100th Anniversary of Round Lake is NOW!

Did you know the village Board meeting on Monday has a historic significance? Exactly 100 years ago on Jan 7th was the first election for Village officals of the newly formed (records indicate Round Lake was accepted by the state of Illinois on December 8, 1908) Village of Round Lake. Only 29 votes were cast, unanimously electing Amarias White as our first Mayor. Here we are, with numerous (13) Mayors and 100 years later as a thriving vibrant community.

Many people take history for granted. Elections come and go, as do celebrities, fads and fashions. Somewhere along the timeline something significant occurs. Sometimes a major inpact is immediately recognized for it's significance such as the first automobile rolling off the assembly line. Often, the significance takes a while to be recognized, like the establishment of a Village that endures 100 years.

While working with the Committe for the Centennial Celebration, it was important to do research in order to know the history of Round Lake get an understanding of the past and a glimpse into the bright future ahead for the Village.

I would like to encourage all 16,000+ Round Lake residents to check the website for activities and events celebrating the Round Lake Centennial. Our kick-off event will be an Ice House Festival on Saturday, February 23rd from 1 - 4pm. This will be an outdoor event in honor of the Armour Ice House that figures so prominently in the Round Lake history. No reenactments of the Ice House burning to the ground - but lots of fun!

We will have a Story-teller to tell the history of Round Lake, games (for all ages), on site Ice Sculpting, hot chocolate & cookies. Notices will be going out to the newspapers shortly and we are constantly updating the webpage. Anyone wishing to lend a hand and get involved in something greater than sliced bread - please can reach us at 100th@eroundlake.com or link through the Round Lake website under events - Centennial.