Lakeside Cemetery in Libertyville reaches two milestones
Lakeside Cemetery in Libertyville, the final resting place of many veterans, early Lake County and village settlers and prominent citizens, is marking two milestones this year.
The first recorded grave sales and interments occurred in 1849, making the cemetery on Lake Street across from Butler Lake 175 years old — one of the oldest in Lake County.
“When you walk up there, suddenly you’ll come across a Civil War veteran’s headstone,” said Ed Kelly, president of the not-for-profit Lakeside Cemetery Association, formed in 1910.
“There are 10 active volunteer board members who run the cemetery,” added Kelly, who manages the grounds and sales.
Kelly said his official records date to 1849 but there may have been even earlier burials. In fact, the history on the cemetery website, lakeside-cem.org, says the first known burial was that of John Smith in 1844.
The cemetery originally was bordered by an iron fence and high arched gate. The arch with the cemetery name remains and early sections are visible from Lake Street. However, passersby may not realize the 20-acre cemetery extends north to the ball fields.
As for the second milestone, Memorial Day always is special in Libertyville but this year the Veterans Monument at Lakeside, dedicated in 1999, is turning 25.
As has been the case since it was established, it will be the destination for a procession from nearby Cook Park in downtown and a finale to the annual tribute to veterans.
To recognize and celebrate the anniversaries, a commemorative patch is being offered as a thank you for a minimum $5 donation to the Lakeside Cemetery Veterans Monument Fund.
The fund covers new flags, lighting and maintenance to keep the monument and surrounding area in good condition, Kelly said. The patches will be available all year starting Saturday morning.
That’s when, as they have the past 20 years, scouting and youth service groups will help American Legion members place a flag on every veteran’s grave — a practice that began in 1919.
The village’s Memorial Day ceremony begins at 9 a.m. Monday when participants gather at the Metra train station for a procession to Cook Park at Cook and Milwaukee avenues. A program begins at 9:30 a.m. with music by the Libertyville High School Band, presentations by Mayor Donna Johnson, representatives of the American Legion and VFW, and high school essay contest winners.
Afterward, the procession will move to the Veterans Monument at Lakeside where the names of about 40 armed service members killed in action will be read and Taps will be played.