Western Springs’ House Walk History
By John Devona There’s a tradition of house walks in our village. But, it wasn’t always so. The first known reference to a house walk In Western Springs was in 1961. This was the 75th anniversary of the village’s founding and, as part of the town’s “Diamond Jubilee” celebration, the
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
Setting a Western Springs Speed Record
In 1934, the Burlington Railroad’s new Zephyr streamliner roared through Western Springs. And, the speedometer hit 107 miles-per-hour! In June 1933, the Burlington Railroad ordered a revolutionary stainless steel, streamlined train from the Budd Manufacturing Company. It was to be powered by a diesel-electric motor built by General Motors’ Electro-Motive
Remembering Western Springs’ Bicentennial Party
Thirty-eight years ago, Western Springs’ residents celebrated the Nation’s 200th birthday. And, celebrate it they did! In 1975, the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission selected Western Springs as one of just a handful of towns to be designated as an official “Bicentennial Community.” This was after reviewing hundreds of applications from
What Ever Happened to Harvest Days?
In 1980, the Western Springs Rotary Club organized an annual fall festival in Spring Rock Park. But, the last year’s event was canceled before it began. Harvest Days started out in 1980 as an end-of-summer three-day festival featuring musical groups, carnival rides, an antique car show, square dancing, hayrides, a
What Happened to the Citizens of the Year?
In 1986, Western Springs began recognizing citizens for their volunteerism and leadership in the community. But, 25 years later, the program had run its course. In 1986, Western Springs was celebrating its centennial … 100 years as a village. As part of the year-long festivities, the Centennial Commission decided to
Western Springs and the Indy 500 Race
In a town where the top speed limit is probably 35 mph, you might not expect to find a connection to the Indianapolis 500 race. But, you would be wrong. Every Memorial Day weekend, auto enthusiasts look forward to the world-famous Indianapolis 500 race. First run in 1911, the race
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
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
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
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