Nancy Hackett

Romeoville Nancy Hackett

Romeoville, one of the fastest-growing villages in Will County, was originally named Romeo and, along with nearby Juliet, was built for the workers constructing the Illinois and Michigan Canal. For 100 years, farming was the area's business. Peabody's Diner served race fans and grew into the noted White Fence Farm restaurant. Romeo Beach was a popular summer resort, and Gleaners Hall provided opportunities for socializing. Neil Murphy's Cafe served both town and beach. Lewis University began as Holy Name Technical School, which specialized in aviation instruction. Early on, children attended one-room schools. The Valley View School District eventually replaced them, and monumental growth led to an innovative year-round school schedule. Mayor Neal Murphy's 40-year term led Romeoville toward the creation of Hampton Park in the 1950s, when houses arrived on railroad cars. Many farming and Hampton Park families are still prominent in the area. Residential and industrial growth expanded in the 1990s, doubling the population."