Skokie Historical Society Publications


These web versions of printed historical publications record aspects of Skokie (formerly Niles Center) history. Originally hosted by the now-inactive Skokie Historical Society website, they remain largely unchanged in this digital format.

Notes on Content:

  • Some information presented in these documents as “fact” has since been revised in newer publications/histories
  • As with many historical documents, some of the terminology used is offensive or inaccurate

Niles Center TheaterNiles Township: Niles Center, Morton Grove, Niles Village, Tessville
by E. Palma Beaudette (1916)

An illustrated history of the villages in Niles Township focusing on significant events, influential citizens, businesses, and organizations.

Print copy also available in the Reference Collection at the Skokie Public Library.

Map of Niles Center Village, 1937The Geographical Growth of Skokie, Illinois
by Joseph C. Beaver (1983)

A chronological review of the geographical boundaries of Skokie from 1888 to 1983 illustrated with hand-drawn maps.

Skokie: A Community History Using Old Maps by David Buisseret and Gerald DanzerSkokie: A Community History Using Old Maps
compiled by
David Buisseret and Gerald Danzer (1985)

A history of the Skokie area from 1830 to 1984 illustrated with hand-drawn and historic maps and aerial photographs.

Print copy also available in the Reference Collection at the Skokie Public Library.

Historic log cabin in Niles CenterSetting Down the Record...
by Bertha Rosche (1958)

A colorful account of Skokie’s history first published in serial form in The Villager in 1958.

Print copy also available in the Reference Collection at the Skokie Public Library.

Combined Master Index by Richard J. WitryCombined Master Index
by Richard J. Witry (1998)

An index of four publications: Niles Township by E. Palma Beaudette; Luxembourg Brotherhood of America by Richard J. Witry; Skokie: A Centennial History by Richard Whittingham; and St. Peter Catholic Church, 1868-69 to 1993-94, by David Buisseret, Richard J. Witry and Rosemary Schmitt.

Print copy also available in the Reference Collection at the Skokie Public Library.

Chronology of Events: Village of Niles Center/Skokie, Illinois, 1500 A.D. to 2000 A.D. by Jane Hagedorn and Richard J. WitryChronology of Events: Village of Niles Center/Skokie, Illinois, 1500 A.D. to 2000 A.D.
by Jane Hagedorn and Richard J. Witry (2000)

A chronology of significant events related to Skokie’s history from circa 1500 to 2000.

Print copy also available in the Reference Collection at the Skokie Public Library.

Niles Center (Skokie) Volunteer Fire Company 1937 Pirsch Ladder Truck in Skokie Public Library Digital Collections Skokie Fire Department Chronology Compiled by Lt. Ron Smith (2006)

A chronology of events in the history of the Niles Center Volunteer Fire Company, Sharp Corner Volunteer Fire Department, and the Skokie Fire Department Chronology from 1871 through 2006.

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church Photograph, 1865Festschrift zum Fünfzig-jahrigen Jubiläum, 1868-1918, Evang. Luth. St. Petri Gemeinde in Niles Center, Illinois. Compiled by Pastor J.J. Mayer (1918)

A fiftieth-anniversary history of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church. With English translation from German.

Print copy also available in the Reference Collection at the Skokie Public Library.

Niles Centre institution and biographical excerpts from History of Cook County Illinois by A.T. AndreasExcerpts from the book History of Cook County, Illinois: from the earliest period to the present time
by A.T. Andreas (1884)

Early history of Niles Center churches and biographical sketches of prominent citizens.

Before the White Man Came by Bertha M. RoscheBefore the White Man Came
by Bertha M. Rosche (1951)

A brief history of a century in Skokie up to 1951.


Credits

Skokie Historical Society and the Skokie Heritage Museum