Oak Lawn, Illinois: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox settlement |
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{{Chicagoland municipality| |
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<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions --> |
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muni-name = Oak Lawn| |
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| name = Oak Lawn, Illinois |
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muni = Village| |
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| native_name = |
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| native_name_lang = <!-- ISO 639-2 code e.g. "fr" for French. If more than one, use {{lang}} instead --> |
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state = Illinois| |
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| settlement_type = [[List of municipalities in Illinois|Village]] |
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county = Cook| |
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| image_skyline = Oak Lawn, Illinois.jpg |
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township = Worth| |
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| image_alt = |
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gov = [[Council-manager government|Council-manager]]| |
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| image_caption = |
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head_label = President| |
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| image_flag = Flag of Oak Lawn, Illinois.gif |
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gov_head = Dave Heilmann| |
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| flag_alt = |
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| image_seal = Seal of Oak Lawn, Illinois.gif |
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density-km = 2,480.3| |
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| seal_alt = |
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density-mi = 6,427.3| |
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| image_shield = |
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| shield_alt = |
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percent = 1.70| |
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| nickname = |
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prevyear = 1990| |
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| motto = |
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| image_map = File:Cook County Illinois Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Oak Lawn Highlighted.svg |
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black = 1.22| |
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| mapsize = 260px |
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hispanic = 5.33| |
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| map_caption = Location of Oak Lawn in Cook County, Illinois |
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asian = 1.73| |
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| pushpin_map = United States Chicago Greater #Illinois#USA |
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islander = 0.01| |
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| pushpin_relief = yes |
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native = 0.17| |
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| pushpin_label = Oak Lawn |
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other = 1.64| |
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| coordinates = {{coord|41|42|54|N|87|45|12|W|display=inline,title}} |
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zips = 60453, 60454, 60455, 60456,60457, 60458, 60459| |
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| coor_pinpoint = |
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| coordinates_footnotes = |
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area-km = 22.3| |
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| subdivision_type = Country |
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area-mi = 8.6| |
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| subdivision_name = {{US}} |
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| subdivision_type1 = State |
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geocode = 54820| |
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| subdivision_name1 = {{flag|Illinois}} |
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mhi = 47,585| |
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| subdivision_type2 = [[County (United States)|County]] |
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mnhv = 147,600| |
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| subdivision_name2 = [[Cook County, Illinois|Cook]] |
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| subdivision_type3 = [[Civil township|Township]] |
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website = www.oaklawn-il.gov| |
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| subdivision_name3 = [[Worth Township, Cook County, Illinois|Worth]] |
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| established_title = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]] |
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| established_date = 1909 |
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| founder = |
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| seat_type = |
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| seat = |
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| government_footnotes = |
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| government_type = [[Council–manager government|Council–manager]] |
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| leader_party = |
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| leader_title = [[President (government title)#Sub-national|President]] |
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| leader_name = Terry Vorderer |
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| leader_title1 = |
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| leader_name1 = |
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| unit_pref = Imperial |
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| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_17.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=March 15, 2022}}</ref> |
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| area_urban_footnotes = <!-- <ref></re> --> |
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| area_rural_footnotes = <!-- <ref></re> --> |
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| area_metro_footnotes = <!-- <ref></re> --> |
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| area_magnitude = <!-- use only to set a special wikilink --> |
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| area_note = |
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| area_water_percent = 0 |
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| area_rank = |
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| area_blank1_title = |
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| area_blank2_title = <!-- square miles --> |
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| area_total_sq_mi = 8.57 |
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| area_land_sq_mi = 8.57 |
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| area_water_sq_mi = 0.00 |
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| area_urban_sq_mi = |
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| area_rural_sq_mi = |
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| area_metro_sq_mi = |
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| area_blank1_sq_mi = |
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| area_blank2_sq_mi = <!-- acres --> |
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| area_total_acre = |
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| area_land_acre = |
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| area_water_acre = |
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| area_urban_acre = |
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| area_rural_acre = |
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| area_metro_acre = |
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| area_blank1_acre = |
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| area_blank2_acre = |
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| length_mi = |
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| width_mi = |
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| dimensions_footnotes = |
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| elevation_footnotes = |
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| elevation_ft = |
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| population_footnotes = |
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| population_total = 58362 |
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| population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]] |
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| population_density_sq_mi = 6809.24 |
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| population_est = |
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| pop_est_as_of = |
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| pop_est_footnotes = |
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| population_demonym = |
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| population_note = |
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| timezone1 = |
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| utc_offset1 = |
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| timezone1_DST = |
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| utc_offset1_DST = |
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| postal_code_type = [[ZIP code|<span style="white-space:nowrap;">ZIP code(s)</span>]] |
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| postal_code = 60453, 60454, 60455, 60456, 60457, 60458, 60459 |
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| area_code_type = [[North American Numbering Plan|<span style="white-space:nowrap;">Area code(s)</span>]] |
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| area_code = 708 |
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| iso_code = |
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| geocode = 54820 |
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| website = {{URL|www.oaklawn-il.gov}} |
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| footnotes = <!-- demographics (section 1) --> |
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| demographics_type1 = Standard of living ([[American Community Survey|2009-11]]) |
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| demographics1_footnotes = |
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| demographics1_title1 = [[Per capita income]] |
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| demographics1_info1 = $27,851 |
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| demographics1_title2 = [[Real estate appraisal|Median home value]] |
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| demographics1_info2 = $213,700 |
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|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]] |
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|blank_info = 17-54820 |
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|area_total_km2 = 22.20 |
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|area_land_km2 = 22.20 |
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|area_water_km2 = 0.00 |
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|population_density_km2 = 2629.13 |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Oak Lawn''' is a [[Village |
'''Oak Lawn''' is a [[Village (Illinois)|village]] in [[Cook County, Illinois]], United States. The population was 58,362 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Oak Lawn village, Illinois|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US1754820|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=March 13, 2022}}</ref> Oak Lawn is a suburb of [[Chicago]], located southwest of the city. It shares borders with the city in two areas but is surrounded mostly by other suburbs. |
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== History == |
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Oak Lawn is a suburb of the city of [[Chicago]], located southwest of the city. It shares borders with the city in two areas, but is surrounded mostly by other suburbs independent of Chicago. |
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===Founding=== |
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In August 1835, James B. Campbell purchased the land stretching between [[Cicero Avenue]] and Central Avenue from [[95th Street (Chicago)|95th Street]] to 103rd Street. It is unclear what Campbell's intentions with the area were, but by 1840, he had lost a court battle with the Illinois State Bank and his land was sold in a public auction. John Simpson, a prominent figure in early Oak Lawn history, bought the northern half of the property in 1842. By 1859, the recently incorporated government of [[Worth Township, Cook County, Illinois|Worth Township]] paid for the construction of Black Oak Grove Road, an early name for 95th Street. Black Oak Grove is also the earliest known name of the area that would become Oak Lawn. It was later shortened to Black Oak or Black Oaks, but in 1882, the [[post office]], train depot and surrounding community became known simply as Oak Lawn. Before this however, the area now known as Oak Lawn was, briefly during the early 1800s, called Agnes. It was also on some occasion referred to as Oak Park. Over the next two decades, the area grew in population as more homes were built and local business sprang into being.<ref name="Oak Lawn: A Century of Growth">[http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/ol100.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928084847/http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/ol100.pdf|date=September 28, 2011}}, Oak Lawn: A Century of Growth. The Centennial Commission. 1982</ref> As the area continued to grow, many residents visited Englewood by train to shop. Oak Lawn residents also made income during early days by selling their farm and dairy products to various markets in Chicago. |
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== |
===Incorporation=== |
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In 1909, Oak Lawn was [[municipal corporation|incorporated as a village]]. The following years, there were major improvements to local infrastructure and government services, such as the introduction of the [[Magistrate|police magistrate]] and [[Marshal#State and local marshals|village marshal]], along with the building of a [[village hall]] and jailhouse.<ref name="Village Adopts New Name, Government. Black Oak and After. Gordon Welles and Gerald Anderson">[http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/BlackOakVillage.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928085015/http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/BlackOakVillage.pdf|date=September 28, 2011}}, Village Adopts New Name, Government. Black Oak and After. Gordon Welles and Gerald Anderson.</ref> Electric lights were brought to [[95th Street (Chicago)|95th Street]] in 1911, the [[volunteer fire department]] began in 1923, Oak Lawn's first bank opened in 1925, and the [[Community High School District 218]] was formed. The population had grown to 2,045 by 1930, and civic improvements were steadily made over the next decade.<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/ol100.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928084847/http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/ol100.pdf|date=September 28, 2011}}, Oak Lawn: A Century of Growth. The Centennial Commission. 1982.</ref> In 1934, a collection of one hundred books was the beginning of the Oak Lawn Public Library. By 1935, President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] created the [[Works Progress Administration]] as part of the [[New Deal]], which supported a variety of public works, including libraries. With the help of a WPA grant, the new library opened its doors in 1936.<ref name="The Oak Lawn Public Library. Black Oak and After.">[http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/BlackOakLibrary.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928085210/http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/BlackOakLibrary.pdf|date=September 28, 2011}}, The Oak Lawn Public Library. Black Oak and After. Verlyn Biere, edited by Grant Subs.</ref> |
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Oak Lawn is located at {{coord|41|42|54|N|87|45|12|W|city}} (41.715082, -87.753401).{{GR|1}} |
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=== Post 1945 === |
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According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the village has a total area of 8.6 square miles (22.3 km²), all of it land. |
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After [[World War II]], with veterans returning home and taking advantage of the [[G.I. Bill]], Oak Lawn experienced a major population boom. Beginning in 1949, Oak Lawn Round-Up Days became an annual event and helped to promote the village. It started with 25,000 people, and the Western-themed celebration brought in over 100,000 attendees in 1952. In this year, [[Jack Brickhouse]] was master of ceremonies, and the parade was televised on [[WGN-TV]]. By 1957, Round-Up Days had become too large, and the next year a final scaled-down version was held.<ref name="Oak Lawn Round-Up 1949–1958. Black Oak and After">[http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/BlackOakRoundUp.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928085131/http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/BlackOakRoundUp.pdf|date=September 28, 2011}}, Oak Lawn Round-Up 1949–1958. Black Oak and After. Gordon Welles.</ref> |
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In the 1950s, a village managerial government began, and a new library and fire station were constructed. By 1960, there were nearly 20,000 residents in Oak Lawn. |
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==Demographics== |
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As of the census{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 55,245 people, 22,220 households, and 14,554 families residing in the village. The [[population density]] was 6,427.3 people per square mile (2,480.3/km²). There were 22,846 housing units at an average density of 2,657.9/sq mi (1,025.7/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 93.35% [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|White]], 1.22% [[Black people|Black]], 0.17% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 1.73% [[Asian American|Asian]], 0.01% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.64% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.90% from two or more races. [[Hispanic]] or [[Ethnicity (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race were 5.33% of the population, including 4.3% of [[Mexican American|Mexican]] descent. |
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On April 21, 1967, a tornado touched down in Oak Lawn that is recorded as one of the worst to strike an urban area. Roughly 900 buildings were damaged or destroyed, and over 30 people were killed. |
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The top five ancestries reported in Oak Lawn as of the 2000 census were [[Irish American|Irish]] (30.4%), [[German American|German]] (19.5%), [[Polish American|Polish]] (19.3%), [[Italian American|Italian]] (9.7%) and [[English Americans|English]] (4.4%).<ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/QTTable?_bm=y&-qr_name=DEC_2000_SF3_U_DP2&-ds_name=DEC_2000_SF3_U&-_lang=en&-_sse=on&-geo_id=16000US1754820 Profile of Selected Social Characteristics, Oak Lawn, Illinois]. [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]]. Accessed [[2007-04-03]].</ref> |
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One of the town's streets pays tribute to its [[Polish American]] heritage through its name of '''Deblin Lane''' after [[Dęblin]], [[Poland]]. |
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The town was rebuilt in the coming years, and witnessed further population growth, peaking at 63,500 between 1973 and 1976.<ref name="Oak Lawn: A Century of Growth" /> However, there was a decrease in residents in the 1980s, and an aging population led to the closure of several schools during this time. In response, the village began a process of redevelopment to counteract the decrease. This redevelopment has focused primarily on businesses and structures in the core area of Oak Lawn, around [[95th Street (Chicago)|95th Street]] between [[Cicero Avenue]] and Central Avenue. |
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There were 22,220 households out of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.5% were non-families. 30.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.14. |
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=== 1967 tornado === |
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In the village the population was spread out with 21.9% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 21.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 88.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.2 males. |
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{{Main|1967 Oak Lawn tornado outbreak}} |
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On April 21, 1967, an F4 tornado touched down at 105th Street and Kean Avenue in [[Palos Hills, Illinois|Palos Hills]], {{convert|5|mi|0}} west of Oak Lawn. There were no deaths in Palos Hills, although a number of homes were destroyed and two transmission towers collapsed. After rising from the ground, the tornado touched down again at the Starlite Drive-In Theater at 6400 West 95th Street. With winds estimated to be over {{convert|200|mph}}, the tornado tore through Oak Lawn, tossing cars and buses in the air. After cutting Oak Lawn Community High School in half, it caused damage to St. Gerald's and continued to 91st Street and Cicero Avenue, heavily damaging the Airway Trailer Park and the Oak Lawn Roller Rink before rising from ground level. It touched down again in nearby [[Hometown, Illinois|Hometown]], [[Evergreen Park, Illinois|Evergreen Park]], and Chicago before dissipating over [[Lake Michigan]]. In just 16 minutes, the storm left a {{convert|16|mi|adj=on}} path of destruction and over 30 people dead.<ref name="The 1967 Oak Lawn Tornado. Black Oak and After">[http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/BlackOakTornado.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928085247/http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/BlackOakTornado.pdf|date=September 28, 2011}}, The 1967 Oak Lawn Tornado. Black Oak and After. Barbara Wolfe.</ref> |
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=== Downtown redevelopment === |
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The median income for a household in the village was $47,585, and the median income for a family was $60,057. Males had a median income of $44,954 versus $30,646 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the village was $23,877. About 3.9% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 6.7% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over. |
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[[File:Oak lawn metra station sm.jpg|thumb|right|Oak Lawn Metra station]] |
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Starting in 2002, downtown Oak Lawn (95th Street between Tulley Avenue and 55th Court) became the target of a massive redevelopment program; properties on the north and south sides of 95th Street were demolished. Eventually, several square blocks were leveled, making room for several multistory, high-end condominium complexes with retail space on the main floors. Part of the project was the expansion of the [[Metra]] [[Oak Lawn station|commuter train station]] that houses a retail/office center and a new children's museum.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmoaklawn.org/|title=Children's Museum in Oak Lawn|website=Children's Museum in Oak Lawn}}</ref> This complex also includes a multistory parking garage. Downtown Oak Lawn as seen today bears little resemblance to the downtown from 2002. It now features modern high-rise buildings, new shopping areas, a large contemporary Metra train station,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map/sws/station.OAKLAWN.html|title=Metra train station|access-date=January 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111213359/https://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map/sws/station.OAKLAWN.html|archive-date=January 11, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and several new retail and service facilities. |
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==Government== |
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The village government consists of a village president and six village trustees. The six trustees represent the six districts within the village and are elected to four-year terms by the voters in each of their respective districts. The current village president of Oak Lawn is Dave Heilmann, elected in 2005 with the Unity Party, which he led. He defeated members of the Village Vision Party, which held a majority on the village board for nearly 40 years. Heilmann is an Oak Lawn native who attended St. Linus Elementary School in Oak Lawn and [[Brother Rice High School (Chicago)|Brother Rice High School]] in Chicago. |
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== Geography == |
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Oak Lawn is in [[Illinois' 3rd congressional district]]. |
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According to the 2010 census, Oak Lawn has a total area of {{convert|8.59|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.<ref name="census-g001">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US1754820|title=G001 – Geographic Identifiers – 2010 Census Summary File 1|access-date=December 25, 2015|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213050901/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US1754820|archive-date=February 13, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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== |
== Demographics == |
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{{US Census population |
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===1967 tornado=== |
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|1910= 287 |
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On [[April 21]] [[1967]], a devastating [[tornado]] struck Oak Lawn. [http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/botorn.html] At 5:30 p.m., an F4-estimated tornado touched down near [[Palos Hills, Illinois|Palos Hills]].[http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lot/?n=SigChiTorn] It strengthened and, in the space of six minutes, tore a 16.2-mile (65 mph ground speed) swath of destruction through Oak Lawn, [[Hometown, Illinois|Hometown]] and [[Evergreen Park, Illinois|Evergreen Park]], and devastated the south side of Chicago before moving offshore to [[Lake Michigan]] as people were stuck in traffic during Friday rush hour. For that reason, this tornado ended up being the deadliest in the outbreak. It was also, at that time, the deadliest tornado to hit a U.S. urban area. Thirty-three people were killed and there were 1000 injuries. There were 16 deaths alone at the intersection of Southwest Highway and W. 95th Street in Oak Lawn. It destroyed 152 homes and damaged 900, causing $50 million in damage. |
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|1920= 489 |
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|1930= 2045 |
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|1940= 3483 |
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|1950= 8751 |
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|1960= 27471 |
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|1970= 60305 |
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|1980= 60590 |
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|1990= 56182 |
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|2000= 55245 |
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|2010= 56690 |
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|2020= 58362 |
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|align-fn=center |
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|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades|publisher=[[US Census Bureau]]|access-date=}}</ref><br> 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2/> 2020<ref name=2020CensusP2/> |
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}}As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US1754820 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> there were 58,362 people, 21,154 households, and 13,544 families residing in the village. The population density was {{Convert|6,809.24|PD/sqmi|PD/km2}}. There were 23,362 housing units at an average density of {{Convert|2,725.70|/sqmi|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the village was 68.31% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 7.65% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.87% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 2.83% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.02% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 9.43% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 10.89% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 22.56% of the population. |
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There were 21,154 households, out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.89% were married couples living together, 11.64% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.97% were non-families. 32.16% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.73% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.33 and the average family size was 2.60. |
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The lasting damage was to [[Oak Lawn Community High School]], which saw the majority of the building torn away. Inside the rebuilt high school, there are pictures of the devastation from the tornado. |
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The village's age distribution consisted of 21.7% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males. |
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==Healthcare and education== |
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Oak Lawn is known for its community hospital, which serves the residents of Chicago and its suburbs. Christ Community Hospital (now known as [[Advocate Christ Medical Center]]) was built in Oak Lawn in 1960 and has expanded with the development of [[Hope Children's Hospital]], along with becoming a part of [[Advocate Health Care]]. Christ Hospital also has a state-of-the-art Level 1 trauma center, providing trauma patients with advanced emergency medical care. The emergency department treats more patients than any other hospital in Illinois. |
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The median income for a household in the village was $69,352, and the median income for a family was $90,690. Males had a median income of $54,168 versus $38,363 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the village was $33,998. About 7.5% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over. |
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Oak Lawn has public education schooling children from K–6 in its many elementary schools, including Kolb, Lieb, Harnew, Columbus Manor, Covington, Hannum, Hometown, Kolmar, and Sward. Oak Lawn has two public middle schools. The first is Oak Lawn–Hometown Middle School, which replaced Douglas A. McGugan Junior High School in 2005 (now leased to [http://www.ssbchurch.com South Side Baptist Church and School] and Oak Lawn Montessori School). The second public middle school is Simmons Middle School. There are two public high schools, [[Oak Lawn Community High School]] and [[Harold L. Richards High School]]. The two high schools enroll students mostly from Oak Lawn, Hometown, [[Bridgeview, Illinois|Bridgeview]], [[Chicago Ridge, Illinois|Chicago Ridge]], [[Calumet Park, Illinois|Calumet Park]], and [[Robbins, Illinois|Robbins]]. |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |
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Catholic grammar schools include St. Louis de Montfort, St. Germaine, St. Catherine, St. Linus, and St. Gerald. |
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|+'''Oak Lawn village, Illinois – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small> |
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!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small> |
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!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Oak Lawn village, Illinois |url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=1600000US1754820&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|website=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref> |
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!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Oak Lawn village, Illinois|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=1600000US1754820&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> |
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!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Oak Lawn village, Illinois|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=1600000US1754820&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> |
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!% 2000 |
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!% 2010 |
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!{{partial|% 2020}} |
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|- |
|||
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH) |
|||
|49,689 |
|||
|43,680 |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |37,499 |
|||
|89.94% |
|||
|77.05% |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |64.25% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH) |
|||
|666 |
|||
|2,893 |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4,335 |
|||
|1.21% |
|||
|5.10% |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |7.43% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH) |
|||
|59 |
|||
|54 |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |84 |
|||
|0.11% |
|||
|0.10% |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.14% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH) |
|||
|941 |
|||
|1,207 |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,630 |
|||
|1.70% |
|||
|2.13% |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2.79% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH) |
|||
|5 |
|||
|14 |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |6 |
|||
|0.01% |
|||
|0.02% |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.01% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Some Other Race]] alone (NH) |
|||
|31 |
|||
|76 |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |204 |
|||
|0.06% |
|||
|0.13% |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.35% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH) |
|||
|912 |
|||
|658 |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,437 |
|||
|1.65% |
|||
|1.16% |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2.46% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race) |
|||
|2,942 |
|||
|8,108 |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |13,167 |
|||
|5.33% |
|||
|14.30% |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |22.56% |
|||
|- |
|||
|'''Total''' |
|||
|'''55,245''' |
|||
|'''56,690''' |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''58,362''' |
|||
|'''100.00%''' |
|||
|'''100.00%''' |
|||
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%''' |
|||
|} |
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==Parks and recreation== |
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A Lutheran school is located behind the Hilton on 94th and Cicero is called St. Paul. |
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[[File:Centennial Park, Oak Lawn, Illinois.jpg|thumb|Centennial Park]] |
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Oak Lawn maintains an expansive park system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olparks.com/|title=Oak Lawn Park District – Oak Lawn, IL|website=www.olparks.com}}</ref> From small corner play lots to the {{convert|38|acre|m2|adj=on}} Centennial Park, there are over {{convert|300|acre|km2}} of parks, recreational facilities and open land. These include playgrounds, walking paths, baseball fields, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, plus outdoor swimming pools, an indoor ice arena, two fitness centers, and an 18-hole golf course. Each area in Oak Lawn has its own recreational area, totaling 22 parks. |
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==Park system== |
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[[Image:Centennial park.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Centennial Park, Winter 2006]] |
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== Education == |
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Oak Lawn prides itself in its expansive [http://www.olparks.com/ park system]. From the small corner play lots to the 38 acre Centennial Park, there are over {{convert|300|acre|km2}} of parks, recreational facilities and open land. |
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{{expand section|date=May 2020}} |
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{{more citations needed|date=May 2020}} |
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Oak Lawn has public education schooling children from K–5 in its many elementary schools, including Kolb, Lieb, Harnew, Columbus Manor, Covington, Hannum, Hometown, Kolmar, and Sward. Oak Lawn has two public middle schools: Simmons Middle School, and Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School. |
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There are two public high schools, [[Oak Lawn Community High School]] and [[Harold L. Richards High School]]. |
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These include playgrounds, walking paths, baseball fields, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, plus outdoor swimming pools, an indoor ice arena, two fitness centers, and an 18-hole golf course. Each area in Oak Lawn has its own recreational area, totaling 22 parks. |
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The [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago]] operates Catholic schools. Catholic grammar schools include St. Germaine, St. Catherine, St. Linus, and St. Gerald. St. Louis de Montfort School closed in 2017 with 133 students that year.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kennedy, Mike|url=https://www.asumag.com/facilities-management/business-finance/article/20853632/2-catholic-schools-in-chicagos-south-suburbs-will-close|title=2 Catholic schools in Chicago's south suburbs will close|work=[[American School & University]]|date=January 12, 2017|access-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref> |
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The 18-hole Stony Creek Golf Course features 5,004 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 65. Designed by Carl Getz, the golf course opened in 1982. The facility features include a miniature golf course, banquet facilities, pro shop, bocce courts, horse shoe pits, PGA instruction, and a 44-station driving range. |
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==Infrastructure== |
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==Rebirth of downtown Oak Lawn== |
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[[File:Stop-sign-oak-lawn.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|A former Oak Lawn stop sign]] |
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[[Image:52nd and 95th oak lawn.jpg|thumb|375px|right|New downtown development]]For over a decade, the downtown area lacked any new building or redevelopment. The corner of 95th Street and 52nd in the heart of downtown Oak Lawn was an eyesore for many years. In the late 1990s construction of a large drive-through car wash facility began but was never completed. Most residents found this new construction at odds with the look of the area. After sitting, apparently abandoned, for over a year, it was demolished. This marked a turning point for the area. A new retail corner featuring a Starbucks, restaurant, bank, and video rental store was built in its place. Soon after, a plan was announced for the modernization and expansion of the Metra train station on 95th Street. The downside is increased traffic and near gridlock at 95th street and 52nd avenue during rush hour traffic. |
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Oak Lawn has a [[Oak Lawn station|commuter railroad station]] on [[Metra]]'s [[SouthWest Service]] line with service to downtown Chicago and [[Manhattan, Illinois]]. It has connections to two [[Pace (transit)|Pace]] routes, while other routes run along the village borders. |
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[[Image:Oak lawn metra station sm.jpg|thumb|375px|right|New Oak Lawn Metra station]]Starting in 2002, downtown Oak Lawn (95th Street between Tulley and 55th Court) became the target of a massive redevelopment program; properties on the north and south sides of 95th Street were demolished. Eventually several square blocks were leveled, making room for several multistory, high-end condominium complexes with retail space on the main floors. Part of the project was the expansion of the [[Metra]] [[Oak Lawn (Metra)|commuter train station]] that houses a retail/office center and a new [http://www.cmoaklawn.org/ children's museum]. This complex also includes a multistory parking garage. Downtown Oak Lawn as seen today (2007) bears little resemblance to the downtown from 2002. It now features modern high-rise buildings, new shopping areas, a large contemporary [http://metrarail.com/Sched/sws/oak_lawn.shtml Metra train station], and several new retail and service facilities. |
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== |
===Stop sign program=== |
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In mid-2007, Oak Lawn began hanging additional messages to village stop signs in an attempt to have drivers obey the signs. The signs were the idea of the village President, Dave Heilmann, and local residents were encouraged to submit their own ideas. Found throughout the village, the signs garnered attention with the press and were not well received by residents, nor did they noticeably impact public safety.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071011121453/http://www.suntimes.com/news/579910,CST-NWS-stop29.article Stop me if you've heard this one: Traffic signs offer humor with a message] Chicago Sun-Times, September 29, 2007</ref> While considered humorous by some, many others considered it a publicity stunt at tax payer's expense.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-05-01-0804300951-story.html|title=Chicago Tribune: Chicago news, sports, weather, entertainment|website=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=May 2008 }}</ref> |
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[[Image:Stop-sign-oak-lawn.jpg|thumb|150px|right|New Oak Lawn Stop Signs]] |
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In mid 2007 Oak Lawn began hanging some humorous additions to the city stop signs in an attempt to have drivers obey the signs. The signs were the idea of the city President, and local residents are encouraged to submit their own ideas. Found throughout the city, the signs garnished attention with the press.[http://www.suntimes.com/news/579910,CST-NWS-stop29.article.] |
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The [[Federal Highway Administration]] (FHWA) and [[IDOT]] voiced their concerns about the use of these nonconforming stop signs and |
The [[Federal Highway Administration]] (FHWA) and [[IDOT]] voiced their concerns about the use of these nonconforming stop signs and the village removed them in April 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbc5.com/news/16067259/detail.html?rss=chi&psp=news|title=Chicago Local News, Weather, Traffic, US & World and Breaking News|website=NBC Chicago}}</ref> Initially, the Village President refused to remove the signs until IDOT threatened to withhold millions of dollars in funding for infrastructure. |
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== Notable people == |
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==Famous residents associated with Oak Lawn, Illinois== |
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<!-- Note: |
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{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2008}} |
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· Only people who already have a Wikipedia article may appear here. This establishes notability. |
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*[[Diandra Asbaty]], professional [[Ten-pin bowling|ten-pin bowler]]; Team USA member and spokesperson for the [[United States Bowling Congress|USBC]] |
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· The article must mention how they are associated with Oak Lawn, whether born, raised, or residing. |
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*[[Kevin Cronin]], singer in the rock band [[REO Speedwagon]] |
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· The fact of their association should have a reliable source cited. |
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*[[Dan Donegan]], guitarist for the band [[Disturbed]] |
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· Alphabetical by last name please. |
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*[[Michael Flatley]], famous step dancer who attended St. Linus and [[Brother Rice High School (Chicago, Illinois)|Brother Rice High School]] |
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· All others will be deleted. |
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*[[David A. Johnston]], lone volcanologist killed during the notable 1980 [[Mount St. Helens]] eruption |
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--> |
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*[[Steve Kmak]], former bassist for [[Disturbed]] |
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*[[Rob Mackowiak]], baseball player for the [[Washington Nationals]] |
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*[[Mike Mollo]], professional heavyweight boxer |
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*[[Benn Jordan]], award winning composer and recording artist known as [[The Flashbulb]] |
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*[[Kanye West]], Hip-Hop/Rap artist |
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*[[Kevin Andrew Lee]], All time Richards High School leader in batting average, ERA, and stolen bases. Currently the closer for the University of Iowa baseball team.http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/lee_kevin00.html |
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*[[John Sullivan]],drummer from the rock band [[loudmouth]] |
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* [[Diandra Asbaty]] (born 1980), professional bowler; Team USA member and spokesperson for [[United States Bowling Congress|USBC]] |
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==References== |
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* [[Brian Bogusevic]] (born 1984), former outfielder for [[Chicago Cubs]]<ref>Staff. [http://www.philliedelphia.com/2015/12/former-phillies-outfielder-brian-bogusevic-signs-with-npbs-orix-buffaloes.html "Former Phillies outfielder Brian Bogusevic signs with NPB's Orix Buffaloes"], Philadelphia.com, December 9, 2015. Accessed June 15, 2016. "Bogusevic, 31, began last season with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, despite slugging .611 in 36 spring training at-bats.The Oak Lawn, Illinois native was not recalled until Sept. 4."</ref> |
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{{Reflist}} |
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* [[Tim Byrdak]] (born 1973), Major League Baseball pitcher 1998 to 2013; born in Oak Lawn |
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* [[Kevin Cronin]] (born 1951), lead vocalist for rock band [[REO Speedwagon]]<ref>Williams, Kevin. [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/05/14/reo-speedwagon-embraces-its-past-future/ "REO Speedwagon embraces its past, future"], ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'', May 14, 2010. Accessed June 15, 2016. "Cronin and his bandmates are homeboys even though they all live in Los Angeles now. He grew up in Oak Lawn as the weird kid with the long hair and funny clothes who played guitar all the time, went to high school at Brother Rice and to college at Loyola University in Rogers Park."</ref> |
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* [[David Diehl]] (born 1980), football player, two-time Super Bowl champion for [[New York Giants]]<ref>Haugh, David. [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/02/03/fathers-example-lives-on-in-diehl/ "Father's example lives on in Diehl; Giants offensive tackle's strong work ethic instilled growing up on South Side"], ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'', February 3, 2008. Accessed June 15, 2016. "That all changed when the Diehls moved out of the neighborhood to Oak Lawn before David started 8th grade."</ref> |
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* [[Mark Donahue]], football player, lineman for [[Cincinnati Bengals]], two-time Consensus All-American at [[University of Michigan]] |
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* [[Dan Donegan]], guitarist for rock band [[Disturbed (band)|Disturbed]] |
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* [[John Duda|John Joseph Duda]], actor; born in Oak Lawn |
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* [[Michael Flatley]] (born 1958), Irish step dancer; attended St. Linus and [[Brother Rice High School (Chicago, Illinois)|Brother Rice High School]]<ref>Staff. [https://web.archive.org/web/20160814211415/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2000-05-01/news/0005010069_1_carter-s-son-friendship-force-chip-carter "Flatley's Generosity Benefits Special School"], ''[[Sun-Sentinel]]'', May 1, 2000. Accessed June 15, 2016. "Flatley, creator and star of Lord of the Dance, donated the money Friday to Elim Christian School, which serves students with developmental disabilities, including Flatley's niece, 14. Flatley grew up in nearby Oak Lawn, Ill."</ref> |
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* [[Jack Gwynne]], illusionist and actor, died in Oak Lawn (1969) |
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* [[Richard Hanania]], right-wing author and academic |
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* [[David A. Johnston]], volcanologist, killed during 1980 [[Mount St. Helens]] eruption |
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* [[Benn Jordan]], recording artist known as [[The Flashbulb]]; attended Oak Lawn Community High School |
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* [[C.J. Kupec]], basketball player, Oak Lawn High School star, played for [[Michigan Wolverines men's basketball|Michigan]] and NBA's [[Los Angeles Lakers]] |
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* [[Sean Lewis (American football)|Sean Lewis]], college football coach, attended Harold L. Richards High School<ref>{{cite news |last=Paha|first=Jason|title=Let the games begin |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88711956/let-the-games-begin/ |newspaper=[[Southtown Star]] |date=August 17, 2003 |page=C-1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=November 28, 2023}}</ref> |
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* [[Rob Mackowiak]], player for several [[Major League Baseball]] teams<ref name="file">{{cite news|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=406670|title=Player FIle|work=MLB.com|access-date=December 8, 2009}}</ref> |
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* [[Bobby Madritsch]], former pitcher for [[Seattle Mariners]] |
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* [[Rory Markham]], UFC and IFL mixed martial arts fighter |
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* [[Mike Mollo]], heavyweight boxer |
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* [[Bryan Rekar]], former pitcher for [[Colorado Rockies]], [[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]], and [[Kansas City Royals]]; born in Oak Lawn |
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* [[Michael A. Ruddy]], Illinois state representative and businessman, lived in Oak Lawn<ref>'Michael Ruddy; Served 19 Years In State House,' '''The Chicago Tribune,''' June 3, 1987</ref> |
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* [[Marc Rzepczynski]], pitcher for [[Seattle Mariners]]; born in Oak Lawn |
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* [[Dwyane Wade]], former NBA player and three-time NBA champion with [[Miami Heat]], attended Richards High School in Oak Lawn |
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* [[Harry Yourell]], Illinois state representative and businessman |
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* [[Kanye West]], musician, rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer<ref name="KWstBio5">{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J9kDAAAAMBAJ&q=kanye&pg=PA93|title=The Many Faces of Kanye West|access-date=July 19, 2007|magazine=[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]|first=Kimberly|last=Davis|date=June 2004|page=92}}</ref><ref name="cant ignore">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1096499,00.html|title=Why You Can't Ignore Kanye|access-date=June 7, 2007|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=August 21, 2005|first=Josh|last=Tyrangiel|archive-date=April 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070401082700/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1096499%2C00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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* [[Juice WRLD]], rapper, died in Oak Lawn (2019) |
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== |
== See also == |
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{{Portal-inline|Chicago}} |
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*[http://www.oaklawn-il.gov/ Oak Lawn Official Site] |
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*[http://www.olchs.org/ Oak Lawn Community High School] |
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*[http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/ Oak Lawn Public Library] |
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**[http://www.lrizzardini.741.com/index1005.pdf ''Playboy'' Magazine and the Oak Lawn, Illinois Public Library], independent survey by Laura Rizzardini, M.A., Oct. 2, 2005. |
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**[http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/currentnews/newsarchive/2005abc/october2005ab/oaklawn.htm Town Leaders Reopen ''Playboy'' Decision], by the [[American Library Association|ALA]], ''American Libraries'', Oct. 28, 2005. |
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*[http://www.olparks.com/ Oak Lawn Park District] |
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*[http://www.oaklawnchamber.com/ Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce] |
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*[http://www.cmoaklawn.org/ The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn] |
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*[http://www.ridgeland122.com/index.htm Ridgeland Public School District 122] |
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*[http://www.advocatehealth.com/cmc// Advocate Christ Medical Center] |
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== References == |
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'''Oak Lawn Tornado - 1967''' |
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{{reflist}} |
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*[http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/documents/botorn.html The 1967 Oak Lawn Tornado] Oak Lawn Public Library |
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*[http://www.olchs.org/tornado.pdf Oak Lawn Community High School tornado project] |
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*[http://www.stormtrack.org/library/archives/stjan97.htm The Oak Lawn, Illinois Tornado] ([[Stormtrack]]) |
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== External links == |
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{{Mapit-US-cityscale|41.715082|-87.753401}} |
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{{Commonscat}} |
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*[http://www.oaklawn-il.gov/ Village of Oak Lawn official website] |
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*[http://www.oaklawnchamber.com/ Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce] |
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{{Cook County, Illinois}} |
{{Cook County, Illinois}} |
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{{Chicagoland}} |
{{Chicagoland}} |
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{{Illinois}} |
{{Illinois}} |
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{{Geographic location| |
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| Center=Oak Lawn |
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| Northeast=[[Ashburn, Chicago]] |
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| Southwest=[[Chicago Ridge, Illinois|Chicago Ridge]] |
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}} |
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{{authority control}} |
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[[Category:Cook County, Illinois]] |
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[[Category:Villages in Illinois]] |
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[[Category:Oak Lawn, Illinois| ]] |
[[Category:Oak Lawn, Illinois| ]] |
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[[Category:Villages in Cook County, Illinois]] |
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[[Category:Chicago metropolitan area]] |
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[[ht:Oak Lawn, Ilinwa]] |
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[[Category:Populated places established in 1909]] |
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[[nl:Oak Lawn]] |
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[[Category:1909 establishments in Illinois]] |
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[[pl:Oak Lawn]] |
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[[Category:Villages in Illinois]] |
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[[pt:Oak Lawn]] |
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[[simple:Oak Lawn, Illinois]] |
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[[vo:Oak Lawn]] |
Latest revision as of 06:47, 21 December 2024
Oak Lawn, Illinois | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 41°42′54″N 87°45′12″W / 41.71500°N 87.75333°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Illinois |
County | Cook |
Township | Worth |
Incorporated | 1909 |
Government | |
• Type | Council–manager |
• President | Terry Vorderer |
Area | |
• Total | 8.57 sq mi (22.20 km2) |
• Land | 8.57 sq mi (22.20 km2) |
• Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) 0% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 58,362 |
• Density | 6,809.24/sq mi (2,629.13/km2) |
Standard of living (2009-11) | |
• Per capita income | $27,851 |
• Median home value | $213,700 |
ZIP code(s) | 60453, 60454, 60455, 60456, 60457, 60458, 60459 |
Area code(s) | 708 |
Geocode | 54820 |
FIPS code | 17-54820 |
Website | www |
Oak Lawn is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 58,362 at the 2020 census.[2] Oak Lawn is a suburb of Chicago, located southwest of the city. It shares borders with the city in two areas but is surrounded mostly by other suburbs.
History
[edit]Founding
[edit]In August 1835, James B. Campbell purchased the land stretching between Cicero Avenue and Central Avenue from 95th Street to 103rd Street. It is unclear what Campbell's intentions with the area were, but by 1840, he had lost a court battle with the Illinois State Bank and his land was sold in a public auction. John Simpson, a prominent figure in early Oak Lawn history, bought the northern half of the property in 1842. By 1859, the recently incorporated government of Worth Township paid for the construction of Black Oak Grove Road, an early name for 95th Street. Black Oak Grove is also the earliest known name of the area that would become Oak Lawn. It was later shortened to Black Oak or Black Oaks, but in 1882, the post office, train depot and surrounding community became known simply as Oak Lawn. Before this however, the area now known as Oak Lawn was, briefly during the early 1800s, called Agnes. It was also on some occasion referred to as Oak Park. Over the next two decades, the area grew in population as more homes were built and local business sprang into being.[3] As the area continued to grow, many residents visited Englewood by train to shop. Oak Lawn residents also made income during early days by selling their farm and dairy products to various markets in Chicago.
Incorporation
[edit]In 1909, Oak Lawn was incorporated as a village. The following years, there were major improvements to local infrastructure and government services, such as the introduction of the police magistrate and village marshal, along with the building of a village hall and jailhouse.[4] Electric lights were brought to 95th Street in 1911, the volunteer fire department began in 1923, Oak Lawn's first bank opened in 1925, and the Community High School District 218 was formed. The population had grown to 2,045 by 1930, and civic improvements were steadily made over the next decade.[5] In 1934, a collection of one hundred books was the beginning of the Oak Lawn Public Library. By 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Works Progress Administration as part of the New Deal, which supported a variety of public works, including libraries. With the help of a WPA grant, the new library opened its doors in 1936.[6]
Post 1945
[edit]After World War II, with veterans returning home and taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, Oak Lawn experienced a major population boom. Beginning in 1949, Oak Lawn Round-Up Days became an annual event and helped to promote the village. It started with 25,000 people, and the Western-themed celebration brought in over 100,000 attendees in 1952. In this year, Jack Brickhouse was master of ceremonies, and the parade was televised on WGN-TV. By 1957, Round-Up Days had become too large, and the next year a final scaled-down version was held.[7]
In the 1950s, a village managerial government began, and a new library and fire station were constructed. By 1960, there were nearly 20,000 residents in Oak Lawn.
On April 21, 1967, a tornado touched down in Oak Lawn that is recorded as one of the worst to strike an urban area. Roughly 900 buildings were damaged or destroyed, and over 30 people were killed.
The town was rebuilt in the coming years, and witnessed further population growth, peaking at 63,500 between 1973 and 1976.[3] However, there was a decrease in residents in the 1980s, and an aging population led to the closure of several schools during this time. In response, the village began a process of redevelopment to counteract the decrease. This redevelopment has focused primarily on businesses and structures in the core area of Oak Lawn, around 95th Street between Cicero Avenue and Central Avenue.
1967 tornado
[edit]On April 21, 1967, an F4 tornado touched down at 105th Street and Kean Avenue in Palos Hills, 5 miles (8 km) west of Oak Lawn. There were no deaths in Palos Hills, although a number of homes were destroyed and two transmission towers collapsed. After rising from the ground, the tornado touched down again at the Starlite Drive-In Theater at 6400 West 95th Street. With winds estimated to be over 200 miles per hour (320 km/h), the tornado tore through Oak Lawn, tossing cars and buses in the air. After cutting Oak Lawn Community High School in half, it caused damage to St. Gerald's and continued to 91st Street and Cicero Avenue, heavily damaging the Airway Trailer Park and the Oak Lawn Roller Rink before rising from ground level. It touched down again in nearby Hometown, Evergreen Park, and Chicago before dissipating over Lake Michigan. In just 16 minutes, the storm left a 16-mile (26 km) path of destruction and over 30 people dead.[8]
Downtown redevelopment
[edit]Starting in 2002, downtown Oak Lawn (95th Street between Tulley Avenue and 55th Court) became the target of a massive redevelopment program; properties on the north and south sides of 95th Street were demolished. Eventually, several square blocks were leveled, making room for several multistory, high-end condominium complexes with retail space on the main floors. Part of the project was the expansion of the Metra commuter train station that houses a retail/office center and a new children's museum.[9] This complex also includes a multistory parking garage. Downtown Oak Lawn as seen today bears little resemblance to the downtown from 2002. It now features modern high-rise buildings, new shopping areas, a large contemporary Metra train station,[10] and several new retail and service facilities.
Geography
[edit]According to the 2010 census, Oak Lawn has a total area of 8.59 square miles (22.25 km2), all land.[11]
Demographics
[edit]Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1910 | 287 | — | |
1920 | 489 | 70.4% | |
1930 | 2,045 | 318.2% | |
1940 | 3,483 | 70.3% | |
1950 | 8,751 | 151.2% | |
1960 | 27,471 | 213.9% | |
1970 | 60,305 | 119.5% | |
1980 | 60,590 | 0.5% | |
1990 | 56,182 | −7.3% | |
2000 | 55,245 | −1.7% | |
2010 | 56,690 | 2.6% | |
2020 | 58,362 | 2.9% | |
U.S. Decennial Census[12] 2010[13] 2020[14] |
As of the 2020 census[15] there were 58,362 people, 21,154 households, and 13,544 families residing in the village. The population density was 6,809.24 inhabitants per square mile (2,629.06/km2). There were 23,362 housing units at an average density of 2,725.70 per square mile (1,052.40/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 68.31% White, 7.65% African American, 0.87% Native American, 2.83% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 9.43% from other races, and 10.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 22.56% of the population.
There were 21,154 households, out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.89% were married couples living together, 11.64% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.97% were non-families. 32.16% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.73% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.33 and the average family size was 2.60.
The village's age distribution consisted of 21.7% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $69,352, and the median income for a family was $90,690. Males had a median income of $54,168 versus $38,363 for females. The per capita income for the village was $33,998. About 7.5% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[16] | Pop 2010[13] | Pop 2020[14] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
White alone (NH) | 49,689 | 43,680 | 37,499 | 89.94% | 77.05% | 64.25% |
Black or African American alone (NH) | 666 | 2,893 | 4,335 | 1.21% | 5.10% | 7.43% |
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 59 | 54 | 84 | 0.11% | 0.10% | 0.14% |
Asian alone (NH) | 941 | 1,207 | 1,630 | 1.70% | 2.13% | 2.79% |
Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 5 | 14 | 6 | 0.01% | 0.02% | 0.01% |
Some Other Race alone (NH) | 31 | 76 | 204 | 0.06% | 0.13% | 0.35% |
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 912 | 658 | 1,437 | 1.65% | 1.16% | 2.46% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2,942 | 8,108 | 13,167 | 5.33% | 14.30% | 22.56% |
Total | 55,245 | 56,690 | 58,362 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Parks and recreation
[edit]Oak Lawn maintains an expansive park system.[17] From small corner play lots to the 38-acre (150,000 m2) Centennial Park, there are over 300 acres (1.2 km2) of parks, recreational facilities and open land. These include playgrounds, walking paths, baseball fields, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, plus outdoor swimming pools, an indoor ice arena, two fitness centers, and an 18-hole golf course. Each area in Oak Lawn has its own recreational area, totaling 22 parks.
Education
[edit]This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2020) |
This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2020) |
Oak Lawn has public education schooling children from K–5 in its many elementary schools, including Kolb, Lieb, Harnew, Columbus Manor, Covington, Hannum, Hometown, Kolmar, and Sward. Oak Lawn has two public middle schools: Simmons Middle School, and Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School.
There are two public high schools, Oak Lawn Community High School and Harold L. Richards High School.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago operates Catholic schools. Catholic grammar schools include St. Germaine, St. Catherine, St. Linus, and St. Gerald. St. Louis de Montfort School closed in 2017 with 133 students that year.[18]
Infrastructure
[edit]Oak Lawn has a commuter railroad station on Metra's SouthWest Service line with service to downtown Chicago and Manhattan, Illinois. It has connections to two Pace routes, while other routes run along the village borders.
Stop sign program
[edit]In mid-2007, Oak Lawn began hanging additional messages to village stop signs in an attempt to have drivers obey the signs. The signs were the idea of the village President, Dave Heilmann, and local residents were encouraged to submit their own ideas. Found throughout the village, the signs garnered attention with the press and were not well received by residents, nor did they noticeably impact public safety.[19] While considered humorous by some, many others considered it a publicity stunt at tax payer's expense.[20]
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and IDOT voiced their concerns about the use of these nonconforming stop signs and the village removed them in April 2008.[21] Initially, the Village President refused to remove the signs until IDOT threatened to withhold millions of dollars in funding for infrastructure.
Notable people
[edit]- Diandra Asbaty (born 1980), professional bowler; Team USA member and spokesperson for USBC
- Brian Bogusevic (born 1984), former outfielder for Chicago Cubs[22]
- Tim Byrdak (born 1973), Major League Baseball pitcher 1998 to 2013; born in Oak Lawn
- Kevin Cronin (born 1951), lead vocalist for rock band REO Speedwagon[23]
- David Diehl (born 1980), football player, two-time Super Bowl champion for New York Giants[24]
- Mark Donahue, football player, lineman for Cincinnati Bengals, two-time Consensus All-American at University of Michigan
- Dan Donegan, guitarist for rock band Disturbed
- John Joseph Duda, actor; born in Oak Lawn
- Michael Flatley (born 1958), Irish step dancer; attended St. Linus and Brother Rice High School[25]
- Jack Gwynne, illusionist and actor, died in Oak Lawn (1969)
- Richard Hanania, right-wing author and academic
- David A. Johnston, volcanologist, killed during 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption
- Benn Jordan, recording artist known as The Flashbulb; attended Oak Lawn Community High School
- C.J. Kupec, basketball player, Oak Lawn High School star, played for Michigan and NBA's Los Angeles Lakers
- Sean Lewis, college football coach, attended Harold L. Richards High School[26]
- Rob Mackowiak, player for several Major League Baseball teams[27]
- Bobby Madritsch, former pitcher for Seattle Mariners
- Rory Markham, UFC and IFL mixed martial arts fighter
- Mike Mollo, heavyweight boxer
- Bryan Rekar, former pitcher for Colorado Rockies, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and Kansas City Royals; born in Oak Lawn
- Michael A. Ruddy, Illinois state representative and businessman, lived in Oak Lawn[28]
- Marc Rzepczynski, pitcher for Seattle Mariners; born in Oak Lawn
- Dwyane Wade, former NBA player and three-time NBA champion with Miami Heat, attended Richards High School in Oak Lawn
- Harry Yourell, Illinois state representative and businessman
- Kanye West, musician, rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer[29][30]
- Juice WRLD, rapper, died in Oak Lawn (2019)
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
- ^ "Oak Lawn village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ a b [1] Archived September 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Oak Lawn: A Century of Growth. The Centennial Commission. 1982
- ^ [2] Archived September 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Village Adopts New Name, Government. Black Oak and After. Gordon Welles and Gerald Anderson.
- ^ [3] Archived September 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Oak Lawn: A Century of Growth. The Centennial Commission. 1982.
- ^ [4] Archived September 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, The Oak Lawn Public Library. Black Oak and After. Verlyn Biere, edited by Grant Subs.
- ^ [5] Archived September 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Oak Lawn Round-Up 1949–1958. Black Oak and After. Gordon Welles.
- ^ [6] Archived September 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, The 1967 Oak Lawn Tornado. Black Oak and After. Barbara Wolfe.
- ^ "Children's Museum in Oak Lawn". Children's Museum in Oak Lawn.
- ^ "Metra train station". Archived from the original on January 11, 2014. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
- ^ "G001 – Geographic Identifiers – 2010 Census Summary File 1". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
- ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
- ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Oak Lawn village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Oak Lawn village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Oak Lawn village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "Oak Lawn Park District – Oak Lawn, IL". www.olparks.com.
- ^ Kennedy, Mike (January 12, 2017). "2 Catholic schools in Chicago's south suburbs will close". American School & University. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
- ^ Stop me if you've heard this one: Traffic signs offer humor with a message Chicago Sun-Times, September 29, 2007
- ^ "Chicago Tribune: Chicago news, sports, weather, entertainment". Chicago Tribune. May 2008.
- ^ "Chicago Local News, Weather, Traffic, US & World and Breaking News". NBC Chicago.
- ^ Staff. "Former Phillies outfielder Brian Bogusevic signs with NPB's Orix Buffaloes", Philadelphia.com, December 9, 2015. Accessed June 15, 2016. "Bogusevic, 31, began last season with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, despite slugging .611 in 36 spring training at-bats.The Oak Lawn, Illinois native was not recalled until Sept. 4."
- ^ Williams, Kevin. "REO Speedwagon embraces its past, future", Chicago Tribune, May 14, 2010. Accessed June 15, 2016. "Cronin and his bandmates are homeboys even though they all live in Los Angeles now. He grew up in Oak Lawn as the weird kid with the long hair and funny clothes who played guitar all the time, went to high school at Brother Rice and to college at Loyola University in Rogers Park."
- ^ Haugh, David. "Father's example lives on in Diehl; Giants offensive tackle's strong work ethic instilled growing up on South Side", Chicago Tribune, February 3, 2008. Accessed June 15, 2016. "That all changed when the Diehls moved out of the neighborhood to Oak Lawn before David started 8th grade."
- ^ Staff. "Flatley's Generosity Benefits Special School", Sun-Sentinel, May 1, 2000. Accessed June 15, 2016. "Flatley, creator and star of Lord of the Dance, donated the money Friday to Elim Christian School, which serves students with developmental disabilities, including Flatley's niece, 14. Flatley grew up in nearby Oak Lawn, Ill."
- ^ Paha, Jason (August 17, 2003). "Let the games begin". Southtown Star. p. C-1. Retrieved November 28, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Player FIle". MLB.com. Retrieved December 8, 2009.
- ^ 'Michael Ruddy; Served 19 Years In State House,' The Chicago Tribune, June 3, 1987
- ^ Davis, Kimberly (June 2004). "The Many Faces of Kanye West". Ebony. p. 92. Retrieved July 19, 2007.
- ^ Tyrangiel, Josh (August 21, 2005). "Why You Can't Ignore Kanye". Time. Archived from the original on April 1, 2007. Retrieved June 7, 2007.