USA > Illinois > Cook County > Palatine > Palatine centennial book: history of Palatine, Cook County, Illinois > Part 14
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Mr. Kunze is proprietor of the Pure Oil station at the corner of Plum Grove and Chicago avenue, where he has been filling up tanks, changing oil and wiping windshields for 20 years. He took over this station in the depth of the depression in 1935 and has seen the business grow from a mere trickle of gasoline to just about the full capacity of his pumps.
He is married and lives with his wife Alma (Bruhns) at 149 W. Slade street. Their son Jack was graduated with honors from the engineering course at Northwestern university in 1948 and is employed with International Business Machines.
"I am the pioneer of the service station proprie- tors in Palatine," stated Mr. Kunze. "I have seen the old ones change hands and new ones built. Pure Oil weathered the storm of the depression, and is keeping up with the expanding growth of the town. It is gratifying to find my old customers of 20 years ago coming back week after week for Pure service."
Kunze's Pure Oil Station Chicago and Plum Grove Palatine 9824
HI-WAY RECREATION
Two brothers-in-law are beginning their eighth year as owners of Palatine's only bowling alley, Hi- way Recreation, Northwest Hwy. and Rohlwing Rd.
Harvey Helms and Hubert Meier are grateful for the support which Palatine has given their busi- ness venture. Nearly 42,000 bowlers make use of their modern, up-to-date equipment each year.
Harvey is a "native son" of Palatine, educated in its public schools, and now living at 15 E. Slade. He was formerly employed by Gaare Oil Co. Hubert has been a life-long neighbor of Palatine, having been born and raised in Arlington Heights, where he now lives at 930 N. Highland. He was a farmer be- fore going in the "bowling business."
Hi-way Recreation features team, league, and open bowling. During winter months, high school and grade school pupils are offered special rates.
"Bowl for Health" is the password of Helms and Meier, who point out that bowling is not only healthy recreation but good fellowship as well.
Comfortable lounge facilities with a modern bar are also available to bowlers at Hi-way Recreation.
Hi-Way Recreation 945 Northwest Hwy. Palatine 970
PALATINE REALTY & INSURANCE
Paul C. Remington Jr. and Clarence L. Berlin, partners in Palatine Realty and Insurance, are no newcomers to this field despite the fact they started their business in September, 1953.
Both have backgrounds in real estate and insur- ance in the Palatine area. Remington has been connected with the real estate business for 25 years and Berlin an insurance man for 8 years.
Their office, located at 115 North Northwest highway, is equipped to handle all kinds of general insurance and commercial and residential real es- tate.
They both feel Palatine has a great future. Ex- pansion will be residential and commercial as well as light industrial.
This is a good community in which to establish a home. they explain, because of exceptional trans- portation, proximity to Chicago, good schools, fine churches, and a well-balanced society of middle and upper income families.
Paul is a Palatine homeowner at 157 S. Elm- wood and Clarence lives at 226 S. Benton.
Palatine Realty & Insurance 115 North Northwest Highway Palatine 1280
78
IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE HOW TIMES DO CHANGE
'Way Back When in 1855
. .. Palatine settlers depended on the stagecoach from Chicago to bring their mail via Algonquin Trail.
. . A small piece of property (just plain swamp then, but today a prosperous busi- ness site in town) was offered for sale at a mere $10.00-and no one would buy it!
That's all part of our Centennial history ... now let's recall not quite so long ago.
Back in 1944
. . . The population of Palatine was 2,000 and today it is well over 5,000!
Back in 1944
. On December 2, to be exact, the Palatine National Bank was organized to serve Palatine - then - and in the future! The far-sighted founders who saw the need for a Home-town bank were Arthur T. McIntosh, Stanley F. Pepper, Roy L. LaLonde, Oscar J. Martinson, Way Thompson, Chester A. Wynne and John G. Ford.
TODAY in 1955
Six of the founders - Arthur T. McIntosh, Stanley F. Pepper, Roy L LaLonde, Oscar J. Martinson, Way Thompson, Chester A. Wynne, plus Fred T. Rogers (since 1950) are active directors in our Home-town bank which now has assets totalling over $5,000,000.00 reflecting the comparatively recent rapid growth of Palatine.
With a Home-town Bank - Everyone Benefits
. A community needs schools, churches, stores, utilities, and many other ser- vies essential to its local welfare and health. Your Home-town bank is also a very essential service for the community's growth and convenience. Most im- portant, your Home-town bank puts the community money to work locally and everyone benefits !
For Friendly, Convenient Service - Grow Along With Us!
. You'll save time . .. you'll save money . .. and we'll serve you like a friendly neighbor should. So, to old-timers and newcomers, do come see us - you'll always find a friendly welcome here.
PALATINE NATIONAL BANK
31 North Brockway Telephone 1070
Member Federal Reserve System
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
VERNON L. BERGMAN
Vernon L. Bergman, 111 E. Chicago ave., is well known in Palatine through his lifelong association with the community and for his landscaping, truck- ng, and equipment business.
The son of Dan and Matilda Bergman of Ela and Algonquin rd., Vernon attended local schools and was graduated from Palatine Township high school. His father still lives on the Ela farm, his birthplace as well as Vernon's.
After graduation, he worked for the McIntosh Company and later farmed his father's land. In 1940 he started his own landscaping and gardening busi- ness.
The air corps took him in 1944 and after dis- charge in 1946 Vernon took up farming again south- west of Palatine.
It was in 1952 that he moved into town and be- gan his new venture, which now includes landscap- ing, trucking, trenching, chain saw work, and back filling with new driveways a specialty.
He is married to the former Marian Luerssen of Schaumburg and they have 3 children.
Vernon L. Bergman 111 E. Chicago Avenue Palatine 923
NORTHWEST BOTTLED GAS
Northwest Bottled Gas, 10 N. Bothwell st., is operated by its president and treasurer, John F. Nelson.
The corporation started business in April, 1946, at 42 W. Chicago ave. The post war years' demand for some appliances was so great that most of the enterprise was devoted to that field.
Nelson foresaw a leveling off in the appliance business, however, and started a liquefied petroleum gas route. Starting from scratch in 1946, they now service several hundred customers.
Bottled gas is used for cooking, refrigeration, clothes dryers, and hot water heaters in homes be- yond the city gas mains. Although bottled gas is now the major part of the business, appliances are still handled. The company sells only top quality merchandise, knowing that when appliances are sold to their gas customers they are obligated to do the servicing and keep repair calls at a minimum.
Shellane bottled gas is the product sold by Northwest Bottled Gas. It is unsurpassed for quality and consistency. Shell Oil Co. refines all Shellane gas and maintains a staff of engineers available at all times for any problems that arise.
Mr. Nelson was born in Chicago and graduated from Roosevelt high school in 1930 when jobs were scarce. He furthered his education in sales-book- keeping and advanced mathematics. He was in the retail business 15 years. Married, he and his wife have a son.
Northwest Bottled Gas 10 N. Bothwell Palatine 536
SUNSET TURKEY FARM
Edith and Keith Chidley of Sunset Turkey Farm are both natives of this vicinity, and claim the dis- tinction of being the first ones to raise turkeys in both Palatine and Cook county.
In 1933 they rented property in the northeastern part of Palatine township, that was a portion of an original land grant made to James Morris, who was the grandfather of Mrs. Chidley. Prior to that Keith Chidley raised turkeys in Arlington Heights. In 1933 to 1943 the turkey enterprise continued on a farm on Rand road. In 1944 they purchased the property on Route 53, where Sunset Turkey Farm is now located.
This year marks the 25th year in the turkey business for the Chidleys. They feature oven drawn turkeys sold direct to the consumer. They have freshly dressed turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and fresh frozen turkeys at any time of the year.
Their slogan is "QUALITY BIRDS FOR PAR- TICULAR PEOPLE."
Sunset Turkey Farm Edith and Keith Chidley Rt. 53, 1 mile north of U.S. 14 Palatine 927
ZIMMER HARDWARE
The oldest living store in Palatine Zimmer Hardware goes back beyond the memory of its present proprietors, Lydia Wienecke and Howard Freeman. The hardware store was started by Al- bert C. Zimmer on the site of the present DePue bank building at least 70 years ago and continued under the ownership up to Mr. Zimmer's death in 1947.
The store was moved to its present location, 16 N. Brockway, in Its new, modern front came about in 1950 by the accident of an errant automo- bile crashing through the window and depositing it- self among the wheelbarrows and garden tools on display.
The glittering array of power lawn mowers, pas- tel-colored hose, sprinklers and garden tools, and shiny brass gadgets would bring a snort of disbelief from the elder Mr. Zimmer, were he here to see it. Gone are the black kitchen stoves, with their 10-gal- lon water reservoirs, the hard coal heaters; resplen- dent in isinglass and nickel-plate, the ornate eave- troughs and cornices.
But still there are the pleasant welcome, the neighborly greeting of the Zimmer descendants, Lydia Wienecke and Howard Freeman, ready to carry on the tradition of honest service established in the early days of Palatine.
Zimmer Hardware 16 N. Brockway Palatine 54-J
80
The Supper Club
One of Chicagoland's most beautiful restaurants and lounges is located in close proximity to Palatinc.
It is Paul Peterson's glamorous Supper Club, part of the famous trio of Peterson restaurants which include The Ever- greens in Dundee and The Lodge in Crystal Lake.
Three years ago, Paul Peterson acquired the popular Radio Club Farm at Northwest Highway and Quintens rd. and renamed it the Supper Club.
With his rich imagination, Mr. Peterson soon transformed it into one of the outstanding restaurants of this area. The unusual decor is highlighted with exquisite handworked copper and carved wood.
Motif throughout is Aztee Indian, creating a lounge and restaurant that is unique in the entire northwest area.
There is genial entertainment at all 3 of the Paul Peter- son restaurants. Residents of Palatine are especially invited to take advantage of the splendid dining accommodations available to them at conveniently located Supper Club.
For reservations, telephone Chuck Smith, host, at 80.
Paul Peterson's Supper Club Northwest Highway & Quintens Rd. Palatine 80
81
DR. CHARLES MANKENBERG
Music was the first love of Dr. Charles Manken- berg, and he wooed the siren muse with harmonious chords of the guitar and dulcet tones of the violin. Then the practical aspect of optometry attracted him and, taking the degree of O. D. from the Chica- go College of Optometry, he began practice in Oak Park and Chicago before coming to Palatine in 1949.
As a professional musician, Mankenberg, enter- tained chiefly in the Chicago loop hotels and din- ing places.
As a professional optometrist, he cares for the eyes of all Palatine.
He spent his early years in Minneapolis and now, a young man under 50, a profession at his fingertips, a cultural hobby to delight his leisure hours, he and his delightful wife, Margaret, look forward to many years of good living with his neighbors of Palatine.
Dr. Charles Mankenberg, O.D. 35 W. Chicago Ave. Palatine 1319
JACK WILCOX
Four bowling alleys, an ice cream parlor, and a barber shop occupied the building of 55 N. Both- well when owner Jack Wilcox bought the Palatine Recreation Center in June, 1947.
In September of that year, when the bowling sea- son opened, Mr. Wilcox added the cocktail lounge and restaurant, eliminating the ice cream parlor and barber shop. At that time his staff of 18 em- ployees was the largest of any retail merchant in Palatine.
After steady help became a problem, he decided to close the bowling alley and restaurant and de- vote all his energies toward a cocktail lounge and package liquor store.
Jack Wilcox chose Palatine as a business site because, after examining other suburbs, he found Palatine best suited to his business and living needs. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox, parents of 2 children, have "never had occasion to regret that choice."
Jack Wilcox 53-55 North Bothwell Palatine 921
JAMES Q. NEELY
James Q. Neely, 226 S. Oak st., has done a lot of building in the Palatine area, first as an employee of Stanley Pepper and in recent years as his own contractor.
Mr. Neely was born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, where he learned the building trade. He came to America in 1930. He considered himself fortunate that his employment took him to the Pala- tine area that he hopes will be his home until the time comes to retire.
James Q. is taking a real part in the growth of Palatine. He has given generously of his time in civic services. He is a member of the building committee of the Methodist church, the Lions Club, and is a member of the Masonic order.
His business office is in his home where his wife acts as his secretary. There is one daughter, Edith.
Mr. Neely insists on good workmanship and his employees give just that to his customers.
James Q. Neely 226 S. Oak St. Palatine 1121
BAK STUDIO
Photography was first taught to me by my fath- er. When at the age of 15 years I was developing and printing pictures as a hobby and later was able to sell a few pictures to magazines. Interested in photography while in high school and the Army Air Force, I continued to take and make pictures when- ever possible.
In 1947, after an honorable discharge, I moved to Palatine with my family. I attended photography schools under the G.I. bill and worked for profession- al studios, for experience, evening hours and week- ends.
1950 saw the opening of our first studio in Pala- tine. We now operate at our new address at 14 W. Chicago ave.
Photography's future looks very bright, color and a high standard of portrait photography is just around the corner.
It will always hold my interest because of my desire to do a better job.
Bak Studio 14 W. Chicago Ave. Palatine 1050
82
1930
First Garbage Collection Truck Operated by A. M. Bunn
Laseke Disposal Service
The original garbage disposal service in Palatine and Arlington Heights was es- tablished in 1930 by A. M. Bunn, whose son-in-law, H. W. Laseke has operated the business since 1940 as the Laseke Dis- posal Service at 8 S. Dunton, Arlington Heights.
That first venture consisted of only a Model A pickup truck. Today the firm has 12 modern trucks including a new Leach Load Packer. This addition is in keeping with Laseke's policy of using the latest, up-to-date equipment.
Laseke has provided prompt and efficient garbage, refuse, and rubbage pickup for Arlington Heights, Palatine, Wheeling, and Barrington for a quarter century. They have seen Palatine area expand from a rural suburban village to a bustling young city of 100 years.
"Our service is constantly being ex- panded and redeveloped to keep pace with the ever changing needs of a new Palatine," said Laseke. "We are pleased to be able to play a small part in this growth."
1955
Leach Packer, Last Word in Garbage Service
Laseke Disposal Service 8 S. Dunton Arlington Heights CLearbrook 3-1708
83
FOSTER ECONOMY HOUSE
Foster Economy House has taken the place of the old Seip's Hall, 16 N. Bothwell, and has kept abreast of changing times. In its 40 colorful years as a part of Palatine, the building has served as dance hall, gymnasium, community hall, movie the- ater, and department store.
It is, as a deportment store, that the most radi- cal change in the building will take place.
Work has already begun, under the direction of the present occupants, Foster's Economy House, on remodeling and redecorating the building into a modern and pleasant department store offering a complete line of men's, women's and children's ap- parel.
Owner Don Foster bought Seip's Hall in 1946 when it was the Palatine Theater. He continued to run the movie, eventually starting the store in the basement. In 1952 he closed the theater and moved the store into the whole building. The building will include a completely new front when completed.
Foster's Economy House handles Kay Whitney and Glenbury dresses, Healthknit T shirts and un- derwear, Paddle and Saddle and Ensenada shirts and jackets, Test and Oshkosh overalls, Land and Sea blouses, Penrod and Yank Jr. for boys, and Loomcraft lingeries for women.
Foster Economy House 18 N. Bothwell Palatine 40
JOHN AHLGRIM
John F. Ahlgrim spent his boyhood in the Long Grove-Quintens Road vicinity. One of his boyhood neighbors was Mr. Frederick Folleth, one of Palatine's elder residents who has reached his 94th year.
Mr. Ahlgrim began his trucking and gravel busi- ness in 1933, operating from his home at Quinten's Corners. He moved into Palatine 18 years ago, re- siding now at 25 N. Northwest Highway, from which address he also conducts his business.
He has seen many changes take place over the years. Years ago gravel and sand were hauled to the contractors, who did their own cement mixing right on the job, whereas today the majority of con- tractors employ ready mixes. This new feature hasn't interfered with Mr. Ahlgrim's business, how- ever. Hauling sand, gravel, limestone and black dirt has kept his business thriving.
Though he claims there isn't much romantic in- terest attached to his work, one might find Mr. Ahl- grim's name frequently mentioned among the ar- chives of Palatine's road commissioner and town- ship treasurer, recording the fact that he hauled gravel to various rural roads hereabouts. Since roads are the connecting links between farms, neigh- borhoods and communities, one can assume that Mr. Ahlgrim, in contributing to their building, is indeed in a business that has both romantic and historical interest attached to it.
John F. Ahlgrim Trucking Service 25 N. Northwest Hwy. Palatine 215
KIRCHHOFF'S FOOD SHOP
Although Edmund Kirchhoff, owner of Kirch- hoff's Food Shop, 21 E. Railroad, came to Palatine in 1951, he has lived most of his life in nearby Elk Grove township. He purchased Smith's Food shop July 21, 1954, nearly three years after he became a resident of Palatine.
Specialties of his food shop are home made po- tato salad, home prepared sausage, kidney bean sal- ad, macaroni salad, ham salad, baked beans, baked ham, and kosher corned beef spiced themselves.
Featured are genuine Italian spaghetti and Spice Island spices and teas, sold exclusively in the Pala- tine area by Kirchhoff's Food shop. Also sold are bakery goods, groceries, frozen foods, and cold cuts.
Kirchhoff's is open every day, including Sun- days and holidays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Kirchhoff's Food Shop 21 E. Railroad Palatine 1026
PALATINE MOTORS
From 1948 to 1950, Palatine grew more, percent- age wise, than any other town in the northwest area. It was chiefly for this reason that Palatine Motors was organized in 1950.
"We felt there was a need for more than one automobile agency in a city as large as this," ex- plained Rudolph Hoffman, present secretary. "Dodge and Plymouth were chosen because of the engineer- ing reputation and manufacturing quality of Chrys- ler products."
Today Palatine Motors provides Dodge-Plymouth sales and service east to Mount Prospect, north to Libertyville, west to Crystal Lake, and south to Ben- senville.
Their used car facilities have become one of the most trusted in the northwest area.
Present officers of the firm are Ed Haseman, president; Gilbert McIntosh, vice president; Henry Howland, treasurer; and Rudolph Hoffman, secre- tary.
Palatine Motors 42 W. Chicago Ave. Palatine 1040
84
Palatine Drug
HE BUSINESS CORNER occupied today by Pala- Mine Drug has seen many changes in the last 90 years. The building thereon was a wagon shop in 1875 and a tavern in 1900.
The building had a big face lifting when Dr. Starck established a hospital on the second floor and the Palatine State Bank was organized. Its use as a drug store followed the moving of the bank to its own building.
It was in 1946 that Carolyn Bonin purchased the store, which is now getting its third remodeling since she became the proprietor. She has transformed the place into a modern up-to-date self-service drug store that is meeting the demands of a growing com- munity.
1890
Palatine State Bank
Palatine Community Hospital
1918
Palatine Drug provides all drugs and cosmetics, baby needs, greeting cards, novel- ties, film and camera sup- plies, and dietetics for dia- betics as well as 2 registered pharmacists on duty for reli- able and complete pharma- ceutical and biological sup- plies.
Hours of the store are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 6 p.m. to 10 pm. on Sunday.
Palatine Drug 25 N. Brockway Palatine 93
1955
85
C. C. URHAMMER
For 23 years C. C. Urhammer has been associat- ed with the Palatine business community.
He came to Palatine in 1930 and opened a dry cleaners shop in the Bruhns building. He also stock- ed merchandise, men's furnishings, socks, shirts, ties, slacks, etc. Four years later he moved his flourishing business to its present location at 37 W. Slade.
In 1950 he added a tuxedo rental to his stock of men's furnishings. Urhammer's is the only formal wear rental west of Chicago.
Although C. C. Urhammer ruefully admits he misses the old village atmosphere of the earlier Palatine, he feels confident that as a city it will provide a better business opportunity for all mer- chants.
He is married to the former Elsie Bruhns of Palatine. They have 2 sons, Evan, 19, and Grant, 16.
C. C. Urhammer 37 W. Slade Palatine 143
ROLAND RUNGE
Roland Runge, 222 S. Plum Grove, came to Palatine in 1944 and was graduated from Palatine high school 2 years later. From 1946 to 1948 he served with the paratroops in Japan, and in 1948 he returned to Palatine to work for Schmidt Elec- tric Co.
In 1951 Runge went into business for himself as an electrical contractor. Today Runge Electric Co. does residential and commercial electrical wiring.
As a measure of the success he has achieved in the Palatine business community and of the confi- dence he has in the village's growth and future de- velopment, Runge is moving his office to a new lo- cation this fall. He has erected a building at 550 E. Northwest hwy. to house, in addition to his own business, 2 additional offices and 2 apartments.
Runge is married and has 2 children, David, 31/2, and Debbie, 11/2.
Runge Electric 222 S. Plum Grove Palatine 264
SUBURBAN SHOES
Although Suburban Shoes, 19 N. Bothwell, has been in existence only since March 18, A. W. John- son, buyer and operator, is no stranger to the shoe- buying public of Palatine.
He was associated for 5 years with another shoe store in Palatine before becoming associated with Jack Wilcox, proprietor of Suburban Shoes. The new store was started because the growth of Palatine led the men to believe there was need for more than one shoe store.
The completely air conditioned store features men's socks, women's handbags, and the following line of men's, women's, and children's shoes: For- tune, Jarman, Red Cross, Modecraft, Friendlys, Jo- lene, and Friendly Acrobats.
He and his wife, Marsha, live at 49 W. Washing- ton st. They have 3 children, Andy, Bill, and Alice.
Suburban Shoes 19 N. Bothwell Palatine 2130
PALATINE GRILL
Long famous for good food at reasonable prices, the Palatine Grill, 10 N. Brockway, was recently purchased by Charles and Evelyn Sarlas, who for- merly operated the C & E Grill at 6205 N. Broadway in Chicago.
Palatine Grill offers a number of specialties. Noted for home cooking, Mr. and Mrs. Sarlas pre- pare their own hamburger and chili. Their butter- milk wheatcakes are popular all over the Chicago area.
Among new services to be provided by Palatine Grill is a Monday night special-all the spaghetti you can eat for $1. A carry-out service for most menu items is available.
With the inauguration of new Sunday hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the restaurant becomes the only one open in Palatine on Sunday.
Telephone is Palatine 2137-J.
Palatine Grill 10 N. Brockway Palatine 2137-J
86
THE EIMCO CORPORATION
The Eimco Corporation, with principal offices and factory at Salt Lake City, Utah, was established more than 70 years ago. It is engaged in the manu- facture of mining, construction, and filtration mach- inery. Its equipment, in both design and perform- ance, has achieved world-wide recognition in all 3 of the fields to which it sells. Included in the Eimco operating network are 7 foreign subsidiaries, more than 75 foreign dealers, 13 domestic branch offices, and numerous domestic agents.
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