In May of 1957 the South Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department approached Northern Illinois Coal about leasing land in Greenfield Township. The lease was granted. They then purchased 6 acres of land. The Sentry Royalty Coal Company also gifted another 8.5 acres which became our beach and change houses.
The South Wilmington Firemen held a meeting to elect the South Wilmington Firemen Beach and Park Club’s first Board of Directors. They are as follows:
President- Albert Vota
Vice President- Carl Testa
Secretary- Joseph Vota
Treasurer- Peter Residori
Chairman of the Board- Peter Cacello
Joseph Smolik, Martin Residori, Lester Allen, Frank Smolik and Otto Smolik Jr.
June 5th of 1958 the changing houses, concession stand and beach were ready to open. In 1959, 20 lakes were stocked with fish. March 31, 1960, another 680 acres were purchased from Sentry Royalty Company. Soon after the Board added picnic areas, camping areas with electricity, playgrounds and over 30 stocked lakes.
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