A Grayslake Poem

So I was doing some research on our new town's history and found this little ditty...hmmm.... My favorite line?
"Electric Lights and things to mate".... Good to know...

A little town in the County of Lake
In Illinois, the Grand Old State,
No one, I am sure can make a mistake
If they buy a home out in Grayslake.

From Chicago in just one hour,
Out amidst the shady bower,
The St. Paul trains will you there take
To this village on the lake.

There you get the gentle breeze,
Wafted through the forest trees
Tidy homes you there will find,
People of the finest kind.

A quiet place where you can rest,
Their stores are of the very best,
Also there is a lively school,
Where they teach the golden rule.

Everything is up to date,
Electric lights and things to mate
Surrounded by lakes and fields so fair,
Better go and locate there.

Churches too, where you can go
And sing the hymns both fast and slow
And learn the ways of truth and right
Which will make your home so bright.

Now I think I have said enough,
All wise men are up to snuff,
The truth of this, my little rhyme,
Is out upon the Saint Paul Line.

—Adolphus Chard, Chicago, Illinois

Poem published in the Grayslake Times in 1911. Adolphus was considered a teamster poet. He was the brother of Fred Chard, former constable of Grayslake, and uncle of Warren Chard, former Mayor of Grayslake.

Information for this page courtesy of the Grayslake Historical Society.