The Blue Island Story" Came to Be

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http://archive.org/details/blueislandstoryhOOIion 'J I ^ i .._ THE } i *v u ^BlUE ISLAND ~ STORV r^ J-\

AN HISTORICAL REVIEW

OF THE FIRST ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS

OUR CITY ON THE HILL OF BLUE ISLAND, ILLINOIS

WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED AS PART OF THE

1962 FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

SPONSORED BY THE LIONS CLUB OF BLUE ISLAND

FOREWORD

How 'The Blue Island Story" Came To Be

In planning the 1962 Fourth of July Celebration, the Lions Club of Blue Island has believed that part of its duty was to bring the history of our city up to date. Could we not look back and retell the story of our past? Could we not catch again that determination to conquer all obstacles, which has always marked our people? Could we not re-dedicate ourselves to the furtherance of that spirit which has brought us from a little pioneer village to our present prosperous city? Perhaps by studying again The Blue Island Story, and rewriting it for others to read, we might accomplish all these aims.

Thus inspired, we have herein attempted to tell of our city's 127 years growth. Fortunately our committee has been able to lean heavily on the fine historical efforts of the late John H. Volp, who wrote "The First Hundred Years." This book not only presents invaluable source material, but also sets a standard of excellence which we hope we have met. The Blue Island Sun- Standard has been our sole authority for happenings since 1935, so we owe the Volp family and organization a double debt of gratitude. Although our work is principally concerned with the years after 1935, we have attempted to condense Mr. Volp's presentation, in order to tell the entire story of our city's prosperity.

Our hope now is that you, our readers, will accept "The Blue Island Story" in the same spirit in which

it is presented: that all the tomorrows of this city, our home, will be as fine and as good and as great as have been its yesterdays.

The Lions Club of Blue Island 1962 Fourth of July Celebration Committee Henry G. Baumann, General Chairman

"The Blue Island Story" Committee Harold L Richards and Harold Volp, Co-chairmen,

JOHN HENRY VOLP 1868 1938

In part borrowed, and in part ours —

When John H. Volp wrote "The First Hundred Years'' he penned this dedication:

"Dedicated to the Men and Women of a past generation — those sturdy Pioneers who conquered a wilderness and laid the foundations of Blue Island, The City on the Hill; to the Men and Women of Today, who art striving to make Blue Island a clean, prosperous and progressive community; and to the little Citizens of the

Future, on whose shoulders will fall the duty to carry on this work and who must set for themselves even higher ideals."

To which the committee responsible for "The Blue Island Story" would add these words —

"And to the memory of John H. Volp, who wrote so well of our First Hundred Years."

Printed by The Blue Island Pulishing Corporation

THE BLUE ISLAND STORY

"If a cat held by its tail is Courtney's location, which would swung in a circle, it will touch bring him close to a well traveled all four walls." trail, the Vincennes Road, and en- This description of Norman hance the business possibilities of Rexford's first tavern, built in his inn. In 1836 he began another 1835 in the north section of Blue tavern about 1000 feet away from

Island, would not only fit this Courtney's place, on the highest one building, but would hand- point of the southeastern part of somely compliment any structure the elevation. This would place in the tiny settlement at this time. him on the east side of the mean-

Even though Isaac Greenacre's dering path which is now Western comment on the four room log Avenue, about half way between hut is certainly not flattering, this Grove and Fulton Streets. No structure would seem pa 1 a t i a 1 crude cabin this, but a frame when compared to the home of building sided with boards cost-

Thomas Courtney, the first white ing $40.00 a thousand feet, and man known to have settled in the brought by team from over one "Blue Island," in the summer of hundred miles away. 1834. Standing alone in the wil- This, the "Blue Island House," derness, this crude cabin had but soon proved that Rexford had a single room, no windows, only chosen his site well. The high part one opening, a makeshift fireplace of the Blue Island elevation wafl at one end, and an earthen floor. much steeper and more abrupt in

When this first home is compared those days than it is now, and the to the beautiful and impressive traveler could get a grand pano- First Lutheran Church which now rama of much of the low lying \cr- occupies its place, it seems scarce- country all around, from the ly worthy of being called a human anda of the Blue Island Hon-'-. habitation. Army officers and settlers, push-

After operating his little tavern ing their ways south and west for about a year, Norman Rex- along the Vincennes Trail, run- ford decided to move nearer ning nearby, stopped overnight. and this structure, the first of any surrounding about four or five permanent character, became the thousand acres of beautiful table nucleus of the "city on the hill." land.

But why the name Blue Island, "In summer the plain is covered

and when was it adopted? The with luxurious herbiage. It is un- most logical explanation seems to inhabited, and when we visited it,

be one made in the Chicago Demo- from its stillness, loneliness, and

crat of February, 1834, in this quiet, we pronounced it a vast description: "Nearly south of this vegetable solitude. The ridge, town (Chicago) and twelve miles when viewed from a distance, ap-

distant is Blue Island. This name pears standing in an azure mist

is particularly appropriate. It is of vapor, hence the appellation, a table of land about six miles 'Blue Island'." long and an average of two miles Geographically and geologically

wide, of an oval form and rising this description is well supported. some forty feet out of an immense Geological survey maps in John

plain which surrounds it on every Volp's book, "The First Hundred side. The sides and slopes of this Years," show the present city a

table as well as the table itself, true island for ages during and are covered with a handome after the melting of the ice cap

growth of timber, forming a belt which covered it during the glacial

The Blue Island House

This was the first structure of a permanent character to be erected in Blue Island. It was built by Norman Rexford in 1836 and for many years served as a hotel and as a home for the Rexford family. The drawing above was reproduced from a pencil sketch made during the early years when the building was still standing. The sketch was kindly loaned by Fred K. Rexford of Pasadena, California. period. Then it was at least eight did not become "Blue Indiana U miles from the present western land."' shore of the lake. At first. Blue Although the name Blue [aland

Island and Mount Forest Island seemed well accepted, even be- were the only islands in the lake, the fore settlers came in an) 1 with Lane's Island and Stonv Is- numbers, its official adoption be- land appearing out of the reced- came another story, which has ing waters at a somewhat later caused no small amount of con- date. It is thought by some that cern and confusion. This was

Island was still used and recog- in what is now Morgan Park, nized until about 1850, when furnishing a hiding place, and another name entered, to confuse even a fortress for the question- the issue still further. Legislation able nocturnal activities of these was passed that year to make the gentlemen. Farmers had found post office name the same as that bags of horse feed here, many of the township, and so the little hoof prints, and occasionally a settlement of f i c i a 1 ly became horseshoe, which was more than Worth. This forced name did not enough to cause them to brand fare any better than that of Port- the area thus descriptively and to land, and in 1860, after the Rock avoid it, as well. Island Railroad had named its Now what was the life of these local stop Blue Island, the post pioneer Blue Islanders like? Some office department, evidently con- of us today, surfeited by the easy cluding that if "you can't lick life which we know, would have 'em, join 'em," finally gave its found the conditions which they blessing to this name, which had faced and conquered too much persisted from the very beginning. for us — in fact, we would prob- Some of the names given to ably have passed out on the way other sections of this early settle- to this elevated wilderness. But ment were neither as pleasantly these elementary Blue Islanders descriptive nor, fortunately, as were made of sterner stuff. They lasting as that of Blue Island. had to eat, to build homes, to

For instance, there were Bache- earn a living, and they wT ent lors' Grove, the "black" or "Rob- about these tasks with courage bers' Woods" and worst of all, and dispatch. "Horse Thief Hollow." The men of the Rexford clan, Much to the disgust of the elig- prominent early pioneers, would ible young ladies, many of the give some of the best examples of —

Mr. and Mrs. Norman Rexford, Pioneer Couple

So many of the Rexford families were among the first citizens of Blue Island that the name is inseparably connected with the early history of the city. — Photo courtesy of Fred K. Rexford, Pasadena, Calif.

this determination. The keen busi- All the early settler had to do ness sense of Norman Rexford when he wanted fresh meat was caused him to locate his tavern to take his gun and walk a mile or and inn near the Vincennes Trail so from his cabin, where his

— the first to see the great com- wants were soon supplied . . . mercial and trading possibili- Wild fowl, both land and water,

ties of locating in this area. He abounded, and the creek and river was also the settlement's first teemed with fine fish." postmaster. His son, F a y e t te, The position of this family in when only eleven years old, car- the little community is further ried the mail on horseback from shown by Heber'a having been Chicago to Bunkum, a distance of elected police magistrate. At that ninety miles. His brother, Heber, time he and S. I). Huntington, was one of our earliest farmers, chosen constable, represented the sharing the rewards which the law. Commenting upon hi- posi- good black dirt of this region tion, Rexford stated: "I do not

I ever brought to all those who tilled think the i the South extra the soil. It was he who gave us an entertained half bo almost idyllic picture of the na- idea- of the powers d bulldozers

<»f our then tural resources of the place as did the majorit) population of the functions of 'Mr. Jones, one of the three men to set-

Heber and Mr. Sam.' I was cloth- tle here in 1836, opened a wagon ed in their minds with almost un- shop. Next year John Brittain limited powers, but Sam was a came with his blacksmith shop. terror to evildoers. None were in- After four years of farming, Carl- sane enough to dissent when Sam ton Wadams, perhaps inspired by indicated his wish." Evidently the success of the Blue Island then, as now, Blue Islanders were House, opened h i s "American a well behaved lot! House" tavern in 1844, on the Some time later Heber received west side of Western Avenue, a government contract to carry north of Vermont. At one time the mail from Blue Island to Iro- Wadams owned all the land be- quoise, Illinois, twice weekly. tween Western and Maple, from Some idea of the wages paid then Vermont to Burr Oak. might be gained by stating that The Robinson family was an- for this service he was paid the other to make its mark on the sum of $598.00 per year. early days. Daniel, coming here Other men soon put their talents in 1836, was the first to arrive. to work in Blue Island. Stephen He helped build Rexford's Blue

The American House, Built in 1844 This popular tavern and hotel stood north of Vermont on the west side of Western. Business was very good during the building of the feeder canal. Carlton Wadhams was the proprietor. Island House, and was later a and the Schappers. Vugusl Schrei- real estate operator, a teacher, a ber, who came in 1848, bought school director, and a justice of propert) belo* the hill on I the peace. C. D. Robinson and his son, Henry, might be called the fathers of Blue Island retailing, as they opened a general merchandise store at the northwest corner of Western and Grove. Here the passing traveler or the settlers could buy anything from gunpowder to trousers. The farmers selling produce in Chicago seemed to prefer to stop here on their way home to buy their supplies, and to sit around, puffing on their pipes and discussing the problems of pioneer times. The popularity of the store as a stop- over place was undoubtedly greatly aided by the well nigh im- passable roads, especially during Herman Schmitt Pioneer merchant and founder a certain seasons of the year. Des- of mercantile establishment which for pite these difficulties vast herds many years was a leading institution of cattle and sheep, coming in in the village. over the Sauk Trail from the Street and opened the hardware south and west, and destined for store which is still doing business the Chicago market, would strike there, and under the same fam- their northward course near Blue ily's management. In 1852 Schap-

Island, and pass over the Vin- per moved his little drug store to cennes Trail through the tiny set- the northeast corner of Grove and tlement. These enormous herds of Western, where his establishment, cattle and flocks of sheep, some- now the Pioneer Drug Store, ii times three or four miles in still located. length, would bed down for the By the late 50*8 there were four night on the prairies near here, breweries going, whir li MOWS giving both animals and their that the early Island, ra liked the weary herders a welcome respite brew that cheers and sometime* before they pushed on to the Chi- inebriates. The Bauer Brewery cago stockyards. wa> the fir^t. rather quickl) fol-

Two other families still noted lowed 1»\ three oth< for their outstanding successes in Brewer) onl) operated for i the retail field are the Schreibers time, but Busch and Brandt, and Robinson Hall

C. D. Robinson built this hall in 1860; it was destroyed in the big fire of 1896.

the Metz Brewery, known for its Other infant industries flour- Bohemian or Pilsner broth, were ished for a while in the little well patronized for the noble tank- settlement. Franz Schwartz, and ards they put forth. One reason William and Frederick Seyfarth for Blue Island becoming known and after them, Bernhard Knirsch, as a brewing town was the easy worked their stone quarries, with availability of the "hill" for tun- the stone from the latter being nels used to cool the amber li- used to build the First Lutheran quid. Those who still like an oc- Church in 1863, and costing $2.50 casional glass might pause to a cord. The Roll flour and grist shed a silent tear for these good mill had to quit when the dam old days when beer sold for three supplying their water power was to five cents a glass, with the blown up. Henry Wibben, and af- harder stuff going for twenty- ter him Henry Tews and Carl five to thirty-five cents a gallon. Reusnow, sold fine, handmade Housewives also depended upon bricks, but later competitors, us- the brewer's art for their baking, ing machines, put them out of sending on Saturday for a pen- business. Jacob Sauerteig, early ny's worth of yeast — more than locksmith, fell before similar com- enough to take care of even the petition, as did Anton Baintele, enormous home baking done in with his handmade shingles. The those days. tanneries of Waniata and Linder Bauer's Brewery

This Was the first of four such "thirst quenchers" erected in Blue Island during the 1850's.

The Old Union II

John Engelhart built this structure in 1875. For mam under the name of Bairischer Hof. — Phot' ^taffel were forced to quit when the local William Bouri, and William Betts. supply of skins and pelts ran out. The shoemaker's last also claim- Even the ladies were important in ed such skilled workers as Peter early industry, with Edie Ann Kich, Henry Asche, Fred Klein, Jones, the first white female child born in Blue Island, and her mother weaving rag carpets for the floors of many homes. Be- ginnings in the cooperage industry were made by William Ben- jamin and Michael Koenner about this time. Other "homemade" industries included horseshoe nails made by Ferdinand Luedtke, and baskets, woven by C h r i s t i an Driese.

Early Blue Island pro f i t e d greatly from its skilled trades- men. Following John Brittain as a smithy were Nathaniel Sher- wood, William Lowe, Louis Brand, John Hartung, Henry Boening, and Fred Dietz, all working here Henry W . Schmitt by 1852. Wagon makers after This pioneer of the early fifties was Stephen Jones included Fred first a blacksmith, and a manufacturer of wagons. In 1872, he operated a meat Steffes and William Sorgenfrei, market and later ran a restaurant and before 1855. Carpenters and ma- boarding house known as the Transient House. sons also had plenty of work in the early days, building the early and Walter Williams. John Popp breweries, the German Methodist and William Bishop were known and the First Lutheran churches, far and wide as the well diggers. as well as some of the more pre- As with most primitive com- tentious homes. D. 0. Robinson munities, professional men were and John Kelly were carpenters scarce. Mr. Volp tells us that working in the forties, and by there were no doctors closer than 1852 they were joined by Fred Chicago for the first eight or ten Koehne, Theodore Guenther, Er- years in Blue Island. In her re- ich Claussen, Fred Wuetig, and miniscences, Mrs. Fuller, the William Heckler. daughter of C. D. Robinson, men-

Among the first bricklayers, all tions a Dr. Bachelder, and other at work in Blue Island by the records contain the names of a same year, were John Black, John Dr. Truesdale, a Dr. Henry Folk, and Michael Heim, John Koehler, Dr. Henry Douglas, Dr. Adolph

10 Bodenstab, and Dr. G r a h am numbered the "^ ankees" who had Marr. There was certainl) enough preceded them. In addition t.. the illness, and more, for those good business, industrial, and p men in the early days. The years sional leaders alread) mentioned, 1847, 1849, 1853 and 1 8 54 some of tli,- German immigrants brought terrible sicknesses. The fever and ague, or the "shakes," as the pioneers knew this disease, may have been augmented by the swampy conditions of the lowlands surrounding the hill. The 50's brought the dreaded cholera morbus, which killed whole families. Burials were made as quicklv as possible, often at night, and flowers for the funeral were unknown. Men of the law did not seem to have much activity before 1850. The power of the magistrate has already been attested by Heber Rexford, who served in this capacity around 1846. Other lawyers then assisting the settlers in legal matters included Rodney N. Day, Mrs. Stephen Jones and Daughter Daniel 0. Robinson, Benjamin Edie Ann Sanders, and Andrew H. Dolton. Edie Ann Jones (standing) was t lu- While it is difficult to give the first white female child born in Blur Island. She and her mother wove many exact reason why so many settlers of the rag carpets tor a number of of German descent came to Blue the early homes. The mother, Martha married Stephen Jones in Ialsnd in the early days, the fer- Crandall, 1837, with the ceremon) being the sec- tile soil, first as reported by the ond to be performed in the little village. Hull of these men from the Fatherland Photo courtesy of Mrs. Peter to settle here, might have been the source of attraction. Perhaps included John Englehardt, com-

I Inch, August Schreiber, coming in 1848, ing in L848; Ernest L849; Ed or perhaps some unknown trader William Baumback, L850; K> or trapper, familiar with the lush ward Seyfarth, Christian in Louis vegetation of the region, spread and ¥ni/. Boeber, L851 ; and Her- the good news. At any rate, the A. Krueger, L852; H. W. and staid burghers came and found mann Schmitt, 1854; and Christ Mil- 1 blao- the region fair and with abundant erick Hune products. Soon they greatly out-

11 At this time it is certainly not known would have been frowned the intention of the committee upon and rejected as unethical. charged with the writing of this But if a settler were not a busi- history to indulge in idle specu- nessman, did not have a trade, lation, or to moralize. But it does were not a professional man, and seem apropos to suggest that those did not farm, how could he make qualities of honesty, hard work, a living in the pioneer times? and good, sound, common "horse Well, there was always a job to sense" which still distinguish be had on the canal, or on the many of Blue Island's fine fam- roads. Even before the first set-

ilies today may have had at least tler came, the Indians and the part of their origins in these Ger- French missionaries and traders man Americans of this early day. had used Stony Creek and the Cal-

Certainly it can be said that these umet River for freighting sup- men and women gave an honest plies. Even as early as 1830, the day's work for their pay; that Calumet Feeder Canal had been such "necessities" as fringe bene- recommended by James M. Buck-

fits, time and a half, or double lin, an engineer of that day, as a time; such practices as feather- water supply source for both the bedding, were not only unknown Illinois and the Michigan canals.

to these good people, but, if But the more venturesome of the

A Pioneer Family Mr. and Mrs. Hart Massey and Children. The Massey home was on the present site of the First National Bank, with the house facing south on Vermont Street. Two daughters, Hattie and Ella, were teachers here in the early days.

12 The Schmitt Brothers Department Store was later expanded to include these three buildings.

pioneers did not wait for the schooners as enter the Chicago completion of any man made River "clean up to the (anal dam

i channel to use the waters of both at Portland I Blue Island . in- of these bodies. Peter Barton, the other settler. A. \\ . Spies, fell pioneer promoter already men- that the Calumet River had tioned, had chartered a schooner ach anl r the < In as early as 1835 and brought super as a means of walei transport- plies by water from Thornton to ation. Blue Island. The Young Brothers made a surve- of the possibilities began operating their "Calumet of a feeder canal, he pointed out

Traders" a little later. A note in that the Calumet River had its the Chicago Democrat of August in Indiana, passed into [Hi-

15, 1849, stated that the Calumet and sometimes dia h River was navigable for as large A When Benjamin Wright, a dis- Him* tinguished engineer of the day. lilt,

13 Island experienced its first busi- ^ ness "boom," with any able bod- ied man in the area needing work securing employment on the canal,

or in connection with its building. The great trouble, however, was that the meandering course described above made the feeder body both a blessing and a curse. When finished, the dam across the

Calumet raised its waters ten feet above those of Stony Creek. This caused much bitter feeling among the farmers, especially those in nearby Indiana, causing them to make many claims for damages to their lands, which were flooded by the backing up of either the Calumet River, Stony Creek, or Northwest Corner of York and Western tributaries to either body of wa- This building was erected in 1855 by Herman Schmitt. In later years it ter. Finally in 1857 the aroused was much improved and occupied by farmers attempted to destroy the the Schmitt Brothers Department Store. dam, and while they were not successful, the Illinois legislature did authorize the removal of the dam. For some reason, this order was never enforced, which greatly benefited the Roll grist and

flour mill operated in Blue Is-

land at that time. Finally the en- raged farmers could stand no

more, and in 1875 a group of fifty or more banded together and blew up the dam, stopping the mill operations completely. The plank roads and plank

sidewalks, while they I a sted,

C. D. Robinson Home meant work for many. Even af- This home, built in the early 1840^, ter action had been taken to lay stood north Burr Oak, in what was of out roads on section or half sec- then the northwest part of the settlement. Its doors and window casings tion lines, roads were little bet- were brought from New York. ter than quagmires during cer- — Photo courtesy of Mrs. George Pettijohn tain seasons of the year, or in the

14 swampy lowlands. Plank road thodisl farmer-preacher who on companies, to build toll roads, hia wa) to sell hi- products in Chi- were formed, laying down heavy cago, would stop in Blue Island planks for roadbeds, and hoping on Saturday night, don hit store that many would toll pay the clothes the next morning and charged to travel over them. preach a sermon, then resume his Starting from Chicago in 1850, trek on Monday. This preachei the Southern, or Old Plank Road, he described as tall, uncouth, and got as far as Vincennes near 80th unlearned, saying that if the man Street, did and prosper for a could not think of a word to ex- while. The Blue Island, or "New" press his meaning properly, h<- Plank Road, beginning on West- would make up one. ern a little north of 95th Street, There were no denominational was to connect our village with meetings until the early 50's, when the western side of Chicago, but the German Methodist Society it did not succeed any better than had the honor of being the first its mate. The coming of the rail- to organize, with thirty-seven roads spelled the doom of both. members in 1854, and the first

That the early Blue Islanders to build a church in 1855. This were interested in their churches little building was erected on the and schools was clearly evidenc- south side of Grove Street, west ed. In 1846 Heber Rexford wrote: of Artesian, at a cost of $1,250.00 "All attended religious meetings, for both the grounds and the whether Methodist, Baptist, or building. The Universalists had Universalist." He told of the Me- been meeting separately as early

First Congregational Churrh, Built in 1B6S.

c l as 1849, but did not build their the little settlement were private church on Greenwood and High — in more ways than one. Any until the 60's. Members of the learning the first children receiv- Congregational faith organized in ed was from their parents, in the

1860, and in 1865 built their little time that could be saved church — then, as now, on York from the sterner tasks of earning Street. The Catholics had their a living and making a home in first services here in 1854, with the wilderness. The first school

St. Benedict's being organized as was opened by Elizabeth and Abi- a parish in 1861, and the church gail Periam in 1845, and was for built in 1864 on the corner of girls only, as the dictates of the York and Gregory, on land which time held that boys old enough to had cost $125.00. A full time lo- go to school were also old enough cal priest began his work with to work. Mary Perkins conducted this congregation in 1883. another private school in her home Those of the Lutheran persua- about this time, as did Mrs. Thom- sion held their first services at as McClintock and her daughter. the home of Peter Engelland The many German settlers com- around 1861, effecting their oring into the village around the ganization in 1863, with a mem- middle 50's made the several Ger- bership in sixty-six. In May of man schools established by Carl that year they laid the corner- Adams, Samuel Wuest, and Jo- stone of their church — then, as seph Abel fairly popular for a now, on Grove and Ann Streets. short time.

The stone for this building was No record is left of the teacher taken from the local quarries and who started the first public school hauled to the church by mem- here. In fact, even the exact lo- bers donating their services. One cation is not known. But some- of the great sources of pride of time in 1846 or 47, and some- these Lutherans has continued to where in the vicinity of Grove be that, in its first century, their and Gregory streets, Blue Island church had been served for forty public education did begin. In years of this time by three minis- 1848 came the building of a one ters from the same family — story schoolhouse, just east of the the Rev. J. H. Doermann and present Whittier school. This soon sons, Henry and Martin. The last became a general purpose build- of these early church groups in ing, used for the town hall, church Blue Island was the English Me- meetings, and public gatherings of thodist Society, organizing in all sorts when school was not in 1873 with twenty-four members, session. Its first teachers included and dedicating its church home William Hamilton, Daniel Bar- the next year. nard, and Mary Perkins, who Early attempts at education in earlier had operated a private

16 school of her own. D. 0. Robin- at the teacher, attempted to leave son joined the faculty just be- a large dead dog on hia dooi fore the "new" Whittier school step. Sallying forth in hoi pur- was built in 1854. From its be- suit of the culpi it-. Mrs. Sej mour ginning, this was a graded school, caught one of them and broughl even though it started with just him back to the house, keeping two rooms. By the 80's such him there until he promised to names as Professor J. W. Troeg- mend his ways. 1 he fa< t thai one er, principal in charge; Misses of the later buildings was named Clark, Starbuck, and Hegan, in after Prof. Seymour, however, the grammar grades; Miss Bose, seems to indicate that the majority intermediate level; and Misses of the settlers thoughl ver) highl) Keith and Swan, primary depart- of this good man. Another edu- ment, were known for their con- cator to be likewise honored was tributions to Blue Island educa- Mr. M. T. DeWitt. for whom the tion. DeWitt School (now no longer in

As proof of the fact that boys operation ) was named. will be boys, especially in pioneer An effort to establish a library times, Rexford tells of an inci- was also made in the early da\s. dent at the time when Professor All the reading the settler- could Seymour and his wife were in do was from the books each fam- charge of the school. Some of the ily had brought, plus copies oi students, perhaps a bit irritated the Chicago papers. At the request

Khi

Blur Island's First Schoolho This one story frame building was built in It also east of the present Whittier School . was public gatherings.

17 of some of his friends, Thomas leisure time? Despite their hard

McClintock offered to loan books lives, however, these pioneers did take time to enjoy themselves.

Even from the time of its erection, Rexford's Blue Island House was the leading social center for almost fifteen years. People would

come from miles around, to attend the dances and parties there. There was also Englehardt's Hall,

built in 1852; the first schoolhouse; Schubert's Hall, built for the German Dramatic Society in 1856; and one of the most im- posing structures and landmarks for many years, the three storied Robinson's Hall. Filled with a love of music and the old songs of the Fatherland, a group of men calling them- Pioneer Educator selves the Saengerbund had been Professor Seymour, after whom the singing together for some time. Seymour School at Maple Avenue and New Street was named. — Photo courtesy of Mrs. Albert Schmidt

from his own collection, and thus was started Blue Island's first cir- culating library. After the school was built in 1854, its library books were circulated for adult as well as student usage. This collection provided about 800 volumes. How- ever, it was not until the last decade of the century that a library movement of much conse- quence got under way, and then largely through the efforts of the Current Topic Club, forerunner of the Blue Island Woman's Club. What did these folks do in their Charles F. Eidam leisure time? Before answering A pioneer shoe merchant who was this question, one might ask, what active in the Blue Island Liederkranz.

18 Charles Ellfeld had been their gust Schreiber, and Gottf i ied outstanding member from their Voightmann won first pri* first rehearsals, so when they in a larger contest had the fol- definitely organized in 1853, un- lowing year in Chicago, the lo- der the name of the Blue Island cal Liederkranz t<><»k second place,

Liederkranz, he was their only winning an enviable position in choice as director. The success of the entire Northwest. The apex of their first public concert soon af- the group's development Mr at terward was so pronounced that probably reached !»> 1887, when new voices eagerly sought to join the society was aide to bu) the the group, which had numbered former hall of the Blue Island eighteen singers by 1857. In a Turnverein Society, and to pre- Saengerfest held in Milwaukee sent a gala two day Saengerfest, that year, a quartet, composed of ringing in many singing societies the director, Herman Schmitt, Au- and visitors to Blue Island to

Celebrating th<- Saengei

One of the several arches erected at Saengerfest in 1887. Looking west on Grove

19 participate in the festivities. ing before appreciative audiences The growth of the dramatic sometimes as often as once a week. group mentioned above started This early success inspired the about the same time of the Lieder- group to contract with August kranz, and included both men and Schubert to build a hall especial- women. Not only did they want ly designed for their plays. Schu- to indulge their own love for the bert erected a two story building theatre and perhaps realize a lit- for this purpose, planning the tle income from the plays they first floor for a tavern and living staged, but also they felt that quarters for his family, and the their productions would be well second floor for the theatre, com- received and applauded by the plete with footlights and dressing entertainment starved villagers. rooms. Unfortunately the village At first they staged their plays was building away from the tav- at the Blue Island House, play- ern location and soon the crowds

Liederkranz Hall

Rebuilt after the great fi of 1896, but destroyed again by fire in 1918.

20 which had patronized it and the silver plated speaking trumpet, theatre began to fall off. Shortly complete with long gill tassels, afterward a fire of mysterious ori- through which In- gave his march- gin destroyed the building and ing orders. The h«>««k and ladder the dramatic group did not long wagon was bright red, and survive this loss. ried ladders, axes, pike hooks, and

During these early davs the row- of leather buckets. It- mo- younger men of the little village tive power? The proud firemen were anxious to show their excel- themselves, and horn the eyes of lence in gymnastics; hence the the small boys glistened, as '-a- h popularity of the Turnverein. This one saw himself a future fire lad- group had been able to buy prop- die! erty and build its own hall in Too, Blue Island's fire alarm,

1872, but the heavy financial bur- if a blaze were discovered at den assumed, and some internal night, was most novel. \1 dissension among the members someone would rush to the home split the group, with part of the of John Huppel. a tinsmith living membership forming a separate at the foot of the hill on W eat- organization called the Concordia ern Avenue, and rouse him. John Turnverein, and building a separ- would get up. sometime- not com- ate hall. pletely clad, hang his big drum Certainly no history of the early around his neck and march up and days of any settlement can neglect the volunteer fire department. In

these times it might be said that the social importance and func-

tions of the fire department were

almost as impressive as its more serious duties. To belong to the fire department was a mark of dis-

tinction. It was "the" organization of the times, planning and arrang- ing the picnics, dances, and other public events, with the Fourth of July the greatest, most splendid

celebration of all. The fire department uniform of that time was especially colorful — red flannel shirts, with blue collars and bib shirt fronts on which the fire department insignia was outlined in white, and leather hel- mets. The chief carried a large.

21 down Western, banging as loud- "The First Hundred Years" as as possible, so that everyone having seen war service, four lost would know there was a fire. their lives. Martin Ocker, who en- Only twice during those happy, tered his country's service in 1861 halcyon days did the horrors of and took part in the siege of war touch Blue Island, and for- Vicksburg, was killed in a sur- tunately, the suffering caused by prise attack while on his way either the Mexican War or the back North, and was buried in the

Civil War, was comparatively National Cemetery at Nashville, light. In 1846 Blue Island was Tennessee. Felix Durress, who en- too small to have been greatly ef- listed in the 100th Illinois Volun- fected by the Mexican War, and teers, was killed in action, as was there is no record of anyone from William Berger, a member of this area seeing actual service dur- Company B of the 82nd Illinois ing that conflict. Infantry. Roscoe E. Rexford, taken

The Civil War came much clos- ill after a length of active serv- er to Blue Island. In Lincoln's ice, was given a furlough, but did call of July 4, 1864, Cook County not live to reach his Blue Island was asked to furnish 4,259 men home. — a quota far out of line with the population in those days, and reduced sharply because of this. Section II Certainly, however, Worth Town- EARLY GROWTH (1866-1900) ship, and the surrounding ones of Bremen, Calumet, and Thorn- Blue Island settlers had been ton, had every right to be proud working for village organization of their wonderful response. since the close of the Civil War,

Worth, asked to send twenty-one, so it was no great surprise that, actually sent 242. Bremen sup- in 1872, they won this right. A plied 198 men against the twenty- special election for this purpose two requested, and the other two was held in the home of Gottlieb townships surpassed their quotas Klein on Saturday, September 7, almost tenfold. 1872, with Christian Krueger,

While it is not the purpose of Henry Bertrand, and Hart Mas- the present publication to detail sey having been appointed as the war record of all the Blue Is- judges. Out of the 114 votes cast, landers who served in the Civil ninety-nine favored village organ- War, as has been so ably done by ization, only thirteen opposed, Mr. Volp in "The First Hundred and two ballots were not marked.

Years," it would indeed be remiss This meant that the early Blue to omit the names and actions of Islanders could then choose six those who paid the supreme sac- men as members of the first vil- rifice. Of the fifty-five listed in lage board. 0\it of the fourteen

22 who sought this honor, the six re- operations for the followin ceiving the highest number of months. Their w illii .1 de- votes were declared elected as the termination t.. make a go <

The early meetings of this first second ordinance, providing thai board were busy ones. Since the "anyone riding, driving, or lead- rules governing organization pre- ing an animal or a team <.wr scribed that the members were or across any bridge within the elected just as members, they had limits of Blue Island faster than to select their own officers. Ben- a walk, shall be fined no! less jamin Sanders was named their than five dollars ($5.00), president by unanimous vote, fine to be collected before any Jus- and Hart Massey was appointed tice of the Peace and be paid <»\. I he po- offices be equally divided be- lice officer seemed to be constantly tween German and American set- on watch, the judge was stern and tlers. The fact that Schlueter de- inexorable and — the village treas- clined the post of treasurer did ury needed the money! not disturb this division, which During these early days it did had been acceped as equitable by seem to the newl) elected board all concerned. Herman Schmitt ac- members that -<>mr<>nr i cepted the position and gave bond something from the village- at C\ - for S3000. ery hour of the r night De- As might be expected, the first mands fame in for plank side- business of the board was con- walks (built at village expense, cerned with the weighty problem of course • better police and fire of finances. Having no money protection; complaints •• whatsoever, the board mem about the stock runnin( appointed a committee to borrow and man) other pel $200.00, which the group hoped would pay the expenses of their the b<

23 priation, in the amount of $2,000, off the planks on Stony Creek to cover the expenses of the fol- Bridge and from time to time to lowing year — a sum which may tighten the nuts and bolts on said seem trifling to us today, but bridge; to keep street crossings which must have been staggering clean and free from mud and

to these hard pressed early sol- snow; to see that dead animals ons. were removed from the streets; In April of 1873 the second vil- to light the street lights and keep lage election was held, to choose the lights clean and in good re-

the first full term officials. Their pair; to extinguish street lights

pay was also set at this time, and each night between eleven and

was to be $50 each per year. twelve o'clock" — and all this to Chosen as board members were be done for a salary of $35.00 a

Jacob Appel, Ferdinand Dae- month! At this time it should also micke, Edward Eichhoff, Merrill be noted that this officer was re- Kile, Christian Krueger, and sponsible for feeding any prison-

Walter P. Roche; with Appel and ers held in the village jail, a serv- Roche being returned from the ice for which he was paid thirty- original board. A police justice, five cents per day per prisoner. Henry Bertrand, and a clerk, F. The three meals stipulated were G. Diefenbach were also chosen. each to consist of one-half pound

What seems to be the first official of boiled beef, all the bread want- use of any local newspaper was ed, and one pint of coffee. Cer-

made at this time, as the trustees tainly the drunk and disorderly, ordered that the annual budget the unfortunates who could not be published in the columns of pay fines, and the tramps who the Weekly Herald. seemed to infest the area were That the board members ex- not liable to get fat on this diet

pected a good deal from those or its variety.

who worked for the infant vil- If all the demands of the citi-

lage can be seen by the list of zens of the infant village were to duties they gave their captain of be listed in order of their fre- police. This worthy was "to see quency, top priority would prob- that the laws are enforced, to ably go to an adequate safe wa- make arrests and bring offenders ter supply. In 1877, after the vil- to trial; if fines were imposed, lage board had purchased the to see that the money was col- property where the present city

lected and turned in to the village hall is now located from Charles treasury; to prevent tramps from J. Pochman of Washington

loitering in the village, and if Heights, and after investigating any were found, to chase them the waterworks plant at Chebanse, out; to give no meals to anyone Illinois, a decision was made to except cripples or sick; to clean sink a well on the newly acquired

24 lots. excavation The was forty-five there to Grove Street, with fire feet deep, contained eleven and hydrants placed al Western and a half feet of "good" water, and \ ermonl and Western and Grove. cost the village $306.00. Follow- Had a \ iolrni storm nol deatroy< ing the sample seen at the Che- ed the windmill in L881, it i- banse plant, a water tower and doubtful that it could l«. M replace the wind- near the well, indicating that ev- mill with a power house and a en at this early time the trustees steam engine, which furnished regarded the need for fire pro- 1200 barrels of water a day, when tection almost as important as the average daily consumption that for good drinking water. was but 500 barrels.

Additional water lines, however, The biggest early impetus \<> came rather slowly. About two an increase in water usage came years later, the first one was a in 1884, when the village hoard six inch cast iron pipe, laid east issued interest-bearing water from the village property to bonds to be used to provide add- Western Avenue and south from ed water mains. The water tax of

Down the Hill Looking south from Grove Street, this picture <>i tin was taken before the big fire of 1896. The three destroyed.

25 ten cents per front foot, along creating a fire department by, ap- the streets or alleys where pipes pointing a committee to inspect were laid, also was a powerful cisterns and wells, determining stimulant, as the villagers figured the amount and places of water that as long as they were going available for fighting fires; and to have to pay the tax, they might as well use the water. By this "'?' - time also the village had contracted with its first commercial users of water, the Busch and Brandt

Brewery, which it charged $20.00 a month, with no limit put on usage. Feeling that the water supplied by their rather shallow wells would not long be sufficient, the \ authorities next contracted for mIpj wells two artesian by 1895, which \; 1 imm^^ 1 would provide for a great deal J*. more fire protection through additional hydrants, as well as increase the supply of drinking water. It ijpfaSj might be pointed out at this time fe 1 that the development of adequate Jacob Link and Fred Hohman, Two fire protection paralleled very of the Old Fire Laddies. closely that of the expanding water system in the village. In a his- to inquire into the amount of tory of the fire department which money for buying fire fighting Mr. Volp very graciously repro- equipment. In 1875, $2,000 was duces in his book, John Link, budgeted for fire fighting equip- fire chief appointed in 1907, tells ment, but as far as can be learn-

us of the early days of its organ- ed, only $200 of this amount was ization. Although there had been actually allotted for this purpose. records of volunteer fire compa- The committee had a chance to nies as early as 1855, these groups buy a $650 second hand fire en- changed both their numbers and gine, but available records indi- personnel frequently. Some of the cate that only several fire ladders, pioneers most active include pike poles, and rubber buckets Charles Ellfeldt, John Huppel, he were purchased. To get this equip- of the loud sounding drum, Char- ment to a fire as rapidly as pos- les Johler, Conrad Kich, John sible, a public subscription was Staffel, and others. In 1873, the taken up to build a ladder wagon, trustees took some steps toward costing $175.

26 In 1875 seventeen men met at Mas it. 1896, a fire broke out in the village hall to effect a defi- a bam back of the I nion House, nite organization for fire fighting, on Western Vvenue. Fed bj electing Carl Brand as their cap- winds it Bpread rapidl) to both the tain; Mathias Helbreg, secretary; Saengei and Turner halls, \l and George Engelhardt, treasurer. though aided 1>\ theii fire bud- There is no record of the date dies from Chicago, Morgan Paik. that a second fire company was and \\ est Pullman, the local de formed on the south side of Blue partment could do little against Island, but in 1880 the two com- the inferno, handicapped u the) panies were united in the village's were by a water shortage at thai first official fire department. time. Before the fire burned it-

Henry Gantry was chosen as fire self out at the top of the hill on marshal and Jacob T h o e m i n g Rexford Street, twenty-six build- named his assistant. In 1893, the ings, including both stores and members changed their uniforms homes, had been totally destroyed, from the very colorful red flannel and many others were badh dam- shirts, blue collars and fronts, aged. The loss was estimated at with monograms ou 1 1 i n e d in $200,000, with most of the busi- white, to the more sober attire ness houses or homes only par- already adopted by the Chicago tially insured. Flames were so in- Fire Department — blue coat and tense that one entire area of the pants, with cap to match. wood block paving on \\ estern The young department did not had to be replaced. have to wait long to meet a su- Proposals for underground preme test. On the morning of drainage or sewage disposal did

Fire Department Equip) This horse drawn steam pumper wo big fire of 1896.

27 fe;

4 8

•** =1 as 5

w it? s • 3 .g < 3 »%» lill o

*-* ft©

SO,

a a ,

28 not lag very far behind the de- W ith adequate and velopment of a Blue Island wa- icr becoming more and more ter system. In 1880. propertv available, othei i pub- owners on the south side, led by lie nature were not L Andrew Reiner, asked permission behind, both a^ the result <>f an to install a storm sewer from Des- active board of trustees, and the Plaines Avenue to Stony Creek. work of interested citizens. Foi The appointment of a board of some time the trustees had been health, which was done as the re- after the Rock Island to put an sult of a petition filed with the underpass at Western, -tartin^ village by members of the local their conferences with Sunt Rid- school board, probably had much dle as early as 1871. Despite th»- to do with getting an additional danger of the grade crowing at drainage pipe laid along Western that point to all foot traff from the creek to the south limits peciaily children, nothing mm of the village. Shortly before the done about this until 1888. when city council form of government a passageway about half as wide was adopted, appropriations were as the street was opened under made for almost 8125,000 for the tracks. Neither did the village sewers, indicating that the trus- authorities have much better tuck tees were vitally concerned in pro- in dealing with the railroad to viding health and sanitary pro- get two lyes, the number i> two) tection. viaducts to pass over the tracks

The Village Fire Department on Parade

' What a grand day was the Fourth of of the features of the big parade!

29 at Burr Oak, and at Vermont. complete job that the stipulation

The original agreement between was to "begin at Grove Street the village and the railroad was north as far as we have the mon- that, if the village would vacate ey for" and the south side to go certain portions of York and Un- "one block from Canal Street ion streets, the railroad would south." After some attempts to put in both viaducts. But for rea- agree on action with the trustees sons unknown only one viaduct, in 1894, some property owners on the one at Burr Oak, was ever Maple Avenue, from Burr Oak constructed, and while the rail- south to York Street, agreed to road got the two streets vacated, have their street paved them- the village, even until this very selves, thus avoiding any assess- day, had to be satisfied with the ment. This agreement went one viaduct, and auto and pedes- through only as far south as Un- trian traffic up and down the Ver- ion, with the rest of the distance mont hill must accommodate it- being paved the next year with self to the whims of the Rock Is- brick. After the unhappy exper- land train crews, who seem to ience of plank sidewalks and know no law except their own roads, and even wooden blocks, sweet pleasure in moving across a definite step forward was tak- Vermont Street. en in 1899, when an ordinance Attempts were likewise being was passed to prohibit the con- made in improving roads and struction of sidewalks or cross highways. The particular hope walks except those of "brick, around 1880 was to make Western stone, cement or concrete." Avenue a hard surfaced road, but Another great step forward was funds were so lacking to do a taken when the Excelsior Electric

The Corner of Western and Vermont, in 1890

The First National Bank is now located on this site.

30 the Light Co. and Phoenix Boiler poles and string wires the next

Co. were awarded contracts to year, ami to expand theii install Blue Island's first muni- ices in L885. With ample electri- cipal electric light plant, and pe- cit) available, offers t«> come in- titions for the arc lights began to the \ illage with street

to pour in from both business were not slow in coming in

houses and private residences. and a franchise w ted the

This municipally owned company Englewood and Chii sg Elect] i<-

also had the distinction of being Street Railwa) ('<>. to operate a able to tell its users when they line from 1 l'Jth Street through

could expect service, as in 1894, Blue Island f<>r twentj years. the customers were notified that Since no action seems t<» have no electricity would be furnished been taken by this company, the

on moonlit nights, and further- village retained it- $3000 deposit more, that no refunds would be and two years later granted the made in rates because of this lack Chicago Electric Traction Com-

of service. pany a franchise for its tracks and The telegraph and the telephone street car services. also had their local beginnings One of the highlights of the

about this time, with the Postal "good old days" is no longer with Telegraph Co. being granted the us — and as far as Blue Island

right to begin operations here in itself is concerned, there are per- 1882 and the Chicago Telephone haps quite a few today who would Company given the right to erect breathe a sigh of relief at it- ab-

Market Da) This picture was taken along South If

31 sence and say, "Thank goodness!" fer the farmers of the area a This institution was Market Day, common trading post of which always the first Thursday in ev- they took full advantage, some ery month, and known far beyond driving all night to get on the our limits as a place to buy, sell, original grounds, on Western Ave- barter, trade livestock of all nue near Canal Street, and secure kinds and description or just a a favorable place. But unfortun- place to come and "rubber-neck," ately for the honest farmer and have a good time, or perhaps trader, the place soon became in- toy with a glass or two of fested with fakers and grafters, schnapps. How or just when Mar- replacing honest farm products ket Day got started no one seems with cheap and shoddy merchan- to know, but originally it did of- dise. Soon the village was to take

A Pioneer South Side Corner The Groskopf corner, Western Avenue and Broadway. This corner saloon was well patronized on the old Market Days. Next to the saloon was the grocery store of Knirsch and Groskopf, and farther to the right the blacksmith shop of Jacob Thoming. In the rear of the corner building was the blacksmith and horseshoeing shop of James Scherwitz.

32 steps to exclude the market from here by hand, with the paj being Blue Island. fire! fift\ cent and then While Blue Island is known later. sevent) five I rack labor- far and wide as a railroad town, era at that inn. i | ninety is it a town which was made by cents a day which i ted to the railroad? $1.00 and then $1.10. The rail- \^ hatever the answer to this road needed other workers to question might he. the coming of keep the tender filled with Water the railroad to Blue Island in and wood, and sometimes an e\ 1852 was not exactly greeted by tra flat ear filled with wood fol- cheering and the tossing of hats lowed the tender, to make sure of assorted sizes in the air. Many that the engine wouldn't run out of the early settlers openly op- of fuel between stops. posed the railroad, thinking of Blue Island's "second"' railroad, the plank roads then in use as the the Illinois Central, began it* only means of developing the service to this communit) in 1892, country. In spite of such opposi- when the four mile branch from tion, however, everybody who was Kensington opened for daily op- anybody was down to "meet the eration. This new line ga\e the train" that auspicious morning localities the opportunity to ride when the Little Rocket, under a to the gates of the greal World's shining coat of paint and puffing Columbian Exposition, then trans- mightily as the proud head of ferring Chicago's Midway into a six beautiful coaches, pulled into veritable fairyland of beauty and the local station, then located just color. Until this line was electri- south of Grove Street. Stops fied Blue Islanders could make along the two hour trip to Joliet the trip downtown in fifty-eighl included Junction, six miles from minutes. Together with the Hoik Chicago; Blue Island, fifteen Island, the I.C. brought the tin miles; Bremen (now Tin ley est suburban rail Bervice in the Park), twenty-three miles; and entire country to thi* village and Mokena, twenty-nine miles. other communities Berved b) these Seventeen years later the sub- roads. urban line went into operation, Blue Island had the additional giving Blue Island the advantage distinction of having it- name of being served by both the main as part of the title of two other line and the suburban line from lines sen ing this area. 'I he firal the same station. One of the ad- of these was a remote forerunner vantages of locating this station of the Grand Trunk, once known at the bottom of the hill was the as the Chicago, Blue I easy availability of tons and tons Indiana Railroad (."in; of gravel and sand, needed for bartered in ; track ballast. Cars were loaded Illinoi

33 under construction to run from under its present title, the Balti- Chicago to Port Huron, Michigan, more and Ohio Chicago Terminal and across the St. Clair River to Railroad Company. Sarnia, Ontario. Various mergers Street car companies under var- and transfers saw the little line ious names and ownerships also operate under several titles, on had much to do with Blue Is- its way to becoming known even- land's progress during those tually as the Grand Trunk. In years. Records show that a begin- 1870 the Peninsular Railroad took ning was made along this line over the ownership and operation. in 1890, when a group of pro- The next step occurred three moters got a charter for a street years later, when the line became railway to connect Blue Island, part of the Chicago and Grand Harvey, Wireton Park, Morgan

Trunk, which is now the Grand Park, Pullman, Kensington, and Trunk Western. South Chicago. This line was to The other road to use Blue Is- be known as the Chicago, Blue land as part of its name was the Island, and Harvey Electric Rail- present Baltimore and Ohio Chi- way Company, but after some pre- cago Terminal Railroad company. liminary work, the project came In 1889, a road known as the to nothing. Chicago and Blue Island Railway The next step was taken in Company obtained a franchise, 1896, when the Englewood and but before this group did any- Chicago Electric Street Railway thing, the grant for a right of way Company was granted a franchise between 75th Street in Chicago from the village board to oper- and the northern part of Blue ate a street railway line from Island was transferred to the Chi- 119th Street to the south limits cago Central Railway Company, of Blue Island for a twenty year and the right of way was extend- period. Service over this road was ed through Blue Island in 1890. first offered in 1897, with the

This line began operations that first cars operated by cumber- year, and the next it was extend- some and costly storage battery ed to Harvey. A new company power. Although the batteries now took over — the Chicago sometimes failed before the cars and Northern Pacific. This line returned to the charging station, offered a real bargain in trans- and this inconvenienced and de- portation in those days, for which layed the passengers, these cars it was known for a while as the were still considered a vast im-

"Nickel Line," as its one way provement over the old cable car fare between Blue Island and types. In 1902 the battery type Chicago was only five cents. Sev- car was replaced, but when the eral other transfers in ownership line was extended to Kankakee, fi- occurred before the road came nances became involved, and

34 quarrels with the communities be stricken from the petition, which it served soon placed the which rendered it valueless b\ company in disrepute. fore the matter was brought up Near the end of the 19th cen- again, there were other signs ih.it tury the villagers again began to Blue [aland was trul) growing experience growing pains when a up. In L898, the trustees de* ided goodly number of them petition- to prohibit further burial within ed the trustees to hold an elec- the village limits, finall) settling tion on incorporating under city an old question that had i aused government. For some unknown much bitterness. Second, a ta\ of reason, however, some of the two mills on the dollar was voted signers asked that their names for the establishment of a free

An Interurban Car This was the type used on the Kankakee run about 1909.

Battery Powered v i Cat When the battery went delayed — or got out and wal

35 Honored Public Servant Fred Hohmann, Village and City Clerk for over Thirty Years.

public library, with almost 1000 an attorney, a treasurer, a magis- ballots cast. Elected as the first trate, and two aldermen for each directors of this infant organiza- of the five original wards. It is tion were Mrs. A. C. Fuller and rather interesting that, at the Mrs. Henrietta B. McGrath, for same time these officials were the three year term; H. B. Rob- voted on, what was to be the inson and Joseph P. Eames for last election under the village two years; and Henry Biroth and form of government was also held, F. T. E. Kallum for the one year with these results: village presi- period. dent, 0. W. Bourke; village trus-

In February of 1901 the ques- tees, Charles J. Heckler, W. D. tion of a change in government Henke, John W. Neibert; village form came up again, this time clerk, Fred Hohman; police mag- based on a petition properly pre- istrate, Emil Boehl; and directors sented, and calling for an April of the public library, Mrs. A. C. election of a mayor, a city clerk, Fuller, and Mrs. Henrietta B. Mc-

36 Grath. Since the proposition for lice Justi Henrj Bertrand. the city council form of govern- Superintendent of Public \\«.ik- ment had carried, and an election — Win. B. Brayton. for its officials had to be held within sixt) days, these last offi- L8744875 cers under the village form of Trustees George Lu< ht< government were not seated, but

i it i presidenl . Christian Kruej the old board continued until the Edward P. Hansen, Ferdinand new officials were selected. Daemicke, Ed m ard Eichhoff, At this time it might be inter- Thies Clausen. Clerk. •Charles esting to present the names and Trapp. Treasurer — Herman positions of those who served as Schmitt. Police Captain — John officials during the years of vil- Sidel. Police Justice Michael lage government, 1872 to 1901. Arnold. Superintendent of Public Thev are as follows: Works — Charles Ellfeldt

(*) Charles Trapp resigned as ROSTER OF VILLAGE clerk and H. B. Robinson was ap- fill unexpired OFFICIALS pointed to the term.

1872 to 1901 1875-1876

The first Village Board, elect- Trustees — Benjamin Sanders ed immediately following the (president), Peter Lusson, Dan-

I). Huntington. election to incorporate, served on- iel Klein, Samuel Tlmem- ly from October 26, 1872. until R. S. McClaughery. Jacob G. Diefenba* h. April 15, 1873, when a full time ing. Clerk — F. Schmitt. board was elected. Those serving Treasurer — Herman Captain of Police and the first six months were: (Office of Superintendent of Streets declar- Trustees — Benjamin Sanders ed vacant. Later both offi< (president). Richard McClaugh- combined and George Hinman ap- ry, Ludwig Krueger, W. C. Bauer, pointed to combined »»ffi< Jacob Appel, Walter P. Roche. Clerk — Hart Massey, Treasurer 176-1877 — Herman Schmitt. Trustees Benjamin Sanders

1873-1874 (president), S. D. Huntington, Trustees — Merrill Kile (presi- Daniel Klein. Peter Lusson, Jacob dent), Christian Krueger, Ferdi- Thoeming, R. S. Mi ( laughry. nand Daemicke, Edward Eichhoff. Clerk I'. G. Diefenbad

Walter P. Roche, Jacob Appel. nrer Herman Schmitl I

Clerk — F. G. Diefenbach. Treas- Justice W. 1 D urer — Herman Schmitt. Police perintei Captain — Herman Sieman.

37 1877-1878 Christ Peters. Police Magistrate Trustees — Benjamin Sanders — Charles Ellfeldt. Street Superin- (president), R. S. McClaughry, tendent — Charles Strickert. Con- Jacob Thoeming, Daniel Klein, stable — J. R. Lewis.

Peter Lusson, S. D. Huntington. 1881-1882 Clerk — F. G. Diefenbach. Treas- Trustees Christian urer — Herman Schmitt. Police — Krueger (president), John Staffel, M. C. Magistrate — Charles Ellfeldt. Eames. C. F. Eidam, Emil Boehl, Street Superintendent and Cap- William Black. Clerk Louis tain of Police — George E. Hin- — Luchtemeyer. Treasurer Ed- man. Constable — John Sidel. — ward Seyfarth. Captain of Police 1878-1879 — Ethan Wattles.

Trustees Joshua P. Young — 1882-1883 (president), F. L. Bushnell, Ben- Trustees — Christian Krueger jamin Cool, Charles Neukirch, (president), Emil Boehl, William Henry Bertrand, John Staffel. Black, C. F. Eidam, Charles Staf- Clerk — Fred Hohmann, Treas- fel, M. C. Eames. Clerk — Louis urer — Herman Schmitt, Chief Luchtemeyer. Treasurer — Edward of Police — Christian Peters. Seyfarth. Captain of Police — (George Hinman was appointed — Ethan Wattles. (*Wattles re- Superintendent of Streets but was signed in June and W. J. Hunt- "relieved" of his office at the ington was appointed Police Cap- following meeting.) tain.) 1879-1880 1883-1884

Trustees — J. P. Young (presi- Trustees — M. C. Eames (president), Benjamin Cool, M. Mc- dent), Christian Krueger, Theo- Claughry, Christian Krueger, Wil- dore Guenther, F. L. Bushnell, liam Black, Conrad Kich. Clerk C. F. Eidam, John Staffel. Clerk — Fred Hohmann. Treasurer — — Louis Luchtemeyer. Treasur- Herman Schmitt. Captain of Po- er — Edward Seyfarth. Captain lice — Christ Peters. Street Su- of Police and Superintendent of perintendent — Christian Zacher. Streets — Christ Peters. Constable — F. C. Farnum. 1884-1885 1880-1881 Trustees — Christian Krueger Trustees — Christian Krueger (president), John Staffel, M. C. (president), William Black, Mike Eames, George Luchtemeyer, The-

Noce, M. McClaughry, E m i 1 odore Guenther, F. L. Bushnell. Boehl, Peter Lusson. Clerk — Clerk — Louis Luchtemeyer. Po- Fred Hohmann. Treasurer — Ed- lice Captain — Christ Peters. ward Seyfarth. Police Captain — Treasurer — Ed Seyfarth.

38 1885-1886 board for a one year term, and

Trustees — M. C. Eames (presi- the election of three \ illage trus- dent), Christian Krueger, F. L. to serve two yean eat h, l< Bushnell, H. W. Schmitt. John ing three hold-ovei trustees, The

Staffel, George Luchtemeyer. \ illage clerk was also elected foi

Clerk — Louis Luchtemeyer. one year. Christian Kruegei wrss Treasurer — Edward Seyfarth. the chosen president of the \ill

Police Captain and Superintend- board at that time. In order to ent of Streets — Christ Peters. be eligible under the new law Police Magistrate — Charles Ell- for president, he resigned a- trus- feldt. tee, leaving a vacancy. This va-

cancy was not filled until Ma\ 12. 1886-1887 1888, when Matt Helbreg was Trustees Christian Krueger — chosen. The result of the regular

(president) , Edward Seyfarth, M. election held April 7. 1888, was C. Eames, Nicholas Stoll, F. L. as follows: Bushnell, H. W. Schmitt. Clerk President — Christian Km — Gustav Volkmann. Treasurer one year term. Trustees — Mar- — F. G. Diefenbach. Captain of shall Alexander, Edward Seyfarth, Police — Christ Peters. Police John Staffel, two year terms. Magistrate — Charles Ellfeldt. (Holdover Trustees — Matt Hel- Loui- 1887-1888 breg, H. W. Schmitt, Gros- kopf). Village Clerk — Gustav Trustees — Christian Krueger Volkmann. Police Magistrate — (president), H. W. Schmitt, Louis S. C. Reed. Captain of Police — Groskopf, Nicholas Stoll, M. C. C. F. Banderob. Superintendent <>f Eames, Edward Seyfarth. Clerk Streets — Andrew Reiner. Treas- — Gustav Volkmann. Treasurer — urer — F. G. Diefenbach. Con- F. G. Diefenbach. Captain of Po- stable — F. Cordt. lice — C. F. Banderob. Superin- tendent of Public Works — An- 1889-1890 drew Reiner. Police Magistrate — President — Christian Ki Charles Ellfeldt*. (S. C. Reid Trustees — Matt Helbreg, Louis elected Dec. 6, 1887 to fill the un- Busch, Henry Rust, M. Alexan- expired term of Charles Ell- der, *Jchn Staffel, Edward S feldt, deceased.) farth. Village Cl< 1888-1889 maim. Treasurer — Louifl K; NOTE—Prior to this time the er. Poli< Village Trustees had selected one Reed. Captain <»f Police ( of their number to act as presi- Band* dent. Now, however, a change in

the election laws required the el- lage • ection of a president of the village

39 (*John Staffel resigned; 0. W. 1893-1894 Bourke elected to fill his unex- President — Everett H. Rex- pired term.) ford. Trustees — Ira McCord, Ed- ward Seyfarth, Louis Groskopf, 1890-1891 Louis Luchtemeyer, F. Koenecke, President — Jacob F. Rehm. Matt Helbreg. Clerk — Fred Hoh-

Trustees — M. C. Eames, H. L. mann. Police Magistrate — S. C. Bridgeman, Louis Luchtemeyer, Reed. Treasurer — W. S. Rex- Louis Busch, Matt Helbreg, Hen- ford. Superintendent of Public ry Rust. Clerk — Fred Hohmann. Works — Andrew Reiner. Vil- Police Magistrate — S. C. Reed. lage Attorney — George Borman. Treasurer — Henry F. Klein. Po- Captain of Police — Walter Hunt- lice Captain — Ethan Wattles. ington. Superintendent of Streets — A. C. Boeber. 1894-1895 President — John L.Zacharias. 1891-1892 Trustees — August C. Boeber, Oliver W. Bourke, Alexander President — Jacob F. Rehm. Prussing, Louis Groskopf, Ira Mc- Trustees — 0. W. Bourke, Ira Cord, Edward Seyfarth. Clerk — McCord, John Busch, M. C. Eames, Fred Hohmann. Police Magistrate Louis Luchtemeyer, H. L. Bridge- — S. C. Reed. Treasurer — Rob- man. Clerk — Fred Hohmann. ert Krueger. Village Attorney — Treasurer — Henry F. Klein. Su- George Borman. Superintendent perintendent of Public Works — of Public Works — Charles F. A. C. Boeber. Captain of Police Lochow. Captain of Police — Hen- — E. H. Wattles. Police Magis- ry Matthews. trate — S. C. Reed. 1895-1896 1892-1893 President — John L. Zacharias. President — Jacob F. Rehm. Trustees — D. A. Murphy, Char- Trustees — Matt Helbreg, Louis les J. Heckler, Alexander Pruss- Luchtemeyer, Fred Koenecke, 0. ing, A. C. Boeber, 0. W. Bourke. W. Bourke, Ira McCord, John Clerk — Fred Hohmann. Village Busch. Clerk — Fred Hohmann. Treasurer — Robert Krueger. Treasurer — H. G. Klein*. Cap- Superintendent of Streets — C. tain of Police — Fred Banderob. F. Lochow. Village Attorney — Superintendent of Public Works George F. Borman. Police Magis- — A. C. Boeber. Village Con- trate — S. C. Reed. stable — Holden S. Stafford. Po- 1896-1897 lice Magistrate — S. C. Reed. (*) H. F. Klein resigned — President — John L. Zacharias. Henry Beer, appointed. Trustees — Edward N. Stein, A.

40 C. Boeber, Everett H. Rexford, ler. Mrs. Henrietta McGrath, 3 Charles J. Heckler, D. A. Murphy, years; H. B. Robinson, Joseph P, Charles Staffel. Village Clerk — Eames, 2 years; Hem*} Biroth, Fred Hohmann. Village Treasur- 1 . I". E. Kallum, I year. er — Robert Krueger. Police Magistrate — S. C. Reed. Super- 18991900 intendent of Public — Works President — Jacob F. Rehm. Henry Schreiber. Captain of Po- Trustees — D. A. Murphy, lice — Thomas Cinnamon. Vil- George Meyer, E. H. Rexford, lage Attorney — George Borman. Edward Stein, Joseph Schroth,

Charles J. Heckler. Village Clerk 1897-1898 — Fred Hohmann. Treasurer — President — Jacob F. Rehm. John C. Klein. Village Attorney Trustees — E. H. Rexford, Ed- — George F. Borman. Superin- ward Stein, A. C. Boeber, Jo- tendent of Public Works — 0. seph Schroth, Charles J. Heck- W. Bourke. Captain of Police — ler, Andrew Reiner. Village Thomas Cinnamon. Constable — Clerk — Fred Hohmann. Treasur- Fred Farnum. er — N. A. Cool. Superintendent Directors of Public Library — of Public Works — 0. W. Bourke. Henry Biroth, F. T. E. Kallum. Village Attorney — George F. Borman. Captain of Police — 1900-1901 Thomas Cinnamon. Constable — President — 0. W. Bourke.

L. L. Whitson. Police Magistrate Trustees — Charles J. Heckler, — Dan Harker. Edward Stein, Joseph Schroth, Frank X. Rauwolf, George C. Go- 1898-1899 bet, Henry Clausen. Village President — Jacob F. Rehm. Clerk — Fred Hohmann. Treas- Trustees — E. H. Rexford, Dan urer — John C. Klein. Village Murphy, George Meyer, Andrew Attorney — George E. Borman.

Reiner, Charles J. Heckler, Joseph Superintendent of Streets — Schroth. Village Clerk — Fred Charles F. Lochow. Captain of Po-

Hohmann, Treasurer — N. A. lice — Thomas Cinnamon.

Cool. Police Magistrate (to fill Directors of Public Libra: unexpired term of Dan Harker, J. B. Robinson, Joseph 1\ Eames. deceased) — Emil Boehl. Village 1901 Attorney — George F. Borman. Superintendent of Public Works PresidenI 0. W. Bo u rke. — 0. W. Bourke. Captain of Po- *( Trustees — Hmrv (I B lice — Thomas Cinnamon. Vil- Frank Rauwolf, G lage Engineer — P. R. Fletcher. bet, Edward First Election for Directors of Schroth, C

Public Library — Mrs. A. C. Ful- lage (

41 Treasurer — John C. Klein. Po- a city carried at that election lice Magistrate — Emil Boehl. these men were not seated at this

*Charles J. Heckler (an in- time, the old board continuing to cumbent in the office), W. D. function until the city officers Henke and John W. Neibert were were elected and installed. elected as trustees at the election held on April 16, 1901, but as Library Trustees — Mrs. A. C. the proposition to incorporate as Fuller, Mrs. Henrietta McGrath.

Ill THE CITY ON THE HILL

(1901-1935) The second ward, from the city When Blue Island made the limits on the south to Stony Creek change to city government in on the north, and the city limits

1901, its population was 6,114, on both the east and the west, and the total vote cast for the sides, chose Louis Groskopf and new officials was 1,277, which John C. Joens as its aldermen. was considered practically the V. B. Schreiber and George C. full voting strength of the com- # Gobet were unopposed in the munity. The first officials elected third ward, which was composed under the new form of govern- of all the territory within the ment were headed by John L. city limits east of the Rock Is- Zacharias as mayor. Fred Hoh- land, and north of Stony Creek. mann, who had previously serv- The fourth ward, north of York ed as village clerk from 1878 to Street, south of Burr Oak, west 1880, and from 1889 to 1901, was of the Rock Island, and east of elected city clerk without opposi- the city limits, picked W. D. Hen- tion, only one of the tributes the ke and C. R. Foster. The fifth his serling voters had paid to ward, where the most intense poli- over these years. services many tical campaigns were fought, with The city attorney chosen was seven contestants vying for alder- George Guenther. August C. Boe- manic honors, finally pi c k e d ber was elected treasurer and Adolph Danielson and Max Gese. Emil Boehl won as police magis- These two won over their next trate. The two aldermen chosen highest rival candidate by only from each of the five wards fourteen and eight votes, respec- which then marked Blue Island's tively. political divisions were Harry Even though this election fol- Rohrbach and John W. Neibert, lowed the last one under village from the first ward, composed less than sixty of that part of the territory be- organization by tween Stony Creek on the south, days, the fortunes of the political York Street on the north, the wars smiled on some of the for- Rock Island tracks on the east, mer village officials and frowned and the city limits on the west. on others. Only Fred Hohmann,

42 as previously stated, survived the The first official familj under change over without any opposi- • w form of government was tion. Neibert and Hcnke, represent- increased on Jul) 10, L901 by ing the first and fourth wards eleven appointments. In the po- respectively, had served on the lice department Thomas Cinna-

old village board, as had Emil mon was named chief, an< Boehl, police magistrate for both ward Garver hi- lieutenant The

bodies. New legislation under the four patrolmen named w »• r e city form of government had Charles Farnum, Charh- Malm- made the library board officers quist, Ben Steffes, and Otto

appointive instead of elective, Wilcke. Gther appointment in- but Mayor Zacharias k e pt all cluded C. F. Luchow, superin- those members originally elected tendent of streets; Ed Kinzel,

to this board in office, and added chief engineer; A. Marsh, i it\

John W. Reiner from the second electrician; P. R. Fletcher, civil ward, Mrs. Myrtle Murphy from engineer; and Fred Brunhof, the third, and George Warren city chemist.

from the fifth. From having started with a

Blue Island Village Hall, Built in 1891.

43 debt of $200.00 in 1872, the vil- First of all, it would be bene- lage board had rendered meritor- ficial to show the expansion of ious service indeed throughout the city itself, in the several an- its tenure in office, as a total nexations made to bring addi-

balance of $3,726.73 was given tional properties within its phy- in the last report of the village sical boundaries. When the city treasurer before the change over council form of government took occurred. The new officials rea- over in 1901, the boundaries of lized what a good job their pre- Blue Island formed an almost per- decessors had done along other fect rectangle. 119th Street mark- lines as well, for their first or- ed our northern line, extended dinance, number 380, continued to Division Street on the east; all ordinances which had been in thence south to 135th Street; and force when the new set up came from there to California Street,

into being. our western boundary. The first The committee charged with territory to be added to this rec- the project of rewriting this his- tangle came into the city limits tory of Blue Island has not in 1903, when a small plot east

meant to demean any part of its of Division, from slightly north of previous years by referring to the Vermont Street up to Burr Oak, era from 1901 to 1935 as those was acquired. This made the city in which the settlement came of limits on the east run down Di- age — especially in the fields of vision Street from 119th to Burr political, economic, and institu- Oak, then east to Wood Street, tional growth. The beginnings of then down Wood to a rather irreg- this time under the city council ular line between York and Ver- form of local government have mont Streets, and then back west already been traced; now might to California. be the time to trace the benefits The next expansion came in of this change, to present that 1908, and was to the west, bring- part of the industrial growth oc- ing in a very small section west

curring during the first third of of California Avenue, and south our Twentieth Century, and to of Broadway to 135th. This tiny continue the story of our churches bit ran that section of the west- and our schools, the two most ern city limits only to Francisco

important institutions of any lo- Street. cal government. Later, in a final 1919 and 1921 brought a much section of this treatise, this group larger bite out of the then un- will try to appraise the import- incorporated territory into the

ance of these great forces for city. All the land west of Cali-

good on what has been, what is, fornia, from Burr Oak on the

and what is to be our Blue Is- north to Vermont Street south land. was taken in during 1919 with

44 45 the western city limits becoming another sizable chunk of land Sacramento Avenue all along this was annexed, on the east again, stretch. Then, in 1921, this new and taking the city limits there western boundary was extended from 139th up along the Little northward, almost to Birdsall. Calumet River to a point some- The next expansion went back what beyond Champlain Street. to the east, again incorporating Shortly before the close of the a very small section just south of city's first hundred years, or in that brought in in 1903, with a 1931 to be exact, the southern very irregular eastern boundary boundary, from California west lining up about Wood Street. at 139th Street was extended a

Then in 1927 came the largest little beyond 142nd Street, south acquisition of all — all the land and west along the Rock Island across the southern boundary right of way to Kedzie. Additions clear to 139th Street. This new made after 1935 will be detailed southern limit also ran east of in the following sections of this Division in a rather irregular history. line almost as far as Ashland at The municipal water system, its southern tip. The next year which had shown numerous short

Fire Department Equipment in use in 1925 The first engine was purchased in 1917, and the second in 1925.

46 47 comings in the years it had been are on the steep side might be in use, had come in for increas- even more unhappy to see this ing attacks in the early part of list of charges made in 1918, the twentieth century from citi- after the connections with that zens who had been complaining good Lake Michigan water had about the taste and smell of their been made, and it was flowing drinking water. It was charged through our Blue Island pipes. that seepage from the waters of For the first 10,000 gallons, the Stony Creek, polluted by oil, price was 18c per 1,000; for the chemicals and other discharges of next 90,000 gallons, 16c per

the several plants along its banks, 1,000; next 150,000 gallons, 14c had penetrated into the artesian per 1,000; next 200,00 gallons, wells. These complaints caused 12c per 1,000; next 500,000 gal- the city council to make its first lons, lie per 1,000; and for all attempt to get Lake Michigan wa- usage over one million gallons ter through arrangements with of water, only 10c per thousand the city of Chicago. The local gallons.

Chamber of Commerce quickly If it is true (and there are got behind this effort, to push many who would claim this, as

for its realization. About a year well as many others who would

later Chicago made an offer to deny it) that Blue Island is not bring in an eight inch water main a railroad city and does not owe

at the Blue Island city limit on its place in the sun primarily to

Western, at 119th, but our city the railroad, then the same dis- fathers wanted a main twice that pute might rage rather violently big. about our city being built upon,

Finally, on April 5, 1915, a out of, and by the clay that has contract was signed with Chicago gone into the billions of bricks for twenty-five years, to be ex- which have come from the vari-

tended if found mutually satis- ous holes that now dot the city

factory to both parties, and the and its surrounding area. There

localites were finally freed from is no gainsaying that brick mak- the disagreeable tastes and smells ing has meant much to Blue Is- that had plagued them for so land, from the earliest days of

long. It is not known that this Tewes and Reusnow, with their water contract had anything to hand made bricks, down to the do with an election which came present time. up about this same time, to an- Near the close of the 19th cen- nex Blue Island to Chicago, but tury, there were six brick yards the proposition was decisively in and around Blue Island: the beaten, 2965 to only 894. Hayte and Alsip plant, near Cal- Those of us today who some- umet Grove; the two Purington times feel that our water bills yards at 119th Street and the

48 Rock Island; the Weckler and dustry, or the neglect shown to Prussing yard, the Wahl Brothers thai one. In tryi ompile plant, both located at L23rd and Mich a list, with appropi iate - om« the Grand Trunk line; and the monts, the histor) committee has Alsip yard, two miles west of felt that the most attention should Blue Island. Altogether in their be given to those industries win- h heyday, these plants employed have existed here for some time, about 700 men. Mechanical im- were extreme!) important to the provements and other changes in city at leasl one time during brick making increased the ca- their years of continuance, or have pacities of these companies so grown with the years. First, those that, in 1900, when the Illinois of some public nature, as well as Brick Company was formed, and historical significance, will be most of the old and o b s o 1 e te pre c ented. equipment dismantled, Blue Is- The beginnings of the local land and its surrounding terri- municipal electric light plant tory led in the production of have already been sketched. Ne I common brick, turning out over the start of our city government a million bricks a day. operation here, the Sanitary Dis-

Listing the other industries trict expressed a wish to furnish which have had some influence Blue Island with electric current on the growth of Blue Island is for street lighting and commer- a task which cannot be complet- cial usage. The council signed a ed without some criticism on the contract with this organization to amount of space given to this in- do this, allowing it also to oper-

The First National Bank <>( Blue Island This view was taken before the drive-in windou and to the north of the bank.

49 ate the water works plant, for continued to provide both elec- ten years. Near the end of this tric and gas service until a divi- contract, in 1908 to be exact, the sion was made in 1954, and two North Shore Electric Co. wanted separate companies were formed to buy the locally owned electric — Northern Illinois for gas, and light and power plant. However, Public Service for electricity. in 1911, the present Public Serv- Another public utility service ice Company of Northern Illi- coming in before 1900 was the nois acquired all properties of the Chicago Telephone Company, es-

North Shore organization, includ- tablishing its first toll station in ing the Blue Island system. Later Schapper's Drug Store in 1885. the city gave the Public Service Doctors in Blue Island welcomed Company a franchise to construct, the telephone with open arms, maintain, and operate for thirty with some of its first subscribers years a system for the distribu- including Dr. G. Seim, Dr. R. I. tion and sale of electricity for James, Dr. J. S. Kaufman, and lighting, heating, and power. Dr. Edward Doepp. Ordinance number 300 was Meeting the needs of the farm- granted in 1896 to a Charles A. ers of the area, especially those Rolfe, to construct and operate who grew grains and hay from a gas works. What happened to the very early days down to the

Rolfe's endeavors is not known, twentieth century, has been the since the next entry on the city's role of the Klein Elevator Co., records having to do with gas owned and operated from its be- refers to a Clarence Geist, whose ginning by members of the Klein petition to operate a gas com- family. No gardener from the pany was referred back to a spe- rankest amateur with a two by cial council committee in 1901. four postage stamp sized plot, to Another applicant for the same the largest truck gardener, with privilege at about the same time acre afer acre under cultivation, was J. B. Woodruff, who asked ever went away from their store for a fifty year franchise. Geist on Vermont Street without know- was granted his franchise in Sep- ing that he had bought the very tember of 1901, but in the very finest products from the two next year the Northern Gas, brothers, John and William, or Light and Coke Company was de- one of their associates. What clared a successor to Geist, and farmer does not remember the given the rights and permission 0. K. Poultry Food, and the vari- to operate a gas company in Blue ous kinds of stock foods manu- Island. About ten years later the factured under this name, and Public Service Company acquired sold so extensively that their gas properties in several suburbs, quality was known far from Blue including Blue Island, where it Island? In addition to their ac-

50 The Klein Elevator as rebuilt after the fire.

A pen and ink sketch of the Klein Elevator destroyed by fire in 1914.

tivities as business leaders listed. Beginning elsewhere as throughout many years, members earl\ as the 1800*s with a "fac- of hii of the Klein family were also ex- tory^ in the basement household tremely active in civic and church home, making horsehair and wooden affairs, and their store and ele- out of which he had shaved down vator is still recognized as one hoops Benjamin Gilbert ex- of the landmarks of Blue Island. b) hand. his small concern to in- In trying to keep some histor- panded manufacture of curled ical and time sequence in any clude the hair, used in cushions, mattresses, list of industries growing along padding. I" with Blue Island near the begin- and furniture P with ning of the Twentieth Century, the ship Gilbert and Bennett Manufactur- built ing Company would have to be

51 Trying to hit upon a more dur- when cigar making was a good able product than horsehair for paying trade, and the man who their sieves, the partners began could "roll his own" was an ac- to experiment with weaving fine knowledged artisan. P e r h a ps wire, and the manufacturing of there are, even today, those in wire cloth thus accidentally came this area who remember the sat- into being. Gilbert and Bennett isfaction of pulling on a good, came to Blue Island in 1885, lo- hand made cigar, such as the cating in a section of this area "Rock" or the "Golden Heights" even now bearing, as a part of made by John W. Wolff; the its name, the staple on which "Belle of Blue Island" or the their industry was founded — "Smokehouse" of the Koenecke wire. For many years this com- Brothers, or the "Lentz," and pany was the only producer of "260" and the "J.A.L. Smokers" wire poultry netting in the Unit- of John A. Lentz. Certainly, if ed States. In the early part of the expression, "What America this century there were beween needs most is a good five cent

125 and 150 men employed in cigar," is true, Blue Island, in the plant, which contributed much those days, could easily supply to the development of Blue Is- this need. But the coming of pro- land. hibition, in part, plus the perfec- All confirmed cigar smokers tion of the machine made cigar, may dwell with some nostalgia made the old time individual ci- on those dear departed days gar maker outdated. The present

tryamr. W-Mf* 'F,W^''"'-w^

Koenecke Brothers Cigar Factory in 1881

Reading from left to right the men shown in the picture are Herman Koehler, Mike Arnold, John W. Wolff, Peter Heim, Frank Seidel, Peter Schneider, Albert Kern, Gustave Eberwein, Julius Hess, Fred Stolz, August Koenecke, and Jacob Link. — Photo courtesy of Mrs. Martha Gau

52 F. W. Koenecke Company, whole* prized possessions <.f i dentist or sale dealers in cigars, cigarettes, a Burgeon in Perth, Vustral and tobacco, is one of the few am othei < it\ in the entire world. survivors of these early concerns. Vnothei and more recenl in- but alas! the hand made cigar, dustry also coming oul of tin- formerly a number one seller, is back yard garage of it- originator no longer among their leaders. is the Modem Die and Drop

Originally known as the Chica- Forge Company, organized in go Copper Refining Company, 1915 l>\ M. M. Farmer, and un- founded in 1884 and concerned der the present

Island product may be among the cal pi '

53 years many new products have duced the company's business, its been coming from its kitchens to cars still return to the local yards go through the production lines for repair, and there is still some and grace the nation's tables. business in dismantling and scrap-

Now apple butter, pork and ping those no longer fit for serv- beans, jellies, mustard, olives, ice. pickles, relishes, onions, and the To justify the claim that Blue famed Libby's baby foods of great Island has been, through the variety roll off the lines. years since her very earliest days, Thus far in this history the a place where the home, the

part which the railroads and as- church, and the school have al- sociated industries have played ways been of paramount im-

in the development of our city portance, the rapid growth of all has dealt only with these as a three of these institutions may be means of transportation. Another cited. A brief history of the

side of their meaning must now churches in the early days has al- be presented — that analyzing ready been given in the first sec- the importance of their repairing tion of this history. Now some and replacement facilities. The aspects of their growth may be decision of the Rock Island to narrated.

locate one of its main shops here, As stated earlier in this account,

in particular, has meant much to the first church ever built in Blue Blue Island — employees of the Island was the German Metho-

line settling and building their dist, erected and dedicated in homes here, more money spent 1855, on Artesian Street, just here — to mention only two ad- south of Grove. When Detlef Heu-

vantages. At this present date the er, one of the oldest members of

fact that these shops are no long- its congregation died in 1888, he

er in operation still does not can- left $5000 for the building of a

cel their overall meaning to the new churoh. This edifice was community through the years, for erected in 1891, on Vermont

at one time over 500 men were Street, on lots given the church employed here. by Mrs. Catherine Henke. The

There is some probability that dedication date for the new struc- the Rock Island shops location ture was April 10, 1892, and two here might have caused the North beautiful memorial windows of American Car Company to open stained glass, one bearing the

its local operations, at 135th and name of Mr. Heuer and the other California, in 1919, and to grow that of Mrs. Henke, further en-

along with other aspects of the obled its interior. transportation industry. Although Further extensive changes, re- competition from truck lines, and, pairs, and additions were made to some extent, air lines, has re- to the building in the middle

54 twenties. Perhaps because of feel- >|M'< W hen ial credit i- given t«> ings engendered during the First the three Doermanns f<»i their for- \\ orld \\ ar, services in the Ger- ty-eight years ol service to the man language were discontinued First Lutheran Church, it i- QOfl in 1920, with English continuing t<» BE) that the ..ther ministers as the official language, both in were not devoted and did not the pulpit all and departments render able service. It i- seldom, of the church work. It was near however, that one church i- f-i this time that Mr. and Mrs. Frank tunate enough to profit for al-

Popp donated a wonderful pipe most half a centun from such de- organ, and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph voted leadership as the Doer- Schwartz added a set of chimes. manns, and such fine followship In the three day re-dedication ex- as their congregations gave them. ercises in November of 1926 the During the fifteen years of the official name of this church was father's (Rev. J. H. Doermann) changed to Central Methodist pastorate, from 1883 to 1898, a Episcopal Church. Services in the new entrance hall and steeple, Vermont location continued until plus three bells, were added to this congregation united with that the church. The first son. Prof. of the First Methodist Church. H. K. G. Doermann, was chosen to succeed his father when the

latter retired because of ill health, and led the church to even greater growth, building a parsonage

at Grove and Ann. \l7ien he re-

turned to college life, the younger brother, Rev. M. P. F. Doer- mann succeeded and he, along with Rev. R. Reinke, a later day pastor of the Salem Evan- Lutheran Church, had the longest

record of pastoral service <>f any

minister in Blue Island as both occupied their respective pulpits for twenty-five years. Durii Doermann's service the con tion grew mightily, as did the church property. A modern two story brick school replaced the

,,ld frame building in 1921

four years latei

1,1, 'd K6 I

Central Methodist Church

55 taken at this time. Rosch continued a much needed The First Methodist Church, building program by erecting a as already stated, dates back to modern rectory on property which

1874. In its first twenty-one years had been recently purchased back the church grew so large that of the church, and making a some additions were deemed ab- school building out of the old solutely necessary, so the build- rectory. His successor, Rev. Theo- ing was enlarged. Several years dore G. Gross, recognizing that the later a parsonage and an insti- rapidly expanding student body tutional building were added. had quickly outgrown even this

This church continued its growth change, bought the rest of the and services until the merger property along Grove Street, with the Central Church, as pre- from south of the church to the viously noted. corner of New Street. In 1925, The F irst Congregational the corner stone of the present Church was organized in 1860, school building was laid, with but a regular minister did not classes starting in January of come until 1863, with the church 1926. dedication being held in 1865. All of the churches listed above The first enlargement came only had their origins considerably be- seven years later, with church fore the close of the nineteenth parlors being added about this century, but the following faiths time, and an addition for a kitch- originated and first met near the en being built in 1890. After the end of this time, and some did turn of the century a "new" not appear before the beginning church came into being by mov- of the twentieth century. The ing the old one back on the lot Swedish Lutheran Siloa Church to become the dining and social was organized in 1889, with the rooms, and the auditorium then church going up in 1892. Rev. occupying the space left on the A. P. Martin was the first regu- front of the lot. larly ordained minister, taking

After a steady growth in its charge of his flock in 1898. Dur- number of parishioners, the pres- ing the ministry of Rev. S. J. Sebe- ent St. Benedict's Catholic Church lius the corner lot on Collins and was built in 1895, at a cost of ap- Greenwood was bought, and a proximately $30,000. At first its parsonage built. Unfortunately ground floor was divided into the pulpit was vacant for about four school rooms, with the audi- two years, until Rev. J. A. Hem- torium above. The next big step burg took charge in 1921. How- forward was taken in 1909, under ever, the faith of the congrega- Rev. Paul Halbmaier, with the tion survived, and new activities building of a home for the sis- were well supported, such as the ters, costing $10,000. Father Paul purchase of another lot on Or-

56 Masonic Temple, Built in 1921 Several churches held services here temporarily and at different times.

chard and Greenwood, and the any mention of this particular building of a new parsonage in faith's continuing in Blue Island. 1922. The Blue Island Mission Cove- Although blessed with a dedi- nant Church, called by some of cated band of followers, the Uni- the old timers the Swedish Cove- versalist Church seemed to have nant Church, was another church

more than its share of difficulties having a very humble beginning.

in making its way in Blue Island. In 1890 August Henkel invited After using a school house, other a number of "mission friends" to churches, private homes, and bus- worship in his home. After meet- iness halls for their meeting place, ing in other churches and a vacant the members of the congregation store, a congregation was definite- did build their own sanctuary ly organized in 1894 with twenty- after the close of the Civil War. one charter members. During the early part of the pres- The next year this devoted ent century, however, this church, group started their first church located at Greenwood and High, building on Cochran and Green- was abandoned and church rec- wood and dedicated this building ords now available do not include in 1897. A break with the old

57 practices came in 1924 when the has been steady since that time. first English services were held. The Slovak Lutheran Church,

In its early days St. Paul's Ev- St. Peter and Paul, was organized angelical Church, located at Greg- in 1907 by fourteen families, hold- ory and New, was known as Fried- ing its early services in the First ens Evangelical Church. From its Lutheran Church. Property on beginning in 1893, this church Greenwood Avenue was purchas- has grown very rapidly, until it ed in 1921, and an old church has become one of the leading building on High and Greenwood

Protestant churches in Blue Is- was bought and moved to the land. new location. Brick veneering and The only other churches com- the purchase of a magnificent ing into being before the dawn of pipe organ further enhanced the the twentieth century was St. Isi- appeal of this edifice, which has dore's, the second Catholic parish continued its services to an in- to appear in Blue Island. Rev. C. creasing congregation.

Gronkowski was appointed its The Salem Evangelical Luther- first priest in 1900, and its first an Church was organized in 1909. high mass was celebrated in the Before their own beautiful church new church and school building on Maple Avenue and High Street on Christmas Day of that year. was ready this congregation met About twelve years later additions in the Congregational Church. were made to both the church Another kinship between this and the school, and a home for church and the first Lutheran the pastor was also built, with was shown in two ways: Rev. A.

Father Pyterck coming from Po- Reinke, the first Salem pastor, sen to take full time charge. A was the son of Rev. A. Reinke, new home for the sisterhood order the first pastor of the Grove followed in 1914. Street Church, and his twenty- A third Catholic church and five years of service equalled the parish came into being in 1908, record of Rev. M.P.F. Doermann, when the Italian families in the pastor of the older church. city established a small chapel Started by the members of to St. Donato. This group first fourteen families, the Blue Island received permission from the Church of Christ dates back to Archbishop to buy the old frame 1914, when these devoted few church belonging to St. Benedict, began meeting in the C.J. Pronger and moved it to Orange and Divi- home. Several ministers from sion Streets. A home for a full outside of Blue Island worked time priest was made possible in with the localites, hoping to get 1917, with Father Mondino plac- a permanent church organization ed in charge as full time resident started, but it was not until 1930 priest. Growth of the membership that this congregation was able

58 to dedicate its own structure. Rev. forts to organize a parish here \Y. R. MacDowell took over for for about ten years. In 1920, how- two years as minister here until ever, the purchase of the Institu-

1932, when he resigned. A Rev. tional Building, some lots at N. Ortman took over as supply Greenwood and Oak, assisted by pastor, serving without pay until a re-aroused interest on the part

August of that year, when he was of the members of this faith, as- called as the group's full time sured them a church to worship minister. In the mid thirties it in. The new mission was named did seem that at last this church St. Aidan's. Slow but steady had come upon good times, with growth blessed the congregation, encouraging growth, in both mem- with a new church being com- bers and financial support. pleted in 1931, and the old build- Following the settlement of a ing being remodeled as a parish few families in an open prairie house. over in the northern part of Blue The year 1935, ending the first Island, the Evangelical Communi- hundred years of Blue Island's ty Church began its services in history, brought the Central a garage at 119th Street and Irv- Church of Christ, which held its ing in 1923. Three years later the meetings in the Masonic Temple group moved into a bungalowr at that time. There was some re- church at 120th and Gregory. lationship between this group First organized in 1912, and and that which composed the then re-organized in 1924, the congregation at the Orchard Street Orchard Street Christian Church Christian Church, as Rev. Nichol- was blessed with a congregation as Ortman, who had served as which, like several other Blue minister of this latter body be- Island religious groups, began came the first pastor of the Cen- with a mere handful of members. tral Church that year. This group seemed able to grow The next year brought the steadily, as had the others, and First Church of Christ Scientist yet to maintain the friendly at- to Blue Island. Organized by a mosphere of the small church. small group of Christian Scien-

Up to 1935, their greatest step tists, this group held its first forward had been taken in 1930, service on June 14, 1936, in the when their present sanctuary was Blue Island Masonic Temple. erected. The story of the growth of the

Other additions to the church public schools in Blue Island is family of Blue Island included first and foremost the story of an Episcopal group, which after those dedicated men and women beginning with meetings in homes, —teachers, administrators, board halls, and other churches around members who gave largely of

1900, discontinued its local ef- their time and energies to build-

59 ing and improving the schools. tion would compare favorably The earliest public school records, with today's completion of the as already stated, go back to the tenth grade. Five of the six grad- year 1854, and there is some uated this first year were Nellie knowledge of private schools be- Fuller, Maggie Hulett, Victie Pep- fore that time. There is no doubt, per, Anne Purer, and Grace that from its very earliest days, Roche — all girls, with the name Blue Island has always been edu- of the sixth graduate not being cation-minded. known. Next year the first boy Among the earliest records yet to be graduated, William Black, available are accounts of school teamed up with Addie Diefen- board meetings in 1885, praising bach, to make up the graduation such men as Thomas Lewis, presi- class of only two. dent of the board at that time, From this time until 1897 there

Jacob Thoeming, its secretary, are no records of graduation and Asa Farmer, the third mem- from the Blue Island schools, the ber of the body. Probably the supposition being that local stu- most respected and admired edu- dents went to Chicago schools to cational leader of the closing get their high school education. years of the nineteenth century During this time, however, grade was Principal Seymour, who was school buildings continued at a in charge of the local school at good pace, with additions made the time of its first high school to the Whittier School, and the graduation, in June of 1877. It building of Seymour and DeWitt, is now estimated that this gradua- making up the three buildings

One of Blue Island's Oldest School Buildings The feet of thousands of Blue Island students trod these ancient halls until 1925, when the building, the Whittier School, was condemned and had to be torn down.

60 St. Benedict's Church in construction, 1895.

Home of the Chicago Telephone Company. 1905 After remodeling this building became the Elks Club.

61 local schools when they were still young, Mr. Lemon was also blessed with a series of dedicated and hard working board members. Those who were responsible for bringing him here might be

mentioned first. These include Henry Bibroth, board president; W.H. Weber, secretary; and members C. C. Claussen, Charles Lo- chow, Louis Luchtemeyer, L. P. Vorhees, and A.M. Weinhardt. At that time the faculty was composed of twenty teachers, two of which, Miss Alice Gray and Miss Margaret Smith, were assigned to the high school. Location for

these two and the thirty-one students they taught were two rooms on the second floor of the old Whittier Building, and one on the Mr. J. E. Lemon Mr. Lemon served as superintendent first. Twenty-two of these stu- of all Blue Island schools^from 1894 to dents were freshmen and nine 1934, as superintendent of Community were sophomores. High School for one year following, and as instructor in Latin and vocational Under Supt. Lemon's leader- civics in 1935-36, thus completing forty- ship the school soon began to three years of devoted service to the students and schools of this community. prosper. In 1896 a third story was added to the Seymour School, with the high school occupying used at this time. all four rooms which this addi- In 1894, one of the most im- tion made possible. In 1897 the portant decisions effecting the Worth Township High School Blue Island schools ever made District was established, with Mr. was the decision to invite J. E. J. L. Zacharias chosen as president Lemon, of the Bay City, Michigan, of the township high school board Schools, to take over as local sup- to operate the new organization, erintendent. Here was a man who, and Louis Wirth named as secre- with the one other who succeeded tary. That same year the first him, might be said to have had high school class since 1890 was more influence on the Blue Island graduated from the local school, schools, especially in their form- with eight students making up its ative years, than any other who membership. Acting on Supt. could be named. Coming to the Lemon's invitation, representa-

62 tives from Northwestern Univer- board presidents v/ho helped sity, the University of Chicago, greatly in meeting growth prob- and the University of Illinois, had lems that were even then being inspected the school and, the fol- experienced. Among these leaders lowing year, placed it upon their were W.H. Weber, who had acted lists of whose graduates were as board president for sixteen accepted for entrance to the years; and A.C. Seyfarth, in that universities. In 1899 another im- office for twelve years. portant and even greater distinc- By 1916 there was little but tion came to the school as the standing room for the 250 stu- North Central Association of Col- dents who were packed into the leges and Secondary Schools plac- six rooms at Seymour then used ed it on the accredited list. Per- for all high school classes. A new, haps the proudest boast that the separate building for these older school can make, even today, is students was clearly indicated. that throughout the years, it has More important, this building, maintained this rating, in spite now known and loved by thous- of hard times and lack of money ands as Old Main, was erected that frequently handicapped its the next year, with the idea of efforts. serving the 200 or 250 high school Because of a legal technicality pupils then enrolled. As has been the Worth Township School Dis- the case so many times in Blue trict had to be discontinued in Island's educational history, these 1900, and the high school again good intentions simply were not was under the jurisdiction of adequate enough to cope with District 130. Another high school the student growth. Within ten district succeeded this arrange- years the enrollment at Old Main ment within a short time, being had jumped to 428, over double known as District 213. While it the capacity of the school. was distinct and separate from Plans for a very adequate addi- 130, the only difference between tion to Old Main, including a the two was that 213 included a cafeteria, gymnasium, auditorium, cemetery that was not in District art and music rooms, a little the- 130. Nevertheless this separation atre, and a swimming pool wr ere made two boards of education unfortunately and drastically cut necessary, even if they did have because of inadequate funds, and the same president, and had the the high school had to continue good judgment to retain the sup- on a make-do basis. District 130, erintendent of schools, Mr. Lem- however, was faring a bit better on. at this time, as two junior high Especially helpful to the Super- schools went into operation — one intendent at these times of rapid at Seymour, and a new building transition were a number of on 123rd Street.

63 In 1927 the present Community administrator for both bodies. High School District was estab- The increasing number of young- lished, to be operated under the sters in Blue Island brought two jurisdiction of a new board of new buildings to meet such chal- education. A. C. Seyfarth was lenges, with Paul Revere being chosen as president, and contin- built as a new elementary school, ued in the same capacity for Dis- and the North Building being trict 130. Other board members opened for the freshmen class of for the new district were L. E. Community High. Pipin, L. Biedenkopf, John Are- Unfortunately the effect of good, and Emil Blatt. Benefiting "black Thursday" and the stock both the high school and the ele- market crash were becoming in- mentary schools in Blue Island, creasingly felt throughout the Supt. Lemon was retained as chief length and breadth of this coun-

Public Library

Built in 1902, this library was made possible by a gift from Andrew Carnegie.

64 try, with schools suffering along at St. Benedict's School was held with other institutions. Roth the in 1889, with six pupils receiving new high school and the elemen- diplomas, and the total enroll- tary schools of the city had to ment then about 250. By 1924 the drop shop work, home economics, enrollment soared to over 500. music, art. and physical education. which meant that more teaching \\ hether this had anything to do sisters would be needed, and larg- with the parting; of the ways as er quarters for their home pro- far as the two school districts vided. The cornerstone of their were concerned at this time is not new school was laid in 1925, with known, but in 1934, separate classes starting next year. board presidents were chosen for In 1928 a new building was the two districts, and separate completed to add to the educa-

superintendents were hired. Frank tional advantages which Blue Is- Van Overstraeten was chosen as land has to offer. This was Moth- president of the grade school er of Sorrows Institute, located

board, and J. C. Joens elected to on South Western Avenue at the head District 218. Walter C. Eg- corner of 138th. The property gert came in as the new superin- had been bought some time pre- tendent for the local elementary viously by Fred Bauer, with the school, but Supt. Lemon contin- intention of erecting a building ued as head of the high school to be used as a boarding school staff. The following year Harold for children. When the Mantellate L. Richards replaced Mr. Lemon Sisters, Servants of Mary, took who, after forty-two years of de- over and the beautiful new build- voted, efficient service to his ing was completed, this idea real- community, retired with the plaud- ly came alive. Before the place its of his students, teachers, board had been only a primary and members, and the entire commun- kindergarten school, but now ity. children of all nationalities were Since the turn of the century accepted, with the good Sisters Blue Island's parochial schools furnishing a well rounded educa- have enjoyed almost as great a tion and a fine home. rate of growth as the public Going along with the school in schools. The present First Luther- benefits for the community were an School was erected in 1912, the growth of the public library,

at a cost otf $25,000. The two sto- and the increasing influence of ry brick then contained four class the community's newspaper. rooms and an assembly hall. The As already narrated, a start auditorium was added in 1925. toward a public library had been In 1935 the attendance was about made under private management 150 students. as early as 1870. The Current

The first graduation exercises Topic Club, forerunner of the

65 Sanders School Blue Island's exploding school population has made several additions necessary to this, the original Sanders School.

Early Parochial School This Lutheran School was erected in 1871. — Photo Courtesy of Archie Ely

66 Blue Island Woman's Club, real- his help in securing a library ly brought the prospects of an building. Mr. Carnegie offered to adequate library to near realiza- donate $15,000 for a building, tion by raising approximately providing that the city would $6000 through a series of enter- provide a site, and appropriate tainments and public subscription, $1500 a year for maintenance. purchasing and securing dona- This offer was quicklv accepted tions of new books and magazines and in 1903 the new library, lo- until about 1500 volumes -were cated on York Street, was opened ready for circulation. First offi- for public use. Gradual but steady cers of this group included Chas. growth in its usage caused Archi- Young, president; Mrs. C.C. Mas- tect Otis to propose an addition sey. vice president; Frank Dunn- in 1928. but the $35,000 this ing, secretary; and 0. W. Bourke, would have cost was far beyond W.N. Rudd, Henry Bibroth. C.S. the board's ability to pav that kind Young, Mrs. H. H. Massey, Mrs. of money. By 1935 the library M.M. Rudd. and Mrs. A.C. Fuller, bad grown to over 12,500 volumes, directors. Unfortunately the great with a yearly circulation of 61.000 fire of May 16, 1896, wiped out books, plus a goodly usage of its all their work, burning the library premises as reading rooms. and all the books with the excep- The first newspaper ever print- tion of the few then out in the ed in Blue Island was the Weekly hands of readers. Even this se- Herald, which, as already narra- vere blow did not stop the direc- ted, started in 1873, and was soon tors, however, for within a few designated as the official news- days they opened a temporary paper of the village, printing all reading room. legal notices. This early and

The next step forward was tak- worthy attempt at informing the en in 1897 by the passage of a public did not last very long, due two mill tax for a free public to lack of support, and its pub- library, which carried in April lisher. Charles Feistkorn and edi- by a vote of 567 to 253. Library tor, Carl A. Dilg soon grew dis- directors elected shortly after- couraged. ward included Mrs. A.C. Fuller A Chicago paper, the Daily and Mrs. Henrietta B. McGrath, Press, began a special edition for for three years; H.B. Robinson Blue Island folks, but it also did and Joseph P. Eames for two; not gain financial success and and Henry Bibroth and F. T. E. perished after a couple of years. Kallum for one year. After the So interested were a small group city council form of government of local citizens in having a news- came into being a bid was made paper, however, that they sub- to the great steel multi-million- scribed $800 for type and other aire, Andrew Carnegie, soliciting printing necessities and employed

William Freedman as editor and man most deserving of the title publisher of a paper which was "Mr. Newspaper," because asso-

named the Standard. Even this ciated with the Standard in 1884, public spirited effort went for when he was fifteen years of age. naught, as this paper, too, failed Through a life-long association to obtain enough subscribers for with the press, in every field of it to prosper. Carl Dilg came back its activities, from lowly printer's into the picture at this time as devil to publisher and president editor of a Blue Island ediion of of a prosperous printing corpora-

the Chicago Sun, but this too had tion which did much for Blue Is- financial troubles and was dis- land, he became, from his first continued. Since the dream of day of work, one of Blue Island's every newspapee man is to have truly fine citizens and civic lead- his own publication, another died ers. in the wool journalist, Gardner One of his most interesting and by name, tried with his Standard- entertaining sections of The First

Herald, and Dilg transferred his Hundred Years was to tell of the talents and activities to a Blue time he was assigned by his editor Island edition of the Chicago to cover the village board meet- Beobachter, a German newspaper. ings, solely because he could Gardner, too, became discouraged understand the English, German, and sold out to S. F. Wuest. Wuest and Plattdeutsch which were spok- succeeded in getting Dilg to take en by the board members—some- over as his editor, and changed times all at the same time! In his paper's name to the Blue Is- 1888, S. C. Reed, who had pur- land Standard. This paper first chased the paper from Eugene appeared on May 25, 1882, with M. Pope, called in his step-son, a subscription selling for $1.25 Howard Hamilton, only one year a year. The business methods in- older than Volp, and proposed to troduced by Mr. Wuest put his sell his paper to these two, neither paper on a sounder financial who was yet twenty-one. These basis than any of the previous two astounded young men took publications had had, and al- a deep breath and accepted Pope's though it consisted of only a sudden offer, agreeing to give single sheet printed on a crude, notes guaranteeing payment to hand operated press, it deserves Pope. the title of Blue Island's first Due to their combined talents successful newspaper. and long hours of labor, the two Mr. John H. Volp, author of young owners succeeded from

"The First Hundred Years," the the very first. Since one paper model for the sections of this did not offer them enough of a history up to 1935, and, to all challenge, they expanded their present day Blue Islanders the field. The Morgan Park Standard,

69 the Washington Heights Journal, Island Publishing Corporation, and the Fernwood Herald soon taking over the publishing plant, began rolling off their press, and the Sun, the Standard, and ano- found acceptance in each of these ther publication, the Weekly Re- three communities. view. Quinn was named editor; This happy and successful busi- Phillips, business manager; and ness association of Hamilton and Volp, publisher and general man- Volp was suddenly terminated by ager. Further expansion in 1923 the serious illness of Hamilton, saw the advent of the Suburban which forced him to seek another Star under the Volp banner. This climate. His interests in the firm paper was later merged with the were purchased by Wade Errett, Sun-Standard, under the mast who had been associated with the head of the Suburban Star, with Chicago Newpaper Union. If the Hill Lakin and Selyn Otis as edi- combination of Hamilton and tor, Homer Clemmons and Ar- Volp had been a very ideal and thur Voight in advertising, and successful one, as indeed it had, Myron Jones as business manager. the new partnership was not, to Volp himself had opposed the say the least. As Volp himself change in name, which was adopt- stated, "We just didn't hit it off." ed to give the paper a larger One of the reasons might have field, but which, as he had argued, been the differences in ages, as did not take well with the readers Errett was a much older man. of the paper. His ideas proved to At any rate Volp soon sold out be correct, and, in 1934 the more and at once started another pub- popular name, the Blue Island Sun- lication, the Saturday Sun, which Standard returned, and the paper he soon renamed the Blue Island resumed its leading voice in local Sun. After some really tough affairs. going, especially during the fin- While the Sun-Standard was go- ancial panic of 1895, the Sun ing through these growing pains grew to become Blue Island's and assuming its eventual leader- leading newspaper. ship in the local newspaper field,

In 1918, due to a shortage of it had quite a few rivals, but most news print paper, the new owners of these enjoyed only brief suc- of the Standard, Ray Phillips and cess. Among these publications Norris Quinn, sought to combine might be mentioned The Crucible, their publication with the Sun, published for a short time in under Mr. Volp. Thus our pres- 1891 and 1892 by Christian Zach- ent newspaper, the Blue Island er; the Blue Island News, with Sun-Standard, came into being. Paul Worden as editor, in 1909; Two years later, Volp, Quinn, the Free Press, from 1932 until Phillips and a new associate, Mor- 1934; the Suburban Advertiser, ris Kammerman, formed the Blue discontinued in 1935; the Blue

70 Island Bulletin and the Suburban hospital. During the latter part of Shopper. this time, plans for a really mod- Early in the twentieth century ern hospital were in the making. Blue Island was blessed with the A new building, to the south, was birth of another institution — dedicated on Memorial Day, 1916, one dedicated to the relief of with the Most Reverend Geo. suffering. This was St. Francis W. Mundelein (later Cardinal) Hospital. Originally the hospital in charge of the ceremonies. One was only a wonderful idea in the of the most thoughtful touches mind of Father F. A. Rempe, but of this ceremony was that Father it very quickly received the back- F. W. Rempe, the former pastor ing of the doctors then practicing wr ho wr as originally responsible in the area, with Dr. Edward for the establishment of the hos- Doepp and Dr. R.L. James taking pital, delivered the dedication the leadership. The hospital, like sermon. many other wT orthy service organ- The newT edifice contained 100 izations in Blue Island, began on rooms, plus modern operating a modest scale. A most fortunate facilities. In 1930 the silver jubi- association, made at the very be- lee was celebrated, with Mayor ginning of the little hospital's Frank Kasten and Dr. Edward life, did much to make the ven- Doepp, then senior member of ture a success. The Sisters of St. the hospital staff, taking part in Mary consented to come to this the program. The growth of the city and take charge of the infant hospital was steady from that institution. time on, with further details on

The old Ulrich home, on the its outstanding rank as a service corner of Gregory and High Sts., institution to be detailed in the was purchased for $30,000, and final section of this history. alterations necessary for its use Just as had been the situation as a hospital were undertaken. in the Civil War, when Blue Is- Several of the Sisters arrived late land had suffered from being in 1904, with Sister M. Alexia in part of the area required to fur- charge. In March of 1905, Father nish more than its share of sol-

Rempe blessed the new St. Fran- diers for that conflict, Illinois cis Hospital, with the first patient was supposed to supply more men being admitted one week later. for World War I than New York The first addition was an oper- and Pennsylvania combined. For- ating room, with others quickly tunately the error was discovered following. Within a year the old before the draft calls were fully home was enlarged to accommo- supplied, and the Illinois quota date from twenty-five to thirty was cut to correspond with that patients. This building existed for of other states. The response of the next ten vears as Blue Island's the localities to this call to the

71 colors was prompt and gratify- Isler, Harold McAley, Richard E. ing. During the several appeals, Sorgenfrei. 6,154 registered for the draft MARINES—Fred Nadler, Wal- from the local district, and 588 ter Crossland, Raymond R. Eam- were inducted into the service. es, Frank A. Thomas, David Mc- Ahead of even these names must Killip, James Cassel, M.A. Cassel. be listed those who volunteered. ARMY — Howard Hohmann, According to the Blue Island Sun- Claude Colburn, Ernst C. Renaud, Standard of March 15, 1918, these George Dornhecker, Norman following names made up the Seim, Russel Robinson, Ben Fer- local Honor Roll: rers, Edward Ennis, Morton Smith, Marcus T. Bauch, Arthur HONOR ROLL Edmunds, Walter Schott, Frank Ray, Willard Gibson, Rudolph (Blue Island's Honor Roll as Racine, George Kennedy, William printed in the Sun-Standard, Baumbach, William McGuire, March 15, 1918). Walter Mueller, Henry Ermschler, CAVALRY—Leland Newman, Ray Kauffman, John E. Frayne, Gust Engstrom, Tony Pacholki, John Ermschler, Chester Mitchell, George Kazlowski, Louis Radwan, Herman Hartman, Emmerson George Ludwig, Bernard Ciesiel- Eames, E.J. Lacy, Paul Stefek, ski, Frank Steffes, John Grosze- James McQuire, Nels A. Ring- wicz, Calvin O'Grady, Arthur Ken- quist, Edward Hall, Merrill Pron- nedy, William Pahl, George Ben- ger, Hobart Angel. ton, Elmo Schugt. OFFICERS—William D. Mc- NAVY—Al Friske, Arthur Boyd, Pherson, Harry M. Schlemmer, Everett Downey, Wilbur Burno, Louis K. Burno, Leslie W. Swett. Henry Link, Harry Withers, Ernst MUSICIANS—Clarence Cain, Karchiner, Theron Simkins, Jack Oscar Carlson, Louis Wiessner, Martin, Everett Lake, Fred L. Walter Wiessner, Walfried Hog-

Brewer, Homer J. Woods, George bloom, David Buissono. Ruff, Victor Ames, Russell James, SIGNAL CORPS—Edwin E.

Andrew J. Brouette, Arthur Bend- Stothard, Robert James, Jerry Can- er, Victor Dahl, Fredrick C. Sam- ty, Lee Quinn, Gilbert Mueller, mons, R.A. Walsh, Fred A. Nickel, John S. Tuomey, Chester Stanley. Frank Millard, Martin Nelson, AVIATION CORPS — Stanley Frank Kapanka, Raymond Earley, H. Volp, Carroll Eversole, Rob- Clarence Manson, Alwin Johnson, ert Payton, William Lietzow, Geo. Mark Earner, Frank Ehrhart, Ler- Roscoe, Arthur Fordtran. bert Ehrhart, Frank King, Ray ENGINEERING CORPS — Ar- William, E. A. Etter, Lawrence chie Sypneski, Bert Wyant, Harry Dagenais, Leonard Nylander, Os- Hume, Henry Weigand, Walter car Hultgren, L. Gustafson, Harry McDowell, Adolph Tuffanelli,

72 Leslie J. Hague, C. C. Cox, Harry Henry Harbaugh, Leo Lay, Harry E. Neff, M. Martin, L. O. Nelson, Neff, Leo Nelson, Walter Mc- T. Vandoran, Harold Cates, Ralph Dowell, James O'Connor, Carl Palmer, Carl Palmer, Otto Som- Palmer, Leslie Riwe, Otto Som- merfeld, Hugo Gersten, Leslie J. merfeld, Archie Syke, Adolph Rowe, Clarence 0. Williams, Lou- Tuffanelli, Thomas Wall, Albert is Robertson, Frank Kohart, Har- Wyant, and Clarence 0. Williams. ry W. Babb, Lee 0. Wilson, Fred When it came to commemora- E. Law, Fred Dougherty, Patrick ting the names of those who paid McCoy, David Fleming, Ralph the supreme sacrifice during this

Sullivan, Roy J. Scuffham, Harry great conflict, Blue Island and its

E. Shaw, F. J. Ludwig, George citizens did a most worthy job. Harris, John W. Grimes, Robert First should be mentioned the Cates, A. C. Sorgenfrei, A. C. impressive granite monument, Rosenquist. now prominently located in Me- HOSPITAL CORPS—Franklin morial Park, marked with a Cool, Miss Margaret Rudd, How- bronze tablet bearing the names ard Thomas, John Thomas, John of those who had lost their lives. Steinhart, Ralph F. Becktel, Chas. These names and the circumstan-

Morrill, Dr. W. J. Byford, Daniel ces surrounding their deaths, as

L. Sinise. far as is known, are as follows: COAST DEFENSE — Gilbert Private Raymond Eames, 96th Boeber, Merwin Small, Edwin Company, 6th Regiment, U. S. Hallinan, Berger Hogle, John S. Marines. Severely burned with Szczurek, John Brown, Leslie mustard gas and died June 29. Morrill, Joseph Tragnitz, Archie Buried in American Cemetery at Ely. Suresness. ORDINANCE—Joseph Denny, Stanley Fay died at Camp Mills, George Lietzau. New York, on October 10, 1918, One of the most unusual con- of influenza. Buried in Mt. Green- tingents to be organized in this wood Cemetery. area was that of the 13th Engi- Private Ernest Fischer, 14th neers, made up solely of railway Company, Coast Artillery. Died men. Blue Island citizens connect- Sept. 29, 1918 of pneumonia. Bur- ed with the railroads running ied in First Lutheran Cemetery through their city really rallied on Burr Oak. around for this detachment, mak- Albert Hecht died at Camp Tra- ing up a goodly part of Company vis, Texas, Dec. 9, of influenza B. Enlisting from Blue Island were and pneumonia. Buried in First these men, all employees of the Lutheran Cemetery.

Rock Island: Harry I. Bailar, Private Herman Klopp, 123rd Claude C. Cox, Edward Ford, Machine Gun Company, 33rd Div- William Gilbert, B. Hamilton, ision, killed by shell fire. Body

73 returned and buried in Lutheran Walter Wykoff buried in Ar- Cemetery with full military hon- lington1 Cemetery, Washington, ors. D.C. Sgt. Antonio Louis, Company Several additional memorials C, 47th Infantry, died in France have been dedicated by various on August 9, while in action. Bo- organizations to those from Blue dy returned and interred in Mt. Island who served in any branch Olivet Cemetery. Military honors of the armed services during paid by American Legion Post World War I. Armistice Day of Number 50. 1921 marked the formal presen-

George Ruff died at the U. S. tation of at least three of these. Naval HospitaJ, Great Lakes. In- The Current Topic Club planted terred in German Lutheran Cem- a memorial tree on the lawn of etery. the Blue Island Public Library,

Walter C. Schoenenberger died in honor of the soldiers, sailors, at Camp Grant on September 30, and marines who had served from of pneumonia. Interred at Oak this city in World War I. That Hills Cemetery. Company M of same day, members of the Con- the Illinois National Guard acted gregational Church planted three as military escort for the body. shade trees in front of their sanc- Private Frank Steffes, Troop L, tuary on York Street, commem- 12th Cavalry. Killed by a German orating the services of thirty prisoner of war while on guard young men, members of families duty at Hachita, New Mexico. of the church. The city itself

Buried in St. Benedict's cemetery, planted twenty maple trees in with Company M of the National Central Park, to honor its hero Guard acting as military escort. dead. Each tree was specifically Corp. Charles L. Weimar, Bat- to honor one certain man, with tery D, 339th Field Artillery. an aluminum disc, bearing his Died in a hospital at Rouen, name, rank, and company, placed

France, Nov. 5. Body returned on these trees in the park. The and buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery, only one of these not previously with military honors being paid mentioned on the above Roll of by American Legion Post Number Honor as having been killed in 50. action is Leo Lerch. Trees plant-

Leon Walshon died at the base ed in honor of those who had hospital, Camp Travis, Texas. died after the close of the war, Body returned and buried in St. due to injury or exposure suf- Benedict's Cemetery. fered while in service, whose Homer Woods died at the U.S. names were also missing from the Naval Hospital, Norfolk, Va., of Sun-Standard list, bear the names bronchial pneumonia. Interred in of William Burns, David Bussino, Mt. Hope with military honors. Frank Hopf, Andrew Olson, Otto

74 Swigert, Albert Wyant, and Al- city council itself. They passed a bert Witt. resolution to buy the building Other honors paid Blue Island and lot on the southeast corner of men in service included the Com- Greenwood and Oak. This struc- munity Service Flag, which was ture, known as the Institutional unfurled and hung across Ver- Building had been used as the mont Street near Western on May armory for Company M of the Illi- 18, 1918. The flag was eight by nois National Guard. The coun- ten feet, with the words "Blue cil proposed that it become city Island" across the top, two gold property, and be given over to stars, representing the two who the use of all veterans' groups, had already died in service, and a and other organizations of public single large star with the num- benefit. For some reason or other, ber 425, indicating the number of however, the resolution was not men then in service. acted upon at this time. Perhaps the greatest honor One of the strongest proofs of paid anyone in Blue Island was the place of the service men in given by the French government the hearts of this community and to Louis D. Holmes on July 16, its inhabitants was the Veteran's 1923. He was awarded the Legion Day celebration on November 11, of Honor with scarlet ribbon, the 1918. The celebration, or rather, highest honor conferred on he- series of celebrations, began at roes. Holmes was the first man of five o'clock in the morning, when the 149th Field Artillery to shed men, women, and children, some blood on French soil, as his leg carrying lanterns and flashlights, was torn off near his body by a started the day's rejoicing. What German shell. Gen. Abel Davis was they lacked in organization, they the only other American to be so made up in fervor and thanks- decorated. giving, for the dreaded war was

On the home front the efforts over, and their sons - husbands - put forth by the various clubs fathers - brothers - were coming and the citizens in general show- home — really coming home. ed that their hearts were one hun- As the day lengthened all busi- dred percent behind the war ef- ness houses closed, even without fort. Blue Island went over the advance notice, or any planning. top on every one of the five Li- Everyone in Blue Island paraded berty Loans, and in the Red Cross or watched the parades. Even the drive of May 20, 1919, Blue Is- saloons of the city shut up shop land went $2,000 over the quota about ten in the morning, and of $10,000. which had been set. stayed closed for the rest of this

On Dec. 2, 1918 another strik- blessed day. ing tribute to the veterans was Despite the lack of planning, proposed by the actions of the everyone did something, and did

75 it well. Though the floats may ed that the city had never had have been hastily decorated, and such a day before. In welcoming the marchers may not have par- the peace, as in meeting the chal- aded in perfect order, there nev- lenges of this terrible war, Blue

er was such a parade. Spectators Island and its Blue Islanders did and participants alike, all declar- themselves proud.

w liit v Hi >**.

8?m -"—'"" t»f"*" ^rr-^-"" ^

Blue Island's City Hall THE CENTENNIAL

Are the first hundred years of ber 8, 1935, were able to say any community really the hard- with conviction, "Well, we did in those days." Those est? If they are, are they not also all right in their middle age there at Paul the most rewarding, the most Revere Field, witnessing the en- productive, the most worthwhile? grossing episodes of the magnifi- Certainly the old timers of our cent "Wings of Time" pageant, city, as they nostalgically saw could certainly well have said, in those happy, halcyon days they admiration, "What men and wom- had known so well pass again en our ancestors were!" Even the before their eyes during Blue Is- babies of the community, featur- land's Centennial Week, Sunday, ed in the doll and buggy parade

September 1, to Sunday, Septem- featuring Friday's festivities,

76 seemed to delight in every move- more federal aid!" ment of the week long celebra- Those hard headed (and great tion. Perhaps such adjectives as hearted) members of the Blue Is- mammoth, colossal, stupendous, land Lions Club thought differ- gigantic, gargantuan, and so forth, ently, however. Yes, their city might seem a trifle shopworn and did need and seek federal aid. hackneyed after being punished Something else even more im- so much by their overuse on the portant was needed, they reason- television screen, but each and ed, and this was a revival of the every one of these could and faith and trust that Blue Island- should be applied to the Blue Is- ers had always had in themselves land Centennial of 1935. C"ne and in their community. It was more quality should be added to true that, perhaps because of the describe the celebration of the hard times, civic pride had fallen city's first one hundred years. It to a new low. The city, as well was prepared and presented with as many of its citizens, had the hearts and minds — yes, and known and were still experienc- the prayers — of every man, ing severe financial problems. woman, and child in Blue Island, All the more reason, the Lions happy and proud to take part in argued, for all to get together, this tribute to the city of their with good faith and great works, homes — one hundred years put their shoulders to the wheel, young on this occasion. and by their own efforts, lift the How did the idea of celebrat- city by its own boot straps back ing the hundredth birthday of the on the right road. Yes, a celebra- city originate? Well, as so often tion to commemorate the city's is the case, in the dreams and first one hundred years should desires of a comparatively small and would be the first step. It group of men — in this case, the is an interesting note to add that, Blue Island Lions Club, or, to in the meeting at which this mo- be exact, in the minds of two of mentous decision was made, the its leaders, Henry G. Baumann Lions went almost two hours be- and Dr. Frank Tracy. These two yond their ordinary adjournment began thinking of the possibili- time to 3:00 p.m. but when they ties of some sort of celebration did adjourn, Blue Island had em- of the community's centennial barked upon the greatest celebra- over a year before the event. tion the city had ever known.

"But this is the wrong time for First of all that devilish ques- any kind of a celebration," said tion of where to get the money the calamity howlers. "We're just arose. Once again the Lions Club coming out of a big depression, came up with an answer — pro-

and a good many of us are still posing a limited public subscrip-

out of work. What we need is tion of funds, to be used to get

77 the idea of the centennial off the lar. Once again, a good deal of ground, and to start the actual the credit was due the Blue Is- preparation. The Lions Club was land merchants. In the first place, the first to subscribe with $200 they bought the nickels from the and in this way $2,000 was ob- Centennial Association; then they tained for beginning this great gave them as change to their cus- event. tomers; and in the third, they ac- Next, who would have courage cepted them in payment for their enough to spearhead such a tre- merchandise. It's a safe bet to as- mendous undertaking? In March sume that, even today, somewhere of 1935 three members of the among the most treasured posse- Lions Club — Frank Kasten, the ions of families who witnessed mayor of the city; Fred A. Rice, any part of the Centennial Week the city treasurer; and J. Floyd celebration are some of these

Smith, the postmaster, and pres- wooden nickels — and it's an- ident of the club at that time — other safe bet to say that these were appointed as the steering same loyal merchants would committee to plan for the centen- honor even today, twenty-seven nial. years after the Centennial, these This triumvirate, supported by same "scraps of paper." the good wishes of the entire After getting the Centennial city, prevailed upon John H. plans off the ground with such Volp, the author of "The First a novel means of financing, other Hundred Years," upon which this work moved rapidly forward. publication is based, to act as A contract for a pageant to be general chairman. His efficient entitled "Wings of Time" was and hard working committee, signed early in June with the listed at the end of this section, John B. Rogers Production Com- was quickly gathered, and at once pany, of Fostoria, Ohio. The cast attacked the tremendous task con- was to call for from 700 to 1,000 fronting it. persons, and the play was to be With the issuance of "wooden staged during the Centennial Week nickels" this group hit upon a on a stage erected on Paul Revere popular and very successful meth- field. Centennial headquarters od for additional financing of the were opened at 13000 Western big affair. Fortunately if all the Avenue in June, and a contest to folks in Blue Island (and, for select a local queen to reign over that matter, miles around) had the entire festivities was immedi- ever heard of that old caution- ately opened. ary remark, "Don't take in any Rehearsals for "Wings of wooden nickels," they didn't pay Time" began on July 15, with any attention to it, and the wood- Mr. and Mrs. Jack Geller, of the en nickels were extremely popu- Rogers Company, in charge. The

78 collection of such properties as proved very uncooperative for old time buggies, covered wagons, Monday, when the great parade high wheeled bicycles, to say no- had been scheduled. Because of thing of the horses and cattle the rain, this parade was post- needed for the pioneer scenes, poned for some time, but it was began at once. finally decided that the thousands Centennial Week opened in a lining both sides of Western Ave- most impressive fashion, with nue could no longer be denied. over 2.000 people attending union Over 2,500 people were in the church services at the pageant line of march. Floats winning the grounds. Protestants sat side by prize trophies in the various eata- side with Catholics, in common gories included the St. Francis worship of Him, the Maker of all. Hospital, in the business group;

Dr. F. W. Tracy, chairman of the Sons of Italy, with their re- these union services, made a short production of the Santa Maria, in address of welcome, and intro- the fraternal group; the Blue Is- duced Rev. Frank Hancock, min- land Liederkranz, in the histori- ister of the First Methodist cal class; Dave Heimbach, in the Church, who presided for the pro- individually designed and execut- gram. ed float category. The comedy A mixed choir, assembled from class float prize went to Wiess- every choir in the city, was di- ner's Comedy Band; and the Rock rected by Rollin Pooler, director Island Railroad won the indus- of music at Community High trial group trophy. School. Rev. Benjamin F. Freese, Perhaps the biggest day of the

pastor of the St. Paul Evangelical entire week came on Tuesday, Church, read the Twenty-third Old Settler's Day, with prizes for psalm, with Rev. James Sopko, the oldest settler present. Mr.

pastor of St. Peter and St. Paul and Mrs. Gottlieb Klein won the

Lutheran Church, reading the first prize, followed by Mr. and Scripture lesson. The main ad Mrs. Cyrus Van Laningham, sec- dress of the evening was deliver ond. The old settlers couple comed by Father Theodore G. Gross ing the greatest distance was Mr.

priest at St. Benedict. Short ad and Mrs. Frank M. McGregor, dresses by Rev. Aylesworth B from San Mateo. California, win-

Bell, pastor of the First Congre ning first place in this category, gational Church; Rev. Wayne A with Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Lau

Garrard, St. Aidan's; and Rev from Gotha, Florida, coming in

W. J. Feme, of the Evangelical second. The prize for the oldest Lutheran, followed, each dealing individual resident of Blue Island with some aspect of the history went to Mrs. Johanna Schmitz, of religion in Blue Island. who had lived here for eighty- Unfortunately the weather seven years. Mrs. Louise Reuss-

79 now, a resident here for eighty- tendant, respectively. four years took second prize. On Friday, baby was king, and Bad weather returned on Wed- the doll and buggy parade, with nesday to force the postponement its antique carriages and cos- of the Young American activities tumes, as well as the carriages until the next Saturday afternoon. trimmed with a patriotic and mod- While this compulsory change ern motif, delighted the huge did cut the number of partici- crowd of onlookers. pants, Boy Scout troops from the Choral numbers, sung magnifi-

South Shore District of Chicago, cently that night by the Blue Is- and from the Southwest District land Liederkranz and the Lieder- put on a worthwhile show, with kranz Ladies' Chorus, plus Noble races and demonstrations of all Cain, director of the festival, and sorts of scoutcraft. Troop num- his Chicago A Capella Choir, ber 728, with Scoutmaster J. M. were much appreciated by every- Wilson, took first prize in the one in the vast audience. The contest; Troop number 788, W. Homewood Municipal Band, di-

Gaboriault, scout master, was sec- rected by J. Norman Beasley, al- ond; and Troop number 608, G. so came in for spirited applause

C. Primm, scoutmaster, placed for its accompaniment. third. Unfortunately the program Thursday was Farmer's Day, planned for Sunday, which had and the Eagles Hall was thronged been designated as American Le- all day by interested spectators gion Day suffered greatly because who came to see the great num- of the steady downpour of rain. ber of prize winning exhibits The almost fifty units of drum brought in and displayed by the and bugle corps could not par- farmers of the area. That night ticipate in the competition which Mayor and Mrs. Fred Rice, on had been planned for them. This their fiftieth anniversary, were did not stop the Centennial com- the principals in the pioneer wed- mittee completely, however, as it ding scene, the feature of that did provide entertainment and night's pageant. The Rices had merriment for those Legionnaires come to Blue Island in 1898 and who did show up in spite of the had been among the city's per- rain. manent residents since that time. While the turn-away crowds The Rev. C. F. Schellhase, a for- of 1935 were ample testimonial mer pastor of the Central Metho- to the success of the plans and dist Church, was the minister who the work of the Blue Island Lions re-united the happy pair, with Club and the Blue Island Centen-

Albert Stolz, Mrs. J. A. Roe- nial Association, those of us who misch, and Louise Rauch, as best were not fortunate enough to wit- man, matron of honor, and at- ness the great pageant and at-

80 .

tendant festivities should at least SONG FESTIVAI^Dr. F. \\ know of the men and women who Tracy, chairman; William Bar- worked so long and with such thelman. Dr. Scanlan, Dr. Folk- dedication to achieve this success, ers, Aid. Rocco Guglielmucci, and to live, at second hand, those Mrs. Jepeway. episodes that made the "Wings SUNDAY I NION SERVICES— of Time" the tremendous success Dr. F. W. Tracy, chairman; Priests all it was in reminding Blue Islanders Ministers and of of their illustrious past. The com- Blue Island churches. plete list of the Centennial Asso- YOUNG AMERICA DAY—Philip ciation members is: Seyfarth, chairman. PUBLICITY—John H. Volp, BLUE ISLAND chairman; Hill Lakin, Sun- CENTENNIAL ASSOCIATION Standard; Kevin McCann, Bul-

"Incorporated not for Profit" letin; Wesley Volp, Suburban Star. OFFICERS PROPERTIES—Louis Rauch, JOHN H. VOLP, President chairman; Mayor Fred Rice, H. PHILIP SEYFARTH, Secre- Shipman, Harold C. Volp, Phil tary; Pres- ALBERT STOLZ, Vice Sev faith. ident and Treasurer. AMERICAN LEGION DAY—J. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Floyd Smith, chairman; Wm. AND DIRECTORS Juby, Commander American Mayor Fred Rice, Philip Sey- Legion, co-chairman: Ralph farth, Dr. F. W. Tracy, Rudolph Sullivan, Albert Depew, Har- Heitman, Floyd Smith, Postmas- vey Antilla, Harry Burkhart, A. ter; Louis Rauch, Albert Stolz, L. Davidson, Henry Langfield. John H. Volp. MARDI GRAS—Mayor Fred COMMITTEES Rice, chairman; Phil Seyfarth, FINANCE—Albert Stolz, chair- Dr. F. W. Tracy. CENTENNIAL BALL—M ayor man ; August Schreiber, Paul Klenk, Dr. L. 0. Damm. Fred Rice, Al Stolz, Mrs. HOMECOMING DAY—Rudolph George Borman. Heitman, chairman; Henry BABY PARADE>-Mrs. Don Baumann, Peter Heintz, Henry Boughner, chairman; Mrs. G. Duff. Klein, Mrs. C. 0. Williams, PARADE—George Heatley, chair- Mrs. Claude Harvey, Mrs. Hen- man; Barney Hammond, Wm. ry Kott, Mrs. W. Hazel, Mrs. Juby, Richard Sorgenfrei. G. Brockman, Mrs. Howard FARMER'S DAY—Albert Stolz, Huffman, Mrs. W. Gerstenkorn. chairman; Peter Heintz, co- Mrs. Harold C. Volp, Mrs. chairman; M. E. Tascher, Har- Howard Wright. vey Adair, Jacob Ouwenga. TALENT COMMITTEE—Phil

81 Seyfarth, chairman. land in state from the Court of TICKET COMMITTEE—Don Honor. Boughner, chairman; Ed Mar- EPISODE ONE—The Red Man. tens, Herbert Gierman, Ed. Prior to the coming of the Stothard, A. C. Selsdorf, Birt white man, this section of the Frobish. present state of Illinois and the RELICS COMMITTEE—Mrs. Ed. present site of Blue Island was Martens, chairman; Mrs. Al- occupied by a village of Pottawa- bert Stolz, Mrs. Charles Gun- tomies, of the Algonquin tribe.

kle, Miss Sarah Noble. We see the Indians making camp. Just as every member of the In the center of the circle of above Centennial Association de- teepees we see the chiefs and

serves at least the honor of having their warriors seated around a his or her name repeated here, council fire; squaws busy them- so does the brief synopsis of that selves preparing food over the magnificent pageant that featur- open fires, tanning the hides ed the centennial. In addition, brought in from the hunt, mak- such a synopsis would undoubt- ing baskets and blankets. edly be appreciated by those of EPISODE TWO—The First White us who were not fortunate enough Men. to be present for the big event. Father Pere Marquette and

Therefore, an outline of the pro- Louis Joliet, with their small ar- logue and the eighteen episodes my of followers were the first of "The Wings of Time" follows: white men to set foot on the "blue island." Marquette and Jo- "WINGS OF TIME" liet followed the western shore line of Lake Michigan and then Historical Narrations westward over the Calumet River by Joe Cook in their search for the "Father blare of trum- PROLOGUE—The of Waters," the Mississippi Riv- pets and the roll of drums by the er. Father Marquette attempted to and Bugle American Legion Drum teach Christianity to the Indians announces the appearance Corps as they wended their way through of Miss Blue Island, Queen of the Centennial, Miss Columbia, and her Forty-eight States; the Princ- cesses of the Court; the Pages, and the Guard of Honor. Miss Blue Island greets Miss Columbia and the Forty-eight States and requests them to join The Famous Wooden IMckel her in witnessing the unfolding Every good citizen in Blue Island used these during our Centennial Celebra- of Is- of the colorful history Blue tion.

82 this savage territory; evidently the 5th of June. He visited for they stayed here in 1674 before a short time with his brother going to Palos to establish a mis- Stephen, who had preceded him sion. and was located in Bachelors' More than 150 years later, in Grove. A few months later Nor-

the summer of 1831, the Indians man Rexford selected a site near

decided to leave this territory be- the northern end of the "blue is-

cause of the incoming whites. The land" in a locality at that time old chief, and one or two others, referred to as the "long wood." could not be persuaded to leave, Here he erected a four-room log and these few Indians were the cabin in which he kept a tavern. only remaining red men when the This venture evidently did not

white men started to settle this prove satisfactory for, in the fall territory. of the following year, he moved EPISODE THREE—The Pioneers. four miles farther south into the A hundred years ago many a territory which later was to be- wagon train came across the prair- come the city of Blue Island.

ie on their trek westward in the He selected a location on the

hope of finding a more promis- southern brow of the hill, a spot ing land. We see a group of these which commanded a wide view sturdy pioneers and courageous of the surrounding lower coun- women as they follow the sun try. Here he erected a combina- across lands inhabited by the sav- tion residence and hotel building, age Indian who resented this in- the frame of which was hewn vasion by the whites. After a day's from native timber, and sided hard journey the members of the with boards brought by team

little wagon train make camp for from Pine Creek, Indiana. the night; some prepare the even- This Inn became the stopping ing meal as others do the daily place for officers going to and chores of washing, making yarn, fro between old Fort Vincennes weaving, milking, churning; the in Indiana and Fort Dearborn at men cut wood for the fires, hunt Chicago—for the Vincennes Road for food and game, take care of passed through Blue Island and their livestock and keep a sharp connected the two forts. Rex- watch for raiding Indians. Endur- ford's inn was known as the ing many hardships, they continue "Blue Island House" and was on until they reach the fertile land the first building of a permanent on the shores of Lake Michigan. character to be erected here. EPISODE FOUR—The First When Rexford located here the White Settlers. one-room log cabin of Thomas In 1835, Norman Rexford, a na- Courtney was the only other habi- tive of Charlotte, Vermont, drove tation on the southern end of the by team to Chicago, arriving on "island." Courtnev had come with

83 his wife and child from the East way to market. We see one of the year previous. He had built these gatherings which during the a small log cabin near where the summer months, were often held First Lutheran church now stands. under the shading trees.

Beyond these few facts history is EPISODE SEVEN—An Early silent on any further reference School. to this man Courtney and his Many of the children of the family. settlers had their first schooling EPISODE FIVE—The First Post- at home. Ir 1848, when there office. were thirty-two families in the A postoffice was established at village, an attempt was made to Blue Island in 1838, with Nor- get educational facilities for the man Rexford as postmaster, in children. A one-story frame build- which capacity he served for a ing was erected, this building be- number of years. During that ing used as a town hall, where time, his son, Fayette — about public gatherings of all sorts nine years old — took mail from were held when there was no

Chicago to Buncombe, Illinois school. Wm. Hamilton, Daniel (a distance of about 90 miles) Barnard and Mary Perkins were each week. We see the stage the first teachers in this school. coach arriving from Chicago with There had been, previous to this,

its cargo of passengers, mail and a school for girls, conducted by express; and then Fayette starts Misses Elizabeth and Adelaide his long journey. Periam in their home.

The official name of this post- We see one of these early ses- office was "Worth" though the sions where there were no desks,

settlers preferred to call it Blue the scholars sitting on long

Island, which name was given to benches; when it was necessary it legally in 1872 when the vil- to use their slates, the students lage was organized. usually sat on the floor using the EPISODE SIX—The First Church benches for desks. Services. EPISODE EIGHT—An Early Religious services were not de- Wedding. pendent upon creed; but were, One of the colorful events of rather, community meetings, re- the social life in 1850 was a wed- gardless of faith. A traveling Me- ding and most of the settlers came thodist preacher — a farmer near in their "Sunday-best" for the

Kankakee — sometimes stopped ceremony and the festivities which over on his way to Chicago with followed. We see the bride and produce on Saturday morning, groom united in marriage and bringing his Sunday clothes in a then receiving the congratulations

trunk. On Sunday he preached of their guests before they all and again on Monday, went his join in a gay Virginia Reel.

84 EPISODE NINE—The First Rail- might sing songs of their Father- road. land. The Rock Island Railroad was "Saengerbund" was the name built into Blue Island in 1852, under which they went for some and the first train came in on time and Charles Ellfeldt soon Sunday, October 10th, that same became their leader. By 1853, year. The name of the locomotive they had decided to organize un- was the "Rocket," which pulled der the name "Blue Island Lieder- six coaches. N. W. Wheeler was kranz." the conductor. The engine burned We see a group that have met wood and at Blue Island there in Ellfeldt's "Lustgarden," which was a large refueling yard. was patterned after the beer garden of the old country, for an We see the men at work on the evening's entertainment. roadbed; laying ties and rails; EPISODE ELEVEN—The Ballet and then, amid the lusty cheers of Beauty and Fertility. of the populace, in roars this Blue Island and Illinois depend, first "steam monster." to a large extent, upon the agri- The Illinois Central Railroad cultural wealth of their land. Blue extended its suburban service to Island is famed for its onions, Blue Island in 1889, connecting Illinois is known for its corn and this city with the main lines of wheat. We see these growing this great railroad service. Seven things merrily swaying in the railroads converge at Blue Island breeze when along comes a driv- today, four of them being trunk ing rain and beats them to the lines. ground. Following the rain comes EPISODE TEN—The German the sun and sunbeams and again Settlers. we see the green fields raise their Many men and women of Ger- heads as a beautiful rainbow man birth or extraction came to forms its arch. Blue Island in the years between EPISODE TWELVE—Civil War. 1848 and 1860. Among the first In 1861, when President Abra- were August Schreiber, Ludwig ham Lincoln issued a general call Krueger, Theodore Guenther, for 75,000 volunteers to fight for John Engelhardt, Ernst Uhlich, the cause of the North, many Charles Ellfeldt, and others. Be- men from Blue Island responded ing fond of music, a little group immediately. of men — Charles Ellfeldt, Au- We see the excited crowds as

gust Schreiber, Friederich Sauer- the first news of war is heard; teig, August Schubert, Louis the men leave their business, drop Brandt, August Bulle, Henry the plows, and enlist. The women Schmitt and two brothers named are working feverishly on new un- Bode — got together that they iforms and a beautiful flag which

85 was presented to the men just be- ward with the slogan "Remem- fore they marched away. ber the Maine." We see the bivouac scene; the EPISODE THIRTEEN — In- soldiers are resting around a corporation of Blue Island. camp fire as a messenger brings When the postoffice was estab- the orders for an early morning lished in 1838, the official name attack. of "Worth" was given to this com- EPISODE FIFTEEN—The Auto- munity, but the settlers always mobile Era. favored the name "Blue Island." About the time of the Spanish- The citizens were desirous of American War high-wheeler bi- having the village organized and cycles and tamdum bicycles made recognized as such. They petition- their appearance on the streets of ed the State, asking that they Blue Island. And then, the "horse- might have the question submit- less carriage" is praised and ridi- ted to the legal voters. This peti- culed as it chugs along at the be- tion was dated July 5, 1872, and ginning of the twentieth century. sworn to August 13, 1872. We see "young sports" as they On August 22, 1872, Judge Wal- try out the new two-wheeled con- lace gave notice of an election traptions; and listen to their jeers for voting on the village incor- as the proud owner of the first poration to be held at Gottlieb automobile makes his appearance. Klein's home on Saturday, Sep- And then the frightened horse tember 1872. Christian Krueg- 7, nearly breaks away as the "gaso- er, Henry Bertrand and Hart Mas- line buggy" bounces here and sey were appointed judges of the there. election. EPISODE SIXTEEN—The World It was a memorable event, as War. arguments be- there were many War! War! Bleeding humanity tween opponents, but the result of the Old World seeks help from was overwhelmingly for it. young, prosperous America. Illi- see the great celebration We nois' boys respond. What devasta- that took place in Blue Island tion! What horror! And final- that night; there was much re- ly what a victory! multitude, led by joicing as the EPISODE SEVENTEEN—Peace. a small band, paraded the streets "If you break faith with us who jubilantly. died, EPISODE FOURTEEN—Spanish- We shall not sleep, American War. Though poppies grow in Fland- Again in 1898, America heard ers Field." the cry of war. Under the com- EPISODE E I G H T E E N—The mand of Col. Theodore Roose- Grand Finale. velt these brave men pressed for- By land and sea, from all cor-

86 ;

ners of the world, people come So ended the greatest celebra- to Blue Island where patriotism tion known in Blue Island up to changes all who enter into a great this time It was a success in people — Americans. many ways. First, and certainly

This spectacle symbolizes the very important to its financial growth of America and will be backers, who provided the money climaxed by the "Wheel of prog- to get the idea behind the cen- ress" showing the Spirit of Blue tennial under way, it was a mone-

Island in its ever-forward move- tary success. When the Lions Club ment. "May Forward by your undertook the idea, they were watchword — Perfection your told by their "friends" that goal." ninety-nine percent of such af-

THE END fairs were failures. The Blue Is- Staged by land effort proved the contrary.

. . . .Mr. and Mrs. Jack Geller Every one of the original sub- Massed Choir under direction of scribers got his money back in

Mr. Rollin Pooler full, and after all expenses were Music director paid, there was a surplus of S750.

Mr. J. Norman Beasley This money was used to benefit Piano accompaniments by three worthy causes in Blue Is-

. .Mrs. Irene Hegner Jerstrom land, as the Blue Island Public Makeup room Welfare Bureau was given a third Mrs. George Joens, the charity fund of the St. Fran- Jule Shipman cis Hospital a third; and the

Pioneer Days

One of the pageants of the Centennial Celebration

87 The Big Centennial Parade Monday, September 2, 1935, despite the rain, a huge crowd crammed every inch of available space along Western Avenue, to witness this part of Blue Island's Centennial Celebration.

Lions Club of Blue Island charity had made their livelihood, built fund the final share. their homes, and raised their fam-

Although such financial success ilies. They had seen their churches was indeed heartening, it could and their schools grow and guide not be declared the most worth- them to a better life; their com- while result of the Centennial. In merce and their industry prosper. Blue Island in the early 30's, Now came the great realization community spirit and civic pride that, although the past had been were low and financial affairs glorious; in the words of the poet were unsteady. Here was a suc- Robert Browning, "The best is cessful Centennial of which every man, woman, and child in the yet to be." Truly, in their first community could be proud. Theirs one hundred years, Blue Island was a city with an illustrious past, and its Blue Islanders had really in which brave men and women come of age.

IV AND HERE WE ARE TODAY (1936-62) models: Crist, the Buick and Pon- With civic pride and faith in tiac; Witte, the Chevrolet; Bron- their future largely restored by son, the Chrysler; Pronger, the the tremendous success of the DeSoto; Fiedler-Mohr, the Dodge Centennial, Blue Islanders were and Plymouth; Habich, the Ford; more than ready for better days, Esche, the Hudson and Terra- and certainly these were long plane; and Ward, the Oldsmo- overdue. bile. The Ford V-8, including

An auto parade on Western bumpers and spare tires was list- Avenue afforded local dealers an ed at $495 and the four-door opportunity to show their new sedan deLuxe with built in trunk

88 at $655. The popular roadster building of a garage entrance. The with rumble seat sold at $550. old horseshoe doorway which had Oh, for the good old days — and become a landmark to many especially their prices! people had been obliterated, for

Already in that day there was horseshoeing was now only a a waterway meet in which it was sideline to auto work. Most of decided to have three passing Saeks and Carlson's time was now places for barges, and bids were taken up in general blacksmithing opened for the work to be done. such as axle work, bumper and The first of these places was to fender repairing, radiator clean- be on the passing slips in the ing and repairing, tool forging, Cal Sag channel between Ridge- welding, and lawnmower recon- land and Crawford. ditioning. Western Avenue was getting Harry W. Bettenhausen bought the new look. Mrs. J. L. Zacharias the building at 13118-22 Western erected a new building to make to open an electric appliance the business district more hand- store and Raymond Schwarts some and valuable. Henry I. bought the Acme Service Station Marks signed a lease for this new at 12447. There was a new struc- store and opened his Marks Store ture built at 13011 Western to be for Men, at 13047 Western. A occupied by the Schnitzelbank rather sad note to some, how- and Dr. Townsend, optometrist. ever, was that Blue Island's last By this time, Libby, McNeill blacksmith shop at 12719 West- & Libby had become the largest

ern lost its character through the pickle and condiment plant in the

The Campus Building When this building opened in 1950 Dr. Richards introduced the Two Two Plan of student housing, with juniors and seniors from all of District 218 attending here, and freshmen and sophomores going to Old Main. Later, two other buildings, located in population centers outside of Blue Island, were added for underclassmen of their districts.

89 world. It made front-page news as well as keeping one eye on the as a commercial canning industry butter and lard hijacking that was which was supplying baby food going on in the area. In March, for the Dionne quintuplets, on 1935, John McEvoy became po- which the five little Canadian lice chief, with Richard Sorgen- girls were thriving. frei as his lieutenant. Many German craftsmen in our That Blue Island was one of midst were employed in the wire the outstanding cities in church and steel companies: Wireton membership was revealed by a re- (Gilbert & Bennett), Webco Steel ligious study done by the Univer- Co., Rogers Galvanizing Co., and sity of Chicago. Blue Island the Blue Island Iron and Wire churches were flourishing. First, Works. the city was blessed with a new Many father-to-son businesses church group when a small but flourished. Christian Krueger, devoted body of Christian Scient- carpenter and undertaker, made ists organized in May of 1936 and his own caskets; his son Robert, held services the next month in made the first hearse; and Robert, the Masonic Temple. The Metho-

Jr. became an undertaker. Ed dists had two churches at the Blouin, with 43 continuous years time: the Central M. E. at Ver- as saloon keeper, brought in his mont and Western with the Rev. son Jimmy; the Heim Brothers, Leopold Schneider as minister, in the florist business for 55 and the First Methodist at Burr years, consisted of John Heim Oak and Western, with the Rev. with his sons Charles and Ed- Frank Hancock as minister. R. E. ward, and George Heim's widow, McCloy began his long career as and three sons. The Klein Elevator, Sunday School superintendent at operating since 1892, conducting the latter. Rev. W. J. Feme was a general business in flour, feed, pastor of the First Evangelical Lu- hay, grain and salt — both theran at Grove and Ann, and the retail and wholesale — was car- the Rev. Emil Helm pastor of the ried on by William & John Klein. Community Evangelical. Siloa Lu- The Henry F. Klein and Joseph theran, with pastor Edward Stark Schroth meat wholesale firm is and St. Paul Evangelical with the continued by the Klein, Schroth Rev. B. F. Freese were also serv- and Seyfarth families. R. New- ing the community. The First Con- house, coal dealer, also kept his gregational celebrated its 75th business in the family, and birthday, the Sunday School Schreiber Brother, hardware having been organized in 1849 merchants, continued under this and the church recognized in pioneer name. 1860. Rev. James Robert Smith, Policeman Harry Joens was pastor over forty years previous busy keeping our community safe to the celebration, was to preach.

90 Eisenhower Dedicates Campus Building In October of 1950, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, then president of Columbia University, brought Blue Island and the surrounding areas one of their really big days when he dedicated the Campus Building of the District 218 schools. Here to greet the famous visitors are County Superintendent of schools Simon Staes, Superintendent of Public Instruction Nickell, Henry G. Baumann, and Dr. Richards, Pinning on Ike's boutoniere is Gladys Nelson, then a junior at Com- munity High School.

Ruth Doermann, member of a over a city bond plan to help family long active in the Ameri- pull all local firms out of the can Lutheran Church, was elected slump, but they insisted that this International Secretary of the not be considered political action. Luther League of the American The Lions Club once again came Lutheran Church. up with a worthwhile proposi- The professional guide listed tion: to sponsor semi-annual Dol- optometrists Harry G. Dare and lar Day sales, which Ludwig Alan H. Fisher; physicians R. C. Blum, manager of the local Aiken and Osbey Woods; attor- Kline's Department Store, pro- neys Roy Massena, and the firm moted in conjunction with Mar- of Carlstrom, Klenk, Conway, ket Day. Participants who went Franklin and Turner. along with this business builder In order to boost business on included Koehler Paper Com- Western Avenue, one hundred pany, Pronger Brothers Depart- business men gathered to talk ment Store, Adam Kranich Jewel-

91 ry Store, Michael Rubino's Men's Hutchins, W. C. Bielfeldt, John L. Wear, Simon's Department Store, Synakiewicz, Samuel M. Havens,

Reuss Brothers Grocery, Albert's F. J. Van Overstraeten, Jacob Beauty Shop, Aulwurm's Grocery, Thoeming and Robert Dillman. In and the Bettenhausen Radio Shop. March also, William H. Weber be- Other activities listed in the busi- came the new president of the First ness directory at this time includ- National Bank. Henry Seyfarth ed furniure by Straham, printing was appointed bank attorney, and by the Melvin Press with H. R. John Zacharias and Ed Maroney, Swanson, tailoring by Versteeg, directors. and justice of the peace John H. Other projects designed to stim- Black. ulate business were the May Days, The Federal Housing Authority special sales endorsed by the was of great help to the com- Lions Club; and the two public munity in that they made an of- works projects: an addition to the ficial survey of homes as to high school, which had tripled in whether or not repairs or re- attendance and a viaduct over the modeling were contemplated and Rock Island tracks on Burr Oak, loans needed. The banks were to cost in the neighborhood of anxious to make FHA insured $400,000. mortgage loans, and new or re- The County Highway engineers modeled homes brought business favored a concrete viaduct over to Schrieber & Hohman, paint; Burr Oak Avenue and recom- Nagel & Stolz, brick; John E. mended the use of federal funds

Steinhart, finance; and Henry as it would be a relief measure Goesel, paint. to get men to their work faster, Paul T. Klenk, four times mayor Burr Oak being a main artery of Blue Island and eight years eastward. Street improvement assistant attorney-general of Illi- Work would affect nearly every nois, later formed a new law firm section of the city. with Franklin W. Klein as his Community High School, Dist. partner. 218, with John C. Joens as presi- The State Bank, which had been dent of the board, hearing that closed since the moratorium in government money was being of- March, 1933, re-opened with A. fered for worthwhile public R. Floreen, President; Walter C. works, considered the possibility Bielfeld, Vice President and Cash- of getting federal funds for the ier; Miss Esther Steinbach, Ass't. building of a sixteen-room addi-

Cashier ; and Henry L. Duff, Ass't. tion to the main building in Maple Cashier and Trust Officer. The Avenue, plus an auditorium, a board of directors, consisted of gym, and a natatorium. The Dis-

Charles Habich, F. J. Boyd, F. W. trict 218 board at that time con- Tracy, Rudolph Heitmann, C. B. sisted of Allen B. Knirsch, Emil

92 Mayor Hart greets Eisenhower The city's chief executive and the General seem to be considering a serious subject on Blue Island's big day.

J. Blatt and Walter C. Anderson. students and a hard financial situ-

On June 5, 1935, word was re- ation. Mr. Richcrds was chosen ceived that the high school was because he was the product of a approved by the North Central As- military academy, was a good sociation on a close margin, 29.5 disciplinarian, and had had execu- pupils per teacher, and 6 classes tive experience. per teacher being pretty close to Lions Club President Henry a non-approved limit. It was esti- Baumann presented illuminated mated that from seven to ten more framed testimonials, recognizing faculty members were needed. their public service, to John H.

Superintendent J. E. Lemon, Volp, Rudolph Heitmann, Alder- who had served forty-two years man Louis Rauch, Mayor Fred A. retired, and H. L. Richards was Rice, Dr. Frank Tracy, J. Floyd elected to succeed him, to be in Smith, Phil Seyfarth, and Al charge of a large school of 1150 Stolz.

93 Blue Island received the atten- J. W. Pronger, Dr. Clarence F. tion of the literary world when Folkers, dentist; Alderman Joseph

Margaret Ayer Barnes' new novel, W. Lentz, Samuel J. Eisendrath, Edna His Wife was published. who sold papers here in 1882; Mrs. Barnes used Blue Island as Edward Daugherty, Rock Island the home locale for the book and Railroad man; Emil C. Schaebes, made the heroine's father a Rock building contractor ; attorney Island telegraph operator. The Robert H. Gilson; Peter W. author was struck by the pic- Heintz, realtor and insurance turesqueness of Blue Island's hill man; Henry Heinecke (the skat- on Western Avenue, approaching ing newsboy), plumber; Harry from the south, and the heroine, W. Bettenhausen, radio shop own- Edna, looks back to Blue Island er! Don Boughner, railroad clerk; days with longing from her pent- N. R. Ramser, manager of the house in New York. Woolworth store ; Policeman The park board voted a $30,000 Frank Jenner; Walter A. Eggert, bond issue to acquire lots along superintendent of schools, District Walnut Street and Highland Ave- 130; H. L. Richards, Community nue for the completion of Mem- High School superintendent; orial Park. A WPA loan of Homer B. Clemmons and Harold $231,000 was to help make the C. Volp from the Sun-Standard; park one of the finest when com- and Al Tyler, railroader, all ad- pleted. It was to consist of a large mitted they got their financial administration building and field start as newsboys. house with offices, a gymnasium, The vote at the city election bathhouse, lockers, auditoriums, was split between the People's a 250 foot swimming pool, an Party which provided mayor Fred athletic field, an outdoor stadium A. Rice and the Greater Blue Is- with 1000 seating capacity, and land Party whose Louis F. a terraced and landscaped lawn. Schwartz became city clerk. The The park board also bought prop- council stayed under control of erty in the third ward for an the Greater Blue Island Party. eastside playground at Wood and The aldermen elected were: first

Vermont. ward, Louis W. Rauch (P) ; sec-

Many Blue Islanders took part ond ward, Henry Goesel (I) ;

in Old Newsboy Day, a project third ward, R. Guglielmucci (P) ; sponsored by the Lions Club, to fourth ward, Joseph W. Lentz

raise money for charity. George (G) ; fifth ward, Stewart Sand-

Engelland, pioneer newspaper berg (G) ; sixth ward, Dr. Thom- dealer, retraced the route he serv- as J. Scanlon, and Harry W. Hott- ed thirty-five years ago. Andrew endorf (tied) ; and William J. L. McCord, vice-president of the Gerdes (G), seventh ward. The First National Bank, Dr. Earle police magistrate elected was

94 Home of the Blue Island Elks This handsome structure was formerly occupied by the Illinois Bell Telephone Company.

George E. Heatley (G) and the ily, are of the Klein and Schroth secretary, Charles Anderson. Ru- wholesale meat packing industry. dolph Heitmann and Henry The city mourned the passing Schreiber were elected to the of Joseph Mateer Lobaugh, bank- park board. er, commission man, attorney and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hamlin real estate dealer. Mr. Lobaugh, Burno celebrated their golden an- a man who appreciated the prob- niversary on October 28, 1935. lems of his fellowmen, founded Mr. Burno, a Rock Island Rail- the Blue Island State Bank in road man, was very active in the 1912 and served faithfully in First Methodist Church, where he many capacities. served as a trustee for twenty-five Business changes of the time years. He also served on the included the opening of a new school board. office at 2427 Vermont Street by Henry F. and Emma (Foss) Henry L. Duff who began a trust Klein celebrated their golden wed- and property management busi- ding anniversary on December 6, ness. The Economy Coal Company 1935. The Kleins, a pioneer fam- continued service under manage-

95 ment of Mrs. Samuel Edwards with story wings providing eleven her son, Emlyn. Peter H. Krick classrooms and two study halls, a was named bank director of the band room, a lunch room and two First National Bank. In October, nurse's rooms. More tax money Fred Hohman purchased August would be needed to put Home Schreiber's interest in the book- Economics and Manual Training store at 13016 Western Avenue, a back into the curriculum. The in- business which had been estab- crease was voted in a subsequent lished in 1910. election. In 1936 our school authorities Carl Caul, the local representa- recognized the importance of a tive of the Chicago Motor Club, closer relationship bet ween arranged for school patrol work school and home and school and at both the parochial and public public. They called the attention schools. Boys in Sam Browne of the public to the low per cap- belts stood guard at crossings to ita cost of Blue Island Community protect boys and girls crossing High School with sixteen other the street. Fifty boys were given township schools. In spite of the recognition for outstanding work overcrowded high school condi- in this project. tions, the school was approved by The First Congregational the North Central Association of Church celebrated its 75th birth- Colleges, and the Lions Club day in October, 1935. The Rev. favored a referendum to increase James Robert Smith, pastor over the tax rate in order that they forty years previous, was invited might remain accredited. back into the pulpit to preach. A special election was called The Sunday School was organized for July 18th to aid the schools in 1849 and the group was recog- and Superintendent H. L. Rich- nized as a church in 1860. The ards and the school board pressed Rev. Aylesworth B. Bell showed for a government loan under the pictures of the 1865 church com- First Deficiency Act. A loan of pared with the present church. $104,000 and an additional grant The First Methodist Church at of $85,000 for construction of a Western Avenue and Burr Oak, seventeen room addition were ap- with the Rev. Frank Hancock as proved by President Roosevelt. pastor, observed its sixty-third

However, the government aid was birthday at a church dinner. It almost lost because of the failure had grown from twenty-five mem- of Blue Island residents to pass bers to over six hundred. A com- an increase in the school tax rate. munity room had been built, but, Continued efforts on the part because of financial difficulties, of Superintendent Richards and it had been rented to the WPA the board finally resulted in the during the depression. When the addition of two identical two- WPA moved into the Central Park

96 Fieldhouse in January of 1937, Blue Island Welfare Bureau un- the church was put up for sale der the direction of Mrs. Flowers, but would occupy the building were intimate and varied. The until negotiations were complet- home service department provided. ed layettes for babies. Comforters

The 75th anniversary of the and quilts were repaired and fill- founding of the St. Benedict pared. An annual drive for funds ish was celebrated in a solemn was conducted under the leader- high jubilee mass by veteran pas- ship of J. Floyd Smith to relieve tor, the Rev. Theodore G. Gross. the sufferings of families as a

The parish had been founded as result of fire loss, sudden illness,

a mission by the Benedictine Fa- or death. The Welfare Bureau al- thers in October of 1861. The so added an employment bureau membership had grown from 175 for young men nineteen years of families in 1905 to more than age and over, providing such work 500. as fall housecleaning, storm win- On July 11, 1937, Gerald E. dow placing, and other part-time Feme, the son of Rev. aand Mrs. work. They encouraged employ-

W. J. Feme was ordained to the ment rather than relief in keep- Holy Ministry at the First Evan- ing with the American doctrine. gelical Lutheran Church. Blue Island citizens also con-

St. Francis Hospital, which had tributed to the Red Cross for Texas served the community for thirty flood relief, and Kline's Depart- years, received the approval of the ment Store turned over five per

American College of Surgeons. cent of its Saturday's sales to this Blue Island citizens, feeling project.

responsible for the welfare of its Ray Barthel was appointed su- unemployed, contributed two perintendent of the Blue Island truckloads of clothing and food recreation project. The Recreation for distribution among the needy. Center was open for men, women,

These were collected at a motion and children every day but Satur-

picture party sponsored by the day from 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Lions Club and the Lyric Theater gymnasium provided an oppor- under the direction of H. B. Lund. tunity to play basketball, volley- Habich Brothers Motor Company ball, ping pong, and shuffleboard. donated a truck and Clifford L. An upstairs room was set aside Aulwurm furnished huge hampers for chess, checkers, etc. Various for delivery of the merchandise. crafts, including art, metal and

The American Legion also did its woodworking were taught. part by accumulating a sizable Recreation handcraft classes, in foundation for the Community cooperation with the American Chest fund to aid the needy. Legion, collected, repaired, and At this time the services of the painted toys which made over a

97 hundred children happy for courts were planned, and a swim- Christmas. ming pool was placed on the pre-

The city library was found full ferred list. The tennis courts and of studious youth doing research playgrounds were in daily use, and reference work after school and the grading and renovation and evenings. This was a mighty of the baseball diamond at Cen- fine place to meet friends, too! tennial Park on the East side was Additional books had been pur- also in progress. chased through the aid of state An annual sport, well attended funds, including such memorable by local citizens, was the basket- titles as: Pitkin's The Art of ball game between the high school Thinking; Van Loon's Geography; faculty and the graduates. Among Steffens' Boy on Horseback, and those on the faculty team in 1937 Muzzey's History of Our Country, were "Pop" Ewing, H. L. Rich- all popular books in that day. In ards, Birt Frobish, C. B. Price, order to stimulate the interest of C. L. Blunk, and Coach Eberhart. adults the public library started a A cart drawn by a small pony series of book reviews with two brought the faculty players onto primary purposes: to provide an the floor. The old grads, some of hour of entertainment for busy whom needed to trim off a few men and women, and to encour- pounds, consisted of Les Damm, age them to come to the library Bill Berry, Les Muir, Cliff Aul- to get acquainted with its new wurm, Carl Sorgenfrei, Clyde books and magazines, the purchase Beard, and Bud Jacobs, were led of which had been made possible onto the floor by Dr. E a r 1 e through the Illinois Emergency Pronger.

Relief Fund. The first book re- Soon after the beginning of the view was given by H. L. Richards, game, the faculty put on a sit-down who, having been a Social Studies strike and were offered ice-cream teacher, naturally picked a his- bars to entice them back into the torical novel, Drums Along The game. Even so, or perhaps be- Mohawk, by Walter D. Edmonds. cause of the added energy, the

Mrs. J. E. Lemon was to provide faculty won! the second book review. A number of projects with the In May, 1937, Edward C. Mar- assistance of the WPA were in oney, president of the Blue Island progress. These included: streets Park Board, made a special trip and sewers, the surfacing of Burr to Washington, D.C. to assure the Oak Avenue, the completion of allocation of an additional $58,- Memorial Park and the addition 000 WPA grant to complete Mem- to the high school. orial Park. The concrete outdoor Bids were received, contracts stadium to seat 3500 persons was awarded, and work started on near completion. Concrete tennis Blue Island's million gallon wa-

98 ter reservoir on January 11th, to hailed as one of the greatest of be erected on property at 121st modern blessings, Blue Island

Place and Highland Avenue, and could well pride itself on its high the B & CT railroad. A Fed- percentage of home owners, which eral PWA grant and sale of water was 70 percent. The city fathers bonds were to make this possible. gave credit to the association for Neighbors were assured that the helping to create a solid commun- plot would never be used for any- ity of fine schools, churches, and thing but the tank, and the homes, which had weathered the grounds would be landscaped and depression with flying colors. made beautiful. In October, the The personal wealth in Blue Is- reservoir was filled with water land ranked high according to the

for a test, the pumps were in- number of income tax returns fil- stalled, and connections were ed in comparison with other south made. The completion of this suburbs. The wealth was regard-

project provided a great addition ed as active, not static, as the to the city's water reserve and city had such a large percentage lessened the danger to water sup- of railroads, and the salaries of

ply which had threatened Blue Is- their employees fell into the in- land for the last few years. come tax class. A city with such

Two viaducts were on the coun- a high percentage of active in- ty program of highway improve- come could handle a better grade ments, one on Burr Oak Avenue of merchandise and could readily over the Rock Island tracks at an sell such items as medium-priced estimated cost of $300,000, accord- automobiles, radios and electric ing to the report of the county refrigerators.

commissioner, Carl J. Carlson. In October of 1937, Edmond Canal widening to 160 feet was H. Bronson purchased a battery again being pushed. Alderman and tire station at 12814 Western George F. Fiedler was appointed Avenue, where he handled a com-

by Mayor Rice to follow all pro- plete line of Firestone products cedures closely because of the and also home radios and electric great changes such a widening refrigerators. Bronson's father

would make in our city. was the earliest auto dealer in 1937 marked the fiftieth anni- Blue Island, having handled bi- versary of the Blue Island Sav- cycles before the auto age and ings and Loan Association, one of having opened his auto garage in

the oldest of its kind in Cook 1905. County. One and a half million Harry W. Bettenhausen, the dollars had been invested in Blue young proprietor of the leading Island homes on loans to people electrical appliance shops in buying or improving their dwell- South Cook County, completed ings. Since home ownership was air-conditioning his store at 13118

99 Western Avenue, this being the for the new four-year term as first store to be so modernized mayor. He had taken his first job in Blue Island. 15,000 people in a drugstore at twelve, and had crowded into the store to admire worked his way through high the innovation. school and the University of Illi- The American Wire Fabrics nois School of Pharmacy. Louis Corporation re-opened giving F. Schwartz, who had been a employment to sixty-five people. bookkeeper all his life, was The plant, producing screen wire, elected clerk. Richard Seyfarth, was modern and well equipped. a youthful attorney, became po- Charles H. Hannagan returned as lice magistrate, and August W. manager. Schreiber, an accountant, the Al Schuemann and George treasurer.

Staes, well-known young Blue Is- The aldermen elected were as landers, opened a modern food follows: first ward - Louis W. store and market at 12734 West- Rauch; second ward - Henry J. ern Avenue. The fruit and vege- Goesel and George F. Fiedler; tables were handled by Charles third ward - Michael Guglielmuc- Staes, father of George, and the ci and Gustav R. Lietzau; fourth butcher shop by Al Schuemann. ward - Joseph W. Lentz and Ar- Community Days were set for thur C. Ladwig; fifth ward - Feb. 18, 19, 20 and Western Otto Kasch and George Sutton;

Avenue prepared for the biggest sixth ward - Thomas J. Scanlon three days in history. The five and Charles Dewar; and seventh cent bus fare on the South Sub- ward - Clarence 0. Williams. urban Safeway buses within the Mayor Hart immediately an- city limits of Blue Island made it nounced that he would not run possible for shoppers to ride buses the mayor's office from the drug from one end of the city limit to store and established office hours the other for only a nickel. The at the City Hall. The administra- merchants were elated! tion of the City of Blue Island was The Blue Island city tax, though formally inducted into office on slightly greater than the previous a flower-decked stage at Eagles year, did not show nearly the in- Hall before an admiring throng crease that Chicago tax-payers of friends. A beautiful gold star had to dig up. set with a .66 carat diamond was 1937 marked the beginning of presented to Mayor Hart by his four-year terms for all city of- numerous friends. hun- ficials : mayor, clerk, treasurer, po- John McEvoy, known by lice magistrate, and aldermen. dreds of friends and neighbors The April election resulted in a as "Mac," took over the reins of complete victory for the Citizens' the police department on May 15 Party. John M. Hart was elected as chief of police through virtue

100 of his appointment by Mayor service board and Howard Heck- Hart. The appointment won the ler and Lowell Frasor u mem- 100 percent approval of the cit) bers of the recreation board. council. Paul R. Schreiber, young In Jul\. Floyd Smith resigned attorney and son of city treasur- as postmaster. President Hoover er August \Y. Schreiber, was nam- had given Mr. Smith the commis- ed to the position of city attor- sion in July. 1932. His term ex- ney, also with the unanimous con- pired in 1936, but he was able to sent of the council. Reappointed keep the position despite Demo- for other posts were : Wells cratic pressure which was a com-

Crockett, commissioner of assess- pliment to Mr. Smith. Anthony J. ments and tax commissioner, R. Lagod of the third ward was ten- B. Hammond, supt. of public dered a temporary appointment. works; Allen L. Fox, city en- On March 1, 1936, a quality gineer; H. J. Schnurstein, build- women's specialty shop. The May- ing commissioner; and Dr. Al- fair, was opened on 12956 S. bert J. Roemisch, health commis- Western by Henry G. Baumann. sioner. The store has grown to be one of Mayor Hart appointed Edward Blue Island's leading establish- H. Hopf as chairman of the civil ments.

Grace Methodist Church

After the two Methodist congregations in Blue Island combined, they occupied this beautiful edifice on Maple Avenue.

101 In May, 1937, the Lions Club the school on the North Central presented silk American flags to accredited list. Community High School and the As a result of the construction First Lutheran School. John E. work done in 1937, the city was Steinhart, head of the Americani- to benefit a great deal. Three zation Department, made the pre- public improvements, at a cost of sentation. $400,000, added much to the fu-

The Rotary Club saluted, in- ture comfort and pleasure of at stead of the "man of the month," least two generations of our citi- the entire board of Community zens. These were: Memorial Park, High School, who had over- the addition to the high school, come tremendous obstacles in and the new water works. their financial arrangements and Several new stores were added, building problems. That the addi- which enlarged the commercial tion to the high school was now activity. Factories were expand- completed was a great credit to ed, and one that had long been the community. Saluted were: closed reopened. Frank Rauwolf

John C. Joens, Emil J. Blatt, Louis was erecting a new store: the

J. Biedenkopf, Allen B. Knirsch, Jebens Hardware and the Melvin and Clifford L. Aulwurm. Service Station were added. The The high school had put manu- largest construction project was al training, cooking, and sewing a new warehouse for the Equip- back into the curriculum, and ment Manufacturing Company at sixty-five members of the city's 2829 Vermont. two service clubs, the Lions and The Blue Island Savings and

Rotary clubs, were guests of the Loan, which had celebrated its Board of Education in a tour of 50th birthday in 1937, held open the new additions. John C. Joens, house in its new building at 2429 president of the Board, welcomed West Vermont. The new struc- the visitors. ture was modern with terra cotta A larger faculty, more complete and glass-brick finish. curriculum, and more elbow The assets were growing with room made it possible to give bet- the following officers in charge: ter service to the 825 students A. C. Miller, president; Peter in the senior high school and the H. Krick, vice president; Arthur 425 freshmen at the North build- G. Olson, secretary and treasur- ing. Despite dour financial con- er; Emil J. Blatt, assistant secre- ditions there was a slight increase tary-treasurer; and Robert H. in teachers' salaries in order to Gilson, attorney. keep up a high standard of facul- The directors were: R.V. Zach- ty members. Though the attempt er, John A. Lentz, A.J. Eiserstedt, to increase the tax rate had failed, and Carl Groskopf. every effort was made to keep The merchants discussed a sales

102 :

crusade and adopted a slogan replaced by a new brick build- "More sales mean more jobs." ing, housing four small stores on Employment picked up at the Vermont, a larger store in front. Libby plant, whose products are The corner was owned by the sold nationally. People were en- Zacharias interests. couraged to buy Blue Island man- An indication that Blue Island ufactured products and stimulate citizens were prosperous was home industry. The wholesale dis- shown by federal income-tax fig- tribution business amounted to ures. Proportionately speaking, over nine million dollars, and the there were many more income manufactured products turned out tax payers in Blue Island than were valued at six-and-a-half mil- in two other large neighboring lion. cities: The figures were:

It was established that the 902 tax payers per 1000 in average citizen bought at retail Blue Island; 708 per 1000 in in the home community. Our citi- Chicago Heights; and 388 per zens were mostly railroad employ- 1000 in Calumet City. Unem- ees, workers in the wholesale and ployment was less than that in manufacturing establishments, ci- Harvey and our tax rate was the ty employees, school teachers, lowest of cities of comparable and commuters. size and service to the public in Retail distributors consisted of: the entire area. sixty-seven food stores, forty-six Blue Island, as always, was in- eating and drinking places, twen- terested in the welfare of its citi- ty-two filling stations, eleven gen- zens. The American Legion gave eral merchandise establishments, an inhalator to the first aid squad ten auto shops, ten automotive in line with their record of com- repair shops, seven apparel shops, munity betterment. Thus the Blue and six drug stores. Island Fire Department would be Two city landmarks disappear- aided in saving the lives of ed during 1938. One of them drowned victims and those suf- was the seventy-five year-old fering from carbon monoxide South building of Jebens Hard- poisoning, gas asphyxiation, elec- ware at 13311 Western Avenue. tric shock, or suffocation. It might Some of the bricks on the back also help save the lives of new- wall had been hand-made. A born infants. modern brick and stone building Under the general chairman- replaced the old landmark. An- ship of Henry G. Baumann, there other landmark to disappear was was a whirlwind drive for the the sixty-year-old frame Cavalli- Boy Scout movement. The zone ni building at the southeast corn- leaders were: John E. Steinhart, er of Western and Vermont. The J. Floyd Smith, Harry Lund, and Italian-American restaurant was Henry Duff.

103 The Illinois Commerce Com- The school enrollment figures mission issued an order "authori- in Cook County showed a trend zing, permitting, and directing" toward a large increase in the the Cook County Highway De- secondary or high school level. partment to contruct a new, mod- Community High School faced ern viaduct on Burr Oak Avenue the issue: either close the high over the Rock Island tracks, the school, cut it to a six-month ses- funds. cost to be borne entirely by the sion, or raise additional county and the railroad. Mayor Prof. Guy Fowlkes from the Uni- John M. Hart and Commissioner versity of Wisconsin was called in to view the actual existing con- Carl J. Carlson led the fight. The ditions. made two public ap- city enlarged its street program He the under the stimulus of the federal pearances to point out need four government's new spending pro- for a tax increase, stressing gram. $100,000 was spent for the points. a lack of much- paving and repair of the arterial 1. There was industrial. arts, house- streets. needed hold arts, and music courses. Final landscaping at Memorial of pupils per Park was rushed for the Memo- 2. The number teacher was too high. rial Day ceremonies. The park, salaries were an old pioneer cemetery, had 3. The teachers' lower than those of other been turned over as a place for the area; there- memorial purposes and as a recre- schools in ation center for the living. The fore the teacher turnover was $85,000 pool had been approved. too high, and it was neces- Edward Maroney, president of sary to employ inexperienced the park board, said the pool teachers. would be one of the finest in the 4. Blue Island was spending country with a greatest width of less to educate each child

150 feet, and water from fifteen than other schools of the to twenty feet deep. same size. The Park dedication was a Nevertheless, the special elec- feature of Memorial Day with tion to raise money for the high G. Frank Van Gorder the Patri- school failed. otic Association head as the prin- The Board, with John C. Joens cipal speaker. The committee con- as president, decided to limp sisted of representatives from along. Their chief concern was three veterans organizations: Wal- how could they hold their rating ter E. Edmondson, representing with North Central? the Spanish War veterans; Alfred In September the largest fresh- Thied, the Veterans of Foreign man class in the history of the Wars, and Harvey Antilla, the school enrolled, 430 strong. A American Legion. laboratory-history course, devel-

104 oped under Supt. Richards' dir- Dr. Kenneth Smith. They also ection, and known as "History of appointed two dentists to handle the West," attracted favorable examinations and emergency den- comments from educators. Stu- tal work. They were Dr. C. E. dents were taught more about Folkers and Dr. Taylor Bell. the trials of pioneer life, con- They hired a special teacher to trasting the disadvantages of earl- instruct several crippled children ier days with the many advant- in their homes as they were not ages of modern existence. Diver- able to attend school. sified English courses were taught A number of Blue Island grade to meet more nearly the special school children took honors on interests of the students: business, major exhibits at the garden oratory, dramatic, writing. The show at Navy Pier in Chicago. Blue Island Lions Club voted to They came home with a total of complete the vocational guidance 136 ribbons, among which were program at the high school. a first prize for a bud and branch Speakers from Northwestern and arrangement, a second prize for the Rock Island lines appeared a conservation poster and a con- on the program. A series of guid- servation map. The competition ance booklets was presented to was state wide. the school library. Air mail came to Blue Island H. L. Richards was chosen pre- in 1938. Pilot Schofield, in a sident of the Lions Club. The Taylor Cub plane, landed at following committee joined him 119th, a mile west of Western, in work on the high school prob- bringing 400 letters to Blue Is- lem: Rev. A. C. Nesmith, H. E. land. He picked up 700 special Seyfarth, John Steinhart, and Al letters from Blue Island for de- Stolz. livery to every state of the union. Dr. Leslie 0. Damm was elect- Postm aster Lagod thanked ed president of the grade school many for helping bring this about board, which consisted of Walter during Air Mail Week on the Anderson, Enger Anderson, Perry 20th anniversary of the founding Hoag and Fred Hohmann. Fred of the U.S. Postoffice Air Mail Hohmann was also elected to the service. high school board with the ex- The city looked proudly back press purpose of promoting arti- upon the accomplishments of culation between the two school John H. Volp, who had been a systems. The grade school board life-long resident and the presi- of District 130 appointed two dent of the Blue Island Publish- physicians to conduct physical ing Corporation, publishers of sev- examinations and to approve or eral newspapers in this area, and reject pupils in health matters. who passed away in 1938. Mr. These were Dr. A. B. Snider and Volp grew nine dollars into a

105 $50,000 firm during his colorful member of the executive board

life. The smell of ink and the de- of the New York Sun ; and Grover sire to "stick type" already be- A. Whalen, president of the New came an obsession when he was in York World Fair of 1939. his teens. In the spring of 1884, The city also paid tribute to when he was fourteen, he gradu- another favorite son, Rudolph E. ated from printer's devil to ap- Heitman, who had lived here prentice, and then from printer since 1897 and had been in the to reporter, from editor to pub- grocery chain store management lisher, and on to the top, using business, and then in his own every opportunity to gain another store at 12401 Western Avenue. notch. He was author and pub- Heitman had been unanimously lisher of The. First Hundred Years, selected as chairman of the Blue a colorful history of Blue Island, Island Centennial Committee, but upon which this book is largely had been forced to decline this based. honor because of failing health. The Blue Island City Council, He was able, however to serve headed by Mayor John Hart, paid faithfully on this committee. He tribute to this leading citizen. In was a member of the park board addition, the Blue Island Lions and a director of the State Bank, Club paid the following tribute: was associated with Henry Duff "John Henry Volp rendered val- in real estate and insurance, and uable service in the furtherance was active in the Lions Club. of civic projects and activities, After first working up a large the most memorable of which business at home, the Watland was the Centennial Celebration in Brothers came into prominence

1935, when he acted as general at this time when they opened chairman to commemorate the the Watland Camera Shop, a 100th anniversary of the founding modern up-to-date photography of this community. store, with a full line of camera "In business as a publisher he supplies and offering twenty-four was always unselfish in his devo- hour developing and printing tion and generous in his contri- service. Photography had been butions to the welfare of this a hobby of Arnold, who after community, the betterment of graduating from Community High which was his constant goal." had gone on to obtain quite a rep- Several leading citizens in the utation at the University of Chat- United States paid tribute to Mr. tanooga as a chemistry major and Volp: Kermit Roosevelt, the son football player. His brothers, of the nation's president, Theo- Vance, Keith, and Lester, joined dore Roosevelt; Dr. John H. Fin- him in his new venture, all work-

ley, editor-in-chief of the New ing hard to achieve the success York Times; Gilbert T. Hodges, which the shop soon came to

106 make possible. Jebsen. Eleven sons of the con-

Rotary 's January man-of-the gregation who had entered the month was Marvin Olmsted, the ministry returned to participate friend and instructor of hundreds in the services. The Luther League of the city's youngsters as a music celebrated its 25th anniversary, instructor who had worked pa- stressing the importance of youth tiently and zealously to better in the work of the church. the school's musical units. Firm faith in the future of our Dr. Ralph Diffenderfer con- city resulted in the Blue Island verted the Christian Krueger Publishing Corporation's decision home at 12840 Maple Avenue in to remodel its premises, purchase order to establish his office there, new equipment, and expand its following a current trend to have principal product, the Blue Island offices in residential rather than Sun-Standard. business districts. Dr. Robert Lee Harold C. Volp, president of James, a physician here for forty- the concern, succeeded his father, seven years as a general practi- John H. Volp. Homer B. Clem- tioner died in March. He had mons, a veteran newspaper man, taken part in building the high planned the dummy sheets which school in this city by serving on served as a guide for the makeup the school board as president for men in placing the advertising. fifteen years, during which time Lyman Massey was advertising the modern school was erected. manager; Walter Lysen, himself The First Lutheran Church cel- an athlete with a record of partici- ebrated its seventy-fifth anniver- pation in many sports, was sports sary, centering activities around editor; and Hill Lakin was respon- the splendid old historical church sible for the news. Two linotype edifice. The congregation consist- machines were in use daily. All ed of 800 families, making it the straight matter was set by Anna second largest in the American D. Haas, who had worked for Lutheran Church. The corner- the firm for fifty years, with the tone was laid in 1863, and it was help of H. F. Schifferl who had the oldest church in Blue Island started in 1925. Richard "Smitty" which had been continuously used Smith, master craftsman of the with practically no alterations. printing trade, was in charge of

The interior had been left un- advertising and heading compo- changed since worship during the sition. The Blue Island Sun-Stand- Civil War. The stone used in the ard had been in the hands of the church had been quarried from Volp family since 1876. Mrs. near Blue Island and hauled by Viola C. Volp had quietly aided ox and horse teams to the church her husband in the expansion of site. The chairman of the central the business and had served as anniversary committee was Ralph guide and inspiration for her

107 sons and daughter, Alice, who at ninety miles an hour, drawing carried on the business. a train of three coaches and two

Blue Island automobile dealers express cars. It was so clean that

George F. Fiedler and J. V. Bron- all he had to do was wash his son were elected to office in the hands when he got back! Israel South Suburban dealers' associa- "Ike" La More retired from Rock tion, Mr. Fiedler as vice-president, Island Railroad service after 55 and Mr. Bronson as secretary. years' service. He had been nick- Fiedler was also elected president named "Deadeye Ike" because of of the Dodge dealers in the Chi- his hunting prowess. Ironically, cago area. At the election meet- it was because of failing eyesight ing, optimism was expressed over in his right eye that he retired the enthusiastic reception of the to go on pension. He had started 1940 models of all makes. A new as an engineer at the age of twen- Pontiac organization, managed by ty and made a record for him-

M.L. Bowman, opened its doors self by working steadily for over at 12424 Western Avenue, having half a century. In that time he taken over the spacious quarters estimated that he had run more and salesrooms at that address. than 2,900,000 miles. Schreiber Brothers Hardware In June, 1939, Walter Heide, entered its 90th year in 1939, a native Blue Islander, took over with its business still located on the duties as acting superinten- the same site on which it was es- dent of the Rock Island lines. tablished prior to 1849. It has Mr. Heide was a member of a been owned and operated by the Rock Island family: his brother same family, founded by pioneer Edward was a towerman; his sis- settler August Schreiber, and now ter, Mrs. Emma Davies, was tick- carried on by the third genera- et agent at 119th Street; and tion. The huge auxiliary ware- another sister, Carrie Nielson, house and stock of the W. W. was ticket agent at 95th and Vin- Koehler Paper Company was de- cennes. Heide was born here in stroyed by fire, but Mr. Koehler 1888 the son of Henry Heide, rented an old laundry building to and began his railroad career in use as a storehouse and carried 1902 as a call boy. on business as usual. Mr. and Mrs. John F. Stuebe, The first trial run of a double veteran grocery and meat market diesel type of locomotive, just proprietors, celebrated their fif- purchased by the Rock Island tieth wedding anniversary. Their lines, was made on the Peoria Lucille Steube, line with engineer Ernest A. grand-daughter, Browner of 2336 Florence Street was wed to Louis Bettenhausen at the throttle. Engineer Browner on their anniversary date. Besides said the engine took the curves a daughter, Edith Isler, the couple

108 had four sons: Fred, Louis, John Frank Britt, fourth ward; Wil- and Arthur. liam Frey and Joseph Mausolf, Chester P. Sutton, a local sixth ward; and John Jones, sev- young man and graduate of local enth ward. schools, moved into the residence The city staged a clean-up, at 2620 Burr Oak, vacated by paint-up, repair, remodel drive. Fred L. Zacharias, and established T.F. Easton, general chairman, a funeral home. He had had for- was assisted by an executive commer experience at the Blue Island mittee consisting of Henry G. Funeral Home. Baumann, E.J. Anhorn, Harold Construction on stores and Richards, Emil Blatt, and L.M. homes began early in the year Weir, who were able to secure and building inspector Schnur- the cooperation of the schools, stein predicted a busy year. There churches, Boy Scouts, fire and were new homes going up in the police, and street and garbage sixth ward between Gregory and departments. Washington, south of 120th St. Memorial Park's new swim- On Western Avenue, the Pronger ming pool was filled with 38,000 building was remodeled and the gallons of water. The park board, new tenant, the A and P received with Edward C. Maroney as pre- a modern front. sident; Joseph W. Lentz, secre- The old viaduct over the Rock tary; A.L. McCord, treasurer; Island tracks had to go to make Paul T. Klenk, attorney; and way for the new one, on which Henry Schreiber, Dr. LeRoy T. the lowest bid was $472,388.53. Rowland, and Charles A. Ullrich,

Yard 22, the largest of the Illi- members; announced plans for nois Brick Company plants, was the dedication of the entire park reopened for about a month's run, on Labor Day. bringing employment to many The 150 x 120 feet pool was Blue Islanders over the holiday pronounced one of the finest in season. Cook County, being completely Figures of the Illinois Munici- floodlighted, and with the water pal League showed that our gov- purified and changed every eight ernment cost under Mayor Hart hours by a process of continued was more reasonable than other inflow, filtration and outflow. It cities of comparable size. Our was a source of great pride to the expense was low compared with community. The bath house could the cost of other municipalities accommodate 1500; and the new in our vicinity, which ranged community house was able to from $5.30 per $100 valuation in handle crowds of 300 people. The Blue Island to $21.42 in Burn- new fieldhouse was used by the ham and $16.16 in Markham. Blue Island Garden Club for a New men in the council were: flower show, arranged by a com-

109 ;

mittee consisting of Mrs. Charles part of the city. Libby's donated L. Van Wies, Mrs. Rudolph Heit- approximately twenty cases of man, Mrs. Ed. Henke and the club canned food. president, Mrsl R. N. Napier. The Woman's Auxiliary of St. The Memorial Park fieldhouse Francis Hospital elected the fol- was also used for the first annual lowing officers: Mrs. R.L. James, exhibition of the Blue Island Art president; Mrs. Roscoe Zahniser, Association. The exhibitors in- first vice-president; Mrs. Earle cluded several businessmen: E.J. Pronger, second vice-president; Warner, Walter Hoffer, and Fred Mrs. William Creighton, Record- Kirsten. Mrs. Robert Pronger, ing secretary; Mrs. Ralph Dif- Mrs. Rodney Davis, and Frede- fenderfer, financial secretary rick Seyfarth, already well-known Mrs. Franklin Klein, corresepond- artists, also exhibited paintings. ing secretary; Mrs. Joseph Lentz, The Welfare Bureau, then in membership chairman; and its twenty-third year, was one of Mrs. L. J. Laydon, social chair- the oldest continuous operating man. Book service at the hos- relief organizations of its kind pital was one year old. A cart in the state. Mrs. Florie Flowers load of books was wheeled from was and still is the salaried ad- room to room and over 200 books ministrator. Through years of were distributed each month. contact with the community, Mrs. This was just one example of the Flowers could cut through red increased usefulness of the city tape and grant speedy relief of library. the most variegated nature as Bryan B. Blalock, special problems arose: a bed for a very representative of Lions Interna- ill woman, clothing and books tional, praised the Blue Island for needy school children and club for establishing the new supply many other necessities. Riverdale-Dolton club and for In order to aid the Welfare spreading the spirit of Lionism. Bureau, members of the Lions Siloam Evangelical Lutheran Club conducted a welfare movie, Church, of the Augustana synod, asking clean clothing and canned observed its 50th birthday. There food as the admission ticket. The were only twelve Swedish fami- idea was conceived by Henry G. lies in Blue Island at the time it Baumann, general chairman, and was organized in the fall of 1889. he was aided by Lion President During the greater part of its Harold Richards, Dr. O.A.T. Bell, history services were conducted

Clifford Aulwurm, Al Stolz, and in Swedish, but there had been George Oetjen. The Boy Scouts a gradual transition to the Eng- helped canvas the city and picked lish language. The Mission Cove- 'up clothing and canned goods nant Church celebrated its 45th for the aid of the needy, in every anniversary. no The five children of the late records were properly kept, the John L. Zacharias and his wife, teachers were well qualified, and the late Louisa Zacharias, gave the students were polite, well- to the First Church of Christ, behaved, and interested in their Scientist, in memory of their work. He pointed out, however, parents, the vacant property at that since the majority of the the northwest corner of Burr Oak students did not go on to college, and Maple Avenues, upon which it was unfair to have only college- the congregation was to erect a preparatory courses and that the beautiful new church. industrial arts should be extend- In March, 1939, Community ed. High School closed for lack of Superintendent H. L. Richards funds, to be reopened only if the turned down an appointment as vote for a tax increase was "yes." delegate to the N.E.A. conven- The vote failed by only sixteen tion in San Francisco, with ex- votes. penses paid, because of the school The school's closing did not situation and the unprecedented stop our band winners, who won teacher turn-over caused by the five firsts, nine seconds and four low salaries paid. He felt that third places at the district solo his personal attention was needed and ensemble contests. here. The same group went on to After six defeats, the proposi- win state honors against such tion of increasing the tax rate for competition as Joliet, Elgin, Au- educational purposes of Com- rora, and La Salle. munity High School District 218 Harold C. Volp had an editori- was decisively carried. A great al entitled "For a Greater Blue many people had enough city Island" on the front page of the pride to avert the tragedy of the Sun-Standard in support of the school's losing accreditation with schools. Clifford L. Aulwurm the North Central Association. and Fred A. Hohmann were re- Economy was still the policy as turned to the board, showing the the high school planned for the confidence of the voters in the future on an even more conserva- high school directors. tive budget than it had been pur-

After investigation of a fact- suing. Superintendent H. L. Rich- finding committee, Dr. P.E. Belt- ards and the board set out to pay ing, state assistant superintendent off the accumulated debts, buy of public instruction, sent in a the necessary equipment to build report on the local high school up the industrial arts and com- showing that while industrial mercial departments. More li- equipment was somewhat limited, brary and science equipment was the library was improving, the also considered a must. The new administration was excellent, the salary schedule was to be spread

111 over a three-year period. practice at council meetings: af-

The $160,000 athletic field and ter each session he would call for stadium at 127th and Sacramento suggestions "for the good of the was a WPA project, but attorney community," so that matters of Franklin W. Klein was hard put mutual interest or benefit to the to try to re-arrange the bond city might be discussed. Alder- structure so that money would man Lentz suggested that more

be available for the board's share effort be made to locate new in- of the project. Henry S. Duff, dustries in Blue Island. Mayor local real estate man, with his Hart pointed out that our low tax

thorough knowledge of finances rate and our railroad facilities and accounting was elected sec- offer above average opportuni- retary. ties for new industries. During his The WPA adult education pro- administration Mayor Hart had ac- gram provided free evening class- complished the complete renova- es at the high school in the fol- tion and refurnishing of the city lowing subjects: bookkeeping, Council chambers, had maintain- typing, shorthand, salesmanship, ed a pay-as-you-go method of public speaking, and dramatics. handling city affairs, and had The only restriction was that the kept the city out of debt. With students be over eighteen and the help of the WPA several not attending day school. streets had been paved and new An important school board stop lights had been installed. meeting was held in which four According to building inspector grade schools, five parochial Henry Schnurstein, building had schools and the high school met nearly tripled, and he had turned to discuss an exchange of facili- over to Blue Island construction ties. Dr. Anderson from the Edu- and license fees of more than cation Department of the Univer- $490. The total construction cost sity of Chicago came out to dis- was $64,000, including six new cuss problems common to grade homes, three garages, the Mont- and high schools and to promote gomery Ward store alterations articulation between the two. Dr. and twenty-eight other building Leslie Damm, president of Dis- operations. The extensive Rohr-

trict 130, Dr. Frank Tracy, presi- bach properties in 13000 block dent of District 218, and Frank- on Western Avenue were sold to

lin Klein, school attorney, brought a local group of buyers through about an agreement by which the real estate dealers Peter H. Krick high school would use the Sey- and Son. mour-Whittier gymnasium in ex- Partly due to the availability change for bus service for the of FHA loans to prospective buy- grade school pupils. ers, twenty-five new homes were Mayor Hart instituted a new built in the sixth ward. A huge

112 steam shovel excavated the en- Mrs. Ed. Heckler, Louis Lom- tire block on the north side of bardo and Ewald Kling, director. 120th street from Gregory to Irv- Swimmers jammed the Memorial ing. It attracted wide attention Park pool during the summer and because of the mass excavation of were vocal in their praises. Both basements. Concrete forms for the children and adult attendance was whole block were poured at one very good. The bathhouse equip- time. Dirt from the excavation ment was adequate and the roomy was used for terraces between the benches around the water were sidewalk and the front of the inviting to tired swimmers who homes. The modern six-room wanted to rest. Many little tots homes, including landscaping, passed the swimming tests. A were to sell for $7,000 complete. first aid course was offered at

The WPA building program al- the Memorial Park Field Houe, lowed property owners to install the Blue Island Park District co- sidewalks at 13c per square foot operating with the American Red for materials while WPA paid the Cross to make it a success. rest. City Clerk Schwartz and The Lions Club cleaned up the

Mayor John M. Hart were making grounds at Maple Farm in order the arrangements between the to aid refugees. Henry Baumann property owners and the WPA. organized a committee to trans- One-hundred and twenty mer- port Boy Scouts to the farm to do chants participated in the eight- the preliminary work. H. C. Volp, day Fall Festival sponsored by H. L. Richards, T. F. Easton, S. the Blue Island Business Men's Bergland, and Don Boughner

Association, with E. J. Werner a hauled the boys to the farm. Phil- chairman, Emil J. Blatt, presi- ip Schreiber supervised the work. dent, Vera Bartle, secretary, and The Lions Club also held a dem-

Adam Kranich, treasurer. The di- onstration of the new S88 stretch- rectors were: Lowell Weir, Ar- er for the first aid squad of the thur Rush, Clifford L. Aulwurm, Fire Department. Allen Kollman Martin Fory, and Thomas Easton. was president and R. W. Bronson

The Chayken Brothers, A. J. vice-president of the First Aid and Ben, opened their recreation squad. hall and re-opened their bowling The Rotary Club donated a alleys. baby's iron lung to the commun-

A crowd of 3000 people wit- ity. It was kept at St. Francis nessed the opening of the new Hospital and had been used four ball park at 123rd and Western. times almost immediately after in- The playground and recreation stallation. board consisted of Dr. Frank W. The Woman's Club held its gold-

; Tracy, president; Mrs. Hope en anniversary luncheon in ( Knirsch, secretary; Lowell Frasor, ber of 1940. The club had been

113 started by Mrs. Harry Robinson covered rig became a familiar at a tea in 1890. Veteran mem- sight as he made his daily rounds ers still active in the club were: to Matteson, Richton Park, Chi- Mrs. Emily Roche, Bertha Morr- cago Heights, Roseland, Harvey, ill, Mrs. Mary Voorhees, Mrs. Riverdale, Dolton, and Ham- Henrietta McGrath, Mrs. Harriet mond. The trip was too much for B. Longacre, Mrs. Sadie Napier one horse, so he had to maintain and Mrs. Frances Krueger. Mrs. five saddle and buggy horses. He Irene E. Ewing was the club's had one of the first automobiles, president from 1937-1940. Its of- a "one-lunged" Oldsmobile. It ficers were: Mrs. Albert Stolz, was often necessary to get out first vice president; Mrs. John and get under, so he concluded

Kent, second vice-president; Mrs. that the horse still had something Otto Kasch, recording secretary; that the auto didn't — he never

Mrs. Birt Frobish, corresponding had to push it up a hill. He bought secretary; Mrs. Joseph Lentz, a new four-cylinder air-cooled treasurer; Mrs. Roy Massena and Premier in 1902, but had to give Mrs. Arthur Minard. up tooth-pulling as he had ruined The Blue Island Camera Club his dental equipment while mak- branched out to include a meeting minor repairs to his "gas- ing place, a display room and a buggy." dark room at the Masonic Tem- Billy Kirchner's hobby of mar- ple. The first competition was ionettes developed into something held at Watlands Camera Shop. more than that in 1940 as he made In the beginner's class, Norman his own marionettes, staged and Blatt ranked first; Karl Goetter, wrote his own scripts and put on second; Ed. Jebsen, third; and shows at the Public Library's C. E. Ames, fourth. In the ad- Children's Hour, under the direc- vanced class, Dr. Aaron Heim- tion of Bertha Lietzau. Don bach was first; Mrs. Heimbach, "Butch" Kolloway, a Blue Island second; Donald Chadiwick, third; athlete, was traded by the Okla- H. C. Barts, fourth, and George homa Indians to the White Sox.

Engelland, fifth. A. J. Eiserstedt retired after for- Dr. Edward A. Doepp, a Blue ty-four years' service with the Island physician for fifty years, Rock Island lines as foreman with told of his trials and tribulations the water service department. He as a "country doctor." On April came here to work for the Rock 14, 1890, he had driven to the Island in 1896. Mr. and Mrs. S. top of Western Avenue and rent- M. Wilson celebrated their fif- ed office space. He even pulled tieth wedding anniversary. Mr. teeth in addition to relieving Wilson was president of the Blue aches and pains, since Blue Island Island Lumber Company and past had no dentist at the time. His president of the Lions Club. Wil-

114 liam Busse was honored after collector; and Roy Bender, acting fifty years of public service. He superintendent. had served as deputy sheriff of Harold L. Richards, a graduate the County Board of Commission- of Penns) Ivania Military ers. Richard E. Sorgenfrei, a na- Academy, who had guided the tive Blue Islander and policeman high school through a most criti- for ten years, was named acting cal financial period to an A-l lieutenant for the police until the rating, was appointed defense co- position was filled by Civil Serv- ordinator by Mayor John M. Hart. ice. He was considered well-fitted for

Mayor John M. Hart was re- the job which, however, carried no elected as head of the city for a pay as there was no allowance second term. The Blue Island for the position. Mr. Richards

Progressive Party won a full tick- had been former commander of the for- et except for Ward I, where Louis American Legion and a Rauch. veteran alderman won mer president of the Lions Club. His two principal assistants for over Edward J. Schaller of the Progressive Party. The other of- defense were Mr. Creighton of the ficers were: Edward A. Korde- Legion and Mr. Flassig of the wick, treasurer; Louis F. Schwartz, VFW. Other volunteers were: La city clerk; Richard B. Seyfarth, Berdia, Antilla, Palmer, Schim- police magistrate. The aldermen mel, Ricks, Esposito. and city attorney Paul Schreiber. were: Louis W. Rauch, Ward 1; In March of 1941, a new serv- Henry J. Goesel, Ward 2; Rocco ice club was added. The officers Ziccardo, Ward 3; Joseph W. Lentz, Ward 4; Harry W. Sutton, of the newly organized Kiwanis Club were: Wesley A. Volp, pres- Ward 5; Joseph A. Mausolf, vice-presi- Ward 6; Clarence 0. Williams, ident; Birt E. Frobish, dent; Carl P. Caul, secretary- Ward 7. treasurer. The Board of Directors Other appointments were: Wells consisted of: Ed Harms, C. H. Crockett, commissioner of assess- Youngdahl, Arthur H. Anderson, ments and tax commissioner; C Arthur S. Newhouse, R. L. Huff- A. Dewar, acting street superin man, and Fred C. Cauble. The tendent; Dr. A. J. Roemisch local unit planned to devote its ac- health commissioner and city phy tivities to personalized humanitar- sician; Frank Rogers, civil serv ian work in Blue Island along the ice committee member; H. W objectives of Kiwanis Internation- Buhring, chairman of the board al. of appeals; Mrs. Hope Knirsch, The many friends of Homer A. playground board; Carrie Knick- Field regretted his sudden death

erbocker and Mrs. H. V. High, li- by automobile accident on Febru- brary board; L. F. Schwartz, city ary 13. Mr. Field had been presi-

115 dent of the Board of Trustees of tie, secretary. The directors were: the First Methodist Church for six- S. Bergland, Henry Herman, and teen years. He was a member of Ludwig Blum. Their discussion at the Western Society of Civil En- this time concerned itself with gineers, an engineer for bridges the desirability of keeping the re- and buildings for the Baltimore tail stores open on Thursday and Ohio railroad, and chief of nights. The accomplishments of their safety division. He was a for- the past year were listed as: Dol- mer member of the grade school lar Day promotion, sponsorship board- during the construction of of the Fall Festival, and the Yule- the Whittier school and gymna- tide decorations and program. sium. He designed and built the Lynn Burno had been placed in large railroad bridge at 96th charge of the musical program Street in South Chicago, describ- which was given over loud speak- ed as the largest span of its kind ers so that shoppers might enjoy in North America. He was sur- their shopping for gifts both large vived by his wife, Joan, daugh- and small in local stores. ter Helen Field Aiken, and three sons: Dr. Homer B. Field, Wil- The War Years liam Joseph and Dr. Robert E. The years 1942-45 may right- Thomas Easton of the Public fully be called "The War Years" Service company headed a drive as the United States was at war to raise funds for the U.S.O. with both Japan and Germany work in order to provide "A and their allies. Hence, Blue Is- Home Away from Home" for the land's history of those years cen- boys in service. Over $2000 was ters around the city's active par- collected. ticipation in helping her own sons, In the Blue Island Art exhibit her state, and her nation to win held at Memorial Park Field the war. House, paintings were exhibited Immediately in January, 1942, by: Warren Mavity, Mrs. P.W. the Selective Service Board, Dis- Pickett, Mrs. August Muir, Mrs. trict 14, was formed with Emil

Elizabeth Milosh, Mrs. Walter J. Blatt as chairman. The board Aevermann, Mrs. Edith Stevens, was busy with selection of draft-

Effie Ness, E. J. Warner, Mrs. ees and sending boys off for phy- Grace David, and Mr. and Mrs. sical examinations. The suspense Claude Breck. Mrs. L. C. Holt was must have been great for Blue Is- exhibition chairman. land's draft age young men as the The officers of the Blue Island number which was to be called Business Men's Association were: each month was kept a secret.

Ed Warner, president ; Martin Those staying at home were

F o r e y, vice-president; Adam busy with a multitude of activi-

Kranich, treasurer; and Vera Bar- ties, some for protection of civili-

116 ans, some financial, and some Edward Bochman and Henry C. rationing goods. In 1942, Mrs. Baumann. Immediately necessary

Fred Nichols, who was named H 08 a program to conserve cars, head of Red Cross War Relief, tires, and gasoline. Later in the set out to reach Blue Island's year these men distributed sugar first quota of $1,000 and estab- and canned goods ration books. lished a free course in First Aid. Deciding who should get the six With her, William Postweiler new cars given to Blue Island for started junior first aid courses the month of March, 1942, was and gave of his time so willingly just one of their minor headaches. that in December, 1943, he was Yet so faithfully and thoroughly cited for his work with the Ameri- did they perform their multitude can Red Cross. He was named of tasks that this local board, First Aid, Water Safety and Ac- working even one year afer the cident Prevention Director for close of the war, received an ef- his 300 hours of volunteer serv- ficiency rating of over ninety, one ice. of the highest such ratings in the In January, 1942, Superintend- entire state. The group had the ent H. L. Richards of Community additional distinction of being one

High School was appointed Blue which preserved its original mem-

Island Defense Coordinator and bership all during these trying spoke to many civic clubs about years. the needs for protection of the No part of Blue Island was left community, while Dr. Earle J. untouched by the war's demands, Pronger became Civil Defense and everywhere those demands Casualty Director. Uncle Sam de- were more than satisfactorily an- cided to change Richards' duties swered. Miss Bertha Lietzau, head so with his call to the U.S. Army librarian at the Blue Island Pub- in February, 1942, William G. lic Library, was successful in get- Schimmel became the new Civil ting Blue Islanders to bring in Defense Coordinator and Mrs. H. their books for the servicemen. L. Richards became acting super- In January of 1942, the citizens intendent of the high school. bought more than $650,000 in de- While the home people needed fense bonds and stamps. A sec- to be prepared to protect them- ond drive was equally as success- selves, restrictions were placed ful, when a $555,958.50 purchase on them, too. The local rationing oversubscribed the announced and price administration board be- goal of $450,000. To Blue Island- gan its almost endless and well ers a mere 100 percent was not nigh thankless work, with Hen- enough. The Blue Island police ry Duff, chairman; Roy Fiedler, station was named the center of vice-chairman; Earle B. James, ex- Division 1, for air raid warn- ecutive secretary; and members ing, and was responsible for alert-

117 ing Chicago Heights and Harvey. Other committees with chair- The schools, too, were doing men included War Loan Com- their part as Community High mittee, Paul T. Klenk; Nurse's School under Mrs. Richards added Aide Recruiting, Mrs. Frances new courses such as metal shop, Walton ; Community and War printing, Spanish and new com- Fund Drive, J. Floyd Smith; and mercial courses to meet the war Home Nursing courses, Mrs. needs. One of the principals, Mr. Charles Kennedy. C. B. Price, attended Air Raid To show early appreciation to Warden school and returned to our servicemen an Honor Roll for open such a school in Blue Island all Blue Island servicemen was to teach air raid wardens in the dedicated at Memorial Park on local community. To give these Sunday, October 16, 1943. Mrs. men a chance to try their newly Krech was in charge with Mayor learned techniques a mock air Hart, Millard A. Rauhoff, Army raid was staged in Blue Island, Captain Vincent Nightengale, May 23, 1943. Navy Lt. Commander Howard The draft board and reserves Sigtenhorst, and Paul T. Klenk continued to be busy as by June serving on the committee. The

11, 1942, 460 men from Blue Is- community also showed its will- land were in the service. Blue Is- ingness to sacrifice when 146 land citizens wanted to be sure pints of blood were collected at that these boys, wherever station- the Mobile Blood Bank in August, ed, would know their home town 1944. was back of them, so they organ- Perhaps one of the highlights ized the Blue Island Citizens Com- of the year 1944 for Blue Island mittee with twenty-two organiza- was the launching in December tions represented. The president of the "U.S.S. Blue Island Vic- was Harold Frasor; secretary, tory" ship at Baltimore, Md. Millard Rauhoff; and chairman christened by Mrs. Virginia Mat- of finance, Paul Klenk. In Febru- zen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. ary, Mrs. Carrie Sidler was elect- Robert L. Huffman, 2251 W. 121st ed president of the women's di- Place, as sponsor. vision. With her, worked Mrs. That the tremendous efforts Fred Krech sending cigarettes and which Blue Islanders were shar- Sun-Standard subscriptions to ing with this nation — in fact, men in the armed services from with the entire free world — were Blue Island. Later Mrs. Frank bound to win success in our Kasten headed this auxiliary. Nor mightiest effort became evident were other servicemen forgotten early in 1945. The surrender of as Thomas F. Easton headed the Germany marked the beginning of U.S.O. drive with its goal of the end in April of that year. Al- $3200. though the word of the allies'

118 victory over Japan on Tuesday, BLUE ISLAND'S August 14, was accepted with deep WORLD WAR II feeling and rejoicing, there were some who still felt that it might Gold Star Honor Roll be too good to be true. Accord- ing to the Sun-Standard, "The {As printed in the Sun-Standard, first impression was that the peo- August 23, 1945) ple were stunned and rather doubted whether or not this was really 'it,' but as Tuesday even- HONOR ROLL ing wore on, Blue Island got its Army Casualties stride and staged an impromptu celebration which lasted far be- PVT. AURELIO ALVARADO yond midnight." Blue Island and Died in fall from troop train in Louisiana, Sept. 19, 1944. its citizens were happy to join the two day national celebration T/5 LOUIS J. ARCHAMBEAU which had been announced by Killed in action in Luxembourg, President Truman. Dec. 26, 1944. Blue Island contributions to the PVT. RICHARD J. BARCAL December, war effort included many, as just Killed in France, recorded. From a population of 1945. 16,638 in 1940, 2,193 men and PVT. CORNELIUS BINK Killed in action in Luxembourg, women served in the armed forces 1944. from this community .^Of these the Dec. 30, PVT. SAMUEL BRUNO Gold Star list showed more than Died of wounds received in ac- 70 casualties. (This list is given tion in France, Aug. 11, 1944. at the end of this section.) B. COX "Blue Island Victory," the ship S/SGT. DONALD Killed in action in Belgium, named for the city and christened Jan. 9, 1945. December 28, 1944 by Virginia LT. BENJAMIN J. DOMINIK Matzen and Anne Christensen, it Killed on maneuvers in Louisi- was learned, had been a mighty ana, March 22, 1944. factor in winning the war, as it CPL. JESSE E. DRENNER was used on one occasion to haul Killed in France, Jan. 31, 1945. ammunition to General Patton's PFC. RALPH DUEY action in Germany, army in Europe among other du- Killed in Nov. 28, 1944. ties, and was now a troop ship SGT. VINCENT S. DYRCZ bringing G. I.'s back to the states. Killed in action in aerial mis- the ship a daily paper called On sion over France, Aug. 26, 1944. "The Blue Island Home Run" was PVT. EDWARD W. EDWARDS. published. Killed in action in Belgium,

119 Jan. 13, 1945. Sept. 20, 1944. PVT. ROBERT EISTERSTEDT SGT. HOWARD G. HERZOG Killed in action in Italy, Oct. Killed in action on Luzon, P.I.,

4, 1944. Feb. 2, 1945.

PFC. JOHN J. EKERT LT. RAYMOND HOCHHEIMER Killed in action on Jolo Isle Died in plane crash, Wendover,

in Pacific, April 9, 1945. Utah, Jan. 2, 1943. PFC. LEONARD A. ENGSTROM T/SGT. NORMAN B. HUEBNER Died of wounds received in Killed in aerial action in Ru- action in Germany. Death pre- mania, May 31, 1944. sumably occurred in prison PVT. NORBERT JAUCHZER camp on Oct. 21, 1944. Killed in Italy on drive on PFC. KENNETH 0. ERICKSON Rome, May 18, 1944. Killed in action in France, Nov. LT. KEITH M. JONES 9, 1944. Killed in action in Germany, PVT. JOSEPH ERRICO Nov. 27, 1944. Killed in action in Germany, LT. DONALD Q. KASCH March 22, 1945. Bomber co-pilot, presumably LT. ERNEST F. EVANSON killed by German machine gun Died in plane crash, Dinjau, fire in an air battle over Ger-

India, Nov. 27, 1943. many, March 8, 1944. PFC. FLORIAN M. FELISZAK T/SGT. ROBERT KRUEGER Died of streptococcus and pneu- Killed in action on "D" Day

monia at Camp Grant, July 8, in France, June 6, 1944. 1945. SGT. HAROLD P. KURUZAR

PFC. LOYAL FLASSIG Killed in action in Italy, Feb. 5, Killed in action in France, Nov. 1945. 14, 1944. SGT. GEORGE LAIR CPL. ROY B. FOX Killed in action in France, July Killed in action in Belgium, 11, 1944. Dec. 20, 1944. PFC VINCENT LEJO PVT. JAMES FRUNDLE Killed in auto accident, Ft. Died at Huff Gen. Hospital, Knox, Ky., Jan. 21, 1945. Santa Barbara, Calif., July 12, PFC. EARL LEGG 1942. Killed in action in France, Nov. PVT. EDWARD HAAKE 28, 1944. Killed in action in France, T/SGT. ERWIN LUNN July 30, 1944. Killed in action in France, LT. ROSS H. HALL Aug. 10, 1944. Killed in aerial action over PVT. RALPH PAUL MEAR Germany, April 24, 1944. Killed at St. Lo, France, Aug- PFC. EDWARD V. HENSCHLER ust, 15, 1944. Killed in action in Holland, PFC. TRINO MENDEZ

120 Killed in action in Holland, Killed in action in Italy, Janu- Sept. 25, 1944. ary 1945. PFC. NORMAN R. MILLER PFC. PAUL M. WEHLAN Killed in action in France, Nov. Killed in action in Italy, June 22, 1944. 28, 1944. LT. RUSSELL C. MORSE PFC. ROBERT K. WILSON

Killed in action in Germany, Died of wounds received in March 20, 1945. action in Germany, Jan. 29, PFC. ANTHONY ORSENO 1945. Killed in action in Germany, Navy Casualties

April 5, 1945. ENSIGN CLIFFORD 0. BAUSOR FLIGHT OFFICER RICHARD W. A Corsair fighter pilot killed in PAULSEN action in Pacific area, July 24, Killed in crash in Belgium, 1945. May 13, 1945. WT 2/c EDWARD C. BUCZEK HARRY EDWARD RITO Lost at sea during typhoon Killed in action on Okinawa, near Philippines, Dec. 18, 1944.

May 2, 1945. A.V.C. WILLIAM A. HILDAHL PFC. NORMAN SANDS Killed in plane crash at Hut- Killed in plane crash near Peru, chinson, Kans., June 18, 1945. Mass., Aug. 15, 1942. RT. 1/c STEWART F. KAUF- S/SGT. PETER SORIA MAN Killed in action in N. Africa, Killed in action on board SS Jan. 23, 1943. Rich, near France, July 11, SGT. PAUL STEFEK 1944. Died in a Jap Prison Camp, S 1/c JOHN F. MOORE May, 1943. Killed in explosion-fire on ship PFC. ANDRES STERKOWITZ at San Pedro, Oct. 21, 1944. Killed in auto accident in Aus- AEM 2/3 JOHN CARLYLE RIE- tria, June 14, 1945. GER 1st LT. GEORGE E. TRAGNITZ Lost at sinking of SS Bismarck, Killed in action in Germany, Battle of Leyte, Feb. 21, 1945. Nov. 29, 1944. Marine Casualties

SGT. ANTHONY TRELLA PVT. TOM J. ARTIST

Killed in action in Belgium, Killed in action on Howie Is- Dec. 16, 1944. land, March 13, 1944. PVT. FRANK ULRICH CPL. BYRON L. HIGGINS Drowned at Alpena, Michigan, Killed in action in SW Pacific, July 21, 1940 August, 1940.

SGT. PHILLIP J. WADE PFC. CHARLES E. OETJEN Died in prisoner of war camp Killed in action at Tarawa,

in Germany, Oct. 4, 1944. Betio Isle, Nov. 23, 1943. LT. ROBERT C. WALLACE PVT. HERBERT W. ULRICH

121 Killed in action on Iwo Jima, of the Citizens Party except the

March 7, 1945. alderman of the fifth ward, which PFC. ALLEN E. ROLETTE position was won by Elmer John- Killed in action on Guam, in son. Others elected were Mayor, July, 1944. John M. Hart; City Clerk, Louis U. S. Coast Guard Casualties F. Schwartz; Police Magistrate,

LOWELL CLIFFORD GRIFFITH David J. Cullinan; and City Treas-

Killed by hit and run motorist urer, Emil J. Blatt. in Harvey, July 23, 1945. Blue Island churches were act- Thus with the end of World ive in the war effort as many of the sixteen most prominent sent

War II, the community was ready their priests or ministers to serve to adjust its life to the post-war as chaplains. Other church acti- years. While the war activities vities included a celebration at had been taking much of the time St. Benedict's on April 23, 1942, of Blue Islanders, life was con- when Father Gross was honored tinuing on an even keel in city for twenty-five years of service elections, clubs, school elections, at this church. This record made and business, with some curtail- him, along with Rev. M. P. F. ment of the latter. Certainly the Doermann and Rev. R. Rempke, fact that even through these years, one of the pastors with the longest the Community Fund had contin- service to their respective con- ued to make its yearly goal is a gregations. On April 8, 1943 great testimony that Blue Island- the First Methodist and Central ers had resolved to keep home Methodist churches merged and efforts going, also. became Grace Methodist Church,

In city government the Blue while on Sunday, June 6, 1943, Island Police Department staged St. Paul's Evangelical and Re- a benefit boxing show on Feb- formed Church celebrated its 50th ruary 27, 1943 to buy a city am- anniversary, the church having bulance. This event has become been founded June 11, 1893. The an annual affair with funds now pastor, Rev. W. W. Wilke pre- going to the police and city em- sided at the services on Sunday, ployees protective benevolent as- with Rev. William Rest speaker at sociation fund. In February of the morning worship and Rev. 1943, a new librarian, Miss Doro- Benjamin F. Freese, only living thea M. Krause, was appointed ex-pastor, at the evening. The by the library board, and in Ap- only charter member living was ril, Mr. Edward C. Maroney, and Mr. William Kirchner. On Fri- Mr. Harvey Antilla were elected day, June 11, 1943, all churches to the park board. and people of the community The city officials elected in were invited to a Community Cel-

April, 1945, were all members ebration.

122 Blue Island received an addi- business machines; developed an tional blessing in December of expanded program in foreign this year when the Church of the languages by adding Spanish; Nazarene was organized, with six- and gave incentives to the honor teen charter members. Members students by establishing a chap- of the Harvey Church of the Naz- ter of the National Honor Society arene had been very helpful in St. Francis Hospital by 1943 getting this local group under had 110 beds and in that year way. At first the members had to was approved by American Col- meet in a store building, but so lege of Surgeons for residences rapid was their growth that they or fellowships. It was also approv- were able to move into their own ed by the Council of Medical Edu- lovely brick building at 12815 cation and Hospitals of the Ame- Gregory Street in 1945. rican Medical Association. Changes were taking place in The Blue Island Business Men's both the elementary and high Association was active, with Ed schools. School board members Warner as president and Lynn, for District 130 elected in 1942 Burno as secretary in 1942. This were President Leslie 0. Damm, organization saw old businesses and members Fred A. Hohman, remodeled with the opening of and Earl W. Jorgensen. In the the newly remodeled Lyric Thea- same year the voters extended tre on March 22, 1942, and new the term of office of the presi- businesses develop. Three new dent to three years. The follow- industries which opened in 1943 ing year Perry Hoag and Wm. in Blue Island were Wickwire G. Schimmel were elected to the Spencer Aviation Corporation at board. As part of the school ex- 2348 W. 136th Street; Cardox, pansion program for the elemen- manufacturers of fire trucks and tary school, District 130, board extinguishers at 2940 Burr Oak; members established a kindergar- and Vapofier, manufacturers of ten for the first time in 1943. high pressure steel plug valves Community High School, District used in making high octane gas, 218, also was expanded under at 11957 Vincennes. Stephen T. the leadership of Mrs. Richards Hoag, manager of the local Sears and the board consisting of Presi- store, became the new president dent Dr. Frank W. Tracy, Clifford of the Blue Island Business Men's Aulwurm, Fred A. Hohman, Lou- Association with Arthur Stuebe is Biedenkopf, and Secretary H. as vice-president, Vera Bartle as L. Duff. In 1942, the high school secretary, and Adam Kranich, began to expand its vocational treasurer. The First National Bank courses educating children in had recently elected officers with mechanical and technical skills A. L. McCord, president; Ed Ma- by adding metal shop, printing, roney, vice-president; Philip W.

123 Seyfarth, assistant cashier; and in Blue Island during these war Fred L. Zacharias, cashier. On years, and the Blue Island Wom- March 19, 1942, the Kiwanis Club an's Club which met in the Elks of Blue Island observed its first Club rooms was very fortunate anniversary with Birt E. Frobish in 1942, while under the presi- as president, John Willis as vice- dency of Mrs. John Kent, to re- president, Carl Caul, secretary ceive a valuable gift, the Myrtie and treasurer, and Wesley A. J. Albee home which was left to Volp, immediate past president. the club in Mrs. Albee's will up- The Lions Club, the oldest and on her death in June, 1942. The largest service organization in widow of Henry W. Albee left

Blue Island, celebrated its twen- her lovely home at 13018 S. Ma- tieth anniversary with E.J. Warn- ple Ave., all furnishings and er as president, and John E. Stein- $2500 cash to the club for its hart as chairman of the celebra- club home. It was opened and tion. The celebration banquet was dedicated October 27, 1942. This held February 10, 1943 in the has been the home of the Wom- Elks Clubroom. Dr. Frank W. en's Club since and has been well Tracy, one of the founders and preserved and cared for during the first president, spoke to an this time. Others who served as audience of 200 people. He was president during these years were presented with a plaque honoring Mrs. L. C. Holt, Mrs. Alden him for his part in founding the Klein and Mrs. E. V. Hill. club. Another charter member, The Junior Woman's Club, too, Mr. Peter W. Heintz, gave a re- was active during this time and view of the twenty years activi- was fortunate also to be able to ties. Only two other charter mem- share the future home of the bers were present—William C. Woman's Club. Presidents from Hake, and Al Stotz. The club had 1942-1945 were Mrs. Dale Pryor, started with fifteen members and Mrs. Irving King, and Mrs. Justin in the twentieth year had grown Boyd. to eighty-five members. Besides The Blue Island Garden Club

the club history, the group was was still enjoying the beauty of entertained by a variety show of Blue Island gardens when in local talent. At this time, too, one June, 1943 they visited the Nap- of the Lions active members, and ier peony garden, one of the show a past president, Henry Baumann, spots of Blue Island, during the was again chosen finance chair- regular meeting of the club and man of Community Boy Scouts, re-elected Mrs. Rudolph Heitman and in 1944 vice-chairman of the as president. South Shore District Boy Scout The city government was the Committee. first agency to begin its adjust- Women's clubs, too, were active ment to the post-war years as it

124 St. Francis Hospital

Picture taken after addition of north section. A drive to add a six million dollar building, to the north and west of the present structure, was under way in 1961. saw changes in the fire depart- almost two years when on March ment with a new chief succeeding 28, 29, and 30, 1947, the public John Link, who retired on July was invited to an open house at 30, 1945. A party was given in the new city fire station and gar- his honor by members of the de- age. The $130,000 structure on partment, who also presented him Vermont near Greenwood was with an easy chair. Allen G. Koll- the pride of the city officials. Ma- man served as new fire chief and ny persons had a share in the two new members, William Bar- celebration as the three civic zycki and Donald Uthe joined clubs—Lions, Rotary, and Kiwa- the department in August, 1945. nis, presented kitchen utensils In September of 1945 Mayor and cooking ware to the fire de- Hart and the city council planned partment. for the post-war improvements The federal government ap- which included a new city garage, pointed a new postmaster on fire department and heating plant, June 1, 1946 when Daniel J. Boyd and new street signs. This build- succeeded John Q. McDonald, ing project, while seeming like who returned to postoffice clerk a dream, became a reality after because of poor health.

125 New; Apartment Buildings

Located on 119th street, below the hill, this apartment building is only one of the many attractive rental locations for new residents of the city.

Blue Island was saddened by ing aldermen were elected to the death of one of its former serve in the city council: Ward 1,

mayors, Frank Kasten, who serv- Edward Schaller; Ward II, Ru-

ed in 1929, 1931, and 1933, who dolph J. Banovich; Ward III, Carl

passed away in December, 1946. Jankowski ; Ward IV, John He had been International Pre- Waugh; Ward V, Elmer Johnson; sident of United Brick and Clay Ward VI, William Frey; and Workers of America. Ward VII, Arthur Schaller. Mem- In January, 1947, Alderman bers elected to the park board George F. Fiedler of the second were Chester E. Sutton and John ward announced that he would Link, Jr. not be a candidate for reelection. As an experiment in city gov- He was dean of the Blue Island ernment, Community High School City Council, having served con- students ran the city government tinously for twenty-six years from for a day on April 29. Three 1921 when he was elected under political parties at the school had Mayor Paul T. Klenk. He had been working on their campaigns also been president of the Police and staged a mock election to Pension Board since 1921. On choose those students who would

April 28, 1947, Mayor Hart, the fill the city posts. From the three city council and other city offi- parties these were chosen: Chair- cials who served with him gave les Schumacher, mayor; Connie a dinner in his honor. Myers, city clerk; George Greav-

On April 15, 1947, the follow- es, police magistrate; Bob Gar-

126 rels, treasurer; Bob Hunter, city Brooks attended the banquet and engineer; and Fred Leidolph, spoke of the fine work Kistner assistant engineer. Fourteen al- had done. Mayor John M. Hart dermen were elected and several gave the welcome, while Frank other appointments were made A. Bella, president of the Calumet by the officers elected. The group Township Republican Club, pre- who felt they had the best experi- sided. Mr. Kistner was given a ence were the policemen who 1949 Mercury four door sedan by delighted in placing tickets on his admirers, with Governor cars, and the firemen who spent Green making the formal presen- their day sliding down the pole, tation. riding the trucks, or having lunch In 1945 changes were taking from the new refrigerator. In all, place in the churches with new both the students and city offi- churches being built and new cials whom they represented en- ministers coming into some of joyed the day, and it proved to the others. On July 26, 1945, be a valuable learning experience construction began on the Church for all the students. of the Nazarene at 12817 Gregory

George H. Faming was appoint- and the Methodists let the contract ed in April, 1948 by the Blue Is- for the building of a new church land park board to be the new structure in November, 1945 with superintendent of Blue Island plans to be completed October parks. Mr. Farning was to succeed 1, 1946. Arthur Strutzenberg, who had Also in 1945 Rev. E.W. Mag- served for over a quarter of a nusson became pastor of the century. Also appointed was Mrs. Siloam Evangelical Lutheran Lois Link Fedor as secretary of Church at Collins near Green- the park board, a part time posi- wood. Many Blue Islanders en- tion which had been formerly joyed reading Rev. Magnusson's filled by Leslie I. McCord. column in the Sun-Standard call- In township politics, too, local ed "The Wayside Pulpit," which officials were taking part in hon- he wrote during all the years he oring one of their own citizens. resided in Blue Island. The First

On the night of October 13, 1948, Congregational lost its minister a banquet was held in Eagles Hall when Dr. Frederick F. Shannon honoring Earl F. Kistner, Calu- left Blue Island. met Township Republican com- The years 1946 and 1947 were mitteeman and secretary of the highlights in the history of the Cook County Republican Central Grace Methodist Church, which Committee. To show with what was to unite the two fomer church- esteem Mr. Kistner was held in es of this denomination in Blue

the state, both Governor Dwight Island. While many worshipers Green and Senator C. Wayland of both former congregations had

127 helped in solving the problems George Fowler, pastor of St. of this union, and those of the James Church, Chicago, spoke, building of a new church, there and a "Youth Night" with Edward would be none who would deny Thomas, president of the local a leading part in the building of M.Y.F. presiding. Thus, a beau- tlie beautiful new edifice, and tiful sanctuary was opened to the the happy merger of the two con- worshipers in Blue Island. gregations, to Dr. T. Harry Kell- On September 4, 1947 Rev. ey, who had served as the minis- W.H. Ruth was installed as paster of the First Methodist Church. tor of the First Evangelical Lu- The Cornerstone was dedicated theran Church. He was a native on Sunday, June 30, with quite of New York, graduated from a large crowd staying through Capitol University, and formerly the entire service while watching held pastorates in Philo, Peoria, under umbrellas in a downpour and Streator, 111. as well as hav- of rain. On Christmas Eve, 1946, ing served as a chaplain in the plans were made to hold a serv- army in World War II. Pastor ice at 11 p.m. in the new Grace Ruth, as he was called by his Methodist Church, even though parishioners, served as the minis- it was not completed. The first ter of this church when it cele- real service in the completed brated it 85th anniversary on church was held on Sunday, Aug- Sunday, October 24, 1948. This ust 24, 1947 when the church church could well be proud of its school marched over in a body membership, which in that year from the old Vermont St. Church. was 2,158 persons, with 1,683 Services were conducted at ele- confirmed, showing that one out ven a.m. by Dr. T. Harry Kelly, of every ten persons in Blue Is- minister, assisted by Rev. Paul land was connected with the First Sanger, and Rev. John Jochum. Lutheran Church. The assistant On Sunday, September 14, 1947, minister during this celebration a week of special events for the and for a number of years was official opening of Grace Metho- Rev. Gustav S. Ide. dist began at eleven o'clock with Community High school wel-

Bishop J. Ralph Magee preaching comed back its Superintendent, the sermon, assisted by the dis- Harold L. Richards, from his trict superintendent of the Rock service in the quartermaster and River Conference. Other services transportation corps of the U.S. included one that evening by the Air Force. He had returned from Blue Jacket Choir from Great 19 months in Iceland and as Lakes, with Dr. Roy L. Smith as quartermaster at Stinson Field, speaker; a Masonic service on San Antonio, Texas. Superintend- Monday; a banquet given by the ent Richards resumed his duties ladies of the church when Dr. Monday, August 6 taking over

128 First Steps

Some of the supporting uprights have gone in for the new elevation of the Rock Island. This view is looking north along Western, from about Broadway.

from his wife, Mrs. Ruth Rich- such proportions that Superin- ards, who had capably served as tendent Richards and the board acting superintendent in his ab- asked Dr. William C. Reavis, sence. chairman of field services for the A new president of the Com- University of Chicago, to make a munity High School board of edu- study of the student growth ex- cation was chosen July 18, 1946, pected in the next few years. when Henry Duff replaced Dr. The Reavis report suggested a Frank Tracy. Members serving new high school building, includ- this year were Leslie I. McCord, ing a gymnasium and an auditor- secretary; and members Elbert T. ium. This report was the basis smith, Fred Hohman, and for Richards to suggest his now George M. Peterson. The 1946 famous "Two Two Plan," divid- enrollments in all Blue Island ing the student body in two schools were up between two and groups, with freshmen and soph- three percent over the previous omores occupying Old Main, the year. There were larger kinder- Maple Avenue building, and the garten and first grade classes and suggested new building, to be increases in all classes of the high erected on property already own- school. ed by the board of education at By February of 1948 this Sacramento and Burr Oak, to be growth of population in the high the future educational home for school district began to take on C.H.S. upperclassmen.

129 On October 1, 1946, the United also expanding during these States Post Office and Air Force years. On July 22, 1947, the Blue initiated the use of helicopter Island Savings and Loan celebrat- service for the delivery of mail ed its sixtieth anniversary. This from Chicago to the suburbs. Two organization, the oldest financial hundred persons were out to institution in Blue Island, was watch the helicopter land in Blue born in the office of The Stand-

Island south of the Sag Canal ard on June 30, 1887. Its charter near the fireman's experimental was issued July 22, 1887, and it tower at Ann St. was then known as the Cottage Among these was Postmaster Building and Loan Association

Daniel J. Boyd, Assistant Post- with offices located at the north- master Clarence Davis; George F. west corner of Grove and West- Fiedler, senior alderman; Ben ern, which the association rented Helford, B.I. Business Men's As- for five dollars a month. On June sociation; Chief of Police Sor- 29, 1920, the name was changed genfrei; and members of the Ro- to the Blue Island Savings and tary, Kiwanis and Lions Clubs. Loan Association, and a new home Businesses were expanding in was occupied at Vermont and Ar- several ways. The Rock Island tesian June, 1926. This building commuters received a break in later was torn down and a new August, 1946 when the line plan home was erected at the same lo- ned for air-conditioned diesel-op cation. The new premises were erated suburban trains to be pu formally occupied on October 15, in operation in the near future 1938. Equipment Steel Products, a di On Saturday, August 23, the vision of Union Asbestos and First National Bank held Open

Rubber Company, according to a House to show the community its talk given by C. L. Moorman, one newly rebuilt interior. This bank, of its executives, to the Lions' too, like the savings and loan, is Club, was expanding. The com- one of the early financial institu- pany's Blue Island plant employ- tions of Blue Island, having been ed 150 persons in their work of founded in 1896 as a private fi- fabricating refrigerator car equip- nancial institution by John L. ment and other items for the Zacharias, William H. Weber, railroads. At that time they had and Oliver W. Bourke. In 1898 a backlog of $4,000,000 in orders Andres McCord bought out and were increasing their facilities Bourke, and it bacame Zacharias, by a $300,000 addition which McCord and Co. In 1906 it was would add 40,000 square feet to called the Commercial Bank of shop and storage departments. Blue Island, and in 1925 became The savings and loan associa- the First National Bank. The tion as well as local banks were beautiful new interior of the bank

130 showed faith in the community The general chairman of this and the desire to expand its finan- drive was Stanley Hill, with Ted cial institutions. Borek as committee member and In the following year, on Jan- Warren Mavity as commander. uary 15, 1948, the State Bank The American Legion Blue Island elected Bartholomew 0' T o o 1 e, Post No. 50 celebrated an inter- realtor and banker, as its new esting occasion in April, 1947, president. Other officers chosen when it honored one family with were Charles Habich, vice-presi- seven members in the post. The dent; Donald OToole, vice-presi- family of Alfred Reuss, Sr., in- dent; Donald M. Carlson, vice- cluded six sons, Alfred, Jr., Nor- president and cashier; and Hilda man, Henry, Vernon, Richard and Kollman, assistant cashier. On Melvin, and his son-in-law, Roy

July 1, 1948, still another vice- Roos, all of whom were mem- president was added to the bers of this American Legion bank's staff when F. Joseph But- post. ler, formerly a vice-president of On July 6, 1947, the Moose the Chicago Stock Exchange, be- Lodge No. 314 dedicated a new gan his duties. hall. Those taking part in this On July 21, 1945, Blue Island- dedication were Otto Meyers, re- ers saw the first shovel of earth gional director, Emmerson Spires, turned for the new addition to Governor of the Blue Island lodge

St. Francis Hospital. The first and Mayor John M. Hart. dirt was turned for the new Two new projects planned by $500,000 hospital addition by civic clubs included the presenta-

Rev. Theodore G. Gross of St. tion to inmates of Oak Forest Benedict's Church, followed by Infirmary of 300 pairs of eye Dr. Edward A. Doepp, under glasses by the Lions Club of Blue whose leadership the hospital was Island in January, 1947. This brought to Blue Island, and project was one of the first of its Mayor Hart for the city officials. kind in the United States and was The service was witnessed by hos- made possible by the club through pital employees, Sisters of St. its Sight Conservation Chairman,

Mary's and other interested citi- Clifford Aulwurm, who made the zens. presentation and Dr. A. Tomlin-

Blue Island civic, veterans and son, who tested and tagged all women's organizations were pro- the glasses. viding new homes, celebrating The Blue Island Junior Wom- anniversaries, and planning new an's Club began a new and un- and unusual projects during these usual project by establishing baby years. The Veterans of Foreign sitting classes. In July, 1947, Wars started a campaign in No- twenty girls attended classes un- vember, 1946 for a new home. der the direction of Mrs. Donald

131 Crist. Mothers who wanted baby owner. The membership of the sitters were told to call Mrs. El- club at this time was ninety. mer DeRuntz, Mrs. Clifford Back- The Third District Illinois Fed- man, Mrs. Russell Beedy, or Mrs. eration of Women's Clubs Alden Schultz. This project was brought honor to Blue Island by such a success and the demand for electing Mrs. W. T. Ewing as baby sitters was so great that the president in the spring of 1947. Junior Women's Club decided to Mrs. Ewing had been active in use Kiddie Klothes at 12765 West- women's club work for many ern Ave., as headquarters for years, having joined the Blue Is- calls, so mothers were told to call land Club in 1913 and served as there. its president from 1937-1940. She Two service clubs celebrated had filled many chairmanships, anniversaries during 1947. The both in the Blue Island club and

Rotary Club observed its tenth the third district and well deserv- anniversary on Wednesday, May ed the honor. 21, at the Elks Club. Mayor John Another woman was honored M. Hart declared the week of May the following year at the "Sweet- 18-24 as Blue Island Rotary Club heart Ball" on February 14, given week. At the banquet on May 21, by Blue Island ex-servicemen and the welcome was given by Martin their friends for Mrs. Florence C. Rohe, a charter member, while Krech. This spontaneous expres- Chester Sutton acted as master of sion of gratitude for all the serv- ceremonies. The principal speaker ices she performed for the Blue for the evening was Philip Love- Island servicemen during the war joy, General Secretary of Rotary was planned by a large committee International. Ellwood T. Lever- with Roy Kennelly as chairman. enz was the president of the club, The celebration was held at the and Mrs. Earle James was chair- VFW Hall, with no admission man of the Rotary Anns who help- charge. The VFW donated the ed with the celebration. hall, food, orchestra and decora-

On Tuesday, November 4, 1947, tions, but was not alone in spon- the Blue Island Lions Club cele- soring the party. Persons of prom- brated its twenty-fifth anniver- inence who also wished to honor sary with a banquet at Commun- Mrs. Krech by their presence were ity High School, 12915 S. Maple. Congressman Fred Busby and Al- The general chairman for this derman Ziccardo. Mrs. Krech re- event was Superintendent of Com- ceived a beautiful diamond wrist munity High School, Harold L. watch presented by the group in Richards and the guest speaker appreciation for her many hours was President of the Lions Inter- of untiring service. national, Fred W. Smith, Ventura, The young people, too, were California, oil man and ranch becoming more active in Blue Is-

132 land as Boy Scouting grew and An article appeared in the Blue developed at great strides. Ac- Island Sun-Standard on August cording to Henry Baumann, Dis- 28, 1947 under the heading "Blue trict Chairman of South Shore Island in Novel." The article tells District, in 1943 there were only that Blue Island was the setting 150 boys in Blue Island register- for some of the scenes in a new ed in Boy Scouts. By September, novel, "Gus the Great" written by 1947, 400 boys were receiving Thomas Duncan. This book had benefits from the program. been chosen as the Book of the In sports, music and literature, Month Club selection for Septem- Blue Island was making a name ber, so would be read by many for itself. In March, 1946, Don people throughout the nation. The Kolloway, son of Mr. and Mrs. book was of special significance William Kolloway, 2121 Grove to Hill Lakin of the Sun-Standard Street, rejoined the Chicago staff as he and Mr. Duncan were White Sox baseball team after classmates at Drake University having served his country in and Mr. Duncan had visited in World War II in the European Blue Island in 1928. Theater where he received the And so the immediate post-war bronze star for bravery under years had shown that the citizens fire. Don was such a popular of Blue Island were very active player with the White Sox that in many ways and continued to on September 15, 1946, five hun- make their community known to dred friends contributed to give others and make history which him a new maroon Dodge sedan would be followed for years to which was presented before come. 39,000 people at the White Sox- The Blue Island Cab company Red Sox game at Comiskey Park celebrated thirty years in business in Chicago. in the city, and William Habich, The Liederkranz Chorus made secretary-treasurer of the com- up of music lovers and singers pany, did some reminiscing of un- from Blue Island until 1947 was usual calls they had received. under the leadership of Mr. Hen- Most unusual according to Habich ry Kornemann. This group sang was a call requesting that a cab on many occasions both in Blue be sent to an address where a Island and Chicago and was very man was unable to tie his tie popular and in great demand. In with the correct knot. Whether or February, 1947, Miss Esther Reh- not the driver was any more suc- berg of Chicago became the new cessful wasn't noted by Habich! leader of this group, and it con- Naturally there were calls from tinued to be one of the leading expectant mothers for transporta- choruses in the south suburban tion to the hospital, and the cab area. company managed to defeat Papa

133 Stork twice over that period of on February 8. Mrs. Margaret time. Poutry was president at the time. February 9, 1949, marked the Dr. Leslie 0. Damm was in charge twentieth year for the Blue Island of the Red Cross drive in Blue Junior Woman's Club, which was Island, and he set a goal of then under the leadership of Miss $6,500. For the first time in his- Mary K. Dewey. At the ceremon- tory of the organization, Chicago ies commemorating the milestone was the scene of the launching was Mrs. E. V. Hill, president of of the national drive. the Senior Woman's Club. Mrs. Two auto dealers marked the Ruth Hegner Beck was the first growth of Blue Island as Naple- president of the junior women ton Motor Sales, headed by Ed- of Blue Island. ward W. Napleton, opened doors Humanitarian projects have at 11939 Vincennes. Harry C. long been a past of the life of Schuldt and Carl P. Jochum Blue Island, its people and its formed the Blue Island Motor organizations, and one of the Ki- Sales, formerly known as Nash wanis programs was a good ex- Sales. They were located at 12637- ample. They raised $135 at a din- 45 Western. ner-dance to buy a wheel chair for Dr. Dirk A. Vloedman, presi- twenty-five year old Danny Mus- dent of the school board of Dis- to, crippled since a baby. Kiwanis trict 130, announced he wo u 1 d President Ed Stothard made the seek a second three-year term in presentation to Danny. the upcoming election. Free Coffee! That's right. At Blue Island's city council was the opening of the Kroger store informed that the Chicago Asso- in Blue Island Island at 12929 ciation of Commerce and Indus- Western, on February 22, 1949, try had asked the house appro- a free half-pound of coffee was priations committee in Washing- presented to each customer. ton for $5,000,000 to be used to Balloons and shopping bags develop the Cal-Sag channel were also given away at the new- south of Chicago. This would est grocery store to grace this greatly affect Blue Island and bustling area. the city council was gratified to Individual honors went to Carl know of the request. Jankowski, alderman from the Two long-time residents of Blue third ward, who was elected sec- Island celebrated fifty years of retary of the Association of wedded bliss on March 8, 1914. Lodges of Brotherhood of Rail- Mrs. Charles A. Barr road Trainmen of Cook County. Mr. and Another organization, the Ameri- marked the happy day in their can Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 50, home at 2449 Cochran. Mr. Barr celebrated its twenty-ninth year retired from the Rock Island lines

134 Visiting Educational Leaders Congratulate Richards In April of 1960, the entire community joined the high school staff in honoring Dr. H. L. Richards, to celebrate his twenty-fifth year as superintendent of Community High School. Shaking hands with Richards are Assistant Super- intendent Dave Heffernan and General Superintendent Ben Willis, of the Chicago

in 1939. He has resided in the city Church of the Nazarene in the since 1896. Hawaiian Islands. Rev. Steininger

On March 31, City Engineer came to Blue Island in 1943 and Allen L. Fox announced that organized the local Nazarene Western avenue was soon to have church. Reverend Franklin R. Ell- a new street lighting system. In- iot concluded his pastorate at cluded in the system were mercury- Easter sunrise services at the First vapor lights and an underground Congregational Church. He join- connection feature, and all new ed the ministerial staff at the lightpoles. Winnetka Congregational Church. Two members of the city min- One of the oldest continuous

isterial corps announced their in- business houses in the entire area

tention of leaving for new pas- marked its 100th year in the same torates following Easter services location in April of 1949. Schreib-

in their respective churches. Rev- er Brothers Hardware, 13168 S.

erend Leo Steininger would leave Western, still is operating, with the Church of the Nazarene to two sons of the original founder

assume pastoral duties at the connected with and active in the

135 business. Indians were still near beer keg in a wheel barrow and Fay's Point when August Schreib- a snare drum. He also remember- er first established a tin shop on ed the days when Christ Peters, the corner of Western and James Blue Island's only policeman, in 1849. August Schreiber died in tended the kerosene lamps in the 1893 but the operation was kept city, carrying a ladder with him in the family by his sons Philip so that he could reach the wicks. and Henry, both still in Blue Is- One of the favorite games of chil- land in 1949. dren of the era was Indians, not Philip and Henry operated the cowboys and Indians, because store from 1893 until 1926 when cowboys were unknown at that Philip's son Valentine and Hen- time. ry's daughter Irene (Mrs. Fred Mrs. Henry G. Baumann, who

Koehn) became affiliated with the is now associated with her hus- management. At this time (1949) band in The Mayfair, was a daugh- another of Philip's sons, John, ter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Schreib- managed the business while Val- er, as was Mrs. William Dusel. entine had his own hardware Many of the children in the fam- store in Homewood. The Koehns ily were born in the Schreiber were no longer active in the op- building. eration. Continued building was evident In 1896 expansion caused the in the city as Mother of Sorrows

Schreibers to add on the west school held ceremonies May 1, in side of the building since the part which the blessing of the corner- on Western was a buggy show- stone for the new addition took room. At the time of the rebuild- place. First Evangelical Lutheran ing program bricks cost $3.50 a Church began a one week cele- thousand, and Schreiber estimat- b r a t i o n commemorating the ed the construction cost $3,700, eighty-fifth anniversary of the other than the plumbing and founding of its Christian Day hardware which the Schriebers School. The celebration began handled themselves. Many items May 1, with special services in associated with the horse and both German and English in the buggy era were still stocked in church. Also included was a re- 1949 because of a demand for union of all graduates. In addi- them. tion to the anniversary of the Before his death in 1956, Phil- school, Clara Damm marked her ip Schreiber would often remi- thirtieth anniversary as a teacher nisce about the Blue Island Lie- in the school. derkranz which was founded in First Lutheran Church reveal- 1853. The Liederkranz sang Ger- ed plans for a new church to be man songs, told legends and par- erected on the present site on aded on Western Avenue with a Grove street. Cost of the new

136 building would be $250,000. The that the city's SI 04,000 water original cornerstone was laid May project was underway. The new 23, 1863, and the church was ded- system would alleviate the water icated on July 3, 1864. Now there shortages during the summer were 930 families with 2,158 mem- months. bers, according to Paster Walter Hart also commented on his re- H. Ruth. He announced that the turn to office by the voters call- historic church tower would be ing it "... a mandate to continue preserved, and that the architec- on our record and pay-as-you- ture would be Gothic style of go" stone construction. On another note reminiscent of The building committee con- World War II, the body of Lt. sisted of Louis Brockman, chair- Richard W. Paulsen, of 12743 man; Carl Sievert, vice-chairman; Greenwood, was returned for bur- Bodo Schoebes, secretary; and ial on Monday, May 23, 1949. members William Bauch, Harry Killed in a plane accident shortly Bochmann, Charles Brisch, George after the end of the war, Lt. Paul- Damm, Arthur Grueb, Robert sen had been a member of the Koenecke, Martin Lohse, George 494th Bomber Squadron, and a Mangold, Louis Nagel, and Otto 1941 graduate of Community Summerfield. Others assisting the High School. committee were Pastor Ruth, Her- Reverend William Donald Mc- man Lohse, and church trustees Lean celebrated his 50th year in Al Bowman, Clarence Boldt, Har- the ministry on Saturday, May 21. ry Voss and Henry Zibell. He was pastor at St. Aidan's World War II refused to be Episcopal church. The Lions Club pushed into the background, as of Blue Island announced it was one of Blue Island's fallen sons readying for the third annual was returned for burial. The re- community Fourth of July cele- mains of PFC Robert K. Wilson, bration. Committee chairmen son of Mr. and Mrs. August Wil- were Stanley Hill, general; Lloyd son were received for final cere- Holmlin, parade; H. L. Richards monies. PFC Wilson was wound- and Arnold Watland, queen pop- ed in action January 28, 1945, ularity co-chairmen. Long-time and died the following day. He civic servant Captain William 0. has also been wounded previous- Hankey of the Blue Island police ly while serving in France in department hung up his cap for

1944. He was a member of the the last time on June 1, 1949. At 301st Infantry, 94th Division, retirement he was in charge of Patton's 3rd Army. the station during evening hours. Progress would not be thwart- Hankey joined the force April 28, ed, as Mayor John Hart and City 1924, as a patrolman. Dr. John Engineer Allen Fox announced W. Holland, associated with Chi-

137 cago radio station WENR, was announced plans to honor one of named as the feature speaker at its more famous alums, H. L. Community high school com- Richards, superintendent of Dis- mencement exercises. A class of trict 218. Mr. Richards was to re- 316 was scheduled to receive ceive an honorary Doctor of Sci- their diplomas. ence degree, and was described Reverend E. W. Magnusson was by his former commandant as set as the guest speaker at Mem- "One of our keenest students." orial Day services in the city. Mr. Richards was one of the few Three bands had been lined up graduates of PMC to finish the for the parade, and services were academic program in three years. scheduled at the First Lutheran Subsequent to this announcement church. was that work on the new high Community High's basketball school building would begin June coach, George W. Porter, was 16. honored in the Air N a t i onal The body of Sgt. Anthony Trel-

Guard by receiving his promotion la, killed in action in Belgium to Major. Other individual honors in December, 1944, was returned on a local basis went to Arnold for burial in his native Blue Is- Watland and Ben Helford who land. He was survived by his were chosen as president and vice- wife Erma and son Richard. Pri- president of the local Lions club. or to entering service he lived at Growth of Blue Island as a 12755 Hoyne. Trella was a mem- major south suburban communi- ber of the 771st Field Artillery, ty was further evidenced by let- 1st Army. ting of contracts for a new high Kline's Department store an- school to be located at Sacramen- nounced its 22nd birthday cele- to and Burr Oak. Residents had bration would be held during the approved the previous fall the is- month of June. The store also suance of bonds totaling $1,500,- honored Ann Briddick, head cash- 000 for the construction of the ier, who was one of the original of learning. new institution employees. Other long-time em- Charles W. Nichol was named as ployees were Ludwig Blum, man- architect, and J. J. Duffy and ager for the past 20 years; Irving Company would be general con- King, assistant manager; Irving tractors. Officials said the new Martino, and Sidney Pollack. building would be ready for utili- With one business house celebrat- zation by September, 1950. Aca- ing its longevity, another business demically, 40 classrooms would said good bye to a long-time as- be built, while a gymnasium seating 3,500 would be constructed in sociate, as Mr. Henry Mohr of conjunction with the school. Fiedler-Mohr Auto Sales retired

Pennsylvania Military College July 1, 1949, because of illness.

138 He had been with the concern for both parochial and public. 28 years. Several pioneer residents fig- Continued growth was still ured in the news during the more apparent as St. Francis His- month of September, 1949, be- pital announced a building fund ginning with the death of Henry quota of $250,000. Dr. T. Harry J. Schnurstein at 86. The former

Kelly, minister at Grace Metho- city official passed away at the dist Church, was named chairman home of his sister Mrs. Florence of the drive for funds. Mayor Ulrich. Mr. Schnurstein served as John Hart was named vice-chair- an alderman from 1917 to 1923, man of the building fund. and as building inspector from Dr. Kelly announced that Dr. H. 1925 until 1946. Carl Groskopf, L. Richards had been named of 2447 Oak Street, retired after

chairman of the speakers' bureau fifty-five years on the Rock Is-

which would bring the story of land railroad. He had lived all of

St. Francis and its needs to po- his seventy years in Blue Island, tential contributors. The entire and was the oldest director of

building program was set at the Blue Island Savings and Loan $650,000 of which the $250,000 Association. would have to be pledged and do- Dr. Theodore H. Montague, 80, nated. treasurer of the Blue Island Spe-

Three locat organizations elect- cialty Company, died in his home ed or named new leaders for the at 2704 Union. Dr. Montague year. Burtus Overton was elected came to the United States in 1895 commander of the American Le- from Germany, graduated from gion; R. A. Crawford, Rotary Northwestern University dental president; while Harold Fischer school in 1898, and later became was named manager of the Blue treasurer of the specialty com- Island Montgomery Ward store. pany. This was a position he held Another pioneer businessman at his death. Robert Krueger, 57, passed from the scene with the the third generation in a business death of William F. Hennig, established in 1854, died sudden- founder of the firm now known ly in his home at 13050 Green- as Van Florists. Mr. Hennig had wood on November 22. Reverend retired recently, but before that Ernest W. Magnusson, recent time had worked for forty-five speaker at city Memorial Day years with the floral company services, died November 19, in building up a large trade. St. Francis Hospital, from the ef-

Community High School open- fects of a heart attack. Still an- ed its doors for the fall with ex- other sad note was the announce- tremely crowded conditions prev- ment that Jackson's corner at alent. A total of 4,859 children Western and Vermont would be were in all schools in the city, torn down to make way for a

139 more modern building. The build- Doermann in the First Evangeli- ing was originally erected in the cal Lutheran church. Blue Island- late 1850's by John K. Polland. ers had strong feelings both for He later sold the building and and against movie actress Ingrid business to Frederick Sauerteig Bergman and her starring in the in 1863, and it had served resi- Roberto Rossolini movie "Strom- dents in varying capacities ever boli." "The whole Bergman-Ros- since. solini affair is a shame," was a On November 24, Dr. T. Harry sample opinion. Many ministerial

Kelly announced that after exten- members recommended it not be sively efforts on the part of the shown in the Chicago area. fund raisers and community, the The fingers of the coal strike $250,000 goal had been reached. moved ever forward affecting St. Francis Hospital would begin more and more consumers, as its addition soon according to the dealers did their best to keep an officials. adequately supplied public.

The year 1950 brought little George R. Willy distributed six joy with its first few months as diplomas to first graduates of Hutchins Lumber Company was Willy's School of Carburetor and virtually destroyed by a fire that Automotive Electricity. Graduates hit the 11 acre site. Six families were Ogden Flanders, Ted Willy, were burned out of their nearby Tony Fico, James Williamson, homes, and five persons were in- Robert Bolin and Jerome Pairie. jured in the blaze. Luckily there Educators and parents noted the were no deaths in the holocaust resignation of Dr. H. A. Perrin, Employees dashed from the blaz- superintendent of grade school ing building carrying what re- District 130. Dr. Perrin said he cords they could salvage. would not retire from the educa- Activities, anniversaries and tional field, however. Patrick T. events of all kinds! 1950 was fill- Hallinan Post 3580, V.F.W., elected with both good and bad news ed Ralph Sullivan, Jr., 27 of 2438 for Blue Islanders. Collins, as its commander for the On February 14, the American year. Attorney Paul T. Klenk, 56, Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 50 cel- former mayor of Blue Island died ebrated its thirtieth anniversary. on March 29, in St. Luke's Hos-

Mrs. O. I. Poultry was presiding pital. He had been appointed city officer at the ceremonies. Two attorney in 1917, and became the couples also marked fiftieth an- youngest mayor of any Illinois niversaries of wedded life. Mr. municipality in 1921 at the age and Mrs. Ralph Fenton and Mr. of 27. Allen G. Kollman, 50, of and Mrs. Albert Wodrich were 2214 W. 123rd, retired as fire married in 1900. The Wodrichs chief in Blue Island. He had were married by Rev. H. K. G. been appointed in 1945 after the

140 retirement of John Link as chief. Everett Kerr, former superintendent of the Homewood schools, was named superintendent of Dis- trict 130 by Dr. Dirk A. Vloed- man, president of the school board. A. King McCord, son of

Andrew I. McCord, president of the First National Bank, was named executive vice-president of the Oliver Corporation. Young Mc-

Cord was born in Blue Island in 1904 and joined the Oliver Com- pany in 1930. Kiwanis members observed the ninth birthday of the group. Of the charter members, twelve were still active in the club affairs. Those still active are Arthur Anderson, Arthur Carl- son, Birt Frobish, James Hickey,

Robert Huffman, Carl Jochum, Everett F. Kerr William Mangold, Arthur New- Superintendent of —Blue Island Ele- house, Charles Odenthal, Harry mentary School, 1950 Schuldt, Ivan and Wesley Volp.

Another top innovation of the class at "Old Main" as the move day was the outdoor movie which to the new school for the fall of was gaining in prominence as part 1950 seemed imminent. Dr. Carl of the American way of life. One S. Winters, pastor of the First sage comment culled from the Baptist Church of Oak Park, was files of the Sun-Standard about the speaker for the 285 who re- the advent of the outdoor movie ceived diplomas. One highlight of was, "Outdoor movies are good the school year was the crowning for those with cars." Blue Island of Blue Island's tennis team as

Postmaster Danial J. Boyd was state co-champions. The school chosen president of the Illinois district also marked up one year

Postmasters at their state meet- of progress in the construction of ing. The Elks club sponsored a the new school. "Wake Up, America" rally wih Dr. H. L. Richards was named Frank A. Bella in charge. Paul a member of the Third Annual Harvey was named as the main Conference for City School Super- speaker at the rally. intendents at the University of Blue Island Community High Colorado. The group was limited

School held its final graduating to the 35 top educators in the

141 nation, meeting to discuss prob- been arranged. A record number lems of the secondary school. of applicants for the parade had Illinois Bell Telephone an- been reported. Sister Mary Flor-

nounced plans to erect a dial tel- entine of St. Francis Hospital ephone office and business office stated that more than 2,000

at 2421-2433 Union in the city. people visited the new sixty bed Before beginning construction the addition which now made the hos-

company said it would spend pital a four story building. $500,000 improving the property U. S. Army troops took over

at that site. W. G. Rowbotham, operation of the Rock Island rail- then manager of the Blue Island road at the order of President telephone office, said that the en- Harry S. Truman after the tire project would cost $2,500,000 Switchman's Union of North

and would bring about the com- America maintained its st r i k e plete modernization of the system. against the road, defying Tru- More progress shouts came man's back-to-work ultimatum. from St. Francis Hospital as the Later, after the July 8, 1950 take- 60-bed addition moved to com- over by troops, the union called pletion. Officials announced that off the strike. At least 1,000 Blue an open house would be held Islanders were affected by the

July 4, 1950 in the addition. Sam- strike with the city suffering an ual Cardinal Stritch has been economic setback. Loss in sales scheduled to bless and dedicate was estimated at $40,000 to the addition in ceremonies on $50,000 in the striking period. July 3. Kline's department store be- Marked growth of the Blue Is- gan an enlargement p r o g r am land trade area was recorded in that would amount to $120,000. 1950 figures released by Sales Three stores would be removed Management of New York in a to make way for the Kline ex- survey of business activity. Re- pansion. Also three new stores tail sales registered a total of were to be constructed on the $21,177,000 in the year, showing east side of Western in the old a market index of 130 or thirty parking lot, just north of Boyd's above the previous year. The Store for Men. 1950 population was 17,580 com- Blue Island residents were pared to 16,638 in 1940, a 5.6 polled on opinions of the Korean percent increase which was just War after hostilities broke out under the population increase reg- in July. A summary of Islander istered by the city of Chicago. opinion was "No one wants to go, Lloyd C. Holmlin, general but I'd sooner settle with the Rus- chairman of the Lions Club July sians over there than at home."

4 celebration, reported that a Pvt. George J. Luscombe, 20, son $3,000 fireworks display had of Mr. and Mrs. Nick Luscombe

142 of 2657 Collins, would provide new Evangelical Community residents with first hand informa- Church, located at 120th and Irv- tion from the Korean front ing. The present church is lo- through the Sun-Standard. Dur- cated at 120th and Gregory. Pas- ing July and August the city coun- tor George W. Knapp, Church cil studied the effects of rent Council President Raymond Foss control and debated upon contin- and Building Committee Chair- uance of such a program. During man Nick Splayt were present at their August meeting they voted the ground breaking. Planning 10-4 against a resolution that for the new building began in would have allowed rent controls 1944 under the leadership of to continue. Finally in March, Emil Helm who was pastor for 21 1951, the council voted unanim- years. ously to terminate rent controls Burtus "Bud" Overton, World in the city of Blue Island. War II veteran and former Amer- Great Lakes Refining Company ican Legion commander, was nam- began erection of a new catalytic ed director of defense by Mayor cracking plant for refining petrol- John M. Hart. An advisory com- eum products. In addition a new mittee was being formed with Dr. barge slip was built, both de- Howard C. Sigtenhorst as one of signed to increase production and the first members. The appoint- shipment of high octane gasoline. ments were made in conjunction Despite an enormous building with a national program of civil program, Blue Island s c h o o Is defense. were scheduled to open on time. Samuel Cardinal Stritch dedi- One of the first Korean casual- cated the latest addition to Mother ties was Pvt. Adrian Kusiolek, of of Sorrows, the Mater Dolorosa

12755 Lincoln St., who was re- Chapel and St. Juliana build- ported missing in action in the ing on Sunday, October 1. The Korean fighting. Last son of a addition contained a chapel, choir pioneer settler, Herman W. Staffel, gallery, rectory, auditorium, class- 82, resident of the Metro Hotel, rooms, playrooms, offices, visitor died August 30. His father, John, reception rooms and wardrobes. settled in Blue Island in 1856 and First Congregational Church was an early member of the celebrated its 90th birthday. Lo- board of trustees. A former al- cated on York street, it was or- derman from 1926 to 1949, Clar- ganized January 22, 1960. Some ence Oliver Williams, 60, died at of the names on early church his home on September 12. He records included Mr. and Mrs. was a yardmaster for the Balti- J. P. Young, Mr. and Mrs. P. more and Ohio railroad. Atkinson, Mr. and Mrs. Hart Ground breaking ceremonies Massey, Mrs. Betsy Fox, Mrs. were held September 17, for the Elizabeth O. Sanders. The first

143 church was located in a log cabin on the southwest corner of West-

ern at Grove street, and the first regular pastor was Rev. Lemuel Foster. He joined the congrega-

tion on April 1, 1863. Prior to the formal organization, the Un- ion Sunday School served as the

forerunner. It was organized in 1849 by Mrs. Benjamin Sanders and Mrs. Carlton Wadhams. Church services were held in the hall belonging to Mr. C. D. Rob-

inson until June 4, 1865 when the first church was dedicated. The present church was dedicated

April 4, 1901. Rev. Wallace Ault was the pastor at this time and Church School Superintendent was Stephen T. Hoag. Mrs. Rob- Henry G. Baumann, general chairman of the Lions Club of Blue Island 1962 ert F. Ryan was primary super- July 4th celebration and Past President intendent. of the Lions Club of Blue Island. District 218 officials announced that General Dwight Eisenhower, the Midlothian Messenger, was president of Columbia University, credited with securing General would deliver the dedication ad- Eisenhower for the ceremonies. dress for Community High School McCann had served as an aide to located at 127th and Sacramento. Eisenhower for a number of

The new structure was built at a years. Henry G. Baumann, Blue cost of $2,250,000. The General's Island merchant, served as chair- speech would climax a two day man of the dedication committee, program scheduled for October and Rollin Pooler was chairman 22 and 23. of the faculty committee. Dedication plans began over a On the agenda was an alumni year previous with Dr. H. L. banquet with William Carlson, Richards and the school board president, in charge. Dr. H. L. hoping for the district's biggest Richards delivered the main ad- day. Working with Dr. Richards dress on the opening day, Octo- were Henry Duff, president; Les- ber 22. On Students' Day, Octo-

lie I. McCord, secretary; and ber 23, Mary K. Dewey was mis- members George M. Peterson, El- tress of ceremonies and Henry L. bert T. Smith, and Gilbert A. Roll. Duff, board president addressed Kevin McCann, former editor of the assembly. On the dedication

144 program itself in the afternoon, year from December 3 to Decem-

Philip Maxwell served as master ber 10. The church is located at of ceremonies. Pastor Walter H. Maple and High streets. Rev. F. Ruth delivered the invocation, Sievers helped to organize Salem "Father Phil" spoke the prayer Evangelical. The church dedicat- for peace and A. King McCord ed its original church on the site introduced the main speaker, Gen- in 1910. Rev. Carl F. Selle was eral Eisenhower. Dr. T. Harry the current pastor, arriving in Kelly gave the benediction. 1947. In his address General Eisen- Corporal Humbert Amriz, son hower said, "The material sacri- of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Am- fice, courage and initiative dis- briz, 2326 Vermont, was killed played by you people here in in action October 2, 1950, in Kor- creating this high school seems ea. Again memories of World to typify qualities and concepts— War II were awakened when the vital to the future of America body of Pvt. Tom J. Artist, son that is one of the reasons I was of Mrs. Josephine Artist, was re- proud to accept the invitation to turned from Los Negros Island participate in the ceremonies here where he was buried temporarily today." Despite cold, damp weath- after being killed in action, March er, more than 4,500 persons were 13, 1944. on hand to hear Eisenhower speak The Blue Island Bar Association from a platform on Community submitted a resolution to the city High's football field. Oldest alum- council calling for the creation nus present at the dedication was of a city court system through a Mrs. James Noble, class of 1878. special election. Leonard Carri- Blue Island residents unanimous- ere, Franklin Klein, Walter F. ly called it "Our Proudest Day." Briody and Maurice J. Schultz I.O.O.F. Harmonize Lodge No. submitted the resolution. The 2 celebrated seventy-five years in city court would outrank the mun- Blue Island. The lodge was or- icipal court and speed the handl- ganized in October of 1875. Old- ing of litigations, in addition to est member was John P. Wiessner, being more convenient, according 78, who was initiated in 1895. to the resolution. The following One of Blue Island's oldest June, 1951, a motion was passed residents, Mrs. Fannie Brown, cel- to set up the city court system. ebrated her 100th birthday in her Dr. Frank W. Tracy was honor- home at 12818 Honore where she ed by the Lions Club at a meet- had resided for 32 years. Mrs. ing in January, 1951, for his Brown was a 70-year resident of good citizenship and public serv- the city. ice. The Lions presented a plaque Salem Evangelical Lutheran to Dr. Tracy. Melvin Jones,

Church celebrated its fortieth founder of Lions International,

145 was present and paid personal tion leaders also announced that tribute to Dr. Tracy. Just two they were behind a program for months later in March, Dr. Tracy improvement of Blue Island pub- passed away at 71. He had served lic grade schools. They set a bond as chairman of the Blue Island issue of $725,000 for these im- Playground and Recreation Com- provements. Building continued mission and founded the Blue Is- to flourish as William J. Gerdes, land Lions Club in 1922. He building inspector, announced was president of the high school that a total of $2,122,764 in con- board of education for many struction took place during the years. past fiscal year. Of this, $1,899,-

January commemorated the fif- 203 was new constructions as com- tieth anniversary of the Blue Is- pared to the previous year's land Lumber Company. It was $970,083. Blue Island Patriotic formed in 1901 as the Chicago and Association announced sponsor-

Riverdale Lumber Company. S. ship of Memorial Day Program in

M. Wilson, president and treas- the city. Commander Clyde Frack urer; E. H. Rumbold, vice-presi- of the United Spanish War Vet- dent; and John Lau, secretary were erans was parade marshal. the first officers. Wilson's daugh- Rev. Orville Brummer, pastor ter, Edna, succeeded her father of St. Paul Reformed and Evan- after his death in February of gelical church, celebrated his 1945. twenty-fifth year in the ministry.

Ground was broken in Febru- His congregation at the church ary for the $2,900,000 telephone presented a supper in his honor. office that housed the dial sys- The Sun-Standard marked its tem equipment. This serviced seventy-fifth year in publication 10,800 phones in the area upon in July. Unfortunately, many of its completion. In March, the the original papers and files were Evangelical Community Church destroyed by fire at the old lo- held cornerstone laying ceremon- cation at Vermont and the Rock ies at 120th and Gregory. Island tracks.

Dr. H. L. Richards was re- By a ratio of five to one, voters called to active duty May 1, 1951, of high school District 218 in- with the U. S. Air Force. Now creased the educational tax rate Lt. Col. Richards, he was sched- from .74 percent to 1 percent of uled to serve at Tinker Air Force the assessed valuation. Voters al- Base, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. so approved the city court sys- His wife, Ruth M., was again ask- tem in a special election by a ed to take his place on a tempor- 16-1 margin. ary basis at Community High Aulwurm Brothers Grocery and School, as she had done during Market, located for sixty years at

World War II. Civic and educa- 13051 Western, was sold and the

146 brothers left the business. Their Air Force. He resumed his school father, the late Henry C. Aul- duties in December. A new med- wurm, had established the store ical center opened its door at in 1892. and it eventually passed 13000 Maple to serve the on to his sons, Ralph, Henry, medicinal needs of the people of and Lyle. Clifford, another son, Blue Island. began his own store. Dr. Frank Tracy week was pro- Blue Island's Bright Light claimed in January to further Night celebration which marked honor the late Blue Islander who the turning on of the new street helped found the local Lions lights was held in September. Club. The week was proclaimed Mrs. Caroline Boermel, 89, of in conjunction with the March of

12950 Maple, was the senior citi- Dimes drive for funds. Strides zen who pulled the switch light- were made to form a Business- ing the lights. man's Association when 250 re- Mass was said for Corporal tailers were invited to an organ-

Terence J. McNulty, son of Mr. izational meeting on January 17. and Mrs. John P. McNulty, who Sheldon C. Westman, Community was killed in action in the Korean High School band director, was fighting. Another member of a named to the National Committee pioneer family died October 15, of Music Educators at their Na- when she was struck by a car at tional Conference. A 1 1 o r n ey

Burr Oak and Maple. Mrs. Fran- Maurice J. Schultz, a justice of the ces McCord Krueger, 78, of 12703 peace in Worth Township, was

Maple, was the victim. elected the first judge in Blue Is- Coach William F. Gutches' land's newly formed city court, Community High School football which has been approved by the team won the undisputed South voters in a special election. Nor-

Suburban League title for the man Blatt was elected clerk of first time after 27 years. the court. The court heard its first Mr. and Mrs. Henry Reuss, case, a divorce action, in Febru- well-known Blue Island couple, ary. Judge Schultz operated the celebrated their sixty-fourth wed- court daily from 9:00 a.m. to ding anniversary in November. 1 :00 p.m. Alderman Milton Shra- First Church of Christ Scientist der was appointed court bailiff. open on the northwest corner Lyle Ruggles, manager of the of Burr Oak and Maple. The Blue Island Sears, Roebuck Store, church's first service was present- was named temporary chairman ed in June, 1936, in the Masonic of the newly formed Chamber of Temple on Western Avenue. Dr. Commerce group. Arthur Heuser H. L. Richards returned to duty was chosen chairman of the nom- at Community High School after inating committee, and the mem- a period of active duty with the bers were Donald Dente, Ben Hel-

147 ford, Al Turner, and Tom East- P. T. Hallinan Post 3580, V.F.W. on. The election committee was elected Frank S. DiNovo as com- made up of Earl Jones„chairman, mander. and Harold Volp and Walter Illinois Bell Telephone began Steinweg, assistants. The board converting more than 11,000 of directors chosen for the new phones to the dial system. R. R. organization was separated into Rydberg was supervisor of a four- four sections. Retail: Lyle Rug- teen man crew that began the gles, Ludwig Blum, H. Schuldt, converting process, according to Ben Helford. Miscellaneous: Max G. W. Rowbotham, manager. All La Berdia, Robert Harmon, numbers were changed. The new Thomas F. Easton, Arthur W. dial service building at 2427 Un- Heuser. Professional: Dr. Ralph ion was almost complete, being C. Aiken and Walter Briody. In- equipped with dial system by dustrial: William Evans and H. Western Electric.

J. Connelly. Father Gross was honored for Officers elected in the Cham- his fifty years in the priesthood ber of Commerce were Lyle Rug- at St. Benedict's. He had spent gles, president; Max LaBerdia thirty-five years in the Blue Is- and Ludwig Blum, vice presi- land community. Gifts sent to Fa- dents; Robert Harmon, treasur- ther Gross were to be utilized for er; and Lloyd C. Holmlin, secre- parish improvements. tary. St. Francis Hospital receiv- St. Paul Evangelical and Re- ed notification that it had been formed church dedicated its addi- approved by the American Col- tion on June 1. Rev. Orville lege of Surgeons. The hospital Brummer was pastor. has now grown to 150-bed size. During the fiscal year of May

Daniel J. Boyd, postmaster since 1, 1951 to May 1, 1952, seventy- 1946, resigned to take a position two new homes were built in with a New York realty com- Blue Island, valued at $900,350. pany. Donald W. Fraser, a native Total building during the year of Blue Island and a 1935 grad- was $1,734,254. uate of Community High, was Kline's Department Store cele- named acting postmaster. brated its twenty-fifth year in the The Chamber of Commerce an- city. Ludwig Blum, manager, re- nounced that its new offices called that the first ad was placed would be at 13104 Western, and in the Sun-Standard on June 23, that its installation of officers 1927, and that the store had con- and charter night program would tinued to advertise in each edi- be held in the high school cafe- tion since that time. This first ad- teria on April 24. Frank .A. Bel- vertisement listed cigarettes, lie; la was elected Exalted Ruler of silk hose, 58c; soap, 5c; apron Blue Island Elks Lodge No. 1331. dresses, 48c; 81 inch by 90 inch

148 bed sheets. 77c. Employees with Gary. The working population of a number of years of service on Blue Island had estimated net hand to help with the anniver- earnings for the previous year of

r sary were Irving King, twenty- $34,466,000, a gain <.. over three four years; Mabel Bryan, twelve million dollars in a year's time. years! Ann Schultz, twenty-five Henry G. Baumann was chairman years; Frieda Neiman, twenty- of the Lions Club July 4 cele- five years; Blum, twenty-five bration. More than 25,000 people years; Irving Martino, fifteen enjoyed this parade in the after- years; Margaret Trier, fifteen noon and another estimated 20,- years; Florence Wick, twelve 000 persons enjoyed the enter- years: and Frieda Wannamaker, tainment and fireworks display eight years. presented in the evening. Arnold, The First National Bank of Vance, Lester and Keith Wat- Blue Island began work on the land announced the opening of new drive-in facilities and the ad- their fourth retail camera store. dition of 400 square feet of bank- They had started the venture in ing area. This would allow expan- 1937 and had seen it grow to sion of the bookkeeping depart- the large concern it had become. ment, customer banking, and Michael Guglielmucci, 2342 Ver- would allow a dining room and mont, real estate and insurance lounge for employees. The First broker, was elected Lt. Governor, Evangelical Lutheran Church be- Division 18, Illinois-Iowa District gan a drive for funds that would of Kiwanis International. He was culminate in a building program. the only Blue Island Kiwanian so The church and building com- honored up to this time. The Rock mittee set a goal of $150,000. Island Railroad celebrated its cen- Carl W. Sievert was general tennial in Blue Island on October chairman. The pastors were Rev. 10. The first Rock Island train Walter H. Ruth and Rev. Clarence ran from Chicago to Joliet, a dis- G. Meyer. tance of 40 miles. Blue Island's City Council vot- Corporal Manuel G. Alvarado, ed to acquire a portion of the United States Marine Corps, was Klein property on the east side killed in action August 13, 1952, of Gregory from New to York in the Korean fighting. His par- street, for a city parking lot. The ents, Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Al- land was purchased for $17,000. varado of 3011 Vermont, lost an- Engineers estimated $15,000 for other son in an accident during improving the land into parking World War II when he was re- facilities. William T. Clark was turning after 28 months in the named manager of the Blue Island Pacific. Aurelio was killed in a telephone office, replacing W. G. train mishap. Rowbotham who had moved to Edward C. Maroney, president

149 of the Blue Island Park District, the ownership of Harold I. Marks. announced construction had be- Charley Farren (deceased) and gun on the park building in Cen- Martin Forry (moved) were as- tennial Park. Robert W. Harmon, sociated with Marks when he first 45, died in St. Francis Hospital opened the store. from the effects of a cerebral hem- First Evangelical Lutheran orrage. He lived in Blue Island Church held ground-breaking cer- and had his business located in emonies on October 12, at Grove the city as well. An insurance and Ann street. Congregation counselor, Harmon was a mem- President Herman Lohse and ber of the Rotary, Eagles and Building Chairman Louis Brock- Moose, and was treasurer of the man were present. Church serv- Chamber of Commerce. ices were held in the Lyric during In conjunction with the Rock the building of the new church.

Island railroad centennial cele- William J. Barzycki was named bration, the original Rock Island fire chief in Blue Island. Former

Rocket was on display in the city. chief Sigmund Dluzak was to re-

This was the first of the centen- main in the department. Gilbert nial events. Father and son teams A. Roll died in his home at manned the old Rocket as well as 12914 Elm. A lifelong business- its modern counterpart which fol- man and resident, he also was lowed it on the trip to Blue Is- a member of the high school land. The engineer of the old board of education.

Rocket was Walter Mollenhauer On December 6, 1952, dial with Walter, Jr., serving as fire- phones went into use in 10 com- man. Henry B. Starr was con- munities. All 182 telephone oper- ductor and his son William, was ators had been offered the op- brakeman. portunity of staying with the Following the old iron horse company. Mayor John Hart was was Engineer George Peloquin the first to make use of the new and fireman son Robert. How- dial telephone system at 11:59 ard L. DeVault was brakeman p.m. Manager William T. Clarke and his son Dan was collector. was on hand to assist, but the Another son, Dave, was conductor. Mayor's call to a friend came Mr. and Mrs. Charles Habich off without a hitch. In two sec- celebrated fifty years of wedded onds after dialing, his number life at their home, where they was ringing. have lived more than half of that PFC Charles W. Yates was time. Habich was vice-president killed in action in Korea on Sep- and director of the State Bank of tember 20, 1952. Blue Island and was a pioneer au- At the outset of the new year to dealer. Marks' Store for Men District 130 reported a new noted its twentieth year under school was erected, another build-

150 ing purchased, three additions church was built at a cost of built, and six structures modern- $85,000. Work on the improve- ized in less than five years. Roy ment to the yards of the Indiana Clark, assistant superintendent in Harbor Belt lines was reported the State Superintendent's office, 30 percent complete. The project said upon inspection of the dis- will cost $3,500,000. Mayor Hart

trict, "We found a district with and his Citizens' Party won the facilities adequate for all areas city elections in April. Lawrence of the city." Witt defeated incumbent Alder-

The Liederkranz celebrated its man Fred Horwath in the only 100th anniversary with a song upset. fest. Current officers were Kurt Widening of the Cal-Sag canal Reichel, president; Marceline from sixty feet to 225 feet will

Vandenberg, vice-president; Cla- be the fulfillment of Blue Is- ra Sieben, secretary; Catherine land's destiny according to George Boliski, treasurer; Selma Hueb- Fiedler, Port District member, ner, financial secretary. before a meeting of interested Two anniversaries were noted Blue Island citizens. Fiedler quot- during January — the Blue Is- ed from John Volp's book, "The land Lions Club marked thirty First Hundred Years," in stating years with Arthur W. Hueser at the plans of the Port district.

its helm; and Mr. and Mrs. Hen- Third Ward Civic club completed ry Nagel, celebrated 63 years of plans for joint dedication of the marriage. They recalled the mar- new field house and memorial riage in the old frame St. Bene monument in Centennial Park. diet's church. Charles LTrich, president of the Rev. Theodore G. Gross, pas civic club, made the announce-

tor of St. Benedict's church, died ment. Blue Island's City Clerk Friends said that St. Benedict's Louis Schwartz died in March. parish stood as a living memor He had been city clerk since his ial to the 35 years of service Fa appointment to the job in 1933.

ther Gross gave. First Lutheran John C. Joens was named to fill

Church laid its third cornerstone his position. Joen's father, J.

in 89 years. Individual honors John, was one of the first alder- went to George F. Fiedler, of men after the city form of gov- 12021 Irving, when he was nam- ernment was established. Richard ed to the Chicago Regional Port E. Sorgenfrei resigned as police

District Board. Fiedler also was chief in June, on doctor's orders. president of Fiedler Motors. Ev- George H. Farning was named

angical Community Church held acting chief. St. Paul's Church,

its dedication services during Gregory and New, celebrated its March at 120th and Irving. Rev. sixtieth year in June. Rev. Or- Oliver C. Hotz was pastor. The ville Brummer was pastor. Dr.

151 One of the Modern Blue Island Apartments The young married couples looking for homes in our city now have their choice of many such fine apartments.

How the Prairie Has Changed!

These lovely homes on the north side of Blue Island emphasize a kind of living unknown to the pioneers.

152 T. Harry Kelly, Grace Methodist dry goods; W.H. Weber, chief pastor, for the past nine years, clerk of the sheriff's office; J.L. was transferred to Sterling. Illi- Zacharias, flour, feed, grain and nois. He had headed the St. Fran- hay; Louis Luchtemeyer, watch* cis hospital fund-raising program es; and Oliver W. Bourke, real among his many other civic-mind- e^qfte. ed projects. Rev. R.A.W. Bruehl Habich Brothers marked forty was named to replace Dr. Kelly. years at 13210 Western. Donald

Oldtimers looked with sadness F. Habich, Charles Habich, Jr., upon school district 130's an- and Howard Kolofer were part- nouncement that modernization ners in the business. October 18 plans called for demolition of marked the ninetieth anniversary "Old Seymour" school, a Blue of the First Lutheran Church. Island landmark. Rev. George W. Kurkop and Rev. Henry M. Schreiber, 84, of Carl H. Amelung, sons of mem- 2625 York, died July 27, in his bers in the congregation, were home. He and his brother Philip guest speakers at special services were joint owners of Schreiber commemorating the event. A/2C Brothers hardware store, and John V. Hummel was killed in both were life-long residents of an air crash near Atlanta, 111. the city. Widening of the Cal- Hummel was being transferred

Sag canal was reported stymied from O'Hare field to Scott Air because of a lack of appropria- Force Base at the time of the tions. The plans call for a 100 crash. million dollar program. The cor- Henry Sutton, 73, 12610 Ann nerstone of the Seymour school, stree, died Friday, December 18. recently torn down as a part of Sutton was a member of an old District 130 modernization, was Blue Island family. G.A. Luchte- opened and the records were ex- meyer, 77, owner of a jewelry humed. Many of them were fray- store dating back to the 1850's, ed or deteriorated because damp- died in his home at 12710 Green- ness and air had been able to wood. Corporal George Bemis, reach them within the stone. son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Be- Readable records revealed that mis, of Alhambra, California,

Calumet Lodge A.F. and A.M. formerly of Blue Island, was kill- had been in charge of the corner- ed in Korea. Bemis died of a gun- stone laying. Business cards of shot wound inflicted accidentally. active businessmen that remain- Corporal Lawrence M. Mrotek, ed were Albert Meyer, chemist missing since 1951 in Korean and pharmicist; Albert Schmidt, action, was presumed dead by groceries; Boehl, Vienna bakery; the government. His unit was W.E. Cordt, hair dressing; David overrun by Communists while S. Pride, attorney; Paul Klenk, delivering ammunition to the

153 ..iv..-.v:iV ..-~;>S,.V:..-. v-^::.^:.. ..<.:. •. . ,.'... (jieenwuod near mgn These homes, located in an older residential section give an air of quiet dignity to the entire city.

Homes — the Pride of Blue Island Some of the beautiful and moderately priced homes

154 front lines. Mother of Sorrows release by Sales Management of institution announced plans for a New York. Lloyd C. Holmlin won high school for girls. It would individual honors for himself by be operated by the Mantellate being elected state director of Sisters. Cal-Sag Waterways De- Illinois Chamber of Commerce velopment Committee was formed Executive Association. Illinois

in April. Henry E. Seyfarth, congressmen presented the Cal- Blue Island attorney, was elect- Sag need directly to president ed chairman of the group. The Eisenhower in a progress report committee dedicated itself to rais- won by Henry Seyfarth's com-

ing the necessary budget to fin- mittee. This marked the culmina-

ance the educational program tion of its work.

that was developed the year pre- St. Benedict's announced that vious. parishioners would erect a mon- The $400,000 First Evangelical ument on the grave of Father Lutheran Church was dedicated Theodore Gross. Henry Heim- in April. Rev. Walter H. Ruth, bach, forty-seven years as a groc- pastor, and Rev. Clarence G. er on the corner of Broadway

Meyer, associate pastor, were in and Western, announced his re- charge of the ceremonies. The tirement in July. He was born church was organized in May, in 1883. Also retiring with the 1883 with sixty-six voting mem- close of Heimbach's Market was bers. Only eleven ministers have Ethel Nugent, a clerk. Former

served in the pulpit in the first Fire Chief John Link. 83, died

ninety years. in St. Francis hospital. He had Girls from nine parishes were served as chief from 1907 to his reported to be enrolling in Moth- retirement in 1945. er of Sorrows High School, 13811 Officials of Grace Methodist Western, which set September, Church announced plans to re-

1954 as its opening date. Only name Wesley Hall to honor Dr. freshmen would enter with an- T. Harry Kelly, under whose other class being added each pastorate the church building year. was constructed.

Per family earnings in Blue More than 350 Little Leaguers Island at the end of the fiscal converged on Blue Island for the

year, were reported at $7,272. Section IV Little League tourney. The city rated high as a trade This meant boys from Minnesota, center in the state and Midwest, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and as per family earnings were high- portions of Canada would be on er than the national average. hand. More than $39,000,000 in net Civic, business, industrial and earnings were reported by Blue labor leaders took a boat trip of Island's 5,400 families in a studv the Cal-Sag to see evidence of

155 its industrial future. This trip week of October. Water in the for 85 leaders in the community Cal-Sag canal was reported to and nearby areas was sponsored be 25 feet deep causing the canal by the First National Bank. to overflow its banks and almost Father William Donald Mc- forcing the Clark Refinery to Lean, rector of St. Aidan's Epis- close down. Other industrial con- copal church, preached his fare- cerns had equipment under water well in sermon August. Father and many! basements were re- McLean had founded St. Aidans ported flooded. Residents of the in 1916 as a mission church. north side called the city coun- He thus joined Father Gross, Rev. cil to ask for action to alleviate M. P. F. Doermann, nad Rev. R. flood conditions.

Reinke to make up a quartet of Dr. E.A. Doepp, 88, in medical ministers who had served their practice in Blue Island since 1890, respective churches for twenty-five died in St. Francis hospital. He years or more. had helped to establish the hos- Rites were held in August for pital in 1904. His name was

PFC Adrian Kusiolek who was known to thousands of Blue Is- killed in Korea. Mother of Sor- land families. rows opened its high school in President Eisenhower's budget September with a capacity fresh- message earmarked four million man class, and immediately an- dollars for the Cal-Sag project. nounced plans for a new addi- "We have promise of strong con- tion. Sunday, October 3, opened gressional support to sustain its a month of celebration marking place in the budget," said Henry the dedication of Siloam Luth- E. Seyfarth. The 50th anniversary eran church. The building at of St. Francis hospital was mark- Greenwood and 121st was con- ed by the appearance of Samuel structed at a cost of $120,000. Cardinal Stritch. March 25, 1955, Rev. C. Daniel was pastor. Rev. was the actual date but ceremo- Albert M. Marcis was installed nies were held in May. as pastor of Holy Cross Evan- Reverend Walter H. Ruth of gelical Lutheran church of the First Evangelical Lutheran Blue Island. Church was transferred to Flo- Auto sales in Blue Island were rida after seven and a half years far greater than food sales in the in Blue Island. city. The same study also show- Senator Everett M. Dirksen ed that auto sales in Blue Island gave the main address as the Elks ranked high above the national dedicated the two story structure average. A nine and three-quar- at 2417 York, formerly the Illi- ter inch rainfall caused millions nois Bell Telephone Exchange. in flood damage in the South "Fission of human spirit is the Suburban area during the second hope of mankind in the atom

156 age," said Dirksen in reference the second cracker was part of to Elks' efforts in constructing the improvement and expansion the building. noted above, and was accomplish- Blue Island rejoiced as the ed under the leadership of Craw- house appropriations committee ford, who came to the local plant moved the $4,000,000 needed for as general manager in 1949, the improvement of the Cal-Sag. and was made vice-president and Everyone now had to wait for member of the board that same congressional action on the ap- year. Since that time, the progress propriation, which came soon of the company has been steadily after—approved. upward;—and undoubtedly the Like the popular song, "June Chief, self appointed hero of the Is Bustin' Out All Over," busi- company's advertising campaign, ness and industry in Blue Island will claim every bit of the credit. truly seemed to be "bustin' out" The Martin Oil Company was in 1956, and not only in June, also expanding in these years. but throughout that year. Big- Coming to Blue Islnad in 1946 it gest news of all was made by the had experienced a steady and Clark Oil and Refining Company, profitable growth. Receiving and which at that time was employing shipping oils and gasolines by 1600 employees in its 367 gaso- truck, barge, and pipeline the line stations and plants in the organization had seen its stations nine states where these were lo- grow from twenty-nine to 104, cated. The Blue Island refinery, with by far the great majority under the direction of Craw- John company owned and operated. Its ford, vice-president of the organ- forty acres of tank farms along shortly to institute ization, was Kedzie Avenue have been increas- a five million dollar expansion ed by property to the west, for a program, which would boost its barge dock and additional tanks. production output here from Blue Island is also fortunate to 21,000 barrels a day to 30,000. have the general offices of the or- Here was another industry that ganization. had greatly benefited our city Other aspects of growth in busi- during its years of growth. In ness and industry were additional 1945 the Great Lakes Refinery signs that the city and its sur- had been purchased by the Clark rounding territory were looking Oil Company interests, but the increasingly prosperous, with an name had not been changed until even brighter future ahead. Na- 1954. Even before that time, forward steps in improvement and tional figures reported that 68.2 modernization had been taken, percent of the families living in with the first giant cracker in- Blue Island had incomes of over stalled in 1951. Installation of $4,000 annually after taxes. This

157 was much higher than the na- service to the students of Com- tional average of 51.1 percent munity High and the school dis- over this figure. In figures kept trict, Henry Duff retired as a over several years, the retail es- school board member. He had tablishments of the city had in- been the board president since creased their business by 78 per- 1946, and was succeeded as pre- cent, in comparision to figures sident by Leslie I. McCord, who released for 1950, only six years had been serving as board secre- earlier. Payrolls had doubled in tary. Mr. Duff was honored at a the same time, jumping from two breakfast sponsored by the home to four million dollars. The im- economics classes at the high portance of the Illinois Bell Tele- school, under the direction of phone Company to the city was Mrs. Carol Moderi. Another pro- best seen when it reported that minent citizen of Blue Island to it had spent over two million be honored was Henry Seyfarth, dollars in Blue Island alone, in- then chairman of the board of cluding wages, taxes, and other the First National Bank here. expenses. Part of the phone com- Seyfarth was named one of the pany's expansion budget was al- five foremost Chicagoans of 1955 lotted for a two story addition by the magazine Chicago. He was to the building on Union Street, cited because of his efforts and which made it possible for an leadership as chairman of the additional 1000 telephones to be Cal Sag Waterways Development used in Blue Island. Committee, which was instrumen- Another new business was wel- tal in getting the channel widen- comed when the Blue Island ed, and would soon bring tremen-

Forgings Company built its foun- dous changes to Blue Island. The dry and hammer shop at 13601 local "Who's Who" was further Sacramento. The management of graced by the names of Vernon the new concern had hopes of Haag, president of Haag Labora- eventually employing 200 people. tories; and Winthrop Collidge, Later in the year the G and president of the Chicago Copper W Electrical Specialties Compa- and Chemical Company, both of ny began operations in its new whom were named to "Chemical plant on Burr Oak. This modern Who's Who" because of their building had cost over a million achievements in this field. The dollars. The families of the 412 requirements for their citations employees of the organization included having a degree from a certainly did their bit to swell recognized scientific school plus the income of Blue Island mer- having given ten years of special- chants, and to find new homes ized work or service in the chem- in the area. ical industry. After fifteen years of sterling One of the hardest working

158 church groups in the community age of ninety. City Engineer Al- saw their church dedicated on len Fox, who had served the city June 17, 1956, when appropriate in this capacity for thirty-seven ceremonies were held by the years, and was assistant city en- congregation and friends of the gineer for three years before that, First Church of Christ, Scientist. was another loss, as was Barthol- They had made their new build- omew O'Toole, chairman of the ing completely free from debt in board of the State Bank. O'Toole only five years. The First Luther- started his Blue Island career in an Church of Blue Island was 1910, in the real estate business. honored by being asked to be Blue Islanders began to realize host for the fourteenth biennial how much the Cal Sag Channel International Convention of this development might mean to them body. About 300 delegates were and to this entire area when the in attendance. The Evangelical Union Carbide and Carbon Cor-

Community Church at 120th and poration bought ninety acres on Irving, approved the addition of the north side of the channel at a social hall, to cost in the neigh- Crawford and 131st, early in borhood of $135,000. Although 1957. It was reported that this the Orchard Street Christian purchase was to be part of a huge

Church was sorry to see its faith- 500 acre tract to be developed ful pastor, Rev. J.L. Pennington by Union Carbide, with the first leave for another charge, the building to have an area of membership there had prospered 300,000 square feet for ware- mightily under his leadership, housing purposes. Even more having doubled since 1949. The positive proof of what the channel Pentecostal Church of God got development would bring was its start in Blue Island this year seen when it was announced in when Revs. Donald and Helene the fall of this year that construc- Romig came here after having tion would start the following been graduated from the South- spring on a series of new rail- western Bible College to find a road bridges. These would have warm welcome from this devoted to be considerably wider than the group. old bridges, in order to span the Unfortunately 1956 was not canal, which would be almost without its personal losses, each four times its present width. The of which affected many of the very pleasant rumor that almost old timers, as well as more recent thirty million dollars would be inhabitants. Philip Schreiber, spent in Blue Island alone before owner of Schreiber's Hardware the project was completed made and son of the pioneer merchant both big and little businesses, as who established this business in well as workers of all kinds, wish

1849, passed away at the goodly for a speedy beginning of work

159 guided the community through some rather tough times. The voters, remembering this, saw no reason to turn him down now that prospects seemed so much brighter. As the table of city officials listed later in this section will show, Hart's record as a vote getter had, up to the present (he is still in office) been excelled by only one man — Fred Hoh- mann, who had served both as village clerk and as city clerk for over thirty years, and Hart's record and popularity may make

it possible for him to exceed this

mark, if he wishes to make the race for mayor again in the future. Mayor John M. Hart Elected at this same time was Now serving seventh term as Mayor, and Honorary Chairman of 1962 July John Joens, city clerk; Emil 4th celebration. Blatt, city treasurer; and Henry Gentile, police magistrate. on a large scale. Two additional honors came to

Even the city itself joined the Dr. H.L. Richards. First, he was expansion program. A tiny sec- appointed to membership on the tion of land, from 126th on the Illinois Citizens Committee, an north and Sacramento on the east, advisory group charged with going west about a block and working with the president of then south to Minnesota Street, the state university on matters was brought into the ciy limits. relating to the welfare of this

The only other noteworthy ex- institution. The second came af- pansion of property since 1935 er Dr. Vernon Nickell had an- had been made in 1949, when nounced his retirement as state the high school property, run- superintendent of public instruc- ning along 127th Street out west tion. Governor Stratton contacted to Wireton Road, had been an- Richards, to urge him to be- nexed. come a candidate for this post Mayor Hart was re-elected to in the forthcoming election. Rich- his sixth term of office, proving ards declined this honor, stating that his "pay-as-you-go" philos- that he wished to remain at Com- ophy and practice had many munity High School, hoping to friends in Blue Island. He had complete his ultimate goal here.

160 One fine forward step toward as the pastor at that time. From that goal was taken when the an organization which had start- Southwest Building was added ed with only fourteen families, as a school for freshmen and its growth had been great, as well sophomores in that area. This as good. The Luchtemeyer Jewel- relieved some of the pressure of ry Store marked its one hundredth marked overcrowding from the year in business, with Mrs. Anna Old Main Building, and expand- Luchtemeyer as owner at this ed the Two-Two Plan of student time. A golden wedding anniver- housing. In 1950, Richards intro- sary was celebrated by Mr. and duced this idea of housing all Mrs. John Parchem on Septem- upperclassmen at the new Camp- ber 8 at St. Isidore's Church. us Building, and all freshmen A note of sadness crept into and sophomores at Old Main. the city at that time when both

With more than a thousand stu- Dr. Ralph Charles Aiken, staff dents severely taxing the capacity member at both St. Francis and of this venerable structure, relief Ingalls Memorial hospitals, and was badly needed, and the new senior member among the doctors Building Southwest provided part operating the Medical Center; of this relief. Located as it was, and Dr. Leslie Damm, chiroprac- near one of the most heavily tor, and very prominent citizen populated centers, it soon became of the community, passed away. a very popular community meet- The congregation of the Evan- ing place for adults, and gave gelical Community Church was Richards' plan of a divided stu- greatly blessed by a $200,000 dent body an even better chance addition, increasing the seating to succeed. capacity of their sanctuary from Later this year the high school 175 to 425, and adding a class- received another much needed room wing with twelve well equip- assist forward when a bond issue ped classrooms. new minister, was passed, approving additions A Rev. L.A. Houchins, to the to Old Main and the Campus came Pentecostal Church of to Building and the building of still God another frosh-soph building, this replace the Romigs who left to time in the Northwest section of enter the missionary field. The the district, for students near beautiful St. Philip's Lutheran population centers there. Church, 2500 W. 121st Street,

Prominent institutions and in- which had been dedicated in 1954, dividuals observed important and changed its name from the birthdays in 1957. The St. Peter Swedish Lutheran Siloa Church and Paul Evangelical Lutheran in 1956, had grown steadily un-

Church celebrated its fiftieth an- der the pastorship of C. Daniel niversary, with Rev. John Siedem Anderson, and was becoming

161 !

known as one of the beauty spots 1897. One of the features of this of the north side. ceremony was a church supper Important milestones were observed for twenty-five cents a served by the Blue Island Public plate for adults and ten cents library and the St. Francis for children. At the anniversary

Hospital. In September the li- dinner held in 1959, the only re- brary celebrated its one hund- maining charter member of the redth anniversary. Dr. Preston congregation, Ann Olson, was Bradley, the well known minister honored. Rev. Walter W. John- and radio speaker, was the featur- son was pastor at this time, with ed speaker, giving his address Arthur Edlund as chairman of the intriguing title, "The Im- the church body, and Walter Carl- portance of Eggheads." The hos- son chairman of the building com- pital held an Open House for mittee. the public, presenting its new Definite expansion of both facilities, including new quarters industry and business was noted for the internes, maintenance this year. The Chamber of Com- shops, and a remodeled laundry merce appointed a special indus- and emergency transformer. trial committee, charged with The fifth annual Blue Island bringing additional industries Railroad Fair proved to be one here. Surveys were made, to help of the most successful sales pro- those already located here, as motion programs that the city well as possible new firms. Such had ever seen, as well as one of matters as wages, posible mar- the most enjoyable. Owners, man- ket, and other statitics of inter- agers and clerks seem to take de- est to business and industry were light in garbing themselves in noted. At least one big firm railroad togs. Any stranger might moved out from Chicago, perhaps have been considerably surprised as a result of this activity on the to see a petite clerk at the banks part of the Chamber of Com- or the department stores dressed merce. The Federal Sign and as a railroad engineer, with peak- Signal Corporation, after enlarged cap, red bandana, and even ing the old American Radiator gloves and Standard Sanitary plant, at The Mission Covenant Church 136th and Western, moved in, took a great step forward in 1959 and employment possibilities im- by celebrating its sixty-fifth an- mediately began to look better, niversary with a ground breaking as this concern would employ ceremony for a beautiful new about 500 persons. Kline's De- church to be located on Collins partment Store undertook another and Greenwood. The previous expansion by remodeling the sec- sanctuary, at Greenwood and ond floor of its building, which Cochran had been dedicated in had formerly been occupied by

162 offices and apartments. One of schools added Nathan Hale, at the big innovations of this move 135th and Long, at a cost of was the installation of a self- $400,000. Community High wel- operating elevator. comed a third frosh-soph unit, the

Perhaps the most positive proof Northwest Building, located at of all-around growth in Blue 115th and Ridgeland, and serving Island and surrounding territory students in these years from was given by the Illinois Bell Worth, Chicago Ridge, and ad- Telephone Company. Since 1952, jacent territories. So rapid had when the local exchange was been the growth of the student serving 10,000 customers, the body in that area, however, that number of customers had jumped the school almost became over- until 27,000 numbers were now crowded its very first year. listed. Three hundred employees Catholic wornen of the city called the expanded plant on were involved when the local Union Street their business home, chapter of the Catholic Daugh- and the management there an- ters of America marked its fif- nounced that the recent improve- tieth anniversary in '59. As a part ments had cost in the neighbor- of this celebration the Grand hood of one million dollars. Regent of the state of Illinois The "pay-as-you-go" policies paid tribute to the Blue Island of Mayor Hart were again greatly group, the first in the entire state appreciated by Blue Island tax- to mark its golden anniversary, payers, when the city council as well as the largest chapter awarded a quarter million dollar in Illinois. Honored were Mrs. street improvement contract, and Lillian Hickey, at that time Grand paid for its entire cost out of Regent of the local court, num- cash then on hand. Most of the ber 113, as well as Mrs. Nell money went for street improve- Martens, first Grand Regent, and ments in the southeast section four of the original charter mem- of the city, with sections of Seel- bers: Mrs. Kate Kennelly, Mrs. ey, Hoyne, and Canal being pav- John Landgraf, Mrs. George Mar- ed. The Western Avenue mer- tell, and Mrs. Sue Murphy. chants were also greatly benefit- Long time friends of Arthur J. ed when a parking lot, just back Stuebe, veteran grocery store of the firms on the west side of owner, mourned his passing this Western, between High and York, year. He had been chairman of was completed, providing space the finance committee of the city for 136 cars. council, and a member of the The schools of the city and transportation committee. the high school district went al- One of the best measures of ong with this expansion of busi- Blue Island's growth during the ness and industry. The elementary ten years culminating in 1960

163 \ >

Tragedy Averted

Prompt action by the fire department prevented any loss of life when the Lyric Theatre burned in February, 1960.

was given by William Gerdes, tle farm, located east of Ahsland city building commissioner at between the Calumet River and that time. Seven hundred thirty- Stony. Old timers still refer to six homes, valued at a total of this section of territory as Fay's $10,721,970 had been constructed Point. in this period. In 1959 residential Tragedy, both personal and building alone totalled over three financial, hit the city this year. million dollars, including twelve Andrew L. McCord, senior citi- apartment buildings. The only zen and financial influence in the person who had witnessed contin- area passed away leaving many ued growth such as this, and al- friends who had known him for most from the very beginning of the sixty-two years of sterling Blue Island, was Mrs. Lawrence service he had given the First

Fay, who celebrated her first National Bank in various capaci- century of life on February 20. ties, culminating with his appoint- After coming from England in ment as president in 1943. He had 1872, her family first settled in served continuously as treasurer Morris, Illinois. On a visit to Blue of the park board, from the year

Island, she met her future hus- it had been organized until 1958. band, Lawrence Fay. After their He was active at the bank up to marriage the two moved to a lit- a short time before his death,

164 serving as vice chairman of the its patients to lower floors for board of directors, and was a easier removal if that became ne- charter member of the B.P.O.E. cessary. For several hours it was But for the grace of God, the feared both sides of Western Ave- ultra modern equipment possess- nue would become ignited ^itli ed by our fire department, the ultimate results in such an event capable leadership of Fire Chief defying imagination. Barzycki and the efficiency of From a very modest start many our firemen, Valentine Day, Feb- years before under the name of ruary 14, 1960 might have been the Cottage Building and Loan a day never to be forgotten. It Association, the directors, offi- was on this day, at 3:30 in the cers, stockholders, and customers afternoon, the Lyric Theater was of the Blue Island Savings and completely destroyed by fire! Loan Association again moved The date was a Sunday and most forward when they held a grand of the audience of 700 were child- opening at their spacious new ren enjoying their usual Sunday building, 11960 Western, in mid afternoon at the movies. Because March. of Chief Barzycki's quick thinking One of Blue Island's favorite in going through the audience sons was honored by his friends with the theater manager, Wil- from this entire area when Dr. liam Hetzner, and very calmly H. L. Richards was recognized telling the audience a fire drill and feted for the twenty-five wr ould be held, the auditorium years he had served as superin- was quickly evacuated in a most tendent of the District 218 schools. orderly manner. This calmness He had come to Blue Island in and promptness was richly re- 1928 as an instructor of social warded for there was no loss of studies and assistant coach. The life nor even a single injury! board of education had named Few of the audience even realized him as superintendent upon the it was a real fire until they got retirement of Mr. J. E. Lemon out of the building. Thirty min- in 1935, after forty-two years utes after the firemen had been of dedicated service. summoned, the roof collapsed! Friends, well wishers, and close The actual direct financial loss associates witnessed the presen- of $200,000 might have soared in- tation of a bronze plaque, on to the millions had the firemen behalf of the staff and student been unable to execute Barzycki's body of the school, by John plan to contain the fire within Rush of the faculty. A beautiful the theater's four walls which sterling silver coffee and tea remained standing. A strong west service was given to Dr. and Mrs. wind was blowing and St. Francis Richards by Leslie I. McCord, Hospital had begun to evacuate president of the board, on behalf

165 S

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pr* .....

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5/ae Island's Bottleneck Looking north on Western Avenue. The Cal Sag improvements did bring some temporary frustrations to Blue Island traffic, notably this cut-off, routing traffic around the Rock Island bridge at the bottom of the hill.

The Royalaires Drum and Bugle Corps Island. Pride of the Patrick T. Hallinan Post Number 3580, VFW, Blue

166 of the citizens of the entire dis- twenty-one years of his life that trict. Richards was also honored Charles Dewar served the city as by the "Breakfast Club" an in- superintendent of public works, formal organization of long time he commented the department friends, with a special plaque had gradually grown to a present bearing twenty-five silver dollars; staff of twenty-eight men and a and a beautifully bound book con- budget of around $90,000.00 a taining over 200 congratulatory year. Dewar had also served nine letters and telegrams wishing years as an alderman. him well on this auspicious oc- Mayor Hart, officers of all casion was also presented. civic, service, and veteran's org- One of the best indications of anizations—in fact the entire city good times and improvements to —joined with the congregation come that ever was given to Blue of the First Congregational

Island was reported by Mayor Church in celebrating its centen- John Hart. He stated that over nial in October. The solemn and five million dollars were to be impressive homecoming Commun- spent on canal improvements in ion service was held October 16, or near Blue Island within the with the Rev. Edgar Ross deliver- space of a few years. The pro- ing the sermon. On Women's jects to grace the city within this Fellowship Day a pageant, "A short time would include two Century Passes in Review" was new main line bridges for the presented, and on October 20, Rock Island; Baltimore and Ohio the entire city joined in honoring crossings at Vermont Street, the the church in a Centennial Com- Stony Creek bridge, and the sub- munity Night celebration. way near Francisco Street; a Meeting in the Congregational main line bridge for the Grand Church, another group marked Trunk Western; and major ad- a milestone when the Kiwanis justments to the Indiana Harbor Club celebrated its twentieth an-

Belt lines. While the entire city niversary. Officers selected at knew that this major project, that time were Joe Johnson, pre- with its many ramifications, sident; Kenneth Streitmatter, first would create some problems, all vice-president; Arthur Newhouse, concerned felt that the final re- second vice-president; Edwin sult would be to boost Blue Is- Stoddard, secretary-treasurer; land, and were willing to stand and Al Bauer, Jim Bronson, Bob even major inconveniences. Kough, Ed Fredette, Joe Lyznicki, The growth of the city was and Ray Rauch, directors. During manifest in another way, even these twenty years the club had though proof of this meant the grown from its original twenty- city's loss through retirement of seven members to a group of another good man. During the seventy.

167 .

Graduates of the high schools quent additions to other buildings in this area were cheered to learn were demanded by the ever grow-

of the possibilities of a junior ing number of grade school chil- colleg. Argo, Blue Island, Ever- dren. The Greenbriar School was

green Park, Homewood-Floss- built in 1956; Paul Revere re- moor, Lincolnway, Oak Lawn ceived an addition in 1956; Hor- Reavis, and Rich high schools ace Mann in 1958; and the Nath-

had all approved a survey to an Hale School in 1959. determine the needs of such During all these years the an institution in the general area schools had been receiving ster-

covering all of these districts. ling service from board members,

Committees with civic, private with Walter E. Anderson achiev- and school representatives met ing the enviable record of twenty- with Professor Merle Sumption, seven years service as a board of the University of Illinois and member when he retired in 1959. Paul Cella, chairman of public Presidents of the grade school relations for such a survey, to board since Centennial Days have study the possibilities and plan been Frank Van Overstraeten, further action. 1935-37; Dr. Leslie 0. Damm, Under the superintendency of 1938-46; Dr. Derk A. Vloedman, Everett F. Kerr, who had come 1946-52; Karl W. Goetter, 1952- to Blue Island in 1950 to head 55; Carl E. Geppinger, 1955-1960

the District 130 schools, all build- and George W. Dring, 1960— ings had seen remarkable growth. From 1873 to 1961—what a From an enrollment slightly over contrast in years! And how the 1500, when Supt. Eggert resign- city of Blue Island had grown ed in 1935, grade school enroll- in those years! ments had zoomed to over 2700 In 1873 the original village by 1960. The first year Kerr had fathers had passed their first been in office had seen the Hor- budget, providing for the little ace Mann School open, and the settlement's official expenses for junior high school and gym the coming year. The sum they readied for student occupancy. approved for that year was $2,000 The old Seymour School had —and this, we may be sure, posed been razed in 1942, and although a grave challenge. Contrast this

it was declared, at that time, a sum to that budgeted for the year hazard to children, many who from May 1, 1961 to April 30,

had trod its ancient halls regret- 1962—$1,218,867.44!

ted its passing. That year also This is not to say that the 1961 brought additions to both the budget was out of line. Under Lincoln School and the junior the leadership of Mayor Hart, high—to the latter only two years the council had run the city on a after its first occupancy. Fre- very conservative and business-

168 Western Avenue in 1962

This view was taken looking north, from just south of Vermont Street. The new sign of the former State Bank had just been installed.

Church of Christ, Scientist — one of Blue Island's newest church buildings.

169 like basis. Whenever there was Mass of Thanksgiving. The last money to be spent, they first two pastors who served the large were certain that that money was congregation had been Father available. C'n the above budget, Theodore Gross and Father How- for example, they knew that ard Doherty, who came in 1953.

there would be salary increases Later in the year, the St. Fran- for the police and fire depart- cis Hospital announced plans for ment personnel, and for clerical a six and one-half million dollar help. The city would owe Chica- expansion program, to build a go about $315,000 for water. complete new wing. Plans were The municipal building needed for the addition to consist of a repairs; the library and the city ten story building, accommodat- playgrounds needed funds; $225,- ing 248 new beds, and providing 000 would go to the city payroll. a physical medicine department, In all probability the "pay-as- a control supply department, an you-go" policy was responsible enlarged pharmacy, a staff room for another decisive victory for for doctors and personnel, and Mayor Hart and his party at the large administrative offices. polls. He won his seventh term The Mission Covenant Church of office, and carried with him staged a double celebration in the posts of city clerk, city treas- the early part of the year. On urer, and five of the seven alder- February 5 members observed manic posts. the sixty-seventh anniversary by Important anniversaries and dedicating their beautiful new expansions marked the year as building, at Collins and Green- a good one for several institutions wood. Their former sanctuary, and businesses. After a year of which had served them faithfully thorough-going planning and pre- since 1897, was to be used as a

paration, St. Benedict Church Sunday School unit. celebrated its one hundredth an- The entire city was happy to niversary in September. Lowell rejoice with the Volp family and Frasor, banquet chairman, assist- their Blue Island Sun-Standard ed by Mrs. James Hickey and which began its eighty-fifth year.

Daniel J. Boyd, led off the festi- Today "our paper" is regarded vities by organizing a dinner as one of the outstanding quality dance at the Martinique Restau- weeklies in the state of Illinois, rant. The youth of the parish and is published in a modern, well likewise celebrated at the Palos equipped printing plant. Country Club. Solemn and im- Two changes of business ad- pressive rites were observed on dresses, both for the better, hit Sunday, September 24, with Car- the Sun-Standard headlines. The dinal Albert Meyer, Archbishop Enterprise Wire Company moved of Chicago, presiding at a High to the twenty-two acres and large

170 Rock Island Railroad Bridge Before this section of the canal was widened, showing some of the giant equipment used in working on this section of Blue Island's greatest improvement.

plant formerly occupied by the and Company, dealers in wall- Equipment Steel Company. The paper, paint, glass, oil and asso- new property meant rail facilities ciated products, purchased the and more room for the Wire En- former Blue Island Savings and gineering Associates, Inc., a re- Loan building, and moved their lated organization, R. K. Wyant, store there. Associated with Emil, president of the concern stated. the owner, and city treasurer, After sixty-five years in business were his son Norman, and his at 13122 S. Western, Emil J. Blatt grandson, Ronald.

171 gpUt

172 EPILOGUE

As Blue Island moves well into the peaceful uses of the atom; its one hundred and twenty-sev- through proper use of the leisure enth year, its citizens can look time suggested by the advance back with pride upon their past of automation; and, most of all, accomplishments and face the through a re-dedication to the future unafraid, no matter what principle that, under the Father-

its challenges. Perhaps at no other hood of God, it is possible that time during its years of progress the brotherhood of man may yet have people of this nation con- be realized. Sharing such a bless-

fronted prospects which are, at ing as this, the people of Blue one and the same time, fraught Island will know even finer days with both the possibility of the than those they have witnessed free world's utter destruction by so far. With His guidance, and the diabolical forces of commun- their continued faith in their ism, and yet so filled with the homes, their churches, and their

glorious possibility that mankind schools, all things are possible. may at last be fully free. Through Without Him, naught can prevail.

173 APPENDIX Gese and George Warren, Fifth Ward. ROSTER OF CITY OFFICIALS Year 1904—John L. Zacharias, Mayor; Fred Hohmann, City 1901 - 1961 Clerk; C. J. Heckler, Treasurer, Year 1901—John L. Zacharias, George H. Guenther, Attorney; Mayor; Fred Hohmann, City William H. Doolittle, Police Mag- Clerk; A. C. Boeber, Treasurer; istrate; Aldermen: George Engel- George Guenther, Attorney; Em- land and Harry Rorhbach, First il Boehl, Police Magistrate; Al- Ward; Louis Groskopf and An- dermen: Harry Rohrbach and thony Heintz, Second Ward; V. John Neibert, First Ward; John B. Schreiber and August Kern, Joens and Louis Groskopf, Sec- Third Ward; C. R. Foster and ond Ward; George Gobet and V. William Henke, Fourth Ward; B. Schreiber, Third Ward; C. R. Max Gese, George Warren, Fifth Foster and William Henke, Ward. Fourth Ward; A. Danielson and Year 1905—George C. Gobet, Max Gese, Fifth Ward. Mayor; Fred Hohmann, City Year 1902—John L. Zacharias, Clerk; George H. Guenther, At- Mayor; Fred Hohmann, City torney; Carl H. Schmitt, Treas-

Clerk; A. C. Boeber, Treasurer, urer ; Alden P. Pierce, Police Mag- George H. Guenther, Attorney; istrate; Max Gese, City Collector; William H. Doolittle, Police Mag- Aldermen: George Engelland and istrate; Aldermen: John Neibert John A. Lentz, First Ward; L. L. and George Engelland, First Whitson and Anthony Heintz, Ward; John Joens and Louis Second Ward; August Kern and Groskopf, Second Ward; V. B. August Marx, Third Ward; C. R. Schreiber and August Kern, Third Foster and Harry Rohrbach, Ward; William Henke and C. R. Fourth Ward ; George Warren and Foster, Fourth Ward; Max Gese L. C. Steinbach, Fifth Ward. and George Warren, Fifth Ward. Year 1906^-George C. Gobet, Year 1903—John L. Zacharias, Mayor; Fred Hohmann, City Mayor; Fred Hohmann, City Clerk; George H. Guenther, At- Clerk; C. J. Heckler, Treasurer; torney; Carl H. Schmitt, Treas- George H. Guenther, Attorney; urer; Alden P. Pierce, Police William H. Doolittle, Police Mag- Magistrate; Max Gese, City Col- istrate; Aldermen: Harry Rohr- lector; Aldermen: John A. Lentz bach and George Engelland, First and George Engelland, First Ward; Anthony Heintz and L. L. Ward; Anthony Heintz and John Whitson, Second Ward; V. B. F. Klein, Second Ward; August Schreiber and August Kern, Marx and John Ganzer, Third Third Ward; William Henke and Ward; Harry Rohrbach and C. R. Foster, Fourth Ward; Max Jerry Jones, Fourth Ward; L. C.

174 Steinbach and Gustav Aschan, Fourth Ward; Henry Groskopf Fifth Ward. and Louis Steinbach, Fifth Ward. Year 1907—George C. Gobet, Year 1910—Edward N. Stein, Mayor; Fred Hohmann, City Mayor; Fred Hohmann, City Clerk; George H. Guenther, At- Clerk; Thomas McGrath, Attor- torney; William Schreiber, Treas- ney, Harry Rohrbach, Treasurer; urer; Alden P.j Pierce, Police William H. Doolittle, Police Mag- Magistrate; Max Gese, City Col- istrate; Laurence Lusson, City lector; Aldermen: George Engel- Collector; Aldermen: John A. land and John Lentz, First Ward; Lentz and Herman Jauchzer, John F. Klein and Henry Roll, First Ward; Henry Clausen and Second Ward; John Ganzer and Louis Storz, Second Ward; John August Marx, Third Ward; Jerry Wolff and Wm. Kruse, Third Jones and Harry Rohrbach, Ward, John Noble and Jerry

Fourth Ward; J. P. Mossberg and Jones, Fourth Ward; Louis Stein- Henry Groskopf, Fifth Ward. bach and Henry Groskopf, Fifth Year 1908—George C. Gobet, Ward. Mayor; Fred Hohmann, City Year 1911—Julius A. Wessel, Clerk; George H. Guenther, At- Mayor; Fred Hohmann, City torney; William Schreiber, Treas- Clerk; Judd H. Matthews, Attor- urer; Alden P. Pierce, Police ney; John L. Beer, Treasurer; Magistrate; Max Gese, City Col- William H. Doolittle, Police Mag- lector; Aldermen: John A. Lentz istrate; Louis Staffel, City Collec- and George Engelland, First tor; Aldermen: Herman Jauch- Ward; Henry Roll and John zer and William Meyer, First Klein, Second Ward; August Ward; Louis Storz and Ernst Marx and John Ganzer, Third Kott, Second Ward; William Ward; Harry Rohrbach and C. Kruse and John Wolff, Third

R. Foster, Fourth Ward; J. P. Ward; Jerry Jones and James A. Mossberg and Henry Groskopf, Noble, Fourth Ward; Henry Fifth Ward. Groskopf and Walter Bruce, Fifth Year 1909—Edward N. Stein, Ward. Mayor Fred Hohmann, City Year 1912—Julius A. Wessel, Clerk; Thomas McGrath, Attor- Mayor; Fred Hohmann, City ney; Harry Rohrbach, Treasurer; Clerk; Judd H. Matthews, Attor- William H. Doolittle, Police Mag- ney; John L. Beer, Treasurer; istrate; Laurence Lusson, City James H. Carroll, Police Magis- Collector; Aldermen: George En- trate; Louis Staffel, City Collec- gelland and John A. Lentz, First tor; Aldermen: Herman L. Jauch- Ward; John F. Klein and Henry zer and William Meyer, First Clausen, Second Ward; John Gan- Ward; Arnold Myers and Ernst zer and John Wolff, Third Ward; Kott, Second Ward, William J. C. R. Foster and James Noble, Kruse and John Wolff, Third

175 Ward; Jerry Jones and James A. J. Kruse, Third Ward; James A.

Noble, Fourth Ward; Charles J. Noble and E. B. Bronson, Fourth Olson and W. C. Bruce, Fifth Ward; Henry A. Groskopf and

Ward. Charles J. Olson, Fifth Ward. Year 1913—J. Jones, Mayor; Year 1916—J. Jones, Mayor; Fred Hohmann, City Clerk; Judd Louis Staffel, City Clerk, Judd H. H. Matthews, Attorney; Louis F. Matthews, Attorney; Edward N. Schwartz, Treasurer; James H. Stein, Treasurer; James H. Car- Carroll, Police Magistrate; Louis roll, Police Magistrate; Alder-

Staffel, City Collector; Laurence men: Ilo G. Ward and Alfred Lusson, Business Agent; Alder- Koenecke, First Ward; Arnold men: Herman Jauchzer and Al- Myers and Louis C. Groskopf, fred Koenecke, First Ward; Ar- Second Ward; Edward E. Hansen nold Myers and Ernst Kott, Sec- and John W. Wolff, Third Ward; ond Ward; William Kruse and E. B. Bronson and James A.

John Wolff, Third Ward; James Noble, Fourth Ward; Charles J. Noble and E. B. Bronson, Fourth Olson and Henry A. Groskopf,

Ward; C. J. Olson and Walter Fifth Ward. C. Bruce, Fifth Ward. Year 1917—Edward N. Stein,

Year 1914—J. Jones, Mayor; Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City

Fred Hohmann, City Clerk, Judd Clerk; George J. Roll, Treasurer; H. Matthews, Attorney; Louis F. Paul T. Klenk, Attorney; Peter Schwartz, Treasurer; James H. W. Heintz, Police Magistrate; Al-

Carroll, Police Magistrate; Louis dermen: Henry J. Schnurstein

Staffel, City Collector; Laurence and Ilo G. Ward, First Ward; Lusson, Business Agent; Alder- John Mangold and Arnold My- men: Alfred Koenecke and Ilo ers, Second Ward; William M. G. Ward, First Ward; Ernst Kott Hartzel and Edward E. Hansen, and Peter Maltry, Second Ward; Third Ward; Charles J. Schrage

John W. Wolff and William J. and E. B. Bronson, Fourth Ward;

Kruse, Third Ward; E. B. Bron- Charles Adams and Charles J. Ol- son and James A. Noble, Fourth son, Fifth Ward. Ward; Walter C. Bruce and C. Year 1918—Edward N. Stein,

J. Olson, Fifth Ward. Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City

Year 1915—J. Jones, Mayor; Clerk; George J. Roll, Treasurer; Fred Hohmann, City Clerk; Judd Paul T. Klenk, Attorney; Peter H. Matthews, Attorney; Edward W. Heintz, Police Magistrate; Al- N. Stein, Treasurer; James H. dermen: Ilo G. Ward and Henry

Carroll, Police Magistrate; Alder- J. Schnurstein, First Ward; Ar- men: Alfred Koenecke and Ilo G. nold Myers and John Mangold, Ward, First Ward; Louis C. Gros- Second Ward; John Wolff and kopf and Peter Maltry, Second William M. Hartzel, Third Ward;

Ward; John W. Wolff and Wm. E. B. Bronson and Charles J.

176 Schrage, Fourth Ward; Charles J. P. Wiessner, Fifth Ward.

J. Olson and Charles Adams, Fifth Year 1922—Paul T. Klenk,

Ward. Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City Year 1919—Edward N. Stein, Clerk; Harvey L. Melvin, Treas-

Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City urer; Henry Buhring, Police Mag- Clerk: Walter N. Crossland, istrate; Aldermen: Alfred L. Koe- Treasurer; Roy Massena, Attor- necke and Henry Schnurstein, ney; Peter W. Heintz, Police Mag- First Ward; Arnold Myers and istrate: Aldermen: Henry Schnur- George Fiedler, Second Ward; stein and Ilo G. Ward, First Rocco Guglielmucci and Charles Ward; John Mangold and Arnold Andersen, Third Ward; Joseph Myers, Second Ward; William M. W. Lentz and Charles F. Schrage, Hartzel and Rocco Guglielmucci, Fourth Ward; Edward Hopf and

Third Ward; W. T. Davis and J. P. Wiessner, Fifth Ward.

E. B. Bronson, Fourth Ward; J. Year 1923— Paul T. Klenk,

P. Wiessner and Charles J. Ol- Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City son, Fifth Ward. Clerk; George J. Roll, Treasurer, Ytar 1920—Edward N. Stein, Henry Buhring, Police Magis-

Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City trate; Aldermen: Harold C. Volp Clerk; Walter N. Crossland, and Alfred L. Koenecke, First Treasurer; Roy Massena, Attor- Ward; George F. Fiedler and Ar- ney; Peter W. Heintz, Police Mag- nold Myers, Second Ward; istrate, Aldermen: Henry Schnur- Charles Andersen and Rocco Gug- stein and Robert Atkinson, First lielmucci, Third Ward; Joseph Ward; John Mangold and Arnold W. Lentz and Charles F. Schrage,

Myers, Second Ward; William M. Fourth Ward; J. P. Wiessner and Hartzel and Rocco Guglielmucci, Edward Hopf, Fifth Ward. Third Ward; W. T. Davis and E. Year 1924—Paul T. Klenk,

B. Bronson, Fourth Ward; Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City

Charles J. Olson and J. P. Wiess- Clerk; George J. Roll, Treasurer; ner, Fifth Ward. Henry Buhring, Police Magis- Year 1921—Paul T. Klenk, trate; Aldermen: Alfred L. Koe- First Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City necke and Harold C. Volp, Clerk; Harvey L. Melvin, Treasur- Ward; Charles Mosel and George er; Henry Buhring, Police Mag- Fiedler, Second Ward; Rocco Gug- istrate; Aldermen: Henry Schnur- lielmucci and Charles Andersen, stein and Robert Atkinson, First Third Ward; Charles Schrage and Ward; George F. Fiedler and Ar- Joseph W. Lentz, Fourth Ward; nold Myers, Second Ward; Edward Hopf and J. P. Wiess- Charles Andersen and Rocco Gug- ner, Fifth Ward. lielmucci, Third Ward; Joseph Year 192S-Paul T. Klenk,

W. Lentz and E. B. Bronson, Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City Fourth Ward; Edward Hopf and Clerk; Willis W. Whitfield, City

177 Treasurer; Millard A. Rauhoff, Ward; A. B. Jerrain and Charles Police Magistrate; Aldermen: Al- H. Lorenz, Sixth Ward; William fred L. Koenecke and Harold C. Gerdes and C. 0. Williams, Sev-

Volp, First Ward; Charles J. Mo- enth Ward. sel and George Fiedler, Second Year 1928—Paul T. Klenk,

Ward; Rocco Guglielmucci and Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City

Louis Brockman, Third Ward; Clerk; J. P. Wiessner, City Treas- James A. Noble and Joseph W. urer; Millard Rauhoff, Police Lentz, Fourth Ward; John P. Magistrate; Aldermen: Harold C. Wiessner and Alfred Brunner, Volp and Alfred L. Koenecke, Fifth Ward. First Ward; George F. Fiedler Year 1926- Paul T. Klenk, and Charles Mosel, Second Ward;

Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City Louis F. Brockman and Rocco Clerk; Willis P. Whitfield, City Guglielmucci, Third Ward; Jo- Treasurer; Millard A. Rauhoff, seph W. Lentz and James A. Police Magistrate; Aldermen: Noble, Fourth Ward; Rudolph Harold C .Volp and Alfred L. Swanson and Alfred Brunner,

7 Koenecke, First Ward; George Fifth W ard; Charles H. Lorenz Fiedler and Charles Mosel, Sec- and Charles A. Dewar, Sixth ond Ward; Rocco Guglielmucci Ward; C. 0. Williams and Wil and Louis Brockman, Third liam J. Gerdes, Seventh Ward Ward; Joseph W. Lentz and Year 1929—Frank Kasten

James A. Noble, Fourth Ward; Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City Alfred Brunner and John P. Clerk; Edward H. Hopf, Treas

Wiessner, Fifth Ward; Charles urer; Carl J. Carlson, Police Mag Lorenz (1 year term) and A. B. istrate; Aldermen: Harold C Jerrain (2 year term), Sixth Volp and Alfred L. Koenecke Ward; C. 0. Williams (1 year First Ward; George F. Fiedler term) and William Gerdes (2 and Charles F. Mosel, Second year term), Seventh Ward. Ward; L. Brockman and Rocco Year 1927—Paul T. Klenk, Guglielmucci, Third Ward; Jo-

Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City seph W. Lentz and James A.

Clerk; J. P. Wiessner, City Treas- Noble, Fourth Ward; Rudolph urer; Millard A. Rauhoff, Police Swanson and Fred C. Schroeder, Magistrate; Aldermen: Harold C. Fifth Ward; Charles H. Lorenz Volp and Alfred L. Koenecke, and Charles A. Dewar, Sixth First Ward; Charles Mosel and Ward; C. O. Williams and Wil-

George F. Fiedler, Second Ward; liam J. Gerdes, Seventh Ward. Rocco Guglielmucci and Louis F. Year 1930—Frank Kasten,

Brockman, Third Ward; James Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City A. Noble and Joseph W. Lentz, Clerk; Edward H. Hopf, Treas-

Fourth Ward; Alfred Brunner urer; Carl J. Carlson, Police Mag- and Rudolph Swanson, Fifth istrate; Aldermen: A. L. Koe-

178 necke and Harold C. Volp, First and Clarence 0. Williams, Sev- Ward; Andrew Myers and George enth Ward. F. Fiedler, Second Ward; Rocco Year 1933—Frank Kasten, Guglielmucci and L. Brockman, Mayor; Louis F. Schwartz, City Third Ward; James A. Noble and Clerk; Fred Rice, Treasurer;

Joseph W. Lentz, Fourth Ward; Carl J. Carlson, Police Magis- Fred C. Schroeder and Rudolph trate; Aldermen: Louis Rauch Swanson, Fifth Ward; Charles A. and Alfred L. Koenecke, First Dewar and C. H. Lorenz,, Sixth Ward; George Fiedler and An-

Ward; Wm. J. Gerdes and C. 0. drew Myers, Second Ward; Williams, Seventh Ward. Charles A. Ulrich and Rocco Gug- Year 1931 —Frank Kasten, lielmucci, Third Ward; Joseph

Ma> or; George J. Landgraf, City W. Lentz and James A. Noble, Clerk; John H. Ganzer, Treasur- Fourth Ward; Stewart W. Sand- er; Carl J. Carlson, Police Mag- berg and Fred Schroeder, Fifth istrate; Aldermen: Harold C. Ward; August G. Zavadil and Volp and Alfred L. Koenecke, Charles A. Dewar, Sixth Ward;

First Ward ; George F. Fiedler and Clarence 0. Williams and William

Charles F. Mosel, Second Ward; J. Gerdes, Seventh Ward. L. Brockman and Rocco Gugliel- Year 1934—Frank Kasten, mucci, Third Ward, Joseph W. Mayor; Louis F. Schwartz, City Lentz and James A. Noble, Fourth Clerk; Fred Rice, Treasurer; Carl

Ward; Rudolph Swanson and J. Carlson, Police Magistrate; Al- Fred Schroeder, Fifth Ward; dermen: Carlton C. Cook and

T Charles H. Lorenz and Charles Louis Rauch, First W ard; Henry

A. Dewar, Sixth Ward; Clarence J. Goesel and George F. Fiedler,

0. Williams and William J. Ger- Second Ward; Rocco Guglielmuc- des, Seventh Ward. ci and Charles A. Ulrich, Third Year 1932—Frank Kasten, Ward; Arthur Ladwig and Joseph

Mayor; George J. Landgraf, City W. Lentz, Fourth Ward; and Clerk; John H. Ganzer, Treasur- Fred C. Schroeder and Stewart

r er; Carl J. Carlson, Police Mag- W. Sandberg, Fifth W ard; istrate; Aldermen: Alfred L. Koe- Charles A. Dewar and August G. necke and Harold C. Volp, First Zavadil, Sixth Ward; William J. Ward; Andrew Myers and George Gerdes and Clarence 0. Williams, F. Fiedler, Second Ward; Rocco Seventh Ward. Guglielmucci and L. F. Brockman, Year 1935—Fred A. Rice, May- Third Ward; James A. Noble and or; Louis F. Schwartz, City Clerk;

Joseph W. Lentz, Fourth Ward; Charles J. Andersen, City Treas- Fred C. Schroeder and Rudolph urer; George E. Heatley, Police Swanson, Fifth Ward; Charles A. Magistrate; Aldermen: Louis W. Dewar and Charles H. Lorenz, Rauch and John M. Tichan. First

Sixth Ward; William J. Gerdes Ward; George F. Fiedler and

179 Henry J. Goesel, Second Ward; Goesel, Second Ward; Rocco Zic- Rocco Guglielmucci and Charles cardo, Third Ward; John W. Ulrich, Third Ward; Joseph W. Lentz, Fourth Ward; Henry H. Lentz and Arthur C. Ladwig, Sutton, Fifth Ward; Joseph A. Fourth Ward; Fred C. Schroed- Mausolf, Sixth Ward; Clarence er and Stewart W. Sandberg, 0. Williams, Seventh Ward.

Fifth Ward; Thomas J. Scanlan Year 1943—Aldermen: Ed- and Harry W. Hattendorf, Sixth ward J. Schaller, First Ward; Ward; William Gerdes and C. 0. George F. Fiedler, Second Ward; Williams, Seventh Ward. Gus Lietzau, Third Ward; Frank

Year 1937—John M. Hart, J. Britt, Fourth Ward; Otto A. Mayor; Louis F. Schwartz, City Kasch, Fifth Ward; William C. Clerk; August W. Schreiber, City Frey, Sixth Ward; John E. Jones, Treasurer; Richard B. Seyfarth, Seventh Ward. Police Magistrate; Aldermen: Year 1945—John M. Hart, Louis W. Rauch and Thomas Mayor; Louis F. Schwartz, City

Hayes, First Ward; Henry J. Goe- Clerk; Emil J. Blatt, City Treas- sel and George F. Fiedler; Sec- urer; David Cullinan, Police Mag- ond Ward; August Lietzau and istrate; Aldermen: Fred J. Hor- Michael Guglielmucci, Third wath, First Ward; Charles F. Ward; Joseph W. Lentz and Ar- Mosel, Second Ward; Rocco Zic- thur C. Ladwig, Fourth Ward; cardo, Third Ward; Arthur J. Harry H. Sutton and Otto A. Stuebe, Fourth Ward; Elmer E.

Kasch, Fifth Ward; Thomas J. Johnson and Harry H. Sutton, Scanlan and Charles A. Dewar, Fifth Ward; Joseph A. Mausolf,

Sixth Ward; Clarence 0. Wil- Sixth Ward; Niles Erfft and liams and William J. Gerdes, Clarence 0. Williams, Seventh Seventh Ward. Ward.

Year 1939—Aldermen : Thom- Year 1947—Aldermen : Ed- as Hayes, First Ward; George F. ward J. Schaller, First Ward; Ru-

Fiedler, Second Ward; Gus Liet- dolph I. Banovich, Second Ward; zau, Third Ward; Frank J. Britt, Carl Jankowski, Third Ward; Fourth Ward; Otto A. Kasch, John Waugh, Fourth Ward; El- Fifth Ward; William C. Frey - mer E. Johnson, Fifth Ward; Wil- Joseph A. Mausolf (special elec- liam C. Frey, Sixth Ward; Ar- tion Sept. 1939), Sixth Ward; thur L. Schaller, Seventh Ward. John E. Jones, Seventh Ward. Year 1949—John M. Hart, Year 1941—John M. Hart, Mayor; Louis F. Schwartz, City

Mayor; Louis F. Schwartz, City Clerk; Emil J. Blatt, City Treas-

Clerk; Edward J. Kordewich, urer; David Cullinan, Police

City Treasurer; Richard B. Sey- Magistrate; Aldermen: Fred J. farth, Police Magistrate; Louis Horwath, First Ward; Charles F.

W. Rauch, First Ward; Henry J. Mosel, Second Ward; Rocco Zic-

180 cardo, Third Ward; Arthur J. Nicholas J. Splayt, Sixth Ward; Stuebe, Fourth Ward; Harry H. Arthur L. Schaller, Seventh Sutton, Fifth Ward; Joseph A. Ward. Mausolf, Sixth Ward; Niles Erfft, Year 1957—John M. Hart, Seventh Ward. Mayor; John C. Joens, City Clerk;

Year 1951 —Aldermen: Harry Emil J. Blatt, City Treasurer;

A. Jebsen, First Ward; Rudolph Henry J. Gentile, Police Magis- I. Banovich, Second Ward; Mil- trate; Aldermen: Lawrence H. ton 0. Shrader, Third Ward; Witt, First Ward; Charles F. Mo- John Waugh, Fourth Ward; El- sel, Second Ward; Rocco Ziccar- mer E. Johnson and Andrew do and Joseph T. Swalec, Third

Baird - (Special election 5-28-51), Ward; Arthur J. Stuebe, Fourth

- Fifth Ward; Nicholas J. Splayt, Ward; Norman Lindstrom, Fifth Sixth Ward; Arthur L. Schaller, Ward; Joseph A. Mausolf, Sixth Seventh Ward. Ward; Niles Erfft, Seventh Ward.

Year 1953—John M. Hart, Year 1959—Aldermen : Harry Mayor; Louis F. Schwartz, City A. Jebsen, First Ward; Salvatore

Clerk I Passed away 5-25-53) and Ruffolo, Second Ward; Joseph John C. Joens, appointed as City T. Swalec, Third Ward; Louis D.

Clerk 6-8-53; Emil J. Blatt, City Lombardo, Fourth Ward; Robert

Treasurer; Henry J. Gentile, Po- N. Roegner, Fifth Ward; Nicholas lice Magistrate; Aldermen: Law- J. Splayt, Sixth Ward; Arthur L. rence H. Witt, First Ward; Schaller, Seventh Ward. Charles F. Mosel, Second Ward; Year 1961—John M. Hart, Rocco Ziccardo, Third Ward; Ar- Mayor; John C. Joens, City Clerk; thur J. Stuebe, Fourth Ward; Emil J. Blatt, City Treasurer;

Burtus Overton, Fifth Ward; Jo- Earl S. Ebers, Jr., Police Magis- seph A. Mausolf, Sixth Ward; trate; Aldermen: Lawrence H. Niles Erfft, Seventh Ward. Witt, First Ward; Arthur G. Col-

Year 1955—Aldermen : Harry latz, Second Ward; Salvatore A. Jebsen, First Ward; Salvatore Rende, Jr., Third Ward; Mervin Ruffolo, Second Ward; Milton Beattie, Fourth Ward; Robert N. 0. Shrader, Third Ward; Louis Roegner, Fifth Ward; Joseph A. D. Lombardo, Fourth Ward; El- Mausolf, Sixth Ward; Niles Erfft mer E. Johnson, Fifth Ward; Seventh Ward.

181 OUR THANKS TO ALL

The Lions Club of Blue Island freely acknowledges that any

list of committee members could not fully credit all those who are helping to make our 1962 Fourth of July Celebration the great suc-

cess we hope it will be.

Listed below are the chairmen and vice-chairmen, in that order, of committees heading our project. Each man gladly joins our general expression of thanks to the hundreds who are working together for the greater good of our community.

COMMITTEES

Mayor John M. Hart Henry G. Baumann Honorary Chairman General Chairman THE BIG PARADE PHOTOGRAPHY William E. Clarke Henry Van Westrop Walter Briody Tom Laydon JUNIOR PARADE TRAFFIC Leonard Bartlc Edward Marcinski James Kennedy Earl Rousseau FINANCE GROUNDS Lester Catlin Ray Termunde

E. J. Anhorn Thomas Schoeneck

THE B.I. STORY EVENING PROGRAM Dr. H. L. Richards Dr. D. L. Doornkaat Harold Volp Lynn Burno

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Further, we gratefully acknowledge our indebtedness to the fol-

lowing men and women, all members of the Community High School faculty, who have contributed so very much of their time and their talents in writing "The Blue Island Story": Clyde W. Blanke, Mary K. Dewey, Kathryn A. Haebich, Marcel E. Pacatte, and Joseph Ziemba.

The Lions Club of Blue Island

182 Lions Club of Blme Island

OFFICERS

President Henry A. Gentile Immediate Past President Thomas Laydon First Vice President Edward Klocke Second Vice President Leonard Bartle Third Vice President Henry vanWestrop Financial Secretary Lawrence Hupe Secretary William T. Ewing Treasurer Frederic C. Madsen Lion Tamer Edwin C. Hempel Tail Twister Dr. C. E. Folkers Chaplain Rev. C. A. Chamberlin Initiating Officer Lloyd Holmlin Pianist Lynn Burno Song Leader George Porter

DIRECTORS

Henry G. Baumann George Porter Edward Marcinski Harold Volp

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Entertainment George T. Schoeneck Program Edward E. Klocke Bulletin Editor Leonard A. Bartle Attendance Henry vanWestrop Constitution and By-Laws Walter F. Briody Lions Membership John A. Dorjahn Finance George D. Carter Lions Information Thomas Laydon Convention Edwin L. Hempel Sight Conservation Harry Taylor Boys and Girls George Carnahan Citizenship and Patriotism Emanuel Cannonito Sports Banquet Don Kolloway Civic Improvements Vernon Wilkening Community Betterment James G. Kennedy

183 Publicity and Public Relations Henry vanWestrop Health and Welfare Harry Siwkowski Education George W. Porter Safety Earl Rousseau United Nations Rev. C. A. Chamberlin Fourth of July Henry G. Baumann

Exceptional Children Russell J. Colvin Greeter Edwin L. Hempel

MEMBERS

Donald E. Andersen Emlyn Edwards Dr. Warren Anderson Guy W. Egbert

Emil J. Anhorn Wm. T. Ewing Clyde E. Bailey Dr. Clarence E. Folkers Leonard A. Bartle Wm. C. Frey Henry G. Baumann Dr. Arthur Jay Friduss Dr. 0. A. Taylor Bell Angelo P. Garetto

Frank Bella, Jr. Ralph Edward Gehrig Ludwig Blum Henry A. Gentile

Joseph J. Bogetich Arthur T. Gerstel

E. J. Boyd William C. Hake Walter F. Briody Sterling P. Hall

Roger W. Bronson, Jr. John M. Hart Ernest Brown Benjamin Helford William Brown Edwin L. Hempel W. E. Brydon Arthur W. Heuser Richard Buckwalter Joe B. Hoberman Lynn Burno Lloyd C. Holmlin Emanual M. Cannonito Lawrence L. Hupe George Carnahan Roy E. Johnson Geo. D. Carter Bert Josefson Lester F. Catlin Thomas Karambis Rev. C. A. Chamberlin James G. Kennedy

Peter J. Ciccone Dr. Carl L. Kinell Wm. T. Clarke Edward E. Klocke

Russell J. Colvin Donald M. Kolloway John A. Crawford Adam C. Kranich Dr. D. L. Doornkaat B. F. Kromryk John A. Dorjahn Hill Lakin Peter Dykstra Thomas G. Laydon

Earl S. Ebers, Jr. Raymond Legreid

184 Dr. Henry J. Leturno Geo. T. Schoeneck Leo F. Lynch Arthur H. Schultz Fredric C. Madsen Anthony Sisco

Edward Marcinski Harry J. Siwkowski

Leslie I. Mc Cord John Sluski Russell M. Miller Everett D. Snyder Charles Mudge Walter C. Steinweg G. Archer Mueller Frank M. Sterling Arnold Mueller Gilbert Day Stewart

Wm. J. Mulder Theodore M. Street Frank S. Neldon Edwin F. Suhs Wm. M. Niewold Harold R. Swanson Eugene Paul Dr. Sheldon L. Taub John A. Peterson Harry W. Taylor Raymond Pieper Raymond Termunde George W. Porter Robert H. Upholzer Wilbert A. Radtke Henry vanWestrop Dr. Harold L. Richards Carl R. Vandenberg

Thomas S. Richardson Victor Vanderhei James P. Rigoni Harold C. Volp Thos. L. Robertson Gary P. Walczak Edward F. Roche Arnold L. Watland Earl Rousseau 0. Edward Wielgorecki Frank C. Salapatek Vernon Wilkening

Dr. Thos. J. Scanlon John Wilson Harold Schee

185

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977 31B625 C001 THE BLUE ISLAND STORY BLUE ISLAND, ILL.