Veterans Memorial Park … and How It Came To Be

You’ve often seen the little park next to the Grand Avenue Community Center. But, do you know its origin? For many years, Western Springs was home to the Harry G. Maxted American Legion Post 154. It was named for Corporal Harry Maxted, the first Western Springs resident to die in

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Western Springs’ “Lilac Sharing Campaign”

In 1940, the Chicago Tribune spotlighted our village residents’ effort to provide lilacs to Chicago area hospitals and orphanages. On May 15, 1929, the Chicago Tribune ran a short editorial entitled “Lilacs and What to Do With Them.” The article encouraged readers to harvest their lavender and white blossoms and

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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

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Western Springs Policing … in the Old Days

We’re all used to seeing the village’s white patrol cars with their flashing lights, antennas, and decals. But, policing used to be a whole lot different. In 1885, a year before Western Springs was incorporated as a village, the townspeople decided they needed a Town Marshall. Besides keeping law and

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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

Continue reading