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Waukegan, Illinois places to visit
Waukegan's Jack Benny Historical Tour - Birthplace of Jack Benny
Although many of the buildings are no longer standing, there are still many places to visit in Waukegan that have ties to Jack Benny. Below are some of those sites.
The Jack Benny statue on the corner of Genesee and Clayton Streets.
Jack's statue is overlooking the Genesee Theatre, where he premiered his movie "Man About Town" on June 25th, 1939.
The Jack Benny star at the Walk of Stars Park on the corner of Sheridan and Grand. Other "stars" at the park include Phil Austin (artist), Otto Graham (professional football), Ray Bradbury (writer), and Dr. Eugene P. King (physician / athlete).
The Waukegan Historical Society building located at 1917 North Sheridan Road. The building has a great collection of Waukegan memorabilia including a bed President Lincoln slept in while in Waukegan and the trunk that Jack used while working with Cora Salisbury in vaudeville from 1912 to 1914.
The Jack Benny Center for the Arts is located at 39 Jack Benny Drive.
The center has a display of Benny items including an autographed sheet from the cast members, including a signature from Eddie Anderson (which I have found to be hard to find!).
The house Jack Benny spent his childhood in is located at 518 Clayton Street.
The Jack Benny Middle School located at 1701 Montesano.
We were lucky enough to get inside and snap a few pictures of the gym, including the stage Jack was on during the dedication of the school in 1961.