Grayslake Illinois H.B. Brooks Cottages On West Shore Of Third Lake Real Photo Postcard

Grayslake, Illinois, located in Lake County, developed into a significant leisure destination during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting visitors primarily from metropolitan Chicago. Third Lake, one of the area's many glacial lakes, served as a focal point for recreational activities. The cottages along its west shore, as seen here, represent the typical vacation rentals or summer homes established to accommodate families seeking respite and natural beauty away from the city.

This period was characterized by a burgeoning middle class with increased access to leisure travel, facilitated by the expansion of railway lines that made destinations like Lake County easily reachable. These lakeside cottages supported the growing demand for accessible outdoor recreation, providing venues for fishing, swimming, and general relaxation, cementing the region's reputation as a favored resort area in the early 20th century.