Lebanese Immigration to Spring Valley

Mary Jane Tonozzi will present “Lebanese Immigration to Spring Valley.” Beginning about 1890, a group of industrious and honest people made the journey from their homeland in Lebanon (now part of Syria) to Spring Valley, Illinois. They turned to what they knew best and became merchants and business men and women. They opened dry goods stores, ice cream parlors, produce stores and even a variety store. They served in all world wars and some gave their lives. The Lebanese people had a great input over the years on the cultural and economic growth of Spring Valley.