Since the 100th anniversary of the founding of the United States, we have enthusiastically celebrated centennial milestones in uniquely Lake Bluff style, beginning with the 1876 Centennial.

The Lake Bluff Camp Meeting Association summer resort had just opened for its first season, after purchasing 100 acres along the lakefront the year before. Illinois Governor John L. Beveridge had been persuaded by several influential camp meeting investors to attend the special centennial celebration in July of 1876.

To showcase the planned grand parade, a boulevard street was laid out through the center of the camp meeting grounds. It was called Centenary Avenue—today known as Center Avenue—forever memorializing the historic occasion.

To honor the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976, events were planned by the park and school districts, along with several social clubs. Our well-known Gazebo, which sits on the Village Green, was built with donated funds from the community.

For the 100th birthday of the incorporation of the Village of Lake Bluff in 1995, residents again contributed in meaningful ways. Funds were donated to replace the hose tower on the historic Village Hall, which had been removed in 1934 due to deterioration.

A community photo, open to all residents, was taken to mark the occasion. The American Legion sponsored a three-day carnival in Artesian Park, and a huge birthday cake was donated by the Sara Lee Corporation.

In 2020, Lake Bluff’s Quasquicentennial (125 years) was celebrated with several events. These included “Dogs on the Bluff,” an extended 4th of July parade, and a new public garden donated by the Lake Bluff Garden Club.

The Lake Bluff History Museum published a pictorial book covering the past 125 years. A community-wide “Birthday Bash” was also held at Blair Park.

2026 brings us the 250th birthday of our nation—the Semiquincentennial—which we will celebrate as “USA250-Lake Bluff Style.” Planning is already well underway, with participation from our local government entities, the Lake Bluff History Museum, the Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade Committee, the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce, and several other community organizations.

We are grateful to ELCO Mutual Life & Annuity of Lake Bluff, which has committed to be the overall financial sponsor of USA250-Lake Bluff Style.
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(Photographs courtesy of the Lake Bluff History Museum)