A postcard from 1911 shows Cedar Avenue in the horse and buggy days.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
Lake Villa was incorporated on Feb. 21, 1901, and was mainly a resort town where tourists came to relax.
The Lake Villa Historical Society says several of the early mansions built back then remain today and are an important part of the village's history.
E.J. Lehmann had a big impact on the history of Lake Villa, and the Lehmann mansion stands at the north edge of town. Lehmann park holds many of the town's main celebrations.
Lake Villa kicks off its summer events with the Art in the Park Fine Art and Music Festival Saturday, June 6, followed by the Celebration of Summer on Friday, June 12, (teen night) and Saturday, June 13. Both events will be held at Lehmann Park, 148 Cedar Ave.
Visit the Lake Villa Historical Society for more information.
So take a walk down memory lane with us. Reminisce about that special time, place or person in your life from back in the day. Share your memories. Share your photos with #RetroGallery. Tell us what you'd like to see in future galleries.
Look for a new Retro Gallery every Thursday at www.dailyherald.com/oldpics.
Lake Villa School, later renamed Joseph J. Pleviak Elementary School, was built in 1910.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
The Lake Villa Methodist Episcopal Church is now a private residence and was called the "Church on the Hill."
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
A historic rose garden view of the Lehmann Mansion in Lake Villa.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
The Lehmann Mansion, home of Edward Lehmann, was originally called Longwood Farms. It was purchased by the Village of Lake Villa and restored in 2001.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
A Lake Villa tourist postcard, postmarked 1912, shows a tranquil lake scene.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
A 1950s photograph of the Lake Villa District Library in its original Cedar Avenue location.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
The Lake Villa Hotel, a resort hotel built by E.J. Lehmann, was destroyed by fire in 1914.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
A postcard shows the Lake Villa train depot. E.J. Lehmann deeded land to the Wisconsin Central Railroad to bring the train to Lake Villa.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
An undated "Greetings from Lake Villa" postcard shows major Lake Villa attractions of the time.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
The Lake Villa Trust and Savings Bank was established in 1912. The building now houses an attorney's office.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
An undated photograph of the Lake Villa Fire Department building on Grand Avenue.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
A colorful card from The Fair Store which was a discount store started by E.J. Lehmann in Chicago.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
The Peacock Home was the former home of Augusta and E.J. Lehmann and was donated by daughter Emelie Peacock. The home is now on the One Hope United property.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society
A postcard shows Cedar Lake, which hosted swimming, boating, fishing and other recreation activities for generations.
Courtesy of Lake Villa Historical Society