Hinsdale Historical Society

Congratulations to the Hinsdale Little League's 10U and 12U State Champions! 🎉⚾ has a rich history of little league baseball, starting with town teams in the late 19th century to the thriving Little League we have today. Check out these throwback photos from 1964-1966! 📸 Were you part of a Hinsdale baseball team? Maybe you’re even in these pictures!

🌟 Connecting Hinsdale, Enos Barton, and the Eastland Disaster 🌟

Enos Barton (1842-1916), co-founder of Western Electric, revolutionized telecommunications. Beyond his professional achievements, he established Sedgeley Farm in . However, his later years were marred by significant losses, earning him the nickname “(Un)Fortunate Mr. Barton.” On July 24, 1915, the SS Eastland disaster in Chicago claimed 844 lives, many from Western Electric’s Hawthorne Works. Barton was deeply affected, as several victims were close to home, including the daughters of a Sedgeley Farm employee.

🔗 Read more about Enos Barton and his final years on the Hinsdale Historical Society's blog at https://www.hinsdalehistory.org/post/the-prosperous-and-un-fortunate-life-of-enos-barton-founder-of-western-electric-and-sedgeley-far

🏠620 North Washington Street🏠 was built in 1874 as the original farmhouse on the Hamble farm. The farmhouse was built for Ellen Hamble, the daughter of Marvin and Amy Fox, and her husband. The Hambles and Foxes were early farmers in Hinsdale. Marvin and Amy Fox’s sons, Heman and Charles, owned the Fox Brothers’ General Store in Hinsdale for many years. The residence at 620 North Washington Street was demolished in 1990. This picture dates to the mid-1970s.

Can you imagine wearing long sleeves on a hot summer day? Well, that was the popular fashion back in the day! This photograph, circa a summer day in 1902-1905, is of four members of the family of Lemuel Freer outside their home at 505 South County Line Road.

From Left to Right (according to the caption on the back): "Elsie, Margaret, Gommy Freer, Mammy Freer." Lemuel Hinton Freer was one of ’s most prominent and well-respected residents in the early 1900s. You can read more about 505 South County Line Road and the Freer family on our blog at www.hinsdalehistory.org/blog!

Do you have any memories of Maple School?
Monroe Annex (Also known as Maple School, or North Side School), circa 1890.
This school was located on Maple Street, and the structure dated back to 1887. The Monroe Annex was sold in the early 1970s, and torn down in January of 1973 for space to make residential homes. It was used as the Junior High before Hinsdale Middle School was constructed.
It used to have fire escapes that kids would climb up in the summer and then slide back down. The steep sidewalk was another dangerous play area, where kids would slide down on roller skates and be launched across the street.
One former student, Ann Thayer Weldy, remembered that in 1945 she was on the Maple School playground when she learned that WWII had ended with the Japanese surrender.

🏠244 East First Street🏠 was built in 1893. It was a rare Chicago example of work by the prestigious architectural firm Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge, of Boston. The firm was known for its commercial and institutional buildings including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Public Library. The home was built for Carrie Mitchell—her name alone was on the deed—wife of George H. Mitchell, the president of the Mitchell Granite Company (the Mitchell family is pictured in the foreground of this image). The residence was designated as a Historic Landmark by the Village of Hinsdale Board of Trustees in 2002 and placed on the Hinsdale Historical Society’s Register of Historic Buildings in 1993, just over three decades before it was demolished.

Ever wondered what treasures are hidden within the 's Archive? Our collection boasts thousands of historic books, ephemera, documents, photographs, and more! Each piece is meticulously preserved by our dedicated team, ensuring Hinsdale's rich history remains vibrant and accessible for generations to come. Curious about how you can support our efforts? Discover more about our mission and how you can get involved: https://www.hinsdalehistory.org/give

🏠 241 East First Street 🏠 was built in 1887 for Robert and Mary Clarke, who named their home “Fairlawn,” and designed by architect “G. Isaacson” (Gabriel Isaacson). The residence in the Robbins Park Historic District was placed on the Hinsdale Historical Society’s Register of Historic Structures in 1988 before its demolition three decades later.

🎉 Thank you to everyone who came out to Immanuel Hall to celebrate the Fourth of July and support the Hinsdale Historical Society! 🇺🇸 A special thanks to Scott Simpson Design + Build for helping us bring back to life Nettie the Donkey! We had so much fun meeting "Nettie" (aka Martin)! 🐴✨

In June 1923, Mrs. Stuyvescant Peabody (of Hinsdale)'s horse "Great Heart" smashed the high jump record and became a World Record maker with a high jump made at 8 feet 1/2 inch record! Here are two photographs of Hinsdale's World Record Jumping Horse!

to 1886. This house previously stood at 215 East Walnut Street. It was built by Amos Hall, Treasurer of the Burlington Railroad, and later purchased by Mr. Heineman in 1886. His wife, Sarah Heineman, was the daughter of Barto Van Velzer and cousin to Loïe Fuller! When the Queen of Romania toured the United States with Loïe Fuller, Loïe brought the Queen's daughter to Hinsdale where they had dinner at this house with her cousin Sarah!

Happy Fourth of July!! These photos are from 's 1910 parade!

Congratulations to our Auction winner Carolyn Hart! We look forward to you joining the staff and Board of the to celebrate the Fourth of July!

Even if you aren't Carolyn, everyone is welcome to stop by Immanuel Hall to meet Hinsdale's Nettie the Donkey! A meet and greet and photo opportunity will be available from 10am to 11:30am. $5 donations are suggested to help us preserve our village's history. Thank you all for supporting the Hinsdale Historical Society!

🎉Reminder for your Fourth of July plans in ! 🎉🇺🇸
(Pictured: Timmy Lawton and Nettie the donkey in Hinsdale's 4th of July Parade, circa 1920).

Visit Immanuel Hall from 10-11:30 am to meet, pet, and take photos with "Nettie" the Donkey. We will also have Nettie crafts inside Immanuel Hall for children to color.

The Hinsdale Historical Society is also auctioning off 4 front row seats at the parade in front of Immanuel Hall! Each seat includes drinks, refreshments, and light snacks (under a tent!). https://www.32auctions.com/4thofJulyParade24

Don't miss out on the fun and a chance to get the best view of the parade!

to the 1960s' Fourth of July parade! Do you recognize anyone in this group of Hinsdale Girl Scouts?

Don't forget! We are auctioning off 4 front row seats in front of Immanuel Hall for the Fourth of July parade! https://www.32auctions.com/4thofJulyParade24

If you want to learn more about Hinsdale's early Fourth of July celebrations, make sure to visit our digital exhibit "Stars, Stripes and Hinsdale"! https://www.hinsdalehistory.org/independence-day-history

to Hinsdale's 1913 parade. Here, we see the Hinsdale Commercial Association's float--a predecessor to the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce!

Don't forget! We are auctioning off 4 front row seats in front of Immanuel Hall for the Fourth of July parade! https://www.32auctions.com/4thofJulyParade24

If you want to learn more about Hinsdale's early Fourth of July celebrations, make sure to visit our digital exhibit "Stars, Stripes and Hinsdale"! https://www.hinsdalehistory.org/independence-day-history

New Alert!! "Stars, Stripes & Hinsdale" explores some of Hinsdale's early Fourth of July celebrations and includes histories, memories, photographs, and ephemera from the Hinsdale Historical Society's Archives!

Check it out on our website under "Discover: Digital Exhibits"! https://www.hinsdalehistory.org/independence-day-history

Join us in celebrating the 4th of July Parade in our beloved town of !
https://www.32auctions.com/4thofJulyParade24
Winner will receive 4 front row reserved seats in front of Immanuel Hall along the parade route. A tent, brunch treats, and drinks for adults and children will be provided. And, as a special bonus, you will have the chance to hang out with Hinsdale's very own live donkey mascot, Nettie!

4th of July Parade Silent auction '4th of July Parade' hosted online at 32auctions.

🎉Reminder for your Fourth of July plans in ! 🎉🇺🇸
(Pictured: Hinsdaleans in 1913 viewing the annual parade on Washington Street).
The Hinsdale Historical Society is auctioning off 4 front row seats at the parade. The auction begins on Monday, June 24. Each seat includes drinks, refreshments, and light snacks (under a tent!).
Plus, visit Immanuel Hall from 10-11:30 am to meet, pet, and take photos with "Nettie" the Donkey. We will also have Nettie crafts inside Immanuel Hall for children to color.
Don't miss out on the fun and a chance to get the best view of the parade!

🎉🇺🇸 Join us at Immanuel Hall on July 4 during the parade festivities! 🎉🇺🇸

The Hinsdale Historical Society is auctioning off 4 front row seats at the parade. The auction begins on Monday, June 24. Each seat includes drinks, refreshments, and light snacks!

Plus, visit Immanuel Hall from 10-11:30 am to meet, pet, and take photos with "Nettie" the Donkey (actual donkey is not Nettie, but Nettie lives on in Hinsdale's memory). There will be Nettie crafts inside Immanuel Hall for children to color.

Don't miss out on the fun and a chance to get the best view of the parade! 🎊🐴

Mary Fuller Van Velser was the first school teacher in Du Page County. She was the sister of Benjamin Fuller, founder of . She would go house to house to teach the children of Fullersburg while accompanied by her two large dogs, Pedro and Nero, for protection from wolves. Later, once the Castle Inn was built in 1863, she taught students there.

157 years ago, architect was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin. One of his earliest independent commissions, the , is located in . It was commissioned by Grace Hodges Bagley and built in 1894. This photograph is from the 's collection and dates to about 1900.

When the Bagley House was put on the market as a teardown in 2021, Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts braced themselves for the terrible loss of one of the architect’s most significant early works. Fortunately, Safina Uberoi and Lukas Ruecker, a couple restoring a Wright-designed house in Cincinnati, came to the rescue and have worked tirelessly with their team to preserve the home.

80 years ago, nearly 160k Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight N**i Germany on the beaches of Normandy. Among them were brave men from and our surrounding communities.
On the 80th Anniversary of , let's explore some of the local heroes who called our community home.

98 years ago, this is what West Hinsdale Avenue looked like! Learn about the buildings constructed here in our blog post: https://www.hinsdalehistory.org/post/west-hinsdale-avenue-in-1926

Tonight is May's full moon. According to an oral history interview from 1989 with Luella Vander Molen, in used to be different: "When we first moved to Hinsdale in 1920, street lights were not used on full moon nights. But, in the summer trees were so filled with foliage you couldn't see the moon, so it was stopped." Can you imagine navigating our beautiful streets without street lights tonight?

The Hinsdale Historical Society Women's Board looks forward to seeing you at the 2024 ! By popular demand--here is the map of this year's ! Premium Preview and General Admission ticket holders can start at any of the 6 beautiful homes. You'll be checked in at the door and get your wristband there!

Immanuel Hall (302 S. Grant Street) will be open as a restroom stop with Hinsdale Historical Society merch and tea towels for sale.

A HUGE thank you to our VIP Platinum Sponsor Airoom Architects, Builders & Remodelers! Make sure to stop by the official Hinsdale Kitchen Walk after party at the Airoom Design Showcase located at 36 S Washington Street. All kitchen walk attendees are welcome to join!

Join the , , and two architectural historians on Tuesday, April 30 from 7-8pm to kick off an exhibit on the recently rediscovered life of the social reformer who owned Hinsdale’s Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home. A few artifacts from the Hinsdale Historical Society’s collection will also be on display this night only! Light refreshments will be served. Co-sponsored by the Hinsdale Historical Society. Register here: hinsdalelibrary.info/bagley.

to 1891 when 114 S Stough (originally 46 N Stough) was built for Mathias L. Raftree, an attorney. The home was one of approximately 50 prominent Hinsdale residences pictured in “Hinsdale the Beautiful,” in the November 1897 volume of Campbell’s Illustrated Journal.

In 1901, the home was purchased by Samuel and Frances Gregsten, owners of the Clifton House in Chicago. Samuel passed in 1910 but his wife and then daughters lived in the house until 1968.

While living there, the Gregsten’s owned the property between the railroad tracks and Chicago Avenue, including the land underlying Route 83. This was convenient for Frances, who often bought farm animals in Chicago that rode home on the train!

This home was the winner of the first Hinsdale Historic Preservation Award, May 1988, sponsored by the and The Hinsdale Doings.