HR0008 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0008 LRB097 05574 KXB 45636 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the citizens of the Village of Western Springs as they prepare to celebrate the Village Quasquicentennial on January 30, 2011; and

WHEREAS, The Village was incorporated by the State of Illinois in 1886 and the first election for Trustees was held on January 30, 1886; Western Springs is named for the mineral springs that were found in the area by the early settlers; Western Springs is still one of the only municipalities in Cook County that utilizes its own deep wells for the municipal water supply; and

WHEREAS, The Water Tower is the Village's most distinctive landmark and was built in 1892; Western Springs was dubbed the "Queen of the Western Suburbs" by the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy railroad in the 1800s; and

WHEREAS, Outstanding citizens from the early years include Thomas C. Hill, W.B. Wickersham, who served as the Secretary of the Chicago Public Library, and Benzette Williams, Chief Engineer of the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, One of the first businesses in town was a general store owned by August Ekdahl at 810 Hillgrove Avenue; later this building served as the first Post Office; the building now stands on Wolf Road on the municipal grounds and is a historic museum for the residents to enjoy; and

WHEREAS, Western Springs was one of the first municipalities to offer emergency medical services to its residents; the Village still operates a Paid-on-Call Fire Department; the Village recently rebuilt its train station, which is a replica of the first station; and

WHEREAS, The current population of the Village is 12,493 citizens; on January 31, 2011 they will gather to enjoy a salute to the 2010 Citizens of the Year, a giant tower cake, ice skating, choral performances, ice carving, storytelling, and a bonfire for the grand finale; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the citizens of Western Springs on this historical occasion and wish them the best for years to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Western Springs President William Rodeghier as a symbol of our respect and esteem.