Lambs Farm history

In 1963, they rented their first farm and began what’s become a family tradition.

In 1965, realizing they needed to expand, Terese and Owen worked with Chicago philanthropist W. Clement Stone to move the pet shop to the land that Lambs Farm still calls home today.

However, with a bit of help from the Lambs and their parents, by September 1966 Lambs Farm was officially open for business! Which was great, except no one knew the store had moved.

108). Now that they no longer needed to service their loan to Stone, the Farm grew rapidly, opening of Lambs Shepherd Inn (now the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery), followed by the Sugar Maple Country Store and a children’s petting zoo complete in 1968.

On October 14, 1971, Corrine had an accident that left her with debilitating back pain and changes to her personality.

Leavitt, Margit. “What Better Season to Look in on the Lambs Pet Farm, Where Special People Are Made Aware of Their Limitations Only after Being Shown Their Skills and Strength.” Chicago Tribune, December 24, 1972.

In March 1976, Lambs Farm played host to First Lady Betty Ford who was there for the dedication of the County Inn, the first on-site dorm for Lambs Farm residents.

Lamb Farms, Inc., was formed in 1984 as it became apparent that Dean and Don both were interested in sharing the ownership of the farm.

Mike Kurschner at the 1995 Special Olympics.

Babowice, J. Hope. “Lambs Farm’s Residents Make Themselves at Home.” Daily Herald (Arlington Heights), December 12, 1996.

“In Memory of Our Co-Founder.” Lambs Tales, 1999.

Yaconetti, Dianne M. “Fifty Years of Lambs Farm: A Rich History and Future of Promise.” Lambs Tales 1 (2011). 2011.

Roszkowski, John. “Center Tracks Lambs Farm’s Rich History.” Libertyville Review, July 26, 2012.

Reder, Elizabeth. “The Inspiring History of Special Olympics at Lambs Farm.” Lambs Farm Blog(blog), June 30, 2014.