Wilmette Historical Museum Hosts Walking Tour: "No Man's Land" at Plaza del Lago on Sun., Sept. 25

What is now the vibrant shopping center of Plaza del Lago was once a 22-acre unincorporated plot of land marked by lawlessness and unwanted by the neighboring towns of Wilmette, Kenilworth, Evanston and Winnetka. Join community members as the Wilmette Historical Museum leads a walking tour of what was once known as “No Man’s Land,” where you will be introduced first-hand to the historical events that shaped the area.

“This area has so much history – sometimes it is nice to just take a moment from our lives and look into the past, especially when it’s as exciting as this,” said Joseph Moss, owner of Plaza del Lago. “I think the community will be interested in what they learn, how this area was once a raucous place – a hangout for passing college students looking to engage in debauchery – and now it has blossomed into this gorgeous landscape in a prime location.”

Participants will be led to four different stations, each one staffed with a docent from the Wilmette Historical Museum telling the historical significance of that spot and offering unique facts, intriguing tidbits and fascinating stories.

Two complimentary tours will be held Sunday, September 25, 2011, rain or shine.  The first tour will leave Plaza del Lago, 1515 Sheridan Rd., at 1 p.m. with the second departing at 2 p.m.

“No Man’s Land is rich with history,” said Kathy Hussey, executive director of the Wilmette Historical Museum. “Because none of the nearby towns wanted to annex the area, many problems erupted where they shouldn’t have, such as the fire at the Miralago, the North Shore’s first ballroom. This great hall hosted illegal gambling, drinking, and Jazz musicians from Chicago speakeasy clubs, safe from prohibition laws, as it was not under the jurisdiction of any of the nearby towns. When it caught on fire, the Kenilworth police shut off the water, and the Wilmette, Winnetka and Evanston fire departments refuse to fight the fire. The fire, which could have been extinguished, burned the building to the ground. On this walking tour you will learn many fascinating stories similar to this one.”

Light refreshments will be served as part of the tour experience, and afterwards participants will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of author Robert Shea’s book, “From No Man’s Land to Plaza del Lago,” detailing the site’s history and including many pictures of the area’s past.

Because this tour is free to the public, the limited spots will fill up fast. Participants must reserve their spot, either by calling the Wilmette Historical Museum at (847) 853-7666 or emailing museum@wilmette.com.