Back when Western Springs had its own Zoo
While not exactly Lincoln Park or Brookfield Zoo, some 100 years ago a local family had a small menagerie of animals that captivated local youngsters.
Harry Maxted … Western Springs’ First War Dead
On April 12, 1918, Corporal Harry Maxted was in France, standing guard so that his men could get some badly needed rest. Suddenly, German soldiers
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
Western Springs’ “Girl Reporter”
In the 1920s, the nation’s newspaper staffs were dominated by men. But, one diminutive young woman from Western Springs changed all of that. If you
A Great, Old Fire Engine Gets a Reprieve
In 1941, just days before Pearl Harbor, Western Springs took delivery of a fire engine, whose design was years ahead of its time. But, in
The Short-Lived Western Springs Cadets
Local resident E.C. Patterson once set a record driving from Chicago to New York in just 35 hours. But, did you know that he also
Charles Vickery … Gone, But His Works Live On
Exactly fifteen years ago this week, Western Springs lost Charles Vickery, one of the country’s best seascape artists. But, his paintings live on in many
Western Springs’ Gold Medal Winner
In 1992, a kid from Western Springs won two gold medals at the Barcelona Summer Olympics. And, he came back to a hero’s welcome. In
The Battle Against Paved Streets
In 1967, most residents of Western Springs’ Field Park were opposed to letting the Village pave their streets. Especially since they’d have to foot the
Forgotten Western Springs: The Wolf Road Garage
In 1920, Western Springs was home to just 1,258 residents and 100 automobiles. But, who could someone call for a tow or flat tire? In
A Nautical Supply Store in Western Springs?
You might think that land-locked Western Springs would be the last place to find a store for boat owners. But, in 1965, you would have
Ogden Avenue … Street with a Real History
Few Western Springs roads can boast as much history as Ogden Avenue, which was originally developed by Native Americans and continues in use to this
Western Springs… First in Space?
In 1962, the United States launched Telstar, the first communications satellite, into space. And, just a few days later, Western Springs was invited to converse
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
The Day That “Car Parts Fell Like Rain”
It was a quiet Wednesday afternoon in Western Springs. But, all of that changed at 2:06 p.m. when the crack Empire Builder passenger train roared
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.
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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 Unluckiest Robber of 1984
On the evening of September 29, 1984, most Western Springs residents were going about their normal routines, unaware of what was unfolding at Tischler Finer
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
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?
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
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