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History of Evanston, Illinois, USA
Journey back in time to Evanston, Illinois, USA
Explore Evanston, Illinois, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Evanston Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
The ice cream "sundae" was named in Evanston. The piety of the town resented the dissipating influences of the soda fountain on Sunday and the good town fathers, yielding to this churchly influence, passed an ordinance prohibiting the retailing of ice cream sodas on Sunday. Ingenious confectioners and drug store operators obeying the law, served ice cream with the syrup of your choice without the soda. Objections then was made to christening a dish after the Sabbath. So the spelling of "sunday" was changed. It became an established dish and an established word and finally the "sundae".
50states.com
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Evanston Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Evanston, Illinois, USA
Postcard
First M. E. Church
Evanston, Illinois, USA
Postcard
Fountain Square
Evanston, Illinois, USA
Postcard
The Georgian Hotel
Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Evanston
Illinois Gift Idea - Deep Dish Pizza, Chicago-Style Hot Dog and Chicago Mix Popcorn - I Love Illinois! - IL Mug Family History
Our Illinois-inspired Ceramic Mug is here to showcase your love for all things Illinois, featuring vibrant, mouthwatering designs of deep dish pizza, a Chicago-style hot dog, and the classic Chicago Mix popcorn.
I'm from Illinois! Deep Dish Identity Crisis Mug
Celebrate your Illinois roots with humor and style with our "I'm from Illinois! Deep Dish Identity Crisis Mug". This ceramic mug is perfect for anyone who understands that deep dish pizza is more than just food—it's a cultural statement.
Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
Discover Evanston: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1880 - Ice Cream Sundae
1880: Buffalo, NY; Evanston, IL; Two Rivers, WI; and Ithaca, NY all claim to have invented the ice cream sundae. Wherever it happened, it first started appearing in soda fountains during the 1880's. It was invented because ice cream sodas weren't allowed to be sold on Sundays; the ice cream sundae was a way to circumvent that restriction.
The Old Farmer's Almanac
www.almanac.com
1880: Buffalo, NY; Evanston, IL; Two Rivers, WI; and Ithaca, NY all claim to have invented the ice cream sundae. Wherever it happened, it first started appearing in soda fountains during the 1880's. It was invented because ice cream sodas weren't allowed to be sold on Sundays; the ice cream sundae was a way to circumvent that restriction.
The Old Farmer's Almanac
www.almanac.com
1895 - Evanston
Ev’anston, a handsome post-village of Cook co., Ill., on Lake Michigan, 12 miles N. of Chicago. It is on the Milwaukee division of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and contains 22 churches, 2 newspaper offices, 3 banks, a number of fine residences, the Garrett Biblical Institute, a free public library, and the Evanston College for Ladies, was founded in 1871. It is also the seat of the Northwestern University (Methodist), which was founded in 1854. This institution has a library of 22,000 volumes. Evanston has electric lights, gas-works, and Holly water works. Pop. about 5000.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Ev’anston, a handsome post-village of Cook co., Ill., on Lake Michigan, 12 miles N. of Chicago. It is on the Milwaukee division of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and contains 22 churches, 2 newspaper offices, 3 banks, a number of fine residences, the Garrett Biblical Institute, a free public library, and the Evanston College for Ladies, was founded in 1871. It is also the seat of the Northwestern University (Methodist), which was founded in 1854. This institution has a library of 22,000 volumes. Evanston has electric lights, gas-works, and Holly water works. Pop. about 5000.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1916
Evanston, a city of Cook co., Ill., on Lake Michigan, 12 miles N. of Chicago. Lat. of Dearborn Observatory, 42° 3' 33" N. ; Lon. 87° 40' 36" W. It is on the Chicago and Northwestern and other railroads, and contains the Garrett Biblical Institute, Winchell Academy, Convent of Visitation, etc. It is also the seat of the Northwestern University (Methodist), which was founded in 1854 and is partly in Chicago. It has faculties in arts, medicine, law, dentistry, theology, etc., and had in 1901 2246 students (men and women). (See Chicago.) Pop. in 1900, 19,259.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Evanston, a city of Cook co., Ill., on Lake Michigan, 12 miles N. of Chicago. Lat. of Dearborn Observatory, 42° 3' 33" N. ; Lon. 87° 40' 36" W. It is on the Chicago and Northwestern and other railroads, and contains the Garrett Biblical Institute, Winchell Academy, Convent of Visitation, etc. It is also the seat of the Northwestern University (Methodist), which was founded in 1854 and is partly in Chicago. It has faculties in arts, medicine, law, dentistry, theology, etc., and had in 1901 2246 students (men and women). (See Chicago.) Pop. in 1900, 19,259.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
2023 - Evanston has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Evanston:
Northwestern University: Start your visit with a stroll through Northwestern University's beautiful campus. You can explore its historic buildings, lush gardens, and even catch a college football game if you're in town during the season.
Lake Michigan: Evanston boasts a beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. You can take a relaxing walk or bike ride along the lakefront path, have a picnic on the beach, or simply enjoy the stunning views.
Baha'i House of Worship: This stunning architectural marvel is one of only seven Baha'i temples worldwide. Even if you're not religious, the serene gardens and intricate design make it a peaceful place to visit.
Grosse Point Lighthouse: Located in Evanston's Lighthouse Beach Park, this historic lighthouse offers tours and a glimpse into the area's maritime history. The surrounding park is great for picnics and relaxing by the lake.
Downtown Evanston: Explore the bustling downtown area, filled with unique shops, boutiques, and... Read MORE...
Northwestern University: Start your visit with a stroll through Northwestern University's beautiful campus. You can explore its historic buildings, lush gardens, and even catch a college football game if you're in town during the season.
Lake Michigan: Evanston boasts a beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. You can take a relaxing walk or bike ride along the lakefront path, have a picnic on the beach, or simply enjoy the stunning views.
Baha'i House of Worship: This stunning architectural marvel is one of only seven Baha'i temples worldwide. Even if you're not religious, the serene gardens and intricate design make it a peaceful place to visit.
Grosse Point Lighthouse: Located in Evanston's Lighthouse Beach Park, this historic lighthouse offers tours and a glimpse into the area's maritime history. The surrounding park is great for picnics and relaxing by the lake.
Downtown Evanston: Explore the bustling downtown area, filled with unique shops, boutiques, and... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Evanston Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Evanston, Illinois, USA
We currently have information about 5 ancestors who were born or died in Evanston.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Evanston, Illinois, USA
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NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 9/19/2023 8:48:43 AM