Crab Tree Farm Part 1: The Durands

The Diva of Center Avenue

Did you know a world-renowned opera star grew up on Center Avenue? Born in 1902 to a pianist mother, prodigy Marion Claire Cook went on to star in European opera houses, perform on Broadway, and share movie billing with Basil Rathbone. Later, she became the prima donna of the popular Chicago Theater of the Air radio show alongside her husband, conductor Henry Weber.

Lake Bluff's Fabulous Fourth of July

This bonus episode shares the history of Lake Bluff's popular Fourth of July parade through stories beginning with the first parade in 1876 through to the present.

Most Patriotic Town

How did a small beach town with a population of 700 make national headlines during World War I? In the latest episode of our View from the Bluff podcast, we share the story of Lake Bluff's contribution to the Great War and how the village earned the headline "Most Patriotic Town." You'll learn the details of how our village sent 10% of its population to WWI and raised significant funds for the war effort. This included funding an ambulance for the front line that was driven by local resident John Kreutzberg.

Crab Tree Farm Part 2: The Bad Boy of Crab Tree Farm and Other Misdeeds

Did you know that during the 1920s and '30s, Lake Bluff was at the center of several national crime stories? The village faced a surprising wave of lawlessness during the Prohibition era that reached all the way to Crab Tree Farm. Crab Tree Farm Part 2 of Lake Bluff History Museum's "View from the Bluff" podcast explores published accounts of events that kept federal investigators and newspaper reporters busy decades ago.

Crab Tree Farm Part 1: The Durands

In the first of two episodes about Crab Tree Farm, O'Hara and Rolek take a closer look at the history of the property and the people who shaped it starting with Judge Blodgett's "Ashland" estate through dairy farmer Grace Durand's ownership.