Northbrook

Church Street was once called Midway Road! It marked the midway point between Village limits. The Kiest family subdivided its land, creating Northbrook’s first neighborhood. Hope Union Church was built there in 1892, and the road was renamed. #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

More than 45 years ago, Northbrook’s performing arts scene took center stage! The Sheely Center opened at Glenbrook North in 1979, & the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra debuted in 1980, helping set the stage for music and the arts. #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

Back-to-school season and John Hughes films go hand in hand! 🎬 This year marks 40 years of "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off", one of several films that put Northbrook on the national scene. What’s your favorite John Hughes film or filming memory? #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

Shermerville School opened in 1911 with 4 classrooms, serving K–8 students. By 1940, it was Northbrook School. After Glenbrook High School opened, it became Crestwood School until 1979. Today, the site lives on as Crestwood Place Senior Living #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

The 1950s transformed Northbrook. Our population more than tripled from 3,319 in 1950 to 11,635 in 1960, while the median age dropped to 26.1, making Northbrook the youngest community on the North Shore! #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

Founded in 1907 as the Shermerville Improvement Club, the Northbrook Civic Foundation has supported community projects for more than a century. For decades, it has also organized Northbrook Days, a beloved summer tradition! #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

A lot can change in 125 years! Northbrook's river once overflowed its banks, flooding downtown. It was later dredged and straightened to improve water flow. This photo circa 1915 shows just how much has changed. #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

Before it was the Ed Rudolph Velodrome, it was the "Northbrook Bowl." Opened at Meadowhill Park in 1960, the track promoted bicycle safety and quickly became a cycling destination. More than 65 years later, it remains a Northbrook landmark. #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

There was plenty of anticipation for Meadowhill Aquatic Center to officially open. It opened on Aug. 2, 1961, with a $25,000 donation from the Northbrook Civic Association helping build the beginners' pool. #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're looking back at Northbrook's early 4th of July tradition. In 1949, the parade drew just 150 spectators, while Northbrook Days in August was the community's biggest celebration. #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

Did you know the Northbrook History Museum wasn't always a museum—or even in its current location? Built in 1894 as the Northfield Inn, it was saved from demolition, moved to Village Green Park, and reopened as a museum in 1976. #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

Village Green was once Barrenscheen’s Grove, a 19th-century picnic escape. From East Northfield, Sherman & Shermerville to Northbrook after the 1871 railroad, this land holds deep history. #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

In 1954, Northbrook adopted a council-manager form of government, pairing elected leadership with professional management. 70 years later, the Village has had 6 Village Managers. Cara Pavlicek, appointed in 2021, is the first woman in the role.#NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

Northbrook previously had an airport! Sky Harbor Airport opened June 1929 and offered flight lessons and private flights. It served as a base for Gray Goose Air Lines, which gave sightseeing tours for $5 a ticket. Today it's Sky Harbor Park. #NBKThrowbackThursday#Northbrook125

This Throwback Thursday, we’re looking back to 1967, when Northbrook students stepped into local government to debate Village issues. That tradition continued this month during the 67th Annual Student Government Day. #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

As part of Public Works Week, we’re looking back at Northbrook’s Fleet Maintenance Garage. Built in 1956, the garage supported Village operations for decades. A new facility is now on the way at 3504 Commercial Ave. northbrook.il.us/FMG #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

In 1970, the Northbrook Police Department launched its first K9 Unit with German Shepherds Baron, Sham, and Arko. Trained at the Chicago Police Canine Academy, these four-legged officers quickly got to work keeping communities safe. #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

Drinking Water Week is May 3–9! 💧 In 1963, Northbrook became the only offshore Chicagoland community to draw water directly from Lake Michigan to its own treatment plant — a system that still provides safe, clean water today. #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

This week’s Throwback Thursday honors Walter Sherman, who turns 100 this June! 🎂 A Northbrook resident since 1930, Walter later became the first head football coach at Glenbrook North in 1953. Hear more of his story: youtu.be/gaQv2HXlYy4 #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125

Before it became one of Northbrook’s largest parks, Techny Prairie Park & Fields was decades in the making. In 2000, residents approved a $15.5M referendum to preserve 60 acres from Anetsberger. By 2011, the 114-acre park was complete. 🌳💚 #NBKThrowbackThursday #Northbrook125