Encyclopedia of Des Plaines - Recent changes [en]

The Suburban Times and the Beginning of Publishing in Des Plaines

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 21:03:02 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:03, 22 May 2026
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	Throughout the 1870s, Des Plaines was still establishing itself as a newly-incorporated Village, and the Village Trustees needed to do business with external agencies for posting notices of election, publishing ordinances, and printing forms and tickets. One of these agencies was the Palatine Herald, which is mentioned specifically in the Village minutes in 1874 as the publisher of a newspaper supplement containing the new Village ordinances.		Throughout the 1870s, Des Plaines was still establishing itself as a newly-incorporated Village, and the Village Trustees needed to do business with external agencies for posting notices of election, publishing ordinances, and printing forms and tickets. One of these agencies was the Palatine Herald, which is mentioned specifically in the Village minutes in 1874 as the publisher of a newspaper supplement containing the new Village ordinances.

	In 1874, F. W. Hoffman of Des Plaines became the first elected President of the Village Trustees. Hoffman served as President until 1875, and continued serving as Trustee for the following years: 1875-1878 and 1880-1881. In 1878, the Village paid Hoffman a small fee, $2.00, for printing services. Leaving the question of potential conflicts of interest for another occasion, we do not know exactly what type of printing services Hoffman offered. However, in the 1880 census for Des Plaines, Hoffman is identified humorously enough as both 'druggist & editor, Cook County Record'. Also, in April, 1881, the Village minutes show that a payment was made by the Village to the Cook County Record for a printing. The 1880 Des Plaines census also identifies C. E. Bennett [[(Chester Bennett)]] as a 'printer' and shows that he and Hoffman were neighbors.		In 1874, F. W. Hoffman of Des Plaines became the first elected President of the Village Trustees. Hoffman served as President until 1875, and continued serving as Trustee for the following years: 1875-1878 and 1880-1881. In 1878, the Village paid Hoffman a small fee, $2.00, for printing services. Leaving the question of potential conflicts of interest for another occasion, we do not know exactly what type of printing services Hoffman offered. However, in the 1880 census for Des Plaines, Hoffman is identified humorously enough as both 'druggist & editor, Cook County Record'. Also, in April, 1881, the Village minutes show that a payment was made by the Village to the Cook County Record for a printing. The 1880 Des Plaines census also identifies C. E. Bennett ([[Chester Bennett]]) as a 'printer' and shows that he and Hoffman were neighbors.

(Chester Bennett)

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 21:00:32 GMT

John Lavalie moved page (Chester Bennett) to Chester Bennett without leaving a redirect

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{{Bennett tree}}
[[Category:People buried at Town of Maine Cemetery]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Chester}}

(Chester Bennett)

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 21:00:17 GMT

Created page with "{{Bennett tree}} Category:People buried at Town of Maine Cemetery {{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Chester}}"

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{{Bennett tree}}
[[Category:People buried at Town of Maine Cemetery]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Chester}}

The Suburban Times and the Beginning of Publishing in Des Plaines

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:59:14 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:59, 22 May 2026
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	Throughout the 1870s, Des Plaines was still establishing itself as a newly-incorporated Village, and the Village Trustees needed to do business with external agencies for posting notices of election, publishing ordinances, and printing forms and tickets. One of these agencies was the Palatine Herald, which is mentioned specifically in the Village minutes in 1874 as the publisher of a newspaper supplement containing the new Village ordinances.		Throughout the 1870s, Des Plaines was still establishing itself as a newly-incorporated Village, and the Village Trustees needed to do business with external agencies for posting notices of election, publishing ordinances, and printing forms and tickets. One of these agencies was the Palatine Herald, which is mentioned specifically in the Village minutes in 1874 as the publisher of a newspaper supplement containing the new Village ordinances.

	In 1874, F. W. Hoffman of Des Plaines became the first elected President of the Village Trustees. Hoffman served as President until 1875, and continued serving as Trustee for the following years: 1875-1878 and 1880-1881. In 1878, the Village paid Hoffman a small fee, $2.00, for printing services. Leaving the question of potential conflicts of interest for another occasion, we do not know exactly what type of printing services Hoffman offered. However, in the 1880 census for Des Plaines, Hoffman is identified humorously enough as both 'druggist & editor, Cook County Record'. Also, in April, 1881, the Village minutes show that a payment was made by the Village to the Cook County Record for a printing. The 1880 Des Plaines census also identifies C. E. Bennett [Chester Bennett] as a 'printer' and shows that he and Hoffman were neighbors.		In 1874, F. W. Hoffman of Des Plaines became the first elected President of the Village Trustees. Hoffman served as President until 1875, and continued serving as Trustee for the following years: 1875-1878 and 1880-1881. In 1878, the Village paid Hoffman a small fee, $2.00, for printing services. Leaving the question of potential conflicts of interest for another occasion, we do not know exactly what type of printing services Hoffman offered. However, in the 1880 census for Des Plaines, Hoffman is identified humorously enough as both 'druggist & editor, Cook County Record'. Also, in April, 1881, the Village minutes show that a payment was made by the Village to the Cook County Record for a printing. The 1880 Des Plaines census also identifies C. E. Bennett [[(Chester Bennett)]] as a 'printer' and shows that he and Hoffman were neighbors.

Template:Bennett tree

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:57:29 GMT

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	{{chart top\|~~Bennettfamily~~\|background=yellow}}		{{chart top\|Bennett family\|background=yellow}}
	{{Tree chart/start\|align=center}}		{{Tree chart/start\|align=center}}
	{{tree chart\|FW\|v\|EJ\|\|CB\|v\|AT\| FW = [[Franklin Whitcomb\|Franklin Whitcomb<br />(1830-1909)]] \| EJ = Elizabeth Jones<br />(1832-1900) \| CB = [[Chester Bennett\|Chester E.<br />Bennett<br />(1835-1916)]] \| AT = Adelia Thomas<br />(1842-1899)}}		{{tree chart\|FW\|v\|EJ\|\|CB\|v\|AT\| FW = [[Franklin Whitcomb\|Franklin Whitcomb<br />(1830-1909)]] \| EJ = Elizabeth Jones<br />(1832-1900) \| CB = [[Chester Bennett\|Chester E.<br />Bennett<br />(1835-1916)]] \| AT = Adelia Thomas<br />(1842-1899)}}

Harry T. Bennett

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:57:07 GMT

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	[[File:Bennett Place.jpg\|frameless\|right\|450px]]		[[File:Bennett Place.jpg\|frameless\|right\|450px]]
	'''Harry Thomas Bennett''' (1870-1949) was [[List of mayors\|village president]] from 1923 to 1925. Bennett Place is named for him.		'''Harry Thomas Bennett''' (1870-1949) was [[List of mayors\|village president]] from 1923 to 1925. Bennett Place is named for him.
			{{Bennett tree}}
	{{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Harry T.}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Harry T.}}
	[[Category:Politicians]]		[[Category:Politicians]]

Franklin Whitcomb

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:56:58 GMT

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	'''Franklin Whitcomb''' (1830-1909) was [[List of mayors\|village president]] in 1874. Whitcomb Avenue is named for him.		'''Franklin Whitcomb''' (1830-1909) was [[List of mayors\|village president]] in 1874. Whitcomb Avenue is named for him.
	{{DEFAULTSORT:Whitcomb, Franklin}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Whitcomb, Franklin}}
			{{Bennett tree}}
	[[Category:Politicians]]		[[Category:Politicians]]
	[[Category:People buried at Town of Maine Cemetery]]		[[Category:People buried at Town of Maine Cemetery]]

Template:Bennett tree

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:56:34 GMT

Created page with "{{chart top|Bennettfamily|background=yellow}} {{Tree chart/start|align=center}} {{tree chart|FW|v|EJ||CB|v|AT| FW = Franklin Whitcomb (1830-1909) | EJ = Elizabeth Jones (1832-1900) | CB = Chester E. Bennett (1835-1916) | AT = Adelia Thomas (1842-1899)}} {{tree chart||||`|.||||,|-|-|'}} {{tree chart||||EW|-|HB | EW = Elda Whitcomb (1871-1945) | HB = Harry T. Bennett|Harry Thomas Bennett<br..."

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{{chart top|Bennettfamily|background=yellow}}
{{Tree chart/start|align=center}}
{{tree chart|FW|v|EJ||CB|v|AT| FW = [[Franklin Whitcomb|Franklin Whitcomb (1830-1909)]] | EJ = Elizabeth Jones (1832-1900) | CB = [[Chester Bennett|Chester E. Bennett (1835-1916)]] | AT = Adelia Thomas (1842-1899)}}
{{tree chart||||`|.||||,|-|-|'}}
{{tree chart||||EW|-|HB | EW = Elda Whitcomb (1871-1945) | HB = [[Harry T. Bennett|Harry Thomas Bennett (1870-1949)]]}}
{{Tree chart/end}}
{{omit}}
{{chart bottom}}
<noinclude>[[Category:Family trees]]</noinclude>

The Suburban Times and the Beginning of Publishing in Des Plaines

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:41:35 GMT

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	'''The Suburban Times, circa 1891 - 1923, David J. Gillespie, Publisher'''		'''The Suburban Times, circa 1891 - 1923, David J. Gillespie, Publisher'''
			[[file:P26-1.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|The Suburban Times building (right) and Gillespie's house (left) stood in downtown Des Plaines at the location 1488 Miner. According to Charles Frisbie, who also worked for the printer when he was younger, the Times building had a green metal exterior. In 1913, Gillespie replaced this building with a new one at the same location, a two-story structure with Tudor-revival design.]]
			[[File:P3685-1.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|Printers Frank Slama and Herman Gaede are shown operating a printing press manufactured by C. Potter Jr. & Co. Both men worked for Gillespie at the Des Plaines Suburban Times.]]
	Various newspaper anniversary articles give credit to Frank Sodt for purchasing the newspaper in 1892 and changing the name to Suburban Times in 1895. However, the earliest primary source reference to the name Suburban Times that we have is in the Des Plaines Village minutes, under a list of bills recorded in 1891. Other unresolved discrepancies concerning names and dates appear throughout the anniversary articles relating to this period of time.		Various newspaper anniversary articles give credit to Frank Sodt for purchasing the newspaper in 1892 and changing the name to Suburban Times in 1895. However, the earliest primary source reference to the name Suburban Times that we have is in the Des Plaines Village minutes, under a list of bills recorded in 1891. Other unresolved discrepancies concerning names and dates appear throughout the anniversary articles relating to this period of time.
	The earliest original issue of The Suburban Times in the DPHS collection is dated July 25, 1896, C. E. Bennett as Local Editor, publisher identified as "F. Salter" (Frank Salter, a Chicago printer).		The earliest original issue of The Suburban Times in the DPHS collection is dated July 25, 1896, C. E. Bennett as Local Editor, publisher identified as "F. Salter" (Frank Salter, a Chicago printer).

	By 1897, David J. Gillespie, a native of Richmond, Illinois, who trained as a printer in Iowa, had moved to Des Plaines and purchased the Suburban Times. Gillespie printed the newspaper from a small building on Miner Street.		By 1897, David J. Gillespie, a native of Richmond, Illinois, who trained as a printer in Iowa, had moved to Des Plaines and purchased the Suburban Times. Gillespie printed the newspaper from a small building on Miner Street.


	~~[photo caption: Printers Frank Slama and Herman Gaede are shown operating a printing press manufactured by C. Potter Jr. & Co. Both men worked for Gillespie at the Des Plaines Suburban Times. ]~~


	[Identified in this photo are: 'printer's devils' (apprentices) Walter Brasel and Fred Fulle, owner and publisher David J. Gillespie (and his dog), Robert Reudy, Ed Gage, Ed Fritz, and Richart Weidenmiller. (in what order?)]


	The Suburban Times building (right) and Gillespie's house (left) stood in downtown Des Plaines at the location 1488 Miner. According to Charles Frisbie, who also worked for the printer when he was younger, the Times building had a green metal exterior. In 1913, Gillespie replaced this building with a new one at the same location, a two-story structure with Tudor-revival design.

	The August 31, 1923, issue of the The Des Plaines Suburban Times, announced the sale of the paper to Fulle & Gaede ["Newspapers and Job Printing Plant was Sold This Week"] on the front page, showing photos of new partners Fred O. Fulle and Herman E. Gaede. Both had trained as apprentices, also known as "printer's devils", under the ownership of Gillespie. The transition in ownership included the Park Ridge Herald as well as the Suburban Times. The new name of the publisher would be The Des Plaines Publishing Company. The new owners retained the former publisher's widow Sarah Gillespie "who has been at the head of the business during the past years" on the newspaper staff, as well as several others who had been working for the newspaper.		The August 31, 1923, issue of the The Des Plaines Suburban Times, announced the sale of the paper to Fulle & Gaede ["Newspapers and Job Printing Plant was Sold This Week"] on the front page, showing photos of new partners Fred O. Fulle and Herman E. Gaede. Both had trained as apprentices, also known as "printer's devils", under the ownership of Gillespie. The transition in ownership included the Park Ridge Herald as well as the Suburban Times. The new name of the publisher would be The Des Plaines Publishing Company. The new owners retained the former publisher's widow Sarah Gillespie "who has been at the head of the business during the past years" on the newspaper staff, as well as several others who had been working for the newspaper.
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	'''The Suburban Times, 1923 - 1983, The Des Plaines Publishing Company'''		'''The Suburban Times, 1923 - 1983, The Des Plaines Publishing Company'''
			[[file:Label-1.jpg\|frameless\|right\|450px]]
	~~First location of the Des Plaines Publishing Co~~.~~, {{LinkToMap~~\|~~729 Pearson Street}} (later {{LinkToMap~~\|~~777 Pearson Street}}), opened when [[Fred Fulle~~]] ~~purchased the Suburban Times from Sarah Gillespie, following the death of David J. Gillespie in 1923. This building stood next to the telephone building on Pearson until 1979.~~

	~~A label from the publishing company, circa 1945.~~

	The Publishing Company continued to operate from the small building on Pearson street until a new building was constructed at 1000 Executive Way in 1967. During the company's move from one building to the other, an accident occurred destroying a large collection of back issues of the Suburban Times. A managing editor for the company later wrote,		The Publishing Company continued to operate from the small building on Pearson street until a new building was constructed at 1000 Executive Way in 1967. During the company's move from one building to the other, an accident occurred destroying a large collection of back issues of the Suburban Times. A managing editor for the company later wrote,
	<blockquote>"our newspaper library has been greatly reduced by accidents that took place several years ago. I am told that about 35 years worth of issues were destroyed when we moved from our old office on Pearson Street to our present location at 1000 Executive Way. The truck that was moving the newspapers overturned and there was a small fire. About 40 more years of newspapers were destroyed when an overhead water pipe broke in our library. As a result, our collection of back issues is very incomplete."</blockquote>		<blockquote>"our newspaper library has been greatly reduced by accidents that took place several years ago. I am told that about 35 years worth of issues were destroyed when we moved from our old office on Pearson Street to our present location at 1000 Executive Way. The truck that was moving the newspapers overturned and there was a small fire. About 40 more years of newspapers were destroyed when an overhead water pipe broke in our library. As a result, our collection of back issues is very incomplete."</blockquote>

	A part of the Suburban Times' long history has been preserved on microfilm. Unfortunately, the newspaper's first three decades were not microfilmed, leaving us with only a fragmented record of this period of Des Plaines history.		A part of the Suburban Times' long history has been preserved on microfilm. Unfortunately, the newspaper's first three decades were not microfilmed, leaving us with only a fragmented record of this period of Des Plaines history.
			[[File:P6044-1.jpg\|thumb\|left\|400px\|First location of the Des Plaines Publishing Co., {{LinkToMap\|729 Pearson Street}} (later {{LinkToMap\|777 Pearson Street}}), opened when [[Fred Fulle]] purchased the Suburban Times from Sarah Gillespie, following the death of David J. Gillespie in 1923. This building stood next to the telephone building on Pearson until 1979.]]
			[[Category:Media]]
			{{DEFAULTSORT:Suburban Times and the Beginning of Publishing in Des Plaines}}

File:P6044-1.jpg

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:35:49 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:P6044-1.jpg Category:Photographs

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== Summary ==
[[Category:Photographs]]

File:P3685-1.jpg

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:33:43 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:P3685-1.jpg Category:Photographs

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== Summary ==
[[Category:Photographs]]

File:P26-1.jpg

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:31:02 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:P26-1.jpg Category:Photographs

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== Summary ==
[[Category:Photographs]]

File:Label-1.jpg

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:28:22 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:Label-1.jpg

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The Suburban Times and the Beginning of Publishing in Des Plaines

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:41:05 GMT

Created page with "<center>'''The Suburban Times and the Beginning of Publishing in Des Plaines'''</center> <center>written by Shari Caine, 2009</center> Recently, Glenview-based Pioneer Press announced it would be reducing operations due to current economic difficulties. Among the cuts was what has been designated as Des Plaines' oldest newspaper, the Des Plaines Times, previously known as the Suburban Times. The final issue was published on January 15, 2009. The loss of the pa..."

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<center>'''The Suburban Times and the Beginning of Publishing in Des Plaines'''</center>
<center>written by [[Shari Caine]], 2009</center>

Recently, Glenview-based Pioneer Press announced it would be reducing operations due to current economic difficulties. Among the cuts was what has been designated as Des Plaines' oldest newspaper, the Des Plaines Times, previously known as the Suburban Times. The final issue was published on January 15, 2009. The loss of the paper prompted this brief overview of the past newspaper history in Des Plaines.

The history of the paper is long and complex, considering the many changes it endured over the last several decades. Like many older institutions, the beginnings of the newspaper are a bit unclear. Without adequate primary sources, we are unable to confirm many of the details that have been presented over the years as part of the newspaper's history.

A brief synopsis of the history, as described by the Des Plaines Publishing Company in its 1985 anniversary publication, follows:

<blockquote>"What was to become the Des Plaines Publishing Copmany and Suburban Times was founded in 1885 by William Earle. He published a paper called the Cook County Record."</blockquote>

The article continues to elaborate on the various changes in ownership and newspaper names that ensued over the years to come. Rather than reprinting all the details here, we welcome anyone who is interested in the newspaper's history to visit the History Center and read the articles we have on file under "Des Plaines Publishing Company".

'''Cook County Record'''

The Cook County Record is rather mysterious, because we know so little about it. According to the Des Plaines Publishing Company (DPPC), the newspaper was owned by William Earle. Various anniversary articles by DPPC refer to the Record as the earliest predecessor to the Suburban Times. It is not clear who William Earle was, or where he lived. We presently have no records indicating that Earle lived in Des Plaines, though that does not prove he was not here. A look at the 1880 census shows two different William Earles in Cook County, both living in Chicago. One was the two-year old son of a medical doctor. The other was a 14-year old boy, living with his mother.

A search for the Cook County Record yielded no results. The Illinois Newspaper Project, a survey of the state's newspaper collections, does not have the Cook County Record listed among the other publications in its database, although it does show that several other newspapers in Cook County have had the name Record in the title.
Other newspapers in the northwestern part of Cook County were published as early as the 1870s. Using the Illinois Newspaper Project database, we can find records on the Palatine Herald and The Cook County Chronicle in Arlington Heights. By contrast, Chicago had its first newspaper, the Chicago Democrat, in 1833; by 1850, Chicago had at least 15 newspapers; and by 1875, that number had increased to at least 100 publications, indicating that the availability of printing presses was certainly an urban advantage. Neighboring McHenry County, a largely rural county at the time, had no less than 21 papers in the latter half of the 19th century.

'''Village of Des Plaines'''

The early beginnings of the newspaper in Des Plaines coincide with the development of the Village government. The history between the two is inextricably linked, as two of the paper's earliest editors also both served as Trustees for the Village at various times.

Throughout the 1870s, Des Plaines was still establishing itself as a newly-incorporated Village, and the Village Trustees needed to do business with external agencies for posting notices of election, publishing ordinances, and printing forms and tickets. One of these agencies was the Palatine Herald, which is mentioned specifically in the Village minutes in 1874 as the publisher of a newspaper supplement containing the new Village ordinances.

In 1874, F. W. Hoffman of Des Plaines became the first elected President of the Village Trustees. Hoffman served as President until 1875, and continued serving as Trustee for the following years: 1875-1878 and 1880-1881. In 1878, the Village paid Hoffman a small fee, $2.00, for printing services. Leaving the question of potential conflicts of interest for another occasion, we do not know exactly what type of printing services Hoffman offered. However, in the 1880 census for Des Plaines, Hoffman is identified humorously enough as both 'druggist & editor, Cook County Record'. Also, in April, 1881, the Village minutes show that a payment was made by the Village to the Cook County Record for a printing. The 1880 Des Plaines census also identifies C. E. Bennett [Chester Bennett] as a 'printer' and shows that he and Hoffman were neighbors.

'''Des Plaines News and Suburban Times'''

Several anniversary articles printed by the Des Plaines Publishing Company refer to a newspaper called the Des Plaines News, and place it in the line-up of publications that preceded the Suburban Times.

There are three original issues of the Des Plaines News in the History Center's archives, from the years 1888 and 1895. There are also 12 issues preserved on microfilm from the years 1891 through 1893. In addition to this, an article in the Chicago Daily Tribune published in 1897 mentions the Des Plaines News, providing an even later date for this publication. While the Des Plaines Publishing Company repeatedly suggested that the News was the immediate predecessor to the Suburban Times, there is evidence to suggest that the two papers were being published simultaneously:

#known dates for the publication of the Des Plaines News are 1885-1897
#known dates for the publication of the Suburban Times are 1891-1983
#an issue of the Suburban Times published July 25, 1896, mentions the Des Plaines News:

<blockquote>"E. D. Scott is building an addition to his cider and sorghum factory. The lower story will be used as an office and warehouse, and the upper story will be fitted up for the use of the Des Plaines News."</blockquote>

The overlapping dates of the two publications, from 1891 to 1897, is clear, based on the information we have. Since the Des Plaines Publishing Company claimed the News as a part of its history, it seems possible that the two papers were originally separate publications that later merged into one newspaper, under the name Suburban Times. Unfortunately, we have no records that tell us what actually took place.

'''C. E. Bennett, Editor'''

Chester Bennett worked as newspaper editor in Des Plaines for many years. The Bennett family moved to Des Plaines in 1872 from McHenry County. Bennett was also an active Village Trustee in 1874, 1876, 1882, and 1883, in addition to teaching school and working as a music director for a local church. An undated newspaper clipping (circa 1892) found in the Bennett family files at the History Center reported that:
<blockquote>"Chester E. Bennett has for twenty years been connected with various newspapers of Cook County. He is now with the Des Plaines News as correspondent editor and advertising and subscription agent, and has been prominently identified with official circles in this vicinity."</blockquote>

'''The Suburban Times, circa 1891 - 1923, David J. Gillespie, Publisher'''

Various newspaper anniversary articles give credit to Frank Sodt for purchasing the newspaper in 1892 and changing the name to Suburban Times in 1895. However, the earliest primary source reference to the name Suburban Times that we have is in the Des Plaines Village minutes, under a list of bills recorded in 1891. Other unresolved discrepancies concerning names and dates appear throughout the anniversary articles relating to this period of time.
The earliest original issue of The Suburban Times in the DPHS collection is dated July 25, 1896, C. E. Bennett as Local Editor, publisher identified as "F. Salter" (Frank Salter, a Chicago printer).

By 1897, David J. Gillespie, a native of Richmond, Illinois, who trained as a printer in Iowa, had moved to Des Plaines and purchased the Suburban Times. Gillespie printed the newspaper from a small building on Miner Street.

[photo caption: Printers Frank Slama and Herman Gaede are shown operating a printing press manufactured by C. Potter Jr. & Co. Both men worked for Gillespie at the Des Plaines Suburban Times. ]

[Identified in this photo are: 'printer's devils' (apprentices) Walter Brasel and Fred Fulle, owner and publisher David J. Gillespie (and his dog), Robert Reudy, Ed Gage, Ed Fritz, and Richart Weidenmiller. (in what order?)]

The Suburban Times building (right) and Gillespie's house (left) stood in downtown Des Plaines at the location 1488 Miner. According to Charles Frisbie, who also worked for the printer when he was younger, the Times building had a green metal exterior. In 1913, Gillespie replaced this building with a new one at the same location, a two-story structure with Tudor-revival design.

The August 31, 1923, issue of the The Des Plaines Suburban Times, announced the sale of the paper to Fulle & Gaede ["Newspapers and Job Printing Plant was Sold This Week"] on the front page, showing photos of new partners Fred O. Fulle and Herman E. Gaede. Both had trained as apprentices, also known as "printer's devils", under the ownership of Gillespie. The transition in ownership included the Park Ridge Herald as well as the Suburban Times. The new name of the publisher would be The Des Plaines Publishing Company. The new owners retained the former publisher's widow Sarah Gillespie "who has been at the head of the business during the past years" on the newspaper staff, as well as several others who had been working for the newspaper.

'''The Suburban Times, 1923 - 1983, The Des Plaines Publishing Company'''

First location of the Des Plaines Publishing Co., {{LinkToMap|729 Pearson Street}} (later {{LinkToMap|777 Pearson Street}}), opened when [[Fred Fulle]] purchased the Suburban Times from Sarah Gillespie, following the death of David J. Gillespie in 1923. This building stood next to the telephone building on Pearson until 1979.

A label from the publishing company, circa 1945.

The Publishing Company continued to operate from the small building on Pearson street until a new building was constructed at 1000 Executive Way in 1967. During the company's move from one building to the other, an accident occurred destroying a large collection of back issues of the Suburban Times. A managing editor for the company later wrote,
<blockquote>"our newspaper library has been greatly reduced by accidents that took place several years ago. I am told that about 35 years worth of issues were destroyed when we moved from our old office on Pearson Street to our present location at 1000 Executive Way. The truck that was moving the newspapers overturned and there was a small fire. About 40 more years of newspapers were destroyed when an overhead water pipe broke in our library. As a result, our collection of back issues is very incomplete."</blockquote>

A part of the Suburban Times' long history has been preserved on microfilm. Unfortunately, the newspaper's first three decades were not microfilmed, leaving us with only a fragmented record of this period of Des Plaines history.

Category:Brown Street

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:24:10 GMT

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			[[file:Brown Street.jpg\|frameless\|right\|450px]]
			'''Brown Street''' was named after Ira J. Brown.
	[[Category:Streets and roads]]		[[Category:Streets and roads]]

File:Brown Street.jpg

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:21:37 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:Brown Street.jpg Category:Street signs

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== Summary ==
[[Category:Street signs]]

John Burke

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 17:58:40 GMT

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	'''John Burke''' (1940-2024) was a member of the library board from 1995 to 2003. He was president of the Historical Society's board of directors and president of the [[Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines\|Kiwanis Club]].		[[file:Library's 90th.png\|thumb\|right\|350px\|screenshot from the library's 90th anniversary celebration]]
			'''John Burke''' (1940-2024) was a member of the library board from 1995 to 2003. He was president of the Historical Society's board of directors and president of the [[Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines\|Kiwanis Club]].{{clear}}
	==WTTW idents with John Burke and family==		==WTTW idents with John Burke and family==
	{{image table		{{image table

File:Vlcsnap-2026-05-22-12h54m46s213.png

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 17:57:45 GMT

John Lavalie moved page File:Vlcsnap-2026-05-22-12h54m46s213.png to File:Library's 90th.png without leaving a redirect

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== Summary ==
Screenshot from the library's 90th anniversary celebration
[[Category:Screenshots]]

File:Vlcsnap-2026-05-22-12h54m46s213.png

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 17:57:19 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:Vlcsnap-2026-05-22-12h54m46s213.png Screenshot from the library's 90th anniversary celebration Category:Screenshots

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== Summary ==
Screenshot from the library's 90th anniversary celebration
[[Category:Screenshots]]

Kinder Industrial Supply

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 14:45:33 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:45, 22 May 2026
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	'''Kinder Industrial Supply''' was a hardware store at {{LinkToMap\|1545 Ellinwood Street}}. It opened as '''Kinder's Hardware''' at {{LinkToMap\|1516 Miner Street}}. It moved to its own building on Ellinwood in 1881.		'''Kinder Industrial Supply''' was a hardware store at {{LinkToMap\|1545 Ellinwood Street}}. It opened as '''Kinder's Hardware''' at {{LinkToMap\|1516 Miner Street}} in 1872. It moved to its own building on Ellinwood in 1881.

	The store was founded by [[Benjamin F. Kinder, Sr.]]		The store was founded by [[Benjamin F. Kinder, Sr.]]

General Telephone Directory Company

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 14:39:51 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:39, 22 May 2026
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	The worldwide headquarters of '''General Telephone Directory Company''' was at {{LinkToMap\|1825 Miner Street}}. The printing plant was built in 1952.		The worldwide headquarters of '''General Telephone Directory Company''' was at {{LinkToMap\|1825 Miner Street}}. The company was founded in 1926 as the Tel-Ad Publishing Company. It was renamed in 1936. The printing plant was built in 1952.
	{{image table		{{image table
	\|[[File:General Telephone Directory 1975.jpg\|thumb\|left\|450px\|1975 advertisement]]		\|[[File:General Telephone Directory 1975.jpg\|thumb\|left\|450px\|1975 advertisement]]

Van's Artists/Designers Supplies & Equipment

John Lavalie — Fri, 22 May 2026 14:28:07 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:28, 22 May 2026
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	'''Van's Artists/Designers Supplies & Equipment''' was at {{LinkToMap\|1290 Northwest Highway}}.		'''Van's Artists/Designers Supplies & Equipment''' was at {{LinkToMap\|1290 Northwest Highway}}. It was founded by Richard Van in 1950.
	[[File:Van's Artists 1981.jpg\|thumb\|left\|450px\|1981 advertisement]]		[[File:Van's Artists 1981.jpg\|thumb\|left\|450px\|1981 advertisement]]
	[[Category:Businesses]]		[[Category:Businesses]]
	[[Category:Northwest Highway]]		[[Category:Northwest Highway]]

Category:Arts and entertainment

John Lavalie — Thu, 21 May 2026 19:46:05 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:46, 21 May 2026
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			[[File:1984 lumber jack show.jpg\|thumb\|right\|450px\|1984 advertisement]]
	[[Category:Articles]]		[[Category:Articles]]

File:1984 lumber jack show.jpg

John Lavalie — Thu, 21 May 2026 19:45:33 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:1984 lumber jack show.jpg 1984 advertisement Category:Advertisements

New page

== Summary ==
1984 advertisement
[[Category:Advertisements]]

Category:Ashland Avenue

John Lavalie — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:47:17 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:47, 21 May 2026
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			[[file:Ashland Avenue.jpg\|frameless\|right\|450px]]
	[[Category:Streets and roads]]		[[Category:Streets and roads]]

File:Ashland Avenue.jpg

John Lavalie — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:46:41 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:Ashland Avenue.jpg Category:Street signs

New page

== Summary ==
[[Category:Street signs]]

Martha Atherton

John Lavalie — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:24:51 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:24, 21 May 2026
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			[[file:Martha Atherton.jpg\|thumb\|right\|450px\|1984 photograph]]
	'''Martha Alsen Atherton''' (1928-2020) was treasurer of [[Raco Industrial Corporation and Atherton Machinery]]. She was the first woman president of the [[Chamber of Commerce]].		'''Martha Alsen Atherton''' (1928-2020) was treasurer of [[Raco Industrial Corporation and Atherton Machinery]]. She was the first woman president of the [[Chamber of Commerce]].
	[[Category:People associated with the Chamber of Commerce]]		[[Category:People associated with the Chamber of Commerce]]
	{{DEFAULTSORT:Atherton, Martha}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Atherton, Martha}}

File:Martha Atherton.jpg

John Lavalie — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:24:12 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:Martha Atherton.jpg 1984 Suburban Times photo by Joyce Diebel Category:Photographs

New page

== Summary ==
1984 Suburban Times photo by Joyce Diebel
[[Category:Photographs]]

Atherton Machinery

John Lavalie — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:21:58 GMT

Redirected page to Raco Industrial Corporation and Atherton Machinery

New page

#REDIRECT [[Raco Industrial Corporation and Atherton Machinery]]
[[Category:Businesses]]

Raco Industrial Corporation and Atherton Machinery

John Lavalie — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:21:32 GMT

Created page with "'''Raco Industrial Corporation and Atherton Machinery''' were at {{LinkToMap|2100 S. Wolf Road}}. thumb|left|450px|1975 advertisement Category:Businesses Category:Wolf Road"

New page

'''Raco Industrial Corporation and Atherton Machinery''' were at {{LinkToMap|2100 S. Wolf Road}}.
[[File:Raco Atherton.jpg|thumb|left|450px|1975 advertisement]]
[[Category:Businesses]]
[[Category:Wolf Road]]

Martha Atherton

John Lavalie — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:20:36 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:20, 21 May 2026
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	'''Martha Alsen Atherton''' (1928-2020) was treasurer of Raco Industrial Corporation and Atherton Machinery. She was the first woman president of the [[Chamber of Commerce]].		'''Martha Alsen Atherton''' (1928-2020) was treasurer of [[Raco Industrial Corporation and Atherton Machinery]]. She was the first woman president of the [[Chamber of Commerce]].
	[[Category:People associated with the Chamber of Commerce]]		[[Category:People associated with the Chamber of Commerce]]
	{{DEFAULTSORT:Atherton, Martha}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Atherton, Martha}}

File:Raco Atherton.jpg

John Lavalie — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:20:22 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:Raco Atherton.jpg 1975 advertisement Category:Advertisements

New page

== Summary ==
1975 advertisement
[[Category:Advertisements]]

Martha Atherton

John Lavalie — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:19:09 GMT

Created page with "'''Martha Alsen Atherton''' (1928-2020) was treasurer of Raco Industrial Corporation and Atherton Machinery. She was the first woman president of the Chamber of Commerce. Category:People associated with the Chamber of Commerce {{DEFAULTSORT:Atherton, Martha}}"

New page

'''Martha Alsen Atherton''' (1928-2020) was treasurer of Raco Industrial Corporation and Atherton Machinery. She was the first woman president of the [[Chamber of Commerce]].
[[Category:People associated with the Chamber of Commerce]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Atherton, Martha}}

Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry presidents

John Lavalie — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:16:05 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:16, 21 May 2026
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	\| 1983 \|\| Bill Haeger, Jr.		\| 1983 \|\| Bill Haeger, Jr.
	\|-		\|-
	\| 1984 \|\| Martha Atherton		\| 1984 \|\| [[Martha Atherton]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| 1985 \|\| Daniel Dowd		\| 1985 \|\| Daniel Dowd

Park Place

John Lavalie — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:09:06 GMT

Created page with "*Park Place (condominium) *Park Place (road)"

New page

*[[Park Place (condominium)]]
*[[Park Place (road)]]

Park Place (road)

John Lavalie — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:08:12 GMT

Redirected page to Category:Metropolitan Square

New page

#REDIRECT [[Category:Metropolitan Square]]
[[Category:Streets and roads]]

Brown Street

John Lavalie — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:06:22 GMT

Redirected page to Category:Brown Street

New page

#REDIRECT [[Category:Brown Street]]

Category:Brown Street

John Lavalie — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:06:07 GMT

Removed redirect to Category:Brown Street

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:06, 20 May 2026
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	~~#REDIRECT~~ [[Category:~~Brown Street~~]]		[[Category:Streets and roads]]

Category:Brown Street

John Lavalie — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:05:24 GMT

Redirected page to Category:Brown Street

New page

#REDIRECT [[Category:Brown Street]]

Park Place (condominium)

John Lavalie — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:05:06 GMT

Created page with "'''Park Place''' is a condominum at {{LinkToMap|1327 Brown Street}}. It was built in 2000 by R. Franczak & Associates.<ref>Des Plaines Journal, May 31, 2000, p. 11C</ref> ==References== <references /> Category:Homes Category:Brown Street"

New page

'''Park Place''' is a condominum at {{LinkToMap|1327 Brown Street}}. It was built in 2000 by R. Franczak & Associates.<ref>Des Plaines Journal, May 31, 2000, p. 11C</ref>
==References==
<references />
[[Category:Homes]]
[[Category:Brown Street]]

Van's TV Sales & Service

John Lavalie — Mon, 18 May 2026 19:39:32 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:39, 18 May 2026
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	\|[[File:Van's TV 1991.jpg\|thumb\|left\|450px\|1991 advertisement]]		\|[[File:Van's TV 1991.jpg\|thumb\|left\|450px\|1991 advertisement]]
	}}		}}
			[[File:Van's TV Sales & Service 1963.jpg\|thumb\|left\|650px\|1963 advertisement]]
	[[Category:Businesses]]		[[Category:Businesses]]
	[[Category:Oakton Street]]		[[Category:Oakton Street]]

File:Van's TV Sales & Service 1963.jpg

John Lavalie — Mon, 18 May 2026 19:38:59 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:Van's TV Sales & Service 1963.jpg 1963 advertisement Category:Advertisements

New page

== Summary ==
1963 advertisement
[[Category:Advertisements]]

Van's Paint & Art Supplies

John Lavalie — Mon, 18 May 2026 19:35:47 GMT

Created page with "'''Van's Paint & Art Supplies''' was at {{LinkToMap|1293 Oakwood Avenue}}. thumb|left|650px|1963 advertisement Category:Businesses Category:Oakwood Avenue"

New page

'''Van's Paint & Art Supplies''' was at {{LinkToMap|1293 Oakwood Avenue}}.
[[File:Van's Paint & Art Supply 1963.jpg|thumb|left|650px|1963 advertisement]]
[[Category:Businesses]]
[[Category:Oakwood Avenue]]

File:Van's Paint & Art Supply 1963.jpg

John Lavalie — Mon, 18 May 2026 19:34:50 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:Van's Paint & Art Supply 1963.jpg 1963 advertisement Category:Advertisements

New page

== Summary ==
1963 advertisement
[[Category:Advertisements]]

Foremost Liquors

John Lavalie — Mon, 18 May 2026 19:26:42 GMT

Created page with "'''Foremost Liquors''' is at {{LinkToMap|1141 Lee Street}}. Former locations were at {{LinkToMap|1468 Lee Street}} and {{LinkToMap|1128 Lee Street}}. thumb|left|650px|1978 advertisement Category:Businesses Category:Lee Street"

New page

'''Foremost Liquors''' is at {{LinkToMap|1141 Lee Street}}. Former locations were at {{LinkToMap|1468 Lee Street}} and {{LinkToMap|1128 Lee Street}}.
[[File:Foremost Liquor Stores 1978.jpg|thumb|left|650px|1978 advertisement]]
[[Category:Businesses]]
[[Category:Lee Street]]

File:Foremost Liquor Stores 1978.jpg

John Lavalie — Mon, 18 May 2026 19:19:59 GMT

John Lavalie uploaded File:Foremost Liquor Stores 1978.jpg 1978 advertisement Category:Advertisements

New page

== Summary ==
1978 advertisement
[[Category:Advertisements]]

Des Plaines Auto & Truck Service

John Lavalie — Mon, 18 May 2026 19:13:28 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:13, 18 May 2026
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	'''Des Plaines Auto & Truck Service''' was at {{LinkToMap\|1900 W. Touhy}}.		'''Des Plaines Auto & Truck Service''' was at {{LinkToMap\|1900 E. Touhy Avenue\|1900 W. Touhy Avenue}}.
	[[File:Des Plaines Auto & Truck Service 1966.jpg\|thumb\|left\|650px\|1966 advertisement]]		[[File:Des Plaines Auto & Truck Service 1966.jpg\|thumb\|left\|650px\|1966 advertisement]]
	[[Category:Service stations]]		[[Category:Service stations]]
	[[Category:Touhy Avenue]]		[[Category:Touhy Avenue]]