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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 v...
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