Northbrook

In 1833, the Potawatomi tribe, the first known inhabitants of the Northbrook area, ceded their land. They began their journey to new lands near Council Bluffs, Iowa. This opened the door for settlers like Joel Sterling Sherman. Sherman purchased a significant plot of land. This plot would eventually become Northbrook’s downtown area. Northbrook wasn’t always called Northbrook. It was initially named Shermerville, after Frederick Schermer. Schermer generously donated land for the town’s first train station. By the 1870s, Northbrook, then Shermerville, thrived as a farming community. The rich clay soil proved ideal for brickmaking. This industry boomed after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The demand for bricks to rebuild Chicago fueled Northbrook’s early economy. In 1901, Shermerville officially became a village. It boasted a modest population of 311 residents and about 60 houses. However, the village’s five saloons earned it a somewhat rowdy reputation. Concerned about this image, residents held a contest in 1923 to rename the village. Edward Landwehr, the U.S. postmaster, suggested “Northbrook,” a name inspired by the West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River that flows through the village. The name was adopted, marking a turning point in Northbrook’s history. After World War II, Northbrook experienced rapid population growth. It transformed into a bustling suburb of Chicago. Northbrook even earned a presidential visit. In 1997, President Bill Clinton visited to congratulate Northfield Township’s 8th-grade students. They achieved the highest score in a world science test and the second-highest in math. Northbrook achieved another milestone. It became the first community not bordering Lake Michigan to filter its water for public use. This reflects Northbrook’s forward-thinking approach to community development. Northbrook stands as a testament to the evolution of a small settlement into a vibrant suburb, shaped by its rich history and enterprising residents. From its Native American roots to its brickmaking boom and its transition to a modern suburb, Northbrook’s story continues to unfold.