Grayslake Historical Society presentation on Gelatin Co.

The Grayslake Historical Society will reminisce and recall the stories of the former Grayslake Gelatin Co. factory at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 27.

The event will be in the Community Room of the Grayslake Heritage Center, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake.

Research of the Grayslake Historical Society will be shared in a presentation that will be followed by an audience participation session.

The smokestack of the former gelatin factory continues to dominate the skyline of historic Grayslake, even though the factory has been closed for more than 25 years.

In 1922, Harry Epstein and partner chose Grayslake for their gelatin-producing factory. The community had clean air and clean water. It had a supply of pig skins available by rail. There were workers. The idle milk condensing buildings could be easily converted to another food-product. The company prospered and its product was sold internationally.

The long-term employees enjoyed company picnics. The company survived the depression. The factory whistle, especially the five o'clock, was the village's timekeeper.

On the flip side, the company had union issues, pollution concerns, the Union stock yard closing, and deaths.

All of these stories will be remembered during the program. The public is invited to participate in the session, have a cup of coffee with friends and contribute memories. For more information, call the Society at (847) 223-7663 or (847) 987-5509.