Lombard Historical Society: Preserving Our Story
Understanding where we come from
Lombard has history. The Lombard Historical Society preserves it, shares it, and helps us understand the place we call home.
Spiritus Coffee is a member and supporter. Here's why our local history matters to a coffee roaster.
Lilacia Park: Our Namesake
Our Lilacia Blend is named after Lilacia Park—Lombard's crown jewel and the reason the village is called "The Lilac Village."
The park's story:
- Colonel William Plum established the lilac gardens in the early 1900s
- He cultivated over 200 varieties of lilacs
- The park became a destination, drawing visitors from across the region
- Today it's maintained by the Lombard Park District and remains a beloved community space
The Lombard Historical Society keeps this history alive. They've documented the Plum family, the park's development, and Lombard's growth from rural village to thriving suburb.
When we named our Lilacia Blend, we were connecting to this history. The Historical Society helped us understand what we were honoring.
Why History Matters
It's easy to take a place for granted. You live there, you work there, you don't think much about how it came to be.
But history provides context. It tells us:
- Who built this place and why
- What values shaped the community
- What we've inherited and what we're responsible for
Lombard's history is one of intentional community building. The lilac gardens weren't an accident—they were a vision, carefully cultivated. Understanding that inspires us to be intentional in our own work.
Supporting Preservation
The Historical Society runs on membership and donations. They maintain archives, host events, and keep Lombard's story accessible.
We're members because we believe this work matters. History disappears if no one preserves it. The people who came before us deserve to be remembered.
The Lilacia Blend
Our tribute to Lombard's heritage. A medium roast with floral notes—a nod to the lilacs that define our village.
Every bag connects to Colonel Plum's vision, to the generations who've enjoyed the park, to Lombard's identity as the Lilac Village.
That's what history does: it gives meaning to the present.
Spiritus Coffee Co.
Rooted in Lombard's history.
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