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
From Farmland to “Springdale”
Fifty-nine years ago, a ground-breaking ceremony was held on a farm field south of 47th Street. It would become one of Western Springs’ largest neighborhoods. As local residents know, the Vaughan Seed Company owned a great deal of the property south of 47th Street for many years. But, few realize
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
The Tower Chorale … Still Going Strong
In 1986, some local residents saw the need for a community chorus, similar to that found in Elmhurst and Downers Grove. And, 28 years later, the group is alive and well. In November of 1986, a group of singers from Western Springs, Hinsdale, and La Grange decided to take advantage
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
Western Springs’ Contribution to Aviation Safety
In the early days of aviation, pilots often navigated using various landmarks. But, they could easily become lost in less familiar surroundings. Following World War I, a large number of surplus military airplanes and former military pilots spawned a huge increase in aviation in the United States. But, as these
Girl Scout Cookies … 3 for a Nickel!
Last weekend Western Springs’ Girl Scouts began selling their iconic cookies. But, do you know the origin of this great American tradition? On May 5, 1922, an article appeared in the Western Springs Times indicating that the Girl Scout Headquarters in Chicago had recently asked local Girl Scout troops to
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 organized local boys into the Western Springs Cadets? E.C. Patterson was, by any measure, a colorful character. While he held key management positions in several
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 in the midst of celebrating the town’s 100th birthday. And, what a celebration it was! Virtually every organization in town, from churches to fraternal organizations,
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