Lombard Illinois
If you are a resident of Lombard Illinois, consider yourself lucky. This is one of the most garden-rich areas in the state, with a heritage of farming, industry, and commerce.
Dupage River
As with any other civilization, Lombard sprang to life along a waterway. The banks of the Dupage River became home to Babcock’s Grove, founded by the brothers Ralph and Morgan Babcock, who settled in a grove of trees. The incredibly fertile soil and ready water source made the area a favorite of farmers, and the rich timber stores and stagecoach link to Chicago didn’t hurt, either.
The Railroad
The railroad came to Babcock’s Grove in 1849, and the place really started getting busy. The stagecoach went out of business rather quickly, because the farmers started shipping their goods via railroad to Chicago. It didn’t take long for Babcock’s Grove to build their own post office, hotel, and general store.
Lombard
A Chicago banker, Josiah Lombard, bought a little over 200 acres east of Babcock’s Grove. He and several other businessmen incorporated the town of Lombard in 1869. The character of the town was established at this early date, with beautiful Victorian style homes built along Main Street. One of these homes is now a museum, and is maintained in the Victorian style. The Maple Street Chapel was built during this time, as well, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Temperance
There is never a lack of disagreement, even with the youngest of towns, and Lombard was not immune. The locals preferred their town to be dry, while the heavy traffic of commuters to, from, and through Lombard demanded liquor-by-the-drink. That had their way for years with the many saloons in Lombard, but eventually temperance won out, and the saloons were closed in 1911.
The Plum Garden
The face of Lombard was still geared toward beauty and style. William Plum retired to Lombard from his Chicago law practice. His love of lilacs grew, and over a period of about 20 years he built his garden into a showcase for over 200 varieties of this flowering shrub. He and his wife donated their home to the city in 1927. The town turned their garden into a park, and their house into a public library. Two years later, the first Lilac Festival was held, establishing a tradition that continues to this day.
Further Growth
It was during the 1920s that Lombard continued to grow. Soon, they had over 1000 residents, and built a high school. They also started paving roads – a real status symbol in those days. The Lombard park District continued to work its magic, including improvements to Lilcia, Plum’s lilac gardens.
Post World War II, Lombard began a boom that continued until 2000. New homes and shopping centers were added continuously until 1970, when the Yorkbrook Industrial Park and the Clearing Industrial District were built. This took Lombard out of the strictly residential realm, into the industrial realm, as well.
Lombard Illinois Today
Today, Lombard Illinois has a very low crime rate. With a population of nearly 45,000, this town is big enough to be interesting, without the troubles of big city life. The cost of living in Lombard is a little bit above average for the country, but look what you get for the money! Beauty, safety, and a river with all of the water activities you could want. Residents there love the school system and the Mid-West values.
With the great restaurants, river attractions, and family atmosphere, Lombard Illinois is one of our top places to live in the United States.