07/24/2026
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Spring Lake is not actually a lake now, but it was at one time.
While the Historical Society isn't 100% sure on the exact date, Egg Bag Creek was dammed, possibly dating back to the days this area was known as Unionville, about 1865-1868. The purpose for damming the creak was to create an ice field, and a lot of ice was cut there.
It was owned at one time by the Home Ice Company, which had an office at 506 E. Main St. They had three ice houses at Spring Lake, which stored 5,000 tons of ice, as well as two ice houses in the city that stored 4,000 tons. The ice was sold locally as well as being shipped across the state.
Spring Lake also was used for recreation. It was the most popular place for picnics, hiking, swimming, fishing and ice skating in the summer until a “cyclone” hit in 1903. There is an area running northeast to southwest between Kangley and Streator that was known as "cyclone alley." In July 1903, like many other summers before, a tornado touched down in that area and went on to cause damage around the area, one of which being an icehouse at Spring Lake as well as a house that sat by the shoreline that was picked up and set on the surface of the lake. The three residents inside all survived with minimal injury.
The dam was eventually blasted in 1930; at the time it was owned by Public Service Company of Illinois and an official reason for the dismantling was never given. The property came into the possession of the city when the state donated the land for $1 on the stipulation that it must only be used as a recreational area. There were talks of selling the land in 2006 but it never came about after objections by locals as well as the original agreement made with the state of Illinois.
The land was very wild at this point and a group called the Spring Lake Project was formed in 2007 to step up to start to maintain the area so everyone could more easily enjoy it. Much of the work there has been volunteer, including the bridge and stairs to the falls as well as clearing the hiking trails.
Today Spring Lake’s 37 acres offer much to the community with scenic views, hiking trails, picnic areas, and more. You can even see arguably one of the largest cottonwood trees in Illinois, thought to be well over 200 years old.
THROWBACK THURSDAY is a collaboration between the Streator Chamber of Commerce and Streatorland Historical Society Museum putting a spotlight on a member's storied past. Catch it every Thursday to learn more about the history of our Streator places or businesses. Visit the Streatorland Historical Museum, 109 E. Elm St., the corner of Elm and Park streets (across from City Park), to discover more. It is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Call 815-673-3558 for more information
