Archives for July 2012

Does MPHS have photographs: Yes

Address: Originally 4 Northwest Highway, later moved to 117 S. Emerson

Is building standing: Yes

What is at site: Empty

When was business founded: 1992

Is business still operating: No

If no, when did it close: 2003

Who owned business: Fred and Chris Adams

Interesting stories, facts, history:

Boston Coffee was named because of Fred Adams’ love of the TV show Cheers and his desire to make a coffee shop where people could gather and all the regulars would “know your name.” The shop was a landmark in downtown Mount Prospect for over a decade and in that time Fred and Chris did learn just about everyone’s name. For years, Boston Coffee roasted their own beans in house and brewed millions of cups of coffee. With more national chain coffee shops opening in the downtown and Fred and Chris having different plans, the shop closed in the spring of 2003. In the weeks before it closed, the regular customers came in and wrote down their memories, thanks and best wishes for Fred and Chris in a small book. A copy of this book is on file at the Mount Prospect Historical Society.

Does MPHS have photographs:  Yes

Address:  Originally 30 Busse, moved to 2 Pine

Is building standing: Yes

What is at site: Original site is a hair salon

When was business founded:  Circa 1924

Is business still operating: No

Who owned business: Lou Baldini

Interesting stories, facts, history:

In 1922 Adolph Wille, the owner and operator of Wille’s Tavern, was granted the first barber’s license in Mount Prospect. He put a barber’s chair in a small back room of the tavern and began offering hair cuts. Soon after, he found the business was doing well and needed more space. He built a small shop next to the saloon and brought in a professional barber, Lou Baldini. Soon, Baldini was an institution in town. He was in business into the 1960s and saw many changes in hair styles in his time.