Do You Recall the Western Springs Rec Center Debate?
In 1995, the Village Board proposed building a new Recreation Center to replace the facilities at Clark School. But, it didn’t happen without a lot
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
Western Springs’ School Bell Lives On
Exactly 110 years ago, a 350-pound bell was placed in the cupola of the Grand Avenue School. While it no longer calls children to class,
What Happened to the Girl Scouts’ Log Cabin?
In 1921, the Cook County Forest Preserve District built a log cabin in the Bemis Woods for Western Springs’ Girl Scouts. But, where did it
Western Springs’ Love Affair with Tobogganing
As early as the 1930s, area residents were enjoying their winters on toboggans in nearby Bemis Woods. But, that all changed in 2007. In the
Western Springs’ Postcards from the Past
Picture postcards were first introduced at Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. And, over the years, little Western Springs was featured on quite a few. With
The 1968 Demise of a Western Springs Landmark
On the afternoon of June 3, 1968, motorists on Willow Springs Road noticed a fire across the street from Community Memorial Hospital. And, by 5:30
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 Fire Department Champs of 1937
Western Springs’ population was barely 4,000 in 1937. But, its volunteer firefighters managed to win national honors at a tournament held in Chicago’s Soldier Field.
An American Success Story, Here in Western Springs
How hard work and determination paid off for a 16-year-old immigrant from Sicily. In 1899, a 16-year-old boy named August Serio came to the United
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
Whoops! What Happened Here? The Demolition at 1013 Burlington Avenue
In 1966, Western Springs was growing by leaps and bounds. So, an old, boarded-up home on prime real estate was an obvious target for a
The Evolution of the Tower Trot
Many Western Springs residents are too young to remember when there wasn’t a Tower Trot. But this annual tradition has a lot of history …
Being a Kid … in the “Old Days”
Today’s kids have cell phones, iPads, iPods, Laptops, and HDTV to occupy their free time. But, how did Western Springs children entertain themselves in the
How a Blind Man Improved Western Springs’ Water
Accidentally blinded in1922, Sidney Hull moved to our village just so he could commute more easily to his job at Western Electric. But, his impact
Vaughan’s…From Grass Seed to Catalog Sales
In 1876, John Vaughan opened a small Chicago seed store. Twenty-one years later, he expanded to Western Springs, where he built what became one of
Revisiting the Bakeries of Western Springs
The village’s love affair with Kirschbaum’s chocolate-covered donuts is well known. But, do you recall the village’s other great bakeries? It was in 1925 that
The Water Tower That Could Have Been
Western Springs’ historic water tower was built in 1892. But, have you ever considered the other designs our village might have chosen? In 1890, Western
Galesburg to Chicago… and Back
In December 1931, two teenage boys from Galesburg decided to see the world. Broke and alone, their odyssey ended in Western Springs. On Thursday, December
The Village Club: An Historic Treasure
In the early part of the last century, private social clubs could be found in almost every town along the Burlington train line. And, Western
Mail Order Homes – Some Assembly Required
If you live in Field Park, Old Town, Old Town South, or Ridge Acres, the rafters and joists in your home (or that of a
Western Springs’ Train Wrecks – Three in Just Six Years
Between 1909 and 1915, there were three serious train wrecks in Western Springs. And, following each, local residents were instrumental in aiding the victims. In
Western Springs Shoe Store Memories
In 1887, August Ekdahl’s cobbler shop opened for business at 808 West Hillgrove. And, today, another shoe shop continues the tradition, just three doors west.
Do You Know the Story Behind the Corral?
In 1944, some Lyons Township students (with considerable help from parents) leased a vacant commercial garage in LaGrange and transformed it into the Corral …
Western Springs: The Center of Chicago
In 1897, the Chicago Tribune ran a story entitled “Chicago As It Will Be 100 Years from Now, a City of Wonders Unbelievable.” And, Western