Historical society tour brings Lake Zurich’s history to life

Before it became a modern suburban town of around 20,000 people, Lake Zurich was the hot spot for city folk to visit, stay at beautiful private homes on the lake, boat, dance and even watch plays from a private playhouse where many actors and actresses got their start.

On Saturday, Aug. 20, the Ela Historical Society offers residents a very first look at the history of Lake Zurich, featuring morning and afternoon tours of nine special sites and four historical homes.

“We would just like to get townspeople and friends interested in history and what the town used to be like,” said Director Coral Lee Scranton. “It became popular because it was the first lake town out from the city.”

Residents will have the opportunity to learn about Ela Town Hall, Delicious Redds Hot Dog building (the location of many different businesses in the past, as well as a place where politicians and townspeople used to give speeches), and Oak Street School, which was the first brick school in the area, among others.

“These are nine of the original locations that many prominent business men and community members lived in or enjoyed,” Scranton said.

Among the four homes on the tour, residents will be able to preview the famous Robertson House, as well as the Richter/Cuechmann home.

Tours will be conducted by bus from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m., starting at the Ela Historical Society and ending with refreshments and a free display of drawings donated by local businesses at the same location.

Admission is $12 in advance and $15 the day of the tours.

Originally the home of the Potawatomi Native Americans before they were pushed further west by the U.S. government, Lake Zurich was settled by farmers from the East who came looking for fertile land.

It wasn’t until 1852, however, that the first township was organized.

“The area was originally called Surryse and the lake was called Cedar Lake before it became Lake Zurich,” Scranton said.

Besides being a town with a ton of character and history, Lake Zurich continues to grow and prosper.

“My favorite thing about Lake Zurich is that it has continued to grow through good schools, a great library and a lot of community activities,” Scranton said.