Special thanks to the Libertyville Historical Society for their help obtaining archive pictures of Libertyville. 

The Village of Libertyville was established under various names throughout the mid 1800s including Vardin’s Grove, Independence Grove, Burlington, and then finally Libertyville. As more people settled, new commerce emerged, the area changed, and the village was renamed to its current name in 1841. This community has been the backdrop for bustling business, a home to nationally known celebrities and politicians and holds deep roots for Illinois history. Here is a selection of photos from the Libertyville Historical Society dating back to as far as 1890 and what those locations look like today.

Ansel B. Cook home, circa 1890. 

In 1919, the home was donated to the Village of Libertyville to be used as a library for educational purposes. Today, it’s listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Even though its front facade looks different after alterations in the 1920s, it is now curated by Libertyville Historical Society and connects to the Cook Memorial Public Library. Its steps were once the site of John F. Kennedy’s campaign stump for President in the early 1960s.

The former Libertyville Town Hall circa the early 1900s.

It was built in 1894 and served as the local meeting place for Libertyville township. Besides local governance, it hosted events ranging from political conventions, lectures, to entertainment activities. Today, it serves as the meeting place for the American Legion Post 329 who’s met here since 1925.

The former Lake County National Bank circa 1923.

It was built in the 1920s with state of the art anti-burglary safe and banking equipment; however, during the Great Depression in 1933, it merged with a second bank in downtown Libertyville, The First National Bank of Libertyville. Today, it houses the Libertyville Bank and Trust Building with its outer shell keeping the familiar facade.

Petranek’s Drug Store across from Cook Park circa 1957.

The site dates back to 1956 after a fire destroyed the original building in 1954. The name was changed to  Petranek’s Pharmacy in 1950 after the new owner, Louis Petranek, a native of Kankakee, Illinois, took over. Today, it’s still home to a working pharmacy serving the local Libertyville community.

The Liberty Theatre circa 1938, a bustling attraction just one year after its construction in 1937.

At the time of its creation, it held 700 seats with state-of-the-art air conditioning and projection technology. It was once the employer to award-winning actor Marlon Brando, known for roles in “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now”. Since its closing in early 2020, it has sat vacant. But the Village of Libertyville has recently heard proposals for potential redevelopment.

The New Castle Hotel, circa the mid 1970s, was established in 1903.

Each one was a first-class experience and became a popular stop for many travelers coming through Libertyville. Its chiseled hotel sign is still engrained on its site but today it’s home to various apartments. The Proctor Building and New Castle Hotel have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1998.

Libertyville Hotel and Cafe, circa 1915. 

Opened in 1897, it included dining and lodging for visitors from around the area; however, in the 1920s, it was divided into retail on its first floor and apartments on its upper floor. An auto repair shop, a bank and real estate group and an ice cream parlor all took the space at one time. Today, it’s home to Conscious Cup, which opened in 2020, serving various coffees and sandwiches.

F.W. Woolworth Company, circa 1956.

It opened in 1935 and it was located within the Proctor Building, which dates back to 1903. It was built after the  Libertyvile Fire in 1895. Throughout the mid 1900s, it was a merchandise store and one of the largest retail chains while it was in its prime. Many other retail sites shared this space alongside Woolworth such as Jewel Osco, A&P Company and Ruttkay Jewelers. The Woolworth Building closed in the late 1970s giving way to new retail spots. Today it’s home to Celine Jewelers and the Runner’s Edge. It’s under the same National Register of Historic Places as the New Castle Hotel since 1998.

*This story has been edited since it’s publication date*