Introduction
Municipal governments have taken on
many forms since they first began in America. Throughout history municipal
governments appeared in every settlement from the Spanish to the British colonies
in mid-eighteenth century America. Initially, these governments were
economically driven, that had gradually shifted to a more community focus that
accommodated individuals moving into suburban areas. Illinois first created its
townships during the mid-nineteenth century and within a few decades they would
create a village form of government.
Compared to other incorporated areas in DuPage County, the Village of Lisle is a new town. The first permanent settlers came to Lisle in 1832, though in did not become a village until June 23, 1956. When looking at the general development of municipal governments throughout the Chicago region it becomes essential to examine how the village form of government came to exist in Lisle and establish its place within the contextual framework of history.
Incorporation did not happen overnight, and it certainly did not come easily. Although it was unsuccessful at first, incorporation offered numerous benefits for the residents of Lisle. Benefits included the addition of police protection, water and sewage treatment services, and street lighting amongst many others that would benefit the health, safety, welfare and morals of the community
Lisle became incorporated in 1956 because residents wanted to ensure that Lisle would maintain its small-town, agrarian character. In the case of Lisle, suburban government can be viewed as a grassroots organization that exists because the people created it and run it. Lisle defied all odds and became a village after a nearly twenty year struggle. This is more than a history of the community; it is the story of how the actions of those who believed in Lisle made incorporation a reality.
Compared to other incorporated areas in DuPage County, the Village of Lisle is a new town. The first permanent settlers came to Lisle in 1832, though in did not become a village until June 23, 1956. When looking at the general development of municipal governments throughout the Chicago region it becomes essential to examine how the village form of government came to exist in Lisle and establish its place within the contextual framework of history.
Incorporation did not happen overnight, and it certainly did not come easily. Although it was unsuccessful at first, incorporation offered numerous benefits for the residents of Lisle. Benefits included the addition of police protection, water and sewage treatment services, and street lighting amongst many others that would benefit the health, safety, welfare and morals of the community
Lisle became incorporated in 1956 because residents wanted to ensure that Lisle would maintain its small-town, agrarian character. In the case of Lisle, suburban government can be viewed as a grassroots organization that exists because the people created it and run it. Lisle defied all odds and became a village after a nearly twenty year struggle. This is more than a history of the community; it is the story of how the actions of those who believed in Lisle made incorporation a reality.