Mount Prospect Historical Society

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HS Board

History Crawl is Here Again!

Mount Prospect Historical Society Combines Old and New at Third Annual Downtown “History Crawl” along Prospect Avenue

The Mount Prospect Historical Society will hold its third annual “History Crawl” on Friday, August 10, from 5 to 10 p.m. Pre-sale tickets can now be reserved through the Society’s website at www.mtphist.org or by visiting the Society at 101 S. Maple Street. This year, the event will feature select businesses along Prospect Avenue, which will allow the event to be more concise and allow for more entertainment: “We felt that focusing on one area of the downtown would make the event more manageable and easier to walk for attendees than in years past. We will further be able to increase the presence of live entertainment. There is also an additional element of safety with less crosswalks and stops to navigate. What better place to start than along what was once known as ‘Railroad Avenue’? It was for many years the principal location for commerce in the Village,” stated Greg Peerbolte, the Society’s executive director.

Shopper's Center on Prospect Avenue, circa 1950
Mount Prospect “Shopper’s Center” on Prospect Avenue, circa 1950.

As in years past, the Crawl will showcase local businesses from the past and present, as well as discuss some of the area’s hidden history through the use of some colorful “characters” from Mount Prospect’s past. Some of these local stories may sound like the stuff of a Hollywood blockbuster: “Expect to hear stories ranging from a buried gold cache, reputed Mafia ties, haunted buildings, prohibition-era bootlegging and bank robberies,” Peerbolte said.

Social media is playing a more visible role in the event this year. The History Crawl is partnering with Facebook and Foursquare to give the event a tech savvy flair. “We’re excited to embrace new technology to promote this year’s History Crawl. With the use of Quick Response or ‘QR’ codes, tickets to the event can be purchased anywhere an event poster is hung using a smartphone. The event also has its own Facebook page in which updates and additions to the event can be easily announced. Additionally, Foursquare’s ‘check-in’ feature will allow attendees to show their Facebook friends where they are at the event in real time,” Peerbolte continued.

History Crawlers at Mrs. Pea and Me
A group of “crawlers” enjoy food, drink and a round of “Mount Prospect Trivia” at Mrs. P & Me at the 2011 Mount Prospect Historical Society’s Downtown History Crawl.

Crawl participants will also have an opportunity to wear Mount Prospect history home: “We are offering limited-edition, vintage style ‘Mother’s Pinball’ event t-shirts to participants for $12 with the purchase of an event ticket. Mother’s is one of Mount Prospect’s beloved institutions, housed in the general store building that is now home to Capannari’s Ice Cream,” Peerbolte commented.

All proceeds from the History Crawl will benefit the Society’s operating fund. The Crawl’s heretofore success has the Historical Society hoping that it will be a long-standing event: “The event’s immediate popularity was somewhat surprising,” remarked Peerbolte. “We drew over 100 attendees in our first year. At least three other historical agencies have contacted me for information on developing similar events in their respective communities. We really feel this event has the potential to become a mainstay both for the Historical Society as well as the community of Mount Prospect.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Peerbolte at the Mount Prospect Historical Society at 847/392-9006 or e-mail him at gtpeerbolte@mtphistory.org.

Saint John’s Episcopal Church

When was it founded: 1937-1938

Where is it located: 200 North Main Street

Has it moved: Yes

First Pastor or Priest: Father Hubbard (?)

History and interesting stories about the church:

The first service for Saint John’s Episcopal Church was held on April 24, 1938 with the blessing of then-Bishop Stewart of Chicago. For the twenty people who received communion that day, a drinking glass served as the chalice, a cream pitcher as the cruet, and a saucer as the paten. In 1939 with the gift of two lots by realtors Krause and Kehe, Saint John’s was able to purchase the Central School property and hold services there. Despite having financial difficulties, the church managed to survive through the community’s collective efforts and support.

In 1946, following the end of World War II and amid the suburban living boom, Saint John’s welcomed Father Dean Howard Ganster. Three years later, Thomas Chaffee was received into the church as its first resident Priest-in-Charge. However, it was not until 1953 that Saint John’s was formally recognized and invited into the Diocese as a parish. In that same year, a new place of worship was built and dedicated by Bishop Burrill. In 1955, following Father Chaffee’s resignation, the church experienced a “revolving-door” issue with its clergy. Robert Manning arrived in 1956 and left a year later; while, his replacement, Father Ehrgott remained a mere four years until 1962.

Between 1953 and 1961, Saint John’s lost and regained its status as a self-supporting parish church. This seems to have been due, in part, to being over extended financially with the construction of the new church and founding of the Sunday School and in part because of divisions within the congregation. These divisions seem to have come from Father Manning taking a high-church approach and parts of the congregation finding this too rigid and leaving to found St. Simon’s Episcopal Church in Arlington Heights.

 

Saint Emily’s Catholic Church

When was it founded: May 1960

Where is it located: 1400 East Central Road

Has it moved: No

First Pastor or Priest: John A. McLoraine

History and interesting stories about the church:

In 1960, Father John McLoraine organized a new parish in an area of Cook County that later became incorporated into Mount Prospect. Initially, 900 families joined St. Emily’s and celebrated Mass in the auditorium of Maryville Academy. Although without a permanent place of worship, the church supported the families’ pleas for a parish school, which opened in 1961. As if in direct correlation, as the church’s popularity increased, so did school enrollment and congregation size. Eventually, St. Emily’s officials recognized the need for the existence of permanent facilities. So in 1964, an activities hall was built, while construction on the main building began in 1969. After using various locations to perform Mass, St. Emily’s finally had a permanent one to accommodate each of its 1600 families with the building’s dedication on Mother’s Day in 1971. By 1988, more than seven thousand people attended a single Sunday Mass; while, the parish school boasted a higher academic rating than any other school in the area.

In addition to the traditional church services, St. Emily’s has been a haven for parish organizations. From the School Board and Athletic Association to the Women’s Club and various Scouting groups, organizations have found warmth and friendship inside the walls of St. Emily’s. The church has also made strides in reaching out to its outlying community through the initiation of anti-narcotic, anti-vandalism programs and Spanish-language Mass. In the case of the latter, in 1997, St. Emily’s was one of five parishes to introduce Spanish-language Mass to accommodate the nearly eleven thousand Hispanic Roman Catholics in Mount Prospect.