The Civic Foundation & Northbrook Days

Before Northbrook Days returns next week, we're looking back at the organization that helped make it a Northbrook tradition.

The Northbrook Civic Foundation got its start in 1907 as the Shermerville Improvement Club. Early volunteers took on projects like snow removal, garbage collection, improving the railroad depot, and even building a cinder block crosswalk across Shermer Avenue.

Over the years, the Foundation helped fund early streetlights, the Meadowhill Pool kiddie pool, and the relocation of the historic Northfield Inn, which became the home of the Northbrook History Museum, helping preserve an important piece of Northbrook's history.

For decades, the Foundation has organized Northbrook Days, a five-day festival featuring rides, games, live music, food, beer and wine, and fun for all ages. It's been a summer tradition in Northbrook for generations!

Looking back, it's easy to see how more than a century of volunteerism and community spirit helped shape the Northbrook we know today.