Blue Island Historical Society

08/30/2026

Ferdinand Schapper took the first photo on November 3, 1885 from on top of Blue Island's water tower at City Hall - the stone base of the water tower is still standing. Here's what this view looks like nearly 141 years later, taken with a drone above the old water tower foundation.

08/14/2026

Western Avenue looking southeast from New Street in the 1920s - the building in the background with the large sign is First National Bank at Vermont and Western.

08/12/2026

Due to the inclement weather expected this weekend, our Backyard Concert has been postponed from August 15 to Saturday, September 12.

Tickets are available online: https://blue-island-historical-society.square.site/events

Join us in the backyard of the landmark Ward & Florence Seyfarth House for live music from Ms. Sassy and the Blues Power Band! Your $30 ticket includes admission, drinks, and delicious food from Bizarro & Son.

08/09/2026

Here's Bizarro & Son's menu for Saturday's (August 15) Backyard Concert! Admission to the event includes food, drinks, and a performance from Ms. Sassy & the Blues Power Band. Purchase your tickets online here: https://blue-island-historical-society.square.site/events

▪︎Polish Sausage: on roll with mustard & grilled onions
▪︎Picadillo Handles: vegan succotash, picadillo, crema de ajo, cilantro
▪︎German Girl Dinner: Potato latke, knockwurst, apple sauce, green onions, sour cream

08/06/2026

Vermont Street looking east from Ann Street, c. 1900. The top of City Hall's water tower can be seen in the background.

08/04/2026

Check out the performers for our Backyard Concert with Ms. Sassy & the Blues Power Band!

Tickets - which include admission to the event, drinks, and food by Bizarro & Son - are available now at https://blue-island-historical-society.square.site/events

WHEN: August 15, doors open at 6 p.m.
WHERE: 2523 High Street, Blue Island, IL

https://wgntv.com/video/ms-sassy-the-blues-power-band-i-daytime-chicago/11973607

Sarah Alexander has had a passion for music and performing her entire life. Inspired by the blues' ability to describe the reality of life, her mission is to keep the spirit of the blues alive. Sarah better known as Ms Sassy joined us to share more. mssassyblueswoman.org

07/27/2026

Photos from Saturday's Garden Walk! It was an incredible day to enjoy the outdoors in Blue Island, and we can't thank this year's participants enough for all the hard work and investment made to ensure these outdoor spaces were as beautiful as they could possibly be.

07/25/2026

TODAY! The Garden Walk kicks off at 1 p.m.! Don’t miss your chance to see 6 beautiful gardens - and the hobbit house!

Presale tickets are still available for a short time online: https://square.link/u/uFD1vPep

You may also purchase tickets at the door.