Remembering Western Springs’ Bicentennial Party
Thirty-eight years ago, Western Springs’ residents celebrated the Nation’s 200th birthday. And, celebrate it they did! In 1975, the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission selected Western Springs as one of just a handful of towns to be designated as an official “Bicentennial Community.” This was after reviewing hundreds of applications from
From Farmland to “Springdale”
Fifty-nine years ago, a ground-breaking ceremony was held on a farm field south of 47th Street. It would become one of Western Springs’ largest neighborhoods. As local residents know, the Vaughan Seed Company owned a great deal of the property south of 47th Street for many years. But, few realize
A 26-Year-Old Murder Case is Solved
In 1981, a car bomb killed a Hinsdale resident as he drove onto the southbound Tri-State Tollway. The crime would not be solved until 2007. On June 24, 1981, a Western Springs police officer was working radar at the corner of Ogden and Grove avenues. Suddenly, at 9:43 a.m., he
What Happened to the Citizens of the Year?
In 1986, Western Springs began recognizing citizens for their volunteerism and leadership in the community. But, 25 years later, the program had run its course. In 1986, Western Springs was celebrating its centennial … 100 years as a village. As part of the year-long festivities, the Centennial Commission decided to
Saving a Piece of Western Springs History
In 1974, the Grand Avenue School had been completely renovated. But, just a few years later, school enrollment declined, making the building’s long-term survival very bleak. Built in 1885, the Grand Avenue School building is actually older than our town’s historic Water Tower. For many years, it was the village’s
Western Springs and the Indy 500 Race
In a town where the top speed limit is probably 35 mph, you might not expect to find a connection to the Indianapolis 500 race. But, you would be wrong. Every Memorial Day weekend, auto enthusiasts look forward to the world-famous Indianapolis 500 race. First run in 1911, the race
Liquor Comes to Western Springs
Western Springs had banned the sale of alcoholic beverages since 1886. But, that was to change in 2002. Since its founding in 1886, the Village of Western Springs had never allowed the sale of alcoholic beverages. While the federal government repealed its Prohibition laws in 1934, local communities were free
The Village Street Named “Rugeley” … and Why
After World War II, the U.S. State Department encouraged American communities to get more involved with the people of other countries. And, Western Springs stepped up to the challenge. In 1956, Western Springs’ village officials became interested in the State Department’s new “People to People” program designed to build a
The Las Vegas Fire That Touched Western Springs
On the morning of November 21, 1980, the huge Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel caught fire. Among the 84 victims were two young men from Western Springs. It promised to be a great weekend getaway for five young men, mostly volunteer firefighters from Western Springs and LaGrange. Bill Gerbosi, Dave
Western Springs’ Great Railroad Station Battle
In 1971, village officials decided to replace the brick and stone railroad station that had served the town since 1890. But, it wasn’t as easy as they had expected. Western Springs’ first railroad station was a small wooden depot located on the north side of the tracks near Wolf Road.