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The Valley View History Project, Valley View, IL (2026)

06/25/2020

Who remembers THE HIDEAWAY? For well over 60 years, The Hideaway was one of the most notable landmarks in Valley View. Known for their nostalgic atmosphere, beautiful river views and fine dining it was popular destination for people all over the Chicagoland and beyond.

Legend has it that during prohibition it was a speakeasy frequented by Al Capone and his men. From Tommy guns hanging on the walls to a bathtub for mixing gin in the entryway, visitors were made to feel like they were back in the roaring 20's. In 2014 the longtime owners closed the doors and put the property up for sale. The photos shared below were taken by Keller Williams Inspire - Downtown Geneva, IL for that listing and are the last photos known to exist of this special place.

If you ever had the chance to visit, odds are you had a fantastic meal and an experience you will never forget. Please share what you remember most in the comments below.

Special thanks to Katie Podl Fish who’s real estate company (www.realestatekat.com) captured these amazing photos and to the current owner Jeremy Casiello for giving us permission to share them with you.

05/20/2020

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰.

𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚗 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙰𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚕𝚎 𝚄.𝚂. 𝙴𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚘𝚝𝚝 𝚆𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙻𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝙼𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙽𝚊𝚙𝚘𝚕𝚎𝚘𝚗’𝚜 𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎

𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚝. 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚕𝚎 | 𝚃𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝚂𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟷𝟽, 𝟷𝟿𝟹𝟷 | 𝚆𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚢 𝚄.𝚂. 𝙴𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚘𝚝𝚝

…Souvenir hunting and gathering of antiques has always been an interesting pastime for many people of St. Charles.
In the “Way Back When” days, the hobby of every “kid” was to see who could find the most Indian relics, such as tomahawks, skinning stones, arrow heads, etc. As a boy I have roamed over the fields on Shultzes farm (now Rainbo Springs) searching for Indian Implements, also searched the fields on the Meyers farm for the same purpose. I found a few, and at one time I had quite a collection. I never dug into an Indian mound. Awe and fear kept me from molesting the supposed resting place of even an Indian. It was said there were Indian mounds in Jones Woods, also on the hillside of the Wheeler Woods, (now known as Alta Vista, Frank Angell’s estate.)
When I was a boy the Angell estate was thickly covered with forest trees, Mammoth hard or sugar maples, hickory and walnut trees were then in great numbers. The neighboring farmers would tap these sugar maples in the “sugaring off” season” of the year, gather the sweet sap and boil it down to syrup and sugar. Roaming town boys would often run across these maple trees with bucks and pans filled with sap at the foot of the trees. If no one was near and watching, the boys would drink their fill of the sweet liquid right from the bucket or pan. The town boys visits at the “sugar bush” were not highly appreciated by the men who tapped the trees.
One day, Ed Berry, foster son of Judge R.D. Barry, with another kid named Joe, I have forgotten his name, were digging in an Indian mound on the hillside of the Wheeler Woods. A swede man by the name of Colson lived on the place now known as “Orchard Hill” owned by Dr. Lambert.
Mr. Colson, to have some fun thought he would give Ed and Joe a little scare, so they might keep away from his “sugar bush”.
While Ed and Joe were busily engaged in excavating the Indian mound, Mr. Colson hid himself behind a clump of trees and in a solemn and weird voice cried: “Stop that ‘ere digging Joe!” The boys looked up and saw no one. All was still and quiet. The boys although somewhat frightened resumed their digging. Again they heard that solemn weird voice in the dreary forest beyond: “Stop that ‘ere digging Joe!” The second warning was enough. The boys started for town and home on the “double quick.” Mr. Colson, in laughignly telling the story said: “Ed – ho ran! – no man could catch him!”

05/18/2020

Rainbo Springs was a resort in what is now known as Valley View. Popular for its natural beauty, riverfront view and dance pavilion, it drew crowds from Chicago and beyond in the summer months. Read more about it below and be sure to take a look at just some of the newspaper advertisements for Rainbo Springs from the 1920s.

𝐒𝐭. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐜𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝

𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚝. 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚕𝚎 | 𝚃𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝙼𝚊𝚢 𝟽, 𝟷𝟿𝟹𝟷 | 𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚄𝚗𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗

Charles Swanberg will operate Rainbo Springs dance pavilion this year instead of leasing it as in the past. The property is owned to L.J. Norris who has leased it, along with Jones Woods, to Swanberg since buying it from the Trants several years ago. The latter erected the dance pavilion soon after putting up the cottages on the property they called Rainbo Springs. Jones Woods was bought from the late Mr. and Mrs. R.B. Farson.
The opening dance is Saturday night, May 16. There will be dancing every Saturday Night from that date throughout the season.
Oak Ridge Camp pavilion has had two or three dances already this year although the formal opening is set for Saturday, May 16, when “Tweet” Hogan and his orchestra will furnish the music. No announcement has been made by C.A. Anderson owner of the Pinelands pavilion. Last year it was leased to an Elgin dancing club. For several years these three camp pavilions have drawn large crowds to their dances, couples coming for miles.

05/14/2020

Fox River Heights now known as Valley View was a popular vacation destination along with many other resorts on the Fox River north of St. Charles. Read more about it below.

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 – 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚝. 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚕𝚎 | 𝚃𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝙼𝚊𝚢 𝟷𝟺, 𝟷𝟿𝟸𝟻 | 𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚄𝚗𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗

Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Trant entertained a company of men and women from Chicago over the weekend.
Timothy Crow, who has been interested with Mr. Trant in Rainbo Springs and a number from the city hall force in Chicago enjoyed the lovely spring outing.
Mr. Trant has some favorable prospects for selling Rainbo Springs, but even though he does sell this property he expects to keep a residence there.
Rainbo is within the city limits and is, for this reason the most convenient summer camp to St. Charles. Sokol Lodge, occupying the former White Lodge, lies just south of Rainbo, and the Chicago members of this lodge were out in full force Sunday.
Activities have begun in all camps near St. Charles. The Trees, at River Grove has their spring cleaning all done and nearly half a dozen cozy, new, delightful cottages are ready for the summer occupant. They are the Fleming group of cottages, admirable built and furnished.
River Grove is a delight to the eye and a rest to the soul. It is situated between the interurban railway, and the St. Charles – Elgin road on the east side of the river.
Wing – Hammer camp opens up today, Thursday May 14th, with a dance in the pavilion, music by Harriet Sweet’s orchestra. They advertise dancing each Thursday and Saturday evening up to Decoration Day.
Wing – Hammer camp is so popular they built two new cottages to add to their list, this spring. One the west side of the river, the cottages are beginning to find occupants, but the grand rush to any of the camps does not come until after city schools close.
There is perhaps no lovelier rendezvous than Fox River Heights. It overlooks the river, as the other camps all do, with a higher view than many.
St. Charles is rich in summering places. A stranger would be amazed at the beauty of each and every place on which these varied camps are located.
Orchard Hill will open later on for summer pupils in their outdoor activities. They cater to the children of parents who place them in a wholesome summer atmosphere, and where they have care, comfort, and become inured to the outdoor activities, such as swimming and boarding and the regular life accompanying.
The Underwood camp is noted for its beauty of location and its professional and business people who occupy the cottage for the many advantages to be gained by river sport, and the seclusion and restfulness of the camp.

05/12/2020

In 1925, Fox River Heights now known as Valley View, saw tremendous growth. By May of that year, a hotel and 40 cottages were built. Read more about it below.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐱 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭

𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚝. 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚕𝚎 | 𝚃𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝙼𝚊𝚢 𝟸𝟸, 𝟷𝟿𝟸𝟺 | 𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚄𝚗𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗

Up north on the A. E. & C. line, across from the gateway at Villa Maria, is newly built a shelter station for Fox River Heights.
This subdivision was laid out originally by a Jewish syndicate for a summer place, but lots have been sold to all nationalities, and the great beauty of the place is so appealing for a summer residence, that people are clamoring for a lot on which to build.
To show how the place is springing up, there have been 40 new cottages built this year, and a $30,000 hotel. This building is substantially made, and will be a place where summer boarders may have a home. J.J. Reitmeyer is the proprietor. He is out here from Chicago with his family, and his faith in the place as a popular resort, is backed by the money he has invested.

05/07/2020

The area north of St. Charles now known as Valley View was a popular destination for Chicagoans looking to spend their summer months away from the city. Many seasonal cottages were available for rent but getting there could sometimes be a challenge. Read more about it below.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐩 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 - 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝

𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚝. 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚕𝚎 | 𝚃𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝙹𝚞𝚗𝚎 𝟷𝟸, 𝟷𝟿𝟸𝟺 | 𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚄𝚗𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗

Manila Bay was never more securely bottled up, than is the north end of St. Charles. The east main street road cement is drying, and cannot be used until July 1st, and Fifth avenue pave will tie up that road for the most part of the summer.
If the roads could have been built in April and May, the two months before traffic gets heavy, and previous to the summer resort season, it would have been a good stroke of fortune. As it is, the Sokol colony, Rainbo Springs, Jones’ Woods, Orchard Hill, The Trees, River Grove, Wing Hammer Oak Ridge camp, Pinelands, Fox River Heights, and the private homes along the north road, are bottled up, except for electric car service.
The Callenders from Calamus Lodge drive around South Elgin to get to St. Charles, which requires an early start when J.E. makes an early St. Charles car for Chicago.
Most roads being built require sacrifice of time and convenience, however, this double blockade is unfortunate.

05/04/2020

Almost 100 years ago there was a movement to make the entire area of Valley View a forest preserve but the most valued pieces of land were purchased for a Jewish Settlement before the county could act. Read more about it in the article below.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬

𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚝. 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚕𝚎 | 𝚃𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝙽𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝟿, 𝟷𝟿𝟸𝟹 | 𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚄𝚗𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗

Once upon a time, the Kane county federation of Woman’s club started a movement for Forest preserves. That was many months ago, in fact two or more years ago since the matter was brought to serious consideration by the clubs. There seems no real action being made, and in the meantime much of the most desirable pieces of land are going under private ownership where it can never be secured for public use.
Cook county has spent millions on its forest preserves, and that assures the county of forever having a spot of nature in a vicinity of the big city, then Du Page county adjoining has a forest preserve in each of its townships.
Along the Fox river, two years ago, there was ample stretch of gorgeously beautiful woodland which could have been secured, but on the east side there is a Jewish settlement Fox River Heights, and on the west side a settlement of Hungarians who have absorbed these most valued tracts.
The Jones Woods tract is kept intact, but its value in enhancing every year, and pretty soon may be beyond the price for such a place. On both sides of the river, the land is being taken up for summer residences, and could not now be bought for a public park.
The same condition holds good up and down the river, throughout Kane county.

05/02/2020

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 - 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝑽𝒊𝒆𝒘

𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚐𝚘 𝚃𝚛𝚒𝚋𝚞𝚗𝚎 | 𝚃𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝙵𝚎𝚋𝚛𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝟸𝟷, 𝟷𝟿𝟻𝟽 | 𝚆𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚢 𝙹𝚊𝚗𝚎 𝙺𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚣

The former summer cottage colony, Fox River Heights [1 and 2], has served notice an all its neighbors that it’s days of winter hibernation are over. The name is Valley View now, since last month’s successful election to incorporate, and more than 1000 persons who live there all year have their own “rush hours” of automobile traffic, and a considerable purchasing power.
It lies approximately four miles north of St. Charles in what some of its civic boosters claim is the “prettiest part of the whole Fox River Valley”. But the same civic boosters admit it is suffering growing pains.
A permanent set of village officers is to be elected April 16. They face a critical need for a strict building and zoning code, police organization and funds to finance improvements.
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝗿
The transformation of the village began with the post World War II economic boom when expanding industries of Fox River valley attracted hundreds of newcomers, explained F.E. O’Connor, president of a furniture manufacturing company in St. Charles.
With no place to live in the older towns, the newcomers moved into the nearly uninhabited summer colony – renting for the most part, and when possible, buying the flimsy homes.
A good number of the newcomers came from southern states where they were sharecroppers. Others came from Texas, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. But a good many were Midwesterners who modernized the cottages completely creating high standard homes with plumbing, septic tanks, insulation and solid foundations.
𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱
For those from southern states, however, problems still exist, and modern conveniences are scarce. Life in Valley View is a matter of growing concern to the established civic leaders of nearby towns, and particularly to the men – who run organizations that hire these wage earners.
Salvation Army Aid
In the front ranks of those helping out the newcomers is the Salvation Army which has operated a hall in the community since 1951. Its first small wooden structure burned down, and now a slightly larger concrete block structure is being used. Capt. And Mrs. John W. Bovill are in charge, running a Sunday school, Junior Soldiers’ group, and a beginner’s band. One of the newest classes on the weekly schedule is a course in which more than 0 adults of Spanish speaking origin are being taught to speak English, a volunteer service of a teacher from Wheaton academy.
But a great deal remains to be done, and this month a Tri-Cities Salvation Army building fund campaign opened. Industries, businesses and home owners at St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia are being canvassed with a goal of $75,000 so that a larger and better equipped community building may be constructed.
A community laundry is to be established in the building, for one thing, so that families may be encouraged to raise their standards of cleanliness.
𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿
Many of the families he knows are completely without water except for the Salvation Army well, Capt. Bovill states. Outside toilers are still commonplace, and so are heating systems which were never intended to meet winter needs, Capt. Bovill pointed out.
The biggest improvement to Valley View and nearby settlements to the north of St. Charles was the opening last September of the new Anderson school-designed to care for the pupils in grade 1 thru 6.
“I would estimate morale of the Valley View and Fox River Heights people has increased 300 per cent since that school opened,” Capt. Bovill said. A community club meets there on a weekends, a PTA is being organized, and a recreational program for youngsters is conducted Saturdays and after school.
𝟲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹
Wayne Andre, principal, has five teachers in the school. “We don’t pay much attention to a pupil’s age,” one teacher pointed out. “Youngsters are struggling to grasp English.” A 9 year old from a southern state had only one month of schooling before moving to Valley View.
One point the teachers must strictly enforce: Spanish speaking youngsters are not to be allowed to talk in their native tongue for none of the teachers know the language.
But difficulties are going to be worked out ultimately, said Wayne Bryan, co-owners of a new grocery store in the village.
𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲
“We’ve got lots of solid citizens out here and the future looks mighty good to me,” he states empathically. “We’ve got lots of hard working people who would like to improve their home and way of living, but they are victims of a housing shortage-had to take what they could get,” he pointed out.
Incorporation is expected to provide methods to help straighten out hosing problems. Since their incorporation date fell at an awkward time, however, a confusing election schedules faces citizens of Valley View. One election must be held on March 13 to conform to the deadline rules of incorporation, but those officers will have their terms expire when the April 16 elections are held. Two parties have formed, each with candidates for both elections. Village president candidate for the Peoples Part will be Ivan Van Tassel who also served as cochairman of the incorporation committee. A Progressive Party will have as its village president nominee Joseph Dusik for the first election, and Harry Stanton for the April election.

04/10/2020

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐱 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 – 𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐋𝐎𝐃𝐆𝐄

Fʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ Cʜɪᴄᴀɢᴏ Tʀɪʙᴜɴᴇ | Tʜᴜʀsᴅᴀʏ, Mᴀʏ 21, 1970 | Wʀɪᴛᴛᴇɴ ʙʏ Sᴀʟʟʏ MᴄCᴏʀᴍɪᴄᴋ

This really is a hideaway, that's why we’ve provided you with a map. Tucked away off the beaten path, this charming restaurant with its torch lit exterior is located on the banks of the Fox River. Opened as a restaurant 12 years ago, and owned by Lucy and Bob Cerny, Hideaway Lodge is undergoing an extensive face lifting. A new dining room is being added, the parking lot is being enlarged, the banquet room is in the process of being renovated… but business goes on as usual. In spite of its remote location, Hideaway Lodge attracts diner from the far southern suburbs, from lake shore towns and even as far away as Madison, Wisconsin.
The setting is rural, lots of huge trees, all windows look out upon the river. The restaurant itself is unpretentious. The walls and ceilings are polished wood, the chandeliers and wall lamps are old fashioned lanterns. The dining room is small, with an alcove with slanting ceiling that holds one table for larger parties, called the Shanty. There’s a small room for intimate dining. Lovely paintings adorn the walls, Early American décor is the theme. The lounge is wood paneled with an organ bar that has an old-fashioned buggy atop the bar. Bottles in wine racks form the back bar. The drinks are good, the food is good and the prices are reasonable.
Bob Cerny has been in the restaurant business for 28 years and is an old pro. He chose Hideaway Lodge for its beautiful setting. He is a stickler on cleanliness, good food, fair prices. All his food is prepared to your order, all his steaks are top choice aged beef and he supervises the cutting of them.

𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘂
While the specialties of the house at Hideaway Lodge are charcoal broiled steaks and seafoods, there are many entrees to choose from. There’s pan fried chicken, seafood platter that includes sole, shrimp, scallops, and oysters, beef tenderloin kabob, pork chops, tenderloin pepper steak and hickory smoked barbecued back ribs. Steaks, the house specialty includes the Hideaway top sirloin butt steak, charcoal broiled for only $3.95. T-bone steak, filet mignon, junior filet, New York cut strip sirloin, chopped sirloin, tenderloin steak sandwich and steak and claw.
The seafood menu includes when available, char broiled lobster tail, French fried shrimp, rainbow trout, frog legs, deep sea scallops, filet of sole and deep-fried perch. All entrees include a trip to the relish bar, French fried, au gratin or baked potato, crisp tossed salad with your choice of dressing, rolls and butter and beverage. The relish bar features cold vegetables and salads, herring, pickles, hot peppers… help yourself as often as you care to.
There are ala carte appetizer and a fine wine list that includes domestic and imported wines. Children are always welcome and there are kiddy prices on many of the entrees.

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹
Every Friday night Hideaway Lodge features a family style, all you can eat, fish fry served from 5 to 8 p.m. Delicious French fried perch is served with French fries and coleslaw. For adults, $1.50, children 3 to 10, $1.00. Bring the family out some Friday… they’ll love it.

𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀
Anytime you dine at Hideaway Lodge, you may register at the door. During Christmas time Lucy and Bob will send you a Christmas card with an invitation to dine at the lodge, 2 for the price of one. You may choose anything on the menu and pay for only one dinner.
There is a wide selection of sweet dessert wines, and after dinner drinks, but the piece de resistance are the ice cream drinks. Rich and delicious, thick enough to eat with a spoon… you may choose from a Grasshopper, Bobtail, Brandy Ice, Pink Squirrel and Velvet Hammer. A perfect ending to a delightful dinner.
On Friday and Saturday the lounge features the organ music of “Midge” a popular gal who is celebrating her 10th year at Hideaway Lodge. Everybody loves her… and she makes for a fun evening of music.

𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲
The newly renovated banquet room can accommodate 125 people. It’s a charming room with sparkling chandeliers and a row of windows overlooking the river. For reservations and special banquet menus call Bob or Lucy at SHerwood 1-1244 in Elgin.
The Hideaway Lodge is open for dinner from 5p.m. to 11:15 p.m., Saturdays until 122:15a.m., and Sundays 2 to 9:15 p.m. The lounge stays open later. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
If you have the spirit of adventure come out to the Hideaway Lounge, but bring the map along. It’s well worth the trip. The countryside is lovely this time of year and river view is great. There’s ample free parking. Say hello to two gracious hosts, Bob and Lucy Cerny… they’re doing a great job. The view from the restaurant is fabulous… the setting so serene. You’ll feel you’re a million miles from Chicago. This is really getting away from it all in an unpretentious rural setting.

04/01/2020

The following article is the third and final installment of a historical series on Valley View. This series was originally published by the St. Charles Chronicle starting on Wednesday, April 16, 1980. This was a pivotal time for the Village as residents were in the process of deciding the future of Valley View, and whether it would be annexed into the City of Saint Charles.

Headline: Valley View Finances Prompt Vote June 3

From the St. Charles Chronicle | Wednesday April 30, 1980 | Written by Betty Forkins

***Valley View residents may vote to dissolve the village during a special election June 3. Why they may want to return to county rule could be found in its 23 year history as a village. This is the final part of a series about Valley View's roots. * * *

There was pride in the village from the first day it was incorporated in 1957.
"It was common for men to volunteer to work a few hours on roads and fix up other things in the village”, said Sue Breeding, who served on the Village Board during the first eight years.
" We wanted it cleaned up," Breeding recalled. "The underbrush was cut out to show the stately trees, but there was always an element who didn't care." Although Breeding retired from the board in 1965, she retained an active interest in village affairs, and watched all of its ups and downs.
Village President Joe Hudson left office after 1.5 years because of poor health, and Andrew Pakan finished his term.
Pakan, who owns an unfinished-furniture business on Route 25, was anxious to improve the village as he had his own property. A master plan was approved, and developers began to show an interest in the area. Things were looking up.
Western Land Construction offered to build a sewer plant and a development of prefabricated housing for the village. When Village President Elijah McCoy entered office, plans for the Fox Landing development were approved.
The sparkling subdivision was to grow just north of the village, and the sewer treatment plant was to be built along the river. Preliminary work was completed, and plans proceeded to build sewers.
Then the balloon burst.
Midland Bank of Milwaukee denied Western Land further credit, but the village wanted work to proceed. So it was back to a referendum, this time for $385,000 in revenue bonds that could be paid out only from revenues generated by the treatment plant.
Western Land declared bankruptcy, and Valley View was left holding the bag. The $385,000 debt still is in Milwaukee courts, and it's not known whether residents will have to repay the huge sum, even if the village is dissolved.
McCoy left for southern Illinois immediately after completing his term. Jim Owens, the current village president, took office. Through the efforts of U.S. Rep. Robert McClory (R13), a $2.8 million grant was available to the village, and another 12 million loan that had received preliminary approval from the Farm Home Administration apparently was dropped.
Plans called for the village to furnish a lift station thai would transport sewage to the Elgin Sanitary Dist., but most residents thought the estimated cost of $26 a month was prohibitive.
So it was back to the drawing boards, and a long line of planners and experts began appearing before residents during several meetings. Finally, a plan was presented to the board to revitalize septic systems. Although engineers were ready to study such a plan, the Village Board never convened a meeting.
State officials had stressed that the soil conditions in most parts of Valley View would prevent any septic system from being safe and operating correctly.
Through-many discussions, most village trustees were convinced they were right. The septic repair i dea apparently sank into the ground.
Trustees contemplated the village's financial condition. Although its first budget was only $2500 and the 1979-80 budget was $230,000, the outlook was bleak Several trustees recently circulated a petition to call for a vote to dissolve the village. That election will be conducted June3.
Although county and state officials warn that such a dissolution may stop grants from entering the village, many observers think the action will pass. Those who oppose dissolving take heart in what happened in 1967, though, when a similar referendum lost by three votes.

The Valley View History Project

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