The Village hosted “Remembering Lake Barrington” in May 2006. This event brought residents together to share stories and memories of the early days of this village and area. The community was able to meet with relatives of past residents who helped shape the area. The following was provided on a scroll to people who attended the event.
LAKE BARRINGTON
A PASSIONATE PAST THAT GAVE ITS COMMUNITY A SECURE FUTURE
Lake Barrington has a relatively short history in terms of length of existence; however, as a municipality, it has a lengthy relationship with its residents and their involvement with Village developments. The properties that now fall within Lake Barrington municipal boundaries have a part of being owned by some interesting and colorful people.
Before World War I, a large portion of land that makes up part of Lake Barrington today was owned by the Criswells who were in the confectionery business. The Criswells owned approximately 600 acres including the 100-acre lake that is now part of Lake Barrington Shores. The property was used as a farm for crops, grazing for cattle and sheep, and a portion of it was left wooded. Generally, most of the land owners at that time were “Gentlemen Farmers.”
From what little we know about the Criswells, it seemed they were convinced that the end of the World War II would affect the economy in the North. This fueled their decision to liquidate their holdings.
This semi-rural area, later to become Lake Barrington, was far enough from the big city to escape development for decades, but was about to become a new frontier for residential builders at the advent of the end World War II.
The Criswell land was marketed in 1946 at a price of $500.00 per acre. Robert Bartlett, who was in the land business, saw this parcel as a tempting buy. Bartlett, in purchasing this land, became a major influence on the history of this area.
Robert Bartlett and older brother Frederick grew up on a large farm in Big Springs Texas. The brothers left farming to come to Chicago to work, in the early 1900’s. Robert found a job at the Chicago Title and Trust Company, while older brother Frederick started a real estate business on the South side of Chicago. Together they would eventually form the Frederick Bartlett Realty Company. After World War I, this company would prove to be one of the larger development companies in the Midwest.
In 1933 Robert Bartlett broke away from the partnership with his brother and renamed the company Robert Bartlett Realty Company. With great success Bartlett was instrumental in organizing and development projects throughout Lake, Cook, DuPage, and McHenry Counties. In 1946, he purchased the Criswells Estate.
The Bartlett properties would become Lake Barrington Shores in later years. Robert kept the original farm manager Leroy Miller to supervise the property and manage the land. It has been said that the Bartlett properties are responsible for bringing the deer population back to these parts. Deer were raised on the land and exchanged with neighboring villages for breeding and were also given to the surrounding park districts. Along with the deer, the Bartlett properties raised Black Angus as well as sheep and became a haven for wild ducks.
In early 1956, the idea of the incorporation of Lake Barrington, Barrington, North Barrington, Biltmore, Tower Lakes, and Timber Lakes was initiated. All were concerned with the growth potential of the area. New zoning was in the works for Cuba Township. One of the main changes the residents would introduce would be to keep the homes on a minimum of 5-acre home sites. In 1956, five acres was considered a very large piece of property in proportion to the size of the average home. The original County zoning was one-half acre sites.
Local farmers, Ray Tucker, Jurgan Hubschman, and Robert Bartlett joined forces and hired a law firm to protest the proposed 5-acre zoning. The new zoning proposal would depreciate the farmers’ land values and limit any future plans of development. The dispute was on…only to end with the new zoning being passed. The farmers were outraged and would not let this be the final card played.
The Villages surrounding the Tucker, Hubschman, and Bartlett land holdings were beginning to annex properties into their villages. Bartlett learned that a plan was in effect to incorporate a portion of North Barrington, including Biltmore. If this were allowed to be accomplished, current county zoning status would be severely jeopardized. Tucker, Hubschman, and Bartlett would now be able to turn the tables; they decided to incorporate into Lake Barrington! Time was running out and many strict requirements had to be met…the race was on! The final determination on the incorporation of the Village of Lake Barrington through a referendum was accomplished on October 31, 1959. Coincidentally, the Village of North Barrington was incorporated on the same day, labeling them as the “Twin Villages” sharing a common boundary.
The first Village elections for Lake Barrington were held Saturday, November 21, 1959 at the home of James McGraw. At that time the town meetings were held at the elected Village President’s home Jorgen Hubschman. For the time being, Lake Barrington would continue to enjoy its calm country lifestyle.
During the early 1960’s the Village went about annexing important properties like the McGraw and Carlson parcels. In 1964, an industrial center was annexed into the Village, and Bartlett, Tucker, and Nelson were appointed to oversee the project.
May 7, 1967 was the beginning of events leading to the second of the famous “zoning wars.” On this day, Robert Bartlett died leaving his estate to his children. Prior to Bartlett’s death, there had been talk of developing Lake Barrington Shores, but Robert was not eager to pursue the proposal due to his failing health. His death led to the sale of his properties resulting in the development of Lake Barrington Shores as we know it today.
Bartlett’s dedication to farming wasn’t shared by his family. The current Lake Barrington Shores property, owned by the family, did not have to go on the open market to be sold. The sale of the properties owned by the Bartlett heirs occurred in 1971 when the J.S. James Co. signed a contract to purchase the land. The surrounding residential area and lush rolling hills had been a topic of discussion for many possible contenders, but, in the end, the James Co. and Standard Oil of Indiana would be victorious.
The Barrington Area Council of Governments, BACOG, knowing that the property would ultimately change the population density began actively seeking a way to stop the James Company’s proposal to build. They would try to keep the area unchanged by seeking help form the Lake County Forest Preserve District, which failed. Community groups would rally to petition every option to halt the “apartment complex” atmosphere they thought this project would bring to the area. In the end, a compromise would be found and the three-year debate would fade with Lake Barrington accepting the Lake Barrington Shores Development as part of their Village.
The years to follow would be filled with less heated disputes. Donations from grateful residents and land developers would build a financially sound base for the community. The former Village Hall building and 8.5 acres were donated by Emil and Mytrle Weinecke in 1983 and served as corporate offices for many years. The result of careful planning, wise investments and the sale of the many assets the Village accumulated through the years would leave a legacy that completely funded the building of the new Village Hall.
The residents of Lake Barrington have played an important part in the overall success of their Village. They and the officers they elected have made it their duty to secure the future growth of their community. The new Village Hall is a monument to the determination and integrity of the people who put their hopes and desires into keeping this area as beautiful and special as it is today.
Our thanks and gratitude to the past Officials and our hopes for the present Officials who will continue to make Lake Barrington a wonderful place to live.
