An
Artesian Well is created by water that has traveled through porous rock
from a higher elevation.
Such layers of porous rock, like limestone and standstone, are called
“aquifers”. Aquifers
provide a natural filter that cleans the water as is passes through.
The pressure between these aquifers pushes water to spring up
from the ground There are
four such wells that flow on the Tavern property, giving it it’s
namesake: The Artesian Wells
Sports Tavern.
From the early 1800’s through the 1900’s, many travelers stopped at this
corner to refresh themselves and their horses during their journey on
the “Old Chicago Trail” (US-12).
By
1920, traffic from carriages
and newly developed automobiles increased.
The Herold family constructed the “Artesian Wells Lunch Room”,
to provide travelers with a bite to eat as well as a little refreshment.
After the Herold family sold the tavern, a number of owners continued to
operate the “refreshment center” on this property over the next 50 years
as the Artesian Wells Tavern. It served as the neighborhood bar and
continued to welcome travelers and locals alike.
In
2000, the property was purchased by the Petitto family and the original
building
was demolished, but not the tradition of the “refreshment center”.
In
2001, the Artesian Wells Sports Tavern was constructed and opened for
business. The Petittos envisioned a place for the residents on the lakes,
neighbors and travelers
alike to enjoy friends, family, sports, food and fun.
