Hawthorn-Mellody Farms

One of the largest dairy farms in Lake County, Hawthorn-Mellody served the North Shore as far South as Evanston. The farm occupied more than 1,200 acres of land owned by the Cuneo family at the height of its popularity and production. Though it was torn down in 1970 due to a decrease in attendance and an inability to compete with more modern facilities, it still holds a place in the memories of Chicago and Lake County residents. Beyond functioning as a state of the art dairy farm, Hawthorn-Mellody also ran a successful, if small, amusement park including a petting zoo, a small western town, and even a steam train. John Cuneo Sr., the owner of the farms, hoped it would serve as a fun, educational center for adults and children alike to learn about agriculture and the dairy industry. If the impressive machinery and "free of human touch" production process convinced visitors to try Hawthorn-Mellody milk, Mr. Cuneo was only too happy.