What is now the shopping center of Plaza del Lago was once a 22-acre unincorporated plot of land marked by lawlessness and unwanted by the neighboring towns of Wilmette, Kenilworth, Evanston and Winnetka. Join community members as the Wilmette Historical Museum leads a walking tour of what was once known as “No Man’s Land,” where you will be introduced first-hand to the historical events that shaped the area.
The complimentary tour will be held rain or shine on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. Although the tour is free, reservations are required by calling 847-853-7666 or emailing museum@wilmette.com. Spots fill quickly and are held on a first come, first served basis. Participants will meet by the Plaza del Lago fountain.
Light refreshments will be served as part of the tour experience, and afterwards participants will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of author Robert Shea’s book, “From No Man’s Land to Plaza del Lago,” detailing the site’s history and including many pictures of the area’s past, as well as the newly released “Images of America: Wilmette”. Drawing upon the extensive collections of the Wilmette Historical Museum, Hussey-Arntson, and Patrick Leary, museum curator, have chosen images for a new book that capture highlights from over 150 years of Wilmette’s varied and occasionally contentious history.
