Oak Lawn History on Display at Local Children’s Museum

A new train table exhibit at The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn provides visitors with a look into Oak Lawn’s past. While the exhibit itself has some more modern components, the exhibit aims to capture some of Oak Lawn’s history.

The story begins back in 1842, when a land broker named Julian Hatch gained over 1,000 acres of nearby land. This settlement was named Black Oaks Grove drawing inspiration from the numerous Black Oaks that lined modern-day 95th Street.

Black Oaks Grove experienced an initial surge of growth after area residents signed an agreement with a railroad builder in 1879. This agreement led to the re-routing of a railroad through Black Oaks Grove. As a result, a freight and passenger station as well as a telegraph office was established. By 1881, the Wabash Railroad’s tracks had been laid and the line was primed for service. Since another railroad had the name Black Oaks Grove, the settlement changed its name to Oak Lawn.

The train table exhibit includes interactive elements which give visitors the ability to make the train move as well as turn on lights. The exhibit was constructed and donated by friends at Calvary Church in Oak Lawn. To learn more about the history of Oak Lawn, visit our exhibits page at www.cmoaklawn.org.