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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 VILLAGE OF WILMETTE DAY IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, on September 19, 2022, the Village of Wilmette, Cook County, Illinois will celebrate its 150th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, multiple events throughout the year will celebrate the Sesquicentennial and reflect on its history, including: the annual House Walk in May, this year with a Sesquicentennial theme; a children's scavenger hunt in the summer; Auto Historica’s vintage car show in September; and a photography exhibit in October featuring photographs submitted by Wilmette photographers supporting the theme, "Bringing Wilmette Together;" and
WHEREAS, a special Memorial Day ceremony at the conclusion of a Unity March will recognize the 110 Wilmette men and women who gave their lives in service to our country from the American Civil War through peacekeeping efforts during the Lebanese civil war, identifying them by name, and honoring them for their sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, February 12, 2022 featured a Sesquicentennial Winterfest with a DJ and live ice sculpting events throughout the Village, including a “Wilmette 150” sculpture memorializing the Sesquicentennial, a peacock from the Southeast Asian Community, and a tiger from the Chinese School of the North Shore. Elsa from “Frozen” also made an appearance during drop-in activities at the Wilmette Public Library that also featured sesquicentennial trivia games, an interactive story walk, and winter inspired crafts; and
WHEREAS, on Sunday, February 27, the Wilmette Historical Museum offered socially-distanced Wilmette Bingo assuring that players could have fun while learning a bit of Wilmette history. The special Bingo boards featured images of Wilmette landmarks as well as historic photos from the museum’s collection. Winners of each round received a free coupon to Homer’s Ice Cream; and
WHEREAS, the Wilmette Historical Museum opened two new exhibits on Sunday, March 6: "Memories and Milestones, 1872-2022" and "Fashion Forward: Wilmette's Clothing History." As part of the exhibit openings, the Actors Training Center (ATC) and the Museum partnered to create a special performance based on Wilmette memoirs. In addition, the Museum created a new lobby exhibit commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire that includes artifacts from WHM collections related to the historic disaster; and
WHEREAS, the Wilmette Historical Society also hosted a series of speakers throughout the year. The first was John Jacoby on January 30, discussing his book Wilmette @ 150. April 10th featured a lecture by Professor Michael H. Ebner, the James D. Vail III Professor of History Emeritus at Lake Forest College, discussing Wilmette's history from its early days to today; and
WHEREAS, the celebrations of the anniversary will peak with a big Wilmette Birthday party at the Village Center, featuring bands, entertainers, and other attractions on September 10, 2022; and
WHEREAS, other more permanent changes are planned for the Village in commemoration of the anniversary. A landscaping project on the north side of Glenview Road east of Skokie Boulevard will beautify that entrance to the Village and will enhance the Tree Memorial established in 1969 to honor Judge Burton Kolman, a blind man with a vision. An inviting walkway is planned connecting the Metra parking lot with the Central Avenue restaurants and shops in the Village Center. The space, which was originally an alley between the Baker Building and the Laundromat, has the potential to become "Ouilmette Way," a decorated and lighted pathway to attract patrons of the Village Center; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby declares September 19, 2022, Village of Wilmette Day in Cook County; 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 Wilmette, Cook County, Illinois.
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