A Look at Lilacia Park- The Iron Deer

The Beloved Deer of Lilacia Park

Photograph, c. 1940s.

One of the most beloved “residents” of Lilacia Park the Iron Deer, formerly known as Rastus*. This deer was cast in a Pennsylvania foundry in 1888 and brought to the A.H. Andrews estate on Main and Parkside to live near a fellow iron dog statue in their garden. When the Andrews home burned, the statues were removed.  The dog disappeared but the buck was eventually moved to Lilacia Park. Visitors will notice this buck no longer sports his antlers due to vandalism years ago. 

Curteich Postcards

The Deer started out his Lilacia Park residence near Plum's home on the east side of the park, and over the years he could be found in different locations. The Lombard Park District would move the deer in the fall to be stored in a garage.

Today, the Lombard Park District uses Lilacia Park as an all four-seasons park, and the Iron Deer stays to greet visitors year-round. His permanent home can now be found on the west side of the park in a raised flowerbed. 

Because he is now in his senior years, it isn’t encouraged to “ride” him but as one of the long traditions of Lilac Time, people can still and should pose for pictures with the Iron Deer.

*Please note this term is a historic racially insensitive term. However, LHS is unaware of how the Iron Deer received this name.