Let there be Light … wait, not so Fast!
Nineteen years ago, Lyons Township High School officials decided to take a page from other schools and start playing football games on Friday nights. But that meant adding lights, and some nearby residents took strong exception While Friday night high school football games are a tradition in a lot of
Western Springs Florists, Past & Present
Remember when you got (or gave) your first corsage? Just look below and you’ll see how long that tradition has been part of our village. The first record of a florist in Western Springs was in 1928. That’s when George Dockum had a small shop on the corner of Lawn
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 … before there was Cable TV
Many residents can’t recall what it was like to have only six or seven television channels. But, in 1971, cable television was just a future concept. The first mention of cable television in Western Springs took place in 1971. That’s when Scientific Communications, Inc. made a presentation to the village
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
Our Love/Hate Relationship with the Deep Tunnel
Just north of Ogden Avenue, 150 feet below the ground, the Deep Tunnel runs from Forest Avenue in Western Springs to LaGrange Road. But, its construction wasn’t easy for the workers or for some residents. More than 35 years ago, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago embarked on
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
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’ 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