The Day an Airplane Crashed in Springdale
In 1971, a teenage pilot and two friends decided to fly a rented plane over the western suburbs. But, the flight was to end in tragedy. By all accounts, July 28, 1971, was a beautiful summer day … 76 degrees with 12-mile visibility. So, it was not surprising that a
The Hospital That Was Almost Built
In 1927, the Western Community Hospital Association began planning for the construction of a local hospital. But, where would it be built? If you lived in Western Springs in the 1920s, the closest full-service hospital was located in Berwyn. However, as the suburban population grew, so did the interest in
E.P. McClure … An Early Proponent of Green Space
Chances are, you’ve driven past McClure Junior High School’s athletic field numerous times. But, have you ever heard the story behind it? While a student at Oberlin College in the early 1890’s, Elmer McClure studied Greek and Latin. His success as a student was reflected in his receiving a Phi
The Tower Chorale … Still Going Strong
In 1986, some local residents saw the need for a community chorus, similar to that found in Elmhurst and Downers Grove. And, 28 years later, the group is alive and well. In November of 1986, a group of singers from Western Springs, Hinsdale, and La Grange decided to take advantage
Western Springs Rotary: Making Changes for the Better
Many local residents take our village assets for granted. But, they are the result of many clubs and organizations, especially the Rotary. The next time you drive through the Village, you should take a minute to think of all the things we have that are the result of the Western
Chicago to New York – 1915 Style
Despite the lack of real highways and, in some cases, paved roads, a Western Springs resident set a nonstop driving record in his Packard automobile. Elmore C. Patterson (left), a long-time Western Springs resident, made automotive history on July 13, 1915 when he and a relief driver, second from right,
A Corner Filled With Village History
The building located at Lawn and Burlington dates back to 1926. And, the list of former tenants reads like a history book of Western Springs. In 1926, the two-story building on the southwest corner of Burlington and Lawn was constructed at the then-significant sum of $125,000. The initial list of
Before there was a Thomas Ford Library
In 1925, eighty-five Western Springs residents decided the town needed a free public library. So they petitioned the County to place the issue before local voters. Since the early 1920s, Western Springs residents had discussed the pros and cons of forming a free public library. And, in a 1925 village-wide
The Night the Water Tower Sprang a Leak
It was a quiet August evening at the historic Western Springs Water Tower. But, suddenly, a loud noise prompted the police chief to run upstairs. In 1926, the Western Springs police department and village offices were located on the two lower floors of the historic water tower. Above them rested
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