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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE VILLAGE OF BERKLEY’S CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, In 1835 the area that was to become Berkeley was home to farmers, most of German and Dutch Ancestry; and
WHEREAS, In 1836 St. Charles Road, a stretch of roadway from St. Charles to Chicago, was built; and
WHEREAS, In 1845 Peter Bohlander donated land at the southeast corner of St. Charles Road and Taft Avenue for the purpose of burying family, friends and neighbors, and is now known as Old Settler's Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, A small group of farm families established a one-room school called Sunnyside in 1848. Now housed in a larger and newer building, Sunnyside Elementary School still operates today; and
WHEREAS, The 1902 completion of the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Railroad gave the area its first passenger rail service at a stop called Berkeley; and
WHEREAS, The first subdivided plots of land for residential building were advertised for sale in 1908; and
WHEREAS, Residential construction brought new residents, many of whom were English, to the area; and
WHEREAS, Berkeley residents chose to incorporate their community of about 800 citizens by one vote, despite fierce opposition from residents living east of Hillside Avenue, becoming official on May 20, 1924; and
WHEREAS, The village population tripled between 1950 and 1960; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Railway ceased passenger service in 1957, however, its route through the village remains as the “Illinois Prairie Path” multi- use nature trail; and
WHEREAS, The picturesque Illinois Prairie Path goes right through Berkeley for those who enjoy hiking or biking; and
WHEREAS, Berkeley's land purchase from the railroad in the 1960s extended its northern boundary, allowing for the addition of a small industrial park; and
WHEREAS, Having been based there since 1950, Berkeley boasts a global leader among its small base of industries: World Dryer Corporation, one of the largest manufacturers of the hand dryers used in public restrooms worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Berkeley has remained predominantly a residential community and a convenient place to live in terms of transportation; and
WHEREAS, The transportation corridors that make Berkeley accessible to distant places also serve to separate the village from its nearest neighbors, creating a small-town atmosphere; and
WHEREAS, The Village of Berkeley is a great place to live with safe, well-maintained neighborhoods, enriching activities, entertainment, and a diverse group of people to call neighbors; and
WHEREAS, These traits continue to help Berkeley strive for A Bright Future; and
WHEREAS, The Village of Berkeley is proud to celebrate its Centennial Anniversary in 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Cook County Commissioner Sean M. Morrison and the entire Cook County Board extends its heartiest congratulations and well-wishes to the Village of Berkeley on their 100th year of incorporation, wishing them continued success and “A Bright Future” in all the years to come; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to The Village of Berkeley.
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