Dedicated to

H O N O R A B L E P E T E R M. H O F F M A N OF DES PLAINES
CORONER OF COOK COUNTY, ILL.

This souvenir book, compiled to commemorate

and vivify the life and activities of Des Plaines
and Park Ridge is properly dedicated to
their leading and most public spirited citizen.

BY THE AUTHOR E. PALMA BEAUDETTE

 EDITORIAL
Much of the early history has been obtained from various sources and from
the data of A n d r e s History of Cook County, which is the standard for Cook
County. There may he slight errors in names, though it has been the compiler's
intention to he as correct and accurate as possible.
T h e author wishes, hereby to thank her readers for the many f a v o r s and
courtesies shown her for the use of cuts, data, etc.
This volume is respectfully submitted for your a p p r o v a l .
E. P A L M A BEAUDETTE.
MAINE T O W N S H I P
Is bounded on the north by Wheeling and Northfield, on the east
by Niles, on the south by Leyden, on the west by Elk Grove. T h e
land is excellently adapted for farming and gardening.
Fine large specimens of trees, sometimes four feet in diameter,
border on the banks of the river. T h e land elevation on each side,
reaching about fifteen feet, terminates into the highest point of about
thirty-four feet at Park Ridge.
EARLY SETTLERS
T h e First Settlement, in 1832, was made by Captain W r i g h t ,
who erected a log cabin near the north line of Section 22, which later
became the Milatovitch farm. Captain W r i g h t was a commissioned
officer of the Vermont Militia. In 1833, Messrs. Brook, Sherman,
Edick and Besse followed. In 1834, Eben Conant, H a r r y Phillips
were early settlers but did not remain long, selling to Peter Guthrie
and returning to Vermont.
Thomas Walton settled in Section 8, but in 1836 sold his claim
to Samuel Johnson and took up a claim west of his first one.
Captain Mancel Talcott settled in the northeast quarter of Section
34. J u l y 1st S. Rand (Rand Road) raised and framed this house,
which was later occupied by John M i l l e r .
Mancel Talcott, J r . , settled on Section 26. According to some
authorities he built the first house in Park Ridge. Others declare
that W a r n e r and Stevens built the first house after laying out the
Rand! Road. John Dougherty and Daniel Goodenough were pioneers,
also.
Into M a i n e Township, in 1834, came. Dr. Austin, M r . Allison, M r .
Kincade, M r . T a y l o r , A. H. Conant, J . W . Walton, M r . Foot, M r .
Hopson and along the west bank of the river, north of Des Plaines,
M r . Kennicott, his two sons Hiram and Levi, Messrs. Chivel, Parsons,
Salisbury and Bradwell settled.
In 1835, Socrates Rand located on the southwest quarter of Sec-
tion eight. T h i s later became the home of I. N . W . Sherman. Captain
Hugunin, Judge Hoard and M r . Long followed.
In 1836, John Boyd settled on what later became Canfield, now
Edison Park. In 1836, Hiram Jefferson bought John Dougherty's
property, then came Deacon Curtis Clark and Phineas Sherman, who
sold to Dr. Silas Meacham of Park Ridge.
In 1837, came Thomas P. Robb, George F. Foster, Thomas
Stephen and Jairus Warner, to Park Ridge, James Grannis, John
Brown and Christopher Krueger. Captain Sabin on Section 11, Luther
Ballard on Section 15, Evan Jones east of the river near Rand Bridge,
John Ward on Section 12, John Peacock, Joseph Stott, M r . Sherwin
settled in 1840 on Sections 10 and 11. 1843 brought the Germans
in the eastern part, Jacob Heinz, 1846 George Katz and M r . Schoeneck,
1847 Conrad Popp. Some were poor, some well-to-do, but they were
mutually helpful. Park Ridge and Des Plaines are to this day notable
as one large family. T h e towns are united by dwellers being kinsmen
in each. They are united by a bond of mutual protection and family
responsibility, believing in the principle that a word fitly spoken is
like an "apple of gold in pictures of silver." There is neither an "East
Side," nor a "West Side," not a poor inhabitant to he a plaything and
an object of charity for the rich. They are all comfortable, most of
them in beautiful homes with well-paved streets, artistic surroundings
and trees, the woodman has indeed spared them.
T H E EARLY SCHOOLS
In 1874 a fine two-story brick schoolhouse containing four rooms
and basement was erected. W i l l i a m M u n n was the first teacher in
1875. Miss Ernestine Mergler, elected for three months. R. C.
Smyser, fifteen months. In 1876, J . A. Wadhams, L. O. Wilson,
L. H. Hayman, J . W . Allen, J . Q. Adams, succeeded by M r . Allen.
T h e school has been brought up to its present day perfection as an
institution of learning and gymnastics.
The first road laid out was in 1835, from Sand Ridge to Elk Grove,
crossing the River at Captain Talcott's. T h e next was the River Road
from Brush Hill, past M r . Coval's on Salt Creek.
T h e third, the Brooks Road from Sand Ridge to Elk Grove. T h e
fourth was from Rand Road and Sand Ridge to the mouth of Flint
Creek, at Fox River; crossing the River Des Plaines at Rand Place.
There was much objection to the Rand Road being laid out through
what is now Norwood Park. It was almost impossible to induce settlers
on what is now most valuable land. Socrates Rand actually hired a
man to settle on land west of the river.
The Township of M a i n e was organized in 1850, the first meeting
held April 2, 1850. Socrates Rand, Chairman; Curtis Clark, Clerk.
From Andreas History of Cook County:
Preliminary laws were passed. T h e highway overseers were appointed HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS
as follows: Alvin Scott Calvin Holton J . I ) . Root
Hiram Clark C. Hastings J . C. Clark H. F. Grannis H. W . Phillips Uriah Stott
Conrad Popp S. Rand R. Jeffrey J . W . Walton C. Clark Conrad Popp
E. M . Ellis John Gazlay W m . Payne Hiram Jefferson Jacob Heine Michael Hoffman
Benjamin Hall John W a r d John C. Seegers
T h e name of the town was changed to Wausaik, but the resolutions
Simeon Lee J . C. Outhet
were never carried into effect.
T h e first officers w e r e : J U S T I C E S O F PEACE
Curtis Clark Supervisor J . C. Clark H . C. Senne F. W . Hoffman
John Gazlay Clerk H. W . Phillips J . D. Root Edw. Algur
Jos. Mitchell Assessor A. F. Miner J. D. Lockwood A. Moldenhauer
W m . Johnson Collector Uriah Scott D. T . Wood Samuel Cummings

HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS CONSTABLES

Alvin Scott J . H. Rand W m . Johnson J . H. Sabin John Stockwell
Jos. Curtis Conrad Garike Henry Bohle
O V E R S E E R OF T H E POOR F. H . Moore Fred Mahlman A . W . Eckert
H. A. Grannis B. L. Hopkins S. L. Morey Ira Barchard
Leonard Lee Gottfried Fulle
J U S T I C E OK T H E P E A C E
H. Sabin T h e first religious meetings were held in the homes of M r s . W a l t o n
and M r s . Conner. Rev. M r . Carlson was on the circuit every four
CONSTABLES weeks. Rev. Jos. Lewis followed and the membership increased to
T . Brown J . C. Clark W i l l i a m Johnson three more, M r . and M r s . Johnstone and M r s . Ramsey, Methodists,
W m . Brown and were followed by Rev. Jewett, Rev. Hinman, Rev. Geddes and
Elder Nason. Early Methodists were M r . and M r s . Holton, M r s .
SUPERVISORS Ballard, Jones, M r . and M r s . Burlingame and Anson Burlingame.
Socrates Rand Alvin Scott Fred M a h l m a n In the early days the Episcopalians outnumbered the few Metho-
Mancel Talcott, J r . O. H . Algur Lewis Poyer dists and included: M r . and M r s . Long, M r s . Kinder, M r . and M r s .
H . F. Grannis Enos Scott Whittington, M r . Jeffrey, M r s . Gibson, M r . and M r s . Dearlove, M r s .
W m . Johnson H. C. Senne W . H . Kennicott, M r . and Mrs. Sherwin, Miss M i l l a r d , M r . and
M r s . Wood, M r . and M r s . Potter, M r . and M r s . Woods, and M r s .
CLERKS Thacker.
J . Gazlay Fred Mahlman C. E. Bennett
Enes Scott H. C. Senne First services in 1837 were held at Socrates Rand's by Rev. Isaac
W . Hallam of Chicago. Rev. Miner from New York came in 1840,
ASSESSORS followed by Rev. Philo, Rev. Allison and Rev. Dudley Chase. Bishop
Curtis Clark W m . Johnson M . Hoffman Chase established a church east of Des Plaines including the members
H . F. Grannis H. W . Phillips above mentioned.
O. H. Algur Alvin Scott Most of the religious denominations were represented and upheld—
COLLECTORS Congregationalists, Universalists, Christians, Baptists, Unitarians. T h e
Mormon Missionaries came frequently.
W m . Johnson Godfried Fulle Henry Steege
V. L. Hopkins Wilson Scott Fred Hasse T h e first school was held in the cheese room of Socrates Rand,
S. L. Morey Henry Bohle which was converted into a school room. Harriet Rand has the honor
Fred M a h l m a n Henly H a l l of being the first teacher, in 1838. T w o years later a formal school
Grading, Excavating, Furniture Moving and Cartage Teams or Auto Truck Service for All Purposes

A. Jarnecke
G E N E R A L TEAMING CONTRACTOR

Agency for the REO AUTO TRUCK

Telephone Des Plaines 9 5 4

Kuhlman &|NagleAgentsfor the R E O CAR

COR. LEE & PRAIRIE AVE. Telephone 1 2 0 3
"SIX" The S i x of Sixty
REO Superiorities
"A Great Big Beautiful Car"
$1385
F.O.B. Lansing, Mich.

Special Rates for STORAGE

REPAIRING
All Kinds of Machinery and Cars
Auto Livery, Presto Tanks, Vul-
canizing, Gasoline, Oils, Grease,etc.
 The Echo Theatre
Clean Bright Instructive Most Entertaining
NOTHING BUT CLEAN, CENSORED PICTURES SHOWN

The Echo M o s t comfortable,

— = perfectly ventilated
Theatre. Right in your home town. W h e r e
you will pass a sociable evening, meet
friends, see a good play, have a good seat,
good welcome, and your moneys worth.

Doors Open at 7:30 P. M. except on Special Occasions

Watch Our THE ECHO

Bulletin Board!
was built by S. Rand and Eben Conant. Dr. Asa Clark, Orlando CONSTABLE.S
Talcott, Orlando Algur, Orvis Skinner and Robert Meacham fol- Walter R. Wheeler Charles J . Johnson Edw. F. Scharrringhausen
lowed in order as teachers. Martha Ferguson, Miss Skinner and Har- Paul H. Laing Henry Wille John L. Gewecke
riet Clark were early teachers. Fred Stoelling
T h e first school trustees, elected August 24, 1841. were:
Eben Conant Seth Otis Alexander Brown TI1F, POSTMASTERS
Nicholas Sherman Joseph Jefferson The Postoffice was started in 1840, with M r . Long the first
As a sharp contrast we will skip the intervening time and mark Postmaster, followed by Dr. Silas Meacham. His sister acted as
the progress that has been made from these days to the present. W e his deputy until 1850, when she married and Mrs. Rand served as
will note that the Cook County Board of Review has just published postmistress.
the assessment of the personal property valuation for the Township In 1852 John Rand was appointed, but Mrs. Rand continued
of Maine as follows: in the service. William Johnsen was postmaster a few months. Then,
$181,013.00, which is one-third of its actual value. Compare this Jacob Tymerson, Simeon Lee, followed by William Jones.
to the early days.
DES P L A I N E S POSTMASTERS
THE ARTESIAN WELL
Simeon Lee William Jones Benjamin Wendling
On November 11, 1874. the best bid for sinking a well was Fred Atkins F. J . Meyer Louis Wolfram
received from McDougall & Joyce of Mendota, Illinois, at $3.00 per John H. Curtis Edward Schaffer
foot with a rising scale. T h e depth reached was 1,501 feet and the
cost over $5,000.00.

MAINE T O W N S H I P OFFICIALS
SUPERVISOR
Henry C. Behrens

TOWN CLERK
John A. Bell, J r .

ASSESSOR
John H. Curtis

COLLECTOR
Michael Schiessle
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS
John Jaacks Melvin S. Poyer W m . Kruse
SCHOOL TRUSTEES
W m . Haseman D. J . Gillespie Charles Boesche
J U S T I C E S O F THE PEACE
Michael Schiessle Charles E. Miller John Bell, J r .

POLICE MAGISTRATES
Eugene Rogers John F. Dittman W m . F. Dennerman POSTMASTER LOUIS WOLFRAM
 E. A. MANUEL

DODGE BROTHERS
MOTOR CAR
Those who have had years of
experience driving motor cars
are its most enthusiastic owners
1916 HUPMOBILE MODEL N T h e c a r satisfies them c o m p l e t e l y . T h e y a d m i r e its b e a u t y . T h e y
d w e l l u p o n its comfort. I h e y insist in the most e m p h a t i c w a y
5-Passenger Touring Car, Model N $1085 upon the high q u a l i t y of its p e r f o r m a n c e .
T h e w h e e l b a s e is 110 i n c h e s
7-Passenger Touring C a r $1225 The price of the Touring Car or Roadster complete is $ 7 5 0
(f. o. b. D e t r o i t )
2-Passenger Roadster $1085 Winter Top complete $ 9 5 0
7-Passenger Limousine $2365
Des Plaines Depot Garage
5 Passenger Sedan $1365 E. A . Manuel, P r o p .
2-Passenger All-Year Coupe $1165 A u t o Livery and Accessories Phone Des Plaines 3 1 5 and 8 8 3
5-Passenger All-Year Touring C a r $1185

All prices q u o t e d F. O. B. Detroit

DES PLAINES DEPOT GARAGE

E. A. MANUEL, Agent

Auto Livery and Accessories

Phone 3 1 5 and 8 8 3 DES PLAINES, ILL.
DES PLAINES LUMBER & C O A L CO. (Inc.)
Cedar Posts, Brick, Lime, Cement Flour and Feed of All Kinds
Dealers in
Sash and Doors LUMBER Shingles and Moulding
A L L G R A D E S OF COAL DRAIN TILE, SAND AND STONE

B. L. Franzen, Jr., Pres. Geo. E. Franzen, Vice-Pres. W a l t e r H. Franzen, Treas.

Telephone 872

Telephone Des Plaines 652

Build With Cement Blocks

W A R M E S T IN W I N T E R — C O O L E S T IN SUMMER
The ideal material for your home. Hollow walls are your best
protection from heat or cold. Get real comfort. No higher in
price than wood or brick construction

Whitcomb's Waterproof Cement Blocks

W . E. Downing
A U T O M O B I L E AND GAS ENGINE REPAIRING
are made of the best cement, washed sand and gravel, mixed by
MACHINERY, insuring uniformly perfect blocks. EVERY PLUMBING, HEATING
B L O C K rendered W A T E R P R O O F by special process. Before AND GAS FITTING
you build, better see W h i t c o m b
MACHINE W O R K

G E O R G E M. W H I T C O M B
Phones: Des Plaines 5 9 1 ; Residence 1061
 DES PLAINES OFFICIALS

PRESIDENT

President William Wicke, the son of Charles Wicke, pioneer and

trustee of 1871, was given the largest vote ever cast in the history of
Des Plaines, being the choice of the Citizens' Party. Born in 1873, at
Miner and Pearson Streets, he has thought well enough of the town
of his forefather and has chosen it as his residence. He owns a com-
fortable home at M a y and Oakwood Avenue.
Mayor Wicke has been a tireless and cheerful worker for the
advancement of Des Plaines, financially placing the waterworks upon
a paying basis. He is marked as the hardest worker on the board.
He has successfully kept out undesirable citizens, making Des Plaines
appeal to the best home families and its influence.
A careful conservator of the town funds, lenient towards tax-
payers, he has kept his promise for cheaper electric light and gas.
He has visualized, because of its natural beauty and close proximity
to Chicago, the larger future possibilities for Des Plaines. He is a
man of irreproachable character, of integrity and ability, and lives an
ideal home life. It is but a natural sequence that he has gained the
honor entrusted to him, that of being Chief Director of Des Plaines.

D R . C. A . E A R L E
DES P L A I N E S T O W N O F F I C I A L S , 1915

W i l l i a m Wicke President MAINE TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL

John A . Bell, J r Clerk
George M . Whitcomb Treasurer ( B y Dr. C. A. Earle, President)
Ning Eley Attorney
L o u i s Wolfram Postmaster
OFFICERS BOARD OF EDUCATION
D. Hammer Chief of Police
Fred Nagel Humane Officer
Dr. C. A . Earle President
W a l t e r Wheeler..Special and Cook County Constable
Jacob S. Schaff Secretary

M E M B E R S OF T H E POLICE D E P A R T M E N T
MEMBERS
Herman A. Schmidt John Hammerl
Dr. S. A. Woodworth Fred I. Gillick W m . Koehler
Richard Bremer Edward F. Scharringhausen
W . E. Downing, Chief of Fire Department, with five volunteers:
John Hammerl George Kinder A. Peterson T h e rapid growth of the various villages in the T o w n of M a i n e
W m . Hintz, Nick Geisen caused a demand, on the part of the progressive people, for high school
Board of Local Improvements consists of: facilities near their homes. Accordingly, the proposition to establish
W m . Wicke Harry Talcott Herman Haas the M a i n e Township High School was voted on and carried in April,
J . A . Sigwalt Frank Fulle Charles Hammerl 1901. In October of the same year the first Board of Education was
John Suster elected and organized. It was composed of the following men: Dr.
MORE POWER TO YOU
ESTIMATES FREELY G I V E N ON A L L WORK

WALTER WHEELER EUGENE E. HART

LICENSED ELECTRICIAN
Telephone 521

CARPENTER CONTRACTOR AND BUILDER

Telephone Des Plaines 972

Wiring y o u r house from cellar to garret. Fixtures at cost.

Charles B. Nash
T w o years in which to pay. A n electric iron presented with Plumbing, Heating and Gas-
each order for installation.
Special rates on W a s h i n g Machines and Fans. fitting. Electric Wiring

All Jobbing Given Prompt

Attention

Telephone 906

BARNEY WANRCKE
GENERAL CONTRACTOR

REPAIRING A SPECIALTY

DES PLAINES ILLINOIS

 A L L K I N D S OF G A R D E N A N D F L O W E R I N G P L A N T S FOR SALE
ANNUAL AND HARDY

Geo. P. Meyer
G R O W E R OF FANCY F R U I T FOR RETAIL TRADE

RASPBERRIES AND STRAWBERRIES

HOT BEDS, REAR OF D E S P L A I N E S STATE BANK
Telephone 381

Telephone 561, Des Plaines W H Y NOT T R A D E A T

Compliments of

The Hoerber Brothers BLUME & McFERNS?

WHOLESALE FLORISTS

Telephone R i v e r v i e w 124

Chicago Office—162 N. W a b a s h Ave., Cor. Randolph St.

Telephone Randolph 2758 RIVERVIEW, ILLINOIS
C. A. Earle, president; Jacob S. Shaft, secretary; Henry W i l l e ; Frank Amanda Leverenz, German and Latin.
Kress; George Campbell. Gladys Earle, Science.
In January, 1902, the present site was selected for the school by Winifred Van Vleck, Commercial Department.
the people of the township, and bonds were issued for building pur- Catherine Beers, Science,
poses to the amount of $15,000. Plans and specifications were pre- Josephine Treat, Music.
pared by F. C. Allen of Joliet, Illinois, and in March, 1902, the con- J . F. Miller, Telegraphy.
tract for the building was let to Moore & Son of Danville, Illinois. Graduates of 1915 a r e :
As the building was not ready for use the following fall, the Margaret I. Ahrensfeld Elsie L. Gray-
school was organized in the old grammar school building at Park Ridge, Chester A. Baird Evangeline H . T a r n o w
and was carried on there until November 8, when the present structure Herbert H. Behn Henriette C. Heller
was ready for occupancy. On the first day there were thirty-five pupils, Edith M . Camenisch Marian K. Hodgins
but before the close of the year fifty were attending. T h i s enrollment Harold B. Cook W a l l a c e Hogan Lanigan
has increased steadily until now it is one hundred eighty-one. W i t h Gladys Claire Lutz W i l l i a m C. Lewerenz
the growth of the school, the equipment has been increased, and the George Lyle M a r t e Violet M a r i e Suster
corps of teachers enlarged. T h e school began its work with M r . W . L. Irene M . M i l l e r M a r i e A. Tunsberg
Smyser as principal, and with Miss E. Bergey as assistant. T h e faculty Frank Schaff Harriet H . Hegstad
now has eleven regular, and two special teachers. Sara Mildred Smith Lucile Ann W a l t o n
Lewis B. Scharringhausen Laura Williamson
T h e class of 1915 consisted of sixteen girls and ten boys. At Mabel Charlotte Ebregge Orpha K. Winston
the present time the High School has students in a number of leading Ian Glass Harold Wolfram
colleges and universities, including Beloit, Chicago, Northwestern and
Illinois. T w o of its graduates have won appointments to the U . S .
Naval Academy by competitive examinations. From its beginning the
school has been recognized by the North Central Association of Secondary
Schools and Colleges. T h i s permits its graduates to enter practically
any college without examinations.
During the past year a $55,000 addition to the original building
has been completed. T h e building now has an auditorium with a
seating capacity of 350, a large gymnasium and an enamel lined swim-
ming tank, 20x60 feet, with showers and lockers. Constant filtration
and daily chemical disinfection keeps the water clear and sanitary.
T h e west wing of the building contains well equipped domestic science W A L L A C E HOGAN LANIGAN
and lunch rooms, the manual training and automobile repairing de-
partment. A course in telegraphy is now offered. T w e l v e are taking
this course. T h e r e are large classes in bookkeeping, shorthand and
typewriting. As far as we now know this is the first high school in
the State of Illinois to offer telegraphy and automobile work. EDITORIAL
It may be apropos to note that two M a i n e Township High School
T h e present faculty is as follows:
boys have carried off the Annapolis prize, and the more recent one
C. L. Himel, Principal, Geometry. was W a l l a c e Lanigan of Des Plaines, who has lived in Des Plaines
O. W . Fairbanks, M a n u a l T r a i n i n g . all his life. H e was graduated from the Grammar School at the age
M a r y Fitch, History. of twelve years and from M a i n e Township High School at sixteen
Theda Howe, Mathematics. years of age, and won the appointment to Annapolis over ten others.
Benjamin W a r d , English, Physical T r a i n i n g for Boys. He is at present a draftsman in the employ of the Lord & Burnham
Ella M i x , English. Company of Des Plaines and intends to go to the University of Illinois
Irene Taylor, Domestic Science, Physical T r a i n i n g for Girls. in the near future.
 NORTH DIVISION SCHOOL. Des Plaines

W . DON S M I T H , Former Superintendent.

DES P L A I N E S G R A D E D SCHOOLS

Des Plaines is favored by having a fine system of graded schools.

In 1902 the former superintendent, W . Don Smith, took charge
of the graded schools and at the same time W . L. Smyser took charge
of the Maine High School.
In 1902 the graded school system had but one building of eight
PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD rooms with school in but seven rooms. T h e enrollment for that year
was 335. In 1906 a South Division school was established and four
Honorable Peter M . Hoffman President rooms of the present building were erected. In 1911 four more rooms
Harry H. Talcott Secretary were added, making it an eight room building.
MEMBERS T h e graded school system is making every effort to be one of
Edwin D. MacLuckie Superintendent the most modern systems in Illinois.
Dr. E. A. Manuel H. H. Talcott Dr. A. M . Purves W h e n Superintendent Smith took charge of the schools he saw
L. G. Held H. T . Bennett the great need of better school conditions. He took the initiative and
secured pictures, pianos and manual training equipment by holding a
series of entertainments to secure the needed funds. T h e schools now
have six pianos, many good pictures on the walls, and a full manual
training outfit for 20 boys through these efforts. T o this the Hoard
have added a full outfit for domestic science, accommodating twenty
girls at one time. Miss Annetta Hoffman, daughter of Coroner Peter
M . Hoffman, is the special teacher in sewing and domestic science. She
has thoroughly organized this branch of the industrial arts, which
includes two years of sewing, beginning with the fifth grade, and two
T h e last two years includes a course in serving luncheons.
At present there is a disposition to purchase a school site with
sufficient ground to establish a modern agricultural experiment station.
The school sites of all of the schools are beauty spots in our town.
The landscaping of the High School was the work of Klehm Bros.,
while that of the graded schools is the work of Superintendent W.
Don Smith. W m . H. Koehler was the builder of the South Division
school.
For 1915-'16, teachers in the North and South Division Grammar
Schools have been engaged as follows: E. David M a c Lukie, principal;
Carrie Brooks, Marguerite Hoffman, Marion V . Barney, Aileen Hill-
wig, Bertha M . Campbell, Ruth Schaff, M a y Breed, Gertrude Loughry,
Lizzie Cook, Edna Kampert, Anna I. Cooney, Anna D. Pitt, Elsie
Elder, Mary Horn, Harriett M c C u n e .
EARLY HISTORY O F DES PLAINES
Much of its early history is woven around "Uncle Sam" Cum¬
mings, now of Park Ridge, who was called by the Illinois and W i s -
consin R. R. to formally take charge of their depot in Des Plaines, then
located at about the present site of the Behrens' General Store. He
is the oldest living pioneer and the only survivor of the original crew
of 1854. H e has occupied many important official positions, one of
which was the depot master for many years. In 1867 he moved to
Park Ridge. One of the most historical and traditional features of
Des Plaines are its Camp Grounds, comprising some two hundred
cottages, a large number of tents and two or three hotels.
A large number are attracted through its summer resort features.
In a certain two weeks there has been an aggregation of some 409,
among which were fifteen newly married couples "honeymooning there."
The original Puritanical programme was broadened somewhat
this year, since it was the first time that athletic sports, such as baseball
and swimming, were permitted.
John Felton, Rueben E. Demmon, and Samuel Cummings (now
of Park Ridge) were all Boston men and early settlers.
T o Samuel E. Cummings, the first depot master at Des Plaines
and Park Ridge, the compiler is indebted for much of this history.
It may not be generally known that the first depot built on the Chicago
& North Western R. R., not excepting Chicago, w a s located here.
Chicago had only a shelter shanty at that time. T h i s first depot on
the line has since been moved a little west right next to the Sigwalt
Lumber Yards, and is now used for a freight house.
In 1851 the first survey was made by M r . Ettinger. In 1853 Eli
Chittenden erected a tavern for the Land Company. He also erected
a store. M r . Ortman was the first to settle after the town was laid
out and the first to start a saloon. Socrates Rand built the next house
in 1853. He also graded the four miles of railway. T h e Company
built a saw-mill to saw the timber along the Des Plaines River into
railroad ties for the new road.
M r . Rand purchased this mill which was used until all the timber
was sawed into ties, and not being able to sell the engine, he turned
it into a grist mill, for which the farmers around were raising wheat.
T h i s mill was located on the present site of the Dr. C. A. Earle
residence.
Henry C. Senne built a house, store and tailor shop. Jacob Tymer¬
son kept the first shoemaker's shop. In 1856, Enos Stockwell started
his blacksmith shop. In 1860, August Moldenhauer started another
shop. M r . Ohlering and John Schuh a wagon shop. M r . Slusser
operated the Railroad Boarding House. T h e first regular hotel was
kept by Socrates Rand, followed by M r . Parsons and Simeon Lee.
T h i s building was burned. T h e Des Plaines Hotel was later erected,
now "Shaw's."
CORPORATION
March 2 1 , 1873, a petition was presented to the Trustees, asking
that the corporation of four square miles be reduced in size, since there
were only eighty legal voters. T h e four acres comprised assessable
property amounting to from $40,000 to $50,00, both sides of the river,
two expansion and ten smaller bridges on its tributaries. T h e burden
of this incorporated village was too heavy an expense for the eighty
legal voters. T h e request of the Trustees was granted and a new
organization effected. T h e election was held on October 18, 1873.
February 14, 1874, a board was organized by the election of Franklin
Whitcomb, President; Chester E. Bennett (now familiarly called " D a d "
Bennett) as Clerk.
Under the second organization, the Trustees w e r e : 1874, Chester
E. Bennett, John Behmiller, J . Durham, F. W . Hoffman, father of
the present Coroner; Peter M . Hoffman, Theodore Tillotson, Franklin
Whitcomb.
Later Trustees were H. C. Senne, A. Moldenhauer (deceased
Telephone 422 Estimates Given Free

ED J . HINRICHS
GENERAL CARPENTER AND CONTRACTOR
Cisterns and Screens Made to Order

Shingling and Lathing

Corner Graceland A v e n u e
and Perry Street

Telephone 8 6 3

R. W. DEAN
GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTOR BEN SMITH
High Class Residence Work a Specialty PAINTER AND DECORATOR

Latest Designs in Wall Paper

Designs and Plans for Buildings of Every Description
P. O. Box Des Plaines 362

Expert Workmanship
 The Philadelphia & Reading Coal and Iron Co.
Miners and Shippers of

FAMOUS Reading Anthracite Coal

Main Office: 6 0 5 OLD COLONY BUILDING
C H I C A G O , ILL.
Telephones Harrison 4 3 3 ; Automatic 6 4 - 8 2 6

J. H. M. CLAGGETT, Resident Manager

This Coal is Handled by

J . A. SIGWALT ... ... Des Plaines, Ill.
Dealer in
Lumber, Coal, Wood, Flour, Feed, Grain, Hay, Lath,
Shingles, Sewer Tile, Cement and Sand
Phone 3 5 2 FARM IMPLEMENTS

Telephone 373 Estimates Furnished Free

G. H. KOLZE
Carpenter Contractor and Builder

G. H. KOLZE Jobbing Promptly Attended To

August 22, 1915), I. D. Poyer, G. A. Grupe, Charles Wicke, Peter
Reiter, Michael Brazell, G. G. Talcott, W m . Jones, Carl Schaeffer,
B. J . Kinder, H. Van Black, Andrew Sallstrom, John Schuh, N. J .
Hill, George M . Norton, A. H. [ones, Solomon Garland and Conrad
Mueller.
Many of the above have served repeatedly in various offices.
THE ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN LAND C O M P A N Y
Was organized in 1850, buying up land along the Chicago &
North Western Railway where a railway station could be placed, with a
view of subdividing that land into village lots. Eli Chittenden, W m .
B. Ogden, who was a Chicago Captain and also First President of the
Illinois & Wisconsin R. R.
DES PLAINES
Population, 2,900
DES P L A I N E S — I T S NAME
On J u l y 9, 1870, a Board of Trustees for the town of Des Plaines
was organized, in accordance with an act of Legislature passed April
15, 1869. At that time the town comprised four square miles of land.
T h e town was first called " R a n d " after Socrates Rand, pioneer of
Maine Township. The plat of the town of Rand was acknowledged
by Henry Smith, Attorney and Trustee of the Illinois and Wisconsin
Land Company. Later the name was changed to Des Plaines by an
act of the Legislature and approved April 15, 1869.
Dr. C. A. Earle in an editorial of April 23, 1915, in the Suburban
l i m e s , gives an interesting account of the origin and meaning of the
name "Des Plaines," as applied to the river running through the village.
He has traced that the river was an important waterway used by
the early traders, explorers, trappers, Jesuit Missionaries, going to and
from the Great Lakes, and the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, that maple
sugar camps were numerous in the pioneer days along the banks of the
river, that the French word " P l a n e " is a common name for our Norway
Maple and that Eau Pleine (full water, in French) might have applied
to the flooded river in springtime. So that the name Des Plaines might
have had two sources of derivation, either the maple trees, or the "full
river.
M r s . A. H. Conant, in a letter dated J u l y , 1836, spelled it Au
Plane River; August, 1837, Dr. Meacham spells it Desplains; October,
1834, M r s . Daniel Goodenough writes it O'Plaine River; April, 1835,
she writes it River Des Plaines; April, 1835, M r s . James Long writes
it River O'Plain.
T r a c i n g up the early records, Dr. Earle finds that the original
meaning of the name "Des Plaines" was M a p l e T r e e River. Also
that many important Indian Villages were located along the river.
At the present day, there are evidences of one on the east bank of
the river one mile west of Park Ridge. Just north of Des Plaines,
at the sharp bend, was an Indian Village and trading station, which
they called "Wauksaik."
T H E FIRST ELECTION
T h e first election was held at the Thoma Hotel, J u l y 9, 1870.
August Meyer and E. A. Thoma were appointed judges of election by
Judge M . R. M . Wallace. James A. Hasbrook, Clerk; Trustees, Henry
C. Senne; President, Elias A. T h o m a ; Clerks, Franklin Whitcomb,
August Meyer and Charles W i c k e ; John Sabin, Assessor; Simeon Lee,
T r e a s u r e r ; J . H. Ohlerking, Constable and Collector.
September 22, 1870, licenses to liquor vendors were fixed at
$50.00 per annum. William Meyer took out the first license. 1871,
Trustees, Charles Wicke, W m . Meyer, Michael Brazell, David David-
son and Jacob W a l t e r ; August Meyer, assessor. Ira Barchard ap-
pointed police with full powers of office October 2, 1 8 7 1 ; Fred Bohle,
Treasurer.
September 7, 1872, Franklin Whitcomb, Theodore Tillotson, Edw.
Danes, Patrick McGinnis and John Behmiller were elected Trustees.
They appointed C. E. Bennet, C l e r k ; Samuel McPherson, Justice and
Assessor; Fred Bohle, T r e a s u r e r ; Ira Barchard, Constable and Col-
lector.
I D E A L I S T I C DES P L A I N E S IN 1934
The future of Des Plaines read before the Woman's Club by one
of its members. T h e grandchildren of the musical and pioneer family
of Chester E. Bennett sang original songs, emblematic of the occasion.
DES P L A I N E S — I T S POSSIBILITIES REALIZED
T h i s little sketch, or prophecy, is offered with most humble
apologies to the shades of Lord Alfred Tennyson, Edward Bellamy, and
the innumerable company of class prophets, who have appeared before
Maine Township audiences.
Dip with me into the future as far as human eye can see—see
the vision of Des Plaines and all the wonders that shall be twenty
years hence. Many, many dreams of the Woman's Club of 1913 have
been realized and it is with genuine pleasure that I take you with me.
in fancy, on a sight-seeing trip, full of surprises at the complete changes
on every side.
T o get our geographical bearings we must remember that the
SERVICE — p e r f e c t service, is o n e of the V i t a l factors in the success of the S t a n d a r d Oil C o m p a n y ( I n d i a n a ) . U n e x c e l l e d p r o d u c t s is a n o t h e r .
T h a t t h e r e s i d e n t s of D e s P l a i n e s a n d n e i g h b o r i n g l o c a l i t i e s m a y d e r i v e the benefit of p r o m p t s e r v i c e a n d t h o r o u g h l y r e l i a b l e
l u b r i c a l i n g oils a n d g r e a s e s , w e h a v e o p e n e d u p a n e w b r a n c h s t a t i o n in DES PLAINES.

S T A N D A R D OIL COMPANY
DES PLAINES, ILL. (INDIANA) C H I C A G O , U. S. A .
 Building for the Future
If it is worth doing at all, it is worth doing well; by doing it well you build for the
future; you build for entire satisfaction.
Whether it is a bridge, a silo, a floor, a sidewalk, a driveway, or a building of any
description, you can be sure it has been built for the future when concrete is used; you can
be sure it has been built for strength and durability.
Only the best of materials should be used to insure permanency; those materials
should prove to be the best by test.

Marquette Portland Cement

"The Certified Cement"
is used in the new street pavement work in Des Plaines; Marquette proved best by test.
Every bag of Marquette Portland Cement is guaranteed to be of superior quality; there's a green guar-
antee tag on every bag; it certifies that Marquette Portland Cement has been tested and conforms to Standard
Specifications adopted by the American Society for Testing Materials, as well as Government Specifications.
Our Book, "Building for the Future," contains photographic reproductions of the representative build-
ing projects in which Marquette Portland Cement has been used; every man interested in building should
have a copy. A post card will bring it to you. Let us send you our valuable books, "Concrete in the Country"
and "Concrete Silos."

Marquette Cement Mfg. Co.

Marquette Bldg. Chicago

Concrete for Permanence Marquette for Concrete

both of which appropriately signify "of the plains," became its more section is that of George Holman on Webford Avenue, with its rose
familiar designation. garden approach. M r . Holman is manager of the Royal Enameling
Away from the artificial allurements and din of a great city, the Works and is a civic worker.
lovely Des Plaines region makes its appeal to a homesick heart. Its T h e landscaping genius of M r . Ranson Kennicutt is portrayed in
sanitary conditions are perfect. Its water supply plentiful and pure. the beautiful home of Dr. E. A . M a n u e l . It is really one of the show
The river affords an all-year-round attraction with its boating and fish- spots of the town. Progressing Miner and Ellinwood, the business
ing, its skating exhilaration in the winter season. streets, we notice the artistic ideas carried out in its best business
houses, those of the bank buildings and the local newspaper office, " T h e
Passing from the reposeful vision of the majestic "Des Plaines" Suburban Times," the weekly deserving credit for its interest and
with its fine up-to-date automobile drives we take note of some of untiring energy in promoting advancements for this section.
the beautiful homes and grounds.
Situated on Lee Street is a substantial house of pretentious aspect,
with its spacious porches, turrets and dormer windows. DES P L A I N E S BANKS
Its distinguished owner, the Coroner of Cook County, Peter M . There are two banks in Des Plaines, each doing a prosperous busi-
Hoffman, belongs to a pioneer and first family of Des Plaines. T h e ness. T h e bank officers are among the ablest business men and wealth-
residence, embowered in climbing beauty surrounded by fine old trees, iest farmers of Maine Township. T h e y have a reputation for superior
breathes individuality of its owner. management and good principles, carefully guarding the interests of
their depositors.
Nearby, at Prairie and Graceland Avenues, is the home of John
Suster. W i t h i n the home its treasures are a mute signal of the many T H E DES P L A I N E S S T A T E BANK
friends, famous with the brush, who are proud to acknowledge John Is the pioneer bank in M a i n e Township. T h e officers are as
Suster as their friend and benefactor. He has been generous with
follows:
striving and early artists, just beginning to climb the staircase of fame.
President Peter M . Hoffman
Later, when fame came, they remembered him. His collection is a
Vice-President B. F. Kinder
valuable one.
Second Vice-President B. Lagerhausen
T h e residence of J . A. Sigwalt, with its trees, shrubbery and Cashier W m . F. Graupner
conservatory, is one of the attractively comfortable homes. Assistant Cashier M . A. Behrens
Across the street we view with admiration the well-kept hedges DIRECTORS
surrounding the stately home of George M . Whitcomb, Village Treas-
Coroner P. M . Hoffman H. N. W e b b Herman Beer
urer and son of a pioneer settler. T h e grounds are an index to its
H . H . Talcott B. F. Kinder H . C. Behrens
large hearted owner, spacious and attractive. T h e Whitcomb auto
B. Lagerhausen John C. Behrens A. B . W i l l i a m s
might sometimes have been termed the school "jitney." "George M . "
W . L. Smyser C. S. Castle
cannot turn a deaf ear to a pair of pleading eyes and an "Oh, Mister,
give me a ride." And on several occasions upon passing the school
house where all the little ones love him, they have clambered over his T H E F I R S T N A T I O N A L B A N K O F DES P L A I N E S
car to the number of 35, making of his car a literally decorated automo- Shows a most remarkable growth since its organization.
bile of live, happy youngsters—a good sight to behold. Officers are:
From the older part of Des Plaines, we wander to the newer sub- Joseph L. Jefferson President
divisions and stop at the home of Dr. E. A . M e l z e of Des Plaines George M . Whitcomb Vice-President
and Chicago. Here we find the more modern landscape effects, with Charles Boesche Vice-President
their formal gardens, and park-like beauty. It is a pleasing change Glenn C. Tolin .Cashier
to the older part of the town in its sharp contrast. Some of the new DIRECTORS OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK
ones call this spot the "Elite" of Des Plaines. Dr. Melze, besides
H a r r y T . Bennett Henry Goede Louis C. Spiegler
bis professional career, is the successful manager of the "Echo" theatre.
Charles Boesche Dr. A. M . Purves Arthur L. Webster
Another one of the many beautiful homes of this recently developed Ning Eley W . L. Plew George W . Sykes

ROYAL ENAMELING & MANUFACTURING COMPANY
The Royal Enameling & Manufacturing Company is incorporated
for $200,000 and they employ at the present time about two hundred
men. They manufacture a stock line of reflectors and make up to
order enameled iron signs of any description, stove material, refrigera-
tor linings and also do special enameling of all kinds on steel.
T h e success of the Company is largely due to M r . George W .
Holman's untiring efforts, since he has been connected with the institu-
tion. T h e growth of the Company has been more noticeable since
its reorganization almost three years ago.
M r . Holman is Vice-President and Superintendent. He is forty
years of age and was born in England. He came to Des Plaines from
the New Castle (Pennsylvania) Stamping Company in 1908, and has
been engaged in the enameling business fifteen years. He is married
and has four children and is progressive in politics. He is a member
of the Blue Lodge and a Chapter Mason. Owing to the high esteem
in which he is held by the employes of the Company, he has been
able to keep together an organization second to none in the enameling
industry of this country. He came to the Royal Enameling & Stamping
Works seven years ago as Superintendent, and later on when this
The Plant, covering five acres in Des Plaines.
company went into bankruptcy he was appointed receiver until his
successor, T h e Royal Enameling & Manufacturing Company, was
organized in 1912.
M r . J . H. Fall, Jr., President and Treasurer, was formerly of
Nashville, Tennessee, where he was Vice-President and a large stock-
holder of the J . H. Fall Hardware Company.
M r . Harry W a r m a n , Secretary, was born in England, and was
formerly engaged in the bicycle manufacturing and machinery busi-
ness, but for fifteen years has been in the enameling industry. Just
prior to the reorganization of the Royal Enameling & Manufacturing
Company, he came from New Philadelphia, Ohio, the Belmont Stamp-
ing & Enameling Company.
M r . J . A. Edgett, Assistant Treasurer, came to the Company
shortly after its reorganization, from the Audit Company of America.
M r . A. B. Clarke, Assistant Superintendent and M r . Holman's
right band man, was born in Canada, coming some seven years ago
from the New Castle Stamping Company. He is an expert in his line
and his end of the business has developed wonderfully.
The Company's general offices are located on the eighth floor of
the Hearst Building, Chicago.
The officers of the Company are as follows:
J . H. Fall, Jr., President and T r e a s u r e r ; George W . Holman,
Vice-President and Superintendent; Harry W a r m a n , Secretary; J . A.
Edgett, Assistant Treasurer.
ELITE CONFECTIONERY Telephone 5 2 2

SHOP
Tosch Building

High Grade Candies W m . G. Semrow Chas. Schaeffer

Ice Cream Stationery
Cigars and Tobacco PAINTING
Builder of
School Supplies, Etc. DECORATING
Cement Sidewalks
S u b s c r i p t i o n s t a k e n for M a g a z i n e s at
Concrete Basements
wholesale rates and Cisterns
and
DES P L A I N E S , ILLINOIS
PAPER HANGING Opposite W a t e r W o r k s

Telephone 2 3 2
" S H A W ' S "
Steam Heat—Excellent Table—Entirely Re-
furnished — Modernized — Thirty Rooms
Frank M. Koch Banquet Hall to Let
Arrangements for Families — Socials
Bowling Alleys for Both Ladies and Gentlemen
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Everything High Class

Cement Work of All Kinds—Walks, Floors and Uriel A. Reese

Cisterns SUCCESSFUL AUCTIONEER
Undertaker
House Moving and Raising Horse and Auto Livery
Residence Telephone 9, Office; 8 3 - R Residence
RAND R O A D
A R L I N G T O N HEIGHTS, ILL.
 Natural Lake Asphalt

Asphalt is more in use

than any other type of
street pavement and

Natural Lake Asphalt

Trinidad or Bermudez
Asphalts, are the standard
asphalts and the o n l y
asphalts that have success-
fully stood the test of 4 5
years service.

The Barber Asphalt Paving Company

1 3 2 8 TRIBUNE BUILDING :: CHICAGO
 ROYAL ENAMELING & M A N U F A C T U R I N G COMPANY.

G I L L E S P I E PRINTERY, Des Plaines

T h e joint editors, M r . and M r s . David J . Gillespie, are deserving

of every support that a town can give; their printing establishment
is modern and the efficiency is propelled and engineered by brains and
energy.
M r s . Gillespie is indeed the "right hand man," and M r . Gillespie
courteously acknowledges that his success is due almost entirely to
4. Enameling Room and Furnaces. 5. Shipping Room. his little wife.
 bering, Supervising Proposed Industrial Institutions, and bringing even
more favorable residential conditions into effect.

" Y O U W I L L LIKE DES P L A I N E S "

The official slogan just adopted by the slogan committee is, "You
W i l l Like Des Plaines." The bright young winner of the slogan con-
test is Robert F. Risser, son of J . F. Risser, to whom the prize was
awarded.

EARLY CHURCHES
The German Lutheran Church of Des Plaines was organized
J . F. RISSER, October 7, 1868, with sixteen members. T h e church edifice cost
President of the Commercial Association and M a n a g e r of the Des Plaines $1,500.00, lot $400.00. In 1871, a new brick church was erected
Telephone Co. for $5,000.00. Its first minister was August Mauerman, succeeded by
Rev. August H. Schmidt and Rev. Luckman, Rev. Adam Detzler,
DES P L A I N E S C O M M E R C I A L ASSOCIATION Rev. George Johannes. T h e German School was started by August
An organized body of public spirited men for community better- Koch, succeeded by H. Rodemacher.
ment recently elected the following officers: The Congregational Church, near Prairie and Graceland Avenues,
President J . F. Risser was organized by fourteen members in 1868. M r . and M r s . J . A .
Vice-President A. L. Webster Bradley, M r . and M r s . George Jeffer, M r . and M r s . Simeon Lee,
Treasurer L. C. Spiegler M r . and M r s . Charles Pen-in, M r . and M r s . Chester E. Bennett, M r s .
Secretary W m . F. Graupner Cynthia M . Bennett, M r s . E. Thacker and M r s . Mills, and another
member. T h e building was erected in 1871. Rev. J . H . Laird was
its first minister, preaching here and in Park Ridge, succeeded by
DIRECTORS Revs. Webber, E. J. W r i g h t , H. G. Woodworth, T . A. W a d s w o r t h ,
Hon. Peter M . Hoffman D. J . Gillespie A. Jarnecke David Wirt, H. M . Goodell, W . H. W . Rees and R. H. Pooley.
B. L. Franzen, Jr. W m . F. Graupner Rev. Thos. Leggette
F. C. W a l t o n H. H. Talcott ST. MARY'S C A T H O L I C C H U R C H
On August 26, 1915, "Des Plaines Day," the entire town closed Mission was erected about forty-five years ago and was attended
up shop and were official guests at the M c H e n r y County Fair. J . F. to from Niles Centre. T h e present local pastor, Rev. John Linden,
Risser, recognized throughout as one of the community's most active was installed about seven years ago, when St. M a r y ' s was erected.
and public spirited men, and Vice-President A. L. Webster, have been He is kept actively engaged between Des Plaines and Arlington
untiring in the organization and publicity campaign. Heights, where he has established a mission.
Des Plaines believes in letting the outside world know of its Trustees are:
progressiveness and has conducted a successful advertising "stunt," in Geo. Hodgins Thomas O'Donnel Michael Lambert
one of our Chicago Sunday papers. Its results will accrue with interest
during the ensuing years. DES P L A I N E S CHURCHES
Visitors will be repaid by a trip to Des Plaines, to notice the Christ Evangelical Rev. H . H. Bierbaum
recently completed pavements in the village. By reason of its easy
Methodist Harvey C. T r a v i s
access to Chicago, Des Plaines is bound to have a steady and rapid
growth which has been truly started anew through the activities of Congregational Rev. Thomas Leggette
the Commercial Association. Live topics at the present moment a r e : German Lutheran Rev. W . F. Pieper
Free Mail Delivery, Community Advertising, Street Signs, House Num- Catholic Rev. John Linden
 CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. E V A N G E L I C A L LUTHERAN CHURCH
DES PLAINES CHURCHES
A brief history of the churches is given in the early part of this write-up
A l l the pastors have been invited to g i v e a short sketch of their church, for
the satisfaction that it would mean to the members of each denomination.
Rev. H. H. Bierbaum is the only pastor who has obligingly re-
sponded. T h i s explanation is necessary, since no slight was intended.
T h e Christ Evangelical Church was organized August 8, 1892,
by twenty members. T h e first officers w e r e :
C. H. Geils President
F. Jarchow Secretary
Carl Wicke Treasurer
Revs. Kuhlman, Hattendorf (Chicago) and Rahn (Barrington)
preached from time to time in a hall. T h e cornerstone was laid October
2, 1892. Rev. E. Bloesch was the first minister-elect, November 20,
1892, the same year of the dedication. Benches, chairs, bell and a
small organ were purchased. In 1895, the church became a member
GERMAN EVANG. LUTH. CATHOLIC CHURCH.
IMMANUEL CHURCH
of the German Evangelical Synod of North America. After the three
and one-half years' services of Rev. Bloesch, Rev. R. Rami took
charge, June, 1897. He resigned two years later. He revised the
constitution. In December, 1898, Rev. Fleer accepted the call. T h e
parsonage was built and a $1,200.00 pipe organ installed.
June, 1908, Rev. Ed Klimpke succeeded and remained for two
years. T h e present esteemed pastor, Rev. H . H . Bierbaum, subject
of this sketch, accepted and has remained loyally with his charge since.
He began September 15, 1900. Since then the church has been re-
modelled, the Sunday School has increased so remarkably that an addi-
tion was annexed, also the various societies have grown. T h e pipe
organ has been rebuilt and an electric motor installed.
Rev. H . H. Bierbaum has worked unceasingly and has attracted
through his obliging willingness to respond, more members of the
church than for the entire period of the previous fifteen years.
Since the church has been imbued with bis personality, there is
FRUIT PRESSES RIGHT ON THE FARM

All fruit grown right on the Farm, aged in wooden barrels, guaranteed pure.

You are invited to inspect the Herman Koehler Fruit Farm on Lee Road.

Telephone 122 Des Plaines

See me for special prices. Everything homegrown and HERMAN K O E H L E R ' S

V I N E Y A R D and W I N E P R E S S
home pressed.

Cherry, Grape, Currant and other fruit wines.

HERMAN KOEHLER, the Fruit Grower, right on the

farm, direct to the consumer, absolutely pure, fragrant and
fresh. No middleman's profit. Direct to you from the farm.
 MILLER'S DRUG STORE THOS. MINNICH
4 9 4 3 Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Telephone Irving 4 0 8

WHERE THE Pure Lake

SUBURBAN NEIGHBORS ICE
ARE MADE WELCOME
TRY MY ALTRUI General Teaming
CREAM LOTION
Telephone 6 1 4
Dr. Geo. A. Kelso

Select Music for All Occasions Latest Compositions

Telephone Irving 3 2 2
KRUSE'S ORCHESTRA
JEFFERSON PARK PAINT STORE ALVIN MINNICH, Mgr.
A . C. HERMANN, P r o p . S T R I C T L Y UNION
Phone 6 1 4
Paints, Oils and Glass
W A L L PAPER
THE M. & A. RESTAURANT (on Miner St.)
Contractor for Interior Decorating and House Painting Telephone 7 6 4

Have Regular Home Cooking

5 4 1 5 Higgins Avenue
Dinners from 1 2 to 2. Short Orders all day
CHICAGO
SPECIAL R A T E S for R o o m and Board
a busy Ladies' Aid Society, strong Men's Society, a good Young Peo- as that of the community and on M a y 2, 1906, the first library board
ple's Society, a willing and able Senior Choir. was organized as follows:
T h e present officers a r e : M r . Henry Weber President
Rev. H. H. Bierbaum Pastor M r s . Kate L. Hood Secretary and Treasurer
L. Thonegger President A. L. Webster M . A . Lambert
G. A. Pflughaupt Secretary Martin Behrens J . H. Allison
Hugo Dahm Financial Secretary
W m . Koehler Treasurer On October 5th, the Library was formally opened to the
H. Weber Organist public, with Assistant State's Attorney Barbour speaker of the day.

TRUSTEES Great interest was evinced in this institution from its beginning,
and the members of the board labored diligently for its success.
C. Hammerl F. Behning F. Schramm
F. Prellberg Janitor Kaufman M r s . Matilda E. Smyser has for years been a member of the
Library Board and is now serving her second term as President. T h e
voters of Des Plaines have shown excellent judgment in keeping one
whose training and enthusiasm for the welfare of the community make
her so desirable a public official.
While M r s . Smyser is interested in every phase of the work of
the board, she has rendered her best service by carefully reading through
most of the books placed on the shelves since she has been a member of
the board.
M r . Henry Weber was untiring in his efforts while President,
and gave freely of his time and energy.
M r . A. L. Webster, the present secretary and treasurer, has been
a member of the board since its formation and much could be said of
his faithfulness. His interest and zeal have been most commendable,
and many financial difficulties faced by the board have been met by
his generous check. It would not be too much to say that his activity
has kept interest alive when the outlook was most discouraging.
M r s . Sarah A. W e e k s ' services as Librarian until last year have
been invaluable, for she combined her wonderful personality with each
book that passed from out her hand.
P U B L I C L I B R A R Y O F DES P L A I N E S Gifts have been made from time to time, the most important of
which was the sum of one hundred dollars donated by the Inter Alia
Des Plaines Public Library is a valuable educational asset for
Club, and which was expended in the purchase of three large tables.
the community. Its existence is due largely to the untiring efforts of
Dr. C. A. Earle. The books at present number over three thousand, and twenty-five
magazines are subscribed to.
W i t h a courage born of conviction that Des Plaines needed a
public library, Dr. C. A. Earle, one of our most aggressive citizens, The board at present is as follows:
spared neither time nor energy to awaken the public to a sense of M r s . W . L. Smyser President
that need. M r . A. L. Webster Secretary and Treasurer
Although Carnegie Libraries were not ordinarily established in M r . J . H. Allison M r . C. W . M . Brown
villages of this size, Dr. Earle won M r . Carnegie's interest as well M r s . George Kinder M r . Herman Haas
 MRS. M A T I L D A SMYSER

T h e policy of the board is to put into the hands of the reading

public the best that can be secured, to elevate, to enrich, and to amuse,
so long as it does not call for compromise of the ideals which it has
(Looking W e s t on Ellinwood A v e n u e from Behren's Corner.)
established.
In October, 1,500 shrubs and trees were planted in the grounds of
the library. These were purchased through the civics committee of the
Woman's Club, with M r s . W i l l i a m Jiencke as chairman.
T H E DES P L A I N E S W O M A N ' S C L U B
T h e Des Plaines Woman's Club was organized in 1894 as a
literary club, with about twenty active members, many of whom are
still resident in Des Plaines. T h e Club was reorganized and federated
with the Woman's Club in 1912. T h e membership in 1915, at the
close of M r s . John Longley's three years' administration, was ninety-
nine, with a bright outlook for the future.
T h e object of the club is the intellectual improvement of its mem-
bers and the betterment of civic conditions in Des Plaines. T h e officers
of the club for 1915-16 a r e :
President M r s . Ransom Kennicott
Vice-President M r s . Charles S. Stewart
Secretary M r s . E. O. Lee
Treasurer M r s . Lester Poyer
T h e board of directors is composed of the following women:
M r s . Ransom Kennicott M r s . H a r r y Alexander
M r s . Charles S. Stewart M r s . Ben Webster
M r s . E. O. Lee M r s . Albert D . Persons
M r s . Lester Poyer M r s . H . T . Bennett
M r s . W i l l i a m H. Jiencke M r s . C. A . W o l f r a m MINER S T R E E T EVERY DAY.

MISS ASTRID ROSING
"There is no opposing the line of Rosing" and her middle name
is "Service."
Astrid S. Rosing, with a suite of well appointed offices that any-
prosperous business man might be proud of, located in the Harris T r u s t
Building, Chicago, is the only woman who has had the courage to engage
in the business of selling clay products.
Shakespeare says that "Brevity is the soul of wit." Astrid Rosing
is that soul personified. Her slogans above immediately proclaim her
in facts. She tells you that "There is no opposing the line of Rosing,"
a fact which she has successfully demonstrated. She also tells you that
her middle name is "Service," willing to serve you with the best.
It has been said of Miss Rosing that, whatever the work, she
would surely do it better than anyone. T h u s her business has grown
because of her clear-cut, honest dealing. Miss Rosing has now her
fifth automobile, the last being a "Kissel," and she also has trucks
which are all "Kissels." W i t h her wealth of fluffy hair, the quick,
alert mind and eye, the clean-cut business sagacity and withal her
innate womanliness, Miss Rosing would cause anyone to immediately
acknowledge her superiority.
Miss Rosing does a large amount of business in and around Chicago
and also in Wisconsin and to more distant points.
W h i l e she is a successful business woman with a well-paid office
force, she never solicits a tithe of business just because she is a woman.
She stands strictly upon business ethics and merits. Quick, prompt,
honest, generous, Miss Rosing lends her assistance to others, whenever
the opportunity presents itself.
She was neither born with that proverbial "silver spoon" nor did
she have a dime left to her. Therefore, it was a logical sequence in
the ladder of advancement, having reached the highest rung, she stepped
off into a business of her own.
Miss Rosing has cleverly demonstrated that,
"There is no opposing, T h e line of Rosing."
 "Light and Crime are Deadly Enemies."—Shakespeare.
T H E P U B L I C h a s confidence in a w e l l l i g h t e d store. T h e best l i g h t e d stores a r e i l l u m i n a t e d with

G A S A R C light is the steadiest, softest, m o s t diffusive a n d m o s t e c o n o m i c a l light in the w o r l d .

G A S A R C S d o not lose a n y p a r t of their efficiency after a certain n u m b e r of hours' use.
G A S A R C S a r e t a k e n c a r e of b y s k i l l e d w o r k m e n a n d the m a x i m u m b r i l l i a n c y is m a i n t a i n e d c o n t i n u o u s l y .

A HUGE VOLUME OF LIGHT

FOR VERY LITTLE MONEY
U p o n receipt of a postal c a r d the G a s C o m p a n y will s e n d a lighting e x p e r t to consult w i t h y o u a b o u t y o u r lighting r e q u i r e m e n t s , a n d s h o w
y o u h o w to obtain a h u g e v o l u m e of light for v e r y little m o n e y .

THE PEOPLES G A S LIGHT & COKE CO.

Peoples Gas Building Telephone Wabash 6 0 0 0

THE STANDARD PAVING COMPANY

A S P H A L T
PAVEMENTS

OFFICE, Room 358, 29 South La Salle St.

Telephones Randolph 948 and 2876

S O U T H PLANT, South Cicero A v e . , Near 12th St.

Telephone Austin 4 2 3

NORTH PLANT, 3800 Milwaukee A v e .

T e l e p h o n e Irving 5 5 4
 THE POULTRY FEED THAT POULTRY NEED

Manufactured by

Edwards & Loomis Co.

Chicago, Ill.

Ask for "RED COMB" of the following dealers:

They are good men to know.

Des Plaines, Ill. . J . A. Sigwalt Mt. Prospect, Ill Albert Wille

Park Ridge, Ill Consumers' General Supply Co. Arlington Heights, Ill Sherman E. Pate
Palatine, Ill W . R. Comfort & Co.

Telephone 4 8 2 At Your Service for Groceries and General

Merchandise

JOHN M. MEYER

1 0 6 Ellinwood Street Telephone 6 1 1

Henry Weber
FRESH EGGS DIRECT FROM THE FARM
for

Fresh Rolls and Bread THEO. SOENKSEN

Home Made Cakes, Coffee Cakes and Bread Wholesale

BAKED DAILY Telephone 2 0 3

 S O M E O F DES P L A I N E S ' A C T I V E A N D PASSIVE
CITIZENS
Some of Des Plaines' active and passive citizens arranged alpha-
betically and not according to their prominence. W h i l e it has taken
months to compile this material, there are doubtless many who have
been overlooked through no intentional slight of the compiler, and
to these I duly offer my apology.
John Allison, eighty-three year old pioneer, was counted among
the first settlers on the east bank of the Des Plaines. He came to
Northfield Township in 1834. M r . Allison died J u l y 11, 1915.
DR. WM. B U R G E S S
Chester A. Bennett, familiarly known by all as "Grandpa Ben-
nett," or " D a d " Bennett, passed his eightieth mark August 11, 1915.
He came from Cary, Illinois, in 1871, where he married Adelia Thomas.
M r . Bennett has always been more or less connected with public
interests. His son, Harry T . Bennett, is manager of a sheet steel and
tin company in Chicago and in Des Plaines is a director of an excellent
military band whose concerts are always largely attended.
T h e musical strain comes naturally through "Grandpa Bennett,"
who has been the choir leader of both the Congregational and the
Methodist Episcopal churches. In public life he acted as T o w n Clerk,
Township Treasurer of Schools and also Village Trustee.
M r s . Alice Bennett Webster, a daughter, is also an accomplished
musician, while Esther A. and Grace Persons Bennett have chosen
their vocation as Chicago public school teachers.
Dr. W i l l i a m Burgess, foremost in Public Safety W o r k , Chicago,
formerly pastor of the Congregational Church, is also an author, whose
books appeal to deep thinkers. " T h e Bible in Shakespeare," " T h e
Religion of Ruskin" are classical, while his latest, " T h e W o r l d ' s Social
Evil," covers its subject and should be placed in the library of every
home. W r i t t e n in a scholarly style, it is an educational hook of
present-day enlightenment.
John A. Bell, J r . , Village Clerk and Justice of the Peace, is an
examiner of abstracts, a college graduate, and has been chosen as
Director of the Franco-American Republican Club of Cook County.
He is President of the State Assembly of North America and active
in numerous organizations. He says he is attracted to Des Plaines be-
cause of its natural beauty and democracy.
John C. Behrens, pioneer, who married the daughter of another
pioneer, H . C. Senne, came from Crete, Illinois, at eighteen. He
has to his credit an unbroken residence of forty-four years. H e is
still actively engaged in business with his family of sons, one of whom,
Henry C , is the present supervisor of M a i n e Township. He is Chair-
man of the Board of Trustees of the German Lutheran Church, Village
Treasurer seven years, and was cashier of the Des Plaines State Bank
eight years.
John C. Behrens became a partner of H . C. Senne in his general
store business, when he married M a r y C. Senne. T h e y raised a family
of five sons, all prominent in Des Plaines, three carrying on the work
in the store. He acted as Trustee of the Lutheran School Board for
fifteen years. In 1905, he organized the Des Plaines State Bank, together
with the late August Moldenhauer, late H . C. Senne and B . Lager-
hausen. He well remembers his first acquaintance with the Indians here.
M a r t i n A. Behrens is assistant at this bank, while the other son,
Edward N., is at the First National Bank.
 L. P. Hall, though himself a five-year resident, married into one
of the pioneer families of Des Plaines. Miss Mary Bobzien. the daugh-
ter of Fred, who came in the early fifties, and is one of the oldest pio-
neers now living.
His descendants number about forty-five—among whom he is happy
to count three great grandchildren.

The last fine paving laid in Des Plaines is composed of Trinidad

Asphalt by the Barber Asphalt Company, Tribune Building, Chicago.

The company owns a remarkable and valuable asphalt lake, on

the Island of Trinidad which is inexhaustible. Des Plaines has gone
to Trinidad for her line streets through the agency of the Barber
Asphalt Company. The Des Plaines citizens are justly proud of their
substantial improvement and enthusiastic in their expression of ap¬
preciation.
The Barber Asphalt Company conduct a campaign of publicity,
through their lecture bureaus, moving picture theatres, and instruct
chemists, engineers—as well as other artisans—in the good roads move-
ment.
C. W. M . Brown, successful business man, founder of the Des
Plaines Department Store, at the corner of Miner and Pearson Streets,
is an active member of the Library Board. After serving and gaining
valuable experience for twelve years in the World's Great Retail Dis-
trict, State Street, Chicago, he sought a town where he would locate,
and permanently settled in Des Plaines. His wonderful values in
merchandise are regarded with keen interest to a great number of
patrons in and about Des Plaines.
M r s . Annie Bluhm, in Riverview, now associated with Anna
McFerns, was horn and raised in Des Plaines, and is the daughter of
Frank Kufke and Dora Kelberg. M r s . Bluhm sees a prosperous future
in Riverview, where she has lived for twenty years. T h e several fires
have destroyed real estate values of this town, also blasted hopes, hut
since they are intrepid business women, they are determined to succeed.
Anna McFerns has recently come from Chicago and selected River-
view because she has faith in its prosperous future.
John H. Curtis, popular pioneer and present active assessor of
Maine Township, has been mentioned elsewhere. He came here in
1882. He has been Trustee and Treasurer of the Village Board,
Trustee of the Congregational Church and a member of the School
Board. He was born and raised on the historical Higgins Road. His
father, Robert H. Curtis, and mother, Harriet Jeffery, came from
Yorkshire in 1831 and settled in Des Plaines.
MR. & MRS. J O H N C U R T I S
D a u g h t e r , M r s . Wm. L o n g l e y
G r a n d s o n , R o b e r t E. L o n g l e y
M r . Curtis, as postmaster for many terms, used to think he knew
every citizen, but he acknowledges that the town has grown so rapidly
that he cannot keep track of the "newcomers." He is glad to see the
present day of prosperity for Des Plaines. T h e postoffice then was
located at the site now known as the Spiegler's Department Store. He
still treasures, sentimentally, the original "pigeon hole" arrangement,
turned over to him by Simeon Lee, which was used in that early day
to alphabetically stow away the letters awaiting their owner's call.
M r . Curtis was the pioneer mason, coal and lumber merchant, known
by the firm name of Jones & Curtis.
Calista M . Curtis, his wife, came from Whittingham, Vermont,
about sixty years ago, and is the sister of E. D. Scott. She is actively
interested in public affairs, and is a member of the Woman's Club.
Frank M . Cook, large hearted and hospitable, married Lizzie
Reiter. Their two sons, George and Edwin, are engaged with their
father in the contracting business. Frank M . Cook is the son of William
Koch, a pioneer of 1872. He was a staunch advocate of the town,
served as alderman four terms and was instrumental in paying up
the village sewer and water debts. He was successful in having in-
stalled the electric light and gas utilities, a prominent contract; he
has put up as monuments the Des Plaines Library, Gillespie & Gillespie's
building, the Des Plaines State Bank, the Catholic Church, and has
just completed the Standard Oil Company's building at a cost of
$5,000.00. He built many handsome private residences and has recently
sold his Des Plaines home, intending to locate in Dakota.

W . E. Downing, for the past thirteen years in plumbing, heating
and machine work, is Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department. T h e
force consists of W . E. Downing, Chief; A. Petersen, assistant; George
Kinder, secretary; William Hinta, Nick Geisen, John Hammerl,
as members.
M r . Downing is proud of his organization, and of Des Plaines'
fine streets and especially the new steel water tower, important factors
in his fire fighting—but due to the excellent management of Des
Plaines citizens, many fires are avoided. M r . Downing is appreciated
everywhere for his great fund of humor and good nature. He has
been Chief for four years and a resident for twenty-six years.
Robert Duthie, coming here seven years ago from Sharpsburg,
Pennsylvania, has been in the monumental profession for the past twelve
years. H e is a member of many lodges, both of the East and of the
Middle West. M r s . Duthie is an active club woman. T h e i r two
children, Robert and Constance, graduated from the Balatka Conserv-
atory with high honors. Robert, J r . , is one of the cleverest amateur
ball players throughout the country. He has gained recognition as one
of the best "backstops" in the West, a fact not generally known in
Des Plaines.
Ning Eley, attorney, with offices in the Otis Building, Chicago,
is Secretary and Treasurer of the Des Plaines Telephone Company,
and was Village Attorney for Des Plaines. He has been a resident for
twenty-three years, gaining his first experience as a school teacher and
a lawyer twenty years. He is in a position to judge well the merits
of a town. He calls Des Plaines one of the best in Cook County,
because of its thrifty and steady citizens, its good business portion, its
school system and first, last and always, its beautiful natural location,
also its many municipal improvements. M r . Eley is a graduate of
the Valparaiso University of Indiana.
As noted before, Des Plaines boasts of celebrities, some better
known out in the larger world where their activities hold them than
in Des Plaines. Miss Marguerite Eaton, artist, is well known every-
where that the Chicago dailies reach. She is the daughter of Edward
and Delia Eaton. She is a graduate of the Marshall College of West
Virginia and of the Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago, winning scholar-
ships each year. Out of an exhibit of four hundred paintings, Miss
Eaton easily carried off the prize. She is a class-mate of Ezra Winter,
winner of the Prix-de-Rome, 1911. Effa Webster, art critic in the
Chicago Examiner, M a y 22, 1911, says that the "Surf Gazer" by M a r -
guerite Eaton is a buoyant scene. It is a picture of a young girl, in
flaming red attire, sitting on a high rock with a background of large
dark boulders and the sea breaking at her feet. T h e billowing waves
are filled with life and sound as they shimmer and swirl into the deeper
green of the sea. Miss Eaton is a clever, charming and busy artist.
Dr. C. A. Earle, President of the M a i n e High School Board,
comes from an Eastern family of talented writers. He is himself a
historian whose articles are much appreciated. Due to Dr. C. A .
Earle's activities and interests are most of the educational advantages
of Des Plaines. He is ever ready to assist and encourage the aspiring
student. Dr. Earle is an acknowledged authority on any subject upon
which he condescends to write. His historical data have made him well
known, in and about the country. Libraries seek him for authentic
facts. He has a daughter, Miss Gladys, who is teaching school, while
one of the sons, W a l t e r , is taking a pre-medic course at the Chicago
University. W a l t e r is a member of the "varsity" swimming team and
took "first" in the inter-department contests last spring. Percy is
finishing his high school course at the Maine and is an athlete. T h e
oldest son, Norman, is in the Naval Service. T h e examinations both
physically and mentally at W e s t Point are known to be the most rigorous
of any. M r . Norman Earle gained a record at West Point of ranking
as second in general scholarship.
Dr. Earle possesses one of the finest historical literary collections
in this vicinity, which he continually is increasing.
B. L. Franzen, J r . , the Des Plaines Lumber & Coal Company
man, is one of the most progressive and public spirited men of the town.
He came here four years ago from Bensenville and Itasca, principally
because Des Plaines had such good business locations and railroads.
"Barney" is one of a family consisting of eight brothers, all well estab-
lished in the lumber and coal business which was founded by their
elders, C. A . and H. H. Franzen at Bensenville and Itasca, branching
 PATRONIZE
A V I S I T to our v a r i o u s D e - p a r t m e n t s will c o n v i n c e y o u
of the g r e a t r a n g e of stock a n d p r i c e s

Lester G. Foyer
Des Plaines Department For Reliable, Prompt Teaming and Expressing
Service
Store
C. W . M. B R O W N , Prop. also y o u r

Laundry Agent

Telephone 2 2 4
Telephone 4 3 4
A dollar goes a long w a y here A Pioneer of the T o w n deserves your business

Residence Telephone 401 Shop Telephone 405

J . Walter Axel D. Petterson

CARRIAGE AND WAGON
D e a l e r in MANUFACTURER
HARNESS, ROBES, BLANKETS, ETC. Horseshoeing a Specialty
Up-to-Date Machinery for Handling All Work in My Line
Agent for FIRESTONE TIRES

Herman H. Rosen
GENERAL BLACKSMITHING Firestone
Wagon Repairing a Specialty TIRES
WILLIAM GEHRKE, Scientific Horseshoer
Established 1 8 5 8 Telephone Monroe 2 1 4 6 P. O. Box 1 9 0 Telephone 3 4 2

Suburban Electrical
Squire Dingee Co. Construction Co.
Established O v e r 5 0 Y e a r s (Not Inc.)

MANUFACTURERS AND P A C K E R S OF
E L E C T R I C A L
PICKLES, OLIVES, MUSTARD CONTRACTORS
OPERATING TWENTY FACTORIES
Out of Town Contracts a Specialty
MAIN OFFICE A N D F A C T O R Y :

1546-54 Cortland Street

CHARLES McLEOD
Salting Station, DES PLAINES, ILL. Proprietor

Telephone 9 7 2

A. O. Mechler N. E. Jones
THE GENERAL REPAIRER AND CARPENTER
MASON CONTRACTOR
CONTRACTOR

Estimates Cheerfully Given

Des Plaines, Ill. Thacker Street

out with yards at Des Plaines, Elmhurst, Pingree Grove, Itasca, Hamp-
shire, Franklin Park and Libertyville. T h e family work together, con-
tracting for 40,000 or 50,000 barrels and hundreds of carloads of
material at one time direct from the mills. B. L. Franzen supplied
the town with the 68,000 bags of cement for the three miles of Village
paving in the summer of 1914. He is a town "booster" and a man
of large motives.
W a l t e r Franzen, brother of "Barney," J r . , is a thorough young
business man. He is a graduate of the Metropolitan College, a strong
Des Plaines sponsor, a successful associate with his brother and an
admirer of the Des Plaines social set of people.
W i l l i a m F. Graupner, grandson of the late August Moldenhauer,
and son of J . B. and M a r y Moldenhauer, is cashier of the Des Plaines
Hank, also an amateur artist of some note in the photographic work.
His book of views shows an ability along these lines far above the
ordinary.
M r . Graupner is a young man of executive ability and is the active
Secretary of the Des Plaines Commercial Association. He is also the
School Treasurer for the T o w n of Maine. He is a graduate of the
Des Plaines Grammar and the M a i n e Township High Schools.
His ability as a financier is unquestioned. Des Plaines appeals
to the banker because of its good streets, fine stores, its commercial
institutions and activities and fine schools, excellent railroad service
and its fine residences.
M r . Graupner belongs to one of the first and oldest families in
M a i n e Township.

NEW W A T E R TOWER
 Peter M . Hoffman was born in the Township of Maine, Cook
County, Illinois, on the 23d day of March, 1863. Reared on a farm
and educated in the Township of Maine Public Schools and Bryant
& Stratton's Business College, his early life was spent as a grocery-
clerk, and in the employ of the Chicago & North Western Railway
Company in various capacities. He entered politics in 1898 and was
elected Cook County Commissioner for three successive terms and in
1904 he was elected Coroner of Cook County by a plurality of more
than 60,000 votes over his opponent, and is now serving his third term
as Coroner.
T h e old-time viewpoint of the office holder was, " W h a t can I
do to serve myself?" T h e newer conception adopted by Coroner Peter
M . Hoffman is, "In what way can I best serve the people." How
few even of our most conscientious officials realize what the laboratory
method applied to their offices would mean. How many public officials
in the United States know that they are in charge of great laboratories
containing veritable mines of the people's wealth, buried in the musty-
records waiting to be coined into the legal tender of good character,
health and public safety.
H O N O R A B L E P E T E R M. H O F F M A N
Coroner of Cook County.
MISS RAE HOFFMAN.
Her papa's "deputy" and "right hand man."
DAVID J . GILLESPIE
Editor and proprietor of the Des Plaines Suburban Times and
Printing Plant and Deputy Coroner under Peter M . Hoffman.
Genial Dave Gillespie, as he is known among all his friends and
acquaintances, was born in Richmond, Illinois, November 25, 1869,
on the day his father was buried. While still a small boy he went
to Vinton, Iowa, and lived with an older sister. He later attended
Tilford College. After serving his apprenticeship in the office of the
"Observer" and learning the printing business, he went to Des Moines,
became Assistant State Printer and had charge of this work in the
Capitol Building for several years, coming to Chicago in 1892, where
he entered the printing business and paper trade.
M r . Gillespie came to Des Plaines in 1897 to enter the printing
business and in the following year purchased the Des Plaines Suburban
Times and plant, which was then in a very primitive condition. Since
then the plant has been increased in size and improved in every particu-
lar. T w o papers are being published in the establishment and a force
of seven people are employed.
Several years ago M r . Gillespie was appointed a Deputy to Coroner
Hoffman, the management of the printing business being placed in
charge of Mrs. Gillespie, who has acquired a reputation as a business
woman of exceptional calibre. In addition to his other duties M r .
Gillespie has served as Clerk for the Village of Des Plaines for twelve
years. He has held several offices of trust. He is a Royal Arch Mason,
a member of the Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum and the German
Benevolent Society of Des Plaines; but most of all, Dave Gillespie has
a character that is so human, an innate gentleness so self-evident, that
it shines out over every line of his countenance like a benediction and
takes form in his speech and manner so convincing that to meet him
is to be his friend always.
 By some degree of fate the office of Coroner Hoffman of Chicago,
Cook County, Illinois, is the first department of official service in the
United States to initiate the laboratory method, converting the records
of the office and the daily inquests into materials of education so that
the entire community may be forewarned as to the ways of avoiding
accidents and catastrophes; these lessons being placed in a form so that
even the four hundred thousand children in the schools of Chicago and
Cook County may absorb as a part of their education a knowledge of
how to live safely in this age of machinery and countless dangers.
Year by year our Public Departments and Bureaus get out "Annual
Reports" so meager in detail and information that even those who pre-
pare them fail to realize that these reports should all be employed as
teachers' class books whereby school children early in life may be
taught how to avoid fires, accidents, sickness, premature death, crime,
etc. In Coroner Hoffman's last biennial report the classification of acci-
dents in numerical order has already been made and for the first time
in the history of official reports, it has been adopted as a teachers' class
book on Public Safety in the schools of Chicago and Cook County.
Some day in the future when the public conscience and intelligence are
more highly awakened, the Health Department of all great cities will
become laboratories of instruction in the avoidance of disease and pre-
mature deaths, and Police Departments by the same method will become
laboratories for the avoidance of crime; and when these things become
realities, history will furnish a record of the highest forms of value
from this service.
Some conception of the amount of work done in the Coroner's
office may be gained from the fact that 55,474 inquests have been
handled in the eleven years from 1905 to 1916 since Peter M . Hoffman
became Coroner.
Over 500 recommendations were made, and the enactment of
numerous laws has made Cook County a safer and a saner County in
which to reside and rear our children, and no doubt thousands of lives
have been saved.
Three years ago Coroner Hoffman conceived the idea of forming
a Public Safety Commission for the purpose of conducting a campaign
of education and publicity through the Pulpit, the Press, the School,
the Home and the Club to make life safer and employment more secure.
Since the starting of this Commission every large city in the United
States has followed his example and Coroner Hoffman is today known
as the "Father of Public Safety," and is not only the best known man
in the State of Illinois but he has become a national character. It has
been said by prominent men that Peter Hoffman's name will live in
history many years after he is dead and gone.
Since the date of its organization this Commission has conducted
this work continuously and in addition has sustained a bureau of cor-
respondence and inquest upon all subjects of public danger and is
receiving complaints daily amounting to hundreds every month, which
complaints are investigated by the Commission, thereby correcting reck-
lessness in all forms.
He is a member of the Chicago Association of Commerce, the
Hamilton Club, the Illinois Athletic Club, the Chicago Real Estate.
Board, the Masonic Fraternity, the Odd Fellows, the Knights of
Pythias, the Royal League, the Royal Arcanum, the Modern Wood-
men, the Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Maccabees, the Ger-
man Benevolent Society, the Plattdeutsche Gilde and other fraternal
organizations.
When one thinks in music one conjures up a mental picture of
William F. Heller, the piano man, who has been through every branch
of piano building.
M r . Heller came here twenty-five years ago from a farm near
Lake Zurich and is the son of pioneers, John H. Heller and Minnie
(Schultz) Heller. He has been twenty years in his present profession.
He was attracted to Des Plaines from the former piano factory at
Riverview, one mile south of Des Plaines. He represents the M . Schultz
Piano Company and thoroughly understands every phase in his line.
He is a member of the German Benevolent Society, the A. F. and A. M .
Much credit is due M r . Heller for his public activities. M r . Heller
appreciates the well paved streets, fine schools and the good train service
going to and from Chicago, and considers it just the right distance
from a busy Commercial Center.
John Hahn, manufacturer of pure Balsam Castile and variegated
Cocoa Castile Soaps, is a real chemist, having made it a life study,
using only high grade material. He is introducing a soap that will
make Des Plaines famous, known as "Hahn's Best on the M a r k e t . "
A trip to the twenty-one greenhouses of the Hoerber Brothers will
amply repay one for the effort. They are located near the "Soo" Line,
where they were established seven years ago. T h e i r business is on a
large wholesale basis, during the busy season averaging about $100,000.
M r . Hoerber specializes in roses. There are roses and roses, but the
Hoerber rose cannot easily be forgotten. He will tell you that there
are fads in flowers, as in dress and millinery, and he catches the popular
fancy. M r . Hoerber has countless varieties of roses, the choicest of
every kind.
For fourteen years A. Jarnecke, the general teaming contractor,
has been actively identified with Des Plaines public affairs. Eleven
years he has been the Township Assessor. He is trustee and director
of the Evangelical Church, and was Village President prior to the
Lawson administration. He has proved that he is able to be successful
in any capacity. He added improvements to the waterworks, which
he put on a self-sustaining basis. It is to his credit that the present
Telephone 6 9 4 Estimates on Request

John H. Congdon
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DECORATOR

Painting, Paper Hanging, Calcimining,

Graining, Varnishing, Etc.
TOSCH BUILDING DES PLAINES, ILL.

The Wadsworth-Howland Company

CHICAGO

MAKERS OF HIGH GRADE PAINTS

It's Quality and Permanence
that Count
JOHN H. CONGDON ... Local Agent
 H A R R Y H. T A L C O T T Telephone 3468 Franklin Eugene W. Rogers
R e s . , L e e St., Des P l a i n e s
Res. Phone 641

WELLS & T A L C O T T NING ELEY BROWN & ROGERS

LAWYERS ATTORNEY AT LAW ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Chicago Phone Central 1873 Suite 4 0 0 - 4 0 2

S u i t e 1 0 4 0 Otis B l d g . 30 North D e a r b o r n S t r e e t
19 S o u t h L a S a l l e Street
1 0 S o u t h L a S a l l e St. Telephones: Central 1812; Auto. 4 3 - 8 7 8
Chicago CHICAGO CHICAGO

Telephones: Office 466 Telephone 464

Residence 462 A. H. LAUER
R e a l Estate

Agent
and
O. A. JACOBY Insurance
E. D. SCOTT
The Wholesale
FLORISTS

THE PIONEER
D e a l e r in NORBY & HOEFLE
REAL ESTATE AND Fancy Groceries and Fruits
Telephone 5 1 2
INSURANCE MAN Cigars and Tobacco Ballard Road
fine system of paving was started. He is fully aware of the beauty of
Des Plaines and its educational advantages, with an interesting family
of two boys and a daughter. He occupies a comfortable residence,
with spacious gardens, at Oakwood Avenue and M a y Streets.
JOHN JAACKS
Forty-two years ago John Jaacks, High Commissioner, came here
from Schleswig, Holstein, Germany. He has been an important fac-
tor in the good roads development. He was elected President of the
Cook County Highway Commissioners in 1914 and is an active member
of the Chicago Motor Club. He proudly points to the first concrete
paved road in Cook County laid on M i l w a u k e e Avenue, which, skirting
his prosperous farm, is a lasting memorial to his untiring work. He
built the road from Park Ridge to Niles and is entitled to much credit.
Park Avenue, which has ordinarily been a mud hole, was made into
a traversable highway connection with M i l w a u k e e Avenue.
T h e north end of the State Road on M i l w a u k e e Avenue was
completed in October and the dedication ceremony delivered by Hon-
orable Peter M . Hoffman, Coroner of Cook County, who with W i l l i a m
G. Edens, John Hayes, of the Good Roads Commission, highly appre-
ciate the invaluable work that M r . Jaacks has done. He has kept
continually at the task of improving the highways until now M a i n e
Township has more hard roads than any other township in Cook
County. T h i s thoroughfare is of much value to the truck growers of
Cook County in reducing the high cost of living. T h e consumer does
away with much of the extra cost of jobbing. Delivering garden prod-
uce direct to the consumer. Buyer and grower are quickly brought
together by good roads. Mobilists are the direct beneficiaries. Mr.
John Jaacks deserves credit for his public spiritedness.
O. A. Jacoby, the Miner Street Merchant, came to Des Plaines
from Cleveland six years ago. He gives as a passing mention some
of the improvements in that six years: T h e Spiegler Building rebuilt
entirely, new additions to Billiard Hall, four Garages, Belt Line built,
three additions to the schools, Feehanville's almost doubled establish-
ment of the Sisters of Nazareth ( M o t h e r House of the United S t a t e s ) ,
New State Bank, First National Bank, Telephone Building, W a l t o n ' s
Drug Store, Richert's, Sigwalt's Coal & Lumber Office, the Tosch
Block, Kuhlman Garage, "Echo" Theatre, Standard and T e x a s Oil
Company's Stations, new water tower, new railroad depot, enlarged
freight house, Lord & Burnham's, Des Plaines Valley Railway, sev-
eral new signal stations, Joe L a Mantia's Store, Petterson's Carriage
Shop, Wolf Brothers' Garage. T h e r e was then no rapid transit motor
express. T h i s is only a part mention of the increased business section
during six years' recapitulation. W i t h the live Commercial Association
that Des Plaines now has, what possibilities are in store for the next six
years?
"Not one vacant store, and the town gone dry,
W i t h still more being added!"
M o r r i s P. Jones, bygone pioneer, conducted that historical mill.
T h i s particular point with its sylvan beauty is an inspiration to the
artist who has long been attracted to the Des Plaines region. T h e
nearby bridge with its architectural curves lends a touch of progressive¬
ness to the scene. T h e late Edward J . Jones, a son of Morris, was
a valued member of the Board of Education for twenty-two years and
a clerk for sixteen years.
Frank Koch, a former merchant from Chicago, has made Des
Plaines his home for the past twenty-three years and is successfully
engaged in the contracting business. He had a vision of much activity
in this special line in Des Plaines and, therefore, decided to become a
contractor, and says he has not been disappointed.
Ex-Alderman G. H . Kolze, a master mechanic and well-known
carpenter contractor, makes a specialty of building handsome residences,
having put up the homes of Henry Goede, J . A. Sigwalt, three for
Henry Heesch, W . Don Smith and Lou Volberding. He has been
a resident for twenty years and was a former member of the Village
Board. He is a Trustee in the German Evangelical Church, a Benevo-
lent and a Mason. H e has a bright daughter, Viola, of the class of
1915, M a i n e Township High School.
 Herman Koehler, twenty years a pioneer, is in an individual line
of work, growing choice fruit of all kinds in his orchards. He manu-
factures pure and select wines for families, light on his orchard farm.
It is an interesting experience to visit his place and watch the presses
at work. He has between two and three thousand gallons for sale
at reasonable prices, including choice currant, grape, cherry, rhubarb,
gooseberry and other wines, some of which are well-aged. He presses
from two to three thousand gallons each season and has a line orchard
on the way to Riverview. His wife, Fredericka, a motherly woman
of ample proportions, is a splendid co-partner. He has just added to
his two thousand cherry trees 19,000 more, and 15,000 gooseberry bushes.
A visit and purchase will repay the autoists.
W. M. L A W S O N , former M a y o r of Des Plaines.
W. M . Lawson, former M a y o r of Des Plaines, recently moved to
Chicago because of business relations. He was born in Geneva, Illinois,
in 1881, and is a graduate of the High School of that town. He
became actively engaged in business and soon found success in the
insurance line, where he has made a large acquaintance. In 1906, he
accepted the responsible position as Auditor for the Frankfort General
Insurance Company of Germany, later promoted as branch manager
for that company in the Chicago territory. He resigned in April, 1915,
to enter as partner in the firm of Smith & Lawson-Coambs Company,
automobile insurance specialists. T h e voters elected M r . Lawson as
President of their Village by a large vote. As an executive he gave
the Village a clean administration. With the co-operation of the
trustees, he started an era of civic improvements that is rapidly making
the Village one of the best suburbs of Chicago.
As the Chief Executive he was called on to settle many perplexing
problems. His business sagacity and courageous spirit worked for the
material uplift of the community. When M r . and M r s . Lawson de-
parted for their new home their friends tendered them a cordial recep-
tion. As a token of appreciation they presented him with a valuable
watch and chain, a memento of his excellent work, which had not gone
unrecognized. In the insurance business M r . Lawson stands among
the first, having been recently elected Vice-President of the Casualty
Underwriter's Association of Chicago, a position of trust, honor and
responsibility.
M r s . Emma Lockett has been here four months, coming from
Chicago. She is the proprietor of an attractive confectionery store
on Ellinwood Avenue in the new Tosch Building.
M r . Lockett is an old-time solicitor for the Curtis Publishing
Company, with offices at 35 South Dearborn Street, Chicago.
T h e family is interested in country life and came here because
they heard that Des Plaines was "on the boom" and would give them
a good living.
Wallace Lanigan.—The appointment of a representative to West
Point has again fallen to a Des Plaines boy, W a l l a c e Lanigan, who
has passed the examination above ten other aspirants for the appoint-
ment. He is a graduate of the M a i n e Township High School.
A. H. Lauer, the real estate expert on Cook County farm lands,
says that he was attracted here two years ago from his home in Sublette,
Lee County, Illinois, at which place he was engaged in the real estate
and banking business and served as school treasurer and on the Village
Board. T h e Des Plaines River Valley lands appealed to him on
account of its great fertility. He thinks it possesses the richest soils
in the State.
Joseph La Mantia, the well-known fruit dealer, Ellinwood Street,
and whose relatives are distributers throughout the Northwestern Sub-
urbs in the same line, grew tired of Canada, and decided five years ago
to cast his lot in Des Plaines. His happy face is a signal that he
decides to remain. He thinks anyone with some business ability ought
to prosper in Des Plaines.
Dr. E. A. Melze is the popular manager of the Echo Theatre, of
which the present officers are: President, B. L. Franzen; Vice-Presi-
dent, F. A. H e l m ; Treasurer, W i l l i a m F. Graupner; Secretary and
Manager, Dr. E. A. M e l z e .
T h e company believes in spending their money at home and
also in home-town investments. T h e y especially invite every family to
come to their splendid amusement theatre and to own from one to
twenty-five shares of the stock. T h i s feature insures a home controlled
theatre. T h e "Echo" bills only first-class attractions, is well patronized
and is a paying investment. Dr. Melze, with professional offices in
the Columbus Memorial Building, Chicago, owns a beautiful home in
the fashionable Des Plaines Manor.
Alvin Minnich, the player of traps, drum and bells, and manager
of the Kruse Orchestra of fourteen pieces, has advertised Des Plaines
in his musical way. He is ready and willing to make out of town
calls on short notice. He is liberal in donating music to churches and
charity, and has as many as four and five orchestras out in one night.
Thomas Minnich, the veteran ice man, needs no introduction.
For more than twenty years he has supplied the "campers" and the
Des Plaines people with his pure, sparkling ice. M r . Minnich is
always ready to do his share toward boosting Des Plaines.
T h e M . & A. Bakery and Restaurant, run by M r s . Manicum
and Adams, is where you will find home cooking at a reasonable price.
These ladies are desirous to please and hold their trade as well as to
advertise for new guests.
Dr. E. A . Manuel, corning here twenty years ago from Milwaukee,
is one of the strong supporters of the town. He is the oldest man in
the present business. Besides being the pioneer veterinarian of Des
Plaines he is owner of the Des Plaines Depot Garage and also of one
of the most beautifully laid out homes in the town. His delightful
gardens on the Rand Road are made thus through the work of the
landscape artist, M r . Ransom Kennicutt.
T h e late August Moldenhauer, who at the time of his death, Aug-
ust 22, 1915, was President of the Des Plaines State Bank and one
of its organizers and also an organizer of the Evangelical Lutheran
Immanuel Church. He was a pioneer and from early date occupied
positions of responsibility and trust.
T h e late W i l l i a m Meyer, a highly respected pioneer and early
community builder, was a lover of nature. He planted many beauti-
ful trees for the coming generation. W h i l e his loving and thoughtful
hand is now stilled forever, the stalwart trees live on in gratitude that
he once lived.
T h e W i l l i a m Mounsey family will be remembered as pioneers of
Des Plaines some twenty-three years ago, when they were on the
Hoffman Dairy Stock Farm, coming originally from Vinton, Iowa.
It will be recalled that W i l l i a m Mounsey and his wife lost their
lives in a most tragical and dramatic manner. Coming from England
on the Lusitania, M a y 19, 1915, M r . Mounsey was one of the victims
of that terrible sea disaster, of which this war was the cause. M r s .
Mounsey lost her life one year previous while going over on the Em-
press of Ireland; the daughter was saved but the others were drowned.
At the time it was somewhat doubtful, however, if M r s . Mounsey
was among the living or the dead. A picture was sent to the Mounsey
family from Ireland which resembled the wife and was said to be
a woman confined to an insane asylum. It was a false rumor and
it was while on the way to prove this, that M r . Mounsey and his
daughter met this fate.
T h e Mounsey boys, William, George and Thomas, were left
orphans in a very unwarranted way. They are still carrying on the
moving and expressing business established by their father in 1889.
T h e three young men work in perfect accord and, with their
sister in charge of the office, have increased the business materially.
They have a number of teams and horses and do auto truck
service on short notice. They especially solicit the moving business
of suburbanites and travel within a radius of two hundred miles around
Chicago. They are responsible and figure moderately.
M r . John F. Meyer, from Long Grove, Illinois, has bought the
business from its former owner, M r . J . L. Hans, for whom he was
clerking. He is a member of the Commercial Association and is
thankful for the trade that he is tendered and aims in every way to
help the town along.
T h e drug store at 4943 Milwaukee Avenue, of which J . B. M i l l e r
is the proprietor, is located near the Jefferson Park Station on the
N. W . R. R., and is a general stopping place for suburbanites. M r .
Miller, originally from Clayton, Illinois, is a graduate of both Val-
paraiso University and of the Northwestern School of Pharmacy. He
is so well impressed with Des Plaines that he is seriously thinking of
locating there. He conducts a well-stocked Drug Store at the above
number and is a favorite with Des Plaines and Park Ridge people,
inviting them to stop over in his Drug Store.
Lester C. Poyer, son of Benjamin Poyer, in the express business
the past five years, is a graduate of the Jefferson Park High School
and the Metropolitan Business College, and is well able to judge on the
present development of Des Plaines. His father's farm was on the
site of the present Camp Grounds and Northwestern Park. M r . Poyer
married Marion Perkins of Park Ridge.
W a l t e r Thomas Poyer, his nephew and a graduate of Maine T o w n -
ship High School, who was in the employ of M r . W a l t o n , the druggist,
is now taking a course in the Northwestern Dental School of Chicago.
Axel Petterson, the expert wagonmaker on North Pearson Street,
has such a good record that the farmers far and wide declare his
work will outlast him. He owns a substantial home on North Des
Plaines Avenue and is a town "booster" and general good citizen.
 WM. F. HELLER
Dealer in
PIANOS

711 Milwaukee Ave., C H I C A G O

TUNING AND REPAIRING
Tel. Monroe 4371
Pianos sold at factory prices at a
saving from $50 to $150.00 D E S P L A I N E S , ILL.
Tel. Des Plaines 261

Compliments of

Des Plaines Hand Laundry
A. L. S C H A R R I N G H A U S E N ,
Hand W o r k Our Specialty
White Labor—White W o r k
105 G R A C E L A N D A V E N U E
Telephone 714
Phone Des Plaines 852 Fresh Fruit Received Daily
JOE SEGALL'S
PROP. Cigar,
JOS. LA MANTIA
Des Plaines Fruit Market
CANDY, ICE CREAM, SOFT DRINKS Billiard Room and Barber Shop
CIGARS AND TOBACCO
Italian Olive Oil Guaranteed Absolutely Pure
Telephone No. 221
Phone Park Ridge 1 2 5 3

A. T. TARNOW
Painter and Decorator
COR. MEACHAM A V E . & HANSEN PLACE

P A R K RIDGE, ILL.

Sample Books and Designs Freely Shown

. . Go to

WOLF SCHWAB'S
Des Plaines Manor Store
For the Very Things You NEED

PRAIRIE & SECOND AVES.

 " T h e Red C o m b P o u l t r y F o o d , " m a d e by the E d w a r d s & L o o m i s
Company, w h i c h is used l a r g e l y by f a r m e r s t h r o u g h o u t this district,
has F r a n k l i n Bell as its capable y o u n g a d v e r t i s i n g m a n a g e r . They
m a n u f a c t u r e v a r i o u s b r a n d s of P o u l t r y , H o r s e and D a i r y Foods, though
the " R e d C o m b " is the best k n o w n . I t w a s one of the first b r a n d e d
p o u l t r y foods on the m a r k e t . " R e d C o m b " is e x t e n s i v e l y a d v e r t i s e d in
F a r m and P o u l t r y P a p e r s , and as a r e s u l t of this, they h a v e received
i n q u i r i e s from a l l over the w o r l d . Possibly the most i n t e r e s t i n g i n q u i r y
w a s from a G e r m a n prisoner of w a r , the l e t t e r h a v i n g been p r o p e r l y
approved by the I n t e r n a t i o n a l C e n s o r .
A l t h o u g h this c o m p a n y w a s established in 1 8 7 0 , the m a n u f a c t u r e
of p o u l t r y foods dates back about eight y e a r s . T h e past three y e a r s
has witnessed the most r e m a r k a b l e g r o w t h .
M r . J . F . Risser, e n e r g e t i c m a n a g e r of the D e s P l a i n e s T e l e p h o n e
C o m p a n y , accepted this responsible position in 1 9 1 1 . S i n c e t h a t time
the service of the C o m p a n y h a s been m u c h i m p r o v e d and the lines
m a t e r i a l l y e x t e n d e d . M r . R i s s e r is an e x c e l l e n t business m a n as w e l l
as a n expert on a l l questions of telephone e n g i n e e r i n g . P r e v i o u s to his
e n g a g e m e n t here, M r . Risser w a s m a n a g e r of a c o u n t y s y s t e m of tele-
phones in P u t n a m C o u n t y , O h i o . H e is t h o r o u g h l y c o n v e r s a n t , h a v i n g
e i g h t e e n y e a r s of e x p e r i e n c e to b a c k h i m . H e is an active m e m b e r of
the I l l i n o i s T e l e p h o n e Association of A m e r i c a and also of the I l l i n o i s
I n d e p e n d e n t S t a t e T e l e p h o n e A s s o c i a t i o n , a m e m b e r of the D e s Plaines
M a s o n i c L o d g e . As P r e s i d e n t of the D e s P l a i n e s C o m m e r c i a l Asso-
ciation, M r . R i s s e r d i s p l a y s the q u a l i t i e s of a p u b l i c - s p i r i t e d citizen,
i n v a l u a b l e to a n y c o m m u n i t y . T h r o u g h his u n t i r i n g efforts t h e asso-
ciation has s t a r t e d a s y s t e m a t i c c a m p a i g n for a d v e r t i s i n g D e s P l a i n e s .
H e is the " p o w e r behind the g u n " in k e e p i n g a l l his c o m m i t t e e s at
w o r k " b o o s t i n g " for a g r e a t e r D e s P l a i n e s .
T h e author wishes to thank Mr. Riser for the many f a v o r s and courtesies
granted her.

J . A . S i g w a l t , one of D e s P l a i n e s ' l e a d i n g m e r c h a n t s , w a s born

O t t o R e x s e s , Chief C l e r k in the C o u n t y T r e a s u r e r ' s office, is said
on a f a r m near L o n g G r o v e , L a k e C o u n t y , I l l i n o i s . H e has t h r o u g h -
to be the best informed man r e g a r d i n g the c o u n t y ' s finances in his
out his career built up an e x c e l l e n t business. A s a y o u n g m a n , he
special d e p a r t m e n t . M r . Rexses has seen t w e n t y - e i g h t y e a r s of con-
s t a r t e d to l e a r n the cheese and b u t t e r - m a k i n g business as a t r a d e , first
tinuous service in his office, since 1 8 8 8 , w h e n he s t a r t e d u n d e r G e o r g e
at L a k e Z u r i c h a n d l a t e r at A r l i n g t o n H e i g h t s , l a t e r becoming the
R. D a v i s . H e has been a proficient c l e r k in e v e r y d e p a r t m e n t and
m a n a g e r of the c r e a m e r y at B e n s e n v i l l e . I n 1894, he m a r r i e d M i s s
on account of his a b i l i t y a n d p r o g r e s s w a s m a d e C h i e f C l e r k in 1 9 0 1 .
D e n a L a n d m e i e r of E l k G r o v e and a y e a r l a t e r s t a r t e d in business
H e w a s p r o m o t e d to the position of C o u n t y A u d i t o r u n d e r the r e g i m e
for himself by t a k i n g c h a r g e of the E l k G r o v e C r e a m e r y . In 1905
of J o h n R. T h o m p s o n . O n account of his efficient w o r k M r . Rexses
he sold his business and e n t e r e d the employ of N e l s o n M o r r i s C o m -
has held his long t e r m of office r e g a r d l e s s of political affiliations.
p a n y of C h i c a g o as s u p e r i n t e n d e n t of their r e n o v a t i n g b u t t e r factory.
H e has been a resident forty-one y e a r s , son of pioneer E d w a r d M r . S i g w a l t accepted a position as s a l e s m a n for the N a t i o n a l C r e a m -
Rexses, w h o c a m e in 1 8 6 9 from H i r s c h b e r g , P r o v i n c e of S i l i c i a , Ger¬ ery S u p p l y Company. In 1 9 0 7 , he s t a r t e d in business for himself in
many. D e s P l a i n e s , since w h i c h time his business has g r o w n r a p i d l y . Starting
nine years ago with one horse and one wagon, he now employs four
teams and eight men constantly, besides his cabinet maker. He is
now in the coal, lumber and building material line. As Des Plaines
developed M r . Sigwalt extended his business, so that he is now able
to build homes for people on the installment plan. In this work his
two sons, Henry and Romeo, are associated with him.
These sons are both graduates of the Maine Township High School.
Henry is completing a course at the Northwestern University at Evan¬
ston, while Romeo is choosing a career along mechanical and electrical
engineering lines.
M r . Sigwalt, the "Village Father," is not only one of Des Plaines'
best business men, but is a public-spirited man as well, being a Village
Trustee.
In transacting affairs of the Village he has always had the courage
of his convictions and has stood firmly for what he believed right. He
is now serving his second term as trustee and has proved to his own
satisfaction that the principles of honesty and fair dealing are as truly
necessary in building up the Village as in private life. M r . and M r s .
Sigwalt are members of the Evangelical Church.
W . Don Smith, the former superintendent of schools, has taken a
leave of absence in order to obtain a much needed rest from the per-
sistent duties in which he has been busily engaged for the past thirteen
years. M r . Smith comes from interesting parentage. His mother was
a Scotch Highland "lassie" and his father a Pennsylvania Quaker whose
ancestors came with W i l l i a m Penn on his second voyage here.
He is a graduate of the Holden High, and has done three years'
work in the University of Chicago and the Illinois University. He was
principal of the Shannon, Arlington Heights and the Polo High Schools.
M r . Smith has always been an arduous and leading citizen, and a good
worker for the school and town interests.
M r . John Suster, one of Des Plaines' aldermen and leading citi-
zens, has made a splendid record working for a greater Des Plaines.
He was born in 1874 on a farm near Denmark, Wisconsin, of Austrian
parents. He was a mere child when they moved to Chicago, where
he attended the Foster and Garfield schools. At twelve, however,
he was suddenly thrown upon his own resources and obliged to make
his own way. His history reads like a story. He secured an errand
boy's job with his present firm, the John C. Newcomb Picture Frame
Manufacturing Co., where he remained for years. At eighteen he went
to work to learn the business in the shops. He again proved his worth
and in two years he was made foreman. His employer was impressed
with his steadiness, his frugal habits and his native ability. T w o years
later he became superintendent of the factory. Having successfully
demonstrated his unusual executive ability and business sagacity, a
year later, when M r . Newcomb desired to retire, John Suster, the
little errand boy, took the high position as Vice-President and Secretary
of the Newcomb-Macklin Company, manufacturers of some of the most
artistic frames in the world. European artists seek him for his judg-
ment in selecting suitable frames for their valuable paintings. In this
capacity he has developed the largest business of its kind in the United
States. Doing business broadcast over the entire country, he has en-
larged from a forty thousand dollar concern to one of nearly half a
million. In 1895, he married Rose Doubek of Chicago. Like all busy
business men, he located in a country town to enjoy greater comforts
in his leisure hours. In 1905, he built a beautiful home on Graceland
and Prairie Avenues, on one of the most desirable sites in the village.
Through persistent effort, his hard knocks have made him neither
cynical nor narrow. He is known as one of Des Plaines' most liberal-
minded men. In his busy career he has made it possible to find time
to devote to the welfare of the Village and, as trustee, has given much
thought to the town.
He is absolutely fearless and takes a decided, determined stand o n
all questions which may be at issue. His motto is, "Enjoy life." His
vacations are spent on his farm on the banks of the Waite Lake, W i s -
consin, where he relaxes in his favorite sport of fishing.
He is a member of the Chicago Association of Commerce, a past
President of the Chicago Palette and Chisel Club, and a member of
the Benevolent Association of Des Plaines.
W . L. Smyser, prominent educator and one of Des Plaines most
public men, was born near Wellsville, Pennsylvania, where he spent
his boyhood days on the farm. Here was the family homestead where
four or five generations of the Smysers had lived. Teaching school
in order to pay for his college education and securing a secondary
education at Hanover College. High School, he entered Pennsylvania
College from which he was graduated in 1891 as an A. B. A year
later he came to Illinois with the purpose of studying law but later
decided that his "forte" was as an educator. He then became prin-
cipal of the Palatine Public Schools where he made a splendid record.
In 1902, he was unanimously chosen by the M a i n e Township High
School Board of Education to organize the courses of study for the
new school and to secure a capable faculty. T h e board's judgment
was amply repaid for their confidence, since no man could have suc-
ceeded better in this task. In 1906 he entered the Chicago Public High
School system as an instructor of the Calumet High. Later he accepted
the Principalship of graded schools, being most successful. Last J u n e
he was promoted as Principal of the new Gregier School, located at
the corner of Belden and Wood Streets, Chicago. W h e n it comes to
a question of entering into any movement for better conditions of the
town, M r . Smyser is among the first in the community. He has made
Des Plaines his home since coming here in 1902. As a college man
he had few superiors as "half-back" on the football team and has car-
ried those famous qualities of "half-back" over into his light for good
citizenship and a wholesome environment for young men and women.
As President of the Anti-Saloon League of Maine Township he has
worked courageously amidst many discouragements for a series of years.
The community will never he able to repay him for the successful fight
which he waged for its moral welfare. Being a man of excellent busi-
ness ability, he is director of the Des Plaines State Hank, where his
judgment on all financial matters is highly valued. He is a member
of the National Educational, the State Teachers and the Chicago Prin-
cipals Associations, and also of the Philosophical Round Table. M r .
and M r s . Smyser have a comfortable home on Graceland Avenue and
a summer home on Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. They are members of
the Congregational Church, enthusiastic members of Director Bennett's
Choir. M r . Smyser also finds time to act as the Assistant Superintendent
of the Sunday School.

C H A R L E S S. S T E W A R T

W. L. S M Y S E R
M r . Charles S. Stewart was born on a farm in Central Illinois
of pioneer parents who went there from Western New York in 1858.
M r . Stewart received his elementary education in the district school
and at the age of eighteen he left the farm to work his own way
through an academy and college. While a student he won high honors
as a debater and orator, and since has been in demand as a public
speaker, especially at commencement exercises.
In 1898, he enlisted in the Light Battery D of the Sixth United
States Artillery and served in the Philippine campaigns of the Spanish-
American W a r under General Lawson. Here he saw much active
service in the trenches around M a n i l a and against the Filipines.
After taking his Bachelor of Arts degree from Knox College in
1900 he devoted bis life to public school work. For one year he
taught mathematics in the Galesburg High School and for five years
filled the office of Superintendent of Schools in Elmwood, Illinois. In
1907, M r . Stewart came to Des Plaines to take up his duties as prin-
cipal of Maine Township High School. In this position his virile per-
sonality and ability made him popular in and around the township;
after five and one-half years of excellent service he entered the Chicago
school system. At present he is in charge of the fourth-year English
 Growth of Local Service
This illustration shows the growth of the Des Plaines Telephone
Company's service in this community during the past eleven years.

Nothing more strikingly illustrates the greatly important place

which the telephone has assumed as a factor in expediting business in
this country.

The telephone saves millions of steps each day and the time saved
each day by reason of the telephone advances us by century leaps.

If you don't have a telephone to do your walking and time saving

for you, y o u are v e r y badly handicapped.

Des Plaines Telephone Company

ECHO CLEANERS AND DYERS

W e are ready to make your last year's
suit or overcoat do service for another
H. C. RICHERT season. Our superior w o r k in Cleaning,
Dyeing and Pressing makes y o u r clothes
L A D I E S ' A N D GENTS' fit for many occasions. Give us a trial.
Hats cleaned and blocked. Feathers
HIGH C L A S S T A I L O R I N G cleaned, curled and dyed. Gloves
cleaned
ECHO T H E A T E R BUILDING
Telephone 452 G U G L I O T T A BROS., Prop.
Phone No. 673

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

J. DUSEK
TAILOR
Erected By
CLEANS AND P R E S S E S Y O U R SUITS
ROBERT DUTHIE
In German Lutheran Cemetery, Desplaines, Ill. D E L I V E R Y D A Y S — M O N D A Y S AND S A T U R D A Y S
 DES PLAINES AUTO CO.
Phone, W r i t e or Call for Literature and Demonstration
Corner Jefferson and Pearson Sts. Tel. Des Plaines 284
W O L F BROS.' G A R A G E

GENERAL REPAIRING Vulcanizing Presto Tanks

Tires and Supplies of All Kinds USED CARS
Gasoline, Oils and Greases Auto L i v e r y — D a y & Night Service
Agency for: Pleasure Cars — Ford, Overland, Chevrolet, Cole Delivery Cars—Overland
T r u c k s — W i l l y s Utility, Garford, Diamond T

Phone Des Plaines 454

Alterations of every description neatly
and properly made
DES PLAINES
Special attention given to ladies' work
5 & 1 0 CENT STORE

Solves the Question of High Living

Quilici Bros. Come and see the purchasing power of
John Prucha
Fine Home-Made Ice Cream TAILOR
your nickels and dimes a t our store

CLEANING, DYEING, REPAIRING

AND PRESSING
BIG B A R G A I N S !
CANDY FRUITS CIGARS Lee Street, Opposite Village Hall
work at the R. T . Crane Technical High School. He still resides
in Des Plaines, however, with his wife, formerly Jean Kitchell Frash,
daughter of John F. Frash of Topeka, Kansas, and two children, Francis,
a son of eight years, and M a r y Elizabeth, a daughter of two.
Charles S. Stewart is an active member of the National Educa-
tional Association, a member of the executive committee of the Chicago
High School Teachers, and the State Teachers Associations. He was
Secretary for two years over the Village Principal's Section. He is
also a member of the Illinois State Historical Society, Brotherhood
Masonic Lodge, Eureka Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and Chicago
Post Number 54 Spanish-American W a r Veterans. M r . Stewart is
now a member of the Des Plaines Business Men's Association and
Chairman of its W a y s and Means Committee.
In 1914, he was a candidate for Congress in the Seventh Congres-
sional District, running on the Progressive Party Platform. During
the years 1914-1915 M r . Stewart held the office of village trustee, to
which he was elected with a high plurality of votes. Here he dis-
tinguished himself in his work as chairman of the Finance Committee
and was an important factor in helping to put Des Plaines on a firm
financial basis.
M r . Stewart is a man of good habits, clean cut, friendly, and
a fine fellow to meet. He is liked and respected by his many Des
Plaines friends, who wish him success in his work in the Chicago
Public Schools.
Mr. and M r s . Stewart are members of the Congregational Church
of Des Plaines.
About the first thing that the w r i t e r heard after starting the work of com-
piling was, "Oh, you must see M r . Stewart. He is just the one you w a n t to
see on many things. He has been v e r y public-spirited and progressive."
It would h a v e been an absolute impossibility to have made this general
history so complete had it not been for the untiring generosity and kindness as
well as the ability of M r . S t e w a r t . T h e compiler wishes to thank this gentle-
man for the many favors granted her. It has been truly said, "If you w a n t
anything done, go to a busy man." It has proven so in this case. M r . S t e w a r t
is of a personality that any town would welcome.
D. Scott, the pioneer real estate man of the town, has been here
sixty-three years, coming from Somerset, Vermont. M r . Scott can
tell you almost every stone in and around Des Plaines and regarding
the real estate values he is an authority. He is well known for his
integrity, square dealing and honesty. Before he took up the real estate
business, he was a farmer at Orchard Place. His public life was
represented as Road Commissioner for several terms and as trustee
of the Village. When his people located here they occupied a log
cabin at the site now owned by the Lester Poyer estate. He has been
in a position to witness the green fields, develop into an incorporated
village.
His daughters are Mary Elizabeth and Cornelia, now M r s . Huston
and M r s . Randall. His wife was a Miss Webster of Elgin.
M r . and M r s . Conrad Seegers, among the first pioneers of Des
Plaines, have recently crossed to the other borderland. M r . Seegers
passed away June 23, 1915, his wife following nine days later. T h u s
closed their life's chapter.
Ben Smith, the reliable painting contractor, selected his home
here thirty-one years ago, coming from Palatine, where he had been
ten years. He has been in the present business twenty years and located
here because he saw a great deal of work ahead. He is kept as busy
as the proverbial bee. T h e citizens appeal to him because they are
substantial. He calls them a class of high-grade people. Ben Smith
was formerly a special police under ex-Mayor A. Jarnecke.
Thornton Shaw, well known, is now conducting the spacious his-
torical hostelry, formerly the Thoma Hotel. M r . Shaw is remodeling
the entire place and sparing neither time nor expense to make it a
pride of the town. His dinners have already advertised him and he
caters to first-class patronage and banquets. His Ladies' Bowling Alley
will appeal to the most fastidious. He has the dining room to let for
select occasions. T h e name is changed to " S h a w ' s . "
T h e new Standard Oil Distributing Station, built by Frank M .
Cook, is another valuable addition to Des Plaines. T h i s corporation
never selects a site without first considering it from every angle and
point of view. T h a t the Standard Oil Company finally chose this
town and invested money enough to put up a substantially good build-
ing is in itself a feature pointing to the progress which the Company
expects for Des Plaines. W i l l i a m A . Deke, formerly proprietor of
the Peerless Dairy, is their local agent.
George M . Whitcomb, Vice-President of the First National Bank
and Village Treasurer for several years past, is a general manufacturer
of concrete products. This business is really the outcome of the very
first industry in this section of the country.
As mentioned before, Franklin Whitcomb, pioneer, came to Des
Plaines and located in 1868. He purchased thirty-six acres, twenty
acres of which contained brick material. He began to manufacture brick
for himself and turned out an average of three million brick annually.
T h e clay hole is located on the southern outskirts of Des Plaines, part
of it being in the Village.
T h e pioneer business has merged into the present one, successfully
carried on by George Whitcomb, who makes it a point to employ local
men only. He is a contractor for all kinds of concrete construction
work. A story of interesting volumes could be easily written on this
historical brick manufacturing business. It started the industrial life
and progress of Park Ridge and Des Plaines. In the beginning this
plant gave employment to something like one hundred and twenty-eight
men. Franklin Whitcomb came from Jefferson County. New York.
He followed building until 1863, then became foreman for Penny &
Meacham. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Jones. There were six
children, three living, Mary F., Elda and George.
THE LATE F R A N K L I N WHITCOMB
F. C. W a l t o n , Des Plaines Druggist, is one of the town "boosters."
He has lived here twenty-five years, being in his present business for
that length of time. He originally came from Chicago. He has held
the following offices: Ex-Secretary of the Township Board of Educa-
tion, former President of the Des Plaines Business Men's Association,
and a director in the present organization. H e is most active in the
present association. Des Plaines appeals to him because of its good
business management and its future prospects. M r . Walton is a
graduate of the Northwestern University and has a daughter Lucile
attending the Beloit College, who is a brilliant English scholar, always
having received the one hundred mark. Miss Lucile is acknowledged
a fine musician.
M r . Walton chose Des Plaines instead of Crystal Lake when
he was importuned to locate.
Henry Weber, pipe organist in the Christ Evangelical Church
for the past twenty-two years, is an active worker in the Sunday School
and a member of the Men's Society. He is a member of the Library
Board. Coming from Buffalo, New York, thirty-five years ago, he
is one of the best known and most highly respected men of Des
Plaines. Besides being a pipe organist and a choirmaster, he is a genuine
"town booster." He has three children, daughters, one of whom holds
the responsible position of private secretary to M r . Jahn of the Jahn &
Oilier Engraving Company of Chicago.
Louis Wolfram, the present postmaster for the past three years,
came here with his parents twenty-seven years ago from Chicago, but
originally from New York City. He, when asked why he was attracted
to this town, said nothing, but that he had come when he was too
young to "kick." Yet while he came here so young with his parents
he still chooses to make it his home because he thinks Des Plaines
one of the most beautiful towns in Cook County, also because of its
fine natural drainage, supplemented by an excellent sewer system, its
well paved streets, a beautiful river with its excellent swimming, boating
and fishing. He is a graduate of the Jefferson High School and Law
Department of the Lake Forest University. He is still an attorney,
and for enlightenment of many we shall add that Wolfram Street on
the north side of Chicago was named after his father, George Wolfram.
Joseph W a l t e r , pioneer harnessmaker of the town, carries on
the trade established by his father, Jacob, who came directly from
Austria, first locating at Bensenville. His mother at eighty is still
living. He has seen Des Plaines lie dormant for years, but its recent
improvements have made it grow in leaps and bounds. It is not an
inflated "boom," either. He is an expert in his special line, but the
coming of the automobile has taken away much of his work. He
says that eventually there will be no use for a harnessmaker and that
he can see that time coming soon.
Arthur L. Webster is fitly called a "real live booster." There is
not a project that savors of merit that he does not jump right into it
and push. " T h e Suburban T i m e s " says of him, that he is a broad-
minded and conservative citizen, yet ever bubbling over with enthusiasm
whenever there is an opportunity to help. He is also a vocalist. He
has been foremost in the Commercial Association, being pre-eminently
a leader. He is an officer of the Congregational Sunday School and is
on the Library Board.
T h e Wolf Brothers, over on North Lee Street, proprietors of
the Des Plaines Auto Garage Company, originally came from that
collegiate town, Elmhurst, Illinois. Henry and Otto have been here
two and one-half years, while Theodore has them six months "to the
good."
O T T O F. W O L F
Theodore H. has been six years in his present line after being
bookkeeper and chauffeur, while Otto E. is a two-year novice, vet
thoroughly competent. He is a civil engineer and was attracted here
because of the good railroad accommodations. He specially praises
Des Plaines on account of its rapid growth, splendid subdivisions and
street improvements. He thinks it one of the best towns he knows of
for its size. M r . Otto E. Wolf has received the degree of B. S. in
Civil Engineering and is a graduate of the University of Illinois in 1910.
Henry A. Wolf, named after his father, was formerly with the
U. S. Marine Corps. They have a commodious garage and are widely
known.
W a l t e r R. Wheeler, whose parents, B. W. and E. A. Wheeler, came
to Illinois State in 1837, is a thorough electrician, being in the business
twenty years. He can successfully solve any electrical problem, having
made this a scientific and practical study. He is a Cook County Con-
stable and a member of the police force.
A BRIEF M E N T I O N OF T H E R E T I R I N G OFFICIALS
W m . Hayes, chairman of the finance committee, was active in
devising means to liquidate town indebtedness.
Robert Zaleski was the active and popular Village Attorney of the
last administration. M r . Zaleski acted as village attorney for two years
and deserves special credit for his work in putting through several
important deals for the village. He has an office down-town where
his son, Francis, a graduate of Kent L a w School, has just passed
the state examination shortly after reaching the age of twenty-one. He
is engaged in practicing law with his father.
T h e following is an abbreviated mention of citizens more or less
prominent. Some were pioneers, now gone.
Because of the many exigencies required it has been impossible
to compile a more satisfactory sketch of these people.
Charles F. Arnold is one of Des Plaines' active men in the green-
house business. He is an ex-Trustee and a member of the German
Benevolent Society.
Charles Boesche is one of the most successful farmers in Cook
County. He is a director of the Des Plaines Telephone Company and
a director of the First National Bank.
F. W . Duntemann is the postmaster and merchant of Orchard
Place.
Telephone 573 Residence 1013

BALSAM

TRADE WITH CASTILE SOAP

Manufactured b y
H. C . B E H R E N S
GENERAL MERCHANDISE JOHN HAHN

T H E S T O V E W I T H A H I S T O R Y DES PLAINES ILLINOIS

Do Y o u K n o w That
F. C . W A L T O N
DRUGGIST P. H. MADISON
PURE DRUGS SICK ROOM SPECIALTIES Uses the best leather in Repairing and gives you the b e s t
FIRST AID HELPS SCENTED SOAPS bargains on foot w e a r ?
CANDIES AND CIGARS NEWSPAPERS, PERIODICALS HE IS A S U C C E S S IN HIS LINE
Doctors Like Our Methods. W e Follow Their Directions to
A n Exact Point. Reliable—Prompt—Obliging
Telephone No 2 Desplaines, Ill.

RAND ROAD
Telephone 271
E R N E S T STADE
CARPENTER CONTRACTOR
ESTIMATES CHEERFULLY FURNISHED

C H A R L E S F. W. FORBERG
Charles F. W . Forberg is in the coroner's office.
Charles A. Frisbie is the American Express man and N. W . R. R.
ticket agent at Des Plaines.
Frank, Solomon, and W a r r e n Garland are the pioneer greenhouse
men in Des Plaines.
Henry Goede is a successful truck gardener of Cook County.
Fred Grewe, ditto.
W . B . Hall, retired banker.
Richard Hanke, architectural iron business.
E. E. H a r t is one of Des Plaines' active citizens, a liberal minded
man and successful carpenter contractor.
David R. Jones, Chief Clerk and Deputy Coroner.
J . L. Jefferson, President of the First National Bank, is a retired
financier, a director of the Des Plaines Telephone Company and was
born and raised here.
B. F. Kinder is the. pioneer hardware merchant of the town.
W i l l i a m Koehler, a member of M a i n e Township School Board,
is a successful contractor and has put up a number of beautiful homes.
John Kray is the jeweler of the town.
C. M . Larson, an expert accountant, is Secretary of the Masonic
Lodge of Des Plaines.
R. V. Leffingwell, the magazine man, makes his summer home in
Des Plaines.
Dr. Edward Miers, the practicing physician..
Conrad Mueller, a clerk in the County Coroner's office.
Fred Nagel, in the auto business and a teaming contractor.
W . H . Nierman, foreman in an electrotype establishment in
Chicago.
Dr. A. M . Purves, Director of the First National Bank, member
of the School Board and is a practicing physician.
A. L. Scharringhausen, a successful laundry man.
Charles Schlagel, Sr., a pioneer engineer on the Chicago & North-
western R. R.
J . V. Stott, retired business man.
George Webster, Deputy Coroner.
H. H. Webb, real estate.
W m . G. W i l l e , contractor.
Michael and Antoinette ( N i m s g a r n ) Hoffman were both native of
that historical, interesting and much contested borderland between
Germany and France, Alsace-Lorraine. They were pioneers in North-
field, Cook County, in 1842. In 1848, they crossed the plains and
reached the gold fields of California in 1849. After eight years there
they returned to Cook County and in 1857 located in the Township
of Maine. He has for twenty-eight consecutive years been Township
Collector, locating in Des Plaines in 1880.
Charles W . Carrier, Druggist, came in 1882.
Henry C. Clybourne, sand and gravel, came in 1871, headquarters
in Des Plaines for the Clybourne House in Chicago.
C. Haverley, liveryman, 1872, first livery establishment.
Horance Hopkins, 1868, farmer of 450 acres.
W i l l i a m Jones, postmaster and merchant, 1847, of Jones & Curtis.
Thomas Luce, 1872, blacksmith.
August Meyer, proprietor of M e y e r House about 1855.
Wilhelm Meyer, proprietor of Hotel, 1867.
Alfred Parsons, farmer, came in 1842, 1,440 acres.
Lewis Poyer, farmer and supervisor, came in 1846, 114 acres.
The Parsons.
Socrates Rand, 1835, farmer, 320 acres. In 1855, bought saw-
mill and in 1861 changed it to steam grist mill. In 1866, sold farm
corner of Miner and Lee Streets. He ran grist mill about twenty years.
Andrew Sallstrom, carriage maker, 1873.
 Edward C. Schaefer, merchant, 1871 (Sutherland & Schaefer). interest in the Company to M r . B . F. Kinder, J . L. Jefferson, Chas.
John Schuh, blacksmith, 1868. Boesche, John Curtis and Ning Eley, all residents of Des Plaines,
M r . F. E. Bell remaining a minority stockholder in the Company with
John Weller, farmer, 1852. 146 acres, dairy farm. his new associates, also remaining in the employ of the Company until
October, 1902, in the capacity of Manager and Constructing Foreman.
In April, 1902, the name of the Company was changed from " T h e
F. E. Bell Telephone Company" to "Des Plaines Telephone Com-
pany," and the authorized capital increased from $10,000 to $20,000.
The Chicago Telephone Company and the Des Plaines Telephone
Company operated competitive plants in Des Plaines for almost four
years, or until October, 1904, at which time the Chicago Company
was operating approximately 35 stations, and the Des Plaines Company
approximately 150 stations, the Chicago Company being able to give
their patrons toll-line service to Chicago while the Des Plaines Com-
pany, their competitor, had no service to Chicago for their patrons,
but made up in popularity with the community that the two companies
were serving by charging lower rates for service on the local exchange,
and also being able to connect their subscribers with more stations in
the immediate territory, the Des Plaines Company having also erected
an exchange with 50 stations at Bensenville, Illinois, connecting the
DES P L A I N E S T E L E P H O N E COMPANY
two towns of Des Plaines and Bensenville with local toll-lines over
which the Des Plaines Company was giving service to its patrons on
very low rates.

TELEPHONE COMPANY
INTERESTING HISTORICAL NOTES ON TELEPHONE
DEVELOPMENT
( B y J . F. Risser)
In 1897 the Chicago Telephone Company ("Bell System") received
franchise rights from the Village Board of Trustees to build and operate
a telephone system in Des Plaines, Ill., whereupon they erected a plant,
installing 25 or 30 stations in Des Plaines.
Des Plaines Telephone Co.—
In August, 1900, M r . F. E. Bell (not associated with the "Bell
System") received a competitive franchise from the Village Board of
Des Plaines, whereupon he organized the " F . E. Bell Telephone Com-
pany" with an authorized capital of $10,000.00.
In the winter of 1900-'01 the " F . E. Bell T e l o . Co." started
erecting a telephone plant to compete with the "Chicago Telephone
Co.'s" system.
In the spring of 1901, M r . F. E. Bell, who controlled the stock
and management of the " F . E. Bell Telo. Co.," sold a controlling
At the solicitation of their patrons the Des Plaines Telephone
Company in October, 1904, bought the plant of the Chicago Telephone
Company in Des Plaines, at the same time arranging for traffic connec-
tions with the Chicago Company's system in the City of Chicago,
it becoming necessary in order to do so to sell the Des Plaines Com-
pany's system in Bensenville to the Chicago Company, but retaining
a half interest in the Des-Plaines-Bensenville T o l l Line that had been
built by the Des Plaines Company to serve their patrons at Des Plaines
and Bensenville.
T h e first Central Office equipment installed by T h e F. E. Bell
Telephone Company, which was later acquired by the Des Plaines
Telephone Company, as successors, was installed in the building at
the corner of Prairie and Lee Streets, where M r . Kuhlman now
resides, at which location a switchboard manufactured by the Chicago
Telephone Supply Company was installed. T h i s first switchboard served
the Company's purposes until 1904, by which time the plant had grown
to 150 stations, which necessitated buying a different switchboard bet-
ter equipped for extensions and faster operation, at which time what
was then the latest type of magneto switchboard manufactured by the
Kellogg Switchboard & Supply Co. was installed in place of the first
equipment that had only been in service four years.
In October, 1902, at the time M r . F. E. Bell severed his connec-
 Gardens and Salting S t a t i o n s : Mt. Prospect, A r l i n g t o n Heights,

Orchard Place, Belden, Richmond, Ill.

Schillo Brothers Company

PICKLES, VINEGAR, S A U E R K R A U T , JELLIES
AND PRESERVES

Telephone Monroe 4 9 1 5

1680 to 1690 E L S T O N A V E N U E CHICAGO, ILL.

SPECIAL AN-
R E M E M B E R ! NOUNCE-
MENT
Y o u will buy F O R D — n o t because it is
On June 1st w e
cheaper, but because it is better moved into our
new four - story,
fireproof, modern
Our line will meet y o u r requirements building, where
we have plenty of
air, light and
space, with every
facility at hand to
give PROMPT,
C A R E F U L and
INTELLIGENT
A T T E N T I O N to
all orders given
us, be they large
or small.
Our new Catalog No. 69 is ready for distribution; over 500 pages in
length. It is a complete index of our special line of apparatus and sup-
plies for the Creameryman, Cheese-Maker, Dairyman, Ice Cream Maker
or City Milk Dealer.

J . D. Clarkson The quality of our goods is our first consideration. If we are going
to satisfy our customers, and guarantee it, it's much better to have the
goods do it. than money back—better for both y o u and us. Because our
goods are right, we can give our full guarantee.
NEW TOSCH BLDG. Telephone 873
A. H. BARBER CREAMERY SUPPLY COMPANY
Franklin Street and Austin Avenue Chicago, Illinois
Open E v e n i n g s and S u n d a y s "Everything for the Dairy Industry but the C o w "
C. G. MACKLIN, President JOHN SUSTER, Secretary

Newcomb=Macklin Co.
COR. STATE AND KINZIE STREETS
CHICAGO
New York Office: 2 3 3 Fifth Avenue

BUY
DIRECT FROM THE
MAKER

PICTURE FRAMES
MADE TO ORDER
All Styles and Finishes

REGILDING OUR SPECIALTY Chicago Telephone, Central 5 2 1 5

tion with the Des Plaines Telephone Company, M r . W . R. Wheeler,
who still resides at Des Plaines, and who at that time was part owner
of a telephone system at what was then the Village of Edison Park,
hut which is now a part of the City of Chicago, was appointed Super-
intendent of the Des Plaines Company.
About J a n . 1, 1905, the Des Plaines Telephone Company pur-
chased the plant of the Chicago Telephone Company at Park Ridge,
and also the plant being operated at Edison Park, of which M r . W . R.
Wheeler was a part owner, after which date the Des Plaines Company
operated all the stations at Edison Park, Park Ridge, Des Plaines,
Riverview, and Orchard Place, which included approximately all the
territory of M a i n e Township, in Cook County, until February 5, 1915,
when all the stations in Edison Park that were located inside the city
limits of the City of Chicago were transferred by sale to the Chicago
Telephone Co., which action was taken at the solicitation of all parties
interested and by the authority of both municipal and state authority.
M r . W . R. Wheeler remained with the Company as its Super-
intendent and Manager until March, 1908, at which time M r . L. M .
Morrison succeeded M r . Wheeler as Manager. At the expiration of
M r . Morrison's three years' administration as M a n a g e r , in M a r c h ,
1911, at which time the Company's development in stations in service
had grown to 582 stations, M r . J . F. Risser was appointed M a n a g e r ,
M r . Risser still serving the Company, having been serving almost five
years, and having filled the position he occupies with the Company during
a period that the Company's development in stations in service grew
from 582 at the time he was appointed M a n a g e r in M a r c h , 1911, to
1,106 when the Des Plaines Company transferred the plant to the
Chicago Company in Edison Park representing 117 stations, in Febru-
ary last, since which time a continuation of a steady gain in stations
in service has continued until on Aug. 3 1 , 1915, the plant consisted
of 1,058 stations, which with the 117 stations transferred to the Chicago
Company in February last represents a gain of 100 per cent in four
years, which handsome gain in volume of business and traffic has been
warranted by a progressive policy on the part of the stockholders in
furnishing the capital for extension work, along with the aggressive and
economical administration of the present management in administering
the Company's affairs so that the patrons of the Company continued
extending the Company their valuable favors.
In J u l y , 1912, the Company moved their central office to the
building at the corner of Pearson and Prairie Avenue in Des Plaines,
in which building, which the Company has acquired ownership of, a
new up-to-date central office equipment was installed serving the Des
Plaines Neighborhood Exchange. T h e building also serves as the
general office for the Company, and also affords the Company accommo-
dations for their Manager's residence.
M r . Ning Eley, of Des Plaines, Ill., has been closely associated
with the management and development of the Company since 1901,
having always devoted much time and money to its development, and
many times at times that his associates were not as willing to devote
time and money as he w a s . T h e r e is no one man that is connected
or ever was connected with the Company's affairs that deserves more
credit for the success of the Company than M r . Eley, and it is evident
from the confidence that always has been, and still is placed in M r . Eley
by his business associates connected with him in the enterprise that
M r . Eley's faithful and unceasing service has been appreciated.
Ninety per cent of the Company's securities are owned by local
citizens of the territory that the Company serves with telephone
service.

SUBURBAN ATHLETIC CLUB
T h e Suburban Athletic Club was organized in 1906, and since
then has built up a fine reputation in its football, baseball and basket-
ball teams. Its football team has a record of never having been scored
on for two entire seasons. W i t h some of the best players of local
fame, baseball teams were developed that ranked with the best amateur
teams in the city. In 1913, a basketball team was organized that
took second place in the M a i n e Tournament.
Under the direction of M r . Lawson and with the assistance of
other local talent, the club staged two very successful minstrel shows.
These were held at the Echo Theatre in Des Plaines and Seipp's Theatre
in Palatine, in the spring of 1914 and 1915.
Social events are given to team members in finishing up the foot-
ball and baseball seasons and also to the public several times a year.
Meetings of the club are held bi-weekly at the homes of club mem-
bers. T h e r e is now a membership of fifteen who hope to increase
materially so that they can give Des Plaines what it really needs; that
is, a live young spirit and element to help advertise a growing City.
OFFICERS
R. Stellman President
A . Heidke Vice-President
Arthur Imig Secretary
J . Heidke Treasurer
T H E ROSTER OF " T H E SUBURBAN A T H L E T I C CLUB"
Gustav "Swede" Framburg, ' 1 5 ; Des Plaines Grammar School,
' 1 2 ; S. A. C. Minstrel, ' 1 5 ; employee Royal Enameling W o r k s ; "And
that boy can sing!"
Fred " F r i t z " Fulle, ' 1 2 ; Des Plaines Grammar School, ' 0 8 ; two
and one-half years at M a i n e High School (Philo Literary Society) ;
S . A. C. Minstrel, ' 1 5 ; member German Benevolent Society, Des
Plaines Military Band and Kruse's Orchestra; S. A. C. Treasurer, ' 1 4 ;
printing and advertising.
Arthur " O t t s " Heidke, ' 0 9 ; Des Plaines Grammar School, ' 0 5 ;
S. A. C. Minstrels, '14 and ' 1 5 ; member German Benevolent Society,
Des Plaines M i l i t a r y Band and Heidke Brothers Q u a r t e t ; right guard
at football; Vice-President of club, ' 1 5 ; Crane Co. B a n d ; C. Ev.
Church Choir.
John Heidke, ' 0 9 ; Des Plaines Grammar School, ' 0 6 ; S. A. C.
Minstrels, '14 and ' 1 5 ; member German Benevolent Society, Des
Plaines M i l i t a r y Band, Heidke Brothers Quartet and C. Ev. Church
Choir; quarterback at football; S. A. C. Treasurer, ' 1 5 ; watchmaker
by trade.
Clarence "Daise" Heidke, ' 1 2 ; Des Plaines Grammar School, ' 1 0 ;
S. A. C. Minstrels, '14 and ' 1 5 ; member Young People's Society,
A. I. Musical and T . Union, Des Plaines M i l i t a r y Band, Kruse's
Orchestra, Heidke Brothers Quartet; employee Public Service Com-
pany of Evanston.
Arthur " F a t " Imig, ' 1 2 ; Des Plaines Grammar School, ' 0 8 ; two
and one-half years at M a i n e High School (Adelphic Literary Society) ;
S. A. C. Minstrels, '14 and ' 1 5 ; football M a i n e High Team, ' 1 2 ;
Manager Des Plaines Feds, ' 1 5 ; Secretary S. A. C , '15.
Arthur " O m a h a " Katz, ' 1 0 ; Des Plaines Grammar School, ' 0 6 ;
S. A. C. Minstrels, '14 and ' 1 5 ; football, basketball and wrestling.
Ernest " H a z e l " Kaufman, ' 1 1 ; Des Plaines Grammar School,
' 0 9 ; member Young People's Society; S. A . C. Minstrels, '14 and ' 1 5 ;
long distance swimmer; S. A. C. Treasurer, ' 1 2 ; tailor; hobby, cards.
Henry "Heine" Kaufman, ' 1 5 ; Des Plaines Grammar School, ' 1 2 ;
member Young People's Society; S. A . C. Minstrels, '15.
Arthur Larson, ' 1 5 ; Carl Von Linne Grammar School, ' 0 5 ; S.
A. C. Minstrels, ' 1 5 ; football, baseball, swim; Manager Larson Poultry
Farm, Des Plaines M a n o r ; Chicago T i t l e and T r u s t Company.
Walter " J a k e " Pflughaupt, ' 1 5 ; Des Plaines Grammar School.
' 0 8 ; Maine High School, ' 1 2 ; Philo Literary Society and Debate T e a m ;
Sophomore Northwestern U . Commerce School; member Northwestern
U. Commerce School Quartet; S. A. C. Minstrels, '14; S. A. C.
Secretary, '14.
Henry " H a n k " Sigwalt, ' 1 2 ; Des Plaines Grammar School, ' 1 0 ;
Maine High School, ' 1 3 ; Adelphic Literary Society President, ' 1 2 ;
Adelphic Debate T e a m , ' 1 3 ; third year of pre-legal course at college
of Liberal Arts at Northwestern University; completed four year course
in three at the Northwestern; member of the Order of the Barb; Lind¬
gren House Society; German Society; Young People's Society; foot-
ball, class ' 1 7 ; baseball, M . H . School Team, '12 and ' 1 3 ; S. A. C.
Secretary, ' 1 3 ; Secretary Lindgren Society; Dramas, "Charlie's Aunt,"
" M e n , " M a i d s and Matchmakers," "Doctor Imphoff" and " T u r n Him
O u t " ; winner first place in W . C. T . U . silver medal contest at
Arlington Heights, and winner of M a i n e Township High School
Debate contest, ' 1 3 ; speaker on Des Plaines Home-coming Day, July
4, 1914.
Romeo "Sig" Sigwalt, ' 1 5 ; Des Plaines Grammar School, ' 1 1 ;
three and one-half years at M a i n e High School (Philo Literary So-
c i e t y ) ; member Young People's Society; carpenter and mechanic; hobby,
speed.
Roy "Honkey" Stellman, ' 0 8 ; Des Plaines Grammar School, ' 0 5 ;
S. A. C. Minstrels, '14 and ' 1 5 ; football manager, '10 and '14; basket-
ball manager, ' 1 4 ; President S. A. C , ' 1 5 ; employee Royal Enamel
W o r k s ; "chaffeur" of the club.
Albert C. " M i k e " Tosch, ' 1 5 ; Des Plaines Grammar School, ' 0 8 ;
member Ivanhoe A. C , '11 to ' 1 5 ; Chicago Chapter of the American
Institute of Banking, Commerce Club of Northwestern University
School of Commerce; football, Ivanhoe A. C , ' 1 1 ; Merchants Loan &
T r u s t Co.
THE CEDARCREST KENNELS
T h e fame of the Cedarcrest Kennels is better recognized outside
of Des Plaines. Visitors to the Kennels are greeted with a hearty
welcome from its canine tenants, who exhibit only the most amiable
reception toward the stranger. T h e dogs are well fed, sleek, happy,
and contented. Here we find World's Champions of Pomeranians, Air-
dales, Terriers, Greyhounds, Poodles, Spaniels, Irish and Scottish Set-
ters, French Bull Dogs, Bull Terriers, Sheep-dogs, Collies, Wolfhounds.
A . W . Cates, Sr., is manager of all the bench shows throughout
the Middle West. Young W . C. Cates is the caretaker and also pro-
fessional exhibitor of aristocratic pets. His worth as a scientific man
in this work is so well recognized that he has been obliged to enlarge
his kennels to accommodate the ever increasing number of petted
boarders. Numerous are the trophies and medals carried off by these
dogs. Here we find the $2,500 Champions of Dr. H. L. Van Schaicks.
"Scotia Chief" and " M a y Beauty," his valuable French Bull, worth
$500, just returning from the show circuit with a record of fourteen
points. Also Dr. F. A. Fisher's "Champion," "Ganuie," "De Luke,"
'Normandy Jacquette," "Normandy Piccolo" totaling a valuation of
some $3,000. M r . Cates loves his chosen work, is a friend of all
dumb creatures. T h e Kennels are beautifully located on the banks of
the Des Plaines.
 E. P A L M A BEAUDETTE
A u t h o r , Illustrator a n d Compiler
of "Souvenir T o w n Books of Cities
and V i l l a g e s , " a n d Originator of
"Successful Advertising Campaigns"

TRADE MARK
of
E. PALMA BEAUDETTE J. S C H O E N E N B E R G E R & SONS
Author 3439 Lincoln Avenue - Chicago