Westchester's Rapid Transit Line (1920's-1950's)

Back in the early days of the Village of Westchester Samuel Insull, William Zelosky and many others were instrumental in establishing an interurban shuttle line to service the growing community.  The rural Westchester branch of the Metropolitan "L", a line constructed primarily to help sell real estate that belonged to associates of CA&E president Thomas Conway.  The line was built as a single-track two-mile extension.  The tracks ran from the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin line Bellwood station to near the current intersection of Mannheim and Cermak with intermediate stops at Harrison, Roosevelt Road and Canterbury.  The text of the Westchester Rapid Transit Contract is available for your review.  From this document we can determine this branch was but the first leg of what was to be a much longer line extending to Warrenville, Illinois.

At one end of the line was the Bellwood station at Bellwood Avenue near Madison Street,  Bellwood.  Work on the Bellwood Avenue station nears completion in February 1926.

Photo from the Louis F. Gerard Collection

The Harrison Street stationhouse, unlike stationhouse at Roosevelt, stands beside the track bed.  On a sign in the background we can barely make out a William Zelosky Company advertisement in this enlargement.

Above photos from the Charles N. Field

Work is well underway for the underpass that will carry the Westchester branch under Roosevelt Road.  (The Photo is from the South Shore Interurban Historical Society Collection.)
Once the construction was completed double tracks rain to just south of Roosevelt Road.  Here are two 1929 photographs of the rails between the Harrison and Roosevelt stations.  Photos from the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin collection, possibly photographed by Charles N. Field.

A close-up view of the Roosevelt Road station on the Westchester Line. The distinctive bus stop sign near the front door belongs to the Sam Insull-controlled Metropolitan Motor Coach Company.

It is difficult to see but a small sign in this photograph is the distinctive bus stop logo for Samuel Insull's bus coach lines.

Photos from the Louis F. Gerard Collection

The Roosevelt Road station's size can better be judged by the view from the opposite side.  This Charles N. Field photograph is from the walkway above the tracks.  Walkways such as this and others on the Westchester line permitted people to cross the rail line without being blocked by the tracks or 'trolley'.          Photos from the Charles N. Field

The Canterbury station consisted of a small Tutor Revival-influenced wooden station house, with half-timbered wall surfaces and a steep, front-facing peaked gable extending over the entrance, exiting onto a small platform. It was served by a one-car shuttle that made connections with Loop-bound trains at Roosevelt. This was more than ample service for the undeveloped area. In 1933 the shuttle was replaced with a through car that was uncoupled from a train at Roosevelt.  This is a picture of the interior of the Canterbury station in 1930.

Photo on the above left from the Krambles-Peterson Collection.  Photo on the above right by Charles N. Field.

Today Westchester Masonic Temple sits on the site of the Canterbury station.

Photograph by Jim Arbuthnot

Carpenters are putting the finishing touches on the Mannheim/22nd terminal in December 1930.            Photo from the Chicago Transit Authority Collection


Car 4352 is on the solitary duty of providing shuttle service between the Roosevelt and Mannheim/22^nd stations on the Westchester branch on November 20, 1941. It was not uncommon that the motorman and conductor were the sole occupants of the car.
Photo from the Collection of Gordon E. Lloyd

The depression devastated the holdings of many including Samuel Insull.  Reduced ridership on the entire Chicago transit system and particularly the Westchester shuttle line caused the line to wither. By 1951, the station house and working lights were gone. Its low ridership is all too evident.

Photo by B. L. Stone

Services were discontinued December 8, 1951 when the CTA discontinued service west of Des Plaines. No sooner had the tracks been removed than Westchester experienced an enormous postwar development boom, missing the line's service by mere months.

The current occupant of location of the Mannheim/22^nd station is the Mid-America Bank in Westchester.

History of Salt Creek.

Salt Creek
Most of the settlers of this period were attracted by Salt Creek. Water was a necessity, and so were the trees that grew along its banks. Helmut Berens recorded a Native American legend that this stream was known as Lovely Little River when it was the scene of romance between Pypegee, son of Shabbonah of the Potawatomis, and the fair maiden Winnewalla. Prosaic pioneers renamed it Salt Creek, of which there must be hundreds in the United States, each one so named because some wagoner lost a load of salt in its waters.
The legend dates at least to the 1857 "History of the County of DuPage, Illinois', by C. W. Richmond and H. F. Vallette, who state, "The stream received its name from this circumstance:  A hooser team, loaded with salt, became 'stalled' while fording it, and the driver was obliged to lighten his load by rolling several barrels into the water." As we also have the name of the driver, John Reid, and his destination, Galena, the story seems well authenticated.
Our historic Salt Creek, though tamed by the engineers of the Twentieth Century, still flows through Proviso and York Townships (and others) on its way to the Des Plaines River.  Its course through Proviso and York Townships can be trace on the survey maps found at York Township Ownership -- 1870s and Proviso Land Ownership in 1863.

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The picture of the creek was taken off a bridge located at 800 Brainard Avenue, LaGrange Park and runs directly behind the home of Arthur Donald Degener.  Arthur's grandfather was Heinrich Diedrich August Degener, son of  Heinrich Degener, one of the builders of the Immanual Lutheran School in Proviso Township.  The home is located at 812 Brainard Avenue, LaGrange Park.  Picture provided by Lawrence Godson.

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It is easy to be unaware of the significant length of Salt Creek.  Like many small rivers it can swell during winter thaws and spring rains to be navigable, while becoming little more than a trickle through hot summer months.  Waterways were important in the 19^th Century as a source of fresh water, transportation and power for various milling operations.  Animal trapping for furs was a common endeavor.  All of these activity occurred along the banks of our Salt Creek.
Prior to the arrival of the 'white' settlers the Native Americans had long appreciated and benefited by the resources of Salt Creek.  Several Native American villages existed along Salt Creek well into the 19th Century.  To see the location of some of these Native American villages check the map on the Salt Creek -- Native American Villages page.
The modern day recreational value of Salt Creek is significant, but no less significant than its uses were to the 19^th Century settlers.

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Where Does Salt Creek Go?
Salt Creek has had it banks altered through the last 150 years, but its fundamental course remains unchanged.
The north branch of Salt Creek passes through the Deer Grove Forest Preserve, the Palatine Hills Recreation Area Irene Lake, Arlington Park and Rolling Meadows.  The west branch of Salt Creek passes through Iverness and Schamburg.  The north and west branches of the Salt Creek combine to form the ponds and lakes of the Ned Brown Forest Preserve.
Salt Creek continues south under Arlington Heights Road flowing through Lions Park, Jaycee Park, Olmstead Park, Morton Park and Burbank Park in Elk Grove Village before passing through Busse Woods.  The Creek enters DuPage County (Devon Avenue) between Arlington Heights and Woodale Roads.  The waters continue through Itasca, Wood Dale  and the Salt Creek Forest Preserve. 
Passing through the Elmhurst Country Club and under I-290 the Creek briefly enters Addison and Villa Park before entering Elmhurst and flowing along the west side of Route 83.  It crosses under Route 83 near North Avenue and makes it way south through Elmhurst until crossing Route 38 (Roosevelt Road).
After passing through Oak Brook and the Butler National Golf Club, Salt Creek reaches Fullersburg Park and the historic Graue Mill.  Turning east and then north in Hinsdale the Creek leaves DuPage County.
Entering Cook County via the Bemis Wood Forest Preserve the Salt Creek twists its way through LaGrange Park Woods and Possom Hollow Woods before reaching Mannheim Road/LaGrange Road south of Cermak Road.  Cook County Preserves continue to follow the Creek through the Westchester Woods, LaGrange Park and North Riverside into Brookfield.  After passing through the Brookfield Zoo grounds, Salt Creek flows into the Des Plaines River near First Avenue (Illinois Route 171) just north of Odgen Avenue in the Plank Road Meadow.

Early Zoning System.

ZONING SYSTEM NOW IN EFFECT --- 100 - Foot Street, Winding Parkways and Civic Center Provided --- One of the first things that received serious consideration at the hands of the man behind Westchester was an adequate, broad-gauge zoning law. A few years ago zoning was practically unknown in cities except where some far-seeing subdivider protect the purchasers of lots by agreements that property would be used only for certain designated purposes. Then the state passed a zoning law whereby cities and villages might by ordinance control the character of development. It was not long until the new law was tested in the court and knocked out as unconstitutional. The real estate men who appreciated the need for such a law at once drafted a new bill which the following session of the legislature passed and it was given a body blow in the now famous "Aurora decision" but later the judgment was reversed and the decision upheld the present law both in principle and in detailed provisions. One of the early acts of the new village board of Westchester was to enact a zoning law that had been the subject of long and careful study of the real estate men who were interested, lawyers and zoning experts. It is not without interest to note in this connection that long before Chicago had a zoning law Mr. Zelosky was zoning his own subdivisions and putting restriction into this contracts and deeds. So carefully had he zoned these subdivisions that later on when the city experts undertook the zoning of Chicago and examined his plans they incorporated them all in the city ordinance. It was a joy to zone Westchester because there was nothing to hamper the work—the plan did not have to be made to fit buildings and streets or undesirable features that already existed. The planners could put business where they thought it should go—and no where else. Certain sections were suitable for apartment buildings and are so designated while all the more desirable locations are restricted to single residence purposes. The extension of the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin over which Chicago Rapid Transit company trains will operate is along its own right of way and space is provide so that it may ultimately be elevated or depressed in order to eliminate grade crossings when the population justifies it. The stations will be approximately half a mile and ample parking space is to be provided around each station. At the principal entrances to the village a square of plaza is laid out with business buildings. Main streets and parkways will open from the square.

The street system is made up of a series of business and traffic streets from 100 to 200 feet in width. There will be no sharp curves but a series of wide, gracefully winding parkways leading to all parts of the village. Leading off from these many arteries will e local streets which will be open for local traffic, thus making them quieter and safer.One of the most imposing features is the civic center around which will be grouped the municipal buildings—village hall, public library, auditorium, etc. Ample provisions are being made for parks, playgrounds, school sites and churches. Among other plans of the developers is to have the school activities divided among several buildings rather than centered in one or two places for this will make it easy for the little tots to reach school easily no matter in what part of the city they may live. The welfare of the children has never been lost sight of and ample playgrounds will be assured for the builders of Westchester hop to have this a "city of homes". The entire project is designed to appeal to men and women whose principal interest is their family and to this end the zoning ordinance was enacted to assure safety and protection to life and to property and attract men and women of high standards of citizenship. "IN THE BEGINNING" Less Than Year Ago Westchester Was Incorporated—First Officials Elected December 12 An election was held October 3, 1925, to incorporate the village of Westchester. It was a very quiet affair. No public announcement has been made by the men behind the new suburban development enterprise. There were comparatively few people residing in the limits of the proposed village and the election held under authority of the county judge, passed very quickly, but the village was legally incorporated. Under another order of the county judge the first municipal election was held December 12, 1925, which was likewise a quiet affair as there was no opposition to the one ticket placed in nomination. The men elected were: President--O. J. Tatterow. Police Magistrate—Clemens Puscheck. Clerk—S. E. Jackson Trustees—G. N. Britten, Wesley Pantilla, Charles R. Gardner, Ernest Farrand, Klaus Prime and Warren Owens. The newly elected officers soon afterwards met and began laying the foundation for a complete village organization. Necessary ordinances were passed and gradually the village began to function in routine ways. The first annual election was held according to state law last April at which time the following officers were elected: Clerk—Wesley Panttila Police Magistrate—Charles H. Long Trustees—G. N. Britten, A. G. Wilson, Ernest Farrand, Klaus Prime, J. A. Landall and Charles R. GardnerThe term of President continues until April of next year.

School District 92 1/2 , The Early Years.

Elections, District 92 ½: Curriculum --  1929 - 1949Compiled by Charles N. Field, 1949
Until September 1929 pupils were transported to "country type" schools in nearby communities. In September, 1929, new residences at 1623 Newcastle Avenue and in the 700 block of Newcastle Avenue, with one teacher at each location, were operated as "country type" schools with about 15 pupils of all grade levels at each site. This plan was continued until September, 1934 when pupils of on grade were consolidated in a classroom at one of the new school buildings and pupils were transported.
August 31, 1933, minutes disclose the first kindergarten was established, located at Britten School in the same room with first and second grades and south side kindergarten pupils were transported to the Britten School.
Dr. M. W. Sweeley of Bellwood was appointed health officer on August 31, 1933.
The minutes of August 13 and 17, 1934, adopted the plan of consulting pupils of one grade level in one school. In the two rooms at Nixon School were assigned grades 1, 6, 7 and 8. In the two rooms at the Britten School were grades 2, 3, 4 and 5.

• Mrs. Crook had second and third grades.
• Mrs. Hallin had fourth and fifth grades.
• Mrs. Kleinlein had first grade.
• Mrs. Plocker had sixth, seventh and eighth grades.

Bellwood Transit paid $7.50 per day, four trips, five-mile route.
On August 14, 1935, a policy was adopted wherein a child had to be six years of age by December 1, 1935 to enter first grade.
Dr. H. Tosney was appointed health officer on August 14, 1936, at $50.00 per year.
A contract was made on August 28, 1936, with Bellwood Transit at $5.50 per day.
The minutes of April 13, 1938 show the graduating class of 1938 would be the first class to have pupils that had attended all eight grades in Westchester.
On June 15, 1938, the Book Rental Plan was adopted, by resolution.
September 2, 1941, the first day of the 1941-42 school year, there was an enrollment of 109 pupils. There was a shortage of desks.
September 14, 1941, Mrs. V. Anderson was hired as an assistant in the first grade, at $1.50 per day, from 1:00-3:00 daily.
On July 31, 1942 the first contract for use of the basement of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church for classrooms was made at $860.00 per year.
A resolution was passed January 25, 1943 that all new pupils enrolling form the Sudler Housing Project (north of Gladstone) be sent to the Wilson School, Bellwood, District 88, on a tuition basis of $0.50 per pupil per day.
The April 14, 1943 minutes record the first Board and Teacher banquet as being held on April 2, 1943.
June 16, 1943, the PTA summer round-up showed the population to be 1,631 with 341 children of school age.
On August 11, 1943, Dr. Orrin MacDougal was appointed health officer as Dr. Tosney had entered the (military) service. Double sessions in all grades where necessary was approved.
October 13, 1943, an investigation regarding transfer of a handicapped pupil to a special school in Cicero show that District 92 ½ per pupil cost for 1942-43 was $92.00.
March 8, 1944, there was an expected 15% increase in enrollment due to 100 new homes being erected in the Highridge section.
On April 12, 1944, it was agreed to transport parochial school children from regular bus stops on regular runs to West Town Bus on 12^th Street as long as it did not overtax the school bus.
The minutes of may 10, 1944, showed the first graduation exercised not in the school buildings themselves were to be held at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Westchester.
The second annual Board and Staff banquet was held may 11, 1944.
An agreement was signed with the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church for use of the basement at $500, plus heat, water and electricity.
September 13, 1944, there was an enrollment of 267 pupils.
On April 11, 1945, Dr. Harold Tosney was appointed health officer for the year 1945-46.
August 23, 1945, a bulletin was sent to the parents of the seventh and eighth grade pupils advising them these two classes would share a classroom and each grade would attend school half a day.
Dr. H. P. Rasche appointed health officer, December 12, 1945, to replace Dr. Tosney who resigned on account of ill health.
April 29, 1946, the annual dinner of the Board and Staff was scheduled for May 14, 1946.
May 18, 1946, results of the PTA summer round-up showed a total of 15 for first grade, necessitating two rooms instead of one room.
June 12, 1946, approved a contract with the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church to use their basement for a fee of $750 plus coal, janitor and re-decorating.
September 11, 1946, the initial enrollment of 268 pupils required the seventh and eighth grades to share one room on a half-day basis, and the fifth and sixth grades to share the other room at Nixon School until Romilly Hall was finished.
Approved a recommendation that a physically handicapped pupils be tutored at home.
October 11, 1946, State approved an application for home tutoring and Mrs. Kohl was hired at $1.50 per hour.
November 30, 1946, the schools were closed until further notice because of eight cases of polio, including one death, within the Village.
March 12, 1947, the annual dinner-meeting of the Board and Staff was set for the week of April 20.
May 15, 1947 the PTA summer round-up, summarized by Superintend Beamish, showed a total of 717 families, with an expected enrollment of 295, the bus to transport 225 pupils. Tentative class assignments were as follow:

1st grade	Britten School	Mrs. Berthold & Miss Calo
2nd grade	Britten School	Mrs. Beavins & Mrs. Cooksey
3rd grade	Romilly Hall	Miss Wimmer
4th grade	Romilly Hall	Mrs. Rudd & (vacancy)
5th grade	Nixon School	Mrs. Blank & (vacancy)
6th grade	Nixon School	Mr. Cidell
7th grade	Nixon School	Mrs. Dameron
8th grade	Nixon School	Mrs. Green

September 10, 1947, approved holding a morning kindergarten in the basement of the Lutheran Church, limited to 60 pupils, at a monthly fee of $5.00 per pupil, with parents to transport pupils to and from school, the Board to supply two teachers, books and supplies and pay rental to the Church.
A tuition fee of $116.00 for a non-resident pupil was established.
Superintend Beamish announced the initial enrollment to be as follows:

School	Teacher	Grade	No. of Pupils
Britten	Mrs. Berthold	1st	25
	Mrs. Ciello	1st	25
	Mrs. Beavins	2nd	21
	Mrs. Cooksey	2nd	16
Romilly	Miss Wimmer	3rd	30
	Mrs. S. Williams	4th	17
	Mrs. Rudd	4th	22
Nixon	Mrs. Blank	5th	18
	Mrs. Voorhees	5th	27
	Mr. Cidell	6th	36
	Mrs. Dameron	7th	23
	Mrs. Green	8th	22
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		Total	282

October 7, 1947, approved Mr. Trian’s plan to organize the first school band: Fee of $4 per pupil per month to include $3.50 per pupil per month for salary of bandmaster and $ 0.50 per pupil per month to go in the band fund.
Approved agreement with Lutheran Church for use of the basement for morning kindergarten at a cost of $400 per year with the school furnishing a custodian, and re-decorating at the end of the school year.
October 17, 1947, due to increased enrollment, the Board approved the division of sixth grade of 36 pupils and hiring another teacher.
The Nixon School Safety Patrol was re-organized after a lapse of many years. Minutes do not show when the first patrol was organized or for how long it was maintained. However, newspaper story on original dedication of Nixon School referred to a School Patrol.
November 20, 1947, the Board approved sending a handicapped child to Lowell School in Oak Park.
Superintendent Beamish reported that a full departmental instructional plan was now in effect for all grades, five through eight, at Nixon School.
May 28, 1948, Dr. Herbert P. Rasche retained as school doctor for the coming year at $165.00.
July 15, 1948, a base horn and baritone horn were purchased for the band. The school previously had purchased a base drum.
An agreement with the Lutheran Church was approved for use of the basement for the fourth and fifth grade at a yearly fee of $1,500, plus a custodian.
Approved the following recommendation of the Education and Administration Committee:

• Age for admission to first grade – pupil must be six years old by December 31, 1948.
• Continue to only transport pupils who must cross arterial highways.
• Continue with recently adopted salary schedule and sick leave plan.
• Continue compensating teachers for noon duties.
• Tuition fee for non-resident pupil set at $194 per school year.
• Continue $0.05 per mile car allowance and requiring $20/40,000 P/L and $5,000 PD insurance, to employees using cars for school business, with Board paying one-half of premium charge.
• If kindergarten can be held, it should be on a tuition basis.
• Set a $5.00 rental for school facilities, plus custodian charge. Nor charge for scout organizations.

August 19, 1948, band fee set at $2.50 per pupil per month, and District to contribute $2.25 per pupil per month in order to pay bandmaster $4.00 per pupil per month and put $0.75 per pupil per month in band fund.
September 16, 1948, Superintend Beamish reported an enrollment of 393 pupils in the fifteen classrooms and expected the enrollment in September, 1949 (unless Catholic Parish has a school) to be 567 pupils in the twenty rooms that will be available. Based on this information, motion was approved to refuse any tuition students who might apply. Also, Superintendent Beamish was instructed to investigate B2 Application forms of new pupils this year and subsequent years for any pupils not residing with parents or legal guardians in Westchester, and report circumstances, as the Board can legally refuse to admit such pupils. In hardship cases, the Board can admit individual cases.
Extra curricular activities are in charge of:

• Mr. Poggensee -- Band
• Mr. Cidell -- Boys' Athletics
• Mrs. Eisenberg -- Girls' Athletics
• Mrs. Patton -- Art Club
• Mrs. Baker -- Choral Club

Accepted the bid of Hinsdale Cab Company to transport two mentally handicapped pupils to the Lowell School in Oak park at $6.00 per day.
Board approved the motion that non-resident children may not enroll in the school band.
November18, 1948, the Board approved permitting four children in hardship cases, not living with parents or legal guardian in Westchester, to be accepted for this school year.
First Fall dinner of Board and staff was held in October.
Two physically handicapped pupils are being sent to Lowell
School ,Oak Park and two pupils are being tutored in their homes.
December 16, 1948, Superintend Beamish reported a current enrollment of 420 pupils, with an overload in 3rd grade (Miss Wimmer), 3rd and 4th grade (Mrs. Blank) and 2nd grade {Mrs. Selma Williams), and recommended that a assistant teacher be hired for Miss Wimmer's room. The Board approved the recommendation.
March 22, 1949, the Annual Dinner for the Board and Staff is to be held May 10.
April 21, 1949, Superintendent Beamish summarized the PTA summer round-up as follows:

• 990 occupied homes
• 3,238 people in school district
• 638 children under six years
• 91 children five years of age by December 1, 1949
• 145 families, Buckingham area
• 147 families, Highridge area
• 392 families, Britten area
• 36 families, west of L, East of Mannheim
• 21 families, Civic Center
• 249 families, Nixon area

Expected enrollment for 1949-50:

• 1st grade, 3 rooms, 73 pupils
• 2nd grade, 3 rooms, 86 pupils
• 3rd grade, 2 rooms, 46 pupils
• 4th grade, 2 rooms, 43 pupils
• 5th grade, 2 rooms, 35 pupils
• 6th grade, 2 rooms, 40 pupils
• 7th grade, 2 rooms, 43 pupils
• 8th grade, 2 rooms, 43 pupils
• Total = 409 pupils

April 21, 1949, due to one vacant room at Romilly Hall, the 'Board authorized a kindergarten for 1949-50, the hiring of a teacher, the charging a fee of $5 per pupil per month, the parents providing transportation, and that the enrollment be limited to 30 pupils for the morning session and 30 pupils for the afternoon session.

The Round Up and Fresh Meadows Golf Course History.

Thiele Family

Christian Thiele applied for a dram shop license (tavern) in 1906 and the address given was 22^nd Street and Chris Road. The Fresh Meadows Clubhouse, still standing, is the original Thiele building.  His son, Henry, was born in a frame home nearby.  Henry Thiele married Elizabeth Schilling of South Bellwood and ran a grocery store in Forest Park.  Their four children who eventually attended their Golden Wedding Anniversary were Henry Jr., Edmund J., Nellie (Boeger) and Lillian (Vegter). 
About 1899, Henry Thiele Jr., built the Venetian Gardens Restaurant on 12^th Street in Hillside, (later named the Round-Up on Roosevelt Road).  The large hall became a Community Center for graduations, parties, meetings, weddings and anniversaries.

The Roundup!   Picture from "Progress, Pride, Growth, 1905 - 1980, 75^th Anniversary --Village of Hillside"
Henry Thiele Jr. served on the Public School Board District #93.  His brother, Edmund J. Thiele ran the Fairlawn Golf Course (now Fresh Meadows) and became a Village Trustee.  In 1924, Edmund J. Thiele succeeded Village President John Wolf, holding the position for the next 25 years, retiring in 1949.
Below is the Thiele building as it looked recently.  With maintenance and renovation it remains in use today.  This is the only original building left that was among the early businesses at Wolf and Cemak Roads.  The other business included Lilac Lodge, the black smith shop and the cheese factory.

Westchester Area, Aerial Photographs

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North West:  The first photograph includes parts of Westchester and Hillside.  The major east-west arteries are 12^th Street (Roosevelt Road) and 22^nd Street (Cermak).  Wolf Road is the major north-south street.  The railroad crossing at Wolf Road near Harrison Street is visible in the upper right quadrant of the photograph.  The Mount Carmel Cemetery is in the middle top third of the photo (north of Roosevelt Road).  Its network of roads is noticeable.  The Queen of Heaven Cemetery is immediate south (down) across Roosevelt Road from Mount Carmel Cemetery.  Oak Ridge Cemetery is just barely coming into view on the extreme middle right side.
North East:  The photograph on the left includes parts of Bellwood, Hillside and Westchester.  The intersection of 12^th Street and Mannheim Road is in the extreme lower left hand corner.  In the enlargement to the right we have the area bounded by Bellwood, 12^th Street (Roosevelt Road) and Gardner Road (formerly Puscheck Road).  Note the cluster of early homes along Bohland, Linden and Rice as well as another along 31^st and 32^nd Avenues.
West Central:  To the left we see the area from Roosevelt Road to south of Cermak.  Wolf Road is the major north-south street.  In the extreme right center we can see the outline of 'planned' residential blocks reaching to Mayfair.
Did you know the area had its own airstrip?  The Evers farmland on Roosevelt Road (west of the cemetery) was the location of the Yackey Airport which offered a 5-minute flight over Maywood for $5.00.  Charles A. Lindbergh stopped at this hangar to visit his pilot friends and ate lunch at the Lilac Lodge.  The enlargement to the right is the area currently bounded by Roosevelt, Haase, Canterbury and Wolf.  The dark diagonal 'smudge' in the center of the photo is the runway.  This strip was used by US Mail pilots including Charles Lindbergh.  The strip was also used as a training area by student pilots.Central:  This photograph contains the area bounded by Wolf Road, Twelfth Street (Roosevelt Road), Mannheim Road and 22^nd Street (Cermak).  The first four blocks west of Mannheim (north of Cermak) have been improved and a few houses are visible.  Farther west some preparation work has been performed as the outlines of residential blocks are visible. 
Glen Oak Cemetery is south and west of the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Mannheim.  Oak Ridge Cemetary is immediately to its left (west).  The Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad¹ tracks cut across the upper right (northeast) corner of the photo.
East Central:  The next photograph contains the area running from west of Mannheim Road to the Village of Broadview.  Mannheim is the prominent north-south street.  Roosevelt Road (12^th Street) and 22^nd(Cermak) Streets are the major east-west thoroughfares.  The Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad¹ cuts diagonally across from the right center in Broadview, crossing Roosevelt Road then Mannheim.  The Westchester Village Hall is barely visible in the triangle formed by 12^th Street, Mannheim Road and the Indiana Harbor Belt railroad tracks.  East of Mannheim a scattering of homes can be detected in the center of this photograph.  However, several residences have already appeared west of Mannheim on Stratford and Hawthorne.

Here is a close-up of the area around the Westchester Village Hall of 1938.  Westchester's Rapid Transit Linepasses under Roosevelt Road in the center of this picture.  This line also passes under the tracks of the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad¹ just north of Roosevelt Road.  In this and the previous picture we should note the streets (Balmoral and Westchester Blvd) were arranged to parallel the electric rail line south to near the intersection of 22^nd Street and Mannheim/LaGrange Road.

Here is a close-up of the Mannheim/LaGrange and 22^nd Street area.  The train station is visible at the end of the line as seen from the air and the ground.  There is more on the area of the "Town Center" from a Special Editionof the Westchester Tribune of Tuesday, September 28, 1926. See the Westchester Tribune Sep 28 1926 front page and an artist's interpretation on the George F. Nixon page.  (Photo on the right from the Chicago Transit Authority Collection)

We should also note the woody area crossing to the north side of 22^nd Street.  Immediately south of this view is Salt Creek.  Salt Creek's original (natural) path took it north of 22^nd Street in this woody area.  When 22^nd Street was constructed the path of the Creek was diverted to avoid the construction of two bridges east of Mannheim.

South:  This area is bounded by 22^nd Street, Mannheim/LaGrange Road, 31^st Street and Wolf Road.  Salt Creek snakes it way through the right side of the picture.   Upon crossing Mannheim Road, Balmoral becomes Dorchester.  Dorchester finishes the curve stopping at then unimproved Sunnyside north of 22^nd Street.  South of 22^nd the streets of Sunnyside, Stratford, Hawthorne and Belleview have been improved although no houses can be detected on any of them.  The 'boom' would come later.  There was a very practical reason for the arrangement of Dorchester and other street west of Mannheim Road.  The legal contract creating the Westchester branch included wording to permit the line to continue on to Warrenville where it would connect back to the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad.  SeeWestchester Rapid Transit Contract.

The photograph above centers on the intersection of Wolf and Cermak (22nd Street) Roads.
In the upper left hand corner of the photograph to the right is a tighter view of the area of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and its property.  We have blown up this photograph to highlight the extend of the property, the parsonage, the third school house, the location of the Franzosenbusch Prairie house at is previous location and the church.  This area was the center of the historic Franzosenbusch commnity.

South East:  This photograph includes portions of Westchester and LaGrange Park.  The area is south and east of the Mannheim/LaGrange Road and 22^nd Street intersection which can be seen in the extreme upper left-hand corner to the left of the 'W' in the Aerial Photos Database label 'BWQ-8-69'.  The major north-south "street" about a third from the right side of the photograph is not 25^th Avenue -- it is the railroad line complete in 1897 as the Chicago, Hammond and Western -- later named the Indiana Harbor Belt.*  Salt Creek and the trees along its course are the most prominent natural geographic features
*The correct identification the railroad was submitted by Dale Henigman, a former resident of Westchester from 1946 to 1972.  He now resides in Oklahoma.  Thank you Dale Henigman.

Home Owning Made Easy in Westchester

Beautiful Modern Residences are Built, Furnished and Financed

by Metropolitan District Realty Trust

AT LAST Chicago's prospective home owners have come into their own in acquiring the services of the Metropolitan District Realty Trust as home builders. This organization, with offices located in Suite 514, 79 West Monroe Street, Chicago, has started its 1929 building activities in Westchester with construction of ten modern two-apartment buildings, which will be ready for occupancy by September 1. The Suburban Construction Company is the builder, and C. W. Lampe & Company are the architects.In designing the buildings every effort was made to develop a harmonious ensemble that would add beauty and dignity to the new residential community now springing up in Westchester. Old forms of architecture were abandoned and each building was planned along individual lines. Large lots were set aside for each structure, while the building line is 15 feet from the sidewalk, allowing ample space for a lawn and play room for children. The apartment buildings are being constructed in the first addition to Westchester, a short distance south of Roosevelt Road and just to the east of Mannheim Road. Excellent transportation facilities are afforded, the Roosevelt Road station of the Rapid Transit ("L") Lines being a short distance to the North. Paving, sewer and water have already been installed in this new addition, and both electricity and gas will be available by the time the buildings are completed.The apartments embrace the English, Spanish and American types of architecture, with variance in roof design and brick facing enhancing

their  individual attractiveness. Building authorities and others are strong in their praise of the architectural features of all residences built by this company. The interiors of the ten new buildings erected in Westchester leave nothing to be desired by the discriminating housewife, both in beauty and utility. Each apartment contains five rooms and a glazed sleeping porch, laid out so as to give easy access from one part of the home to another and combining into a harmonious living unit. Arched doorways, a gas-burning fireplace, book nooks, a breakfast nook, large airy bedrooms and linoleum-covered kitchen floor are a few of the many features that enhance beauty and comfort.Installation of Red Seal wiring insures plenty of outlets for electrical appliances, while wall lights give the proper  facilities for  complete  illumina-

tion throughout the rooms. Hardwood floors in all the living rooms will enable the housewife to use rugs and runners with good effect.Construction work is very substantial. The large concrete basement is reinforced with steel construction, and the walls are of sufficient thickness to guarantee long life to the building. Approved insulation further insures comfort for the occupants during hot and cold weather. There is ample space in the basement for a recreation and playroom for children. All of the latest appurtenances to the complete modern home will be found in these apartments. These include electric refrigeration, hot water heat, gas ranges and automatic gas water heaters. The Metropolitan District Realty Trust, while placing considerable emphasis on its present activities in Westchester, is also pushing out into other suburban areas where residents of Chicago are seeking the healthful benefits of fresh air and sunshine in establishing homes of their own. Already it has constructed more than one hundred bungalows and apartment buildings in Niles Center and at other points in the beautiful Skokie Valley to the north. In making these new Westchester apartment buildings available to the homeseeker or the investor the Metropolitan District Realty Trust offers an attractive fifteen-year finance plan which has proved economically sound in every detail. For those who are looking to the future and seeking to grow with the great Chicago metropolitan area, this finance plan opens the way to purchase of a home under most favorable conditions.

Architect's Sketches of Two of the Ten Two-apartment Buildings Being Constructed by the Metropolitan District Realty Trust in Westchester.

Builders of Westchester

WESTCHESTER, the multi-million dollar suburb of Greater Chicago has been built into the metropolitan picture by a number of the leading community developers of this area. Their handiwork reflects immense credit upon their reputations. Among the realty organizations taking part in this intensive development of Westchester are H. W. Elmore & Company, the Harry Auspitz Company, the H. M. Cornell Company and theWilliam Zelosky Company. The first named of these firms has been busy at 31st street; the two following companies have completed and sold out large subdivisions at 22nd street, while the last mentioned has carried on extensive operations north of Roosevelt Road. The contribution which the Metropolitan District Realty Trust has made to the upbuilding of Westchester is dealt with at length elsewhere in these pages and some of the many fine homes and apartment buildings erected by the Westchester Real Estate Improvement Corporation are pictured on other pages. Leading all others in the development of Westchester, however, is George F. Nixon & Company. The work of this famous realty organization in the wonder suburb of the West Side of Chicago has been nothing short of phenomenal! Second to none as a great, efficient, smoothly-functioning business entity today the George F. Nixon organization bestrides the real estate world of Chicago like a Colossus. Its wonderful achievements in Westchester; are the crowning triumph of a long line of highly successful developments. Nixon's work in Westchester will stand as a highwater mark of great community-building for a long time to come. It would take a firm as expertly organized as this giant among metropolitan realty concerns to create such a super-development as is represented by the Nixon accomplishment in Westchester. In a comparatively short period of time, a whole shining new town has been built "from the ground up." A million dollars worth of Nixon-built homes has created accommodations for hundreds of families and has given a tremendous impetus toward the future, steady growth of the new suburb. Through the good offices of the Nixon Company, another great home-building program

aggregating a million and a half dollars in value is just getting under way. The quality of Westchester's development under the Nixon auspices has left nothing to be desired. Zoned, restricted and improved in accordance with the highest modern standards, the village is the very apotheosis of the ideal American home community. If anything essential to perfect living conditions has been left out of the Nixon program in Westchester, it has never been noticed. The omission, if any, would be harder to locate than the man Diogenes was seeking with a lantern. Everything has been thought of and nothing that will mar the scene and its, comfort has been permitted to enter into the picture. There are no factories» no wooden buildings or fences, nothing unsightly or unsafe on the Nixon subdivision. Restrictions provide uniformity all through the property. Certain logical streets are given over to business. Nowhere will one find a beautiful residence sandwiched in between a couple of flat buildings. There is a pleasing symmetry of building design on each street, apartment structures on one, bungalows  on others, each type of structure being

placed properly among others of its kind. It is an ironclad provision in the restrictions that all forms of construction must be absolutely fireproof. Adequate protection on all sides of a building are secured by virtue of the fact that every single lot on the Nixon properties is an oversized one. The minimum lot frontage is forty feet on these; many of them measure up to fifty-five feet. The average lot frontage on most ordinary subdivisions is only thirty feet. Westchester is a smokeless community. Fresh air is plentiful as befits a village of homes. So rapidly is the growth of the place proceeding that from week to week some added feature like the new park or lighting system changes the appearance of the village. There are miles of wide streets bordered with beautiful homes. The artistic garden landscapes and large playgrounds make the general view a delight to the beholder. Handsome community edifices such as the new school and community centers and churches will further enhance the appearance of Westchester. Convenient rapid transit and railroad stations render all sections easily accessible from Chicago. Together the Nixon and Zelosky developments in Westchester total 1,940 acres. H. W. Elmore & Company has 160 acres, the H. M. Cornell Company 80 acres and the Harry Auspitz Company 20 acres under development. The word "development" as used by the George F. Nixon Company has no loose meaning. Specifically, it is defined in their usage as meaning that all improvements are either in or going in, in short, it denotes that the property is really being developed in the fullest sense of the word. It would be hard to overstate the advantages which George F. Nixon & Company have conferred on the public of Greater Chicago by the remarkable work accomplished in Westchester. Because of the initiative of this notable organization, residences for thousands of Chicago's home-seeking citizens have been made available in a region where real living may be enjoyed and where a house is not only a good home but a capital investment as well.

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On the facing page (page 11) was a full page about with the photographs of the officials of the George F. Nixon & Company.

Pictured are:

• the three down the left side, top to bottom::
  • William C. Nissen, General Sales Manager
  • Roy M. Pederson, General Sales Manager
  • Lee A Blank, General Sales Manager
     
• the three down the right side, top to bottom:
  • M. H. Bidez, General Sales Manager
  • Joseph H. Cenek, General Sales Manager
  • Otto Taeterow, General Sales Manager
     
• top center row, left to right
  • Herbert J. Lorber, Vice President
  • George F. Nixon, President
  • A. Lawren Brown, Director of Public Relations
     
• middle row, left to right
  • Howard R. Roberts, General Sales Manager
  • Albert Nixon, Construction Manager, Westchester Real Estate Improvement Corporation
  • Richard L. Sonnenshein, Secretary and Head of Legal Department

The photograph at the long table was taken at the Nixon's Producers Club Banquet, May 6, 1929.  The champion of all champions, Babe Ruth, and Lou Gehrig were present and in the picture.

Westchester -- Chicago's First Perfectly Planned and Made-to-Order Suburb

WESTCHESTER,
Chicago's dream child,
Its first made-to-order suburb,
Born on the path
Of Rapid Transit and Super-
     Highways
After three years
Of expert planning
And the expenditure
Of ten million dollars
In underground and surface
     improvements,
Is now emerging
Full fledged from the hand
Of builder and landscape
    gardener
A perfect promise
Of the hundred million dollar
Homeland
It is destined to be.

People are flocking to Westchester in crowds to view at close range the actual building of this community, and take pant, as home owners, in the greatest 'suburban movement of the ages.

Mingling with the throngs of happy home seekers are serious looking groups of students, with their professors as guides, many of them from far off countries, who want to 'see for themselves, on the spot, by actual demonstration, a perfect suburb in the making.

From that bleak November day in November, 1925, when the news was flashed around the world that the kings of Chicago's Rapid Transit and their associates in suburban community building, had decreed a model city on the western edge of Chicago, similar in scope to Niles Center on the North, the whole world has been watching with open eyes the unfoldment of the plan.

During the long months and years of planning and preparation, involving the building in advance of thousands of acres of underground tunnels for sewer and water, telephone and electricity, the world looked on, seeing nothing to indicate the creation of the promised community.

Only the high reputation, well known sagacity and sterling integrity of the creators of Chicago's high speed hinterlands, could have engineered the feat and stood the necessary strain of the conception period.

But 1929 sees all the striving and tunneling and shoveling and the millions of underground expenditures finished and completed, every laid out street paved and boulevarded and the sidewalks built and ready for a community of fifty thousand people. The word has been given, and today a gigantic home building plan is in full swing in Westchester, and hundreds of model homes of charming individuality are making of Westchester the gem in the crown of Chicago's achievements. It is the largest pre-conceived development and building plan Chicago has ever known.

With 11 miles of reinforced concrete paving, 33 miles of sidewalks, 41miles of water mains, 71 miles of sewers, Westchester is the only west side suburb with Chicago water under adequate pressure, and with both storm and sanitary sewers, which means no flooded basements, no back-up of waste.

Direct to Loop service by Westchester "L" trains over the Garfield Park. line gives a schedule of 180 trains a day, 38 minutes ride and a 12 cent fare. Homes are being occupied immediately on completion, with gas, electric and telephone service already installed.

Westchester is crossed by three main arterial highways, 22nd street, Roosevelt and Mannheim Roads. Golf grounds and a forest preserve park are within the community.

The high population areas of Oak Park, Maywood and other western suburbs see in Westchester the needed relief from the pressure of congestion, due to the great growth in Chicago suburban population. Westchester will always be a homeland. The first completely planned and zoned community of Greater Chicago, it is forever protected against crowding. For the first time the householder need have no fear of the future. That is why Westchester today is the fastest growing community in the Middle West. Westchester's February building permits were $169,725 exceeding the building permits of Blue Island, Calumet City, Chicago Heights, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Geneva, Homewood, La Grange, Niles Center and Wheaton combined.

Westchester comprises more than 2,600 acres around the terminus of the Westchester rapid transit line. Its area extends from Harrison street south to Twenty-First street and from Gardner Road on the east to the DuPage county line. Adjoining are 2,200 acre's of forest preserve, an area three times the size of Jackson Park.

The first elevated train was in operation October 1, 1926. A passenger count last fall at the Westchester terminal station revealed an average of 530 daily over a two month's period.

While the trains now run only as far as Roosevelt Road, work is almost completed on the viaduct providing for grade separation at this point, after which service will be extended south to 22nd St. and west to Mannheim Road. The right of way has already been obtained and fenced off as far as Wolf Road. The plan is to continue the line to the Fox River Valley at Warrenville. This new line will pierce the most picturesque part of DuPage county, running right through the world famed Joy Morton Arboretum, with its 2,000 varieties of trees and known nationally as the Kew Gardens of America.

William Zelosky & Co. who control the properties north of Harrison street, have already built several groups of homes.

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George F. Nixon & Co. who handle the properties south of Roosevelt Road have erected a score of houses and have plans for many more. Many other builders have also made preparations to come into this suburb and have bought large holdings accordingly.

The Zelosky and Nixon organizations have reserved lots throughout their sub-divisions to be sold only as "building lots." These lots are being sold with the understanding that they are to be improved immediately.

In the evolution of Westchester from a prairie tableland into a model suburb, water was brought directly from Lake Michigan by tapping the city mains at Austin Boulevard and Harrison street. An immense tract of land was bought and a reservoir was constructed providing storage for five hundred thousand gallons and equipped with electric pumps to increase the pressure. Besides this a water tank with storage facilities for an additional one hundred thousand gallons was erected.

Two complete sewage systems have been installed providing the most comprehensive outlet plan in the Chicago Metropolitan area, and adequate to care for the requirements of an ultimate population of 250,000. Storm sewers seven feet in diameter have been laid throughout the territory to take care of the surface waters, and a smaller system will provide outlets for residential drains.

Before paving was laid officials of the utilities companies were called in to study the embryonic plans for the community and were asked to make provisions for the requirements for all time. As a result, now that the pavement is in, there will be no necessity for tearing it up in order to care for increased needs in the future. All of Westchester's streets are paved, and Broadway, the principle north and south thoroughfare, extending from Washington Boulevard to 22nd Street, is a 100-foot boulevard with a parkway through the middle.

Under an ordinance factories have been zoned out. No wooden buildings are permitted and no wooden fences. Apartment sites are platted to comprise thirty-five feet frontage, and the set-back from the street is fifteen feet. Residence lots front forty and fifty feet and must be set back twenty-five feet.

As determined by the Chicago Regional Planning Association, only a small percentage of the property is zoned for business, an even smaller amount than the standard ratio of fifty feet frontage for each one hundred inhabitants. Business properties will be confined to the immediate section around the Rapid Transit stations, the Harrison street, Roosevelt Road and Twenty-second street frontage and part of the Mannheim Road frontage.

Plans for the new school system provide that no home shall be more than four blocks away.

This school system will consist of two identical buildings strategically located, one north of Roosevelt Road and the other south, a mile intervening. When the school bell rings in September of this year Westchester's new schools will be in operation. The architectural scheme chosen is the English style. Everything is modern construction throughout; absolutely fire-proof, of steel and concrete materials with brick walls trimmed with stone. Westchester starts its school year with exceptional advantages. Being a permanent school district (district 92 1/2) of Proviso Township, it received a pro rata share of the assets of all the surrounding districts.

Besides housing the school children, the handsome buildings to be opened this fall will serve Westchester as community buildings containing full gymnasium facilities, meeting rooms for civic bodies, auditoriums, etc.

Students of high school age will attend Proviso Township High School, in Maywood, with transportation and tuition provided by the Westchester School District as the present village school system embraces only those ages from kindergarten to the eighth grade.

The new school buildings are capable of being easily enlarged as occasion demands, by the addition of wings. At present they will accommodate from seventy to one hundred and twenty pupils.

The grounds about the buildings are to be landscaped and gardened into playgrounds for the use of the children.

Grant M. Britten is President of the Board of Trustees of the Westchester School Board, Howard R. Roberts is Clerk and Treasurer and Charles Reiche is the third member.

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A tract of sixteen acres on the north side of Twenty-second street between Broadway and Mannheim Road has been set aside as a civic center, and here are to be erected the Westchester City Hall, the Westchester Public Library, the High School, Post Office, Fire and Police Stations.

Westchester's well-being as a municipality is in the hands of an able village government, with Grant N. Britten as its executive head. To Mr. Britten during these years of planning is due a large measure of the credit for the orderly unfoldment of the various plans and execution of public expenditures. His board of trustees have been faithful to their trust. Members of the board are: Klaas Prime, R. E. Zehner, R. L. La Force, J. A. Landall, Chas. Gardner and Ernest Farrand. Reuben N. Nelson is clerk, Edward J. Hennessy, attorney, Consoer. Older & Quinlan, engineers, W. E. Panttila, treasurer and Ralph H. Hipp, collector.

President Britten has spent a life-time in the service of the public, in large construction work and public utilities. Besides being chief executive of the village government, he is president of the new school board, president of the Fairlawn Golf Club and Superintendent of the Suburban Construction Company. Britten's Camp, a huge construction camp in the heart of Westchester, is one of the stirring scenes of his activities. Here the actual work of the building of Westchester originates, here is where the big construction gangs are housed. Mr. Britten's Chicago office, 79 West Monroe Street, is the headquarters of the Suburban Construction Company, whose immense building program calls for an army of architects, engineers, clerks and artisans, in order to cover the broad territory of metropolitan Chicago. Mr. Britten's hand is on the pulse of all these movements, guiding and directing and supervising. In his hands and those of his associates and fellow workers, is the future of Westchester, infant prodigy of Chicagoland.

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Westchester Park District History.

The Westchester Park District was formed by a special referendum on August 25, 1956.  Prior to that time the Village of Westchester owned recreational facilities consisting of one acre of ground located at Drury Lane and Gardner Road.  This was to serve the needs of the Village of 12,710 residents of which 35% were children under 18 years of age.  Residents of special study groups selected a Program Director to set up the programs, establish costs, determine available faculties and arrange for their use.  With the assistance and cooperation of the School Board and their personnel the public school facilities were used.  All teen events were conducted outside of the Village of Westchester.
On July 6, 1957, the Board of Trustees of School District 92-1/2 deeded  to the Park District its acreage immediately west of High Ridge School. 
On July 9, 1957, the Westchester Village Board deeded the Drury Lane Tot lot to the Park District.
The Mayfair Park property was purchased from Walter S. Baltis (a local home builder) in December of 1957 by the park district.  Its development was delayed until Mayfair Avenue was extended to provide access to the park area.
The first park district building, which served as temporary headquarters for the park district, was completed in August of 1959 located at 9800 Drury Lane.  It was eventually to be used as a warehouse for equipment and supplies.
On December 3, 1959, ground was broken for the recreation building to be constructed in Westchester Community Park at the southwest corner of Westchester Boulevard and Bond Street.  The Westchester Recreation Center opened on Monday, January 8, 1961 with a full schedule of activities. 
The outdoor 25 meter pool was dedicated with a ribbon cutting event on June 5, 1977 and officially opened on June 11, 1977 at 1:00 P.M.
As of 1983 there had been a five superintendents and 31 commissioners.  Members of the board have included Thomas E. Stanger,  President; Robert C. Cooley, Vice President; Nicholas J. Cooney, William J.  Pearch and Eleanore M. Rads.  Prior to being Village President, John Sinde was a Park District Board President.
 
The Park District Today
The Westchester Park District is responsible for providing leisure and recreation programs and facilities for its Community. It was formulated as a governing body back in 1956. It is governed by a board of five Commissioner elected by the residents to serve four-year terms without compensation. The Board of Commissioners meet on the first and second Monday of each month at the Westchester Community Center. The park district's mission is to provide and maintain quality parks and facilities in order to offer residents the opportunity to participate in enjoyable and safe activities, which will enrich their leisure time experience.



Park District Buildings & Pool Community Center 10201 Bond Street Located at10201 Bond street the Westchester Community Center hosts the Administrative Offices of the Park District. The facility has a 7,000-square-foot gymnasium and locker room facilities. In the year 2000 the Park District put a 3,500-square-foot addition to the building to increase the number of children they will be able to teach in their popular pre-school program.
Community Swimming Pool 10201 Bond Street The Park District features a beautiful 50-meter pool with a 12-foot-deep diving well. Other enjoyable features are a separate zero-depth wading pool with bubblers. The main pool has a 25-foot-high, 150-foot-lonq water slide and a SCS interactive water play structure in the shallow end. A concession stand and grass area round out the facility. The pool is in operation from June through Labor Day
Mayfair Fitness & Recreation Center 10835 Wakefield The Mayfair Fitness & Recreation Center features general programming rooms and the district's state-of-the-art fitness center. The Fitness Center is equipped with Cybex Eagle strength systems, treadmills, step machines stationary bicycles, rowing machines and assorted other cardiovascular exercise equipment Baby-sitting services are available on a limited scheduled basis for members who need this service.
Community CenterIn addition our new facility provides day care services for children ages 2 to 5. Our new facility is designed to provide your child with a high quality, loving environment with families and faculty working together to meet your child's needs. We look forward to the opportunity to show you why our SMART START Early Childhood Center is truly a special place for your child.
MayfairThe construction of an 8,000-square-foot addition to the facility provides state-of-the-art aerobics room and dance studio These rooms have been constructed for use as banquet facilities. The Mayfair Banquet Facility is the perfect place to hold your special event. The facility can hold up to 240 people for large events or you can rent one room for smaller parties. Drop by the Mayfair Facility and check out our facility. Consider planning your special function with us in the near future!
Gateway Special Recreation AssociationThe Gateway Special Recreation Association currently consists of the Villages of Hinsdale and Willowbrook the city of Countryside, park districts of Burr Ridge, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Pleasant Dale and Westchester These organizations pooled their resources to contract with the Ray Graham Association to develop programs and provide services for individuals in these communities with disabilities.

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Source:
Westchester Chamber Of Commerce Directories, 1983 and 2002