Research Center

The Research Center of the Glencoe Historical Society collects documents and other printed matter, photographs, maps, oral histories, directories, books, newspapers and magazines, scrapbooks, objects, artwork and postcards. The collection is in the process of being indexed and computerized.

Some highlights of the collection are noted below. There are many other subjects that are not included in this listing.

Research Center Highlights

People Files
A section of our archives is devoted to information on individuals who lived in Glencoe. These files include family letters, newspaper clippings, memoirs and some genealogies.
House Files
The Research Center is the repository of the Glencoe Architectural and Historical Survey undertaken in the mid-1980s in Glencoe. Individual files are kept on each home address on this survey which identified over 300 structures as architecturally or historically significant. A real estate listing file from 1940s to 1970s is also available to provide information on many Glencoe homes.
Village of Glencoe
The Research Center contains many early records of the Village and continues to collect and catalogue records and proceedings of the Village. A notable item is a record of deaths kept by the Village from 1902 to 1928.
Glencoe Schools
The Research Center collects many items related to the Glencoe Schools such as newsletters, early school papers, calendars and literary magazines.
Glencoe Park District
There are extensive files pertaining to the Glencoe Park District history which include many photographs, scrapbooks, newsletters, summer camp brochures, and information on sports programs and the Glencoe Beach.
Architecture files
The collection includes information on architects who designed buildings in Glencoe, housewalks, information on researching house histories and Glencoe architectural guide maps.
Business files
The Research Center has a small number of files on businesses in Glencoe. There is a large archive from the Glencoe Chamber of Commerce and also the Wieneckes Collection.
Photographs
The Research Center has a vast collection of original photographs of Glencoe dating from the earliest 1870s until the present. These photographs are arranged by categories such as Business District, Celebrations, Transportation, People, Early Glencoe, Parks and Recreation, etc. The Photograph collection is in the process of being catalogued and organized. Also in the photograph collection are slides of Glencoe. A slide show entitled Glencoe Then and Now utilizing the photographs of the collection has been created.
Maps
The map collection includes local Glencoe maps from the 1890s to the present. They show the development of the towns streets and lots during the 20th century. Some of the maps played an important role in promoting Glencoe and the North Shore as an attractive place to live. Regional maps showing natural, geological, and Native American features are also part of the collection. Given the important role of Chicago as a transportation center, there are a number of maps showing the railroad routes through the area. There are also architectural plats of some structures, including Glencoes schools, parks, and several notable homes and gardens.
Oral Histories
The Research Center has a small number of oral histories available for people to hear. They contain interesting recollections of people who are long time residents of Glencoe. They have not been transcribed, but many have been annotated. The Society is always looking for people willing to be interviewed and also willing to conduct interviews for the collection of valuable memories about Glencoe.
Directories
A number of telephone directories are available at the Research Center. The earliest directory is from 1908. There are other directories from the mid-1920s to the late 1950s, but the main collection is from the 1980s and 1990s. There are also numerous directories from organizations, including the Women’s Library Club. Community Guides published by the League of Women Voters are on file.
Books and Publications
The book collection at the Research Center includes books by Glencoe authors. In addition, there are books on Glencoe history published over the years by the Glencoe Historical Society. Some of these are available for sale. Please see our website at www.glencoehistoricalsociety.org for information on these books. Reference books that support the collection are also available for use.
Newspapers and Magazines
The Research Center contains many early Glencoe News in their original format as well as many from more recent decades. The Glencoe News is not indexed. The Glencoe Public Library contains microfilmed editions of the Glencoe News from 1926 to the present. In addition, there are copies of other newspapers such as the North Shore News from the 1890s and the Glenetka Window from 1925-1926. The Research Center has issues of North Shore Magazine which contains articles from time to time on Glencoe. These are primarily from 1982 to the present.
Scrapbooks
The Research Center has a large scrapbook collection. Many of the scrapbooks were compiled by the Glencoe Park District in the 1940s and 1950s. Additionally, there are many Girl Scout scrapbooks documenting scouting in Glencoe. Other scrapbooks include those compiled by individuals and contain both photographs and papers.
Objects
The Research Center collects many objects related to Glencoe history. These objects include textiles ranging from military uniforms, flags and hats to Park District t-shirts and wedding dresses. There is also a collection of tools and machines related to the Eklund family furniture making and upholstery business. Furniture, glass, metal and wooden ware, signs, and numerous small objects are part of the collection. One of the important items in the collection is a sign from Anson Taylor’s LaPier House, an early stage coach stop on the Green Bay Trail in what is now southeast Glencoe.
Artwork
The Research Center collects artwork by local Glencoe artists. Some of the artwork is visible on the walls of the museum and in some cases depicts scenes of Glencoe. The Helena Seaburg collection of drawings is a part of the holdings of the Research Center.
Postcards
A small collection of early Glencoe postcards is available for viewing in the Research Center.