USA > Illinois > DuPage County > Hinsdale > Village on the county line ; a history of Hinsdale, Illinois > Part 16
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Public offices, including those of the School Board, are filled through a village Caucus. Membership in the Caucus is open to all the established civic, religious and cultural organizations, and to seven designated sections of the village. At present, the Caucus has about 90 members. A membership is of two years duration, and it may be re- newed.
The Churches
THERE are eleven churches within the village limits, or one church for about every 700 persons. Following a survey of Hinsdale churches that was conducted by the research department of the Chicago Theological Seminary in 1944, these further statistics concerning them are avail- able:
Total membership 3,564 Members who live outside of Hinsdale (per cent of total) 15.8
Between 1931 and the time of the survey, church membership in- creased in all but two of the institutions, and the total increase
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amounted to 32.2% for the twelve year period. During almost the same period (1930-1940) the population of persons 21 and over in- creased 10.5%.
The Sunday School enrollment decreased 21.8% between 1931 and 1943. The population of those under 21 decreased 2.6% between 1930 and 1940.
Chronologically, the churches are listed in this order:
UNION-THEODORE K. VOGLER, Minister
The Congregationalists organized themselves into a church August 12, 1866. C. M. Saunders, a student at the Chicago Theological Seminary, conducted the first services, in the railroad station. He was ordained in April, 1867. Dur- ing his two years ministry thirty-five members were added to the original number, and the stone school house became the place of worship. After the Baptist Church was erected on First Street, the Congregationalists shared their building, until construction of the first Congregational Church build- ing was under way, on the Garfield hill, across from the school.
Other early ministers were Reverend Flavel Bascomb, and Reverend J. W. Hartshorne. In 1916 the Congregationalists joined with the Presbyterians to form the Union Church. Thereafter, the present modern building replaced the first church edifice.
BAPTIST-C. RAYMOND JOHNSON, Pastor
A Baptist Church was organized in Hinsdale in 1868. For several months it had no pastor, and, as is true of most of the churches, no record of its early years has been preserved. In October, 1869, Reverend James Lisk accepted an invitation to the pastorate and soon began services, in the waiting room of the depot. Shortly the Baptists erected a large frame church at First and Garfield (Page 84) where services were held jointly with the Congregationalists for a number of years, until, by mutual consent, the arrangement was discon- tinued.
The large frame building proved a heavy financial burden, and was aban- doned to other purposes. The congregation became inactive until 1904, when the church was reorganized. It is now a member of the Swedish Baptist Con- vention, and for many years has occupied the building at 11 N. Lincoln. This is the former Stough Hall, one of Hinsdale's most venerable buildings.
UNITARIAN-RAYMOND H. PALMER, Minister
The first Unitarian Church was built in 1870 By Mr. O. J. Stough, on a lot just west of the present one. No meetings were held there after 1877, and the building burned in 1882.
On March 27, 1887, a group of thirty persons met in the Music Hall (the former Baptist Church) to consider another church union. Thereafter, a canvass of the town having proved it advisable, a meeting was held and the
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Unity Church of Hinsdale was organized. Later, the name was changed to the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale. The following Sunday, thirty-four persons signed the Church Book and became members. At the end of the first year there were fifty-three members.
A church building was begun in 1888, and was dedicated in January 1889. This had been made possible by the donation of a lot and $5,000 by Mr. Stough, and by other subscriptions. In this building, services have been held regularly ever since, except for two years during World War I.
EPISCOPAL-DONALD H. V. HALLOCK, Minister
In the spring of 1873 a few citizens met at the house of D. J. Crocker to organize the Grace Episcopal Sunday School, of which Mr. J. F. Stuart was chosen Superintendent, and which formed the foundation of the parish which was organized in March 1875. Easter services had been held, previous to this date, in the uncompleted Congregational Church. Soon the services of N. F. Tuson were engaged, and he served for one year. Other early, part-time, ministers were Reverend Mr. Fisk, Reverend D. F. Smith, Mr. Perry, and Mr. Lewis.
Some of the early services were held in the old Baptist Church building, others in Stough's Hall; a few in private homes. Concerts and musicals helped to raise funds for the church building, erected on land donated by Mr. William Robbins. The building has expanded, a little at a time, to its present propor- tions.
ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN-P. H. SCHEER, Pastor
Services were started in the Fullersburg school house in November, 1888, and in April of the following year a constitution was adopted. In the same year the congregation purchased a lot and erected its first church, at the corner of Vine and Second Streets. The present building, at the southwest corner of Grant and Second, was dedicated in 1915. A pamphlet, The Informant is pub- lished each month, telling of Church activities.
EVANGELICAL MISSION COVENANT-A. VERNOY PETERSON, Pastor
The Scandinavians, like other groups, at first met in private homes before establishing their Church, which was completed in 1889. For a time there- after the group was associated with the Congregationalists. In 1918 the mem- bers affiliated themselves with the Evangelical Mission Covenant Conference. In 1930 an attractive Church was built at the corner of Fourth and Garfield, one of the newest religious buildings.
IMMANUEL-D. G. PASSMAN, Pastor
In 1898 there was a peaceful division within the Fullersburg Church when members from Hinsdale expressed the desire to have a church closer to home. Until 1900 the group met in a small hall in Hinsdale, and the same minister served both congregations until the new Church obtained a pastor of its own. In that year the Church at Third and Grant was built, and in 1908 a parsonage was added.
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SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS-LAWRENCE R. SCOTT, Pastor
This is the group that established the Hinsdale Sanitarium and Hospital, in the year 1905, in the Highlands. To accommodate the staff and others of this faith, the Church was established and facilities for worship were provided, within the sanitarium building. For many years the Adventists operated the Rescue Home near-by, a refuge for unadjusted young people. A new Church building was recently completed, at Oak and Walnut.
REDEEMER LUTHERAN-C. F. DANKWORTH, Pastor
This Church is an off-shoot from the Zion Lutheran. It was organized in 1922, and for the first few years a suitable Church sanctuary was devised within a leased building. In 1925 the group joined the English District of the Missouri Synod. Two years later the new Church-building at First and Blaine was finished and occupied.
CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST
In the spring of 1931, the members of this faith who resided in Hinsdale, or- ganized themselves into the Christian Science Society of Hinsdale. On Sep- tember 12, 1931, this Society was recognized as a branch of the Mother Church, and was incorporated in 1938. Regular services have been held in the audi- torium of the Monroe School. The Church owns a building site, and plans for the building are in preparation. A reading room, which is open to the public, is maintained at 14 W. First Street.
SAINT ISAAC JOGUES-J. T. FARREL, Pastor
This Church, of the Catholic faith, also was established in 1931, under the guidance of the Order of Dominican Fathers. The Hinsdale Theatre served as the first meeting place, where services were continued for a year. Services next were held at 16 E. First Street as temporary quarters, where the con- gregation was served by traveling monks. The present Church, at 425 S. Clay, is a two story structure with the parochial school on the second floor. It was built in 1932.
In five of Hinsdale's churches the services at first were conducted in a foreign language. As the younger people of these parishes grew up and gradually acquired control, the English language ultimately was adopted in all five churches. This change came about during the period 1910-1920.
All the churches have Sunday Schools, or Church Schools, as they are called by some. Most of them have women's organizations and other groups doing auxiliary work in the service of the church. Three of the churches maintain parochial schools in the elementary grades; these are the Catholic, the Lutheran, and the Seventh Day Adventist schools.
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The Public Schools
THE Hinsdale school system had its beginning in the stone school house that was erected at Third and Main (Garfield) by William Robbins in 1866. In the two lower rooms of this structure a Miss Stocking con- ducted the classes until the autumn of 1867, when it was organized into a public school, as a part of the Fullersburg School District, with Mr. B. F. Banker as Principal. As Directors of the school, these men were chosen: W. R. Banker, E. P. Hinds, and B. Plummer. Soon the build- ing was purchased by the village from Mr. Robbins, and the South side of town was formed into a separate school district. A Mr. Gleason then became principal. In 1877, while Mr. P. A. Downey was Principal, the North side was incorporated into the district, and it was then called the Hinsdale School District.
During the year 1879 the stone building was enlarged. Mr. A. R. Robinson became Principal in that year, and during his administra- tion the school was employing the services of five teachers. Mr. Robin- son was followed by E. L. Harpham and others.
In 1893 the building became a total loss, by fire. As a result, school was held temporarily in churches and halls of the village. In 1887 the North Side School was erected on Maple Street, and a new South Side School was built in 1894. The latter is known as the Garfield School, and it has received many improvements and additions throughout the years, including two wings which were added in 1909. It then required the services of 16 teachers. In the same year the North Side School em- ployed 7 teachers.
Not all of the minutes of the various boards of education have been preserved, but the casual reader may pick up threads of history, which may be pieced together in fairly consecutive order. Economies, salaries, teachers' housing, the collection of tax monies, and modern improve- ments were problems confronting the citizens who managed the school in each decade.
In 1892, $60 organs were purchased for the primary and inter- mediate grades, and a $275 piano for the high school. An admission fee was charged for reserved seats at the commencement exercises. A school census was made at a cost of $15. Teachers were paid $55 a month, only while school was in session, but this rate of pay was in-
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creased $2 per month two years later. Coal was purchased at $2.55 a ton.
In 1893 algebra was introduced into the high school. A sewing class was to be added in the South Side School, but this project was abandoned owing to the expense.
In 1895 Mr. J. M. Frost was made Superintendent of Schools at a salary of $1,400. The following year it was difficult to pay bills because tax collections were slow, following the business recession of 1893.
The Womans' Club, in 1897, donated $50 to the board to fit out a room for manual training. The board added $100 worth of tools. Later, the Womans' Club gave $10 for reference books.
By 1902 the school tax levy was $16,000 and the building tax levy $3,000. Although Mr. Frost's salary was increased some, he decided to accept another position, whereupon the board paid tribute to his seven years of service in a "properly engrossed" resolution which read in part, "He has brought order out of chaos." Mr. H. K. Jokish became Superintendent in 1904, to be followed by H. E. Giles, and others.
Teachers in the public schools who linger in the memories of those of their older students who are still living are, the Misses Bailey, Blodgett, Boujan, Boyd, Hattendorf, Hinckley, Irish, Lairison, and Loomis.
Following the year 1905, school developments included these, among many others:
A donation of furniture to the North Side School by the Womans' Club, and a flag pole by the Village League.
By 1918 the school enrollment had reached 506.
The Parent-Teachers Association instituted a lunch room for stu- dents.
In 1921 a salary schedule, based on certain specified requirements, was drawn up.
The Madison School was acquired in 1923.
Monroe School was built during the latter twenties.
The widespread depression of the thirties brought curtailment of expenses and a reduction in personnel, but since 1935 expansion has continued in teaching personnel, in enrollment, and in facilities for education. The high school district has been extended to include Clarendon Hills and Westmont.
Today the Hinsdale Public Schools consist of Garfield, Madison,
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Monroe, and Clarendon Hills elementary schools, a junior high school on Maple Street, and the high school on Washington. A new high school is under construction. There is a dual system of school boards, one for the grade schools, including junior high, and one for the high school. Members of the boards are nominated by the caucus and elected by the people.
BACK IN 1914 the Parent-Teachers Association began to appear in the local news. The PTA Council now is made up of representatives from each of the schools. Both of the PTA groups, grade school and high school, are members of the national PTA organization.
At the turn of the century the word "chaos" was used in a school board resolution, as descriptive of a state from which the schools had been delivered. Concurrently with the functioning of PTA, the word has not appeared since.
The Library and Its Friends
THE Hinsdale Public Library began as the Hinsdale Library Associa- tion, which was incorporated during the winter of 1886-87. The in- corporators and first directors of the Association were Mrs. John H. Bradley, Mrs. Mary C. Childs, Miss Mary Hannah, Dr. D. K. Pearsons, Mr. Demming H. Preston, Mrs. C. D. Snow, and Mrs. Sarah Warren. Soon, six hundred books were donated to the Association, and a fee of one dollar a year was charged for the privilege of drawing them out.
There are two versions concerning the first location of this set of books. According to one, they were placed in the residence of Mrs. C. D. Snow at Washington and Third. Others say the start was made in a small building on the north side of First Street, west of Washington. There is unanimity of opinion that the Library moved from one of these places to the store of Mr. George Prouty, which was in the build- ing now numbered 37 So. Washington Street. The first Librarian was Miss Wilsden, who later became Mrs. Van Liew.
In 1892 the question of tax support of the Library came before the voters and it received a favorable decision. That year also marks the beginning of public election of officers and members of the board. Following these events, the Library Association was dissolved. It had served its purpose well.
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Mrs. Flora Candee became Librarian, to be followed by Mrs. L. C. Ruth who served in that position for many years. She had various assistants, among whom was Miss Alice Warren. The next move of the Library took place in 1917, to the Davidson Building, 106 S. Wash- ington. From there it went to the Memorial Building, its present home.
DURING the winter of 1937-38, four women met occasionally to talk over the possibilities of strengthening the Library for a more vital con- tribution to community life. They were Mrs. Paul Burt, Mrs. Hugh Dugan, Mrs. Harold Moore, and Miss Marcia Wheeler, Librarian. Eventually, plans for organization were drawn up and presented to various civic groups and others for approval. The Friends of the Library became an organization on April 28, 1938.
The Friends became just what the name implies, a group of persons who are interested in the Library's welfare and who are ready to help it toward increasing its resources and promoting its services. The Friends has furthered projects such as the obtaining of memorial be- quests to the Library, the purchase of new books, and the issuance of leaflets describing the Library's services.
A, F. & A. M. Lodge
Hinsdale Lodge, A, F. & A. M., No. 649, under dispensation granted in 1870, held its first meeting in the upper room of the stone "acad- emy." Three years later it moved to quarters on Washington Street, down town. The original organizers of the Lodge were D. A. Courter, J. M. Barr, and N. H. Warren.
The Veterans Groups
Hinsdale Post 250 of the American Legion has an unusually large membership, as compared with the town's population. Most of the Legionaires served in one of the two world wars, but its roster includes a few veterans of the Spanish War.
This Post was organized in 1919, with Mr. C. G. Dennison as its first Commander, in Evernden's Hall. Soon thereafter, headquarters
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were moved to the Grace Church Guild Hall, where the Post continued to meet until completion of the Memorial Building in 1928. Growth, through service, has marked the history of the Post. Its activities have been extensive and useful, especially in the causes of Americanization, the interests of disabled and needy veterans, the village Fourth of July celebrations, and participation in other local projects. Sociability and good fellowship has been always a feature of membership in the Post. Aside from the regular business meetings, there are regular and special social gatherings, including the annual dinner for Past Commanders held on November 11 each year, and the annual home-coming in May. The Post's influence in the village has been a good one, and it takes its part in the county, state, and national Legion organizations.
In January, 1920 the Legion Auxiliary was organized, with 117 charter members, and with Mrs. Gertrude Ketcham as its first Presi- dent. The Legion and the Auxiliary cooperate closely in furtherance of their joint objectives. Largely, the Auxiliary is concerned with the rehabilitation and other needs of disabled veterans, this work being carried on through sewing, financial contributions, the Veterans Craft Shop in Chicago, child welfare, visits to hospitals, and the annual sale of poppies. The Auxiliary also contributes to other local charities.
The Veterans Civic Association, consisting largely of young men who took part in World War II, aims toward comradeship through the association of persons of similar experience and outlook, and to take its place in community service. At this time the group's program is not fully developed. Mr. Philip Cochran was the first President. The Asso- ciation meets in the Memorial Building.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, a well-known national organization, has recently become established in Hinsdale under the leadership of Mr. Thomas Spears. The membership of this Post consists of men who served overseas in the various wars. The purposes and functions of the Post, and those of the V. F. W. Auxiliary, are similar to those of the American Legion and its Auxiliary. Meetings are held in the Com- munity House.
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The Charities
Hinsdale Community Service. Organized in 1936, this is the principal agency for local relief. It serves the Hinsdale Township High School area. The Village has provided an office in the Memorial Building. Since its inception, Mrs. H. C. Holzbach has been in charge of the Service. Sixteen members comprise the Board of Directors.
The main divisions of the work are: Employment, the collection and distribution of Christmas baskets, emergency relief, rehabilita- tion, optical, dental, and medical. Information for veterans may be obtained there, and the office is also the permanent headquarters for the Hinsdale Community Chest.
During the second World War years the Hinsdale Community Serv- ice was headquarters for the Office of Civilian Defence. The Service collaborates with other agencies in the reference and handling of cases. For many years Mr. Harold G. Townsend has been the leading spirit in this service.
In common with other towns and villages, Hinsdale has always par- ticipated in the outside charities, especially in support of the following causes:
Infant Welfare. In 1915 the Infant Welfare Society of Hinsdale be- gan functioning, with Mrs. J. C. Davis as its President. This group sews and raises money for Chicago infants who come into the world in need of more care than their parents are able to give.
By 1923 the need was felt of younger women's participation in the work, so Junior Infant Welfare was formally organized in 1925, with Mrs. John Parker as President, and the younger women have been most active ever since. In addition to performing some of the same functions as the senior group, the Juniors actively participate in the work at Burlington Welfare Station in Chicago, and they supervise and conduct certain concessions at the annual Oak Brook Horse Show, the proceeds from which are allotted to the welfare of infants.
External Civic Work. A number of Hinsdale residents have served public causes outside the village. These have pertained to objectives such as the public health, various charities and charitable funds, the
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distribution of war bonds for the United States Treasury, and the fill- ing of temporary Federal posts.
Other Civic and Cultural Groups
American Association of University Women. With more than 100,000 members, nationally, the A.A.U.W. has "practical educational work" as its purpose. Since 1934, when the Hinsdale branch was started, study groups have been encouraged in subjects such as International Rela- tions, Social Problems, Creative Writing, and the Creative Arts. Na- tional and local problems are approached and studied objectively. Thus the group serves the public, as well as the individual. The Mes- dames Paul O. Germann, W. R. Jordan, and H. B. Lundberg are resi- dent charter members.
Chamber of Commerce. Many years ago the organization of local busi- ness men was known as the Commercial Association of Hinsdale. After one or two modifications in name, and a brief tenure of the Lions Club, the association of merchants became known as the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce. It is affiliated with the State and the National Chambers of Commerce. In various ways the Chamber has furthered the inter- ests of the community. It helps newcomers become acquainted with the town, furnishes festive decorations for the business district at Christmas time, takes charge of the Fourth of July parades, and offers its counsel on questions involving conduct and progress of the village. Mr. Mac Morris was President of the Chamber in 1949.
Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1934 Mrs. Guy J. Dart obtained authorization to organize a chapter of the D.A.R. The chap- ter was accepted by the National Board of D.A.R. in April 1935 and was named in honor of Captain Hubbard Burrows. The membership is confined to lineal descendants of Revolutionary soldiers. By 1948 there were 52 regular members and 4 associate members. The objects of the Society are to "protect historical spots, encourage and publish historical research on the Revolution, to promote educational institu- tions and foster true patriotism." The Chapter also has been active in Red Cross, and in projects looking toward better citizenship.
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The Garden Club had its start in 1921 when fifteen women, interested in gardening, met at the home of Mrs. Frank D. Farr and organized The Garden Club of Hinsdale. The first officers were Mrs. Frank D. Farr, President, Mrs. Walter H. Eckert, Vice-President, and Miss Fanny Brent, Secretary and Treasurer. The membership initially was limited to thirty-five active members, but now it numbers sixty.
The club has landscaped many areas, among which are the Com- munity House grounds, the Junior High School yard, two blocks along the right of way of the Burlington Railroad, and a bird sanctuary at the east end of Third Street. A substantial contribution was made toward landscaping the Memorial Building grounds. The members of the Club have staged many flower shows in Hinsdale and have par- ticipated in all the shows given under the auspices of The Garden Club of Illinois, where they have taken many first prizes and special awards in major exhibits.
The Garden Study Club. A Junior Garden Club was organized on Monday, February 19, 1929, with the assistance of Mrs. O. W. Dynes, who was then President of the Garden Club. Mrs. Donald O. McLeran was voted the first President of this new group. The club was com- prised of young Hinsdale women who had watched, with interest and admiration, the achievements of the senior Club, and who were in- spired to organize a club of their own. The membership was confined to those who were actively interested in gardening and in the work of the club. In 1931 the name was changed to The Garden Study Club. The aim; to become an influence in the community by creating and maintaining beauty, has been carried out. In many instances the two garden clubs have worked together on projects.
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