The Lake Forest Club - Chicago's North Shore Premiere Private Bath and Tennis Club

History of the Lake Forest Club

A Brief History

In May of 1958, thirty founding families of the (soon to be) Lake Forest Club bought the house and 3 acres at 480 West Deerpath belonging to Frederick Toohey. The property adjoined the Deerpath Golf Course. The founders' purpose of the purchase was, as quoted from the May 25, 1958 Chicago Sun-Time: "Husbands will be able to drop wives and children at the club on their way to a golf game, thereby minimizing complaints of weekend golf widows". The founding members original aim of organizing the club was to provide good recreation for approximately 250 families of the community; this goal has been met and maintained. Follow this link to read about the proposed plan for the Lake Forest Club. Download (in PDF form)

The Lake Forest City Commissioners granted a special ordinance in May 1959 for the club's construction. One bathhouse, two tennis courts (#3 & 4), and three pools were built in 1960. Follow the link to see the construction. Download (in PDF form) A grand opening celebration was scheduled for July 9th; it was held July 30, 1960. With balloons and banners flying, Mayer George Beach and Club President, John Forester, shook hands; the Mayor cut the ribbons when the pools were filled with water and happy swimmers. Mrs. Jean Buckowich was the director of the Day Camp's first season in 1960. Intiation Fees were $500, and monthly dues were $15. Follow this link to see proposed drawings of the Lake Forest Club from 1959 Download (in PDF form)

During the following summer of 1961, four more tennis courts were constructed and the grounds were landscaped. The deck was built in preparation for the eventual clubhouse. The club members (about 175 in number) had annual Easter parties for the children at Bruce Tweed's home on Glenwood Road, later at the home of Myron and Joan May. Follow this link for an Easter Egg Hunt Download (in PDF form) They had flapper parties, Download (in PDF form) Christmas parties Download (in PDF form) and other social functions at local restaurants in Waukegan and Highland Park before the circular center of club social events was contructed.

On June 10, 1963, thirty-three parents of the Deer Path Junior High School graduates entertained the entire 8th grade, 183 graduates, at the club for an afternoon of swimming, tennis, badminton, baseball and a picnic supper. This party was a tradition of the graduates for many years. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the proposed clubhouse were held Saturday, October 10 of that year. Mayor Michael Cudahy, Club President Van Gathany, V.P. Carl Behr, builder John Kittermaster, Architect (and member) Paul McCurry were at the scene of the shovel ceremony. To see a picture of this event Download (in PDF form)

1964 was the year of the Clubhouse. A cocktail party on May 30, 1964, christened the new clubhouse. The dixieland band of "Rags Ragland" played at the gala opening. According to the Lake Forester, the membership was rapidly approaching the limit of 300 at this time. By the late 60's, there were 8 Har-Tru courts. In 1969, the club was selected as a distinguished building in the greater Chicago area by a jury of the Chicago A.I.A. and the Commerce Association for the high quality of its architectural design and construction. (McCurry's first model made in 1959 for the planning commission had a regular rectangular design.) Two platform tennis courts were erected in 1972. Also the clubhouse was air-conditioned that year. The winter of 1977 saw an air inflated structure ("bubble") over two tennis courts. However, tennis moved indoors witht contruction of the Lake Bluff Racquet Club.

The summer of 1978 brought four more tennis courts, making the present total of twelve tennis courts. Building continued at the Lake Forest Club; but inflation was continuing at a faster rate. Inflation was the inspiration for the members themselves to build the warming house (fondly known as the Paddle Hut) during December 1977 and January 1978. With the help donated the hut cost 1/20th of the clubhouse. Meantime, more construction was going on around the club.

In the late 1980's, the clubhouse and pools were updated and remodeled; a third platform tennis court and tennis shelter were added. Most recently, a fourth platform tennis court, and a state-of-the-art playground have been added. In 1995, The Lake Forest Club began a multi-year captial improvement project which included a major clubhouse expansion and bathhouse renovation. Additionally in 1997 and 1998 the tennis courts were rebuilt and lights put on four courts for evening play. The founding member's foresight and hard work have been very beneficial to everyone who has utilized the club's facilities. Changes have been made over the past twenty years, yet the purpose of the Lake Forest Club has been the same; providing recreation for the families of the town. This brief history is as accurate as the memories of its members. There were many conflicting dates given; the dates were added, then checked with the old newspaper clippings. (No one is to be held accountable.)