Western Springs Tackles Race Relations
By John Devona In 1953, an African-American couple wanted a home in the Forest Hills subdivision. But, some tried to keep that from happening. Arthur Falls was the African-American son of a postal worker and a dressmaker. In 1925, he graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Medicine and opened an
Remembering Floyd Kalber
One of America’s best newscasters, Floyd Kalber was also at home flipping pancakes at the Western Springs Methodist Church. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Floyd Kalber served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during World War II. After being discharged, he was hired as an announcer with a Kearney,
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
Former Western Springs Pastor, Billy Graham, Turns 95
On November 7, 1918, William Franklin Graham was born near Charlotte, North Carolina. And, in 1943, he became pastor of our local Baptist Church. Billy Graham, who has preached to more people than perhaps any other human being, began his ministerial career shortly after graduating from nearby Wheaton College. In 1943,
Western Springs’ Grammy Award Winner
Last April, former Western Springs resident George Beverly Shea passed away at the remarkable age of 104. And while he won two Grammy Awards, he will be best remembered as “America’s beloved gospel singer.” In 1940, a young man graduated from nearby Wheaton College and, shortly afterward, assumed his first
Western Springs’ Biggest Party Ever
In 1986, village residents decided to celebrate the town’s 100th anniversary. The resulting centennial celebration lasted all twelve months! Twenty-seven years ago, village residents were in the midst of celebrating the town’s 100th birthday. And, what a celebration it was! Virtually every organization in town, from churches to fraternal organizations,
What’s that Building on Chestnut?
Those new to Western Springs often ask about the small, church-like building located at 1215 Chestnut Street. According to the Western Springs Historical Society archives, the building in question dates back to 1893 when it was the Swedish Methodist Church While it went through several renovations over the years, the
Western Springs’ House Walk History
There seems to be a tradition of springtime house walks in our village. But, it wasn’t always so. The Chicago Tribune’s first mention of an organized house walk in the Chicago area was in 1957. Perhaps this was because early residents were so involved in entertaining and visiting each others’