Dunning Grocery Store on Old Grand Avenue, circa 1900.
Photo courtesy of Warren Township Historical Society
According to the Village of Gurnee website, the name of Gurnee came from a Louis J. Gurnee, who was a railroad surveyor. However, some people believe it was named after one of its first settlers, Walter S. Gurnee who was a Democratic political leader and former mayor of Chicago.
The village of Gurnee was incorporated in 1928. Its slogan is The Community of Opportunity. Kristina Kovarik is the mayor of Gurnee. The population of Gurnee is 31,273.
Two of the largest tourist attractions in the state of Illinois are in Gurnee - Six Flags and Gurnee Mills.
Six Flags, originally called Marriott's Great America, held its grand opening on May 29, 1976.
Gurnee Mills officially opened in August of 1991.
Together the two attractions draw an estimated 26 million visitors.
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Alonzo Porter on Potter Farm at Washington Street and Milwaukee Avenue, circa 1900.
Photo courtesy of Warren Township Historical Society
Sunday school class at Gurnee Church, circa 1920.
Photo courtesy of Warren Township Historical Society
Des Plaines bridge at Grand and Milwaukee Avenues, circa 1900.
Photo courtesy of Warren Township Historical Society
McClure's Garage on Old Grand Avenue, circa 1920.
Photo courtesy of Warren Township Historical Society
The Des Plaines River floods Old Grand Avenue, circa 1960.
Photo courtesy of Warren Township Historical Society
Mother Rudd home, circa 1910.
Photo courtesy of Warren Township Historical Society
Students at Stafford School pose a class picture, circa 1940.
Photo courtesy of Warren Township Historical Society
The threshing crew work at Nathan Farm at Grand Avenue and Hunt Club Road in 1896.
Photo courtesy of Warren Township Historical Society
Gurnee Police car, 1975.
Photo courtesy of Village of Gurnee
People ride the American Eagle at Marriott's Great America in 1981.
Daily Herald file Photo
A tow-truck driver tends to a bus crash in Gurnee in 1984.
Daily Herald file photo
A student watches firemen tend to a fire at Warren Township High School in 1984.
Daily Herald file photo
Coaster enthusiasts gather at Marriott's Great America in 1984.
Daily Herald file photo
A Gurnee resident assesses tornado damage at his home in 1975.
Daily Herald file photo
A firefighter assesses the damage after a fire at Warren Township High School in 1984.
Daily Herald file photo
Gurnee Mayor Richard Walton rides an elephant during the Gurnee Days parade in 1974.
Photo courtesy of Village of Gurnee
Boys compete in a bike race at Gurnee Days in 1974.
Photo courtesy of Village of Gurnee
Gurnee officials participate in a ground breaking for Marriott's Great America in 1974.
Photo courtesy of Village of Gurnee
Beauty pageant contestants pose with Bugs Bunny during Gurnee Days in 1975.
Photo courtesy of Village of Gurnee
People ride the American Eagle at Marriott's Great America in 1981.
Daily Herald file photo
A girl throws at a dunk tank during Gurnee Days in 1974.
Photo courtesy of Village of Gurnee
A band marches during the Gurnee Days parade in 1974.
Photo courtesy of Village of Gurnee
An elephant performs during Gurnee Days in 1974
Photo courtesy of Village of Gurnee
Kids participate in a bike decorating contest at Gurnee Days in 1975.
Photo courtesy of Village of Gurnee
People participate in a dance in 1961.
Photo courtesy of Village of Gurnee
Officials participate in a ground breaking for Heather Ridge subdivision in 1974.
Photo courtesy of Village of Gurnee
Gurnee residents make a giant snowball in 1965.
Photo courtesy of Village of Gurnee
Workers build the pyramid house in Gurnee in 1981.
Daily Herald file photo