Peterson-Berghorn Family

By 1910, all five of the Peterson sisters, daughters of Swedish immigrants, had made their way from Iowa to live and work in Lake Forest. Drawn by opportunities for employment in local estates, the sisters would in turn have an opportunity to shape their new home.

Ruth Peterson, the youngest of the sisters, met her husband Ferdinand Berghorn at a dance on the third floor of the Anderson building. The pair made their home in one of the apartments in Lake Forest’s brand-new Market Square, where their son Fred spent his childhood. Ferdinand helped protect the city’s well-being as a police officer and volunteer fireman. Ruth’s sense of style made her a natural fit to outfit the community at the Lake Forest Sport Shop. And young Fred made sure everyone received their afternoon newspaper on time.

Fred Berghorn, an Abbott employee for over three decades, designed his own home in Lake Forest in the 1950s. His continued support for local parks and organizations ensure the town will feel like home in the years to come.

Nomination submitted by Paula Berghorn Polito

Click the thumbnail images below for a slide presentation about the Peterson-Berghorn family from the 2010 Centennial Family Awards.