Can You Solve This Wilmette History Mystery?

The Polivka family has been waiting patiently for July 1st, the launch date of the Wilmette Historical Museum’s annual summer family activity. Eva Polivka remembers participating in her first history hunt organized by the Museum in the summer of 2017 when she searched for Mr. Westerfield’s pickle barrels which had gone missing around Willmette. For readers not up on their local history, Mr. John Westerfield was Wilmette’s first village president. He also had a vinegar works and pickle factory on Lake Avenue and Sheridan Road and it has been said that he stored pickle barrels under his front porch. Eva and her brother Colin were the first to find all the miniature versions of pickle barrels hidden in Wilmette businesses that summer. They also made sure they were the first ones to pick up this summer’s activity booklet and solve a Wilmette history mystery!

One of the things Eva has enjoyed in past history hunts was “going in all the stores.” While the Museum’s summer family activity is typically done in collaboration with the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce and chamber businesses, this summer’s activity is strictly outdoors in order to help keep families safe during the pandemic. Colin thinks that this summer’s mystery format is great because you “learn more history and go to buildings where you wouldn’t normally go.”

To add to the fun, as in past summers, there are prizes at the end! Eva and Colin and all kids aged 13 and younger who solve the mystery will receive a coupon for a free individual pizza generously donated by Lou Malnati’s and be entered into a raffle for a prize from the museum gift shop.

The trail of clues extends all the way from the Museum down to the Lakefront. Using the map included in the activity booklet as a guide, families can track down the clues on foot, by car, or on bikes, like the Polivkas. Eva and Colin’s mom Melissa appreciated that the activity got their family outside and exercising. She was also happy to see her kids working together to solve the mystery. She reflects, “Working together. That is going to get us through these times.”

For free family fun this summer, pick up an activity booklet outside the museum entrance, 609 Ridge Road, or download one at https://www.wilmettehistory.org/event/free-summer-family-fun-activity. For further information, visit the museum website or email museum@wilmette.com.