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Our<br />
history<br />
New Lenox was originally home to Native Americans, oak, hickory and butternut tree savannahs. Wildflowers filled the<br />
woods that surrounded Hickory Creek. The first settlers who came to the area made their homes at Gouger Crossing,<br />
now Gouger and Rt. 30. Settlers followed the Kankakee and Des Plaines Rivers to Hickory Creek. The original name of<br />
the community was Van Home Point. The Village was platted in 1858 including the area between Cedar Road and the<br />
campgrounds (now the United Methodist Church property) and from Hickory Creek to Walnut (now Haven) Street.<br />
Prior to that in 1852, the Township was established after the<br />
building of the Rock Island railroad line connecting Chicago and<br />
Rock Island and named New Lenox after Lenox, New York (after<br />
the hometown of the first Township Supervisor, J. Van Duser). In<br />
1863 the settlement was also officially named New Lenox, but<br />
it was not until 1946 that the Village was actually incorporated.<br />
Since that time, New Lenox has experienced substantial growth<br />
and development. The rich soil which drew the settlers is being<br />
converted from farming to residential and commercial development.<br />
The remaining farms are a reminder of the agricultural roots of the<br />
area.<br />
New Lenox Historical Society<br />
While history is the story, it is the New Lenox Historical Society<br />
that works diligently to bring the story to life by collecting<br />
memories and treasures from the past for future enjoyment.<br />
Officially formed in 1986 to preserve photographs and documents,<br />
the real work began in 1998 with a community wide effort to save<br />
Schmuhl School, the last remaining one-room schoolhouse in the<br />
Township. The school was moved from the south side of Rt. 30<br />
and Schoolhouse Road to its current location on the north side<br />
of the same intersection. It sits in Hickory Creek Barrens Forest<br />
Preserve and has been designated an official landmark of Will<br />
County. Now restored, Schmuhl gives visitors an experience that<br />
children a century ago lived. The Historical Society encourages<br />
you to get involved and become part of their mission to preserve<br />
our collective history. Please visit www.newlenoxhistory.org for more<br />
information.<br />
Commercial & Residential<br />
Grounds Care<br />
815.462.1420<br />
GroundsGuys.com/New-Lenox<br />
Independently owned and operated franchise © 2016 The Grounds Guys, LLC<br />
OUR SERVICES:<br />
• Lawn Maintenance<br />
• Fertilizer Packages<br />
• Aeraion<br />
• Bush Trimming<br />
• Landscaping<br />
• Holiday & Outdoor Lighting<br />
“Don’t tell your customers you’re professional.<br />
Show them.”<br />
NewLenoxChamber.com | New Lenox Chamber of Commerce | 7
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