Romeoville, Illinois – Romancing Joliet
Nestled approximately 30 miles southwest of the bustling metropolis of Chicago, lies Romeoville, Illinois, a village steeped in history and characterized by a unique narrative intertwined with its neighboring city, Joliet. The story of Romeoville begins in the 1830s, a time when the landscape was dotted with fertile farmlands and abundant stone quarries. Interestingly, Romeoville was initially christened "Romeo," a moniker adopted when Joliet was still known as "Juliet." This early naming convention suggests a twin-city dynamic, albeit one more of rivalry than romantic accord, a stark contrast to the Shakespearean lovers their names evoked. A pivotal moment in the village’s history arrived on October 29, 1833, with the establishment of its first post office, solidifying its place on the map.
The year 1845 marked a turning point in the relationship between these two Illinois settlements. Juliet officially transitioned to Joliet, a name chosen to honor the celebrated explorer Louis Jolliet. This name change prompted Romeo to adapt as well, appending "ville" to its name, thus becoming Romeoville. This subtle alteration acknowledged the end of the "romantic" naming parallel, giving way to a distinct identity. Strategically positioned on the west bank of the Des Plaines River, Romeoville played a crucial role in supplying Chicago with agricultural produce. These goods were transported via the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal System, a vital waterway that commenced commercial operations in 1848, connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River.
However, agriculture wasn’t the sole economic driver of Romeoville. The area was renowned for its rich deposits of limestone. The abundance of these deposits led to the rise of numerous limestone quarries, a development that earned Romeoville the enduring nickname "Stone City." During its zenith, the quarries of Stone City were a hive of activity, with two entire trainloads of limestone departing Romeoville every morning on the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. This valuable resource was in high demand, and one of the most notable structures constructed using Romeoville limestone was the majestic Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield, a testament to the quality and importance of the village’s stone. Thus, Romeoville became a significant contributor to the construction and development of Illinois.
The narrative of Romeoville, Illinois took an intriguing turn in the early 20th century. The village transformed into a popular resort destination for affluent residents of the Chicago area. Drawn by the natural beauty of Isle La Cache and the allure of Romeo Beach, these visitors sought respite from the urban bustle. The availability of a streetcar line running directly from Chicago facilitated this influx of tourists, bolstering the local economy and supporting Romeoville’s three taverns. This period of prosperity highlights the village’s adaptability and its capacity to cater to the changing needs and desires of its visitors.
The advent of Prohibition and the economic hardships of the Great Depression significantly impacted the character of Romeoville, Illinois. The saloons that once thrived along the canal became increasingly numerous, reflecting the changing social and economic landscape of the time. These establishments, often operating outside the bounds of the law, contributed to a sense of intrigue and lawlessness that became associated with the area during this era.
Amidst these transformations, one establishment stood the test of time, existing even before the iconic Route 66 carved its path through the region: the White Fence Farm. Established in the early 1920s, this roadside restaurant, housed in a converted farmhouse, quickly gained recognition for its delectable hamburger sandwiches and creamy Guernsey milk products, including ice cream. When U.S. Route 66 officially opened in November 1926, White Fence Farm had already served thousands of satisfied customers. Jack Peabody, the original owner, diligently managed the establishment until his passing in 1946, solidifying its legacy as a beloved local landmark.
Since 1954, the Hastert family has owned and operated White Fence Farm. They oversaw several expansions to the building, ultimately creating seating for over 1,000 patrons. In addition to its spacious dining areas, the restaurant boasts a side room and gallery showcasing an antique car collection, a curated assortment of antiques, and Jack Peabody’s original collection of Currier & Ives prints, among other nostalgic displays. Today, White Fence Farm is renowned for serving "the world’s greatest fried chicken," a claim that attracts visitors from far and wide. The story of White Fence Farm is inextricably linked to the story of Romeoville, Illinois, and its enduring appeal reflects the village’s rich heritage.
The development of concrete as a building material marked a turning point for Romeoville. The widespread adoption of concrete led to a decline in the demand for limestone, significantly diminishing the importance of quarrying, which had been a cornerstone of Romeoville’s economy. The lack of new industries exacerbated the situation, resulting in a gradual decline in the town’s population during the first half of the 20th century. This period of economic hardship presented significant challenges for the residents of Romeoville.
However, Romeoville, Illinois experienced a resurgence in the late 1950s. Ambitious annexation efforts led to the development of new subdivisions. The population quickly rebounded, soaring from a mere 197 residents in 1957 to over 3,500 by 1960. This dramatic growth signaled a new era of prosperity for the village.
Today, Romeoville is a thriving community with a population of approximately 40,000 residents. It is home to numerous distribution centers, national companies, and corporate offices, demonstrating its economic vitality and strategic importance. The transformation of Romeoville from a small quarry town to a modern commercial hub reflects its adaptability and resilience.
The history of Romeoville, Illinois is a tapestry woven with threads of romance, industry, and resilience. From its early days as a rival to Joliet to its present-day status as a thriving economic center, Romeoville has consistently adapted and evolved, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Illinois.
From Romeoville, one can continue the journey to nearby Joliet, which features several historical buildings and vintage Route 66 icons.