Historic antioch 2017

Historical

ANTIOCH

2017

s n i g i r o s t i d n a e g a l l i v e h t t a k c a b Looking Published by the

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HISTORICAL ANTIOCH • 2017

Downtown Antioch as it appeared around 1910. This photo was taken facing north, the Methodist Church, which still stands, can be seen in the center.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Historical Antioch

A glimpse into Antioch’s past The Pottawatomi Indian Tribe that inhabited Antioch were nomadic hunters who lived in tepees. They fought with the British in the War of 1812 and then with the American settlers in the Blackhawk War of 1832. It was in 1832 that the Indians began to leave the area.

Arrowheads and other remnants of their history can still be found if one knows where to look. The winding Highway 173 was once an Indian trail and Highway 83 was the Mukwonago Trail. Sequoit, the name of the creek and the local high school mascot, is an Indian word meaning “winding.”

The first permanent settlement in Antioch was the Gage Brothers’ cabin on Sequoit Creek.

The Gage brothers’ cabin was built in Illinois rather than Wisconsin, then part of the Territory of Michigan, by courtesy of the Illinois Enabling Act of 1818. Previous to that time, the Northern boundary of Illinois had been set at the southern tip of Lake Michigan.

Northern politicians, led by Nathaniel Pope, feared that, denied a port on the Great Lakes, the new state would fall into the sphere of Southern influence.

Therefore, the northern boundary was moved to its present location, placing Lake County firmly in the state of Illinois.

When the state was admitted to the

Union, however, Lake County did not exist. At first the territory was part of Cook County. When McHenry County was formed from parts of LaSalle and Cook in 1836, it included this area.

In only two years, the population reached a point which suggested the advisability of dividing it into two parts.

The new county was named for its coast on Lake Michigan and the numerous small lakes within its boundaries.

In 1839, Hiram Buttrick built a sawmill along Sequoit Creek, which made Antioch a center of commerce. A replica of the mill has been built a few hundred feet downstream from where it once stood.

About ten years later the question of adopting a township form of government was submitted to the voters of Lake County. With only three votes against it, the proposition was overwhelmingly approved. Now names had to be chosen for the new townships.

In 1843, the residents gave the settlement the biblical name “Antioch,” and started a school. The first class was held in an upper, unfinished room in the general store owned by F.F. Munson.

Welcome Jilson taught the classes.

The school moved to various locations around the town until a permanent structure was built in 1873. The frame building was one room and heated by a

pot-bellied stove.

The town held a referendum on Jan. 10, 1850. Two names were placed before the electorate. “Windsor” was the choice of sixty of the voters, but the religious faction once again prevailed. By a margin of 15 votes, Antioch became the name of the town as well as its larger village.

Tourists flock to area The town grew as new settlers (primarily of English and German descent) established farms and businesses. In the late 1800s, Antioch became a popular vacation spot for Chicagoans.

Tourism grew quickly once the rail line to Chicago was laid in 1886. Originally, farmers near the lake accepted boarders. Then they added guest rooms onto their homes.

Eventually hotels and subdivisions of summer cottages were built.

The tourists took excursion boats through the renowned flowering lotus beds. Hunting, fishing, dancing and gambling were big draws, but most tourists (not to mention year-round residents) simply preferred the quiet country life over the hustle and bustle of Chicago.

Fires slow progress

Fires destroyed much of the downtown area in 1891, 1903 and 1904.

In 1905, the town rebuilt with brick and started a public water system. The base of the first water tower is still found at the corner of Toft and Orchard streets. A volunteer fire department was formed in 1913.

The town grew at a steady pace through the years. Harvesting ice to supply iceboxes was a major industry in the area for many years. Pickard China, America’s finest china company, has been a steady employer in Antioch since 1937.

Modern improvements arrive In the 1950s, the village developed the large industrial park along Anita Avenue, which greatly contributes to the tax and employment base. Antioch residents can reach both Chicago and Milwaukee by way of Interstate 94 and U.S. Highway 41.

Metra commuter service between Antioch and Chicago began in August of 1996. A new train depot was constructed to accommodate travel to and from Antioch.

Information courtesy of the Village of Antioch. For more information, visit www. antioch.il.gov.

Community rallied to revive local theatre HISTORICAL ANTIOCH • 2017

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LONG HISTORY CONTINUES THANKS TO LOCAL SUPPORT Sandra Landen Machaj

by CORRESPONDENT

In the early 1900s, going to the movies was one of the favorite social activities of the day.

In those days before television and computers were found in every home and news was received almost as it happened, the movies brought in the outside world.

The movies were often accompanied by news of the world, and a cartoon for the children of the family.

Some theaters in the 1930s and 1940s also gave out premiums to the customers.

These included things such as a piece of dinner china, which encouraged customers to return regularly to build a whole set. Movies also changed two to three times during the week thus encouraging customers to return more than once a week.

Theaters were found in many towns and villages even in relatively small communities, such as Antioch. On Sept. 26, 1923, construction on a new movie theatre began on south Lake Street adjacent to the Opera House. The project was the work of Lyman B. Grice, a resident of Antioch and William C. Bryant of Bristol, Wis. The movie theatre was planned with approximately 400 seats and would cost $40,000, a high price for the 1920s. As a result, Grice and Bryant sold a half interest in the project to Albert L. Fell and a local resort owner, James P. Johnson.

There was another movie house in Antioch, the Majestic Theatre that was managed by Oliver G. Johnson, son of James P. Johnson. The building of the new theatre gave Johnson a unique opportunity to move his movie business from the rented facility on Main Street to the new and elegant theatre partially owned by his father.

What’s in a name?

With the impending move of the Majestic Movie Company to the new building, discussion was held to name the building the New Majestic Theatre instead of the original plans to name it The Antioch Theatre.

In the end the originally proposed name prevailed and the Antioch Theatre opened

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Historical Antioch

The Antioch Theatre first opened its doors in 1924 showing first-run movies. After a difficult time, which included the closing of the theatre in 2014, it underwent a massive renovation and reopened in 2015 with an additional small theatre.

on July 26, 1924, with the presentation of the Paramount Picture, Zane Grey’s “Wanderer of the Wasteland.” The film was advertised to be in “Natural Color.”

According to research attributed to Al Westerman of the Lake County History Museum, Fred B. Swanson of Antioch became the manager of the theatre in 1925 replacing Oliver G. Johnson and his brother, Frank. Swanson was considered to be the person “most associated with the success and improvements of the Antioch Theatre.”

He continued to manage the theatre until 1941 when, upon purchasing the building, he became the owner. Swanson went on to purchase other theatres in the area. He remodeled the theatre in 1947 adding another 100 seats in the balcony. The theatre continued to attract local residents.

Over the years the theatre had a succession of owners. Then in 2013 disaster struck. The arrival of the digital age required all theatres needed to install

digital equipment to continue to receive the first-run movies. Unfortunately the cost of upgrading to digital was beyond the ability of Cindy Kottke, then owner of the theatre.

On May 16, 2014, the theatre was closed.

Campaign launched While local residents mourned the closing of their movie theatre, Tim Downey an investor became interested in trying to revive the theatre. Estimating a cost of approximately $750,000 to renovate the theatre and to purchase the digital equipment needed, Downey began raising funds while investing his own money into the project.

Downey encouraged the village and business community to back the project.

Several longtime Antioch business owners helped to fund the program, including Raymond Chevrolet, Great Lakes Credit Union, Something Sweet Confectionery

and the Chamber of Commerce.

The Village of Antioch loaned some money to be paid back through a movie ticket tax. Granite stars in the sidewalk in front of the theatre were sold. In addition a Kickstarter web page was successfully used to raise about $65,000 needed to complete the program.

Plans for the theatre addressed maintenance, repairs and upgrades. That included replacing outdated utilities and adding a new sprinkler system. The movie screen was replaced with a larger stateof-the-art screen and new theatre seats replaced the old ones.

The lobby and concession area were renovated. The main theatre, named the Raymond Auto group theatre, now seats 216 patrons while the Boutique movie theatre – with 36 seats – was added.

The updated Antioch Theatre with its new marquee and renovations was reopened on Feb. 27, 2015. It continues to show firstrun movies at reasonable ticket prices.

Historical Antioch 2017

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A glimpse back at the village and its origins

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On the cover: The William Brothers Store first opened in 1871

in downtown Antioch. The brothers, Daniel and Edgar, ran the department store in the old King building at 906 Main St. until 1891, when they opened this large and very modern shop at 910 Main St. Today, the building houses the Village Thrift Shop.

The historical photos in this publication were provided by the Lakes Region Historical Society.

HISTORICAL ANTIOCH • 2017

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Landmark church has long history in Antioch HISTORICAL ANTIOCH • 2017

Like much of the northern Illinois area, religion played an important part in the lives of the early settlers. In the 1800s, prior to the building of a church in a community, services were often held in individual homes when a preacher was available. Early preachers would travel from one community to another by horseback.

The Methodist community in Antioch, officially began in 1879 following a meeting held in the Baptist church by an evangelist named A.J. Bell. By November 1879, a Methodist church community was organized for Antioch and the Rev. W.F. Atchison was appointed as the first pastor. The new church had a membership of about 40.

Seven years later in 1886, the Methodist congregation was able to purchase the old Baptist church, where the original meeting had been held, for $400. The building held worship services but was also opened to the community for nonreligious community events. As the congregation continued to increase in size, and the old church building began to deteriorate, the need for a new building was recognized.

The congregation worked quickly to deliver a new church.

An architectural firm was hired in February 1901 to draw the plans for a brick veneer church not to exceed a cost of $5,500. The cornerstone was laid on May 28, 1901, and the church was dedicated on Nov. 24, of the same year.

Two contributions were made to the new church, which continue to be a beautiful part of the church. The Grand Army of the Republic donated a stained glass window named “Christ Knocking.” The second gift was another stained glass window titled “Christ In the Garden,” which was donated by the Epworth League. The Epworth League is a Methodist society of young adults, which traces its roots back to 1889.

The group takes its name from the Village of Epworth in England, the birthplace of John Wesley.

The building marked its 25th anniversary in 1926 and a two-day celebration was held, which saw the return of many

The United Methodist Church of Antioch has a long history dating to 1901. The landmark church is at 848 Main St., Antioch.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Historical Antioch

former pastors to mark the event.

The first addition to the Church building occurred in 1951 with the addition of Wesley Hall, a large meeting space that continues to be used for church and other community social events.

The church celebrated the 80th anniversary of its founding in 1959. Additional land was purchased by the parish for the purpose of building an education wing as the four classrooms that were available in the basement were being outgrown and additional space for classes was needed.

It took until 1964 to complete the wing that consisted of seven classrooms, a kitchen, office space, and restrooms. This space allowed the growth of the Sunday School classes and the Christian preschool.

Shapeshifting Silhouettes Ladies Attire from the 1820s to the 1970s

An Exhibit of Authentic Period Garments and Accessories Presented by the Lakes Region Historical Society in Celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Village of Antioch

The Meeting House Museum

By the 100th anniversary of the congregation, it was evident the church was in need of refurbishing. They were aided in this project with bequests from the estates of several members. These members, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Deininger, Anna Runyard, and Louise Hagen provided the basis to begin the remodeling of the sanctuary. In addition, a centennial capital improvement drive raised the remainder of the funds needed for the project, which included the refinishing of the pews and altar furnishings. The communion and choir rails were removed, opening the altar area. Repairs were needed on the sanctuary ceiling and carpet was added to the overflow area giving the sanctuary a whole new look.

The prized stained glass windows needed some repair, which was also completed at this time. When the sun is shining, the light streams through the window bringing it to life with vibrant color. The windows remain the pride of the congregation, a reminder of the kindness of the two organizations that donated them.

Now 137 years later, the congregation has grown from its original 40 members to about 250 members, according to Diane Franke, secretary of the church. The church is involved with many ministries to help those in need. They sponsor a Sunday school and a Christian preschool is held at the church on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

On the second Saturday of each month, public organ concerts are held at 11 a.m. Each month a different performer plays. Joe Nance and his granddaughter Grace Nance will perform with Grace’s high school jazz ensemble in February After 137 years, the church family continues to grow and each year brings more projects to help those in need. The church built in 1901 continues to stand on Main St. with its bell tower a significant landmark of the city.

Pastor the Rev. Bill Landis welcomes all to visit and attend a service.

The United Methodist Church is in the heart of downtown Antioch at 848 Main St. The telephone number is (847) 3951259. To learn more about the United Methodist community, visit their website at www.umcantioch.org.

St. Peter Catholic Church Antioch, IL

Masses for Sunday: Saturday Vigil: 4:30pm Sunday: 6:30am ~ 8:00am 9:30am ~ 11:30am Weekday Masses: 7:30am Holy Days: 7:30am ~ 9:30am ~ 7:30pm

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Confessions: Saturday 8:30am & by appt.

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Sandra Landen Machaj

by CORRESPONDENT

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Looking back

HISTORICAL ANTIOCH • 2017

Visit the Lakes Region Historical Society Museum The Lakes Region Historical Society Museum in Antioch offers a look at the Native Americans, businesses, and domestic life in early Antioch and the Chain O’Lakes area. Housed in the 1892 yellow brick schoolhouse, the second school on the site, there are nine rooms of artifacts from the prehistoric through the 1960s.

Visitors can walk along the old Main Street, see a farm kitchen, the lotus beds of Grass Lake, farming and ice harvesting tools, return to a one-room school and a Victorian Parlor. The museum also has an extensive local postcard collection.

The museum is at 817 Main St., Antioch, and is open from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, March through December. Admission is free; donations accepted.

Bring friends, family, school, church or scout group. Private tours are available free of charge.

Reservations can be made by calling (847) 395-4912.

Clockwise from left: This photo of downtown Antioch was taken from the top of the Standpipe waterpower, looking northeast, in 1907; the Sommerville’s Bakery and Restaurant and barber shop in the early 1900s; Eugene Cox’s boat landing on Channel Lake in Antioch; Barney Naber’s Harness Shop, which opened in 1870; and the Antioch Packing Co.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LAKES REGION HISTORICAL SOCIETY Historical Antioch

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From the gridiron to government HISTORICAL ANTIOCH • 2017

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MCMILLEN LOOMED LARGE IN ATHLETICS AND GOVERNMENT Sandra Landen Machaj

by CORRESPONDENT

Making it from the professional gridiron to the Antioch mayor’s office was a long and winding journey with many stops along the way for James McMillen.

On Oct. 22, 1902, James McMillen was born in Grayslake. McMillen would become well known over the next 82 years as he made news in and out of the Grayslake and Antioch areas.

Attending Libertyville High School, McMillen was known for his sports participation. According to his daughter, Antioch resident Ann Kakacek, many would be surprised to know that in high school her father excelled at basketball and pole vaulting. These are not sports that would become synonymous with the name Jim McMillen.

McMillen entered the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana to study engineering but it was for his participation on the UI football team that he became well known. He was a person who realized the importance of completing college and received his degree before moving on to professional sports.

In 1923, the University of Illinois team, with James McMillen as the captain and right guard, won the National Championship under head coach Robert Zuppke. Red

Grange from Wheaton, known as the “Galloping Ghost” was also a member of that championship team. McMillen and Grange became friends and moved on to play professional football for the Chicago Bears.

and invested money when George Halas was buying out his partner and remained in the Bears office as a vice president for a few years,” Kakacek said.

During World War II, McMillen served in the Navy and was stationed in New Caledonia in the Pacific Theater. He remained a Lt. Commander in the Naval Reserve.

THE HALAS YEARS

McMillen played for the Bears from 1924 through 1928. In those years, George Halas, in addition to being the owner of the team, was the head coach and a player on the team. In an effort to interest more people in the relatively new sport of professional football, Halas organized a 17-city tour on the Southern Pacific Railroad to showcase his team.

By 1928, as the depression deepened, McMillen moved away from football and began to work at another sport, wrestling.

“Wrestling was a more popular sport and participants were paid in cash after each match,” his daughter said. “My father invested money in land including a 150-acre farm where we lived in Antioch.”

McMillen traveled around the country with matches scheduled in Texas, New York and other states. He also wrestled locally in places such as Grayslake and Waukegan. He wrestled heavyweight champion Jim Londos at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

In a total of 1,174 matches, McMillen won or tied 90 percent of his matches.

Antioch United Methodist Church

GOVERNMENT CALLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO Historical Antioch

A formal portrait of Jim McMillen – football player, wrestler, businessman and mayor of Antioch.

In the 1940s and 1950s McMillen switched from wrestling to becoming a referee.

Even after he became a wrestler McMillen’s days as a Chicago Bears player were not over.

“He returned to the Bears in the 1930s

In 1950 he was elected mayor of Antioch, a position he held for six years.

Under Gov. Otto Kerner in the 1960s, he was appointed to oversee the state parks, working from Springfield during the week and returning home to Antioch on the weekends, where he enjoyed his family, hunting and fishing.

When Kerner left office, the new governor replaced McMillen. He later worked for the Lake County Forest Preserves.

McMillen and Halas remained friends throughout their lives.

“When my father was suffering from cancer, George Halas sent flowers every month. After George passed away, his daughter Virginia (Halas) McCaskey continued to send them until Daddy passed away,” Kakacek said.

McMillen died in 1984 at the age of 81 of cancer after a full life.

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