"Dependable hardware and household merchandis plus hones, personalized service have been synonymous with the O'Neill family name for three generations. The first O'Neill Hardware store burned to the ground i 1882, but in the 14 years previous it had proven itself, and from its ashes was built Lake Forerst's first brick store building. Today our enlarged and moderized sgtore is known by all Lake Forestsers as the home of friendly service and guaranteed products. We are proud of the part our business has taken in L.F. growth and prosperity." Lake Forest 1961 celebration
Shirley
The date is September 1878
The President at Lake Forest
He is Accorded an Enthusiastic Reception
"The President part arrived at Lake Forest at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. Long before the hour for the train to arrive, the crowd began to throng the platform of the depot. As the train drew up to the station, a cannon from Waukegan was fired twenty one times and Dean's Band, of Chicago, began to play some very fire airs. When the train stopped President Hayes and Mr. Wm H. Smith came to the rear platform of the train, where the President was introduced by Mr. Smith. After a short speech and considerable cheering, Mrs. Hayes was called for, and was introduced by Hon. C. B. Farwell. The party then alighted and entered carriages and drove down the main street, through triumphal arches to the residence of Hon. C. B. Farwell, from thence to Hon .Wm. Henry Smith's home, where they were met by Mrs. Smith, who had the house handsomely decorated with the national colors. A. grand reception was tenered the President and party, by Mr. Smith's du ring the evening. The President and party left for Chicago on the 9:21 a.m. train in company with a number of ladies and gentleman."
Stentor 1896
"The following houses are rented for the summer to the lessees named: N.D. Pratt's to Mrs. McFadden; J. L. Moss to Roswell Miller; Professor Thomas to Mrs. McKittrick, of St. Louis; Professor Halsey's to Mr. Casselberry; Mrs. Stanley to Arthur Farwell, who is already here; W. R. Bridgman's to Dr. N.S. Davis, Jr.; Mrs. N. Sawyer's to E. S. Adams. And still there are more to be had."
From the Waukegan Daily Sun.
" SOONDONE" Lake Forest Citizens to Have Fine City Hall. (December 13, 1898) BLUFF CITY MONEY $10,000 Structure to be Dedicated Before Long --Built from Franchise Money
The Lake Forest new city hall is soon to be dedicated. It will only be a few weeks before the city officials of that aristocratic city will be housed in one of the finest office buildings ever seen in a town of that size. That the new building has been secured is due largely to the efforts of Mayor Edward F. Gorton. Heretofore, a little one story building with a single large room has served as a city hall, kindergarten school and mission Sunday school. As the citizens of Lake Forest have been paying rather heavily for street paving of late, it was thought rather burdensome for them to bear the additional expense of a new city hall, but they have secured one just the same.
Over a year ago a solution of the problem was discovered. It will be remembered that when the Bluff City Electric Road applied for a franchise along the North Shore that Lake Forest held back and would not come in line as easily as most of the towns along the line did. As it was absolutely essential for the railroad company to get through the city they offered to pay for the franchise. Mayor Gorton offered the franchise for $j10,000 and $15,000 in stock. This was finally agreed to and the money was paid to the city and the council voted that the money should be expended in a new city hall.
The cost of the building, which is located on Deerpath avenue, one block west of the Northwestern depot, will be more than $10,000. A portion of the new building will be given over to the fire department and the public library will be placed on the second floor. On the ground floor will be the offices for the different city officials and the council chamber. Police quarters are being arranged for in the basement. The building is being built of brick with stone trimmings. Over $1,500,000 has been spent on improvements during the past four years."