Shakespeare wrote that “ … a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But, what about Western Springs?

Western Springs’ train station sign

Back in the 1870s, before it was actually a town, Western Springs was just a small collection of homes known as “East Hinsdale.” However, an enterprising land developer coined the name “Western Springs.” This was derived from the popular mineral springs that were located in what is now Spring Rock Park, just a little southwest of the old shelter house.

Soon, the name Western Springs appeared on the new Burlington railroad station in town and that was the name used to incorporate the village in 1886. So, you probably think the story ends there. But, you would be wrong.

In 1892, the Village decided to construct a modern water system, complete with residential water mains and fire hydrants. To do so, a well was drilled in Spring Rock Park, not far from the mineral springs. And, the historic Water Tower was built to provide the necessary water pressure. But, unfortunately, the Village’s namesake mineral springs soon dried up, presumably because of the new well and its impact on the water table.

Artist’s conception of the original mineral springs

By 1903, some residents felt that that the name of “Western Springs” was a misfit since there were no longer any springs and so they sought to change the name.  In fact, according to the March 29, 1903, Chicago Sunday Chronicle, many residents were seeking a referendum on a name change. Among the names being advanced were “Treasure Hill,” “Utopia,” “Arcadia,” “Salt Hill,” and “Fairview.”  Another candidate was “Chatfield Hill,” derived from the name of a realtor who once had substantial landholdings in the area.

The newspaper also reported that “All the inhabitants are agreed that there must be a change. They say that Western Springs Is not only very commonplace and very ugly but that it is also a misnomer”.

As can be best determined, this issue never reached the formal referendum stage and the town’s name remained “Western Springs.” But, one must admit that it might have been nice to live in “Utopia.”