History of Romeoville Illustrated in New Book

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - Aug. 2, 2013 - PRLog -- The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series is Romeoville from local author Nancy Hackett and the Romeoville Area Historical Society. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images of days gone by.

Romeoville, one of the fastest-growing villages in Will County, was originally named Romeo and, along with nearby Juliet, was built for the workers constructing the Illinois and Michigan Canal. For 100 years, farming was the area’s business. Due to the success of the farming industry local businesses sprang up over time. Peabody’s Diner served race fans and grew into the noted White Fence Farm restaurant. Romeo Beach was a popular summer resort and Gleaners Hall provided opportunities for socializing. Neil Murphy’s Café served both town and beach.

Images of America: Romeoville takes a look at the schools throughout the area as well. Lewis University began as Holy Name Technical School, which specialized in aviation instruction. Early on, children attended one-room schools. The Valley View School District eventually replaced them and monumental growth led to an innovative year-round school schedule.

The book also discusses how Mayor Neal Murphy’s 40-year term led Romeoville toward the creation of Hampton Park in the 1950s, when houses arrived on railroad cars. Many farming and Hampton Park families are still prominent in the area. Residential and industrial growth expanded in the 1990s, doubling the population.

Romeoville allows readers to gain a better understanding of Romeoville’s history and modern identity by showcasing vintage images that reveal scenes of the past.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.  

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com/.