Des Plaines in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Paul Schumann Farm

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

1. Paul Schumann Farm Marker

Inscription. Previous site of the Paul Schumann farm
1917-1957

Erected by Harold and Lu Fendius; Arlene and Richard Arthur.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.

Location. 42° 0.807′ N, 87° 53.662′ W. Marker is in Des Plaines, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on Lee Street north of Fargo Avenue, on the right when traveling south. The marker is in front of a tree in Lake Park, about 50 yards northeast of the pavilion. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Des Plaines IL 60018, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Illinois Remembers POW/MIA

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Iraq War, 2003-2011 (within shouting distance of this marker); War in Afghanistan, 2001-2021 (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War, 1861-1865 (within shouting distance of this marker); Gulf War, 1990-1991 (within shouting distance of this marker); Cold War, 1946-1991 (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam War, 1955-1975 (within shouting distance of this marker); Lake Park Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Des Plaines.

More about this marker. Paul Schumann farmed here until the late 1950s, when the land was acquired for the construction of Interstate 90 (the Jane Addams Tollway) and its interchange with Lee Street. Lake Opeka, which makes up most of this park, was created to provide dirt for the interstate construction. The Des Plaines Park District acquired 60 acres (including the 39-acre lake) for $1 in 1960. In 2007 it acquired land owned by Good Shepherd Church; in 2021 it acquired the church building itself, which is now home to a restaurant.

Also see . . .
1. Paul Schumann at Lake Park.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

2. Paul Schumann Farm Marker

Des Plaines Memory, an online archive, has a photo of Paul Schumann visiting the former site of his farm in 1975. (Submitted on March 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. Des Plaines Yacht Club history. The story includes a history of Lake Park and its man-made lake, Lake Opeka. (Submitted on March 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 240 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.