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David Hoppe, an author of numerous essays, columns and works of short fiction, grew up in Mount Prospect during the 1950s and 1960s and one of his published works covers life in the Village during his formative years.

He and his family, along with their Mount Prospect neighbors, shared shock at Kennedy’s assassination; argued about racism during the March on Washington; and realized that the Beatles signaled the end of an enforceable school dress code.

Hoppe explores a fascinating time in Mount Prospect that is often glossed over in local history books, so it is enjoyable to be privy to his point of view.

“We will discuss his experiences growing up in Mount Prospect where he participated in community activities and how he experienced rapid change like the replacement of farm fields with Randhurst Mall and Prospect High School,” explained Martha Nelson, professional librarian and member of the Society’s Board of Directors.

He also discusses how a principal of Central School unsuccessfully tried to impose a dress code rule there after The Beatles with their long hair appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.

“He couldn’t see that the world he had been trained to perpetuate was already in the rearview mirror,” Hoppe stated in his book.

“Hoppe also discusses how he and his family observed and interpreted cultural change in their own lives,” Nelson continued. “His family owned and operated a small factory in Chicago, employing Black and Hispanic workers. Hoppe said his father had to give up his own pay raise to give the workers an increase, raising the anger of his grandfather.”

This book discussion will offer a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and personal anecdotes that shaped a generation. Whether you grew up during the Baby Boom or are simply interested in Mount Prospect’s history, this event promises to be enlightening and enjoyable.

If you wish to participate, sign up at www.mtphist.org/mphsbookclub/. The suggested donation for the discussion is $5. You may also phone 847-392-9006 for more information.

Both history lovers and beer afficionados will find something to love during the day-long Mount Prospect Historical Society bus trip to Milwaukee on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Participants will tour the historic Pabst brewery and taste some beer (or a soft drink); then have lunch at the On Tap restaurant in the former Pabst Brewing Company’s Mill House building; and finally tour the gorgeous old Pabst family mansion. Take note that each participant will be responsible for choosing and paying for their own lunch.

“I took the tour and found it to be very informative about Pabst beer, the brewery, the King and Fred Pabst. Not only was the history and tour great, but also nostalgic when seeing the bottling line where Laverne and Shirley’s intro was filmed, along with the iconic glove on beer bottle scene.”

The Pabst Mansion tour in the afternoon will present a totally different experience. Captain Frederick and Maria Pabst had it built in 1892 and it remains the foremost example of a preserved 1890s Gilded Age Mansion in the Midwest or virtually anywhere else in the country.

As leading figures in Milwaukee society, the Pabsts became consummate art collectors, filling their mansion with priceless treasures. After the Pabst descendants sold the house in 1908, it became the Archbishop’s residence and the center of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee for more than 67 years. Then it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and opened for tours in 1978. Tour-goers will leave Mount Prospect at 9 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. The cost for the day is $95 per person ($85 for MPHS members). Participants should be aware that the trip requires considerable walking and the ability to climb bus stairs, flights of stairs and stand for up to 60 minutes. 

Register at www.mtphist.org/milwaukee.

Does MPHS have photographs: Yes

Address in Mount Prospect: 104 S. William & 22 Busse Ave.

Birth Date: December 2, 1895

Death Date: March 17, 1980

Spouse: Margaret Behrens
Children: 

Interesting information on life, career, accomplishments:

Edwin C. Wille was born December 2, 1895 in Elk Grove Township, Illinois.  His father, William, was a German immigrant who worked as a carpenter. His mother, Engel, was born in Illinois. According to the United States Census records Edwin lived with his parents and 7 siblings in 1900 and with his parents and 6 siblings in 1910.  According to his World War I Draft Registration card by June 1917 Edwin worked as a bartender for his father.  His noted on the form that “I am willing to fight for my country to defend it and not for other countries outside of USA.” Edwin did end up enlisting in the military on October 5, 1917 and was discharged on June 5, 1919.  He served with Co. A, 129^th Infantry. When he returned home, Edwin lived with his parents, three siblings and four nieces and nephews in Mount Prospect on Busse Avenue and worked as a carpenter.  He married Margaret D. Behrens of Des Plaines on June 29, 1929.  He and Margaret lived at 104 William Street in 1930; Edwin continued to work as a carpenter. He was elected as a Mount Prospect trustee on the Progressive ticket in April 1932.  During this term he served on the board’s street and sidewalks, fire and water, and police and lights committees.  Edwin won reelection in 1935 when he ran on the Community ticket.  He served as chairman of the police committee and continued work with the fire and water and streets committees. Edwin left the board of trustees in 1937. By 1940 Edwin and his wife, Margaret, had three children, a daughter and two sons and lived at 22 Busse Avenue in Mount Prospect. Edwin worked as a beer distributor.  On the World War II Draft Registration form Edwin indicated he worked for himself but did disclose the kind of business.  In 1950 he was again living at 104 S. William now with his wife, son, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.  His profession is listed as carpenter. Edwin’s wife, Margaret, died in 1972.  Edwin Wille died on March 17, 1980.  He is buried in Memory Gardens cemetery in Arlington Heights.

August 12-16 2024
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Cost: $100
Ages 6-11

Join us for an exciting and creative week of art on the Mount Prospect Historical Society campus! Let’s come together to create beautiful butterflies, sculptures, and paintings inspired by artists like Piet Mondrian, Wassily Kandinsky, Yayoi Kusama, and Andy Warhol. We’ll be using recycled materials to make our masterpieces against the unique backdrop of our blacksmith shop, butterfly garden, and historic buildings.

Limited space available. No refunds.

Camp is full. Please email amarcus@mtphistory.org to be put on a wait list.