Fox Lake Illinois Lake County Lehman' Summer Home Masure And Leonhard Real Photo Postcard

Fox Lake, Illinois, within the larger Chain O'Lakes region, developed into a significant summer resort destination for affluent Chicago families during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The construction of summer homes, like the Lehman's residence on the East Shore, became a popular trend for those seeking respite from urban heat and desiring leisure opportunities. Such estates often facilitated recreation, including activities like tennis, visible in the foreground.

These large summer homes, frequently characterized by expansive porches and multiple stories designed to maximize lake breezes and views, reflect the architectural styles and social patterns of the era. They represent a period when improved transportation, coupled with increased wealth, allowed many urban dwellers to establish seasonal retreats in scenic, accessible locations, solidifying the region's reputation as a prominent vacation spot.