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In the mid-1830’s, early settlers were attracted to Babcock’s Grove, (as Lombard was called at the time) by rich farmland; more settlers came when the railroad route westward from Chicago followed the St. Charles Road Trail. In 1927, Colonel William R. Plum bequeathed his home and adjacent lilac gardens to the town as a park and library site. As a result of Colonel Plum’s bequest, the Lombard Park District was established by court order in 1927. A tour of the historic downtown area, within walking distance of the commuter train depot, highlights the significant heritage earlier residents left to contemporary Lombard: the historic Lilacia Park, Lombard Historical Museum, Helen M. Plum Memorial Library as well as the Maple Street Chapel, a historic landmark in the spired Gothic style built as the original First Church of Lombard in 1870.
Each year during Lilac Time, which occurs during May, Lilacia Park exemplifies the historic beauty of Lombard in bloom. The 8.5 acre park is fragrant with flowering lilac bushes, 75,000 tulips and other spring-flowering plantings. Lilacia Park is the focal point for residents and visitors alike during Lilac Time as well as throughout the changing seasons. The lilac tradition is never complete until the last unit of the annual favorite Lilac Parade has made its way down Main Street. Estimates boast that 55,000+ spectators line the parade route to view and cheer on the various bands, floats and business and civic participants of the ever-growing parade.
During the summer, the traditional Taste of Lombard brings thousands out to view, taste and see the sights and sounds the Lombard Jaycees offer. A fourth of July fireworks extravaganza is always a part of the celebration that brings together local vendors, themed entertainment and characters, children’s games and other festival activities to round out a larger scale neighborhood event topped off by the traditional fireworks display
Winter events traditionally include the lighting of a holiday tree in downtown Lombard. The Lombard Park District holds a holiday light festival at Lilacia Park and the Lombard Historical Museum offers a Victorian celebration while other local community groups celebrate the season with musical events and other special activities.
In the village, the Median Income was $60,015 for a household and $69,686 Median Income for a family. Lombard’s superior school system is made up of six public school districts. Elementary School District 44 serves almost all of Lombard. The district enjoys a reputation for academic excellence. The average teacher has 16.5 years of experience in teaching and more than half hold master’s degrees. Social services provided by the district include social work, psychological evaluation, speech therapy, reading, counseling and student health care. Seven elementary schools and one junior high school comprise the district. Each District 44 school has an active PTA organization, and a Citizens Advisory Council provides the Board of Education with information pertaining to community opinion and priorities. Parental involvement in District 44 schools is welcomed and encouraged. Although Elementary School District 45 has seven schools, only three are located in Lombard. Approximately 1,200 students from Lombard attend school in District 45. Some students attend Community Consolidated School District 89, Glen Ellyn. Westfield School and Glen Crest Junior High both serve Lombardresidents. A small number of Lombard students attend a District 41 school in Glen Ellyn. District 41 has five schools who share a vision of “Exceptional Learning in a Respectful and Supportive Environment.”
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