Homes for Children: Lake Bluff Orphanage Story

Thousands of babies and children passed through the Lake Bluff Orphanage during the first half of the twentieth century. For many years, orphanage residents outnumbered school-age children who lived with their families in the village. Who were these youngsters, where did they come from, and where did they wind up? What was the home like as a place to live, who paid the bills … and why was it located in Lake Bluff?

For answers to these questions and a lot more, please come to Lake Bluff History Museum’s special presentation “Homes for Children: The Story of the Lake Bluff Orphanage” on April 27 from 2 to 4 pm. 

Museum board member Steve Kraus has done a deep dive into the history of this institution that occupied an entire block in the middle of east Lake Bluff for nearly 100 years. He’ll be accompanied by a former resident of the home, Wally Spitzer, who will share his memories of growing up in the home. 

This presentation will not be available online.