Photo gallery: A history of Mundelein

July 19, 1959: The First National Bank of Mundelein’s float in the Jubilee parade in 1959, featuring oxen from Hawthorne-Mellody Farms. (Ford Wilson / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Tribune

March 28, 2013 10:20 AM PT

Established in 1835 as Mechanics Grove, Mundelein would undergo three name changes before receiving its current moniker as a tribute to Cardinal George Mundelein in 1924. Though the name has remained the same for nearly nine decades, the town itself has evolved and now has a population of more than 30,000. Explore Mundelein’s transformation from small town to established suburb with these classic shots from Chicago Tribune photographers.

Jan. 18, 1974: Lincoln School’s sixth-grade basketball team, known for being gender integrated, has two girls and nine boys in 1974. (Don Casper / Chicago Tribune)

Sept. 10, 1976: Several girls lived in the fields, streets and parks in the Mundelein area in 1976. The two girls shown are Darlene Rodrigues, left, and Valerie Porter. (Roy Hall / Chicago Tribune)

Oct. 10, 1983: Near the Tullamore subdivision, a corn field is located just north of Hawley Street near Mundelein High School in 1983. (Paul F. Gero / Chicago Tribune)

Oct. 10, 1983: Students spend their holiday off from school with a game of touch football in a lot near Lake Street in Mundelein, Ill., in 1983. (Paul F. Gero / Chicago Tribune)

March 3, 1989: Jim Shepherd, a divisional supervisor in charge of student discipline, poses for a portrait while students walk the halls of Mundelein High School in 1989. (John Bartley / Chicago Tribune)

April 23, 1991: Jesse Guttirrez of Addison swings a sledgehammer while putting in new curbs on Seymour Avenue in Mundelein, Ill., in 1991. (John Kringas / Chicago Tribune)