Learn the history of Barron Boulevard at Grayslake Heritage Center

The Grayslake Historical Society will host a program Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 7:30 p.m., about the history of Barron Boulevard (Route 83), one of the main north-south roads through Grayslake. The program, to be presented by Robert Smyth, will be in the community room of the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake. Smyth will give a lecture about the history of the road, why Route 83 is also known as Barron Boulevard and why it was sited on the eastern edge of the village and not along the railroad tracks through the village. He will also explain why Illinois Gov. Lennington (Len) Small, who served from 1921 to 1929, became involved in the location of the road. In 1923, plans were completed to put Route 21 (the present Route 83 and Barron Boulevard) on the eastern edge of the village. Barron Boulevard is named for the Barron family that owned adjacent farmland. For information, visit www.grayslakehistory.com.