True Blue Home Inspections
ASHI Certified Home Inspector Serving Oak Park, Illinois

The English farming family first settled the Oak Park area, the Kettlestrings, in 1835. Their farm was near Lake St. and Harlem Ave. For more than sixty-five years, this area was part of the Cicero township, but the Oak Park district separated in 1902 to become a separate incorporation.

Keeping with its socially liberal tendencies, in 1968 the city passed its Open Housing Ordinance which helped preserve the multicultural population it enjoyed and helped preserve it for the coming years.

As Chicago continued to grow during the last half of the 19th century, so did Oak Park. It had several trains and trolleys serving routes to and from the city. These helped Oak Park establish itself as a prime residential location with much of its Queen Anne homes being built during this time. There was also a building boom after World War I, with a variety of Craftsman style, four-square, and bungalows being built. Their Historical Preservation Society is very active in maintaining this housing stock.

The local architecture was enhanced with the presence and residence of famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, who was commissioned to design many homes in the town. They remain a tourist attraction for many visitors. Other notable residents were Ernest Hemmingway who was born there, as well as Edgar Rice Burroughs.

The local schools include Oak Park and River Forest High School, and Fenwick High School. Other cultural organizations include the Circle Theatre, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Momenta Dance Company, and the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest.