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
Western Springs’ Forgotten Subdivision
You’re familiar with Old Town, Field Park, Forest Hills, Ridge Acres, Springdale, etc. But, does the name “Fishville” ring any bells? Western Springs is a town of neighborhoods. Some, like Old Town North, date back to the very beginnings of the Village, while others, like Commonwealth and Timber Trails, are
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’
Commonwealth … 20+ Years in the Making
The homes in the Commonwealth subdivision are, by all accounts, very well constructed and comfortable. But, it’s a miracle they were ever built! In 1958, the new Tri-State Tollway sliced through the western edge of Western Springs. In the process, Flagg (sometimes spelled Flag) Creek was redirected and improved, which
Western Springs “Still” Remembered
In 1920, the 18th Amendment took effect, banning the manufacture of intoxicating liquor. And, while Western Springs had been “dry” since its earliest days, at least one household took exception. The National Prohibition Act, which took effect in 1920, banned the manufacture and distribution of alcoholic beverages. As a result,
Western Springs’ 1976 Water Tower Controversy
Thirty-seven years ago, the Village Board determined that the town needed additional water storage. But, where should it be built … and in what form? While the image of our historic downtown water tower appears on the village’s trucks, website, and welcome signs, in 1976 the Western Springs village board
Western Springs … A Nuclear Refuge for VIP’s?
In the early 1970s, the U.S. was still in the grips of the cold war. And Western Springs’ new village hall had a special feature that was of interest to mayors and even presidents. The Cuban missile crisis of 1962 brought the world to the edge of nuclear war. While
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
When Indians Roamed Western Springs
Most residents are aware that Native Americans were once in this area. But, do you know where they lived and, more importantly, Western Springs was Indian country? Well yes, sort of. While there’s no evidence of cowboys ever being in the immediate area, there’s no question that Pottawatomie Indians once
Do You Remember “Music Under the Stars”?
In 1935, a few local musicians joined forces to form a summer, orchestral group. It lasted well into the 1970s and was considered one of the best semi-professional symphony orchestras in the Midwest. In 1935, Theron McClure was a young, promising bass violinist. However, he and a group of other