The Dole mansion was constructed in Crystal Lake, Illinois, in 1865 by Charles Dole, a wealthy grain merchant who helped found the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in Chicago. The building has made a major impact on local culture, business, and history and has been owned by the Lakeside Legacy Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization since 2022. Lakeside Legacy Foundation's mission is to preserve and protect the historic Dole mansion and its 12 acres of property and funds its mission by hosting Dole cornerstone events and private events in various venues on the mansion.
The Dole hosted the Music Under the Trees live series of performances during the summer. The summer concert series was announced in April, with nine events slated for May to October. The concerts began on May 25 with The Throwbacks, a musical group that creates modernized versions of hit songs from the 50s and 60s, and continued with the John Mellencamp cover band Mellencougar in June.
In addition to 80s and 90s nights, Music Under the Trees featured a country music night with line dancing, an Irish step-dancing night, and a funk night. The series concluded on October 12 with The Red Roses, a Chicago-based indie and alternative rock band.
Tickets for the shows ranged from $21 to $25, with all proceeds going toward pandemic recovery efforts at The Dole. Each of the nine shows included food and drinks from local businesses such as Julie Ann’s Frozen Custard, Smash’D Burgers, Duke's BBQ, and others, as well as three bars.
The Dole supported multiple art shows and events in 2023, including the Spark-District 155 Art Show in November. The exhibition, which was held in support of the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association, was curated by D155 art educators and showcased the talents of local students. The artworks remained on display to the public until the end of November. The event was accompanied by live music from the Cary-Grove Jazz Combo and an evening of live comedy in the adjoining Lou’s Lounge at The Dole.
Other events at the mansion in 2023 included wine pairings and live music at Lou’s Lounge. The Dole also supports regularly occurring events, including Farmers Market+ At The Dole, named the top farmers’ market in Illinois in 2021 and 2022.
Farmers Market+ At The Dole brings together local food vendors, musicians, special promotions, and special activities for children, including Emmy-award-winning storyteller Jim May. Kids can also enjoy balloon artists and face painting stations. Food trucks at the market include The Inside Scoop and Your Sister's Tomato, among others. The market provides visitors with unique cocktails, including the Market+ Bloody Mary, mimosas, margaritas, and other favorites. Additional activities range from live music to shopping.
The Dole operates an indoor market inside the historic Dole Mansion from November through April, occurring every two to three weeks. Starting in May, the outdoor market will be open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the mansion’s front lawn. The indoor market supports over 40 vendors, while nearly 100 vendors attend the outdoor market. Both Farmers Market+ At The Dole versions offer free admission and public parking.
In conclusion, the Dole Mansion remains a central hub for cultural events and community engagement, offering diverse activities and supporting local businesses, making it a significant part of Crystal Lake's social fabric.
