Brookfield in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
George F. Getz
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 2, 2025
1. George F. Getz Marker
Erected 2004.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.
Location. 41° 49.959′ N, 87° 49.977′ W. Marker is in Brookfield, Illinois, in Cook County. It can be reached from 31st Street near Golfview Road. The marker is affixed to the east side of the fence surrounding the fountain at Brookfield Zoo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8400 31st Street, Brookfield IL 60513, 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: Hamza (here, next to this marker); Theodore Roosevelt Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Partners in Conservation (about 300 feet away); Wild African Lions (about 300 feet away); Hamill Family Play Zoo (about 400 feet away); The Swamp (about 400 feet away); The Fragile Kingdom (about 500 feet away); The Carousel (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brookfield.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Partners in Conservation (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct
this page online
Regarding George F. Getz. George Getz Sr. was an affluent Chicago coal merchant, well known in Chicago as a supporter of sports. In 1927, he was the promoter of Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney's famed "Long Count" fight at Soldier Field.
In 1910, Getz purchased land in Holland, Michigan, called Lakewood Farm, which he used as a working farm as well as a summer home for his family. Over the next 20 years, Getz acquired numerous exotic animals, and by 1926 it had become one of the largest private zoos in America, drawing more than 800,000 visitors that year. Getz grew the zoo in the next few years, but financial pressures from the Great Depression led him to look to selling the farm. In late 1933, he transferred all his remaining animals to the Brookfield Zoo, which officially opened southwest of Chicago in July of 1934. Getz died in 1938 while vacationing in Florida.
Also see . . . History of the Getz Farm.
Excerpt: "In October of 1933, Mr. Getz stated that he was going to discontinue the zoo at Lakewood Farm. He would keep the farm as a summer home but the animals would go. The animals were transferred to Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. Nancy, the elephant was to be transferred in a trailer. It took approval(Submitted on October 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)of three governors of three states to take place on 2 November 1933. The public showplace was finished."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 2, 20252. George F. Getz Marker
Chicago Daily News Collection, Chicago History Museum, circa 1927
3. George F. Getz (right)
Getz is pictured with boxing promoter Tex Rickard at a train station in Chicago. The two had promoted the famed "Long Count" fight between Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney in 1927 at Soldier Field.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
