Gurnee in Lake County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Esper A. Petersen
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 9, 2026
1. Esper A. Petersen Marker
Born in Denmark, Esper came to the United States as a poor immigrant in the early 1920's. Successful in his endeavors, he wanted to share his good fortune with deserving organizations that follow his creed, "to improve social conditions and to advance good will among men through education and charity."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Immigration. A significant historical year for this entry is 1944.
Location. 42° 22.281′ N, 87° 55.149′ W. Marker is in Gurnee, Illinois, in Lake County. It is on Grand Avenue (Illinois Route 132) west of Old Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling west. The marker is in Esper A. Petersen Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gurnee IL 60031, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Timeline (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Timeline (about 500 feet away); "Lamp of Liberty" (about 500 feet away); Underground Railroad in Illinois (about 500 feet away); Lake County's First African American Settler (about 500 feet away); The Journey (about 500 feet away); The Mother Rudd Barn (about 500 feet away); Underground Railroad (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gurnee.
Also see . . . Lake County History blog: The Rustic Manor. Esper Petersen Park is located at the former site of the Rustic Manor, a supper club that was open from 1947 until 1987. The building was damaged when the Des Plaines River flooded in 1986 and was destroyed by a fire in 1987. Based on other news reports, Petersen eventually acquired the land and later donated it to the Village of Gurnee for a park. (Submitted on August 9, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 9, 2026
2. Esper Petersen Park
Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 9, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
