HS Board

Does MPHS have photographs: No

Address: Corner of 83 and Rand

Is building standing: No

What is at site: Osco Pharmacy

When was business founded: Unknown

Is business still operating: No. Closed circa 1969

Who owned business: Jack Gunnell

Interesting stories, facts, history:

Gunnell’s Restaurant is an interesting business mostly because of what is not known about it. Many people who lived in Mount Prospect remember it and have given a few descriptions. According to some people’s recollections, it may have been there as far back as the early 1930s. This would be quite amazing, since it would have been in the middle of farms fields, in unincorporated Cook County, without a neighbor for a couple of miles. Supposedly, the building was a two story frame building with two large bay windows on the front and was quite attractive. Reportedly there was a bowling alley, as well as a restaurant in the building and gas pumps out side. We know where it was and we have heard a number of descriptions of it, but so far, not a single photograph or piece of memorabilia has turned up. The only proof that we have that it existed is a newspaper clipping about the demolition of the building in 1969. Considering how many people have remembered this business, how close it was to Randhurst in its heyday, and how long it was reportedly there, it is amazing that no one has a photograph of it or can tell us anything more about the history of the business.

Does MPHS have photographs: Yes

Address: Mount Prospect Plaza

Is building standing: No

What is at site: Mount Prospect Plaza

When was business founded: Company was founded in 1914 but opened in Mount Prospect Plaza in 1961

If no, when did it close: 1977

Who owned business: Maurice and Nathan Goldblatt

Interesting stories, facts, history:

Goldblatts was an important early department store in the Chicago area. Through large scale purchases, they were able to negotiate lower prices and increase the number of customers who came into their stores. They were even able to increase their customer base during the Depression. They opened one of the first department stores in Mount Prospect, at the Mount Prospect Plaza, the first strip mall in Mount Prospect. By the early 1970s Goldblatt’s had over 40 stores in the Chicago area.

Unfortunately, a major fire tore through Goldblatts in 1977. It took several hours and more than 100 firefighters from 9 suburbs to bring the fire under control, as ice and freezing temperatures delayed the extinguishing of the fire. After the fire, Goldblatt’s moved to Arlington Heights.

The vacant space was soon turned into a park with public art. One of those sculptures on display was “Hula Pole,” a giant kinetic sculpture by George Rhoads. By the late 1980s the park was replaced by another commercial building.

Top photo caption: Aerial view of Mount Prospect Plaza in the 1960s
Bottom photo caption: Goldblatts fire during the morning of February 6, 1977

Does MPHS have photographs: Yes

Address: 320 W. Central

Is building standing: Yes

What is at site: Friedrichs Funeral Home

When was business founded: 1958 in Mount Prospect. Still operating.

Who owned business: Hank Friedrichs

Interesting stories, facts, history:

The Friedrichs Funeral home has been offering mortician services in Mount Prospect for close to five decades. The family business goes back over 100 years and four generations, although it has not always been in Mount Prospect. Hank Friedrichs has been very involved with community organizations and has been a large supporter of the community.

Photo taken in 1965