War Minded Waukegan
Citizens of Waukegan were active in supporting the American troops by participating in food rationing. This effort came from the creation of the U.S. Food Administration in 1917. At the end of the war, John S. Clark received a certificate from the Administration acknowledging the efforts made. School students in Waukegan were also active in supporting troops overseas by sending letters and gifts.
In 1923, Victory Memorial Hospital was constructed at the corner of Glen Flora Avenue and Sheridan Road in Waukegan. The hospital was a way to honor those who served during the First World War. Through the efforts of a local drive $300,000 was raised for the project. An article from the Waukegan Daily Sun of September 15, 1923 states that “the fact that the hospital is a memorial to every man and woman in Lake County who served during the World War struck a responsive chord in the breast of everyone.”
On Armistice Day in 1921, Waukegan Township High School hosted a memorial and tribute event to honor those from Waukegan High School from the classes of 1896 to 1918 who served during the First World War.