Hey movie buffs and history fans ever catch the latest episode of Taylor Sheridan's '1923' and suddenly hear " Winnetka "? Yep that posh-sounding town outside Chicago got a mention and it might have you wondering what's the deal with Winnetka in real life. Well get ready because Winnetka Illinois is way more than just a fancy name drop in a TV show. It's a real place with a fascinating history some surprising secrets and even a connection to a seriously spooky mansion!
Winnetka in '1923': Posh Illinois Suburb Makes a Surprising Appearance in the Wild West Drama
In a recent episode of '1923' Elizabeth Strafford found herself on a train from Boston headed towards Fargo. But guess where else got name-checked during her journey? Winnetka Illinois! Our Elizabeth found refuge with a couple named Hillary and Paul after a train incident and they offered to take her to their home in Winnetka. The show highlighted that Winnetka was "a very posh area outside of Chicago" and "wealthy progressive and civic-minded". Sounds pretty swanky right?
And the show nailed it. Winnetka back in the 1920s and even today is known as a seriously upscale suburb. Think beautiful homes tree-lined streets and a vibe of quiet sophistication. It's on Chicago's North Shore a place associated with wealth and good living for generations. So '1923' got the details right setting the scene for Elizabeth's temporary escape to a world far removed from the Montana ranch and Texas train troubles.
Winnetka's Winchester House Connection: From Eerie Mansion to Illinois Shout-Out
The '1923' episode also threw in another cool real-world reference: the Winchester House . Marshal Mamie Fossett while chatting about jail space mentioned the Winchester House in California. This spooky mansion is totally real and has a wild story behind it. Sarah Winchester the widow of the Winchester rifle fortune heir believed she was haunted by ghosts killed by Winchester rifles. To appease them she started building a house in 1886 and construction literally never stopped until she died in 1922.
The result? A bizarre sprawling mansion with staircases to nowhere doors opening into walls and a general sense of mystery. It's a major tourist attraction in California today and even inspired a (not so great) horror movie starring Helen Mirren. Funny enough Helen Mirren also plays Cara Dutton in '1923'! So the show cleverly weaved in this bit of pop culture and historical trivia.
While the Winchester House is in California the fact that it got a mention in '1923' in a conversation about building and space is a fun historical nod. And it links back to the idea of grand homes and intriguing stories that connect to places like Winnetka even if indirectly.
Beyond the TV Show: Exploring Winnetka Illinois - History Charm and Hidden Treasures
Okay so '1923' gave us a glimpse of Winnetka as a wealthy suburb but what else is there to know? Well Winnetka has a rich history going way back. For example did you know that Cook County Illinois' oldest log structure is right there in Winnetka? It's the Schmidt-Burnham Log House built way back around 1837. This place is a real piece of history and was lived in longer than any other home in Northern Illinois until 2001!
Visit the Schmidt-Burnham Log House: A Step Back in Time
Here's a cool listing for you history buffs:
- Name: Schmidt-Burnham Log House
- What it is: Oldest log structure in Cook County Illinois built c. 1837
- Things to do: Explore exhibits scavenger hunt pioneer games
- Visiting Hours: Sundays May 4th - November 16th 2-4 PM
- Location: Winnetka Illinois (Check Winnetka Historical Society website for exact address)
- Why Visit: Step back in time learn about pioneer life and see a truly historic landmark.
The Schmidt-Burnham Log House is even on the National Register of Historic Places! It's open to the public on Sundays from May to November. You can check out exhibits do a scavenger hunt and even play pioneer games. If you're ever in the Winnetka area it's definitely worth a visit for a taste of local history.
Winnetka's Modern Day Story: Bridge Projects and Keeping the Charm Alive
Winnetka is not just about the past though. The town is always evolving while trying to maintain its character. Right now there's a big project in the works to replace the Winnetka Road bridge over the Edens Expressway. This is a necessary infrastructure update but even for something like a bridge Winnetka is thinking about aesthetics.
Local officials are working with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to explore "aesthetic enhancements" for the new bridge. They are considering things like colored fencing decorative facades and even adding "Northfield" and "Winnetka Road" lettering to the bridge design. There are even options for decorative pillars and field stone formliners. They are aiming to make the bridge not just functional but also visually appealing and fitting with the town's style. It shows that Winnetka cares about the details even in infrastructure projects.
The bridge project is expected to start in 2027 and hopefully be done in one construction season. It will also include ADA-compliant sidewalks and a shared-use path making it more accessible for pedestrians and students going to New Trier High School. It's a good example of how Winnetka is balancing progress with preserving its unique appeal.
Winnetka: From TV Show Mention to Real-World Destination
So next time you hear Winnetka mentioned on TV or in a movie remember there's a real place behind the name. It's a suburb with a history a log cabin a bridge project and a certain reputation for being posh and progressive. Whether you are a history buff a TV Show fan or just curious about cool places Winnetka Illinois has a story to tell. Maybe it is time to add Winnetka to your list of places to explore beyond the screen!