Editing Kenilworth, Illinois (section)

== History ==
Kenilworth was founded in 1889 when Joseph Sears purchased 223.6 acres of land consisting of several farms between the [[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago and North Western Railroad]] and Lake Michigan for $150,300. Sears and several of his associates formed The Kenilworth Company to execute his suburban dream.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Joseph Sears and his Kenilworth|last=Kilner|first=Colleen|publisher=Kenilworth Historical Society|year=1969|location=Kenilworth, IL|pages=138}}</ref>

Sears founded the town on four principles: "Large lots, high standards of construction, no alleys, and sales to Caucasians only."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avoiding History at the National Trust {{!}} History News Network |url=https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/25520 |access-date=February 28, 2023 |website=historynewsnetwork.org}}</ref> The Caucasians only provision intended the exclusion of all non-whites and Jews as well. Sears later used an informal poll to amend this provision so that live-in servants of color were allowed. This resulted in a population of 79 African Americans by 1950, all of whom worked as servants.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://hnn.us/articles/25520.html|title=Avoiding History at the National Trust|last=Loewen|first=James W.}}</ref> As of 2020, just 10 African Americans lived in Kenilworth (0.4% of the population).<ref name=2020-census/>

The company undertook all marketing activities. They publicized the community's many attractive features through brochures, maps, and newspaper ads, as well as direct personal sales. Prospects were provided transportation from the city and greeted with a reception. Visitors were also offered overnight accommodations. In 1891, Sears invited about 20 of his personal friends, prominent bankers and Chicago businessmen to a picnic luncheon on Kenilworth's lake shore. Lots were offered at $60 an acre; significantly above the $15 an acre for similarly located property nearby. Some laughed, but the property did sell within 12 months.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Kenilworth - First Fifty Years|publisher=Village of Kenilworth|year=1947|location=Kenilworth, IL|pages=8}}</ref> This planned community attracted widespread attention and was visited by many noted architects attending the [[World's Columbian Exposition|1893 Columbian Exposition]] in Chicago.

On February 4, 1896, the village reached the required 300 residents and was incorporated. The elected board assumed municipal functions from Sears. The Kenilworth Company continued their sales activities until 1904, at which time Sears acquired the existing stock and became the sole owner of the remaining property.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Kenilworth - First Fifty Years|publisher=Village of Kenilworth|year=1947|location=Kenilworth, IL|pages=2}}</ref>

The Kenilworth Company coordinated every aspect of this planned community to ensure the highest quality implementation and adherence to Joseph Sears’ vision. The village layout was designed to take advantage of the natural features and beauty of the land. To maintain the country atmosphere, the plan required large lots and setbacks, tree plantings along roadways, and generous park lands. Mr. Sears donated much of his own property to achieve this goal.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Kenilworth - First Fifty Years|publisher=Village of Kenilworth|year=1947|location=Kenilworth, IL|pages=25, 33, 39}}</ref>

The church, schools, parks, clubs, and recreational areas were early additions to encourage a spirit of community. Noted architect [[Franklin Pierce Burnham|Franklin Burnham]] joined The Kenilworth Company and designed the railroad station and the Kenilworth Union Church. Burnham also designed several homes for company members to display for potential residents.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Joseph Sears and His Kenilworth|last=Kilner|first=Colleen|publisher=Kenilworth Historical Society|year=1969|location=Kenilworth, IL|pages=153–54}}</ref>

The first [[African American]] family to move to Kenilworth, the Calhouns, was met with resistance by many in the community, such as a [[cross burning]] in 1966 and racially charged vandalism, while others voiced shock over the offenses.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://history.wilmettelibrary.info/1420767/data?n=3|title=Residents voice shock over cross burning here|date=May 26, 1966|newspaper=Wilmette News}}</ref> Speaking of his friends and neighbors, Walter Calhoun, a young student and athlete at the time, recalls "They bent over backwards to make sure I was never left out."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://jwcdaily.com/2014/12/08/bent-over-backwards|title=Friendship & Forgiveness in Kenilworth|last=Marihugh|first=Holly|date=December 8, 2014|publisher=Daily North Shore|access-date=January 5, 2017}}</ref> Four years after the shocking incident, two teenagers visited Harold Calhoun in his downtown office where they confessed  and apologized for the cross burning.<ref name=":1" />