. Lake Forest was powerful enough to have the President of the United States place the Army on the south and the Navy on the north of this new Lake Michigan community. Lake Forest College (1857) was actually here before the City was even founded (1861). In fact, the east Lake Forest train station parking lot has four different historic property owners, including Lake Forest College.
Generations of Lake Forest families have ensured the stewardship of historical sites, homes and buildings. But, without historical knowledge, will future generations continue to steward the details? The foundation of our planned community was/is built on shared values from generation to generation. There are historical reasons why buildings are not higher than three stories. Our city is now on the fifth generation of founding families, many who have moved away. It will be a challenge to rely on historic family philanthropy, many who contributed to public projects because they believed in a beautiful community. With the loss of our generational and institutional knowledge, are we at risk of drifting from our foundational values and plans? Sophisticated design buildings like City Hall, the old Fire Station (now Le Colonial) and the east-side train station are local gems, why would we accept mediocrity in the future?
Oh, to be nostalgic for a place I never knew. Subtleness, historic, iconic, quiet nights, the Green Tree Inn, brilliant planning, a time that hearkened to a purposeful life with stewardship and community. Our family's children have moved on, bolstered by a fine Lake Forest education. When they come home, we walk on the beach, eat fish and chips at The Pub and talk about their “good old days”.
Susan L. Kelsey,
Author | Filmmaker