Do You Know the Story Behind This Building?

Just as World War II was nearing an end, a wave of enthusiasm for opening teen centers swept across America.

Chicago’s western suburbs were no exception, and soon, the “Corral” teen center opened in a renovated commercial garage at 16 W. Harris Ave. in La Grange, just a little west of today’s .

The annual dues for a local high school student were only $3.50. The Corral had strict behavior standards, including no loitering and no alcohol before and during events policies. Despite this, the new center attracted 500 initial members. And, by all accounts, the center was an overnight success.

Three years later, the lease on the garage was about to expire and there was fear that it would not be renewed. So, the student association that operated the center launched a door-to-door campaign to raise $25,000 to buy the building. See second photo.

The campaign was a success and the center, managed by students with an adult advisory board, saw its membership gradually increase to 1,600 students by 1957.

Because of this success, interior space became a major problem. In 1957, another campaign was launched to build a larger center on the then brand new .  See third photo.

Once again, the students’ fundraising efforts were successful. The new building, located at 4900 S. Willow Springs Rd., cost $150,000 and was much larger than the previous facility. See first photo. This was largely financed by the students’ sale of 12-year, non-interest bearing bonds.

The Corral's Heyday

The peak years of the Corral were in the '60s and early '70s. At that time, it was believed to be the country’s largest student-operated youth center of its kind. The center was open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, and it stayed open four nights a week during the summer recess. The center had a 21-speaker sound system and offered soft drinks, ice cream, candy, gum and hamburgers for sale. Plus, students had free use of ping-pong tables and a “huge” 24-inch television set.

The center also produced an annual show featuring high school talent, which was a major fund-raiser. During this time, the Corral had over 3,000 members (now paying $4 a year in dues), was open an average of 130 nights per year, and hosted 300 to 1,000 students at any one time.

While activities were primarily dance-oriented, the center also hosted some memorable concerts, including shows by Styx, Chicago and Muddy Waters. According to one account, notable LTHS alumnus, David Hasselhoff of Nightrider and Baywatch, was part of the Corral scene during his high school years.

In 1967, another successful bond drive underwrote an expansion of the building at a cost of $110,000. However, the subsequent retirement of the Corral’s long-time paid director, Bert Kraus, marked the beginning of a decline in the Corral’s popularity. Behavioral issues also became a larger problem, students’ interests changed and membership fell off. Eventually, as the building began requiring costly repairs, the youth organization decided to sell the building to the high school. 

While the Corral continued to be used for occasional dances and other events, it became a shadow of its previous self. In 1988, the Salt Creek Ballet Company proposed that they would lease or buy the building, but this did not reach fruition. In 1993, the La Grange Hospital approached the high school to use the Corral as a day-care center for its employees’ children. The building was also briefly considered as a possible home for the , but they eventually built a larger facility with a gymnasium on Walker Street.

During the ensuing years, the high school used the building for occasional art exhibits and similar activities. Eventually, a portion of the building was set aside for use as an alternative school facility. The remaining space, some 12,000 square feet, was used for storage.

Revitalization Attempt

In 1996, efforts were undertaken to reinvigorate the Corral as a student recreation center. Some $200,000 was raised from area residents to bring the facility up to date. This included the purchase of four new pool tables, a wide screen television, nine 27-inch televisions, four ping pong tables, three foosball tables, three electronic dart boards, a modern sound system, 1950’s style diner booths surrounding a dance floor, lounge seating and food service. And, to kick off the re-opening, the Ides of March rock group performed a concert, strictly for the teens. 

Today, the student association no longer owns the Corral. But, a group of Lyons Township High School students, known as the Corral Board, is in charge of planning and running the events in the building. These include dances, tournaments, art exhibits, rummage sales and private parties. It is open to students every day after school from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday nights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Do you have a special memory of your visits to the Corral?  If so, please post a comment!