We work hard to preserve and make accessible the rich and varied history of Oak Lawn. Thanks for your continued support of the Local History program!
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Situated at James Street (now Dumke Drive) and 52nd Avenue, the Bohne home is pictured in 1927. Later demolished, this area is now a parking lot for the Zimmerman and Sandeman Funeral Home. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Seated on a wagon, William Kurth is pictured on his family's Oak Lawn farm around 1910. The horses are draped in swish blankets designed to keep flies away while they are working. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Looking north toward 95th Street, the rear of the Brandt Building is pictured in 1984. Krauss' Gaslite Lounge, located at 5130 West 95th Street, can be seen on the right. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Looking east near 52nd Avenue, a section of 95th Street is pictured around 1965. This photo was taken shortly before 95th Street was significantly widened to accommodate increasing traffic. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Looking southeast, a section of Brandt Avenue is pictured around 1979. The home on the left is located at 9515 South Brandt. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Located at 5310 West 95th Street, the interior of Oak Lawn Trust and Savings Bank is pictured in 1928. Established three years earlier, the institution merged with the First National Bank of Evergreen Park in 1992. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Bearing gifts, Santa Claus takes a moment to visit the staff of the Oak Lawn Public Library in 1979. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Local History! Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Pictured around 1932, the First Congregational Church was located at 9411 South 51st Avenue. Dedicated in 1916, the building could seat about seventy people. Today, this is the location of Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Taken in 1979, homeowners dig out driveways and sidewalks in the 9400 block of Tulley Avenue following a severe blizzard. A record 18.8 inches of snow fell between January 13th and 14th that year. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Nearing completion, the new Schultz's Tavern is pictured around 1912. Located at 5220 West 95th Street, the building was constructed at a cost of $7,000 and also served as a Post Office. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Taken from the roof of 8736 South Sproat Avenue, heavy snow blankets Oak Lawn during the 1967 Blizzard. That winter the Chicago area received more than 68 inches of snow, a seasonal total surpassed just four other times. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Looking east down 95th Street near 51st Avenue, the Oak Lawn Christmas Parade is pictured in 1981. The float on the left features a giant Raggedy Ann doll. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Covering multiple visits and treatments, this medical bill was given to Harry Phillips by Dr. John P. Hopkins in October of 1904. One of the community's earliest doctors, Hopkins moved to Oak Lawn from Orland Park in 1892. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore thousands of images from Oak Lawn's past!
Pictured in 1953, the Oak Lawn A&P Super Market was located at 5201 West 95th Street. Founded in 1859, at one time the A&P was the largest grocery retailer in the United States. After years of decline the last of its stores were closed in late 2015. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Located at 5500 West 95th Street, Spitzer's Service Station is pictured around 1940. The original cement block structure, built in 1916, was remodeled several times before eventually being demolished. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Pictured around 1940, the snow covered Schachtlie Home is featured on this holiday card. The residence was located at 4700 West 95th Street and no longer stands today. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Pictured around 1950, members of the Oak Lawn Fire Department visit a group of Oak Lawn children during the holidays. Chief Elmore "Ollie" Harker is visible in the center. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Located at 5000 West 95th Street, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is pictured around 1925. This building was demolished in the 1940s when the congregation moved to a new church on Brandt Avenue. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Located at 6250 West 95th Street, Edmund's Restaurant is pictured around 1970. Previously, this location was known as Nielsen's Nordic Restaurant. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Pictured around 1965, a hockey game takes place on Oak Lawn Lake. The homes in the background are situated along West Shore Drive. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Created in 1928, this small plaque once adorned the first Oak Lawn Water Tower located on the northeast corner 95th Street and Cook Avenue. The tower remained in use until it was demolished around 1974. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Taken around 1980, this image features the Oak Lawn Christmas Parade near 95th Street and Cicero Avenue. The Post Office and Sheraton Hotel (now Hilton) are visible in the background. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Taken around 1999, this aerial photograph captures 95th Street between Raymond Avenue and Cook Avenue. Since the late 1980s this area of Oak Lawn has been extensively redeveloped, and a number of the structures present in this image no longer stand today. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Pulling a number of freight cars, this 4-8-2 Wabash locomotive crosses 95th Street in 1940. By the 1950s newer diesel engines were replacing many older steam locomotives. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Moving west down 95th Street near Cook Avenue, the Oak Lawn Community High School Marching Band is pictured in the 1994 Christmas Parade. A number of businesses such as S&S Men's Wear and Oak Lawn Office Supply are visible. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Taken around 1898, Laura Beebe Phillips poses for a formal portrait. Laura was married to Harry C. Phillips, an early Oak Lawn resident, in January of 1898. They wed on the Beebe farm located on the southeast corner of 95th Street and Cicero Avenue. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Taken around 1955, the Coral Theater box office is pictured. Located at 4720 West 95th Street, the Coral opened in 1942 and remained a community staple until its closing in 1984. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Taken in 1989, this photograph features the Oak Lawn Public Library's paperback collection. Visible on the left are several early touchscreen computers while audio records can be seen on the far right. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Taken near 51st Avenue and 94th Street, a section of Oak Lawn Creek (the north branch of Stony Creek) is pictured in 1954. The creek's water level was still high from recent heavy rains. Mrs. Irene Klancher, Diane Klancher and Glenn Jelley are present. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Looking north, businesses in the 5700 block of 95th Street are pictured in 1998. From left to right are Southwest Stained Glass and Pat's Hobbies and Crafts. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Pictured in 1976, the Oak Lawn Community High School Softball Team poses for a photo. In their inaugural season, the squad finished first in the conference with only one loss. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Taken around 1923, an unidentified man poses next to a sign welcoming visitors to Oak Lawn. The sign also admonishes drivers to observe the speed limit. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Looking northeast near 54th Avenue, this time-lapsed photo features a section of 95th Street as it appeared around 1980. A number of locations including Community Driving School, Knies Food Shop and Pizza Roma are visible. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Located on the northeast corner of Cook Avenue and Wabash Avenue (now Yourell Drive), Behrend's Store is pictured around 1905. This building was destroyed by fire in 1912 and a new store was built at 5300 West 95th Street. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
Looking southeast, the intersection of 95th Street and 54th Avenue is pictured around 1965. Businesses such as Zoll's Department Store, Freshline Foods and Prince Castles Ice Cream are visible. Check out olpl.pastperfectonline.com to explore more images from Oak Lawn's past!
9427 Raymond Ave
Oak Lawn, IL
60453
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Check out this short video to learn more about current and upcoming Local History events!
Check out this recently donated footage of the 1957 Round-Up!
Check out this recently donated clip of the 1952 Round-Up! How many of these celebrations did you attend?
Click on the video below to see the aftermath of the 1967 Tornado. This footage is narrated by Andy Koszyk.
Click on the video below to see the 1956 Oak Lawn Round-Up Parade!
Did you know that in 1982 Oak Lawn celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Village's first official land survey? Click on the video below to view a part of the celebration held at old Comiskey Park, and see familiar faces such as former Mayor Ernie Kolb!
Click on the video below to view scenes from the aftermath of the 1967 Tornado.
Did you know that the Oak Lawn Veteran's Memorial opened in 1996? Click on the video below to watch former Mayor Ernie Kolb speak at the dedication service!
Click on the video below to see footage from the Oak Lawn Round-Up Days (c. 1953)!
Oak Lawn has a long religious history, comprised of many different faiths and churches. Click on the video below to see a small part of this history, and watch the 1957 groundbreaking ceremony for Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church!
The Oak Lawn "Round-Up Days" was one of the largest annual events in our Village's history, drawing thousands of people to Oak Lawn! Click on the video below to see what it would have been like to attend this amazing festival!
Do you remember the Oak Lawn Round-Up Days of the 1950s? Check out this video to see what the annual celebration was like!
Do you remember the 1967 Tornado? Check out this video to see just some of the devastation left in its wake, and the many ways in which it affected the community.
Did you attend Oak Lawn Community High School? Did you or someone you know participate in band there? Check out this video to see what the O.L.C.H.S. Band was like back in the 1950s!
Do you remember the Green Oak Kiddyland amusement park that once sat near 95th Street and Pulaski Road? Check out this video to see what it would have been like to ride on the park's roller coaster!
What did Oak Lawn look like nearly seventy years ago? Check out this video and see how much the village has changed!
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