The Clarendon Hills area was referred to as Daisy Fields by persons who passed through on the train. Likewise, florists also called the area Daisy Fields. They came to gather the beautiful flowers for resale. It was called Daisy Fields by Chicago residents and others who made annual pilgrimages to view the site, perhaps have a picnic, and return home with arm loads of daisies.
September 1, 1961, Trans World Airlines flight 529, a Lockheed Constellation, departed Midway Airport destined for Las Vegas, Nevada. The aircraft carrying 78 passengers and crew crashed just southwest of Clarendon Hills Road and 59 street. All perished. At the time it was the deadliest single-plane accident in the country’s history.
The brick two-story structure, located at the corner of Railroad and South Prospect Avenues, housed Mochel’s general store and post office. This first permanent commercial building was constructed in 1911 by Edward Mochel. His wife Amelia stands at the store entrance and their daughter Alice sits astride her pony. The family lived on the second floor. This photograph was taken in 1916. The building is in use today and has operated continuously housing various businesses throughout the years.
The Brownson Lumber Company was purchased in 1928 by Charles Dillon from Edward Mochel. In 1963 it became Parlenbey Lumber and Construction Company. Dillon’s son-in-law, Robert Parsons, was president. In the 1980s Parsons developed the property into Park Avenue Station, the first village residential condominiums.
The miniature train constructed from odds and ends was used in the joint Walker and Prospect Schools parade and carnival which was enjoyed annually beginning in 1953. The train built by volunteers, included three passenger cars, a fire bell, and functioning smokestack. It belonged to the village and was recognized by the fire department assigning it as engine number 347 jr. Helping to complete the project from left, are Al Hurd, D.J. Anders, John Mix, Robert B. Baeker (kneeling), J. Willis Haythorn and Paul W. Coultrap. Children include Kenny Wirt and Tommy and Bonnie Baeker.
Chief of the Potawatomi, Shabbona, 1775-1859, was respected as a peacekeeper for being instrumental in preventing a Blackhawk uprising in the area. He was born along the Kankakee River in what is now known as Will County. He often traveled on the Old Indian Trail, now known as Ogden Avenue. In 1835 the native tribes were driven out of the area and relocated west of the Mississippi.
In 1925-1926 John Dunlop constructed a building north of the tracks at 211 West Burlington Avenue for his plumbing, heating, and contracting business. Local architect, R. Harold Zook, designed the building. During the depression years space was rented out and the Dunlop family lived in the upstairs apartment. The Village of Clarendon Hills purchased the building in 1952 to house the Police and Fire Departments. When the new Police Station was built on adjacent land, The Dunlop building returned to family ownership. It was purchased by Lid Baird and developed it into the Village Square, a tea house and boutique. The building is now the Tierra Distillery.
Promoted to Chief of Police in July 1960, Jack Hrunek is ready to get behind the wheel of the village’s new 1962 Chevrolet squad car. The village board frequently replaced the cars to reduce maintenance costs. The glass police globe above the windows dates to 1925 which was just one year after the incorporation of the village.
In 1970 a new Police Station, designed by Clarendon Hills resident and architect Albert T. Smithson Jr., was built just east of the Dunlop building. The improved facilities added much needed space including a fully functional firing range. Not only did the range provide training for the local officers but neighboring departments took advantage of the range as well.
The original Clarendon Hills Fire Station was a coach house that had been moved to its Burlington Avenue location from the Middaugh Estate located at Norfolk and Chicago Avenues. The first volunteer fire company was organized in 1924. Prior to the establishment of the Clarendon Hills Volunteer Fire Company the only means for fighting fires was by bucket brigade. The volunteer firefighters left to right, Leif Hullse, Paul Dressler, and Fire Chief Joe Pettee. Bottom left to right, Stanley Lemming, Ralph Kistler, Marty Olson, Alvin Kempf, and Joe Gilmartin.
The South Fire Station, built in 1962, is located at 316 Park Avenue. In a close vote the funds for the $60,000 station were appropriated. The building was designed by Clarendon Hills resident and architect Albert T. Smithson Jr. and built by Parlenbey Lumber and Construction Company. The new Fire Station was dedicated during Fire Prevention Week that October.
Peat bog fires plagued Clarendon Hills firefighters and other residents in the early days. The smoke caused eye irritation not to mention an offensive acrid odor. One such fire lasted for more than two years at the site of Prospect Park. The smoldering area was finally extinguished by a smothering snow fall. Once a fire started it was nearly impossible to bring it under control due to the nature of the peat bogs. The sun is barely visible through the haze.
A community water pump served faithfully until 1928. It was situated on Prospect Avenues’ east side, south of the tracks. There are tales that commuters would leave water buckets at the site in the morning. Returning in the evening, they would fill them and carry them home.
In 1954 the flood waters can be seen up to store door sills and car windows leaving little doubt as to the condition of the store basements. Damage to residential and commercial property was estimated at $50,000. On an October weekend, torrential rains poured 8-inches of water on the village. Major storm sewer work began after a $170,000 bond referendum passed.
The Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad was constructed in 1864, bisecting the Clarendon Hills area, which is 18.3 miles from Union Station in Chicago. The first village train station was erected near the Prospect Avenue crossing on the north side of the tracks. That structure was destroyed by fire. The station was replaced by this two-story building located on the south side of the tracks and it, too, was destroyed by fire in 1911.
During the 1950s the business district was expanded to include four new businesses on Walker Avenue. Included were Gingher’s Clarendon Foods. The grocery store was owned and operated by brothers Will and Bob Gingher. Adjoining the grocery store was the Village Bakery, Young’s dime store, and the Clarendon Pharmacy. The pharmacy was owned and operated by Robert Hawkins and Bob Schaus. Local resident Ervin J. Vesely developed the property.
In 1854 Henry C. Middaugh traveled west from New York state to Chicago. He became a gentleman farmer when he purchased 270 acres north of the railroad tracks. Described as honorable, industrious, and, wealthy, Middaugh’s business interests included the lumber and sash industry, banking, and, furniture manufacturing. He was a school director and for eight years a member of the DuPage County board of supervisors. The last four years as chairman.
This 1874 map is the original plat of Clarendon Hills. The plat located immediately west of Hinsdale, also indicates the Chicago Burlington and Quincy railroad which was built in 1864. The curvilinear streets fitting the contours of the terrain are characteristic of landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted.
In the late 1800s, a new sport was quickly conquering the hearts and minds of the American public. On October 15th, 1898, the Hinsdale Golf Club, located in Clarendon Hills, was chartered by the State of Illinois. This photograph is of the third club house after fire destroyed the previous two. The brick and stone Tudor style club house, built in 1923, was designed by architect R. Harold Zook.
About 1870 the original schoolhouse for Clarendon Hills was built on Walker Avenue. In the Atlas of DuPage County, printed in 1874, the schoolhouse is mentioned. Indicating that the building was more than a schoolhouse, the atlas states, “The Methodist of this place have a class formed of 25 members and occupy the schoolhouse for services.” The structure was destroyed by fire in 1887.