Description

Thousands of babies and children passed through the Lake Bluff Orphanage in Lake Bluff during the first half of the twentieth century. For many years orphanage residents outnumbered school-age children who lived with their families in village. Who were these youngsters, where did they come from, and where did they wind up? What was the home like as a place to live, who paid the bills … and why was it located in Lake Bluff?

For answers to these questions and a lot more intel, please come to Lake Bluff History Museum’s special presentation “Homes for Children: The Story of the Lake Bluff Orphanage.” It takes place on April 27 from  2 to 4 pm in the community room of Grace United Methodist Church, 224 E. Center Avenue, Lake Bluff.

Museum board member Steve Kraus has done a deep dive into the history of the institution, which took up an entire block in the middle of east Lake Bluff for nearly 100 years. He’ll be accompanied by a former resident of the home, Wally Spitzer, who will share his memories of growing up in the home. 
For tickets, please click on this link.