"Sailing Through Time" By Marie Caviness
Marie Caviness has been a long time Highland Lake resident and active in many community functions over the years. Back in the mid 1990's she spent hundreds of hours developing the first comprehensive book that covers the history of Highland Lake called "Sailing Though Time". Marie began writing this book several years ago after learning that a local history of the area did not exist. She spent many hours searching for photographs, researching historical records, maps, books, newspaper and interviewing several residents to collect information about life here in the early days.
We are happy that she has allowed us to post several sections of her book on this site so others in the community can learn about the history of our wonderful lake.
This history of Highland Lake is once again available for purchase for $15. If you would like a copy email us at hlpoa.il.treasurer@gmail.com
We are happy that she has allowed us to post several sections of her book on this site so others in the community can learn about the history of our wonderful lake.
This history of Highland Lake is once again available for purchase for $15. If you would like a copy email us at hlpoa.il.treasurer@gmail.com
Lake Map 1961
A Glacial Beginning
Native Americans and Early Explorers
County, Township and Surrounding Communities
Early Settlement of Highland Lake
The Lake's Ice Harvesting Operation
From Cottages to a Community
Leisure Pursuits
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Brian and Vivienne Moats family pictures of Highland Lake, around 1950
Photographs courtesy of Vivienne Moats
Photographs courtesy of Vivienne Moats
“I remember the boat parades. My daughter has a trophy for the best boat in the parade.” Vivienne Moats
“There isn't a lake that can beat this one. Jason Renehan lived across the street. He said when he was a boy, Chief Whitefeather came here every summer. When Chief Whitefeather died they buried him here under a stone (on the shore of my property). And then his wife died and they buried her in a nearby little grave. That is what he told me." Dr. Gaspar Goshgarian
"I can't imagine not living on this lake." Diane Kula
“We used to have this coke cooler that Bob brought home from the office and we would save it for parties and we would put ice in it. We were preparing for a party one day and we went out to put the coke in the cooler and the whole thing was full of frogs. My son started collecting them and put water in the bottom and they were going everywhere. He was always bringing in something. And turtles, we used to have a lot of turtles. I never see turtles anymore." Lavonna Larson
“There isn't a lake that can beat this one. Jason Renehan lived across the street. He said when he was a boy, Chief Whitefeather came here every summer. When Chief Whitefeather died they buried him here under a stone (on the shore of my property). And then his wife died and they buried her in a nearby little grave. That is what he told me." Dr. Gaspar Goshgarian
"I can't imagine not living on this lake." Diane Kula
“We used to have this coke cooler that Bob brought home from the office and we would save it for parties and we would put ice in it. We were preparing for a party one day and we went out to put the coke in the cooler and the whole thing was full of frogs. My son started collecting them and put water in the bottom and they were going everywhere. He was always bringing in something. And turtles, we used to have a lot of turtles. I never see turtles anymore." Lavonna Larson
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Mother and Baby Swans, Highland Lake 1997 |
“The flood of 1938. Highland Lake flooded and boats were on the road. The golf course was farmland and water ran from Highland Lake to Round Lake and people were out spearing carp. The lake rose 12 inches overnight.” John Shay
“I remember the summer cottages that were on South Circle when I was a small child back in the 40s. My father had keys to some of the cottages and I would walk with him in the winter time when he would go out to check them to make sure there were no broken pipes in the cottages.” Diane Kula
“Living on this lake is a wonderful place to bring up children.” Mary Williams
“I remember the summer cottages that were on South Circle when I was a small child back in the 40s. My father had keys to some of the cottages and I would walk with him in the winter time when he would go out to check them to make sure there were no broken pipes in the cottages.” Diane Kula
“Living on this lake is a wonderful place to bring up children.” Mary Williams
A quiet evening on Highland Lake
“My happy childhood memories of life on Highland Lake include remembering the fun Peggy (Margaret Mary Ray) and I had creating the Penny Carnival. Peggy came up with the idea of having a Penny Carnival. We bought a huge assortment of candy, made lemonade and gave 'twister' rides to kids on the swing set, set up games throughout the yard and charged pennies for each food item or game. But the coolest part of it was the putt-putt course. Peggy had come up with the idea of making our entire yard a miniature golf course. She designed the whole course and the progression of each hole. Around several of the pine trees, she would create a track in the mud that would swirl around the base of the tree and then she would scoop out the hole where the ball would fall in. I cannot remember all of the hole designs, but I do remember it was THE COOLEST thing any of the kids had seen and everyone loved playing our course." Georgia M. Avery II
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Brad Peek Windsurfing on Highland Lake 1995 |
Part #6
Highland Lake Property Owners’ Association
“Do what you can with what you have where you can.” Theodore Roosevelt
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The Highland Lake Property Owners Association (HLPOA) may have been in existence as early as 1941. However, the association was not officially chartered as a not-for-profit organization until October 23, 1959.
There are approximately 216 families in the community. Names, addresses and other relevant information for property owners and adopted HLPOA regulations are published in the Highland Lake Resident’s Directory. The HLPOA Board of Directors officer positions include the president, secretary and treasurer and twelve vice presidents who are shore representatives. An annual meeting is held in the spring of each year and a semi-annual meeting is held in the fall. Board meetings are held each month on the third Monday. Highland Lake Ladies Club There was a Highland Lake Ladies Club that began about 1973 and remained in existence for a number of years. Meetings were held once a month. This group held various fund raising projects and events and records show that they participated in the HLPOA Officer’s meetings. |
Brad Peek receiving an award in 1998
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HLPOA Directory circa 1950 Directory courtesy of Bill and Betty Ryan
1998 HLPOA Board Members: Left to right: Past President Brad Peek, Georgia M. Avery II, Harry Kirchhardt, Randy Rubner, Jack Fiore, Leo Riley, Elaine Johnson, Adrienne Fosberg, Bob Gnarro and Mark Rosemeyer.
Parks
There are four parks in the community. Hartnett Park is located on the south shore. The park takes its name from the Hartnett family who donated the property to the association. The Hartnetts’ dedicated the park in memory of Grace Mary Stern. Grace Mary Stern was a family friend and prominent in politics in Chicago, Illinois. The Hartnett family admired her for her generous spirit in reaching out to those in need. The park on the east shore is named Szontag Park. The former owners of the land was the Szontagh family. The park is not owned by the HLPOA. Chic and Downey Parks are located on the west shore of the lake. Sources researched did not reveal information on the naming of the two parks.
Highland Lake Hi-Lites
The newsletter listed below is one of the primary sources of community information. It is thought that it was first issued about June 1975. Volunteers within the community have taken on the responsibility for the design, production and distribution of the newsletter. Over the years, there have been many changes and improvements. The first newsletter was a one-page document. By January 1999, the newsletter had grown to a multi-page publication complete with graphics.
There are four parks in the community. Hartnett Park is located on the south shore. The park takes its name from the Hartnett family who donated the property to the association. The Hartnetts’ dedicated the park in memory of Grace Mary Stern. Grace Mary Stern was a family friend and prominent in politics in Chicago, Illinois. The Hartnett family admired her for her generous spirit in reaching out to those in need. The park on the east shore is named Szontag Park. The former owners of the land was the Szontagh family. The park is not owned by the HLPOA. Chic and Downey Parks are located on the west shore of the lake. Sources researched did not reveal information on the naming of the two parks.
Highland Lake Hi-Lites
The newsletter listed below is one of the primary sources of community information. It is thought that it was first issued about June 1975. Volunteers within the community have taken on the responsibility for the design, production and distribution of the newsletter. Over the years, there have been many changes and improvements. The first newsletter was a one-page document. By January 1999, the newsletter had grown to a multi-page publication complete with graphics.
Highland Lake Hi-Lites Styles Through the Years
Adopt a Highway Program
The HLPOA became a participant in the Adopt a Highway Program in March 1993. The Illinois Department of Transportation sponsors the program. The area adopted is located on Washington Street from Lakeside Drive to Hainesville Road. Volunteers are provided with neon orange vests and garbage bags. There are four clean up dates each year. Dates are posted in the newsletter. After clean-up there is a fellowship gathering.
The HLPOA became a participant in the Adopt a Highway Program in March 1993. The Illinois Department of Transportation sponsors the program. The area adopted is located on Washington Street from Lakeside Drive to Hainesville Road. Volunteers are provided with neon orange vests and garbage bags. There are four clean up dates each year. Dates are posted in the newsletter. After clean-up there is a fellowship gathering.
Residents Bob Gnarro (left) and Hank deGroh (right) working on Adopt-a-Highway clean-up day. August, 1998.
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Adopt-a-Highway Clean up crew at the Fellowship gathering August 30, 1998. Left to right: Bob Gnarro, Brendan Berry, Greg Boidy, Georgia M. Avery II and Hank deGroh.
HLPOA PRESIDENTS Since Charter Dated October 23, 1959
1960 Bill Ryan, Jr., 1961 Bryan Moats, 1962 Paul Wilson, 1963 Paul Wilson, 1964 Arnold Millar, 1965 Ted Kochanski,
1965 Two Year Term Started
1966-67 Robert Kula, 1968-69 John Shay, 1970-71 Earl Maether, 1972-73 Earl Maether, 1974-75 Dick Teasdale, 1976-77 Richard Bardo, 1978-79 Larry Caro, 1980-81 Robert Larson, 1982-83 Ed Surroz, 1984-85 Hank deGroh, 1986-87 Donald Dorsch, 1988-89 Robert Hager, 1990-91 Clyde Cassell, 1992-93 Hank deGroh, 1994-95 Brad Peek, 1996-97 Brad Peek,
1998-99 Georgia M. Avery, II
1965 Two Year Term Started
1966-67 Robert Kula, 1968-69 John Shay, 1970-71 Earl Maether, 1972-73 Earl Maether, 1974-75 Dick Teasdale, 1976-77 Richard Bardo, 1978-79 Larry Caro, 1980-81 Robert Larson, 1982-83 Ed Surroz, 1984-85 Hank deGroh, 1986-87 Donald Dorsch, 1988-89 Robert Hager, 1990-91 Clyde Cassell, 1992-93 Hank deGroh, 1994-95 Brad Peek, 1996-97 Brad Peek,
1998-99 Georgia M. Avery, II
Highland Lake Property Owners’ Association Charter
Copy Of Charter Courtesy Of Harry Kirchhardt
Part #5
Leisure Pursuits
“All summer long the children enjoy the lake – many good swimmers spend hours every day on the raft in deep water. Others prefer to wade and play in the shallow water. We have good fishing. Enjoy sailing and canoeing on this quiet lake." MacFarlane’s Highland Lake Brochure
Highland Lake always has been a source of year-round recreational activities for the residents. In the summer months, swimming, sailing and fishing were part of the summer ritual. Winter months on the lake were spent ice fishing, ice skating, playing ice hockey and in more recent years, snowmobiling.
In the 1930s many of the children learned how to swim in the pool at Artemis Park before swimming in Highland Lake. The park was located on the west side of Hainesville Road, approximately one quarter of a mile north of Washington Street. There was a roller skating rink in the park where residents recalled roller-skating as children. One resident recalled a childhood memory of wearing clamp roller skates when skating at the rink. Another resident remembered as a kid he and his friends spent most of the time in the summer months roller skating and swimming and walking from the roller rink to Maxwell’s soda shop in Grayslake.
Weekend entertainment in the 1930s included watching prizefighter-wrestling matches at the wresting ring. The ring was located on Washington Street just west of Hainesville Road near the site of the current Avon Township Building. One resident recalled selling sandwiches at the wrestling ring made at Peg Behnings Tavern. The tavern was on the north side of Washington Street across from the wrestling ring. Another resident remembers the prizefighters visiting their summer cottage.
In the 1930s many of the children learned how to swim in the pool at Artemis Park before swimming in Highland Lake. The park was located on the west side of Hainesville Road, approximately one quarter of a mile north of Washington Street. There was a roller skating rink in the park where residents recalled roller-skating as children. One resident recalled a childhood memory of wearing clamp roller skates when skating at the rink. Another resident remembered as a kid he and his friends spent most of the time in the summer months roller skating and swimming and walking from the roller rink to Maxwell’s soda shop in Grayslake.
Weekend entertainment in the 1930s included watching prizefighter-wrestling matches at the wresting ring. The ring was located on Washington Street just west of Hainesville Road near the site of the current Avon Township Building. One resident recalled selling sandwiches at the wrestling ring made at Peg Behnings Tavern. The tavern was on the north side of Washington Street across from the wrestling ring. Another resident remembers the prizefighters visiting their summer cottage.
Grayslake Times , May 1, 1930
Another summer evening activity in the 1930s was watching the "Free Movies” showed in Grayslake and Round Lake. The movies were shown on a sheet that was put up on the side of the buildings.
Residents from the 1930s and 1940s reminisced about the enjoyable times spent in the winter months. One resident recalled the day the ice on the lake exploded. It had been quite a severe winter. On one particular cold and clear day, the sun was shining brightly on the lake. There were several children out on the lake ice-skating. The residents thought something was unusual about the lake. Rumbling sounds could be heard coming from the lake. The parents started calling their children in and telling them to hurry and get off the lake. All of a sudden the lake just exploded. The lake was about 15 inches thick with ice and the heat from the sun caused it to expand and explode. Fortunately no one was hurt.
Residents from the 1930s and 1940s reminisced about the enjoyable times spent in the winter months. One resident recalled the day the ice on the lake exploded. It had been quite a severe winter. On one particular cold and clear day, the sun was shining brightly on the lake. There were several children out on the lake ice-skating. The residents thought something was unusual about the lake. Rumbling sounds could be heard coming from the lake. The parents started calling their children in and telling them to hurry and get off the lake. All of a sudden the lake just exploded. The lake was about 15 inches thick with ice and the heat from the sun caused it to expand and explode. Fortunately no one was hurt.
The Story of the Highland Lake Sea Monster
Some residents remembered the story of the Highland Lake Sea Monster that was passed down through the years. The following tale about the monster, author unknown, was discovered among old copies of the Highland Lake Hi-Lites. “Some years ago when the sport of wrestling was in vogue this area was not as well built up as it is now. At that time in the rear of what is now the Park Inn on Rte. 134 in what is now Round Lake Park, there was a small arena that featured wrestling by those who traveled the circuit. Sports writers from various metropolitan newspapers covered these matches. There was another watering hole on Route120 just west of 83 that is no longer in existence. This place was unique in that there was a bookcase full of reference books used to settle arguments of those in their cups. This was the gathering place for the sportsmen and scribes. It was here that one night a reporter for the Chicago Tribune was in his cups and feeling little pain but still able to function to a degree. The discussion, as is wont under these circumstances, rambled over a wide range of subjects. Fishing was one of them and at that season, ice fishing in particular. One individual remarked that he did not have the courage to ice fish on Highland Lake because of the "monster" in the lake. This premise was poo-pooed but he held his ground and claimed the "thumping & booming" of the ice covered lake was caused by the monster.
Highland Lake Sea Monster Article
Many others had heard this noise but had never attributed it to a monster. One thing led to another and the reporter picked it up and filed a story on this and it was published in the Chicago Tribune. This newspaper article actually frightened several Highland Lake residents and they were prepared to move. Subsequent investigations, of course, proved the whole story to be a hoax.”
Children growing up in the 1950s spent some of their summer vacation time building tree houses, picking berries, collecting frogs, turtles and studying nature. One resident’s earliest memory of life on the lake was of helping her grandmother pick wild black raspberries and making pies and jams.
Winter in the 1950s was also a time for outdoor sports. One resident recalled a year that the winter weather was especially dry.
“There was 10-15 foot beach around the lake. The young folks built fires on the sand and by moonlight had ice skating parties. Sometimes it was scary at night when the ice expanded and cracked and made a loud noise.”
Children growing up in the 1950s spent some of their summer vacation time building tree houses, picking berries, collecting frogs, turtles and studying nature. One resident’s earliest memory of life on the lake was of helping her grandmother pick wild black raspberries and making pies and jams.
Winter in the 1950s was also a time for outdoor sports. One resident recalled a year that the winter weather was especially dry.
“There was 10-15 foot beach around the lake. The young folks built fires on the sand and by moonlight had ice skating parties. Sometimes it was scary at night when the ice expanded and cracked and made a loud noise.”
Highland Lake Raft
The earliest recollection of a raft on the lake was about the late 1930s. The raft has undergone changes over the years. At one time it was made up of two wooden platforms placed over fifty gallon drums. When the drums rusted out the raft sank lower in the lake and almost had to be pulled out. In the early 1960s the framework was remade and the drums were replaced with tanks that came from a Chicago boiler company.
The raft is held in place by a heavy anchor. In the summer of 1964 it was reported that the anchor somehow was lost in the lake and never recovered.
For a number of years, resident, Bob Rosemeyer has transported the raft to and from the middle of the lake at the beginning and the end of the summer season. Bob recalled one year the lake level was so low that the raft could not be brought to shore.
The raft is held in place by a heavy anchor. In the summer of 1964 it was reported that the anchor somehow was lost in the lake and never recovered.
For a number of years, resident, Bob Rosemeyer has transported the raft to and from the middle of the lake at the beginning and the end of the summer season. Bob recalled one year the lake level was so low that the raft could not be brought to shore.
Diving from the raft, 1996
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Bob Rosemeyer (standing on raft), with the assistance of two residents, gets the raft ready for the 1998 season.
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Highland Lake’s “Duck”
In the 1960s Highland Lake was the home of the “Duck” a land and sea craft owned by resident, Bill Ryan. The duck was used for weed clean up in the lake and provided family fun during the picnics.
The duck was an amphibious vehicle that traveled on land and in water. It was used in World War II to transport cargo from ships at sea to the destination point on land. “Duck” became the vehicle’s nickname not only because it bobbed around in the water but also because the military designation for the vehicle was DUKW: D-1942 U-amphibian, K-all wheel drive, W-dual real axles
This story is based on an interview with Bill Ryan: It was one evening in the 1960s when Bill and his father were discussing different ways to clean up the lake’s weeds in front of their homes. Quite by accident the Ryans' read in a newspaper about the surplus amphibious vehicle and Bill decided to buy i
When Bill bought it in the 1960s it may have been about fifteen to twenty years old. Described as a seven ton, 31-foot vehicle, the duck was equipped to mount a pair of .50 caliber machine guns. It moved at a top speed of fifty miles an hour on land and approximately six miles an hour in water. It was thought that the duck might have been overseas at one time because some Turkish coins were found in it. The Ryans refinished it, installed seats for the driver and one passenger and attached an old locomotive horn in the front. It was the only motorized watercraft permitted on the lake.
The duck was made ready for the weed-raking job by attaching a farming hay rake to the back of the duck. A device was constructed to raise and lower the rake. As the duck moved across the lake the rake was dragged along the lake’s bottom to clear out the weeds.
It was not long after the duck was brought to the lake that its role expanded into a campaign to keep Highland Lake in tip-top shape. One day when raking the weeds the rake attached itself to something very heavy. The Ryans dragged up a pair of wheels. It is speculated that the wheels may have been disposed of in the lake when the ice house operation ended years ago.
During the summer the duck was used to haul the raft in and out of the lake. The duck was also used when spraying the lake to prevent “swimmer’s itch.”
On the day of the Highland Lake picnic regular chairs were set up on the deck and people would take turns going for the scenic rides around the lake. There is even a story that the "duck" was taken for a ride on the highway and down to the Chain of Lakes. The duck was in service about six years before being sold. As a souvenir, Bill kept the locomotive horn and affixed it to his truck.
The duck was an amphibious vehicle that traveled on land and in water. It was used in World War II to transport cargo from ships at sea to the destination point on land. “Duck” became the vehicle’s nickname not only because it bobbed around in the water but also because the military designation for the vehicle was DUKW: D-1942 U-amphibian, K-all wheel drive, W-dual real axles
This story is based on an interview with Bill Ryan: It was one evening in the 1960s when Bill and his father were discussing different ways to clean up the lake’s weeds in front of their homes. Quite by accident the Ryans' read in a newspaper about the surplus amphibious vehicle and Bill decided to buy i
When Bill bought it in the 1960s it may have been about fifteen to twenty years old. Described as a seven ton, 31-foot vehicle, the duck was equipped to mount a pair of .50 caliber machine guns. It moved at a top speed of fifty miles an hour on land and approximately six miles an hour in water. It was thought that the duck might have been overseas at one time because some Turkish coins were found in it. The Ryans refinished it, installed seats for the driver and one passenger and attached an old locomotive horn in the front. It was the only motorized watercraft permitted on the lake.
The duck was made ready for the weed-raking job by attaching a farming hay rake to the back of the duck. A device was constructed to raise and lower the rake. As the duck moved across the lake the rake was dragged along the lake’s bottom to clear out the weeds.
It was not long after the duck was brought to the lake that its role expanded into a campaign to keep Highland Lake in tip-top shape. One day when raking the weeds the rake attached itself to something very heavy. The Ryans dragged up a pair of wheels. It is speculated that the wheels may have been disposed of in the lake when the ice house operation ended years ago.
During the summer the duck was used to haul the raft in and out of the lake. The duck was also used when spraying the lake to prevent “swimmer’s itch.”
On the day of the Highland Lake picnic regular chairs were set up on the deck and people would take turns going for the scenic rides around the lake. There is even a story that the "duck" was taken for a ride on the highway and down to the Chain of Lakes. The duck was in service about six years before being sold. As a souvenir, Bill kept the locomotive horn and affixed it to his truck.
Bill Ryan’s Duck, 1961 Photographs courtesy of Bill and Betty Ryan. Grayslake Times Article around 1960
Highland Lake around 1933. Photo courtesy of the Lake County Museum, Wauconda, IL.
Sport Fishing
Fishing has been enjoyed throughout the years by many of the residents. In September of 1912, the Grayslake Times reported that two people spent Labor Day fishing for frogs at Taylor Lake. These fishermen or (frogmen) were catching frogs at night by lantern light. Within the span of several hours, they caught 150 frogs. The frogs weighed from one to three pounds. This big catch was identified as the most frogs caught in any of the lakes in the region.
Turtle hunting and searching for crayfish, clams and snails and frogs was a big pastime in the early 1940s for the teenagers on the lake. One resident recalled that as a teenager, he and his friend caught frogs in the lake and sold them to the restaurant on the northwest corner of Washington and Hainesville Roads known as Villa Bianco’s Restaurant.
A resident reminisced about the summer of 1938 when a cloudburst caused Highland Lake to rise 18 inches overnight. Area residents were boating on the streets and spearing large carp with pitchforks as they swam over the road on their way upstream from Round Lake to Highland Lake.
In 1988, the "Highland Lake Bass Busters" was formed to promote fishing and fish conservation on the lake, educate the membership in fishing techniques and create a spirit of friendliness, camaraderie and neighborliness in the community. All residents who paid their association fees were automatically members of the "Bass Busters." The name "Bass Busters" was later changed to "Highland Lake Fishing Club."
The Highland Lake Open was held in June 1988. This event was a catch and release bass tournament with prizes for the largest bass and highest total weight. In July it was the "TAKF-AKAY-CC" tournament (stands for Take a kid fishing and keep all you catch contest). The original flyers for the tournament had the following statement included; "If you don't have a child the coordinator will find one for you." The statement was cut before final publication. Prizes were given for 1) Largest bass; 2) Most bluegill by weight; and 3) Ugliest fish.
During that same year, the Illinois State Department of Conservation measured and counted fish. Findings showed that there was an imbalance in the bluegill population. It was suggested that the lake be stocked with northern pike and walleyes. By this time the game fish spawning was being ruined by the overabundance of carp in the lake. A CarpFest was started to reduce the number of carp in the lake. The fest is held around the Memorial Day weekend. At the 1996 CarpFest, forty entrants caught 87 carp. A tagged carp was put in the lake and there was a $50 bounty on it. As of September of 1996 that carp had not been caught, so fishermen were given until January 1st and after that the prize when down to $25. It is unknown whether or not that tagged fish was caught. The rains during the 1997 CarpFest resulted in the catching of only 60 carp. At the 1998 CarpFest forty-two paid entrants caught 118 carp out of Highland Lake. Fishing was not only enjoyed in the summer months but in the winter months as well. When the lake is frozen over some residents can be seen on the lake ice fishing.
Turtle hunting and searching for crayfish, clams and snails and frogs was a big pastime in the early 1940s for the teenagers on the lake. One resident recalled that as a teenager, he and his friend caught frogs in the lake and sold them to the restaurant on the northwest corner of Washington and Hainesville Roads known as Villa Bianco’s Restaurant.
A resident reminisced about the summer of 1938 when a cloudburst caused Highland Lake to rise 18 inches overnight. Area residents were boating on the streets and spearing large carp with pitchforks as they swam over the road on their way upstream from Round Lake to Highland Lake.
In 1988, the "Highland Lake Bass Busters" was formed to promote fishing and fish conservation on the lake, educate the membership in fishing techniques and create a spirit of friendliness, camaraderie and neighborliness in the community. All residents who paid their association fees were automatically members of the "Bass Busters." The name "Bass Busters" was later changed to "Highland Lake Fishing Club."
The Highland Lake Open was held in June 1988. This event was a catch and release bass tournament with prizes for the largest bass and highest total weight. In July it was the "TAKF-AKAY-CC" tournament (stands for Take a kid fishing and keep all you catch contest). The original flyers for the tournament had the following statement included; "If you don't have a child the coordinator will find one for you." The statement was cut before final publication. Prizes were given for 1) Largest bass; 2) Most bluegill by weight; and 3) Ugliest fish.
During that same year, the Illinois State Department of Conservation measured and counted fish. Findings showed that there was an imbalance in the bluegill population. It was suggested that the lake be stocked with northern pike and walleyes. By this time the game fish spawning was being ruined by the overabundance of carp in the lake. A CarpFest was started to reduce the number of carp in the lake. The fest is held around the Memorial Day weekend. At the 1996 CarpFest, forty entrants caught 87 carp. A tagged carp was put in the lake and there was a $50 bounty on it. As of September of 1996 that carp had not been caught, so fishermen were given until January 1st and after that the prize when down to $25. It is unknown whether or not that tagged fish was caught. The rains during the 1997 CarpFest resulted in the catching of only 60 carp. At the 1998 CarpFest forty-two paid entrants caught 118 carp out of Highland Lake. Fishing was not only enjoyed in the summer months but in the winter months as well. When the lake is frozen over some residents can be seen on the lake ice fishing.
Fish Catches Over The Years
Bob and Lavonna Larson showing a day’s catch around 1995
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Residents at the 1998 CarpFest
Bob Kula,( right) observes Mary Sachse
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A participant showing some carp.
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Danny Williams, (left) and Ron Siggeman, (right) checking the carp.
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Barbara Jolley displaying her carp catch.
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Highland Lake Picnics
For many years the residents gathered for the summer picnic. The picnic of July, 1941 was recalled as memorable. The following story about Highland Lake Picnickers being attacked by “Chiggers” was carried by the Grayslake Times on July 17, 1941: "Many of us are familiar with the old game of ‘button, button, who has the button?’ It wasn't a case of ‘button, button,’ at the picnic at Highland Lake last Sunday, instead it was ‘chiggers, chiggers, I feel a chigger.’ This little insect, which is commonly know as chigger, is designated in most dictionaries as a "chigre", and is defined as a species of flea of the West Indies and South America. But evidently they have wandered quite a way from their native habitat, for there were plenty of them around Highland Lake Sunday, as many of those who attended the picnic can testify. They seem to be more prevalent this year than usual, and really are extremely annoying. It may not be any satisfaction to those who have suffered from this pest, but the dictionary, in commenting on the subject, states that it is the female of the species who burrows under the skin of the victims."
Reminiscing about picnics from the 1960s a resident recalled one of the main events was the canoe-tilting race. “The event was described as slightly brutal but fun and one was most likely going to get wet. At race time two people shared a canoe. One person would paddle and the other person stood in the front part of the canoe and held a stick that had a boxing glove attached on the opposite end. It was the job of person holding the stick with boxing glove to try tilting over any competitors’ canoes.”
Several residents had fond memories of the Venetian Boat parade held at the picnic. Family members secretly decorated their boats and kept them hidden until the day of the picnic. One resident reminisced about their boat entry, described as a covered wagon with a hobbyhorse standing at the bow of the boat. Another resident said that her children were dressed as Vikings, carried shields and wore helmets with horns on them. When the parade began the boats sailed in front of the judges who were seated on the “Duck” in the middle of the lake. After the parade the judges picked the best-decorated boat and awarded the trophy. A resident reminisced about her daughter winning the trophy for the best boat in the parade. Another memorable picnic took place in August, 1965. The following story was reported in the Grayslake Times on August 12, 1965: “The rain we had Sunday may have done lovely things to the lake, and helped the water table in this area. But it certainly didn't help our picnic any. The races and canoe tilting went as scheduled with several blisters appearing after several minutes of frantic rowing to beat someone else. Those indulging in the canoe tilting did not wait for the rain to get soaked; they did it the easy way. A good many people came early when it started to pour. Some took cover under the tarp that was hung to protect the food. Some people ate in their cars, but they all came back at 5 o-clock for distribution of prizes. Bob Gnarro won a shoeshine kit.”
Reminiscing about picnics from the 1960s a resident recalled one of the main events was the canoe-tilting race. “The event was described as slightly brutal but fun and one was most likely going to get wet. At race time two people shared a canoe. One person would paddle and the other person stood in the front part of the canoe and held a stick that had a boxing glove attached on the opposite end. It was the job of person holding the stick with boxing glove to try tilting over any competitors’ canoes.”
Several residents had fond memories of the Venetian Boat parade held at the picnic. Family members secretly decorated their boats and kept them hidden until the day of the picnic. One resident reminisced about their boat entry, described as a covered wagon with a hobbyhorse standing at the bow of the boat. Another resident said that her children were dressed as Vikings, carried shields and wore helmets with horns on them. When the parade began the boats sailed in front of the judges who were seated on the “Duck” in the middle of the lake. After the parade the judges picked the best-decorated boat and awarded the trophy. A resident reminisced about her daughter winning the trophy for the best boat in the parade. Another memorable picnic took place in August, 1965. The following story was reported in the Grayslake Times on August 12, 1965: “The rain we had Sunday may have done lovely things to the lake, and helped the water table in this area. But it certainly didn't help our picnic any. The races and canoe tilting went as scheduled with several blisters appearing after several minutes of frantic rowing to beat someone else. Those indulging in the canoe tilting did not wait for the rain to get soaked; they did it the easy way. A good many people came early when it started to pour. Some took cover under the tarp that was hung to protect the food. Some people ate in their cars, but they all came back at 5 o-clock for distribution of prizes. Bob Gnarro won a shoeshine kit.”
Picnic Day Scenes
A children’s game around 1997
1998 Sailboat Racing
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1998 Paddle boat race |
Avon Players
About 1957 residents who were on the School Board at the Avon School, formed the Avon Players Theater group to raise funds to build an “all purpose room” for the school. The successful theater group raised enough funds for the building project. Many of the residents worked along with the theater group on the construction of the schoolroom.
A number of residents had roles in those plays. Some of the plays performed were “You Can't Take it With You”; “I Remember Mama;” “Death Takes A Holiday;” and “Li'l Abner.” The play, “Bell Book and Candle,” was highly successful and singled out for a for six weeks road trip. The theater group performed for approximately twenty-five years before going “dark.”
A number of residents had roles in those plays. Some of the plays performed were “You Can't Take it With You”; “I Remember Mama;” “Death Takes A Holiday;” and “Li'l Abner.” The play, “Bell Book and Candle,” was highly successful and singled out for a for six weeks road trip. The theater group performed for approximately twenty-five years before going “dark.”
November 1973 Li’l Abner Playbill
Part #4
From Cottages to a Community
“Autumn to winter, winter into spring,
Spring into summer, summer into fall, -
So rolls the changing year, and so we change;
Motion so swift, we know not that we move.”
Dinah Mulcock Craik-Immutable
Spring into summer, summer into fall, -
So rolls the changing year, and so we change;
Motion so swift, we know not that we move.”
Dinah Mulcock Craik-Immutable
Taylor Lake 1910 Postcard
There were summer cottages around the shores of the lake as early as the year 1910. At the beginning of the season visitors to Taylor Lake often arrived by train. When arriving at the train stop they were taken to their lodgings by horse and buggy carriages. A summer visitor staying on the lake in the year 1910 sent a picture postcard of Taylor Lake to her friend. She wrote: “Don’t want to ever go home. This is where I am spending the Fourth. Better come up. I like this country great and I am having one grand time.”
A hotel named the Taylor Lake Hotel most likely was located on the west shore. The hotel’s owner placed the following notice in the Grayslake Times dated September 19, 1912: “It has been reported that during the past summer that I have been conducting a disorderly house on Taylor Lake. This is a rank falsehood and I have three witnesses who declare that they know where the report originated and I will give $100 reward for two more witnesses whose evidence will stand good in court, then I will proceed to prosecute the man who started the report.”
In the past, various landowners contributed to the development of the Highland Lake community; one was Leonard Doolittle, who established Doolittle’s “Taylor’s Lake” Subdivision on the northeast shore of the lake.
More has been written about the development brought about by Charles M. MacFarlane. About April, 1923, MacFarlane changed the name of Taylor Lake to Highland Lake.
A hotel named the Taylor Lake Hotel most likely was located on the west shore. The hotel’s owner placed the following notice in the Grayslake Times dated September 19, 1912: “It has been reported that during the past summer that I have been conducting a disorderly house on Taylor Lake. This is a rank falsehood and I have three witnesses who declare that they know where the report originated and I will give $100 reward for two more witnesses whose evidence will stand good in court, then I will proceed to prosecute the man who started the report.”
In the past, various landowners contributed to the development of the Highland Lake community; one was Leonard Doolittle, who established Doolittle’s “Taylor’s Lake” Subdivision on the northeast shore of the lake.
More has been written about the development brought about by Charles M. MacFarlane. About April, 1923, MacFarlane changed the name of Taylor Lake to Highland Lake.
 Grayslake Times May 20th, 1926
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 Map From 1935 Atlas Of Lake County
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A resident recalled that MacFarlane, who was originally from Scotland, chose Highland for the lake's name to remind him of the highlands of Scotland. Although another story was that Highland Lake acquired its name because it was the highest lake in the area.
By 1922 MacFarlane was making plans for a subdivision on the lake and he had brochures printed advertising lakeside homes. Lots were priced at five hundred fifty dollars and higher for larger lots. As indicated in MacFarlane’s ad of May 1926, lake front lots running out into the lake were priced as low as $1700. The ad stated, “there were no small lots anywhere in the properties.”
Highland Lake was described as having an enviable reputation in this district, for quiet and respectability. The large home sites could only be used for residences-no business of any kind were allowed.
A Typical Deed of Property had the following restrictions included in it:
“No privy or outhouse shall be erected on any lot. No intoxicating liquor of any character shall be manufactured, stored, sold or given away on said premises.”
Over the years residential homes replaced the early summer cottages. A resident recalled living in their family’s summer home on the lake and later building a family home. Another resident reminisced about the transition from living in crowded city of Chicago in 1930 to living in the quiet lakeside community.
In addition to Doolittle’s subdivision there were other sub-divisions established on Highland Lake. On April 13, 1923 Highland Lake Subdivisions North and South were established along the north and west shores. Highland Lake Manor, established on October 19, 1923, was on the south shore.
The house once owned by MacFarlane is on the south shore of the lake. Beside MacFarlane’s house there is a uniquely designed home with a red tile roof which was built in 1923. At one time this home was owned by Robert H. ‘Mickey’ Babcox, Lake County Sheriff. Babcox served Lake County for more than 20 years as coroner and then as Lake County Sheriff. He died on March 18, 1988. In his honor Lake County named its new jail the “Robert H. Babcox Justice Center.”
Another notable house, known as “the mansion,” is on the south shore of the lake. It was built in 1945, in a gothic style, for J. E. Morrison. Morrison was President of the Chicago Poster Advertising Company, one of the largest outdoor advertising plants in America at that time.
MacFarlane’s advertisement of the Highland Lake subdivision included a description of the area listed below.
 Highland Lake Brochure Photo Around 1920
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“If you want an ideal home-site on a beautiful lake where you can enjoy the cool refreshing breezes and indulge in your favorite sport you will want to come to Highland Lake.”
Highland Lake Brochure Photo |
Highland Lake Brochure Photo |
On March 1, 1923 MacFarlane became vice-president, treasurer and director of Wilson & Company. Formerly, a highly valued official of Morris & Company and skilled in financial management, he helped build up many banks connected with the Morris interests. He was active for many years in the financial circles of various cities through the States.
Born in Glasgow Scotland in 1866, he taught school in his hometown and in 1884 came to the United States and Chicago. He began working for Morris & Company about 1899 as a bookkeeper and was gradually promoted. In 1916 he became vice president and treasurer. He was married and had two daughters, Jean and Isabelle. He was primarily interested in his Country Estate (on Highland Lake) where he bred fancy stock.
MacFarlane retired in 1923 from the packing company and spent his time in real estate activities on Highland Lake. He passed away at the age of 87 on August 15, 1953.
Born in Glasgow Scotland in 1866, he taught school in his hometown and in 1884 came to the United States and Chicago. He began working for Morris & Company about 1899 as a bookkeeper and was gradually promoted. In 1916 he became vice president and treasurer. He was married and had two daughters, Jean and Isabelle. He was primarily interested in his Country Estate (on Highland Lake) where he bred fancy stock.
MacFarlane retired in 1923 from the packing company and spent his time in real estate activities on Highland Lake. He passed away at the age of 87 on August 15, 1953.
MacFarlane’s Summer Home on Taylor Lake around 1920
(Postcard courtesy of Bill and Betty Ryan)
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The picture on the left is Taylor Lakes west shore around 1915. The picture on the right is Taylor lake from Green Villa with icehouse in
distance around 1910. The photographs above are courtesy of Charlotte K. Renehan.
distance around 1910. The photographs above are courtesy of Charlotte K. Renehan.
Part #3
The Lake’s Ice Harvesting Operation
“All in a day's work” - English Saying
Ice was a valuable natural resource in the United States. Prior to modern refrigeration, ice harvested from lakes was used to keep foods cold. Small lakes, such as Highland Lake, provided the best ice because the water was not contaminated by drainage.
In 1885 Leonard and Calistra Doolittle owned land on the east end of the lake. On October 5, 1885 Leonard Doolittle sold for one thousand dollars to John and James Griffin and Francis Connolly eight acres of land and water lying at the east end of Taylor Lake to construct a railroad spur to the Wisconsin Central Railroad line. This sale included the right to cut and remove ice from the lake. In December 1886 a large ice house, boarding house, and horse barn were built on the land. Records suggest that the ice operation was originally owned by the Knickerbocker Ice Company but later sold to the Consumer Ice Company.
Ice cutting took place in January and February, usually the coldest months of the year. The following procedure, compiled from various sources, may have been used on Highland Lake: Ice had to be at least ten to sixteen inches thick before it was ready for harvesting. Before anything could be done, it often was necessary to move the snow away. Workers, usually hobos, were hired to harvest the ice.
The first part of the process was to score the ice. This was sometimes done with a wooden rake that had nails on it. The nails were positioned a certain distance apart to conform to the size of an ice block. A horse drawn ice plow was then dragged across the scored areas to cut the ice almost all the way through.
It could be dangerous work and there were some tragedies. One of the more common occurrences was thin ice. The horses pulling their heavy plows sometimes fell through the ice. Workers would rush to tie a rope around the horse's neck and then pull the animal out of the cold water.
Ice was a valuable natural resource in the United States. Prior to modern refrigeration, ice harvested from lakes was used to keep foods cold. Small lakes, such as Highland Lake, provided the best ice because the water was not contaminated by drainage.
In 1885 Leonard and Calistra Doolittle owned land on the east end of the lake. On October 5, 1885 Leonard Doolittle sold for one thousand dollars to John and James Griffin and Francis Connolly eight acres of land and water lying at the east end of Taylor Lake to construct a railroad spur to the Wisconsin Central Railroad line. This sale included the right to cut and remove ice from the lake. In December 1886 a large ice house, boarding house, and horse barn were built on the land. Records suggest that the ice operation was originally owned by the Knickerbocker Ice Company but later sold to the Consumer Ice Company.
Ice cutting took place in January and February, usually the coldest months of the year. The following procedure, compiled from various sources, may have been used on Highland Lake: Ice had to be at least ten to sixteen inches thick before it was ready for harvesting. Before anything could be done, it often was necessary to move the snow away. Workers, usually hobos, were hired to harvest the ice.
The first part of the process was to score the ice. This was sometimes done with a wooden rake that had nails on it. The nails were positioned a certain distance apart to conform to the size of an ice block. A horse drawn ice plow was then dragged across the scored areas to cut the ice almost all the way through.
It could be dangerous work and there were some tragedies. One of the more common occurrences was thin ice. The horses pulling their heavy plows sometimes fell through the ice. Workers would rush to tie a rope around the horse's neck and then pull the animal out of the cold water.
After the ice cutting was completed the workers created a channel for the ice. Once the channel was made, every block would float down the channel. The operation of moving the ice was known as "live ice" and when the blocks would come to a stop that was called "dead ice."
The ice house or ice barn that the ice was stored in had a narrow wooden ramp from the end of the lake to the ice house doors. A pulley would drag up the ice on the ramp. The ice house had layers of sawdust or straw, which was used to cover the ice.
When it was time to transport the ice it was loaded on to railroad cars and shipped to the meat packing companies. Ice harvesting operations were discontinued after the invention of mechanical refrigeration in 1913.
The lake’s ice operation was in production from about 1898 to approximately 1914. The buildings remained vacant for the next six years. On September 2, 1920 the Consumer Ice Company sold the land to Charles M. MacFarlane. Another party bought the ice house and boarding house, which were torn down shortly thereafter.
The ice house or ice barn that the ice was stored in had a narrow wooden ramp from the end of the lake to the ice house doors. A pulley would drag up the ice on the ramp. The ice house had layers of sawdust or straw, which was used to cover the ice.
When it was time to transport the ice it was loaded on to railroad cars and shipped to the meat packing companies. Ice harvesting operations were discontinued after the invention of mechanical refrigeration in 1913.
The lake’s ice operation was in production from about 1898 to approximately 1914. The buildings remained vacant for the next six years. On September 2, 1920 the Consumer Ice Company sold the land to Charles M. MacFarlane. Another party bought the ice house and boarding house, which were torn down shortly thereafter.
Taylor’s Lake Ice House Around 1898. Photo Courtesy of Charlotte K. Renehan
Taylor Lake Ice House Workers Around 1898 Photo Courtesy of the Grayslake Historical Society
Part # 2
Early Settlement of Highland Lake
“Peace and rest at length have come, All the day's long toil is past; And each heart is whispering‘home, home at last!’" Hood - Home at Last
After the Native Americans and the United States signed the treaty in 1833 arrangements were made to survey the land. The survey work for Avon Township was finalized December 8, 1840. It shows that the land at that time was covered with vast areas of prairie and timber.
Prior to the survey, building a house, putting up a fence around the land or marking the land with cut-down trees provided temporary evidence of land claimed. This procedure conferred pre-emption or “squatters rights” for settlers who later wanted to file claims for the surveyed land.
Elijah Haines wrote in his book, Portrait and Biographical Album of Lake County, Illinois, that a man named Taylor might have been the first settler in Avon Town-ship. Haines indicated that Taylor Lake took its name from that gentleman who settled on the land in 1835.
Taylor’s claim of land where he built his log house was on the north side of the lake. Haines mentioned that Taylor held the land un-til 1837 when it was turned over to Leonard Gage.
Early Settlement of Highland Lake
“Peace and rest at length have come, All the day's long toil is past; And each heart is whispering‘home, home at last!’" Hood - Home at Last
After the Native Americans and the United States signed the treaty in 1833 arrangements were made to survey the land. The survey work for Avon Township was finalized December 8, 1840. It shows that the land at that time was covered with vast areas of prairie and timber.
Prior to the survey, building a house, putting up a fence around the land or marking the land with cut-down trees provided temporary evidence of land claimed. This procedure conferred pre-emption or “squatters rights” for settlers who later wanted to file claims for the surveyed land.
Elijah Haines wrote in his book, Portrait and Biographical Album of Lake County, Illinois, that a man named Taylor might have been the first settler in Avon Town-ship. Haines indicated that Taylor Lake took its name from that gentleman who settled on the land in 1835.
Taylor’s claim of land where he built his log house was on the north side of the lake. Haines mentioned that Taylor held the land un-til 1837 when it was turned over to Leonard Gage.
Other Early Settlers
Haines’ narrative suggests that Leonard Gage continued to re-side on the premises once occupied by Taylor. On April 21, 1857 Gages’ claim, filed with the Gen-eral Land Office, reflects his purchase of land in Avon Township. The land purchased included land on Taylor Lake. Gage kept the land until approximately 1861. He died on January 20, 1880.
Maps from 1847 reflect that Joseph and Charles Litwiler owned land on Taylor Lake. The Litwiler farm encompassed the northwest and west shores of the lake. One resident thought that the entrance to the Litwiler farm was on west shores of the lake (Hainesville Road) and the stone pillars that stand there today marked the farm’s entrance.
On the Litwiler farm, near the banks of Taylor Lake, there was a blacksmith and wagon shop, which was run by Charles Litwiler. Other landowners between 1907 and 1915 include Christina Okoniewski, Cassius Doolittle, and J. W. Thompson.
Leonard Doolittle owned land on the lake beginning in the late 1800s. In 1885, a portion of Doolittle's property became important in the Taylor Lake history as small lakes were being sought out for ice harvesting operations. Doolittle died in a fire that destroyed his farmhouse in January, 1886. He left a widow, four sons and three daughters. On June 11, 1906 the Doolittle “Taylor’s Lake” subdivision was established on the northeast corner of the lake.
Maps from 1847 reflect that Joseph and Charles Litwiler owned land on Taylor Lake. The Litwiler farm encompassed the northwest and west shores of the lake. One resident thought that the entrance to the Litwiler farm was on west shores of the lake (Hainesville Road) and the stone pillars that stand there today marked the farm’s entrance.
On the Litwiler farm, near the banks of Taylor Lake, there was a blacksmith and wagon shop, which was run by Charles Litwiler. Other landowners between 1907 and 1915 include Christina Okoniewski, Cassius Doolittle, and J. W. Thompson.
Leonard Doolittle owned land on the lake beginning in the late 1800s. In 1885, a portion of Doolittle's property became important in the Taylor Lake history as small lakes were being sought out for ice harvesting operations. Doolittle died in a fire that destroyed his farmhouse in January, 1886. He left a widow, four sons and three daughters. On June 11, 1906 the Doolittle “Taylor’s Lake” subdivision was established on the northeast corner of the lake.
Surrounding Communities
The Highland Lake Community is surrounded by some of the earliest populated towns in Lake County. Hainesville is to the south. It was incorporated in 1847 and is the county’s oldest incorporated village. The town is named after Elijah Haines. Haines came with his family to the area as a child in 1836. As an adult he became a lawyer and legislator. His contributions to Lake County include surveys of the area and historical books.
AVON TOWNSHIP Township 45 North, Range 10 East 1903 Map
The village of Grayslake lies to
the south and southeast of Highland
Lake. This
town was established in 1895 and takes its name from a William Gray who settled
near a lake in that area.
The village of Round Lake was incorporated on December 14, 1908. It is west of Highland Lake. Round Lake Beach, located north of Highland Lake, was incorporated in 1936. For a time the village was to select a name other than Round Lake Beach because there already was a Round Lake in Illinois. After a time, the village got its requested name.
The village of Round Lake Park is located southwest. It was incorporated in 1947. Many summer homes were in the area and became year-round residences sometime after 1947.
The village of Round Lake was incorporated on December 14, 1908. It is west of Highland Lake. Round Lake Beach, located north of Highland Lake, was incorporated in 1936. For a time the village was to select a name other than Round Lake Beach because there already was a Round Lake in Illinois. After a time, the village got its requested name.
The village of Round Lake Park is located southwest. It was incorporated in 1947. Many summer homes were in the area and became year-round residences sometime after 1947.
1977 Map of Highland Lake and Surrounding Communities
