Dairy Queen, Northbrook Historical Society Team Up for Ice Cream Social

What do a historical society and an ice cream store have in common? In Northbrook, they’re both part of the fabric of the community. The Northbrook Historical Society and Northbrook Dairy Queen both are celebrating their 40th celebration for the community. Residents of Northbrook can enjoy a taste of history – along with ice cream at a special price – at “A Sundae in the Park,” on Sunday, July 20, from noon-4pm at Village Green Park.

“It’s a very low-key event, just ice cream, popcorn and entertainment,” said Judy Hughes, President of the Northbrook Historical Society. “We wanted to provide something for the community to say, ‘Thank you for supporting us for 40 years.’ The celebration happens to take place on the 30th Cream Day, proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1974.

“We’re fortunate to have such a beautiful park that evokes memories of families and picnics, and what goes better at a picnic than ice cream?” added Hughes. “Bring a picnic basket and chairs; come spend the afternoon in the park. It’s such a special place. I’d love to fill the park with families enjoying themselves.”

The entertainment lineup is:

Noon-1pm – Norridge Those Were the Days Radio Players

1:15-2:15pm – Northbrook Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet

2:30-4pm – Lizzie, Barbershop Quartet from the Melodeers Chorus

The entertainment is partially sponsored by a grant from the Friends of Northbrook Arts. Popcorn is sponsored by Sunset Foods

For the past 40 years, the Schubert family has owned the Northbrook Dairy Queen, creating countless memories for families. Also since 1974, volunteers at the Historical Society have answered questions about Northbrook’s history. When they don’t know the answers, they become detectives, tracking down clues and doing research that often uncovers fascinating stories. In fact, Hughes calls the Historical Society “the keeper of the stories.”

Hughes has been involved with the Society since 1989, when she was asked to participate in a children’s program. The local history program offers a unique learning experience for about 400 primary school students in Northbrook each year. “History and books can be boring for some,” Hughes acknowledged, “but when you can relate it to you, history becomes a whole new experience. That’s what we do.”

The Historical Society conducts other events to bring the past alive, including Shermerfest, Shermer Stories, a Hidden Gardens of Northbrook Garden Walk, and cemetery walks with costumed historical figures. The top floor of the Northbrook History Museum is a re-created 1890’s Shermerville home; Northbrook originally

was called Shermerville, when the Village was incorporated in 1901. The Museum and the Inn Shop, the consignment store run by the Society, will be open during “A Sundae in the Park.”

For more information, contact the Northbrook Historical Society at 847∙498∙3404.