title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE VILLAGE OF WESTCHESTER ON THEIR 100th ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, the Village of Westchester, Illinois, was officially incorporated in 1925 and is proudly celebrating 100 years of community, service, and progress in 2025; and
WHEREAS, development began in 1924, led by Samuel Insull and William Zelosky. An early promotional campaign proclaimed, “Here will be built a great community.”; and
WHEREAS, the name “Westchester” was chosen to reflect English roots, inspired by Westchester County, New York. The Village seal features a knight, symbolizing the original English-inspired design; and
WHEREAS, Westchester was founded with a vision of thoughtful planning, strong neighborhoods, and quality of life - principles that continue to guide the Village today; and
WHEREAS, weekly advertisements in Chicago newspapers raved about this growing new town that offered beautiful and affordable new homes with large lots that were walking distance to the new train line. Traffic jams could be found in Westchester as people drove out from the city on weekends to explore this new community; and
WHEREAS, shortly after their founding, Westchester experienced growth in many areas. “L” train service began in 1926 and was extended to Mannheim by 1930. In 1928, the Westchester School District was established; and
WHEREAS, with the end of the war in 1945, the postwar economic boom began. During the 1940s and 1950s, over 2,000 homes were built, many by developer Walter Baltis. The village also established its own Fire Department and Library Park District during this period; and
WHEREAS, the following decades saw more growth and community building. The Westchester Community Pool was built and the village preserved Wolf Road Prairie, one of Illinois’ last tallgrass prairies. Westchester also transformed industrial sites like the Westbrook Corporate Center into business hubs. In 1995, the Westchester Food Pantry was founded, which to this day provides vital support to residents in need; and
WHEREAS, Westchester continues to grow and celebrate their history. The centennial celebration series launched in 2025 with special events, historic retrospectives, and a fundraising campaign for local initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the Village has continually evolved to meet the needs of its residents - investing in infrastructure, preserving natural spaces like the Wolf Road Prairie, supporting community services, and embracing digital tools and modern planning to build a more resilient future; and
WHEREAS, over the past century, Westchester has grown from a quiet garden suburb into a vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking community while maintaining its welcoming, small-town feel; and
WHEREAS, Westchester takes great pride in honoring its history while continuing to grow and adapt, celebrating the people, events, and shared values that have made it, and continue to make it, “a good place to live”; and
WHEREAS, the Village’s centennial celebration marks not only a time to reflect on its rich legacy but also to look ahead with optimism, unity, and a renewed commitment to public service, sustainability, and civic life; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, through it all, Westchester continues to honor its history while evolving into a more modern, connected, and inclusive community - remaining true to its long-held identity as a “good place to live.”; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby recognize and congratulate the Village of Westchester and commends its century-long tradition of community spirit, thoughtful leadership, and progress; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, do hereby honor the Village of Westchester on their Centennial Anniversary in July of 2025.end