Pistakee Bay Near Johnsburg Illinois P.L. Huckins Villa Maria Real Photo Postcard

Villa Maria was an established resort or boarding house located on Pistakee Bay, a significant component of Illinois' Chain O' Lakes system. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Chain O' Lakes region had become a highly popular summer vacation spot, particularly for urban dwellers from Chicago seeking recreational opportunities and a break from city life.