"Third Thursdays" Shopping in Lake Bluff to Benefit Historic Mural Restoration

Lake Bluff, Illinois – June 9, 2015 – Local and area residents can look forward to the debut of Third Thursdays this summer, a monthly opportunity to stroll through town, shop late, enjoy a bite to eat, and celebrate the charm of historic Lake Bluff, all while benefitting the restoration of the vintage mural that hung in the former East School. According to Joanna Rolek, Executive Director of the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce, “From June through September, Third Thursdays will not only be an opportunity for local shoppers to enjoy and celebrate Lake Bluff’s wonderful stores and eateries, but also participate in a community-wide effort to restore this historic piece of art that so many Lake Bluff families enjoyed while it hung in East School.”

Ten percent of purchases made on these special shopping days will be donated to the Lake Bluff History Museum to assist in restoring and then re-installing the mural, entitled “The Meeting of Marquette and Joliet,” in Lake Bluff’s Village Hall. The museum spearheaded the campaign to save the artwork after East School was razed in 2011.

The museum’s vice president, Pam Russell, shared that the cost of the restoration and installation is $12,500 and portion of funds has already been raised. Third Thursdays will be a continuation of the fundraising efforts already begun by the museum. Russell added that the re-installation is scheduled for September 20 to coincide with the 120th anniversary of the village’s incorporation.

Originally placed in East School in 1926, the mural depicts a meeting between missionary the Rev. Jacques Marquette, explorer Louis Joliet and local Native Americans on Lake Bluff’s north ravine in 1673 and was a signature piece by local artist Marguerite Kreutzberg.

Third Thursdays will be held on June 18, July 16, August 20 and September 17 with stores offering extended hours for evening shopping.

For more information, please contact the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce at (847) 234-4282 or email info@lflbchamber.com.