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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE VILLAGE OF LA GRANGE PARK’S 125th ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, the year 2017 marks a milestone for the Village of La Grange Park, celebrating 125 years; and
WHEREAS, the Village of La Grange Park is widely recognized as a bedroom community known for its historic homes, tree lined streets and numerous community amenities; and
WHEREAS, the Village of La Grange Park originated in 1892 from an area that was settled by five industrious farmers: Henry Dieke, Henry Myer, Bill Robb, Louis Wesemann and A. H. Kemman who all tilled their land, built homes and raised families on property that covers territory included in the present day village; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Fire of 1871 brought families seeking shelter to communities along the Burlington railroad line with dozens of these families taken in by early settlers, and were so pleased with the hospitality and surroundings they decided to stay as farmers sold pieces of their acreage to the newcomers; and
WHEREAS, Alphonse H. Kemman, a son of one of the area’s early settlers, along with Pete Swanson were instrumental in the forming of La Grange Park as Kemman organized the successful effort to incorporate which occurred on July 14, 1892; and
WHEREAS, for the first 50 years of its existence, La Grange Park was a quiet residential village but things began changing around 1943 when recommendations were made to create a park district, to permit light manufacturing along Indiana Harbor Belt Line right-of-way, to enlarge the police and fire departments, and to make provisions for a central shopping area; and
WHEREAS, recognized as one of the most stable housing markets in the country, La Grange Park offers a diverse range of housing options including three senior living facilities as well as ample recreational opportunities including 24 acres of parkland, multiple Cook County Forest Preserves and the Salt Creek Bike Trail; and
WHEREAS, La Grange Park has become a draw for new residents and specifically young families with the offer of outstanding public and private schools that serve the community such as Lyons Township High School, Nazareth Academy and Riverside Brookfield High School; and
WHEREAS, with its present population of 13,300 the Village of La Grange Park has become a shining example of a ‘residents first’ community over its 125 years; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners congratulate the Village of La Grange Park for its 125 years of history and wish them a most enjoyable celebration on July 14, 2017; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of the Honorable Body, and an official copy be tendered to the Village of La Grange Park in recognition of its 125th Anniversary.
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