Village News
The most prominent church in a village full of them is the stately limestone First Congregational on Chestnut Street.
But a few hundred yards west stands — for a little while longer, at least — a humble, spiring white structure originally used as a church.
According to the Western Springs Historical Society, the church at 1215 Chestnut was built by Swedish Methodists more than 130 years ago in 1893, the same year Chicago hosted the World’s Fair.
It housed the protestants for almost six decades, before the parish outgrew it and moved to 4300 Howard Avenue. The Methodists sold the building in 1950 to Masonic Lodge #1136, with that organization occupying the building to the present day.
Rumor has it that the property will be combined with the lot just west of it, where there currently sits a light-blue shingled cottage built in 1903. On Wednesday, June 19th, a construction materials testing company was working on the site. Both properties are expected to be razed and the land combined to create a single residential lot.
It all makes sense: Old Town North is one of the most popular areas to live in Western Springs and this is a prime location.
But we’ll be deprived of a little quirky charm with the loss of these two structures — which are just north of the endlessly charming and quirky “House in the Alley” featured in this year’s House Walk.
These three buildings comprised a nook of nostalgia in Old Town.
In other news:
Going it Valone: Heather Valone recently took over as Director of Community Development for the town, replacing the retiring Tony Budzikowski.
Crying Wolf: Wolf Road construction between Ogden and 47th slogs on, though the traffic hasn’t been as bad as expected.
Western Spring Cleaning: Saturday, June 22nd, marks the town’s annual household cleanup day - where bulky items can be put on the curb for pickup.
Business Corner
Already this year Western Springs has added three establishments to its downtown: Ella’s, Petite Vie, and The Opry Provisions. These openings have been covered in other publications, so we won’t rehash the details here.
But we will say that the shrimp caesar salad at Ella’s is not to be missed.
After a string of restaurant closings, it’s great to see Western Springs rebuilding its downtown scene so residents have options beyond heading to Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, and La Grange for dining and entertainment.
Upcoming Events
Jamming in July: The Western Springs Business Association is putting on its annual concert series on the green.
There will be activities for kids, alcoholic beverages for adults, and live music for all.
The series takes place on Wednesdays: on July 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st from 4:30 pm to 9 pm.
Bensidoun French Market: The weekly French market in front of the tower happens on Wednesdays from 4 pm to 7 pm through September 25.
Thanks for reading. We hope to see you back here — or around town — sometime soon.
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