Grayslake historical timeline

1895: Grayslake incorporates. A frame school house is moved to Whitney Street and becomes the original village hall.

1904: A canning factory locates at the end of Railroad Avenue.

1912: The Wisconsin Condensed Milk Co. opens on Railroad Avenue. Its initials can still be seen on the smoke stack.

1922: The Grayslake Gelatin Factory opens at the end of Railroad Avenue.

1938: Major flood causes rowboats to be used in the streets.

1941: Houses within village limits receive numbers.

1949: Village mail delivery begins.

1959: The Grayslake Park District organized.

1969: College of Lake County opens.

1984: The Lake County Fairgrounds is annexed to the village.

1992: The distribution of Lake Michigan water begins in town.

Village facts and figures

Population: 20,330

Largest employers:

College of Lake County

Jewel/Osco

GFX graphic design, advertising

Famous sons and daughters:

Alex Brown, defensive end, Chicago Bears

Tom Wittum, former punter, San Francisco 49ers