Fox Lake: Illinois

Fox Lake, nestled as it is in the the heart of the chain, has been one of the Chicago area’s favorite recreation destinations for over 100 years. Starting in the late 1800s, wealthy sportsmen constructed clubs that sparked an era often referred to as the resort heyday. An explosion of resorts and cottages beckoned tourists to come to hunt, fish, enjoy nature’s gifts, or be entertained. In 1910, the Chicago Tribune referred to the area as the Vice Capital, noting the openness of gambling, saloons, dance halls, and more. Through the magic of vintage postcards, some of the ghosts of the past are brought to life in this book–scenery, structures, boats, and people gone but not totally forgotten.