Girl Scout Cookies … 3 for a Nickel!
Last weekend Western Springs’ Girl Scouts began selling their iconic cookies. But, do you know the origin of this great American tradition? On May 5, 1922, an article appeared in the Western Springs Times indicating that the Girl Scout Headquarters in Chicago had recently asked local Girl Scout troops to
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
As the following actual letters from 1928 will attest, the third graders at Grand Avenue School were convinced that there was a Santa. The only question was what to ask for. “Dear S. Claus, North Pole. It is a whole year since I have written to you. It is time
A Military Academy on Lawn Avenue?
Every day, Western Springs residents drive past the large house at 4621 Lawn. But, few know that it once housed a military school for young boys. In the early days of the Village, a Sanitarium occupied the building at 4621 Lawn. However, over time, officials began to investigate the efficacy
Back when Western Springs had its own Zoo
While not exactly Lincoln Park or Brookfield Zoo, some 100 years ago a local family had a small menagerie of animals that captivated local youngsters. Known as the “King of the Auctioneers”, Samuel Winternitz was a successful and well-respected Chicago businessman. However, as his family grew, he decided to move
The Short-Lived Western Springs Cadets
Local resident E.C. Patterson once set a record driving from Chicago to New York in just 35 hours. But, did you know that he also organized local boys into the Western Springs Cadets? E.C. Patterson was, by any measure, a colorful character. While he held key management positions in several
Western Springs’ Gold Medal Winner
In 1992, a kid from Western Springs won two gold medals at the Barcelona Summer Olympics. And, he came back to a hero’s welcome. In 1981, Nelson Diebel was a cub scout here in Western Springs and was awarded his 2nd year Bear badge. In 1985, he had the distinction
Spring Rock Park: A Long Time Coming
Western Springs families treasure the village’s huge Spring Rock Park. But, if it weren’t for some early residents and the Illinois Supreme Court, it might not be here today. In November 1923, 100 concerned village residents signed a petition and presented it to the Western Springs village board. The petition
Western Springs’ Birthplace: Grand Avenue School
Residents always associate the historic Water Tower with the earliest days of the village. But, did you know that another building was the first home to our village government? In 1885, the Grand Avenue School was built to replace a smaller schoolhouse that had been on the same site. Later
What Happened to the Girl Scouts’ Log Cabin?
In 1921, the Cook County Forest Preserve District built a log cabin in the Bemis Woods for Western Springs’ Girl Scouts. But, where did it go? In 1920, the first Girl Scout troop in Western Springs was organized. Shortly afterward, an effort was made to have a Girl Scout campsite
Western Springs’ Love Affair with Tobogganing
As early as the 1930s, area residents were enjoying their winters on toboggans in nearby Bemis Woods. But, that all changed in 2007. In the 1930s, the federal government established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This was an effort to put unemployed young men to work, usually doing public works
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