The Robert Strang Store, the first store in Millburn
Millburn was founded in 1837, when brothers George, Robert, and Peter Strang came from Ontario, Canada to settle in Illinois. They sought work on the Illinois and Michigan Canal, under construction at the time. After working for a year, the family issued claims on territory in Lake County, then returned to Canada. In 1839, they returned to their claim with their parents, a fourth brother (Jake), and their parents. The family was of Scottish descent, which lured other settlers of Scottish origin to what was then called Strang's Corners. By 1840, the First Congregational Church was founded.[3]
Jake, Peter, and George Strang participated in the California Gold Rush. Jake appears to have accumulated significant wealth from it, judging by his ability to design a high-style house shortly afterward. Robert Strang remained in Millburn and opened a store in 1856. He is generally credited as the father of the settlement because he was the only one of his brothers who remained in Millburn without interruption and his store was the first in the vicinity. Robert's son John M. succeeded him in running the store. Cobbler Richard Pantall was another early settler. He opened a general merchandise store in Millburn in 1862. Pantall was named postmaster and used his store as the town post office starting in 1864, a role it maintained until 1904. James Jamieson came from Scotland in 1859 and later served as Lake County Treasurer.[3]
The small settlement is unusual as an example of a mid-19th century rural community near Chicago. Although one of the roads through the village became U.S. Route 45, the village maintained its heritage. The oldest remaining buildings date back to 1856. The entire village was listed by the National Park Service on the National Register of Historic Places on September 18, 1979.[3]
Buildings
John M. Strang House
Almost all of the buildings in Millburn are part of the historic district. The only exception is a house on the southeast corner of Millburn Road and Route 45.[3]
Jake Strang House, 1856
Robert Strang Store, 1856
John M. Strang House, 1880
Robert Strang House, 1867, designed by William Mavor
Pantall–Martin Store, 1862, built for Richard Pantall
James Jamieson House, c. 1868
18980 Millburn Road, c. 1865
Dr. David B. Taylor House, built after 1865
Samuel Smith House, possibly 1905. The south half may date before 1858.
George L. Stewart House, 1870
William Stewart House, date unknown
Millburn Congregational Church, moved from Oak Park in 1937. A school addition was constructed in 1968.
George Jamieson House, 1892
2nd building north of Millburn Road on Route 45, date unknown. Some sections may date before 1860.
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