Historic Bus Tour

On Saturday, September 20, 2024, long standing member of the Waukegan Historical Society and experienced realtor, Chandra Sefton, guided approximately 30 classmates and their guests on a 2-2.5 hour bus tour of Waukegan's most important historical sites.

The tour began at Bowen Park with a brief history of the park, which was orignally known as the Bowen Country Club and was founded in 1911 by Jane Addams, the Director of Hull House in Chicago and winner the Nobel Peace prize in 1931, and her colleague Louise Bowen. WIthin Bowen Park, we learned about the Haines House which is the current site of the Waukegan History Museum. This house was built by John Haines, who was once Mayor of Chicago. The 5 acres comprising Bowen Park were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The tour of Waukegan highlighted many of Waukegan's famous people, memorable firsts, and fascinating historical sites including the original Little Fort location and its history, the homes and statues of Jack Benny and Ray Bradbury, details about actor Vincent Price and his inventor grandfather, the work of Jane Addams and the Hull House organization, many of the beautiful homes along N. Sheridan Rd. built in the 1870s, plus much, much more.

Photos attributed to Steve Bensing, Waukegan High School Class of 1974