Description

New findings about the 1857 original east Lake Forest plan and plat are the subject of a program by David Mattoon and Arthur Miller on Thursday, April 23, at the City Council Chambers, Lake Forest City Hall. 

A 1943 composite of 1857 plans in City and County records was photographed early last year. David Mattoon manipulated this to show comparisons with current satellite views to highlight changes – he also shows which of the original lots were kept by the Lake Forest Association and which were deeded to Lind University, now Lake Forest College. Arthur Miller will talk about the background of the 1857 plan, why it is nationally significant, and how it has impacted development from the Knollwood Club and Mettawa to the Lasker estate.  

Turned up in the search was the original July 1857 surveyor’s plat plan, with the official autographed approval texts and signatures. This has been restored by the City with help from the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation and will be shown and discussed.

The program is free and takes place at 7:00 pm. You can RSVP online.