On behalf of the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce, I’d like to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who supported and helped bring this calendar to life. It was a joy to create something that celebrates Orland Park’s history while highlighting key moments in American history as we honor the 250th anniversary of our nation.
The Chamber’s mission is to support local businesses and promote both economic and community growth. When you shop local and support our members, you are investing in the strength of our community and the success of those around you.
This year, we’ve made tremendous progress. We deepened our collaboration with the Village of Orland Park, hosted a wide range of events, began shaping a strategic plan, expanded our committees, and stayed focused on listening and responding to the evolving needs of our members. As we turn toward 2026, we’re energized by the opportunities ahead. We look forward to celebrating new businesses with ribbon cuttings, providing enriching educational experiences for members, and strengthening our efforts in community engagement and outreach.
And with that, we invite you to turn the page and explore this exciting new calendar! We also wish all our residents, businesses, and community partners a joyful, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
All my best,
SARAH STASUKEWICZ CEO, Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce
December 2025
circa 1958-1968
circa 1960s
Photo provided by Silver Lake Country Club
Chamber events
village events
On this day in 1776, Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense is published, advocating for independence.
On this day in 1920, Prohibition begins, turning Orland Park’s saloons into soda parlors.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monthly Membership Meeting, 12 p.m.
On this day in 1985, Orland Park receives Lake Michigan water for the first time.
DISCLAIMER – These dates were accurate at time of printing in November 2025. Please check the organization’s website to confirm date/location of events
WIFI THAT KEEPS UP
View of Old Orland, 1908
EXPERT CARE STARTS
On this day in1976, Orland Square Mall Opens.
On this day in 1776, Washington’s placement of cannons on Dorchester Heights forces the British to evacuate Boston, ending the 11-month siege.
Orland Women’s Network Luncheon, 11a.m.
On this day in 1972, Melrose Display Fireworks Co. catches fire, triggering explosions.
Monthly Membership Meeting, 12 p.m.
State of the Village, 12 p.m.
DISCLAIMER – These dates were accurate at time of printing in November 2025. Please check the organization’s website to confirm date/location of events
Aerial view of Orland Park, 143rd Street, circa 1938
On this day in 1776, North Carolina adopts the Halifax Resolves, becoming the first colony to fully back independence. Meanwhile, Congress opens ports to foreign trade and Washington prepares for a British invasion in New York.
Monthly Membership Meeting, 12 p.m.
On this day in 1850, the first meeting of Orland Township takes place.
DISCLAIMER – These dates were accurate at time of printing in November 2025. Please check the organization’s website to confirm date/location of events.
9101 W. 159th Street, Orland Hills IL
First Village Hall, circa 1900
Senator John Humphrey, the first mayor of Orland Park, circa 1880s- 1890s Fire Department with Senator Humphrey, 1894
In May 1907, the first car in Orland Park appears In May 1937, first library opens on 143rd Street More village events More Chamber events
On this day in1952, Orland and Palos vote to merge districts 221 and 222, creating District 230.
On this day in 1776, Congress encourages the colonies to establish independent governments free from British rule.
On this day in1892, Village of Orland Park is incorporated.
DISCLAIMER – These dates were accurate at time of printing in November 2025. Please check the organization’s website to confirm date/location of events
Gas station at 143rd Street and Wolf Road (current CVS Pharmacy/MinuteClinic), 1933
On this day in 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia motions to Congress to declare independence. This prompts Congress to form a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence.
On this day in1838, Orland Park’s first mayor, John Humphrey, is born in Wisbech, England. He settles in the Orland area with his family in 1846.
Fourth of July Parade, circa 1926
Fourth of July Parade in Orland Park, 1918
this day in 1776, Congress votes to declare independence from Great Britain. On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence is adopted by Congress.
DISCLAIMER – These dates were accurate at time of printing in November 2025. Please check the organization’s website to confirm date/location of events.
MOBILE THAT FITS
by the Village of Orland Park
Center School (current OPACC office), built in 1917, circa 1925
In August 1919, Dorothy Davis assembles the first two-year high school program in Orland Park
On this day in1986, Center School is moved from 151st Street and 94th Avenue to current location on 88th Avenue, becoming OPACC office.
On this day in 1901, the Northwestern Telephone Company receives Village approval to install telephone lines.
On this day in 1776, the Battle of Long Island marks the first major post-independence battle, a British victory that secures New York.
DISCLAIMER – These dates were accurate at time of printing in November 2025. Please check the organization’s website to confirm date/location of events
Silver Lake Country Club, circa 1927-1935
Photos provided by Silver Lake Country Club
Top: Hotel on Union Avenue, circa 1890s
Bottom left: Middle Street, present-day 143rd Place, circa 1900-1910
Bottom right: Loebe Bros General Store on Union Avenue, 1909
Above: John and Frank Hostert, 1918
Middle, from top to bottom: John Lahti, 1942; Ronald Zinn, circa 1964; Thomas Humphrey, circa 1861-1864
this day in 1879, the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific is incorporated. Train depot opens in Orland Park in 1880.
On this day in 1776, the Battle of Fort Washington marked a crushing defeat in Washington’s New York campaign. His army sadly retreated to Pennsylvania, but morale lifted with the Delaware crossing the following month.
Celebration
DISCLAIMER – These dates were accurate at time of printing in November 2025. Please check the organization’s website to confirm date/location of events.
Hosted by the Village of Orland Park
American Legion President, Lilah Kruspe, with Christmas packages for soldiers, 1943
Christmas trees for the Lions Club, 1972
DISCLAIMER – These dates were accurate at time of printing in November 2025. Please check the organization’s website to confirm date/location of events.
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