In recent years, the Will County town of Peotone has been in the news because of the ongoing debate about putting a third Chicago-area airport there. In the meantime, the community continues to thrive, as residents enjoy the tranquility of a rural lifestyle. Located between Interstate 57 and Illinois Route 50 and 39 miles south of...
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In recent years, the Will County town of Peotone has been in the news because of the ongoing debate about putting a third Chicago-area airport there. In the meantime, the community continues to thrive, as residents enjoy the tranquility of a rural lifestyle. Located between Interstate 57 and Illinois Route 50 and 39 miles south of Chicago's Loop, Peotone lies south of Monee, Richton Park and Chicago Heights, and north of Manteno. It has a population of 3,981 (2005). A well-recognized landmark within the community is a windmill that was built in 1872 by Frederick Rathje and Christoph Elling to produce wheat flour, rye flour, buckwheat flour, and cornmeal. The Rathje family donated the "Peotone Mill" to the village of Peotone in 1982, and the Mill is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and on Will County's Register of Historic Places. Peotone boasts an outstanding park district, excellent library system, and a variety of housing styles. The Peotone Park District was established in 1952, and currently has three parks situated on 25 acres, with one main activity building and three pavilions. Within the parks are two sand volleyball courts, four soccer fields, nine baseball diamonds (two with lights), two lighted tennis courts, a basketball court, horseshoe pits, and a roller hockey rink. Programs such as summer baseball, girls' softball, adult softball, youth soccer, and basketball are available. The Peotone Public Library District was the brainchild of the town's Senior Woman's Club in 1934. The library is located in a beautiful old building with original stained glass windows; an addition was completed in 1997. Activities include book discussion groups, computer classes and story times for younger children. The library serves the communities of Peotone, Green Garden, Monee, Will Township, and Wilton Center. Housing styles range from beautiful and historic turn-of-the-century single-family homes to spacious, contemporary residences. Students go to Peotone Elementary School, Peotone Junior High School and Peotone High School. Fifth graders only attend Connor Shaw Center; the school helps students transition from elementary school to junior high.
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