The Search for Perfection: Lake Forest and the Progressive Era

Authors

Caitlin G. Carr, Illinois Wesleyan UniversityFollow

Abstract

Lake Forest, Illinois in the Progressive Era was a highly exclusive safe haven for the elite of Chicago. Lake Forest, however, was more than a high priced suburb for successful businessmen and the children of entrepreneurs; it was a community where wealthy individuals would attempt to create the perfect environment. This paper will explore how the residents attempted to create a perfect community, from the European culture they chose to imitate to the architecture they chose for their estates, as well as the social world they created for themselves.

Recommended Citation

Carr, Caitlin G. (2011) "The Search for Perfection: Lake Forest and the Progressive Era," Constructing the Past: Vol. 12: Iss. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/constructing/vol12/iss1/3