Lake County Fair in Libertyville

 

The Lake County Fair has a long and colorful history going back to its beginning in 1852. The fair was held in Libertyville from 1858 to 1925. An extensive history of the Lake County Fair has yet to be written, but we can get an idea of its popularity and success in Libertyville through the many post card images that were made at that time.

In order to present the flavor of going to the Lake County Fair in Libertyville, we have created a fictional character, "Rose," a young girl who lived in Libertyville in the early 1900s. She writes to her friend "Addie," describing her trip to the fair. Her "letter" is illustrated with vintage post cards of the fair in Libertyville from 1900 to the 1920s.

Step back in time as we read "Rose's" words. Try to imagine the bustle of the crowds and the thunder of the race horses, the screams of the people on the rides and the cacophony of sounds on the midway. Are you ready to "meet me at the fair"? Click on the horses to the right, and enjoy your trip!

 

-Post card images are provided courtesy of the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society
-This website has been created by Arlene Lane and Sonia Schoenfield, Cook Memorial Public Library, Libertyville, Illinois, ©2004.
-"The Lake County Fair in Libertyville" is a featured exhibit of the Digital Past project sponsored by the North Suburban Library System, Wheeling, Illinois.