tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698674352470153088.post2367333273874276991..comments2024-03-28T16:36:10.544-05:00Comments on The Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™ : Fort Sheridan Amusement Park in Highwood, Illinois (1898-1908)Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10605531495401356831noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698674352470153088.post-35888609000534273632020-05-18T14:06:06.649-05:002020-05-18T14:06:06.649-05:00Ravinia Amusement Park wasn't open until 1904,...Ravinia Amusement Park wasn't open until 1904, 6 years after Fort Sheridan Amusement Park opened in 1898. So I can't be sure of the rest of your comments accuracy. Please provide your sources.Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10605531495401356831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2698674352470153088.post-47520036843494292682020-05-17T09:21:04.074-05:002020-05-17T09:21:04.074-05:00This Amusement park was first to be located in Rav...This Amusement park was first to be located in Ravinia. The Village of Fort Sheridan's President/Mayor Hogan was a dealmaker and real estate Speculator got it relocated to his town, now Highwood. The park was the 7 acre Smith property, probably a farm. They enlarged the Smith house into a boarding house for the workers and the bands. A chef from Exmoor C.C. prepared food for the public from house too. The train stop was probably Washington ave, the park had 400' frontage on Waukegan rd, now Sheridan rd. They also provide a large area outside the wooden fence to tie up horses and wagons. There was attendants to take care of the bikes for thoses cycling to the park. Going on Picnic was a popular activity at the time. The Park provided 1000 chairs along with benches, tables and hammocks. There were large washroom facilities. The Pavilion was 48'x120' with a hard maple wood dance floor. A separate band stand was on the northside. The Park served wine and beer, but promised to be Family oriented venue or they would close. The Park became a Public nuisance and was closed due to heavy drinking and fighting. The Park later burnt down. These facts are from local newspapers,Insurance co. Fire maps and State of Illinois investigations on Fort Sheridan soldier's heavy drinking and gambling in Highwood. At the Time there was an area efforts to force Highwood to become "Dry" and end Gambling.menopassini@gmail.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14235657034340993643noreply@blogger.com