Part 1 of 5: 1908 to 2008
The picture above has been run through AI to improve the quality. While improving the quality, it has lost some of its original detail. But what it still captures is something incredibly special, downtown Round Lake, circa 1908.
Take a moment to think about that. Over a century ago, the heart of our community was already taking shape. What is even more remarkable is that some of the buildings in that photo are still standing today. They have weathered generations of change, growth, and progress, quietly holding onto the stories of where we began.
Back in the early 2000s, I had the privilege of serving as a Village Trustee. During that time, I was honored to be part of the Village Board during Round Lake’s Centennial Celebration. It was a meaningful moment for our community. It gave us a chance not just to celebrate. It also allowed us to reflect.
Mayor Gentes, along with several dedicated community members, commissioned a company to dig deep into our history. They interviewed longtime residents. I respectfully refer to these residents as the “old timers.” They also interviewed elected and appointed officials who helped shape the Village over the years. After months of work, they produced a video documenting Round Lake’s story from 1908 to 2008.
At the time, we called them CDs.
Looking back now, it is a snapshot not just of our history, but of how we preserved it.
Here is that video:
I have always enjoyed learning about the history of our Village. I have called Round Lake home for the past 30 years. Despite this, I still find myself drawn to the stories of those who were here long before me. There is something powerful about understanding where we came from. It gives context to where we are today and direction for where we are headed.
The Mayor should know this history. It is important not just for appreciation but to help carry it forward. These stories belong to all of us, and it is our responsibility to pass them along to the next generation.
This is just the beginning.
In Part 2, we will examine how Round Lake evolved through key periods of growth. We will explore the decisions that helped shape our community into what it is today.
Forward Motion 